The incredible ease of access to massive amounts of information available on the Internet, has made us a population of comparison shoppers. Before making a purchase or hiring a service provider, whether it’s a doctor or a plumber, it’s a safe bet that the majority of consumers will search for online reviews. But is this information really trustworthy? There are signs to look for that can help gauge the accuracy of consumer-generated reviews. For example:
Accountability
Explore the format for posting a review. Look for controls that would make it difficult to publish a fake report. Are posters required to submit a little more detailed information than simply a web-based e-mail account? Sites that want detailed information are deemed more trustworthy because since extra background details are necessary, scammers and spammers will likely be discouraged.
Time frame of reviews
Was there a flood of glowing reviews that were posted within a very short chunk of time? This is a red flag that these comments are from bogus reviewers. Look for balanced bodies of submissions over a significant length of time that have a healthy mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
For those of us whose busy work and school schedules leave time for little else, the last thing we want to do is spend hours on house cleaning and maintenance. Fortunately, those in the home design and building industry realize this. The good news is that many easy care components are now available. Could any of these be right for you?
A nice, fresh blanket of winter snow can be a beautiful sight, but when that winter wonderland turns severe, your home could suffer expensive damage. The best way to combat winter storm damage is to be proactive. Know when a storm is headed your way and take the necessary precautions whenever possible; however, do not take unnecessary risks in order to save material possessions. Remember, even your homes can be rebuilt but YOU are not replaceable!
Keeping up appearances – When your home is up for sale, make sure to maximize its curb appeal by keeping the yard and driveway fresh and tidy with raking, mulching, and leaf blowing. If you live in a snowy climate, in addition to clearing walkways, it may be necessary to sprinkle salt or kitty litter for extra traction. Preventing the entry points from being perceived as treacherous by potential buyers is a top priority.
In much of the country, fall eases into summer’s place seemingly overnight. Other regions may see a more gradual changing of the seasons. Regardless of how it happens, summer days of mowing, watering, and pruning give way to an entirely different list of gardening chores. Here’s a look at some ways to make sure your green space is ready for autumn:
For many Americans, fall is their hands-down favorite time of year. When asked why, typical responses list factors such as great weather, kids going back to school, football season, and autumn produce such as crisp apples and brightly colored winter squash and pumpkins. In much of the country, fall is a prelude to some of the most drastic changes in temperature and weather. Just as “spring cleaning” is a common practice, so is readying a home for the winter during the mild months of autumn. Whether you live in Minnesota or Arizona, here are a few things you’ll want to take care of before the north wind blows.
As we near the end of summer and warm weather is still hanging around, you may be ready to tackle some common summer chores, like maintaining outdoor aesthetics and ensuring indoor comfort. Here is a quick checklist for getting the most done during the dog days.
Many new homeowners have the misconception that just because their property passed its home inspection with flying colors, that they’re in the clear, at least for the foreseeable future. On the contrary! Now, more than ever, it is imperative that anyone who owns a home or is contemplating a 
Think just because your deck is constructed from pressure treated lumber that it will last forever? Think again! Even pressure treated lumber needs a layer of sealant to protect it from the elements. Over time, the sealant layer wears away and should be reapplied. To determine if it is time to tackle this job, simply spray a little water on your deck boards. If the water beads up, you have less to be concerned about. When the wood soaks up the water is when it’s time to get busy. Absorbing moisture will cause the boards to expand and crack. Unsealed deck boards are also prone to warp and rot. When the rotting process begins, is often when the termites move in! As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain all of your home’s components. Here are some suggestions for your home’s wooden deck maintenance.
