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The Risk Report: Why You Should Never Hire an Unlicensed Plumber

. Posted by in • San Antonio

It’s time to have work done on your home’s plumbing system. Maybe you need to have emergency repairs completed or you want to remodel your bathroom. Whatever the case, many homeowners dread going through the process of collecting estimates and hiring a plumber. However, taking the time to choose a licensed plumber who can truly meet your demands is key to ensuring the successful outcome of the project and protecting your home’s value. Don’t be lured in by unlicensed contractors who offer to work at cut rates.

Is Hiring a Licensed Plumber Really Important?

Unlicensed plumbers and contractors target homeowners throughout the greater San Antonio area. These unlicensed workers often attract new clients by promising to complete work at much lower rates than other companies. If you’re looking for a plumbing professional to complete work in your home, it’s important to be very wary of unlicensed plumbers. Because they haven’t proven their … Read Full Post »

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Five Composting Nutrients You Need to Know About

. Posted by in • Austin

What links aquariums, manure and coffee? Lawn care in Austin, of course.

Anyone in Austin with a penchant for lawn care knows the benefits of composting. You likely know that it gives purpose to otherwise useless yard waste, and it’s one of the best means of nourishing plants into a large, healthy state. Many would-be composters mistakenly assume that they’ll have to go out of their way to create their own healthy compost, but a lot of the nutrients most essential to effective composting come from everyday materials.

1. Aquarium Gunk

Do you have an aquarium? If so, you have a ready source of moisture and nitrogen for your compost. When you clean the tank, toss the water, algae, waste and live plants from the aquarium directly into your compost heap.

2. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds give your compost excellent doses of copper, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and each of these nutrients bolster … Read Full Post »

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Well-Maintained Trees Boost Home Values in San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Getting the most out of your saplings, shades and shrubs

Trees add to your home’s curb appeal and help you enjoy the great outdoors. Whether they’re fresh saplings, mature specimens or stately shrubs, their branches spread a special peace. The climate in San Antonio is ideal for nurturing native trees, and these canopied beauties can actually improve your property’s value along with its landscaped good looks.

Growing Green Investments

Residential trees aren’t a cash crop, but a recent study by the city estimates that they add as much as 7% to your property’s value. Just one mature live oak commands an appraisal value of $10,000. With careful pruning, trimming and the right touch of mulch, you’re doing more than caring for the trees: you’re making an investment that pays off if you decide to sell the house. You’re also enjoying aesthetic dividends that keep your home beautiful for many years to come.

Planting With … Read Full Post »

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Big Pests, Small Holes

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

What has sharp teeth and the ability to squeeze through a nickel-sized hole?

You’re probably aware of the better-known characteristics of mice and rats. They have distinctive ears, protruding snouts, sharp teeth, drab-colored hair and tiny claws. They also have voracious appetites for human food. You might not know, however, that mice and rats can squeeze through remarkably small holes, which can make it difficult to keep them out of your home.

How Small Is Too Small?

Rats and mice are able to squeeze through holes many times smaller than their bodies. While rats need a hole that’s equivalent in diameter to a half dollar, mice need just a nickel-sized opening to work their “magic.” Needless to say, that’s far too small for house cats to follow. Contrary to popular belief, these critters don’t have collapsible skeletons. They do, however, have extremely flexible bodies and loose joints that can easily accommodate tight squeezes.

Common … Read Full Post »

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What’s Going On Under Your Sink?

. Posted by in • Austin

Settling the score in the kitchen and bathroom

When you think about plumbing problems, your first thought probably involves your home’s toilet. For multiple reasons, toilets tend to cause a host of visible problems with relative frequency. Meanwhile, temperature swings can cause poorly insulated pipes to burst in your basement or under your yard. However, there’s another class of plumbing problems that doesn’t get the attention it deserves: leaks, breaks and clogs in kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Clogged Sink Drains

This is a common problem in the bathroom and kitchen. Although a slow drain may be little more than an inconvenience for intrepid homeowners, clogs can eventually cause damaging backups. Worse, they may even result in burst or leaky pipes underneath your sink. To prevent these negative effects, attack the problem as soon as it becomes apparent. If you don’t want to use harsh drain-opening chemicals, opt for a handier approach. Simply remove … Read Full Post »

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Don’t Let Dishwasher Problems Get the Best of You

. Posted by in • Austin

Dishwashers take the hard work out of cleaning up after dinner and keeping your kitchen tidy. These convenient appliances are so common that most homeowners take them for granted, but you could be in for a big surprise if your dishwasher stops working and you’re stuck washing everything by hand. While you can’t stop all appliance breakdowns from happening, knowing the signs that your dishwasher is wearing out will help you make the right repair and replacement decisions.

Is Your Dishwasher Wearing Out?

Like most Austin homeowners, you rely on your dishwasher to help you tackle kitchen cleanup tasks. Keeping up on maintenance and monitoring your dishwasher for any signs of trouble will help to ensure that you’re not stuck scrubbing pots by hand. Remember that most dishwashers are designed to last for about 10 years, so you’ll need to take your washer’s age into account as you evaluate its condition.

It’s important … Read Full Post »

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Riding Mowers Cost More Than You Think

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Do-it-yourself lawn care isn’t cheap

Many homeowners in Texas mow their lawns with riding mowers. These machines offer a fast and relatively easy way to cut the grass. However, it’s important to realize how expensive it has become to buy, maintain and operate yard equipment. The costs can really add up.

Initial Purchase

Depending on its size and features, the price of a mower typically ranges from $900 to $2,000. Fast commercial-grade models cost even more. Keep in mind that Texas adds a 6.25% sales tax to the purchase price. This raises the total expense by $55 to $130.

If you don’t have enough cash for a riding mower, be prepared to pay considerably more. For example, perhaps you decide to finance a $1,600 model at 4.25% interest. This would increase the total cost by almost $180. Loan processing and documentation fees may also apply.

Mowing Supplies

After you buy a riding mower, it’s time to … Read Full Post »

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The Texas A&M “Bug Bytes” Podcast

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station

Bugs are more interesting than you ever imagined.

At least 50,000 people listen to the “Bug Bytes” podcast from Texas A&M University. The entomology department in College Station produces this insightful program about the bizarre world of insects. It explores strange bug habits, odd uses for insects and related human culture. “Bug Bytes” offers a fun way to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Diverse Topics

The content of this podcast ranges from practical to amusing. For example, one episode looked at the reasons why certain people choose to eat insects. Other programs have compared different repellents, discussed insect bathing techniques or examined bugs that glow. This podcast also explores arthropod influences on human creations, such as architecture and technology.

The hosts interview entomology experts from time to time. In April 2011, “Bug Bytes” featured a conversation with the director of a documentary on honeybees. The program briefly examined colony collapse disorder, an unexplained … Read Full Post »

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What’s the Big Deal With Efficiency Ratings?

. Posted by in • Austin

Austin may enjoy some pleasant spring and fall temperatures, but most area homeowners rely on heating and cooling systems to keep them comfortable during extremely hot summers and chilly winters. A great HVAC system can certainly boost home comfort, but many homeowners have to balance their comfort needs against their utility budgets. Thankfully, meeting comfort needs and staying within budget is possible when you pay close attention to HVAC efficiency ratings.

Heating & Air Conditioning Efficiency Ratings

Efficiency ratings are designed to provide consumers with accurate information about the costs of using various home appliances. Efficiency ratings are also used by the municipal, state and federal governments to determine if homeowners can qualify for special incentives or tax credits when buying new HVAC equipment. Before shopping, take time to familiarize yourself with these common HVAC ratings:

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings are used to describe the efficiency of air conditioners. Units with … Read Full Post »

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Put Your Air Conditioning System to the Test

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Will your AC pass or fail this summer?

Summertime in San Antonio is always cooler with iced tea, pool time and an air conditioner you can count on. The last thing you want on a sweltering day is a failing HVAC system. You can help your AC make the grade, but a professional checkup should always be part of the strategy.

Do Your Homework

It’s so easy to forget about that AC filter. Meanwhile, it collects dust, pet hair and carpet fibers that cut down on critical air circulation. When you replace it, write the date on the new filter’s frame and be sure to change it every three months. The outside unit needs a little special care too. Turn the system off before you mow the yard, so it won’t suck up clippings while you work. Be sure to give it a monthly spray with the garden hose to clear out dead … Read Full Post »

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