Todd Stewart's Blog

Broker Open House at Turning Point, Breakfast with the Builder, New Construction Homes Community in Clifton Park, Malta near Global Foundries, Saratoga Springs and Stillwater. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:08:44 -0700

Broker Open House at Turning Point, Breakfast with the Builder, New Construction Homes For Sale in Clifton Park, Malta near Global Foundries, Saratoga Springs and Stillwater. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties.

Breakfast With the Builder at Turning Point, Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Diane VanAlstyne and Degraff Bloom Home Builders.

Come see why the residents at Turning Point, a New Construction development, have come to love their Degraff Bloom buildt homes. They not only love their home, but theyproudly tell their friends and families about their experience building an energy star home they've come to love.

Join us for an open House and have breakfast with our Builder. Meet the team that is responsable for the buzz in New Construction Homes for Sale at Turning Point in Stillwater, Park Place in Malta near the popular Global Foundries, and the ever lively Saratoga Springs.

First time home buyers Click Here. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez a Residential Home Sales Real Estate agent at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY and Custom Home Builders of Stewart Construction of Burnt Hills NY. www.joshtherealtor.com

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:23:10 -0700

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued.

10. Call a professional

If you can't find the moisture problem on your own, or you aren't sure how to correct a problem you do find, call a home inspector or indoor air quality consultant. Look for credentials from a respected industry organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the Indoor Air Quality Association. A house call will likely run $250 or more.

Mold remediation isn't necessarily covered by home owners insurance, which typically pays only if the problem results from a sudden emergency covered in your policy, such as a burst pipe. Insurance usually doesn't pay if the problem results from deferred maintenance or floodwaters (unless you have flood insurance).

By: Karin Beuerlein

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued..

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:20:03 -0700

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued..

7. Look for standing water

If the air conditioner isn't the issue, search for standing water or chronic dampness that is increasing indoor humidity and providing a lovely environment for mold.

Check for puddles or dampness around hot water tanks, sump pumps, freezers, refrigerators, basement doors, and windows. Inspect crawl spaces for ground water dampness or foundation leaks

8. Cover crawl space

Ground water seeping into crawl spaces can add gallons of moisture vapor into your house every day. The simplest defense is to cover crawl space floors with a plastic vapor barrier-6 mil polyethylene (landscapers plastic)-that traps moisture in the ground.

If you crawl in your crawl space, use a heavier plastic that won't rip as easily: Some 20 mil plastic coverings are on the market.

9. Add a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air.

You can buy a whole house dehumidifier ($1,100 to $1,800) that attaches to your furnace, treats air throughout the house, and connects to a drain so you never have to empty a tank. If you live in very humid areas, a whole-house system is the way to go.

If you have occasional bouts of dampness and musty smells, a portable dehumidifier will suffice ($150 to $200).

Most models have an auto shutoff that keeps the unit from overflowing when the storage tank is full. Some portables have a hose hookup that automatically sends water into a nearby floor drain.

To Be continued..

By; Karin Beuerlein

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued..

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:14:13 -0700

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home, continued..

4. Properly size your AC unit

Make sure your air conditioning unit is properly sized for your house. If it's too small, the unit will run constantly, elevating costs but not the temperature; too big, and the unit will constantly start and stop, which wastes energy, too.

Install an HVAC unit that is just right. For guidance, call an HVAC professional, or consult Energy Star's square footage/AC capacity chart.

5. Monitor humidity

An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of moisture levels that, ideally, fall between 35% and 50% relative humidity; in very humid climates, at the height of summer, you may have to live with readings closer to 55%.

But if you reach 60% relative humidity, it's time to look for the source of the added moisture; above 70% relative humidity, certain species of mold can begin growing.

Indoor humidity monitors start at about $20; more sophisticated models that simultaneously and remotely track several rooms can climb to $300.

6. Evaluate your AC

If you get a high humidity reading, first make sure your air conditioning is doing its job.

Is it set to the proper temperature?

Is it cycling on and off periodically?

Does it blow cold air when it reaches the set point?

Are coils clean?

Inspect the condensate drain pipe (the narrow white pipe sticking out the side) to make sure it's dripping regularly. If it isn't, the pipe is blocked and water may be accumulating inside the unit-or on your floor. If you suspect a problem, call your HVAC professional.

To Be continued.....

By: Karin Beuerlein

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:56:19 -0700

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home. Fixing mold damage is an expensive and time-consuming home repair. But you can save time and money by implementing these 10 ounces of prevention.

Setting your thermostat at about 78 degrees F provides the optimal temperature for preventing moisture problems. Image: Tetra Images/Getty Image

Home owners have good reason to shudder when hearing, "You've got mold!" Mold can wreck your health and finances: An extensive mold remediation can reach five figures.

Mold spores are always present indoors, particularly in humid areas. You can minimize mold growth, however, by buying a humidity monitor, which helps you keep track of home moisture that lets these spores colonize.

Here are 10 more ways to control and combat mold in your home.

1. Eliminate clutter

Cast a critical eye on household clutter, and pare down your stuff. Clutter blocks airflow and prevents your HVAC system from circulating air. Furniture and draperies that block supply grilles cause condensation. All this moisture creates microclimates in your home that welcome and feed mold growth.

So throw out things you don't love or don't use. Push furniture away from vents and grilles to keep air circulating. On humid, still days, run a couple of fans to keep air moving.

2. Control indoor climate

Mold problems often emerge during hot, humid summers when you're tempted to play with the air conditioner. But set the thermostat too high, and the air conditioner won't dehumidify your air effectively; set it too low, and you create cold surfaces where water vapor can condense.

To prevent moisture problems, and maximize energy efficiency, set the thermostat at 78 degrees F.

3. Shut windows and doors when AC is on

When you open windows and doors, you let air conditioning escape, waste money, and invite humid air into your cooler home: This causes condensation, which mold loves. So keep doors and windows shut when the AC is humming.

Also, maintain your home at around 80 degrees when you're on vacation or at work. Too often, we bump the thermostat up to 85 degrees, or turn off the AC when we're away. This raises temperature and humidity, which creates the ideal home for mold.

To be continued...

By: Karin Beuerlein

Green Window Cleaning Makes Glass Pane-fully Clear

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:50:51 -0700

Green Window Cleaning Makes Glass Pane-fully Clear

Window cleaning with non-toxic ingredients and reusable cloths protects your health, preserves resources, gains a streak-free view, and stretches your budget.

Use microfiber cloths to clean your windows--they're inexpensive, lint-free, and can be washed and reused again and again. Image: Garry Wade/Taxi/Getty Images

Window cleaning is easy, and you can do it without using up and throwing away a forest of paper towels or spraying on commercial windows cleaners that contain toxic compounds. Instead, try window cleaning with environmentally safe products available through a mainstream retailer. Better still, make your own non-toxic window cleaning solution and polish your panes to a sparkling shine with a reusable cloth.

Mix a green window cleaning solution

Commercials cleaners leave behind a waxy residue on windows that can result in streaks. A homemade window cleaning solution made with vinegar and water helps cut through grime, minimizes streaking and water spots, and prevents windows from fogging.

The first time you clean your windows with a homemade vinegar solution, include a few drops of dish detergent to eliminate the waxy buildup. Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle for streak-free windows:

¼-cup white vinegar

¼- to ½-tsp. eco-friendly dish detergent

2 cups water

After an inaugural washing, keep your windows spotless with a window cleaning solution made from 2 teaspoons white vinegar mixed in 1 quart warm water. (Too much vinegar can etch window glass, which results in clouding.)

You can whip up gallons of window cleaning solution for a few dollars: A 32-ounce bottle of white vinegar costs about $2. A 16-ounce bottle of eco-friendly dish soap costs about $3.50. By comparison, a 16-ounce bottle of commercial window cleaner costs about $3.

Polish to a sustainable shine

Use microfiber cloths, rather than paper towels or newspapers, for window cleaning. Paper towels are manufactured from trees and end up in the landfill. Newspapers can blacken your hands and fall apart. Microfiber cloths are affordable, lint-free, and can be washed and reused again and again.

A six-pack of reusable microfiber cleaning cloths can be purchased at national discount stores for less than $10. By comparison, an eight-pack of bargain-priced paper towels costs about $9.

Window cleaning tips

Window cleaning on a sunny day can dry the solution too quickly and create streaks, so select a cloudy day to work.

Begin window cleaning by spritzing the glass with your homemade vinegar solution. Wipe away grime with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse this cloth often in clean water.

Follow with a dry microfiber cloth to polish the glass to a shine

By: Jan Soults Walker

New Construction Homes for Sale in Clifton Park NY, Malta NY, Mechanicville NY, Halfmoon NY, Saratoga Springs NY and Burnt Hills NY.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:12:48 -0800

New Construction Homes for Sale in Clifton Park NY, Malta NY, Mechanicville NY, Halfmoon NY, Saratoga Springs NY and Burnt Hills NY.

Welcome To Turning Point

New Construction Homes for Sale in Clifton Park NY, Malta NY, Mechanicville NY, Halfmoon NY, Saratoga Springs NY and Burnt Hills NY.

Low-Cost Kitchen Storage: Cheap Stress Reduction. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:16:07 -0800

Low-Cost Kitchen Storage: Cheap Stress Reduction. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Low-cost kitchen storage strategies bring calm to your kitchen, banishing stress-inducing clutter and leaving the space calm and orderly.

Good news for budget-minded cleaning compulsives: Getting organized in the kitchen won't drain your piggy bank. Stash more cash and control the chaos with these low-cost kitchen storage solutions, all readily available at home centers, discount stores, and online.

Rack attack: Store pots, everyday dishes, spices, and wine on racks that are freestanding, wall-hung, and ceiling-hung-and voila! Everything is in its own location, visible, and easily accessible!

Position the racks where they make sense: A pot rack above the cooktop; a dish rack close to the dishwasher for quick unloading; spices near the range or meal prep area; a wine rack near the wine glasses and dining table.

You'll find racks in metal, wood, and other materials, starting as low as $10 to $15.

Shelf expression: You can size an open shelf to fit anywhere you need it and paint or stain it to match your décor. Use shelves for storing such kitchen necessities as cookbooks, attractive dishware, oils and vinegars, and spices.

Home improvement centers have storage sections where you can hunt, but don't overlook the office supply and bathroom sections for even more low-cost shelves.

You'll find cool shelves starting as low as $8.

Great divide: Organize the contents of kitchen drawers and cabinets with wire or wood inserts. Drawer dividers keep utensils sorted and orderly. Vertical dividers inside cabinets create a spot for storing trays and cookie sheets. You'll also find special inserts for storing knives and spices neatly inside drawers.

Available in wire, wood, or plastic, dividers start at about $3.

Elevated thinking: Wire stacking shelves have legs to elevate the storage surface. Set a stacking shelf on a countertop, existing shelf, or inside a cabinet to increase kitchen storage space. Use a stacking shelf for canned goods, dishware, spices, and more.

Prices start at about $6.

Hang ups: Install pegs or hooks along a backsplash, inside cabinets, or anywhere on a kitchen wall to create a place for cups, hot pads, cooking utensils, keys, and recipe clips. Hooks are available that fit over doors or come equipped with magnets that adhere to any metal surface.

Pegs and hooks start as low as $1.

Basket case: Baskets come in a variety of materials to complement your décor, from natural woven grasses to canvas to colorful plastic bins. Set baskets on open shelves, inside cupboards, and on the kitchen counter to round up small items, such as napkin rings and bamboo skewers.

Baskets are great for storing dish towels, cloth napkins, and coupons. Prices start as low as $1.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops: Perfect Fakes; Low Cost. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:55:36 -0800

Laminate Kitchen Countertops: Perfect Fakes; Low Cost. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Replacement laminate kitchen countertops offer durability and big style at a relatively low cost, and are worthy contenders for your kitchen retrofit dollars.

Once a favorite during the 1960s and 70s, laminate kitchen countertops are enjoying new popularity as an affordable, durable, moisture-proof, and surprisingly attractive replacement for your home's worn kitchen countertops.

Shop around and you'll discover a nearly unlimited selection of richly colored solids, dazzling patterns, and enticing-to-touch textures. Laminates are cagey too: Check out the options that mimic rusted metal and earthy stone slabs and see if you can eyeball the difference.

Why laminate kitchen countertops are cool (and cost-effective)

Laminates are made with layers of paper and melamine resin. Generally, the thicker the product, the more durable and costly it'll be. Higher-end laminates offer 10-year warranties. Fancy edge treatments kick up the costs too.

In the past, laminate kitchen countertops looked like poor copies of materials, such as wood and stone, because reproduction qualities were poor, and the finished product depended on a repeating pattern about 18 inches wide.

Today, advanced photographic technology creates laminates that look strikingly like the real thing, and unique patterns can be up to 5 feet wide-wide enough to create an entire "granite" kitchen island with no repeating pattern.

Quick cost comparison

In general, laminate kitchen countertops are your least-expensive option. Compare the costs with other countertop materials, as shown for an average kitchen with 30 lineal feet of countertops, installed:

Type	Cost
Laminate	$1,575
Quartz (engineered stone)	$2,100
Solid surface	$2,250
Concrete	$2,550
Slab granite	$2,400
Ceramic tile	$3,900

Durability: Laminate's Achilles heel

Thankfully, today's laminates aren't as prone to chipping and cracks as products from days gone by. However, laminate countertops still are not as long-lasting as other materials, such as stone and solid surfaces. Household cleaners with mild abrasives can dull the surface, acidic liquids can stain the material, and laminates don't stand up to heat, such as a pot with a hot bottom.

When shopping for laminate, look for long warranties and a melamine resin wear layer strengthened with aluminum oxide-a hard, colorless, inorganic material that makes countertops more resistant to scratches.

Caring for laminate kitchen countertops

With proper care, a laminate kitchen countertop can last a minimum of 10 to 20 years. Scratches and burns account for the demise of most laminate countertops, so keep knives and sharp objects away from the surface and don't use your countertop as a cutting board.

Avoid laying hot pots and pans directly on a laminate countertop to avoid permanently scorching the material. Regularly clean countertops with water and a non-abrasive household cleaner. By: Jan Soults Walker

7 Signs You May Have a Drainage Problem. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:56:27 -0800

7 Signs You May Have a Drainage Problem. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Finding and addressing drainage problems when they're smaller and easier to fix can save you thousands of dollars and plenty of headaches down the line.

Grade the soil and remove plants to keep water from damaging your foundation. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com.

You don't need to be a house inspector to know that puddles in the basement or a lake on the front lawn are signs of drainage trouble. But not all drainage problems are so obvious. Some can be hard to spot unless you know what to look for. Here's how the pros read seven of the more subtle signs of potential water damage, and why you'll save big bucks if you tackle these problems now instead of later.

1. Malfunctioning gutters

Rain cascading over the edge of a gutter means that dead leaves and debris are blocking the flow. But that's not the only sign of malfunctioning gutters. Mud spattered on siding or paint peeling off the house in vertical strips are other indications. If left unchecked, overflowing gutters can rot siding, ruin paint jobs, even cause structural damage.

Best case: Leaves are clogging the downspout, and you just need to clear them out or hire a pro to do it (about $75).

Worst case: Gutters are undersized or improperly pitched and need to be replaced or reinstalled. That could run a few thousand dollars, but it's still cheaper than new siding.

2. Downspouts that dump

Each inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of a house produces more than 600 gallons of runoff, enough to fill 10 bathtubs to the brim. Dumping that much water too close to the foundation can send it right into the basement, where it can ruin furnishings and flooring and damage mechanical equipment.

Best case: You can add gutter extensions (about $10 for a 10-foot length) to carry the water at least five feet away from the house.

Worst case: The downspouts drop straight down behind large shrubs or other obstacles. An installer may be able to relocate the downspouts (about $150 for each one moved). If not, you'll need to uproot landscaping to add extensions or underground piping-a sacrifice worth considering if you've got water infiltrating the basement.

3. Water stains in the basement

Depending on where the stain appears, you can tell whether the problem is caused by surface water, which can be easy to deal with, or water traveling underground, a more complex situation.

Best case: Stains are high on the foundation wall, indicating that the water is coming (or once came) from an overflowing gutter or surface water directed at the house.

Worst case: The stain extends in a line around the basement, indicating a high-water mark that may recur when heavy rains hit, either because of underground water or because the basement floor lies below the level of municipal storm drains that back up. In that case, an interior drain system and sump pump (around $3,000) are essential for getting the water out if the problem can't be resolved some other way.

4. Cracks in the foundation

Hairline cracks, as thin as thread, are just cosmetic. Bigger cracks may or may not spell trouble. It depends on the width of the crack, how deep it penetrates, and whether it's growing.

Best case: A crack appears where the builders finished installing one load of concrete and began pouring the next. Such cracks usually don't penetrate all the way through. And even if they do, as long as they're stable you can patch them with hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk for less than $20.

Worst case: Cracks are continuing to widen, indicating that a drainage problem may be ruining the foundation. Call a structural engineer (not a contractor or waterproofing expert) to diagnose the problem, assess the risk, and suggest a repair.

5. Flaking and deposits on walls

If you see areas of white or gray crust on the basement walls, that's efflorescence, mineral deposits left behind by evaporating water. Or the wall may be flaking off in big patches, a condition called spalling.

Best case: The efflorescence points to a place where moisture is condensing. It doesn't cause structural problems, but you may want to scrape off the crust if it looks ugly.

Worst case: The wall is spalling because water is getting inside the masonry. Spalling can be just superficial, but if it's deep and widespread, it may be a sign of freeze/thaw damage that could progressively weaken the foundation.

6. Mildew in the attic

The attic might seem like a strange place to look for drainage problems, but mildew on the underside of the roof can be a tipoff to serious trouble at the ground level.

Best case: Bathroom fans are spewing hot air directly into the attic, where it condenses on the cold back side of the roof and causes mildew. Venting the fan through an outside wall or the roof (about $200) solves the problem.

Worst case: Moisture from the basement or crawl space is rising through the house and condensing on the underside of the roof. In that case, you've got to find and stop the source of the dampness under the house. Then you may have to replace roof sheathing and shingles, a job that runs $6,000 to $9,000 for the typical house.

7. Migrating mulch

When soil doesn't drain properly, rain may run off in sheets, carving gulleys in the landscape, dumping silt on pathways, and carrying piles of mulch or wood chips where they don't belong.

Best case: For a few hundred dollars, you can hire a landscaper to create a simple berm (a soil mound) or swale (a wide, shallow ditch) to redirect the water flow away from the house.

Worst case: You notice the problem when your concrete patio cracks, or paving stones start popping up, because the gravel or sand base material has washed away. After redirecting the water, you'll need to excavate the patio and start again.

Jeanne Huber is the author of 10 books about home improvement and writes a weekly column about home care for The Washington Post. She solved her first drainage mystery when her family's frequent sneezing attacks led her to discover mildew coating the underside of their house's roof. Turns out basement flooding (see Sign #6) was to blame. By: Jeanne Huber

Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:50:48 -0800

Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

The success of any landscaping project depends on having a plan and sticking to it.

Use tracing paper to plan out a landscaping project. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com.

Landscaping is one of the surest ways to pump up the value of your property. According to research by Virginia Cooperative Extension, going from a plain lawn and a concrete driveway to a well-landscaped lot raises a home's perceived value by 12.7%. The opposite is also true: A "minimal" landscaping job-a thoughtless smattering of scraggly plants-actually detracts from home value.

How much should you invest in upgrading your landscape? Professionals recommend budgeting 10% of your home's value. But the important thing to remember is that success doesn't depend on how much you spend. "Landscaping doesn't have to be expensive, just well planned," says Carl Heldmann, author of "Be Your Own House Contractor." Here's how to get started on a landscape plan of your own.

First, consult a pro

To figure out how to allocate your landscape dollars, start by picking the brain of a pro. Even if you have a naturally green thumb, a trained professional can save you from wasting money on wrongheaded ideas and open your eyes to possibilities you haven't considered. There are various types of landscape pros, and their expertise is priced accordingly.

If your yard has major issues or you have grand ambitions, consider hiring a certified landscape architect to design a comprehensive plan that includes such things as irrigation, lighting, architectural features, soil conditioning, and, of course, the growing stuff. A verbal consultation costs about $100-$150; a detailed plan can run from $300 to $2,500. The American Society of Landscape Architects offers a state-by-state "firm finder" on its website.

Landscape designers typically charge less than degreed landscape architects and are a good choice for simpler projects that don't require construction. Horticulturists specialize in plants, not necessarily design. Then there are landscape contractors, the design-build firms of yard work. Start by asking friends whose gardens you admire for recommendations. Your local home and garden center is another good source for contacts.

Set your priorities

Before you get any dirt under your nails-or hire someone to get dirty-you need to make two lists: a) what you want and b) what your property needs. These aren't necessarily mutually exclusive, but the exercise is important for setting priorities. It would be folly to spend big bucks on an outdoor kitchen before resolving potentially disastrous issues such as a diseased tree or drainage problems.

The first question that a professional will likely ask is: What do you see yourself doing in your yard? Hosting Sunday barbecues? Doing the crossword puzzle in a hammock? Swimming laps? Growing vegetables? Clip pictures of outdoor spaces you like and don't like to clarify the feeling you're trying to achieve.

Remember that part of your landscape budget will go toward the "b" list. Those are things that may not lend themselves to sexy magazine spreads but can protect your property value-not to mention enhance your quality of life-by lowering water bills, reducing the need to mow or rake, or blocking the view of your neighbor who hot-tubs in the buff. We're talking about practical considerations such as irrigation, fencing, lighting, equipment storage, privacy, and security.

Create a "floor plan" to target costs

To ballpark costs for materials and labor, think in terms of square footage, which is how landscapers charge. According to Costhelper.com, hiring someone to create a "naturalistic garden" averages $11 a square foot; the cost can double for a formal garden with walls and water features. And don't forget to factor in long-term maintenance such as mowing, mulching, and pruning. (Sweat equity, anyone?)

If you're designing your own plan, start by measuring your property or getting a plat survey from the county. You might even be able to find a topographical map indicating features like slopes and swales. You can sketch the basic layout to scale using old-fashioned graph paper or landscape design software. Prices have come down considerably on the latter, but quality varies widely, so check online reviews before purchasing. A free option: Google's Sketchup, with cool apps for trees, pavers, shrubs, outbuildings, and the like.

Once you have the parameters, create a floor plan, marking off different sections just as you would rooms of a house. The front path is the foyer, there might be a "dining room" with a picnic table, a shady "bedroom" for a hammock, a "rec room" with play equipment. Consider the costs for each area of your plan, including materials, equipment, furnishings, greenery, and any specialized labor like irrigation or electricity.

Think long term

If your ambitions exceed your wallet (and whose do not?), go back to your priority list and pick a section or projects to tackle as your budget permits, advises Angela Dye, principal designer/president of A Dye Design, a landscaping firm in Phoenix, Ariz. "What is the absolute most important thing you need to have done?" she asks. "What is bugging you most?"

A carefully conceived plan will keep you on track during this gradual transformation, both in terms of vision and budget. And remember that patience pays off. "Additions or renovations can start losing value once completed," says Jim Lapides, spokesman for the American Society of Landscape Architects. "A landscape literally grows in value over time."

Laura Fisher Kaiser is a contributing editor to Interior Design magazine and a former editor at This Old House magazine. The secret to her Washington, D.C., garden is blood, sweat, tears, and mosquito repellent. By: Laura Fisher Kaiser

Must-Have Landscape Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:45:35 -0800

Must-Have Landscape Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

In the world of landscape tools, these are the basics you must have to improve and maintain your property.

Make sure you know what you're doing before revving up a chainsaw--it takes practice to wield one properly. Image: Stihl

The world of landscaping tools is vast-you could fill your garage with types of hoes alone. But you'll have to invest money and space in basic landscaping tools to maintain and improve your property. Here are 10 must-haves.

Round point shovel: Arguably the most versatile landscape tool, this shovel has a rounded and beveled steel blade that ends in a point. It digs, scoops, and slices dirt, manure, and gravel. Cost: $20 to $30.

Rakes: There's a whole world of long-handled tools that dig, spread, and gather. Buy a metal-toothed landscaping rake to move dirt, separate rock from soil, and spread mulch. Buy a plastic leaf rake that gathers leaves, grass clippings, and other debris on the surface of your lawn. Cost: $30 to $50 (landscaping rake); $10 to $20 (leaf rake).

Hoe: This digging and spreading landscape tool has the blade at a right angle to a long handle. The shape and sharpness of blades vary, making some hoes better for slicing weed roots (gooseneck hoe), and others for breaking up soil (garden hoe). Cost: $10 to $40 (specialty hoe).

Flat border spade: The blade is parallel to the handle. This is often used to edge beds and uproot grass. Cost: $60 to $70.

Chainsaw: These gas or electric saws have sharp teeth that revolve on a chain. They're good for cutting wood, downed tree limbs, big branches, and trees. It takes practice to use one safely, so get some pointers before revving up. A 40 cc saw with a 16-inch blade is good for most yard work. Cost: $130 to $200.

Shears: There's a wide variety of hand-held landscape tools that cut and trim. You'll need small bypass shears for roses, hedge shears for boxwoods, and looping shears for small tree limbs. Cost: $20 to $30.

Lawn mower: Manual, battery, electric, or gas-powered lawn cutters are pushed or ridden, self-propelled, or hand-propelled. Most can bag clippings. Get a 21-inch gas-powered mower for the average yard. Yards bigger than ¼-acre may need a riding mower to save time and muscle. A push-type reel mower is a good green choice. Cost: $100 (reel); $300 (gas); $1,500 (riding mower).

Wheelbarrow: Made of metal or plastic, wheelbarrows are movers of soil, plants, hay, and basically anything that fits. Most have one wheel and two handles for balancing and steering; some have two wheels for added stability. Cost: $30 to $60.

Edger: This is a manual or automatic landscape tool that creates a neat and clear separation between the lawn and adjacent surfaces (such as driveways) and around trees or flowerbeds. $30 (foot powered); $90 (electric); $190 (gas).

Hand trowel: This is used for digging small holes to plant seedlings and bulbs for borders and gardens. Cost: $5 to $10. By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Must-Have Painting Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:38:24 -0800

Must-Have Painting Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Sooner or later you're going to paint something; you might as well have the correct tools. Here are the tools that should be in your painting toolbox.

It's wise to invest in a good paint roller set. This one from Purdy is designed to last 20 years. Image: Purdy Professional Paint Tools

Chances are you'll never swap out a toilet yourself; but sooner or later you're going to paint, stain, or plastic-coat something. Here are the painting tools you'll need in your home maintenance toolbox.

A brush with painting tools

Paintbrushes are like shoes-you've got 50 pairs, but you always wear the same two. The go-to paintbrushes are a 3-inch flat brush for cutting in trim and a 1 1/2-inch angled brush for details. Brush handles are a matter of comfort-wood, plastic, wood-plastic-but brush filaments should match the job.

Natural bristle: Made of hog or ox hair, these are good for applying oil-based paints, primers, stains, and polyurethane varnishes and shellacs. Cost: $11 for a 3-inch flat brush; $7.50 for a 1 1/2-inch angled.

Synthetic bristle: These are good for applying latex and acrylic primer and paint, and water-based wood finishes and stains. Cost: $8 for a 3-inch flat brush; $6 for a 1 1/2-inch angled.

Paint roller derby

Paint rollers cover walls and ceilings quickly and seamlessly, and are essential painting tools.

If you're a once-in-a-blue-moon painter, pick a disposable roller set. You'll get a 9-inch plastic frame, synthetic cover, and plastic paint tray for about $5. If you plan to be the touch-up artist in your home, invest in a good roller set. Here's what you'll need.

Frame: For walls and ceilings, select a 9-inch metal cage with a plastic or wood handle, threaded to accommodate extension poles. Cost: $2.50.

Paint bucket and grid: Instead of tripping over gallon paint cans and upturning metal trays, fill a 5-gallon paint bucket halfway and slip in a 9-inch metal or plastic grid, which loads rollers with the proper amount of paint. Cost: $6 for a bucket; $2 for the grid.

Cover (sleeve): Lambskin or mohair covers are long-lasting and perfect for oil-based paints. Synthetic covers are better for acrylics. Covers with ½-inch naps are the most versatile. Cost: $7 for lambskin 9-inch ½-inch nap; $1.75 for synthetic.

Extension poles: Buy 2 ft.-4 ft. or 4 ft.-8 ft. aluminum extension poles that screw and lock into the frame handle. Cost: $18 for 2-4 ft.; $22 for 4-8 ft. By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Must-Have Plumbing Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:34:15 -0800

Must-Have Plumbing Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Stock these plumbing tools in your toolbox to fix sinks, toilets, and other plumbing problems.

Adjustable pipe wrenches have two jaws--one that's fixed and one that adjusts with the turn of a thumb screw.

Plumbing tools are a godsend when a sink clogs or toilet overflows on weekends, holidays, or just before dinner guests arrive. For big problems, like a burst pipe, shut off your water (know where your shutoff valve is) and call a plumber. But you can fix everyday annoyances if you add these basic plumbing tools to your fix-it arsenal.

Plungers: No home should be without these suckers/pushers whose rubber cups form a seal around the drain or toilet. Use a cup plunger to push clogs through sinks and tubs; use a flange plunger, with a non-splash ball cup, for toilets. Use a bellows plunger when the other two don't work. Cost: Cup, $3 to $4; flange, $8 to $15; bellows, $7 to $11.

Closet auger: Named for "water closet," this 3-foot plumbing tool has a crank, handle, and flexible shaft tipped with an "auger bit" that breaks and grabs troublesome toilet clogs. Cost: $10 to $20.

Hand auger, aka plumber's snake: A hand-powered crank and reel of ¼-inch steel cable clears obstructions from sink, tub, and shower drains. Cost: $15 to $30.

Hacksaw: This go-to saw cuts through just about anything-metal pipe, hardware, nuts, or bolts. Keep blades tight in the frame, and keep extras on hand. Cost: $15 to $30. Blades: $5 for 2.

Adjustable pipe wrench: The serrated mouth on this iconic plumbing tool grips pipes. It has one fixed jaw and one that moves by turning a thumb screw. Buy two-one for gripping and holding, one for turning. Cost: $17 to $35.

Hex key or Allen wrench set: Thin L-shaped wrenches with hexagonal heads often are used to fix stuck garbage disposals. Cost: $5 to $15 for a set of 6 to 7 wrenches.

Caulking gun: A metal frame and trigger holds and applies caulk, which seals seams around the edges of tubs and sinks. Cost: $15 to $25.

Tongue-and-goove pliers: Also called water pump pliers or channel locks, these pliers with a right-angled and serrated jaw can turn, hold, twist, or loosen nuts, bolts, fittings, and frozen parts. Buy the 10-inch and 12-inch. Cost: 10-inch $10; 12-inch $10 to $14. By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Adding Wall Insulation Has Lengthy Payback Period. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:16:42 -0800

Adding Wall Insulation Has Lengthy Payback Period. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction.

Adding wall insulation will lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $130 per year, but the payback can be lengthy.

When adding insulation, a contractor will drill a small hole in the wall and blow cellulose or some other loose-fill material between studs. Image: John Nordell/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images

Many older homes have too little wall insulation, insulation that's settled over time, or no insulation at all. If that's the case for your home, you're wasting valuable heating and cooling energy. By adding wall insulation, you can save up to $300 per year in heating and cooling costs. However, your payback period will be lengthy.

Check your insulation situation

To check for wall insulation, cut the power to a few outlets on exterior walls, then unscrew and look behind the cover plates. Use a wood ruler to push aside loose insulation and look for gaps.

A more high-tech solution is to have a professional energy audit. For $400 to $600, a professional energy auditor will use thermal or infrared scanning tools to look for temperature variations on walls that indicate failed or missing insulation.

Adding wall insulation

To add wall insulation, a contractor drills small holes through the inside or outside wall and blows loose-fill material between studs. Costs range from around $1.25 per square foot for loose-fill fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool to $4.40 for polyurethane foam, which insulates about twice as well.

Drawbacks of adding wall insulation

Despite the obvious advantages, such as a cozier interior, there are several drawbacks:

It's not necessarily cost-effective. Figure it costs $3,000 to $4,000 to fully insulate the walls of a 2,200 square-foot home. If energy savings are $130 per year, then the payback period on your investment would be more than 23 years.

Framing blocking, pipes, ducts, and wiring can prevent blown-in insulation from completely filling stud cavities, creating voids with no insulating value.

Dozens of holes are needed to fill all the stud cavities in an average house, leaving you with the problem of filling or patching all those holes.

Best strategy for wall insulation

If your walls already have some insulation, you probably can't add more without tearing into the drywall or plaster. That's not cost effective unless you're remodeling, so the best strategy is to wait until you need to replace siding. Then you can add insulating sheathing underneath it. By; Jeanne Huber.

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:01:52 -0800

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent wasting home heating and cooling energy that costs you money.

An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it's important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors.

Check for air leaks

With windows and doors closed, hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in. Watch for smoke movement. Note what sources need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping.

Seal air leaks around windows

If you have old windows, caulking and adding new weatherstripping goes a long way toward tightening them up.

Bronze weatherstripping ($12 for 17 feet) lasts for decades but is time-consuming to install.

Self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but don't last very long.

Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) is a good compromise, rated to last at least 10 years.

Nifty gadgets called pulley seals ($9 a pair) block air from streaming though the holes where cords disappear into the frames.

Seal air leaks around doors

Check for air leaks, and replace old door weatherstripping with new.

Foam-type tape has an adhesive backing; it's inexpensive and easy to install. If it comes loose, reinforce it with staples.

Felt is either adhesive-backed or comes with flexible metal reinforcement. it must be tacked or glued into place. It's cheap and easy to install, but it has low durability.

Tubular rubber, vinyl, and silicone weatherstripping is relatively expensive and tricky to install, but it provides an excellent seal. Some types come with a flange designed to fit into pre-cut grooves in the jambs of newer doors; check your existing weatherstripping and replace with a similar style.

Check exterior trim for any gaps between the trim and your door frames, and the trim and your siding. Caulk gaps with an exterior latex caulk ($5 for a 10-ounce tube).

Seal door bottoms

If a draft comes in at the bottom, check the condition of the threshold gasket. Replace worn gaskets. If you can see daylight under the door, you may need to install a new threshold with a taller gasket ($25 for a 36-inch door). Or, install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exterior doors ($9). Door sweeps attach directly to the door and are easy to install. By: Jeanne Huber

What Stinks?! HouseLogic's Guide to Eradicating Winter House Smells. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 21:54:17 -0800

What Stinks?! HouseLogic's Guide to Eradicating Winter House Smells. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Published: December 20, 2010

Figure out what's causing that smell-or stop it before it starts.

The windows are closed, the heater is fired up-and then there's a stench you just can't get rid of. It's difficult to air out your home during the winter. And what's worse, your heating system and fireplace can cause all sorts of new unpleasant odors, too. To keep your abode smelling fresh and clean until spring, we made a handy manual to pinpoint your stink and stop it in its tracks.

Smell: Lingering food odors

Culprit: Fried food, burnt food, spicy food, fish

Solution: Your cooking might smell delightful the day of your feast, but lingering food odors are less welcome. Without the benefit of open windows, the next best thing for de-funking your kitchen is boiling a few tablespoons of vinegar in water. That should work on even the worst leftover culinary stenches. Or if you want to avoid the problem altogether, just order takeout next time.

Smell: Smoky

Culprit: Drafty chimney

Solution: The cozy, inviting smell of a roaring fire in a fireplace is a winter luxury. But the dirty soot smell you get when the fire's out? That's downright rotten. The cause is likely a combination of a drafty chimney and an imbalance of air pressure in your home. To avoid the smell, stop the draft by making sure your damper has a tight seal, and try to adjust the air pressure by adding more return air registers to your HVAC. Not only will you get rid of the odor, you might just save on your energy bill.

Smell: Skunky, rotten

Culprit: Dead animal

Solution: You enjoy a warm escape from the winter chill, and unfortunately, so do rodents and other pests. If you smell a pungent rotting scent, a little stowaway might have died in your house. It's best to avoid this situation in the first place by making sure all areas accessible to rodents are sealed and using humane pest control methods or traps (rather than poison). If you already have the smell and can't get to the source, your best bet is to use an air cleaner with an absorbent filter or mask the smell with air freshener.

Smell: Must, mold

Culprit: Moisture

Solution: As long as your house doesn't have any serious leaks, a moldy smell can usually be chalked up to excess moisture caused by too much humidity in the air. This excess dampness can be caused by moisture-creating appliances like clothes dryers as well as long showers in unventilated bathrooms and inadequate insulation of cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes. To solve the problem without opening windows, a dehumidifier should do the trick. If it doesn't, call a professional for help as mold can cause serious health problems.

Smell: Sewage

Culprit: Bathroom

Solution: Bathroom odors can magnify in the winter, especially if the bathroom is unventilated. If the smell seems to be emanating from the toilet, a cup of full-strength vinegar in the tank can work wonders. Just wait five minutes, scrub, and flush. For extra bleaching power, get a green clean by pouring hydrogen peroxide in the bowl.

Smell: Dusty burning

Culprit: Heating system

Solution: When you turned your heat on, you may have noticed a mysterious burning smell. That's because dirt and dust had accumulated in your furnace, HVAC, or ducts that then became red hot. To avoid the stench next year, turn your heat on briefly while it's warm enough to open the windows for ventilation.

Walking Programs That Get You and Your Neighbors to Use Foot Power. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY and Stewart Construction Inc in Burnt Hills NY.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:44:57 -0800

Walking Programs That Get You and Your Neighbors to Use Foot Power. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY and Stewart Construction Inc in Burnt Hills NY.

Fun walking programs get your neighbors walking to shops, restaurants, schools, and workplaces.

In a "walking school bus," kids walk together with one adult as a chaperone, or "driver." Image: PedBikeimages.org/Dan Burden.

Being walkably close to shops, restaurants, and offices can make your home worth more, but if you want the neighbors to actually walk to all those places, you need fun walking programs that entice everyone to park their cars, lace up their Reeboks, and get out to enjoy the neighborhood's amenities.

How much is that walkability worth?

Having shopping and social destinations located walkably close to your neighborhood adds somewhere between $4,000 to $34,000 to home values, according to "Walking the Walk," a study published by CEOs for Cities, a umbrella organization for civic, business, academic, and philanthropic leaders working to improve cities. The biggest home price bumps occurred in large urban areas like Chicago and San Francisco and the smallest in less populated cities like Tucson, Ariz., and Fresno, Calif.

To encourage everyone to take advantage of your neighborhood's walkability try these three tips.

1. Walk to school

Yes, the kids will groan. Ignore it. Focus on the good karma you earn when you replace car exhaust (parents driving kids to school generates 20% of morning car traffic) with foot power. If 100 kids from the same school walk (or bike) every day for a year, it'll keep 35,000 pounds of pollutants out of your air.

Walking programs to get you started:

Create a "walking school bus." The kids walk together in one group with parents as chaperones. Take turns being the "driver" with your neighbors.

If an everyday commitment is too much, in only one week, you can plan and run a one-day walk-to-school event (or so the walk-to-school advocates say).

Star in show and tell. Coordinate with the PTA at your child's school to share the science that shows the health benefits to children of walking.

2. Walk to work

Walk-to-work programs, like the American Heart Association's Fit Friendly Companies, abound, and the perks that bosses offer are almost limitless. How about getting the cost of a parking space in cold hard cash if you leave the car at home? Talk to your firm's human resources professional about getting a walking program started at your workplace.

Get more ideas for ways to get your co-workers walking from the PBS series "Get Walking."

3. Walk anywhere

Some walking programs strive to make walking fun no matter where you're headed. Get more help on motivating the neighbors to get walking from these experts:

Walk Arlington, an initiative of Arlington County, Va., holds scavenger hunts and sponsors senior adult walking clubs.

American Walks, an umbrella organization for groups that promote walking.

Child & Nature Network, works to reconnect children with nature.

The National Center for Bicycling & Walking knows the ins and outs of making communities more biking and walking friendly. By: Sacha Cohen

Improve the Infrastructure of Your Community. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:34:40 -0800

Improve the Infrastructure of Your Community. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.

New community infrastructure dolls up your neighborhood while potentially goosing up home values. Follow these four tips to get upgrades that boost your neighborhood's curb appeal.

The first step in getting a sidewalk or other infrastructure in your neighborhood is to talk to local officials. Image: Royalty-Free/Corbis/Jupiterimages.

A well-lit, easily walkable neighborhood creates a sense of community and makes an area more desirable to prospective home buyers. That desirability is something appraisers will note when valuing homes.

In a competitive real estate market, dandy infrastructure can even set your ‘hood apart from others with similar homes. So running a campaign to get infrastructure improvements fattens your equity and your neighbors', too.

A local REALTOR® can tell you which infrastructure upgrades would deliver the most value to your community.

But getting a community infrastructure improvement going isn't a simple project. Your campaign for new infrastructure will take at least 100 hours of your time, as you lobby government officials, publicize your efforts, and generate public support for your project.

1. Find out who controls community infrastructure.

Call your mayor or councilperson's office to find out which office of your local government handles infrastructure upgrades and additions. Ask if your city or town has any short- or long-term plans to develop a grid of sidewalks or street lighting.

"Developing a system of sidewalks leading to a downtown, shopping district, or local school adds more value to the neighborhood than disjointed sections of sidewalk," says Cheryl E. Kuck, public information officer for the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation.

You can pitch your infrastructure project as something the community wants, but being able to say your community needs the project is better. Example: If you want sidewalks, argue that kids need them to walk safely home from school rather than saying you need them because they'll improve your home value.

2. Ask about the community infrastructure approval process.

Some jurisdictions ask you to get a certain number or percentage of people who live near the project to sign a petition saying they approve of the project. Others have a lengthy process that involves a zoning or planning board.

Once you know the process, figure out how to present your case.

3. Find out from local government who will pick up the tab for community infrastructure projects.

It's not cheap. Concrete curbs and sidewalks cost about $15 per linear foot for curbing and $11 per square foot for walkways. Streetlight and crosswalk costs differ depending on their design.

Funding sources may include:

Local, state, and federal tax dollars

Assessments charged to home owners (Local officials may be able to offer relief or deferrals to seniors.)

Bonds issued by local government and paid back over many years

Money set aside by government for capital improvements

4. Deflate the naysayers.

One strategy to defuse them: Emphasize the health factor. As Americans become more conscious of the environment and their health, crosswalks and sidewalks are a good way to get your neighbors out of their cars. A walking-friendly neighborhood will hold its value better than a simliar neighborhood that's not walkable.

Support for infrastructure projects can quickly snowball. "Building community support helps to sway local council people to your side," says Charlie Zegeer, director of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. By: Myra A. Thomas

Turning Off the Incandescent Light Bulb. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Clifton Park NY, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc Burnt Hills NY.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:50:50 -0800

Turning Off the Incandescent Light Bulb. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Clifton Park NY, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc Burnt Hills NY.

As the U.S. phases out incandescent light bulbs, we look back at the light of our lives, and look forward to new generations of CFLs and LEDs.

A 13-watt CFL produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, and puts out a fraction of the heat. Image: GE Reveal® CFLs

Turning Off the Incandescent Light Bulb. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Clifton Park NY, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc Burnt Hills NY.

When the U.S. turns the lights out on incandescent bulbs in 2014, we'll say goodbye to Edison's classic, which is still the symbol of a bright idea. The incandescent era is giving way to the compact fluorescent (CFL) generation, which lowers energy costs by 75% and burns 10 times longer. As a tribute to the former light of our lives, which gave us more than 100 years of service, we've pulled together a little quiz on incandescence. It's our way of saying farewell, old friend: It's been great to glow you.

Q. Who invented the incandescent light bulb?

A. Likely, you'll guess Thomas Alva Edison. But German watchmaker Henricg Globel was the inventor of the first bulb in 1854. Edison, in 1879, was the first to place a carbon filament in an oxygen-less bulb that burned for 40 hours.

Q. How many light bulb facts can we squeeze into one sentence?

A. Let's see...

Edison tested more than 1,600 materials to find the right filament, including coconut fiber, fishing line, and hair from a friend's beard, finally finding success with carbonized bamboo that burned for 14.5 hours and eventually evolved to the incandescent bulb that today burns 1,000 hours, accounting for 10% to 20% of a home owner's total energy bill, which is one reason the U.S. government in 2007 decided to ban incandescent bulbs in 2014.

Turning Off the Incandescent Light Bulb. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Clifton Park NY, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc Burnt Hills NY.

That was 10. And we're just getting started.

Q. How many light bulb jokes does it take...?

A. Incandescent light bulb jokes became popular in the 1960s as a way to poke fun at cultures, beliefs, and occupations. The original seems to be:

Q. How many (insert group to stereotype) does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Ten. One to hold the light bulb, and 9 to turn around the ladder.

Among our favorites:

Q. How many bureaucrats does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A. Two. One to assure everyone that everything possible is being done while the other screws the bulb into the water faucet.

Q. How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?

A. One. But the light bulb must really want to change.

Q. What's so great about CFLs?

A. A compact fluorescent light bulb can burn up to 10,000 hours and produces less heat than incandescent light bulbs, making it more efficient. A 13-watt CFL produces the same light as a 60w incandescent bulb. According to Energy Star, each CFL can prevent more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime.

Q. What's the lowdown on LEDs?

A. Light-emitting diodes are even more efficient than CLFs and light-years from incandescent bulbs. LEDs use only 2 to 10 watts of electricity and lose only 10% of energy to heat: 90% goes to light. Here's the kicker: LED light bulbs can burn more than 100,000 hours. By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Turning Off the Incandescent Light Bulb. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Clifton Park NY, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc Burnt Hills NY.

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:55:06 -0800

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Keep your condo/HOA neighbors in the know with a listserv or online group, but watch out for the downsides.

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

You'll probably need a monitor to ensure comments stay within the rules if you choose to set up a website or a listserv for your community. Image: Klaus Tiedge/Blend Images/Getty Images

Well-informed condominium and homeowners association members are likely to make smart decisions about their homes and communities. That builds value for all.

Yet staying knowledgeable can be time-consuming. Years ago, neighbors spread news through a telephone tree. Today, that task is no longer slow and cumbersome, thanks to listservs, websites, and web-based groups.

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Listserv: A good news, bad news tale

An HOA or condo listserv is an online site where homeowners can register their email address-and keep it hidden from other users-and then send emails to and view emails from others who join the list. "Our listserv makes communication faster," says Sue Walton, who's on her 40-unit condo association's communications committee in Evanston, Ill. Walton uses a listserv built into her association's website. "We like it a lot."

If you don't have a website or yours doesn't have listserv capability, L-Soft offers a free listserv, as do Majordomo and Mailman. "You can set up a listserv so members have to be invited or request permission to join," explains Walter Wimberly, a web developer in Orlando. "That keeps outside people off and makes sure salespeople won't cause problems."

However, listservs can be complicated. "Once you get them set up, they're easy to administer," says Bill Horne, owner of William Warren Consulting, an online data security company in Sharon, Mass. "But you're in for a steep learning curve." Horne, a self-professed "ubertechie," spent a week and a half working out the bugs on a listserv for his son's scout troop.

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Group websites

It takes only a few minutes to create a group at a website like Google, Yahoo, or Nexo. However, those who join must set up an account, which some might be hesitant to do. "Those groups are supported by advertising," says Horne. You also may have to put up with ads on each email that goes through the list.

Be sure to read the privacy policy of the website before you create a group so you know if users will be bombarded with ads on their browsers or the companies will sell user data to other companies. Also advise members to adjust their privacy settings so they control how much advertising they receive.

With both listservs and web-based groups, you'll probably need a monitor. "A lot of angry people will, when not face-to-face with others, take out their aggression on everybody," explains Teri Ross, president of Imagine That, an Internet marketing company in Minneapolis. "Establish terms and conditions up front-no attacks or profanity, and be respectful."

Also consider rules governing whether homeowners can "sell" themselves on your site. Perhaps Joe has a home-based cookie business. Users may get angry if he posts seemingly friendly messages that are veiled ads. "Others almost always resent people taking up their time with promotions," says Horne. "The exception is lines of text after a person's signature. People will tolerate ads there."

If homeowners don't follow your rules, you may need to eliminate their access. "It's easier to shut down an email account with a listserv," says Wimberly. "You can also do it with an online group, but often the offending messages remain for everyone to see."

How long should monitoring take? That depends on the size of your group and how active members are. It could be just an hour a week, says Wimberly. If it takes much longer, arrange for several people to share the work. By: G. M. Filisko

Spread Condo or HOA News Quickly with Online Tools. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:43:59 -0800

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Creating a newsletter with all the neighborhood news informs home owners and helps them become part of the family.

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

If your neighbors are willing to share their email addresses, circulating an electronic newsletter is cheaper than printing copies. Image: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

Peek behind the curtains at strong, connected condominium and homeowners associations, and you'll find leaders who believe in frequent and open communication. A longstanding-and effective-means to that end is an association newsletter.

A condo/HOA newsletter is a simple tool for circulating critical association information and building bridges between neighbors that will strengthen the whole association. The more informed owners are about your community and the more connected they feel to fellow residents, the more likely they'll participate in a positive way. That improves all owners' property values, according to studies by Dennis P. Rosenbaum, director of the Center for Research in Law and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Other great options for community communication include listservs and websites.

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

If you're ready to become your association's resident scrivener, consider whether you'll publish your newsletter on paper or online. Attaching a document to a standard email costs nothing. Signing up for an email newsletter service starts at about $15/month with services like AWeber or ConstantContact. For both options, however, you'll need homeowners to share their personal email addresses, which some may resist.

When residents are unwilling to share email information, a paper newsletter will better achieve your communications goals. "It costs about $60 per year for the ink and paper for all of our newsletters," says Keely Killpack, board chair of the Gentry Place Homeowners Association in Beaverton, Ore., which publishes three to four times annually. "We have 32 homes, so it's about $2 per house annually from dues."

You can accept advertising to offset the costs, but there are pitfalls. "Make sure it's appropriate," advises Duane McPherson, division president at RealManage, an association management firm in San Rafael, Calif. "There are adult-oriented businesses you wouldn't want to promote in a family-friendly newsletter."

Even if you opt for an online format, scatter hard copies throughout your common areas. "We've taken to posting it by our elevators and highlighting important items," says Sue Walton, who serves on her 40-unit condo association's communications committee in Evanston, Ill. Also send copies via snail mail to owners who request it.

What to put in a community newsletter

Iris J. Salsman, a homeowner at the Maryland Walk condo association in Clayton, Mo., spends about four hours creating the content for each quarterly newsletter. She includes information about new amenities and services, meeting notices and other reminders, profiles and photos of new management staff, features on board and committee members, information on coming events, and recaps and photos of past events. The newsletter also includes a lighthearted quiz-how many dogs live in Maryland Walk?-with a free car wash to the winner.

In addition to association-specific materials, you can also land free content. "If there's a legal issue affecting your community, request to reprint an informative article from a reputable source," suggests McPherson. "We also check with the police department, local nonprofits, and waste-removal services because they'll often contribute for free." Don't forget contact information for services your neighbors often use, such as animal control, your management company, utilities, drug tips lines, or the local cooperative extension service.

Finally, be careful the newsletter isn't perceived solely as an association mouthpiece. "Publish letters to the editor to allow people to offer dissenting opinions," advises McPherson. "Don't edit the letters, but reserve the right to reject them if they're inappropriate or could involve the association in legal trouble. By allowing both sides of an argument to be aired, you can diffuse potentially tense situations." By: G. M. Filisko

Condo Association Newsletter Helps Owners Feel More at Home. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc.

Master Closet Organization and Layout. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez Clifton Park NY Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:53:07 -0800

Master Closet Organization and Layout. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez Clifton Park NY Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction, Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.

A 10x10 closet should provide enough space for two people's needs, plus enough elbow room to reach everything comfortably. Image: ClosetMaid

Remodeling a master bedroom, adding on a master suite, or building a new home all afford opportunities to create your ideal master closet. Use these organization and storage ideas to develop your personalized plan of action.

Expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000 and up to equip a 8x10 foot, well-outfitted walk-in closet, assuming you hire a pro to build the room as part of a master suite addition. A DIY installation costs at least $800.

Layout and space requirements

A walk-in master closet should be a minimum of 7x10 feet, and preferably 10x10 feet for two users. That gives you space to line two or three walls with shelves, cubbies, and poles, and the elbow room to reach them easily.

For added convenience, include about 3x3 feet of floor space for a chair where you can perch to put on socks and fold laundry. If possible, leave enough room in the middle for a folding luggage table or built-in storage island with countertop, so you can open your suitcase when you're packing for a trip.

Options for storage and organization

You could include a dresser in your master closet, but that isn't the best way to store clothes. You can only see what's on top of each drawer, and trying to pull a shirt from the bottom of the pile always leads to a jumbled, wrinkled mess.

A better option is a closet-organizing system. These storage units have an array of compartments, each designed for specific pieces of your wardrobe, from individual shelves and bins for sweaters and tops to small drawers for lingerie and accessories to cubbies or racks for shoes, bags, and hats.

The components for master closet organizing systems cost $800 to $5,000 or more, depending on whether you go with ready-made or custom-designed.

A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He's currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs. By: Oliver Marks

New Construction Homes for Sale in Saratoga Springs NY near the MacGregor Golf Course and Country Club. Custom Build Homes by Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:27:33 -0700

New Construction Homes for Sale in Saratoga Springs NY near the MacGregor Golf Course and Country Club. 6 Connor's Way. Custom Build Homes by Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Inc. Courtesy of Todd Stewart and Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties.

Welcome to 6 Connor's Way, Saratoga Springs NY 12866

Contact Josh Gonzalez for more information / details (518)640-4203

Meet the Families of Foreclosure.

Todd Stewart (Stewart Construction Inc) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:37:35 -0700

Meet the Families of Foreclosure.

We all know why some people have found themselves facing foreclosure-but too often what we "know" is wrong.

When her law firm closed and her marriage ended, Marcia Johnson was left with more debt than she could handle. Image: Cliff Jette for HouseLogic

We read the statistics about the number of home owners facing foreclosure and listen to the conventional wisdom telling us what the causes are. But no list of numbers brings home the foreclosure crisis more clearly than profiles of the people who are actually fighting to stay in their homes.

As we conducted these interviews with Americans around the country, we discovered that while there are patterns-lost jobs, failed business, illnesses, and broken marriages-each case represents a unique mix of causes.

Beware of blanket assumptions about what leads to foreclosure-such as financial mismanagement. Statistics from the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program, a housing counseling service administered by NeighborWorks America, which supports affordable housing and community revitalization efforts nationwide, paint a picture of foreclosure you might not expect.

Myth: Most people facing foreclosure overextended themselves.
Reality: Only 6% of those counseled by NFMC cited poor budget management skills.

Myth: It's all the fault of ARMs.
Reality: Only 5% of those counseled by NFMC report an increase in loan payments. And fewer than half of NFMC clients said they held ARMs.

Myth: Greedy people made bad bets on investment properties.
Reality: 82% of foreclosures have been on primary residences, not investment properties, according to a recent Center for Responsible Lending study. In fact, the main reason for default is a change in income due to a job loss, according to 58% of those counseled by NFMC.

Indeed, the loss of job and a reduction in household income are the top causes of personal residence foreclosure, says Austin A. Frye, a certified financial planner in Aventura, Fla., who's seen such tragedies firsthand. By: Donna Sapolin

Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, and Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction.