How to Find a Roof Leak

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How to Find a Roof Leak

A leaky roof is one of the most common challenges faced by homeowners. When the roof leaks, a variety of problems can follow, from infestations of mold and mildew to damaged foundations. Many times a roof leak can be repaired, with low expenses and minimal time commitment. The first step is to identify the source of the leak.

The first sign of a roof leak is often wet ceiling tiles. In this case, the source of the leak can be found by tracing the leak backwards to its source on the roof, keeping in mind that the source of the leak may be some distance away from where it is dripping into the home. There are a number of common places for roofs to leak, including:

✓ Valleys or low spots in the roof
✓ Skylights or chimneys
✓ Plumbing vent flashings
✓ Wall step flashings
✓ Furnace or B-vent flashings
✓ Missing shingles

If the leak is running along the wall, it may be necessary to remove the top tiling to get to the source of the leak. Even so, some leaks may originate further up on the roof, making the source somewhat difficult to find. If the source of the leak turns out to be as simple as a missing block of shingles due to a recent windstorm, the solution may be as simple as replacing those missing shingles. If the cause is more complex, it may be necessary to consult a roofing professional to check the roof. Even if you have to pay for professional help, it is important to repair a leaking roof right away; otherwise you will have even greater home repair expenses from water and moisture damages.

Sometimes even a clogged gutter or downspout can cause the roof to start leaking, so be sure to clean out those gutters and downspouts on a regular basis to keep the roof looking like new.

The Remodel Guru is Barry Hicks owner of Sunshine Remodeling and Sunrooms, Dallas, Texas.  Barry loves to give advice to homeowners about caring for their property.

http://www.sunshinesunrooms.com

2410 Glenda Lane  972-243-5390

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By B. Conrad
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Texas Assoc of Realtors recommendations for prop 2,3,5,11 Nov 3rd http://ping.fm/W6tRK

Vote Yes on Propositions 2,3,5,and 11 Tues Nov 3 in Dallas

Reprinted from an article by Robyn Carafiol, SRES,  Virginia Cook Realtors.

On Tuesday, November 3^rd, we will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote on several important issues.  Early voting is already underway.  The Texas Association of Realtors recommends that we vote “YES” on Propositions 2, 3, 5 and 11.  These measures represent significant appraisal reform and protection of private-property rights.

Propositions 2, 3, and 5 have been targeted by a malicious misinformation campaign meant to prey on the fears of uninformed voters who may not read the ballot language.  Don’t fall victim to this campaign.  Here’s what Propositions 2, 3, 5, and 11 will do:

• Proposition 2
  Homeowners in Texas are well aware of astronomical increases in appraised values. These increases can be made ever worse when chief appraisers choose to bypass appraising a property as homestead, and base their appraisal on the “highest and best use” of the property.  Proposition 2 protects homeowners who happen to live in or near commercial areas by mandating that their residences be appraised only as a residence, regardless of what the highest and best use of the property might be.
• Proposition 3
  Current law requires that standards and procedures for the appraisal of property to originate in the county where the tax is imposed. As a result property owners are often victimized by a hodgepodge of inconsistent rules and standards throughout the state. This constitutional amendment corrects this problem by simply requiring an appraisal district to follow standard appraisal methods and procedures.
• Proposition 5
  Appraisal review boards have the responsibility to resolve disputes between property owners and county appraisal districts when the taxable value of a property is being challenged. The property owner is always best served when the review boards are comprised of members who understand the issues and complexities of property valuations.  Some rural counties have difficulty finding board members to meet these standards. This constitutional amendment will give these counties the option to pool together their qualified applicants to better ensure the property owner that their appraisal appeal is being handled professionally and timely.
• Proposition 11
  The U.S. and Texas constitutions authorize the power of eminent domain. This power allows a governmental entity to take private property as long as it is for a “public use” and the owner is adequately compensated. This amendment would narrow the scope under which private property could be taken by eminent domain. It essentially would eliminate the taking of private property for either private economic development (e.g., a shopping mall) or to boost tax revenues. It also provides that the power of eminent domain could be granted only by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Legislature.

Please vote YES on these well-intentioned propositions.

And please call or email me with your real estate questions or concerns.  If you are thinking about buying or selling a house this year or next year, I would like to speak to you about the current market conditions and the excellent service I provide.  Thank you!

Robyn Carafiol, SRES

Virginia Cook Realtors

robyn@robynhomes.com

214.460.8016

http://www.virginiacook.com/robyn-carafiol

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Barbara Husel Goodlife Pathways and Ageing in Place

Barbara Husel held an important event today for Seniors at the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.  I was able to speak to the large group about Ageing in Place.  Ageing in place means that if a Senior chooses, I can remodel or modify their living space that they can continue to safely live at home.  Avoiding having to move out of the house they have lived in most of their lives.  I took a Halloween basket made by Judy Creiner, our Gift Diva,as a gift for one lucky senior attendee.  It was a huge hit!  Thanks Barbara!  Thanks Judy!

Remodel GuruDFW, Barry Hicks talks Remodeling.
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Contractors Guide to Remodeling for the Elderly DFW

Demographic Facts about the Maturing of our Nation:

In 2009, one in every four people in the USA is over the age of 50

• The net worth of seniors is five times greater than the average worth of all US Citizens.
• Seniors average $24,000 per year in disposable income
• 60% of seniors purchase remodeling services, they are less likely to attempt to di it themselves.
• From the year 2000 to 2030 the US population of people over the age of 65 will double.
• By 2050…79 Million people in the US will be age 65 and over.
• Baby Boomers own 48% of all homes
• Boomers have the highest median household income in the US
• Boomers have the highest earnings and the highest inheritances in the US.

Is a nursing home in the future of all of these Americans?  I don’t think so!

Seniors and their Care Givers  will be contacting a CAPS certified contractor to remodel their homes to make their lives safer and more comfortable.  The NAHB offers a certification class called CAPS .  Which stands for Certified Aging in Place.

As a contractor who is experienced in this field.  I want to share some basic etiquette when working with seniors on Remodeling their home.  I wish someone had told me this when I was new to CAPS.

Tips for contractors:

• Treat older adults like the adults they are, with respect.
• Speak directly to the home owner, even if there are other decision makers present.
• Allow extra time for the information to be processed by your client
• Be patient- and don’t refuse the hospitality of your clients
• Build trust
• Converse at eye level with a person in a wheelchair
• Use familiar terms and expressions so there is no confusion
• Use 12 point or larger font in all bids and proposals
• Use non-glare paper in all bids and proposals

NAHB National Association of Home Builders

CAPS Certified Aging in Place

As your Remodeling Contractor, I need to have a clear understanding:

• Who is my client
• Who lives in the house
• Special concerns (physical limitations) of residents
• Will any medical therapies or medical conditions affect the remodeling project?
• Is there an assessment from a physician or a Transition Counselor like Barbara Husel, Dallas, Texas of Goodlife Pathways, www.goodlifepathways.com that the re-modeler needs to work with?
• author, Barry Hicks, President   Sunshine Remodeling and Sunrooms, Dallas, Texas   www.sunshinesunrooms.com  972-243-5390

$20,000 Home Remodel can keep away the Nursing Home!

$20,000 Smart – Remodeling Budget

Yes!  You can do it with the help of a good remodeling contractor, your transition life counselor and your physician.  Remain living independently in your own home.  As your contractor, I must be able to provide guidance for specific needed modifications in your home.  Good remodeling can make your home safer and more secure as your body changes and matures.

As a Contractor my priority is improving the function and practicality of your home.  But I am also focused on  keeping the beauty of your home intact.  Appearance is so important because the good taste and beauty of your home make even the coldest days and the saddest moments of our lives more bearable.

First, I will explain some of the options available in specific areas of the home.  Areas that can often be the source of injury or fire in the home.

Second,  I will show you an example of what a$20,000 remodel can do for your house.  An example of what $20,000 buys for you in making your home safer and more secure.

Kitchen

• Install sit down height for work surfaces
• No open flames
• Anti scald valves
• Update electrical wiring as needed to prevent blown fuses
• Install easy to operate door knobs and dead bolts
• Install automatic timers and shut offs for appliances
• Install Non-slip flooring
• Replace round door knobs with levers
• Install rocker switches on all lights
• Install automatic light on/off devices in all closets when door is opened and closed

Bathrooms

Three Priorities:  prevent falls, ease of use, and look beautiful!

• Install grab bars
• Install raised toilet seats
• Install bath bench and hand held shower heads
• Install a night light path to the bathroom

General

• Strategic handrails throughout house
• Non-slip surfaces where possible
• Use lots of color and contrast through out the house
• Design large clear hallways, stairways and pathways in the house.

Your CAPS Certified Aging in Place remodeling contractor, will act as YOUR guide and … be the guide for your adult children or whoever else is involved in the remodeling project.  Two thirds of all mature adults make their own remodeling decisions.

The $20,000 Smart – Remodeling Budget

Improvement and Approximate Cost

1. Replacing exterior stairs with landscaped ramp     $3000
2. Low-voltage lighting system on exterior walkways and in the yard     $350
3. Install Electronic video door-answering system with buzzer entry     $2200
4. Replace bathtub with walk-in shower     $6000
5. Electric Bed, adjustable in height and position     $1800
6. Voice Activated home automation system lights and appliances     $4200
7. Automatic fire suppressant system in range hood     $700
8. Motorized units for height adjustable kitchen cabinets     $1750

*  This estimate does not include everything that is listed in the options available section of this article.  For example purposes only and not a special being offered at my company.  All bids and estimates are done on a customized basis. We do offer specials if you call.   My priority here is to be helpful to the homeowner.  Barry Hicks, President   Sunshine Remodeling, Dallas, Texas www.sunshinesunrooms.com  214-243-5390