by Robert MacDougall | Apr 16, 2015 | Real Estate
Nothing says you’re truly an American like owning a home. And just over half of all foreign-born households living in the U.S. own their own home. If you’re ready to join them, try these seven tips for American-style home buying success — the process here may be quite different from what you’re used to.
1. Be ready to prove who you are. You don’t have to get your citizenship, a green card, or any particular type of visa before you buy a home. But you do need:
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. That’s a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to foreign nationals who need to file income tax returns.
- A valid foreign passport, or two or more current photo identifications, such as a driver’s license, to show who you are.
Although property ownership isn’t tied to immigration or visa status, there are rules about how long you can stay, so if you’re not a citizen, check out U.S. visa requirements before you purchase.
2. Plan to get a mortgage, so you don’t have to save your money for years to become a home owner and start building equity. The U.S. home loan market offers many safe, affordable mortgages, including ones that allow Muslims to buy a home without violating Islamic laws against paying interest.
To get a U.S. mortgage, you must establish credit and earn a good credit score. To boost your score:
- Open U.S. bank and credit card accounts.
- Report all your income on your tax returns. Lenders use tax returns to verify your income and decide how much you can afford to borrow to buy a home.
When it’s time to apply for a mortgage, you’ll find major banks with global operations have experience working with foreign buyers and tend to have a process for verifying credit established in other countries.
3. Work with a REALTOR® who is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and who has experience, training, and education in helping foreign-born home buyers. An experienced real estate or title attorney can help you protect your interests, too.
Tell your REALTOR® how the home buying process works in your native country and ask her to explain U.S. home-buying customs to identify any differences. Even within the U.S., local differences exist in how people buy and sell homes. Knowing how homes are sold here and what to expect with closing costs, inspections, and the negotiation process reduces your stress and helps you get a good deal on your first home.
4. Don’t be shocked by Americans’ casual attitudes toward buying or selling real estate; it’s a byproduct of the relaxed U.S. business culture. Although real estate contracts must be in writing, the process leading up to the sales contract signing may be more informal and casual than it would be in your home country.
5. Learn to convert from the U.S. standard measurement into metric, or pick up a metric converter app so you can better estimate room and home sizes while shopping.
6. If you’re not fluent in English, or prefer speaking in your native language, choose inspectors, mortgage bankers, and REALTORS® fluent in your own language. Although it’s possible to get translated copies of standard real estate documents, you’ll likely have to sign the English versions during your home purchase.
7. Consider all the real-estate related expenses you’ll have as a home owner, including property taxes, home owners insurance, and maintenance costs. Set up a financial plan for your home so you know how much money to set aside for ongoing expenses.
By: Dona DeZube: © Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
by Robert MacDougall | Apr 9, 2015 | Homeownership
An irrigation system saves water, keeps your lawn looking great, and helps maintain your curb appeal. We’ve gathered the info to get you started.
An underground irrigation system delivers water to your landscaping at the right time, and in just the right amount, so you don’t water too much or too little. It’s relatively easy to install and makes a good DIY project.
You’ll also save money doing it yourself. A professionally installed system for a typical ¼-acre lot is $3,000 to $4,000. You can DIY it for under $1,500.
The heart of an underground system is pop-up sprinkler heads. When working, the heads raise up a few inches to spray water on your landscape. When not in use, they drop to ground level so you can mow or walk right over them.
Plus, today’s systems are pretty darn smart. Automated features decide when it’s been raining too much or too little, then adjust the amount of water your landscaping gets. That lowers the worry quotient for you, heads off costly over-watering, and makes the whole system almost maintenance-free.
Getting in the Zone
An irrigation system divides your property into zones. Each zone can be different in terms of the amount of water it gets, and at what time of day it’s watered. Examples of zones include:
- Lawn zones have pop-up heads with just the right spray radius and range to cover a broad area of grass.
- Landscaping zones have high-rise heads to water shrubs and ground cover.
- Flower and vegetable zones may be equipped with bubblers and tiny spray heads that gently water plants without bruising edibles or knocking petals off blooms.
Everything functions on an automatic timer that controls water flow throughout the system. You can elect to include sensors that monitor rain and humidity — self-adjusting timers that prevent unnecessary watering.
Start with a Plan
Your irrigation journey starts with a plan that maps out:
- Your yard, house location, and major landscaping features, such as trees.
- The location of sprinkler heads and bubblers.
- The location of underground water supply lines.
- The location of a water-supply shutoff valve.
But planning is a challenge for first-timers. Manufacturers recognize this hurdle and go out of their way to provide planning help. After you give them some info on the size of your lot and your water supply system, they give you an irrigation plan tailored to your property.
You’d be crazy not to take advantage of their services. For one, they’re free. Second, they’re very thorough: downloadable guides and step-by-step videos take you through every part of creating a home irrigation system.
For example, Rainbird and Toro offer planning guides that show you how to make a scale drawing of your property, and how to easily gather information on your water pressure and water flow rate that’ll help determine the design of your system.
When you mail in the drawing and info, the manufacturer returns a custom plan with a materials list and detailed installation instructions, all designed specifically for your property. Replies take several weeks. For a small fee ($20-$30), you can have your plans arrive in a few days.
Orbit shows you how to use Google Maps to make a scaled plan of your lot without ever stepping outdoors. Plans are available instantly.
Get Ready to Dig
Your next job is trenching — digging channels in your yard for the water supply lines and sprinkler heads. With plan in hand, mark out the locations of the irrigation lines using string lines, powdered chalk, or lawn marking paint — it comes in a spray can specially designed to be used upside down ($5).
At this point comes a heads-up about your local building codes. You’ll need to ask a couple of questions of your local building and planning commission:
- Is a licensed plumber required to connect my irrigation system to my home’s water system?
- How deep should the trenches be? (Most building codes require you to dig down 18 inches to protect the water lines from freezing — in colder climates the required depth is more.)
Unless you relish the idea of hand-digging several hundred feet of trench, rent a gas-powered trenching tool for $100–$160 per day. This walk-behind tool makes short work of deep, narrow trenches.
Very important! To prevent injury, be sure to have all utilities marked before you begin digging. Call your local utilities or dial 811.
Installing the System
With excavation complete, you’re ready to buy all the stuff you need. You’ll build your system from plastic pipe, either rigid or flexible PVC. Both are good choices and use the same methods of assembly.
- Rigid PVC pipe is inexpensive — ¾-inch diameter pipe is about 25 cents per lineal foot.
- Flex PVC costs more at about $1 per lineal foot of ¾-inch-diameter pipe, but it installs faster, there are fewer connections, and it’s more forgiving of trenches that aren’t perfectly straight.
There are lots of other components, including sprinkler heads and bubblers, and each type has different ranges and arcs — the size and shape of their spray. That’s another reason to check out the manufacturer’s guides — they’ll give you a complete materials list.
Unless you’re an accomplished DIY electrician and plumber, you’ll probably need a bit more professional help:
- An electrician to extend a circuit to the automatic timer; figure 2-3 hours at $90-$110 per hour.
- A plumber to tap into your household water system. Budget another $200-$300.
Ready to Call In the Pros?
If the DIY approach is more than you want to tackle, or your lot is larger than a third of an acre (14,500 sq. ft.), consider hiring a pro. Expect to pay $3,000-$4,000 to have an underground irrigation system installed on a ¼-acre lot.
Aside from saving you a lot of work, a pro is going to get the job done quickly and with minimal disruption. He’ll also come with knowledge of what design best suits local conditions.
Good Tips for Watering Your Landscape
- Check out these low-cost, low-maintenance DIY watering systems.
- Planning a trip this summer? Here’s how to water while you’re on vacation.
- Dry spells are hard on your plants. Make sure you know how to water your plants during a drought.
By: Dave Toht:© Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
by Robert MacDougall | Apr 9, 2015 | renovations
Follow these seven strategies to get the most financial gain on your kitchen remodel.
Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. And with good reason: Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.
Related: Timeless Kitchens
A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 68% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from “Remodeling” magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report.”
A minor kitchen remodel of about $19,000 does even better, returning more than 79% of your investment.
To maximize your return on investment, follow these seven strategies to keep you on budget and help you make smart choices.
1. Plan, Plan, Plan
Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem will be minimized. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.
How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.
Some tips on planning:
Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? It’s a common mistake many homeowners make: Buying the extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height, too.
Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.
Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets; counter heights that can adjust up or down; a wall oven instead of a range: These are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.
Related: Test Your Ergonomic Design Knowledge
Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.
Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders.
Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
2. Keep the Same Footprint
Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.
So if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location.
Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
3. Get Real About Appliances
It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.
Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen.
So unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.
Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in online reviews and Consumer Reports.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting
Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:
Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must-do list, since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. (Here’s more about under-cabinet lights.) Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.
Related: How to Choose the Best Bulb for the Job
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
5. Be Quality-Conscious
Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.
And if you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.
Related:
Kitchen Remodeling Decisions You’ll Never Regret
White: The Savvy and Chic Kitchen Color Choice
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
6. Add Storage, Not Space
Storage will never go out of style, but if you’re sticking with the same footprint, here are a couple of ideas to add more:
Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more — and you might need a stepladder — but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.
Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors; hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack; and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.
Related: Storage Options that Pack More Space in Your Kitchen
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
7. Communicate Clearly With Your Remodelers
Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget. To keep the sweetness in your project:
Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your commitment to quality.
Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.
Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.
Be kind: Offer refreshments (a little hospitality can go a long way), give praise when warranted, and resist pestering them with conversation, jokes, and questions when they are working. They’ll work better when refreshed and allowed to concentrate on work.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Follow these seven strategies to get the most financial gain on your kitchen remodel.
Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. And with good reason: Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride.
Related: Timeless Kitchens
A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 68% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from “Remodeling” magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report.”
A minor kitchen remodel of about $19,000 does even better, returning more than 79% of your investment.
To maximize your return on investment, follow these seven strategies to keep you on budget and help you make smart choices.
1. Plan, Plan, Plan
Planning your kitchen remodel should take more time than the actual construction. If you plan well, the amount of time you’re inconvenienced by construction mayhem will be minimized. Plus, you’re more likely to stay on budget.
How much time should you spend planning? The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least six months. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction and create change orders, which will inflate construction costs and hurt your return on investment.
Some tips on planning:
Study your existing kitchen: How wide is the doorway into your kitchen? It’s a common mistake many homeowners make: Buying the extra-large fridge only to find they can’t get it in the doorway. To avoid mistakes like this, create a drawing of your kitchen with measurements for doorways, walkways, counters, etc. And don’t forget height, too.
Think about traffic patterns: Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.
Design with ergonomics in mind: Drawers or pull-out shelves in base cabinets; counter heights that can adjust up or down; a wall oven instead of a range: These are all features that make a kitchen accessible to everyone — and a pleasure to work in.
Related: Test Your Ergonomic Design Knowledge
Plan for the unforeseeable: Even if you’ve planned down to the number of nails you’ll need in your remodel, expect the unexpected. Build in a little leeway for completing the remodel. Want it done by Thanksgiving? Then plan to be done before Halloween.
Choose all your fixtures and materials before starting: Contractors will be able to make more accurate bids, and you’ll lessen the risk of delays because of back orders.
Don’t be afraid to seek help: A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
2. Keep the Same Footprint
Nothing will drive up the cost of a remodel faster than changing the location of plumbing pipes and electrical outlets, and knocking down walls. This is usually where unforeseen problems occur.
So if possible, keep appliances, water fixtures, and walls in the same location.
Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
3. Get Real About Appliances
It’s easy to get carried away when planning your new kitchen. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.
Appliances are essentially tools used to cook and store food. Your kitchen remodel shouldn’t be about the tools, but the design and functionality of the entire kitchen.
So unless you’re an exceptional cook who cooks a lot, concentrate your dollars on long-term features that add value, such as cabinets and flooring.
Then choose appliances made by trusted brands that have high marks in online reviews and Consumer Reports.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Lighting
Lighting can make a world of difference in a kitchen. It can make it look larger and brighter. And it will help you work safely and efficiently. You should have two different types of lighting in your kitchen:
Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting should be on your must-do list, since cabinets create such dark work areas. And since you’re remodeling, there won’t be a better time to hard-wire your lights. (Here’s more about under-cabinet lights.) Plan for at least two fixtures per task area to eliminate shadows. Pendant lights are good for islands and other counters without low cabinets. Recessed lights and track lights work well over sinks and general prep areas with no cabinets overhead.
Ambient lighting: Flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights create overall lighting in your kitchen. Include dimmer switches to control intensity and mood.
Related: How to Choose the Best Bulb for the Job
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
5. Be Quality-Conscious
Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.
And if you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.
Related:
Kitchen Remodeling Decisions You’ll Never Regret
White: The Savvy and Chic Kitchen Color Choice
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Add storage, not space
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
6. Add Storage, Not Space
Storage will never go out of style, but if you’re sticking with the same footprint, here are a couple of ideas to add more:
Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more — and you might need a stepladder — but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.
Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors; hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack; and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.
Related: Storage Options that Pack More Space in Your Kitchen
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Communicate clearly with your remodelers
7. Communicate Clearly With Your Remodelers
Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget. To keep the sweetness in your project:
Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your commitment to quality.
Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.
Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.
Be kind: Offer refreshments (a little hospitality can go a long way), give praise when warranted, and resist pestering them with conversation, jokes, and questions when they are working. They’ll work better when refreshed and allowed to concentrate on work.
More tips on planning a kitchen remodel:
Plan, plan, plan
Keep the same footprint
Get real about appliances
Don’t underestimate the power of lighting
Be quality-conscious
Add storage, not space
By: John Riha:© Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
by Robert MacDougall | Apr 9, 2015 | Homeownership
Here’s our take on your insulation options, with tips on cost effectiveness and whether to DIY or hire a pro.
We know that insulating your home isn’t the sexiest home project. But if you’re planning a remodel that includes opening up walls, ceilings, and floors, it’s a great time to upgrade your insulation to get energy savings of up to $300 per year.
However, it you’re not remodeling, think long and hard about replacing or adding wall insulation. Retrofitting wall insulation has a long payback period that should make you think twice before committing to it.
Related: The 5 Most Effective Things You Can Do to Take Back Your Energy Bills
But adding on? Finishing your basement? Redoing your kitchen? Or your attic insulation needs an upgrade? Read on to learn about the different insulation types, costs, uses, and whether you should DIY it or hire a pro.
Batts and Blankets
This is the most common type of insulation. It comes in convenient rolls that are easy to transport and carry. It’s especially suitable for do-it-yourself projects, but take care to cut the material to fit around plumbing pipes, wires, and electrical outlets. Clumsily stuffed into awkward spaces, it loses effectiveness — sometimes as much as 50%.
Fiberglass Batts and Blankets
- R-value: 3.0-4.0 per inch (R-13 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
- Advantages: Widely available and familiar, standard widths and thicknesses are designed to fit between studs, joists, and rafters. Paper- and foil-faced versions have stapling flanges that make installation easy.
- Disadvantages: Can be itchy to install — you’ll need protective clothing. Rolls of fiberglass must be cut by hand to fit spaces. It compresses easily, which causes it to lose insulating properties.
- Environmental issues: Phenol formaldehyde, linked to cancer, is being phased out as a binder. Labels warning of possible cancer risk from inhaled fibers are being phased out because regulators have concluded the fibers break down quickly in lungs. Recycled content can be up to 60%.
- Best use: Walls, floors, ceilings.
- Cost: 30 cents per sq. ft.
Rockwool Batts and Blankets
- R-value: 4-5 per inch (R-15 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
- Advantages: More fire-resistant than fiberglass. Doesn’t itch. Springs into shape against studs, so installation is staple-free and quick.
- Disadvantages: Not widely available; retains moisture — if allowed to get damp, it can harbor mold growth.
- Environmental issues: High recycled content, up to 90% (all pre-consumer). Contains crystalline silica, which if inhaled over a long term could cause lung disease, including cancer.
- Best use: Walls, floors, ceilings.
- Cost: 60 cents per sq. ft.
Cotton Batts (aka “Blue Jeans”)
- R-value: 3.5-4 per inch (R-13 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
- Advantages: Doesn’t itch. Comes in easy-to-handle rolls. Simple to cut for fitting around pipes.
- Disadvantages: Not widely available and pricier than other batts.
- Environmental issues: Contains at least 85% recycled fiber and needs little additional energy to make. Contains a borate fire retardant, which also deters some insect pests.
- Cost: 90 cents per sq. ft.
Loose-Fill Insulation
This insulation consists of fluffy strands of fiber blown into attics and walls with a special machine. It fills nooks and crannies, eliminating cold spots.
Loose-Fill Fiberglass
- R-value: 2.2–2.7 per inch.
- Advantages: Lightweight enough for attic applications over ½-inch drywall ceilings with framing every 24 inches.
- Disadvantages: The product is so fluffy that loose applications may lose up to half their effectiveness at very cold temperatures unless topped by blanket insulation or higher-density loose fill (see cellulose below).
- Environmental issues: Same as for fiberglass batts and blankets, except that formaldehyde isn’t an issue. Up to 60% recycled content.
- DIY or pro? Insulating an open attic space is relatively easy if you’re a competent DIYer. You’ll save up to 70% over the cost of a pro. Check to see if you can rent an insulation blower from your local home improvement center or tool rental store. But if the job is more complicated than that, definitely hire a professional to make the installation worthwhile in terms of energy savings.
- Cost: 30 cents per cubic foot.
Loose-Fill Cellulose
- R-value: 3.2–3.8 per inch.
- Advantages: Effective at all temperatures, and can even perform better as the air gets colder.
- Disadvantages: Too heavy for attic installations; ceiling must have at least 5/8-inch drywall or framing every 16 inches. Over time, it can settle almost 20%, reducing its effectiveness.
- Environmental issues: Fibers are too big to lodge in lungs; dust is only a nuisance issue. The makeup of cellulose insulation typically is around 85% post-consumer recycled paper, plus 15% fire retardant. That’s usually a borate compound, which also helps deter pests.
- Best use: Ceilings, enclosed existing wall or open new wall cavities, unfinished attic floors, other hard to reach places.
- Cost: 31 cents per cubic foot.
Structural Insulated Panels
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have superior energy savings of 12% to 14%, but they’re also pricier. They usually come in 4-by-8-ft. sheets, although some manufacturers make them as large as 8-by-24 feet, used mostly for new construction.
If you’re replacing siding or roofing, or doing an addition, these boards will insulate the entire wall surface, including the framing. Some sheets have tongue-and-groove edges to make tight, energy-efficient seams.
The insulation also is used for basementand crawl space walls. When facing a living area, building codes usually require the material to be covered with a layer of drywall.
Polystyrene SIPs
This type of SIP comes in two versions: Expanded (EPS) is the least expensive and has the lowest R-value. Extruded (XPS) type is usually blue or pink in color; it’s stronger and blocks moisture better than EPS.
- R-value: 3.8 (EPS) to 5 (XPS) per inch.
- Advantages: Lightweight, easy to install.
- Disadvantages: Must be cut to fit around pipes and other wall penetrations, leaving gaps that should be filled with sealing foam. It’s not structural — you can’t nail anything to it. Insects and pests can tunnel through them. Best to treat the panels with insecticide before using. Also, they’re so air-tight, a well-built SIP structure might need fresh-air ventilation for safety and to meet building codes.
- Environmental issues: Panels emit toxic smoke when burned. Although scraps and leftovers can be recycled, they rarely are; instead, they can wind up as plastic bead litter in rivers and oceans.
- Best use: New walls, ceilings, floors, roofs.
- DIY or pro? You can do it yourself, but since these panels are best for new or full replacement construction, you’ll likely already have a contractor on the job.
- Cost: EPS: $6 for a 1-inch-thick, 4-by-8-ft. sheet; XPS: $15 for a 1-inch-thick, 4-by-8-ft. sheet.
Polyisocyanurate SIPs
- R-value: 5.6-7.7 per inch.
- Advantages: The highest R-value per inch of any insulation with a thickness that ranges from ½ inch to 2 inches. It’s often faced with foil, which acts as a moisture barrier. Easy to install.
- Disadvantages: Because the foil type is a moisture barrier, it shouldn’t be used where there already is an interior moisture barrier. Expensive.
- Environmental issues: Panels emit toxic smoke when burned. Although scraps and leftovers can be recycled, they rarely are.
- Best use: New walls, ceilings, floors, roofs.
- DIY or pro? Same as the EPS and XPS, you’ll likely be using a contractor.
- Cost: $22 for a 1-inch-thick, 4-by-8-ft. sheet.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation costs more than batt insulation, but it has higher R-vlaues. It also forms an air barrier, which can eliminate some other weatherizing tasks, such as caulking.
This plastic insulation goes on as a liquid and expands to fill the available space, sealing all gaps and cracks and stopping any air leaks.
Pros spray the foam insulation mixture into framing cavities; once dry, the excess is cut away, leaving a flat, even surface.
Open-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
- R-value: 3.5 to 3.6 per inch.
- Advantages: Stops movement of air.
- Disadvantages: Allows water vapor to pass through, so a moisture barrier is still needed in some situations. Requires professional installation.
- Environmental issues: Often called half-pound foam, this insulation contains a modest amount of petroleum-based or plant-based plastic. Chemicals and VOCs released during application and while curing can cause asthma and other serious health effects, so wait up to three days to re-enter.
- Best use: Walls, floors, ceilings.
- DIY or pro? Although DIYers can buy cans for small jobs, such as filling spaces around door framing, you need a pro with special equipment to insulate walls, the roof or attic, and floors, especially if you want to get the highest R-rating possible.
- Cost: $1 to $1.20 per sq. ft. (R-13 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
Closed-Cell Polyurethane Spray Foam
- R-value: 6.0 to 6.5 per inch.
- Advantages: Stops movement of moisture as well as air.
- Disadvantages: Relatively expensive. Requires professional installation.
- Environmental issues: Uses blowing agents that have a high global warming potential. Often called 2-pound foam, it uses significantly more materials than open-cell foam. Exposure issues are similar to open-cell foam.
- Best use: Walls, floors, ceilings.
- DIY or pro? Definitely professional.
- Cost: $1.75 to $3 per sq. ft. (R-13 for a 2-by-4-framed wall).
By: Jeanne Huber:© Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
by Robert MacDougall | Apr 7, 2015 | Homeownership
Is your pooch pawing your petunias? Here’s how to keep your dog out of your garden and away from your precious plants.
We want our dogs to eat well, but we don’t want them snacking on our heirloom vegetables and prized perennials. Nor do we want them digging up the daffodils.
How can you keep dogs from wrecking your garden?
Spray Nasty Odors
Your vegetable garden is a salad bar for your dog. To keep him away, spray plants with pungent white vinegar or apple bitter. Or plant marigolds between vegetable rows, which repel dogs and other backyard pests, such as Mexican bean beetles, aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies.
However, don’t apply rabbit or deer repellents that contain coyote urine. Dogs love the smell of urine and will either roll in your sprayed plants or leave an odor of their own.
Sprinkle Yucky Tastes
Sprinkle powdered mustard or red pepper flakes around your plants. A few sniffs and licks of these unpleasant tastes will discourage your dog from returning to the area.
Fence Dogs In or Out
If you’ve got small dogs, a 16-inch fence border ($29 for 6 feet) will mark the perimeter of your garden and discourage them from trampling your seedlings. For large, spunky dogs, encase your vegetables in a chicken wire cage with a top enclosure, which fence out deer and rabbits, too.
Or, contain your dog in a fenced play area that’s roomy and filled with interesting toys and treats. However, if your dog likes burying things, don’t give him a bone; instead offer chews, such as rawhide or bully sticks, that’ll keep him occupied and his mind off burying.
Erect Prickly Barriers
Place pruned rose or holly branches around your garden or plants. The thorns and prickly leaves will discourage your dog from entering the restricted area.
Provide a Pooch Path
If your dog cruises through your garden but leaves the veggies alone, make him a path of his own. You can lay down mulch, or even place a spare piece of carpet along your pet’s favorite route. You may have to alter your garden design a bit, but that’s better than watching puppy crash through your flowers or zucchini.
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon:© Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
