Building codes are used to improve the safety of of our homes (read: Short History of Building Codes). The latest electrical building code, the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), was recently published by the National Fire Protection Association. Builders, remodelers and licensed electricians are responsible for staying up to date on changes … Read More
Saving Money & Enjoying Life More
For most people, home ownership is your largest purchase. Saving money looks at the total cost of home ownership. We cover everything from buying a house to monthly operating expenses that include your mortgage, insurance, taxes, utilities, cleaning services, home repair and preventive home maintenance.
We help you make smart decisions by shifting home repair costs to home improvements so you can create your dream lifestyle. Our homeowner tips look at when and how to buy things from refrigerators to furniture. With the right planning and budgeting, we know you'll become a whiz at making smart homeowner decisions.
By understanding homeowner expenses, you'll protect your investment and build homeowner equity to achieve financial independence.
Saving Money Categories
- Bills, Budget & Saving $$
- Buying a House
- DIY Home Tips
- Mortgages & More
- Moving
- Repair & Maintain
- Selling Your Home
- Smart Homes, Smart Homeowners
Are there other homeowner money topics you'd like to learn about. We'd love your ideas ...
Water Damage Repair in Plain English
Most water leaks in your home won’t cause this much flooding. Trust me, you never want to deal with this situation. As I’m living through a flooded house right now, I can definitely say it’s not fun. But there’s a lot we can learn by understanding the water damage repair steps you go through to … Read More
How to Fix Water Damaged Art
Most of the time your artwork is hung on walls or placed on shelves. My challenge was dealing with water damaged art that was sitting on the floor in several inches of water. That’s typical when you’re moving into a new house. When unpacking, I placed things in the room where I thought they’d go. … Read More
Cleaning Up to Avoid Mold After a Flood
With a flooded house you’ve got to get rid of the water first, then prop up furniture so it can dry out. Then it’s time to find and dry wet and soggy things that oops, got wet because they were sitting on the floor. You have to do this in the first day or two, … Read More
How to Dry Out Kitchen Cabinets
There are many reasons for water damage inside our homes. Water leaks come from leaking showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and faucets, appliances, your hot water heater and sometimes a water pipe. 14,000 people in the US experience one of these water leaks every day so it’s important to know how to dry out kitchen cabinets … Read More
Why Hiring a Public Adjuster is Smart
Homeowners have lots of experience paying for home owner insurance. In contrast, they have little knowledge of home construction so how will they don’t know if the settlement offered by their insurance company will cover all repairs? That’s why hiring a public adjuster makes lots of sense, to ensure you receive the money you need … Read More
Talking to Your Insurance Company After a Flood
It’s never easy talking to your insurance company. During an emergency you’re under lots of stress. You’re at a disadvantage not knowing their process. You likely have limited/no experience with the problems you’re facing. But you’ve got to take action and fast so … The only number in my phone was my insurance agent. I … Read More
Insurance Coverage for “Loss of Use”
Have you ever read your homeowner insurance policy? The declaration page that summarizes your coverage? The truth is we (myself included) don’t have a clue what insurance coverage is real until we have an emergency. My house flooded and it’s been more than four weeks with no support for additional living expenses, called loss of … Read More
Homeowner Insurance Inspections Because …
When you buy a house, your lenders want proof of insurance, along with an appraisal supporting the purchase price. Lenders don’t require a home inspection and your homeowner insurance company doesn’t either. So when do insurance inspections happen? When a visitor to this blog told me her insurance company inspected her home, I was curious. She … Read More
Understanding Smart Lighting
Lots of people are talking about smart lighting but what does that mean? Wikipedia says “Smart lighting is lighting technology designed for energy efficiency. This may include high efficiency fixtures and automated controls that make adjustments based on conditions such as occupancy or daylight availability.” It gets more confusing when you search for “smart lighting”
