A pergola (also called an arbor) is a garden feature that provides shade, either a walkway, a sitting area or combination. It may be an extension of a building or provide protection for anyone walking between buildings or outdoor garden feature. Freestanding pergolas are not attached to a home or …
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Arroyo
An arroyo, also called a wash, is a dry gulch or creek that fills with water after a heavy downpour. This can happen seasonally or occasionally after heavy downpours. That's why you need to understand where they are, and avoid them when a risk of flooding exists. The term arroyo is generally used …
Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP)
Homeowners give a lot more thought to the lighting inside their homes, and only recently has the combination of solar and LED lights led to so many decorative lighting options. That's where homeowners can get help from lighting professionals at the Association of Lighting Professionals (AOLP). …
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Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI or GFCI)
There are outlets, and then there are outlets that include a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI or GFI). GFIs are used to reduce the risk of electric shock when the flow of electricity doesn't follow the correct path, which could result in an electric shock or even death. The left slot in the …
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FICO Scores
Your FICO® score is calculated using information from your credit report. Your FICO score will fall between 300 and 850. It is calculated using both positive information like how long you've made loan payments, and negative information like late payments. You can improve your FICO score by making …
Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
A home's energy efficiency can be measured using the Home Energy Rating System or HERS. This index is developed by the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) for new homes, as well as existing houses. The ratings can be used: By home buyers to compare the energy efficiency of new homes …
