Home & Garden

In these tough economic times choosing home improvement projects that can reduce our energy costs are something to strongly consider.  Retractable awnings offer great benefits in reducing energy costs while keeping you cool on your deck or patio.  You can reduce heat gain inside by as much as 77 percent and reduce sunlight and glare through your window by as much as 94 percent.

Warm spring nights, cool breeze through the open windows, your neighbor’s pool pump screeching.  Sound familiar?  Barking dogs, buses, Harleys, your kid’s drum set.  All noises we don’t like but seem to come with the territory of living with neighbors. 

Energy-Saving Retrofitting Reduces Carbon Emissions, Lowers Utility Costs

The Community Energy Partnership recently selected the Santa Clarita Senior Center to receive numerous energy efficiency upgrades, including five sun tunnels, as part of a large-scale energy efficiency tune-up and demonstration project. The energy-conserving retrofits will save the Senior Center approximately $2,700 annually, plus additional savings that will be tracked over the course of the year. 

Does the economy have you pinching pennies?  Are you trying to save a few bucks and still make a money saving investment for your home or office?  Why not upgrade your home or office with energy efficient Milgard Windows from B & D Glass?

Have you been considering remodeling your home recently?  Updating the mundane atmosphere of your interior with a fresh uplifting new style?  This decision can be very heavy, but the outcome is rewarding all around.  While living in a newly remodeled home, you will enjoy the upgrades and vibrancy every day.  Your kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc. will sparkle and shine. 

The term “Hybrid” has been used frequently over the last two decades for many things from fruits, vegetables, and farm animals to fertilizers, plastics and automobiles.  Hybrid can be defined as the “offspring of genetically different parents.”  Often, the hybrid product can be more efficient than what it is replacing.  As technology improves, the costs generally go down and quality improves.

March 21 marked the first day of spring, and with that brings beautiful weather here in Santa Clarita.  As you look around your garden you notice your lawn areas look weak, yellow and tired.  Imagine standing in one place all winter and subjecting yourself to freezing weather, wind, rain and all the elements.  Good thing, lawns are tough and just a little attention will bring that youthful appearance right back.

Every year about this time as the temperature begins to creep up the thermometer, the phones start to ring with every pool builder’s favorite question, “How soon can you build a pool?”  As the temperature settles in the 90s and aims toward the 100 degree-mark desperation sets in on the other end of the phone line as the realization sets in that another blazing summer is upon us.

Do you love the look of wicker, but are afraid of the durability factor?  Well worry no more.  Ebel, Inc.’s Weather Wicker is 100 percent weather-proof and can be used outdoors year round.  Cleaning is quick and easy – just brush with soap and water, then hose off thoroughly.  Heavy stains can be treated with any non-abrasive household cleaner.

A new program has been developed by the Santa Clarita Artist’s Association called, “60 Minutes With An Artist,” which is a series of art lectures given by professional artists about the “Process of Creating a Painting.”

As the final date draws near where the removal of Automatic Water Softeners is required many Santa Clarita Valley residents are asking questions about alternative water treatment.  For those who are choosing not to pay the high service rates for portable exchange softening tanks, and only a limited softening capacity, there are several different options available.

You may have seen the recent exposes’ on television or read about them online regarding those coupons we all get in the mail offering carpet cleaning for what sounds like a great price.  Once when I quoted what I knew to be a reasonable price to a potential customer she asked, “Why so much?  You are only cleaning my carpet.” 

The New Way of Future Remodeling, Building and Design

Unlike traditional modeling, 3D printed models provide a “what you see is what you get” philosophy.  The ability to “proof” your model prior to build or remodel including all details and finishes will help ensure accuracy and satisfaction. 

Today, many of us are facing challenges and uncertainties we have only heard our parents or grandparents talk about, but never experienced ourselves.  At times, it feels like we are being hit from all sides and it is difficult to see a “light at the end of the tunnel.”  No matter what your personal situation, the time is now to deal with what you have been “putting off till tomorrow.”  We all have to change our “American” mindset of “more is better.”  Consider the following concepts to help you create the life you want to live and eliminate the unnecessary clutter.

With the first warm days of spring, most residents of Santa Clarita find themselves driven to the great outdoors.  Thoughts of home-grown tomatoes and peppers offer encouragement to get out and prepare the vegetable garden.

Nowadays, several homemakers and builders are shifting their focus towards natural stones.  This building material has gained huge popularity over manmade stones.  It can be used to decorate kitchen countertops, floors, walls, bathroom vanities and fireplaces.  They lend a royal feel to your indoors and outdoors.

The Santa Clarita Artists’ Association (SCAA) April 20, 2009 meeting at 7 p.m. will feature W. Bradley Elsberry.  Bradley will be talking about and showing modern digital techniques to create better compositions and speed the layout process in order to get to the actual process of painting.

The American home has always been, and will continue to be, one of the best investments for your money.  If you have not added upgrades in the last seven to 10 years to your home, then your home is not worth as much as the homes of those who have.  Investing in your home is like investing in gold, the value increases steadily and has since the beginning of our country.  Maintaining a beautiful home is a demonstration of American pride.