Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Touch up exterior paint. Peeling paint allows more moisture and sunlight to damage the existing paint, making it a tougher and more costly chore down the road.  When buying exterior paint, this isn't where you want to penny-pinch.  Go for the expensive label - it's worth it in the end. If you hav...

The Home Star bill, a $5.7 billion program for the next two years will allow homeowners to cash in on rebates for better insulation, new energy-saving windows and doors.  This new stimulus, dubbed cash-for-caulkers, is separate than that $1,500 tax credit on energy from last year through the end ...

1. Check for lead paint.  The EPA has set new regulations for lead-safe regulations.  Having a contractor abide by these new standards may add additional cost to your project. 2. In order for your paint to stick better, make sure all the grit and grime is washed off the exterior before painting. ...

There are several common problems with homes that seem to always need to be taken care of at one point or another.  It could be odors, noises, aesthetics...but whatever it is, we don't want it to happen and when it does, we want to know how to fix it stat! Pealing paint:  Caused by moisture under...

I've said it before, it's no big surprise - curb appeal is a HUGE factor in making your home more marketable and sets the tone for how potential buyers feel when considering your property.  Let's make this quick and simple, here's your key improvements to give your home's exterior a major boost! ...

It's nearly prime season to sit out on your back patio and enjoy the awesome spring weather.  What?  You don't have a patio?!?!  It's definitely a good time to evaluate your yard for what potential patio space you have.  Plus, having a nicely done outdoor living space is a major plus for resale. ...

In terms of do-it-yourself projects, sprucing up your curb appeal by planting a pretty garden is one of the easiest and usually cost-effective things to do, however there are key mistakes you want to avoid when doing so.  When the fresh Spring breeze gets you excited to work outdoors, don't go ch...

You don't always have to use toxic chemicals to get  rid of wood-destroying insects and other pests.  You can instead consider an alternative approach-"integrated pest management"-which combines common sense with prevention techniques, conventional pesticides, and green alternatives, such as natu...

 With the warm, sunny days peaking through and about to make their grand entrance, take advantage of such beautiful weather and perform a few maintenance tasks.  While you can enjoy the fresh air from outside and before you will die if you don't have a properly-functioning AC unit, schedule HVAC ...

Tax returns should be on their way back to your bank account and while last week we gave some $500 home investments, this week we'll suggest a few $1000 projects that you could put your tax refund towards.  Swap out your old top-loading washing machine for a front-loading high-efficiency Energy S...