Would a fuel economy figure for a new home be useful for potential buyers?

1 Answer

Answer :

I’ve bought and sold a couple houses, a review of the last year’s utilities was usually in the due diligence. So yes there a benefit of “fuel economy” for complete house. I have a two zone heating system with upstairs on a different zone. Both zones are on “set back” T-stats. We’ve added additional insulation in the attic that dropped the utility bill by 15%. I have a friend in town that has a house almost the same size and shape, he pays 50% more for utilities.

Related questions

Description : Any first-time faucet-buyers out there?

Last Answer : I had Moen faucets installed in the bathroom sinks and showers about 25-30 years ago. About 3 years ago they started to drip a little. Then a little more. Then a little more. Finally I decided I had ... another 25 years. Note. The Delta faucet in the kitchen is about the same age and does not drip.

Description : Can you help me figure out a way to organize my stud earrings?

Last Answer : How about getting a jewelry roll? I use one of them for my earrings and rings and works nicely. You can hide it into a drawer and the jewelry stay well organized. If you can’t afford to buy one and you are good with handcrafting, you can make one yourself, they are pretty easy to make.

Description : What is the cheapest way to accurately figure out property lines in a wooded environment?

Last Answer : answer:If 30' or so isn't close enough for you, then you probably need to have a survey. And forget about sticks with colored flags', which are good enough for builders as (very) temporary ... have a complaint, then they'll probably tell you soon, and no permanent harm will have been done.

Description : I have some shelves that I can't figure out how to arrange, how would you put them?

Last Answer : put the large shelf between the two cubes and surround that with 4 of the “L” shaped shelves. on another wall, take the last 2 “L” shaped and place them, spaced out above the 1 longer bottom L.

Description : If you could do it all over again; what would you do when moving into a new home?

Last Answer : answer:Any modifications you are going to do, if you are able to do them prior to moving in, it will ease up the confusion, mess and disruption to your life more so than if you live in the ... store it indefinitely without worry about moisture getting to it (if it's in a damp basement or shed).

Description : What is your home work station like?

Last Answer : answer:This, with a living paper weight and my back-up filing system, including the organizer

Description : Home ownership- do you do your maintenance?

Last Answer : Most of my maintenance is of a “repair” it after the problem has developed type.

Description : Any good ideas for good DIY home security?

Last Answer : Get a dog with a good bark.

Description : Basement in an 1850's home (with an older bathroom - clawfoot tub and all). Why a bathroom in the basement?

Last Answer : Could be for the servants. Or whoever else is down there.

Description : Besides your place, where else are you at home?

Last Answer : Yes, visiting my parents.

Description : Do your pets insist on "helping" with your home improvement projects?

Last Answer : I have two cats and a dog.They all like to “help” that way and I let them unless I am using power tools or mixing chemicals, then they get put away. They are good company.:) Your helper is very cute,btw

Description : How difficult is it to construct a fireplace/chimney in an older home with none in it?

Last Answer : answer:A traditional brick fireplace is going to be very difficult to erect in an existing frame house that doesn't have one, and even more so if it's a typical house in the Northeast with a ... ), so that you can often get by with a horizontal PVC duct through the outside wall to exhaust.

Description : What items would you put in your dream home?

Last Answer : Augustlan found this for me at Pier1 Imports! It’s a giant wall decor spatula that’s about 46 inches tall! I want that and an aquarium with a beautiful and vibrant octopus named Mr. Cuddles.

Description : Is using the "Home Affordable Refinance Program" a smart idea?

Last Answer : answer:Here is general information about the program. I found this in FAQ What are the interest rate and other terms of a refinance under HARP? The rate will be based on market rates ... over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans must have no prepayment penalties or balloon payments.

Description : What are the best shingles for a Midwestern United States Home with lots of snow,rain and weather changes?

Last Answer : I got architectural shingles for my roof. Check here We get some real extremes here in South Dakota. I like the 30 year warranty I got with mine the most.

Description : Are home burglar alarms worth the cost?

Last Answer : I think the idea is that the siren will make the burglar run away without taking anything. Also, I know that at least some companies have the alarm system connected to the smoke alarms and will ... of the alarm system is less than the difference in home insurance prices, it would be worth while.

Description : What do you know about building or living in an earthen home?

Last Answer : answer::D I saw earthen home and was about to rant and rave about hobbit houses and how much I would love to live in them, but you already have that covered! They wouldn't need a/c, ... to nearly as significant a degree as modern homes and subdivisions. Gaaahhhh!!! Hobbit houses are my dream home.

Description : How do I connect low voltage outdoor lighting to home electrical?

Last Answer : The best way is to install an outside outlet with a GFI so you have some place where you can plug in the transformer. You can put the outlet near an existing indoor outlet. But that is not what you ... it? Many people just run an extension cord from a convenient spot - but that does not meet code. .

Description : My home has become a clutter trap I cant seem to manage it any ideas?

Last Answer : Super aggressive and start throwing useless stuff out! It all adds up and becomes more and more. Take it easy and slowly and it will all fall into place and when you are done, you will feel ... have the same problem and I feel like calling those British ladies How clean is your house declutterers!

Description : What was your greatest home repair blunder?

Last Answer : Trying to repair a slate roof with no idea of what I was doing.Wrecked a lot more of the slates. Made everything worse. Finally found a professional in Vermont who knew what he was doing. Cost about three times as much than if I’d just called him in the first place.

Description : What is the best product or home made mixture, for getting stains out of car upholstery?

Last Answer : Zep Formula 451, mixed with some water. I used to manage a carwash and detail shop. 451 was the greatest product. Use a small brush with thick bristles to work up some foam lather, then vacuum it up. Good luck.

Description : Have you successfully used solar panels on your home?

Last Answer : …or someone you know? :)

Description : What completes a room/home?

Last Answer : The Gunport

Description : How do you find financing for remodeling a home into an energy-efficient one?

Last Answer : Check out Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency I realize this isn’t financing, but just wanted to make sure you were aware of this as well….. This info is for tax years 2006. 2007, 2009. (We put in new roof 2004, new A/C fall 2005 and new windows fall 2008…..grrrrrrrrr).

Description : How can get i get a grant to pay off bills, and home improvement?

Last Answer : How about paying your way through earning money instead of grants? I am a single woman that pays for my own home improvements and bills by working and saving for what I need.

Description : Are there any tax breaks for home improvments?

Last Answer : See this link Click on the home improvements section

Description : When you have work done in your home do you have a problem w/ the construction workers using your bathroom?

Last Answer : I prefer they ask first, but I don’t mind so long as they are neat. Now if they pee on the floor or leave grime in the sink, I’d be a little annoyed and mention it.

Description : If you could add a completely unnecessary convenience to your home what would it be?

Last Answer : A laundress, who would also drop off and pick up the dry cleaning. Really, is that too much to ask for? :)

Description : Which is better for a home, water filtration system or a water softener?

Last Answer : I'm not sure what type of water filtration system you are considering, but generally the two systems serve different purposes and are not mutually exclusive. Water softeners reduce the ... reducing organic compounds, sediment and chlorine but not minerals, salts and dissolved inorganic compounds.

Description : When adding a room onto your home, what are the steps you follow, from beginning to end, as your own general contractor?

Last Answer : I would at least have an architect review your plans before you submit them for permits. You probably need electrical drawings, framing drawings, foundation drawings, plumbing(if there is any) and ... would have considered working with a homeowner before are getting hungry enough to do it now.

Description : What's cheaper? Building a fence from scratch, or buying those panels from lowes/home depot?

Last Answer : Probably from scratch, but there would be more work involved.

Description : Where can I acquire the blueprints for my home?

Last Answer : Perhaps the firm that built it ?

Description : Any plumber/home repair practitioners out there wanna tackle one?

Last Answer : Go down to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s plumbing department and describe the problem to them. They will hook you up with the proper parts and describe how to install it. If you bat your eyes just right, they might even volunteer to do it for you after their shift is over.

Description : Can you help me with my home-improvement project?

Last Answer : I would assume that you could bring the faucet and adapter to something along the likes of ACE hardware and someone there could help you find just the right thing but I’m not an expert in that particular field…

Description : Is there a Home Remedy to eliminate or dissipate paint odor?

Last Answer : answer:Why would you want to dissipate it? Seriously though- knowing not everyone is an artist who enjoys the smell of paint- airing out is the best method. Sprays mask it but in reality the fumes need to ... fresh paint is not in the direct path of the fan so it does not blow dust onto the surface.

Description : Do I turn off an electric water heater at a vacation home during the off season?

Last Answer : answer:I would certainly recommend turning everything off, if you are going to be away from a place for an extended period of time, if for no other reason than the fact that you really don't ... box, and everything electrical in that place would be shut off, except for the battery-powered clocks.

Description : Have you found any of the new 'non-incandescent' lights to your liking?

Last Answer : answer:I've used the curly compact fluorescents for many years. Whatever are the cheap ones at Lowe's or Home Depot. I see a box here that says Ecosmart brand Soft White. On the ... work in photography and we had to pay careful attention to lighting, fluorescent tubes presented a few difficulties.

Description : If I were to install glass mosaic tile over new bathroom vanity/sink, would I install the tile first and then put the vanity in or put the vanity in and then tile the backsplash?

Last Answer : It would be much easier to put the tile in around the vanity. Otherwise, you’d have to know the exact height of the vanity to get the tile at the right height. Cutting the tiles is the hardest part of the DIY project. Good luck.

Description : Any ideas how to get the creases out of a new curtain (without ironing it)?

Last Answer : My first thought was to hang them and then steam them.

Description : New (replacement) windows: vinyl vs. wood?

Last Answer : If you want ro be able to paint the vinyl, make sure that the type of windows you get ARE Paintable. Not all vinyl is. I live in one of the hottest places on the planet and we are contractors. ... 20 years. The new retrofit vinyl windows are super easy to install, even if you have a stucco house.

Description : Do I absolutely have to remove old caulk before applying new?

Last Answer : For best results always start with a clean and solid substrate.

Description : Need a new vacuum cleaner. Suggestions?

Last Answer : answer:Walmart has this awesome bissel for 40 bucks that is just as good as a 200-300 dollar one in my opinion. If you don't mind shopping at walmart. It ... . http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bissell-Powerforce-Bagless-Upright-Vacuum/11039508?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11039508

Description : I have a nook in my new bedroom. What would be the easiest way to turn it into a desk area without buying a desk?

Last Answer : Here is a link to seven steps in turning a closet or nook into a desk area with shelving.

Description : I need to install a new light bulb on a high ceiling. What are those things called that allow you to reach the cieling and install a lightbulb?

Last Answer : A…...ladder?

Description : I live in an old house -- can I squirt aerosol insulation into area behind faceplate before I attach new faceplates?

Last Answer : You are better off installing pre-cut foam. The reason is that aerosol insulation tends to contract and pull away from the studs over time, allowing infiltration again.

Description : Any Suggestions for Left, Right & Center Speakers for My New Surround Sound System?

Last Answer : None specifically but you could try some forums such as avforums.com and head-fi.com There ar plenty of audiophiles that post reviews and recommendations there. Also if imaging and controlled dispersion of ... frequency, and plug in the feet for each dimension of the room for the wavelength value.

Description : Ryobi Battery upgrade or new tools?

Last Answer : Since you're not a pro, and you say those are old batteries, I'd reccomend just upgrading to a new battery because as batteries age, especially if you're in a warm environment, they tend to lose ... well as it does on regular , nonrechargable ones I hope this helps. By the way, welcome to Fluther!

Description : What is your recommendation for a new toilet?

Last Answer : We got a Toto Ultramax and are very pleased with it. This guy reviews various toilets and also seems to like Toto, but includes some other brands such as Eljer. The one problem is that Toto isn't ... a 2 so it swallows better. My parents like the pressure assist toilets but I find them noisy.

Description : New dryer "Dry Jeans" setting. Seriously?

Last Answer : We have a new dryer and it has that setting. All it seems to do is max out the temperature. I think it is meant to dry them as quickly as possible and is not intended to preserve them.

Description : What could cause the ceiling above the shower in my bottom floor apartment to cave in?

Last Answer : I can't tell you, but I can say that this happened to me years ago. The landlord had the second-floor unit and I was on the first floor. One night (luckily when I was not in the shower) ... course, but it sure cramped my style for a little while there. I hope you notified your landlord right away.