Construction zone: Ideas for handling problems with neighbors
Here’s an excerpt from a recent email: “HELP! I have the neighbors from hell. Police are there every week. The yard is dead and the house is falling apart. My boyfriend’s car was keyed after I called...
View ArticleConstruction Zone: Consider financing options when making home improvements
Just in case, on the off chance you haven’t heard, the country is in the middle of election season. There are lots of important issues. Heavy topics like national defense, which is tied to...
View ArticleConstruction Zone: Developing a new strategy in the battle against gophers
Warning: Today’s home improvement column is meant for mature audiences. It contains graphic language and violent warfare injuries. Reader discretion is advised. If you’ve listened to my radio show or...
View ArticleConstruction Zone: How to avoid getting ripped off by home repair contractors
I received a letter last month from a “loyal fan” who wrote about a trust problem. I’m sorry to say that I get this type of letter often and I’m never quite sure what advice to give because sometimes I...
View ArticleConstruction Zone: Looking for a catchy slogan – and you can help
“Never stop improving.” Does that sound corny? I recently reviewed some of the materials I brought home from a motivational training course I took several years ago. One of the exercises was to write...
View ArticleGetting prepared doesn’t mean you have to be intimidated
I’ve found a 21-week plan to get almost anyone into shape. Unlike other plans that use the “deep-end, total-immersion” approach, this plan uses a more comfortable pace and allows you to start with what...
View ArticleAround the house: Verify estimates before approving any work
Recently, I started to explain the process involved in typical homeowner insurance claim — such as a water-damaged kitchen — and we were focusing in on the estimating process used by most insurance...
View ArticleMissed the Great California ShakeOut, but not an opportunity to prepare for a...
Dear Diary, I’m very concerned today. Unlike every other morning where I’m awakened by birds chirping and the smell of bacon cooking with a cup of hot coffee waiting for me next to the bed, today I was...
View ArticleWant to cut the cord? How to watch TV without a cable or satellite bill
As you know, this column strives to present entertaining and interesting stories that educate and inform my readers. That’s why we changed the name to “Around the House.” We thought it would be more...
View ArticleAround the House: Where to go for answers when things need fixing
I recently conducted an informal poll with a single question: When there’s a problem with your home — electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, etc. — who do you turn to for help or advice? In no...
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