Building Material Auctions – Part 2

                                                                                                                                                                                                     This article is a follow up to my post   on building materials auction which was posted at the end of March.                                                                                                   

Home Improvement and Home Renovation Materials

    Things have sure changed over the last few years for the home building and home renovation industry. Today we are living in a leaner economic atmosphere than we have for many years before. Homeowners have found themselves earning less income due to company cutbacks, reduced hours and lay-offs. Rising inflation and reduced incomes have made it challenging for average homeowners to keep up with their home improvement, home repair and home renovation projects. Unfortunately in some cases, necessary home repairs and routine home maintenance challenges are being ignored as a result these financial struggles. The objective of this article is to educate homeowners in options available to them in saving money while meeting the needs that arise with their homes.    

  How About a Home Improvement Auction?

     Today, it is difficult not to hear someone talking about online auction sites like eBay or yahoo auctions and the great deals that can be found on these websites. Many consumers love the idea of the “hunt” for merchandise and the competition in outbidding their opponents while still managing to get a great deal on the items they wish to purchase. To me, a live auction is even more exciting because the event unfolds in front of the bidder, they see the people they are bidding against, and best of all, they can physically see and touch the items they are bidding on.      

A Little About Peak Auctioneering

     Peak Auctioneering, founded by Richard Peak has been in the business of providing consumers with the opportunity of purchasing home building, home improvement and renovating materials at fantastic prices since 1986. In my area Peak Auctioneering hold their auctions twice a year, once in the spring and then once in the fall. Visit their website for information on locations and dates. The auction is a two day event and potential bidders are allowed in the gates the day before the auction to preview what will be up for bid. This is a great opportunity for potential bidders to take some notes and then do some research on the items they are interested in. Walking through the auction site I was impressed with their inventory.                                                                                                                       Here is a list of just some of the items I saw that were up for bid:

• A huge selection of hardwood flooring. There were exotic woods such as teak and Brazilian cherry as well as oak and maple in finished and unfinished.
• Laminate flooring
• Ceramic, slate and and marble tile.
• Bathroom vanities, tops and a large selection of sinks including glass bowls.
• Multi-jet shower units.
• Kitchen appliances.
• Framing and hardwood lumber as well as moldings.
• Interior and exterior doors.
• Windows
• There was a beautiful selection of complete kitchen cabinetry that is especially manufactured for Peak Auctioneering.
• Whirlpool bathtubs.
• Light fixtures
• There were also tools for bid which included cordless drivers, miter saws, saw blades and much more.
• Some of the other materials available for auction were asphalt shingles, sheathing, insulation panels, decking lumber and so much more than I am able to cover in this article.

I encourage you to view the slideshow below of some of the merchandise Peak Auctioneering carries.

Come Prepared

     Here are a few things points to consider for better preparing yourself when attending the auction:
• Have a list of the items you are interested in. It is very helpful if you can get out to the preview day, otherwise get to the auction early and scout around.
• Have some knowledge of the retail value of the items you are interested in. You can do the research before you arrive or maybe have a friend or family member at home near a computer to help you out.
• Have your measurements for items such as doors, windows, tubs and showers.
• Know the quantity you need for items such as wood flooring, tile, molding, etc.
Visit the Peak Auctioneering website for details on payment options and other instructions which include; registration, bidding, and guidelines on hauling away the items you have won.        

  Going Once, Twice, and Sold to You

     So if you want to spend a fun weekend shopping and bidding on some fantastic home improvement and home building materials with the opportunity to save some money in the process I highly recommend checking out a building materials auction such as the one offered by Peak Auctioneering. Happy Bidding!

  Slawek Polinski, Home Sense

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How To Flush Your Water Heater

 A home’s water heater is an appliance that is commonly forgotten about until it fails. Sometimes the failure means just no hot water and at other times it is more serious such as when the hot water tank corrodes to the point of leaking and possibly causing costly water damage. There are some simple maintenance procedures a homeowner can perform to extend the life of their water heater and in this article “Shop Talk” will cover the proper way to flush a water heater to remove the sediment that collects at the bottom of the hot water tank. Sediment build up in your hot water heater will reduce energy efficiency, clog your water lines and the sediment can also harden, causing your hot water tank to produce loud popping and clanking sounds. Hot water heater manufacturers recommend flushing the tank periodically throughout the year as a regular maintenance procedure especially if you live in an area with hard water which contains more minerals that will build up in your water heater. You can slow down the accumulation of sediment in your hot water tank by setting the water temperature to 120 degrees or less. Hotter water is also more corrosive to your water heater.

 8 Steps To Flush Your Hot Water Tank

These are the steps to properly flush your hot water heater and remember, you are dealing withvery hot water so if you are unsure of the procedure it is better to call a professional than to risk injury.

1. Turn off your water heater. If you own a gas water heater, set the switch to pilot to prevent the burners from igniting while you are flushing the tank and if yours is an electric unit, turn off the cicuit breaker that controls your water heater to prevent your heating elements from burning out.
2. Shut off the cold water inlet to the water heater. There are two water lines that connect to the top of your water heater, one for the cold water comming in and the other for the exiting hot water. The top of the tank is usually marked to identify the cold from the hot. You can also touch the water pipe above the shut off valve to help you locate the cold inlet line.
3. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve which is located at the bottom of the tank and make sure the hose will drain to a safe area. Remember the water will be very hot.
4. Open the pressure relief valve which is located near the top of the hot water tank by lifting the lever up.                 
5. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater letting the water and sediment drain through the hose. Completely draining the water heater will ensure you have drained all the sediment out of the tank possible.
6. Close the drain valve and pressure relief valve and disconnect the garden hose.
7. Open all the hot water faucets in the house and then open the cold water inlet valve.
8. When no more air comes out of the faucets, turn them off and turn your water heater back on.

  By flushing out your hot water heater at least every six months you will extend the life the heater and allow it to run more efficiently.

 Slawek Polinski, Home Sense

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 Cleaning Air Ducts – A Breath Of Fresh Air?

    With growing concerns over indoor air quality, there have been many questions regarding forced-air heating and cooling systems and whether or not cleaning of the air ducts has any health benefits. The answer depends who you are asking and instead of picking sides, my intention here is to provide the reader with a few resources to turn to for some detailed information. When it comes to your health and the health of your family it is always advised to do your own research so you have the peace of mind of making the right decision. I am providing you with links to the “American Lung Association” and the “EPA“. The article the EPA provides on indoor air quality is very detailed and worth reading as it addresses reasons for definitely wanting your air ducts cleaned and what precautions you should take when hiring a company to do the work as well as providing a link to the “National Air Duct Cleaners Assosiation“. There has been quite a scare lately over dust and mold issues in the home and some companies prey on consumer’s fears with false information and promises. The best way for homeowners to protect themselves from being taken advantage of is by educating themselves, and that will help them breath easier.  Here are the links again:

• EPA
• American Lung Association
• NADCA

  Slawek Polinski, Home Sense

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Washing Windows, What a Pane?

  Oh No! Is it time for washing windows again? Yes, that time is here, you have been looking through your windows all winter and watching them get dirtier and dirtier with each passing month. I don’t believe there is a person out there that doesn’t enjoy looking through a nice clean window, so why is washing windows one of the most disliked chores of owning a home? I remember one fine day, with a bottle of my favorite window cleaner in one hand and a roll of paper towels in the other I set out to clean the outside of my windows. Now after a couple of hours of spraying and wiping each of our windows, I was satisfied with the job I had completed so I patted myself on the back and went inside to relax after working so hard. Then it happened! I bet you can guess how the rest of the story goes. The sun began to set and the streaks and smears started appearing on the windows and I wanted to scream!  I realized right there that I had thrown two hours of work right out the window.

What Is The Solution To Washing Windows?

  That was the last time I washed my windows using a spray bottle of window cleaner and paper towels. I learned that all that rubbing with towels is not a good idea because all I was doing was moving the dirt around on the window and also rubbing the window puts a static charge on the glass, which attracts more dust and dirt to it. The best way to wash windows with streak free results is with a squeegee.

 Here Is What You Need To See Your Windows Sparkle!

  There are only a few supplies you will need for streak free windows and they are:

• Bucket
• Sponge or strip applicator
• Plastic scraper
• Good quality squeegee
• Some dishwashing soap and a few lint-free rags

 That is all you need and the most expensive investment will be with the squeegee where you can expect to pay between $10.00 to $20.00 depending on the size you need(I own three different sizes). You can buy window washing solution at your local home center and I found that dishwashing soap such as Dawn works great. The key is to add just a small amount of soap to the bucket of lukewarm water because the fewer suds, the better.

  Here Are The Steps To Washing Your Windows

1.   The first thing I do is clean the cobwebs and loose dirt off from around the windows. A broom works great for this.
2.   Get your sponge or strip applicator wet,  squeeze out the excess soap solution and wash the window in a circular motion. You can use the plastic scraper to remove the difficult spots such as bird droppings.
3.    I take a dry and clean lint-free rag and wipe a 1″ strip along the top of the window and then down the left side. This gives me a dry edge to work from.
4.   I take my squeegee and  I wipe the edge to make sure it is dry and then starting in the top left corner I wipe horizontally to the right. I wipe the squeegee dry after every pass to ensure streak free results. As I work my way down I am sure to overlap my lines, again to prevent streaks, and when I get to the bottom I wipe the bottom edge of the window dry using a rag. You can use your squeegee with a vertical motion as well, just be sure to to hold the squeegee at a slight angle as you bring it down.

  If you watch professional window washers you will notice thet are very fast with their squeegees and they drag them across the windows in a “S” pattern. This technique takes much experience and the method I have provided will give you excellent results with little effort.

Slawek Polinski, Home Sense

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Making Your Own Electricity – What Are Your Options?

  With rising energy costs and heightened environmental concerns, more and more homeowners are looking to alternative options to supply their home’s energy needs. Twenty or more years ago, if someone mentioned the idea of getting off of the power grid, they might have been perceived as being slightly excentric and today the same idea is becoming an excepted alternative of our future. Along with the homeowner seeing his electric rates  increasing at an alarming rate, there has been more public awareness over global warming and the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer so many have been starting to ask about using clean energy or renewable energy. In this article I am writing  about using solar panels and wind turbines to supply electricity to a home along with some of the options and considerations the homeowner should be aware of.

  Grid Connected Or Off The Grid

  There are two basic types of systems, the grid-tied or grid connected and independent or off-grid. In a grid-tied system the solar panels or wind turbines(or both) connect to an inverter that converts the direct current(DC) they produce, to alternating current(AC) that can be used by the home or fed back to the utility grid. Grid-tied systems may or may not have battery backup systems. Check to see if your utility company is part of the net-metering program which means they will by back any surplus your system produces. An independent or off the grid system is meant to supply all or most of the electrical needs of a home or building and these systems include batteries for backup for nighttime use or days when there isn’t sufficient wind for the wind turbines. Many systems also includ a gasoline or diesel powered generator to provide backup power. An independent system would be common in rural areas where utility connections are expensive.

   How Much Do I Need?

  The amount of electricity a person would need to produce using solar panels or wind turbines depends whether they will be using a grid-tied or off the grid system. In a grid-tied system any amount of electricity produced by the solar panels or wind turbines will reduce the electric bill for the home by that much. It might be a good idea to produce enough electricity so that in the event of a power outage there is enough to supply certain appliances and equipment. In an off the grid system, an assessment has to be made of a home’s electrical consumption which is not an easy task because it is always fluctuating so a person must take an inventory of every electrical item in a home to determine how much power the home draws in watts. For more information on sizing a solar panel or wind turbine system check the government’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program.

  Information On Solar Panels

  The technology in solar panels or also known as photovoltaics(PV) have come a long way over the last 30 years. A PV system has no moving parts and should last indefinitely. A system using batteries for backup will need to be periodically maintained and the batteries will need to be replaced about every 10 years. A 3kw system might have as many as 16 batteries. Typically the solar panels are mounted either on the home(usually the roof) or are ground- mounted. The important thing to consider of course is where do you get maximum exposure to the sun. Some ground-mounted systems come with tracking mechanisms that will track the sun across the sky to achieve maximum efficiency. How much roof area do you need for a PV system? According to the EERE about 100 sq. ft. for every 1kw.

   Information on Wind Turbines

  You would most likely find a wind turbine in a rural area instead of an urban residential area because of the height and location requirements to be most effective. It is recommended that a wind turbine tower be installed with the bottom of the blades at least 30 feet higher than the tallest obstacle such as homes and trees, within 300 feet. It is not advisable to mount a wind turbine tower on the roof of a home because it produces a considerable amount of vibration. A wind turbine needs winds of at least 10 mph to produce electricty and before considering a wind turbine system it is advisable to check your local zoning laws(many have height restrictions). Be shure to check out the government’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program website for more detailed information installing a wind turbine system.

   Is Solar And Wind Power For You?

  Back in 1975 I entered I science fair( I was 12 years old) and the title of my entry was ” The Incredible Solar Cell”and back then people walking by were amazed that I powered a radio with 3 small solar cells. Technology of solar power has come a long way since then and thereis much time and research currently being invested to make renewable sources of energy such as solar panels and wind turbines more efficient and economical so it is not a matter if these eco-friendly sources of energy are for us, but a matter of when will they be a common part of our lives?

 Are you interested in saving money by producing your own electricity? Click on the image below for more info!

  Slawek Polinski – Home Sense

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And The Winning Bid Goes To..  

   This is an exciting weekend because Peak Auctioneering is comming to my area on Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22. They will be at the Kane County Fairgrounds which is located in St. Charles, Il. I bet at this point you are wondering what the heck is the big deal, so let me explain. There is no doubt we are all aware  the state our economy is in and in general, people are more conscious of their spending today. Though the real estate market is currently at a low, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that it will rebound and recover, so your home is still a solid long term  investment. Building material auctions such as the one offered by Peak Auctioneering is a fantastic way of investing in your home while saving money on your home improvement and home repair needs.

Do You Want To Know More?  

  What Peak Auctioneering does is bring in a huge inventory of overstock, discontinued and surplus materials from leading manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers from around the country to one location to be bid on by contractors, home remodelers and yes, the diy homeowner. Some of the items up for bid for your home improvement and home remodeling needs will include, kitchen cabinets, vanities, bathtubs, doors, windows, flooring, lumber and much, much more!  Even though I have been on their mailing list for sometime now, and I am always notified by both traditional mail and email when their event is in town, this will be my first visit to their auction. They offer a preview of the items being auctioned off on the day before the event begins so this afternoon I am off and running to see all that will be offered on Saturday and Sunday.

  Come Back And Read About My Experience

  There are two reasons for my visit to the auction:

• Being a homeowner I am anxious to see what is available for me and my home remodeling needs.
• I want to pass this information to my readers so they may have more options available to them for their upcomming home improvement and home repair projects.      

  So come back soon and read my report on Peak Auctioneering. I plan on providing  some pictures and video in my report to give the reader a better idea of what to expect with such an event. Peak Auctioneering holds their events across the country  so visit their website for more information and sign up to their mailing list. So again, come back soon to Shop Talk to get my report.

  Slawek Polinski – Home Sense

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 GO GREEN and Reduce Electric Costs

 7 Easy ways to reduce your electric bill

  If you are like most homeowners, you have watched your electric rates soar over the last few months and with more increases to your electric bill on the horizon, now is the right time to educate yourself on how you can keep more money in your pocket and help protect the enviroment. There are changes you can make today that are both easy and inexpensive which can reduce your next electric bill.

   It’s Time To See The Light

  Start changing your incandescent lightbulbs over to compact flourescents. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They can save you up to $35 over the lifetime of each bulb and if you total up the number of bulbs in your home that could amount to quite a bit of cash. CFLs cost a little more than incandescents so a good idea could be to replace your current lightbulbs with CFLs as they burn out. CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury, so be sure to dispose of them properly. Mercury contamination is definitely a concern so here a a few things you should know: CFLs contain about 4mg of mercury, compared to 40mg that are in flourescent tubes. Mercury is a natural element that is found in many rocks, one of which is coal. Coal-fired electricity plants are the biggest source of airborne mercury in the United States and once in the air, Mercury settles onto land and water,washes into our lakes and rivers polluting fish and vegetation that people and animals eat. It is to our benefit and generations to come if we reduce our consumtion of electricity. Learn more on  recycling CFLs.

   That Nasty Lint

  Whether you own an electric or gas clothes dryer, it will run more efficiently (costing you less) if you clean out the lint screen after each load and you should also clean out the exhaust duct about once a year. With warmer weather approaching in many areas, keep in mind you can dry your clothes outside on a line or clothes rack.

   Lower The Temperature And Your Bill

   Most water heaters are set too high! You will save money if you adjust yours down to the lowest temperature you can get away with. Electric water heaters have two thermostats, so set both to the same temperature starting with 120-130 degrees and working your way up untill you’re at a temperature of satisfaction. If you own a older water heater, buy an insulating blanket to help maintain the temperature in the tank. Newer models have are built with better insulating qualities and adding a blanket probably won’t help much. When buying a new water heater look for the Energy Star label.

   Set It And Forget It

   A programable thermostat will save you money by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home during both, the heating and cooling months. These are fairly inexpensive and can be found at your local Home Centers and come with a variety of options so talk to the store representative so you can be sure to buy the one that best suits your family’s needs. The thermostat can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature at certain times of the day and some models have a separate setting for the weekend. This is perfect for families that are away from home during times of work and school. When replacing your old themostat, keep in mind there is a good chance it operates on a mercury-switch and contains enough mercury to poison a small lake so be sure to recycle them properly. Visit the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association(NEWMOA)  website for information on the use of mercury in thermostats and you can also check with your local village on proper ways to recycle your thermostat. While we are on the subject of heating and cooling, remember to check and replace your air filters regularly which will allow your system to run more efficiently.

    Keep Your Fridge Running Cool

  Cleaning your refrigerator coils at least twice a year will improve its efficiency by 30-50 percent and that can save you some cold hard cash! This is an easy maintenance procedure that can be don with a vacuum and a brush. The door seals on your fridge can wear down over time and you can test them by shutting a dollar bill in the door and if you can pull it out easily, it is time to have it replaced. If your refrigerator was made bfore the year 2001, it uses about 40 percent more electricity than a new model with the Energy Star label.

   Shut Off Your Computers

  Most computers use the equivalent of around thre 100 watt lightbulbs so shutting them off at night will save you plenty.Even when you turn off your computer,monitor and printer they are still consuming electricity so plug them into a power strip andcut off their power with a flick of a switch. You can also set your computer to go into a power-saving mode when it is inactive for a set period of time without losing any current data. When buying a new computer and monitor,as with other appliances, look for the Energy Star label. An Energy Star computer ucan use up to 70 percent less electricity than computer that isn’t.

    Eliminate Those Energy Sucking Vampires

   Did you know that 75 percent of the electrical use by home electronics occurs when they are turned off? According to the Depatment of Energy, “Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. These phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.” One of the hungriest of energy vampires are those cable and satellite boxes with DVRs. Turning these off with a power strip would be inconvenient becaus they take a long time to reset and you cannot record your tv shows if they are shut down. You can however, unplug them if you are leave on vacation and do not have anything scheduled to record(every little bit helps).  You can see a list of common electrical products and their electical consunptionin in thes tandby mode which is provided by theLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).

   Here Is A Bonus

   As you can now see, it is easy for all of us to do our part in conserving energy and it can be done without spending too much money. Here is the bonus tip: “Use common sense” at home and you will be surprised at the impact it will have on your electric bill. That means we all have to be a little more aware of our daily habits and remember to shut off lights as we exit rooms, shut off televisions that aren’t being watched and turn off those computers that aren’t being used(your mom is watching). Yes it is that easy!

  Slawek Polinski

   Home Sense 

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WHERE YOU FIND SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

 Are you ready to find solutions to your challenges as a homeowner? Do you want easy to follow guidance for your next home improvement and home repair project? Wouldn’t you love to save money by knowing how to make simple repairs yourself instead of hiring someone? If you are answering yes to any of these questions, you are definitely in the right place. Shop Talk, the blog section to Home Sense is being designed with the average homeowner in mind covering topics such as issues with common home repair, home improvement, home design, landscaping, and much more.

HELP US HELP YOU

  We are new here at Home Sense  and Shop Talk and we want your input so we can better serve you. Anyone who sends us a comment via this blog or by e-mail, from now till May 31st, will receive a FREE REPORT which is titled “ The Spring And Summer Checklist For Your Home.” Yes that’s right, Spring is upon us and soon it will be time to tune -up our homes to ensure a peaceful and trouble free Summer season. So send us your comments and questions on the subjects that concern and interest you as a homeowner and we will send you the free report as our appreciation to you. We will be growing constantly in the comming weeks and we will be adding written content as well as video and audio to make the subject of home improvement and home repair more fun and interesting so check back often to see what we are up to. We look forward to receiving your comments and questions!

Thank you,

Slawek Polinski - Home Sense

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