If your house is made of brick or stone you can expect it to last more than a hundred years, metal siding will last 20 to 50 years, vinyl siding up to 50 years, and wood siding–anywhere from 10 to 100 years. Color-Lok siding is warranted for 25 years. Dri-Vit is relatively new, but the [...]

Look around central Missouri at some of the nineteenth century homes that are still alive and well, and you will know that your house could last 100 years or more. Many of your home’s parts, however, have much shorter lives. Your roof can last as long as your house–depending on what it is made of [...]

Want to save money this summer? Just as a tune-up helps your car run better, proper maintenance of your air conditioner can save as much as 20% on cooling costs and extend the life of your equipment. Clean the outside condensing unit and make sure it is free of dirt and debris. Check filters regularly [...]

According to the Conservation and Renewable Energy Inquiry and Referral Service, the typical American home has so many air leaks and cracks that if they were combined into one large space, you could shoot a basketball through it. Those leaks cost energy dollars. But, you can find and fix most of them yourself at low [...]

Here are some things YOU can do to ensure a safe and warm winter. Fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys require special maintenance. Burning green wood can cause creosote build-up inside the chimney, which can lead to a chimney fire. Once or twice a year a professional sweep should inspect your chimney at the top where [...]

Here are some things you can do to ensure a warm and safe winter. Before temperatures plummet, have your furnace checked by a qualified professional. You can clean and replace furnace filters yourself–experts recommend that you do this every six to eight weeks. Lubricate and clean the blower and motor as recommended by the manufacturer. [...]

Whether you live in an old house or a new one, make sure it’s as safe as it can be. Consumer Reports points out some things you can do to safeguard your home. Keep a fire extinguisher on each level. One should be available within 40 feet from any point in the house. If you [...]

According to the National Association of Home Builders, manufactured housing now accounts for almost a quarter of the nation’s new homes. The three most common types are: Panelized homes which are built from preconstructed panels ranging from 4 to 40 feet wide, often with doors and windows already installed. Modular homes, which are 90% complete [...]

Condo living has become very popular because condos offer the advantages of homeownership with freedom from exterior maintenance and yard work. There’s no particular style that identifies a condo. What makes it a condo is how it’s owned. When you buy one, you own the interior space–the part enclosed by the walls, floor, and ceiling. [...]

Communities governed by homeowner’s associations are popular and attractive places to live. However, they are not for everyone. Buyers who want total freedom to paint their home, landscape, build a fence, etc., are well advised to read the homeowner’s association covenants carefully before buying. Typical covenants will have requirements and rules regarding exterior improvements, exterior [...]