Category: Checklists
Updated July, 2023 -- Editor's note: This article was originally written in 2010, but has been updated many times. Don't miss the Member comments at the end - they are really terrific! There is also a helpful checklist you can print out at the end of the article.When falling leaves start to hit the ground in the Northeast and Midwest, snowbirds across those regions start to get itchy. Winter is coming, and their thoughts turn to their homes in warmer climes. Here is our “Leaving for the Winter Checklist”, suggested by Harry. (See our other helpful checklists here)
Mail. There are several ways to handle this important function, none of them perfect. The P.O. will hold your mail for a month. If you will be gone longer than that, you need to find a different solution. You can forward your mail and have it sent to your winter address (our experience with that has not always been perfect, with important mail being returned to sender, addressee unknown). USPS also has a premium forwarding service where you can do a temporary usps address update and they will forward your mail via Priority Mail at a reasonable cost. See USPS for your options. If you don't trust the Post Office the most
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Published on October 25, 2010
Comments 45
Category: Home and Garden
The current recession has had no end of side effects. Now a study from the American Institute of Architects finds another one - the era when giant McMansions dominated the face of North America appears to have come to an end.
The Home Design Trends Survey polled architects to find out what their clients are interested in building. It determined that buyers are interested in smaller, more energy-efficient homes than in years past. Large entry foyers with high ceilings appear to be out. What is in are enhancements to existing homes that increase living space from the existing footprint without impacting energy consumption. Indoor/Outdoor areas such as patios and outdoor kitchens, finished basements and attics, and other types of improvements are popular.
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Published on July 13, 2009
Comments 1
Category: Home and Garden
Have you thought about building an addition to your home for one or more of your parents? With them conveniently at hand you could keep an eye on their condition and help with their care. Meanwhile you and possibly your children would get to enjoy more of their company.
While their are many advantages to these apartments, they come with some challenges. For one; they take time,money, and effort to design and build. For another, they tend to be tightly regulated by local zoning officials. Mike Kephart, founder of Sidekick Homes, has a better idea for these buildings, a new solution that can help you get the benefits without the hassles.
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Published on May 14, 2009
Comments 1
Category: Home and Garden
Most baby boomers are currently in a "hold" mode. For them, waiting out the economic storm means postponing their retirement or second home purchase. To help you while away the time, we've come up with an armchair/dinner table exercise - what are the "must-have" features you (and your S.O.) must have in your new retirement home?
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Published on February 15, 2009
Comments 16
