Is Solar Worth It?

Solar Panels seem to be everywhere these days. You may have noticed neighbors who don't drive Prius' and otherwise don't fit the 'green' stereotype now have panels beaming off of their roofs. Have you considered installing solar panels on your home? If so, like me, you may have also wondered what impact it might have on re-sale when the time comes, whether solar is worth the investment, and even wondered where to start...so I set out to get some answers on what buyer's and seller's might need to know. 

Smart Thermostat Rebates

Is a Smart Thermostat a good buy for your home? 

If you have been on the fence about a Smart Thermostat, or are wondering if they are even right for you this might be the time to consider making the switch. I live in Utah and am talking about current rebates available for two of the most popular Smart Thermostats: Nest and Ecobee 3. However, information on rebates are easily available for nearly any location. 

Ice Dams

Magic icicles glistening off of your homes rooftop, a classic sign of winter right? What if those icicles could be a warning sign of a potentially costly ice dam issue? Ice dams form when melting snow ends up refreezing at the edge of your roof or the gutter. So what's the harm and what are your options?

What's the problem? Well the dam is just what it sounds like...a little dam, and behind those ice dams melted water can form and possibly infiltrate the shingles and eventually your home. Roof related home owners insurance claims regularly rate among the top 10 homeowners insurance claims filed. Why file a claim, damage your home, and cost yourself money for something that is at least moderately preventable. 

The Lowdown on Decks (sort of)

Today I wanted to talk about outdoor living space in general, but more specifically decks. Outdoor living space is a key selling feature in almost every housing market. A home with a fantastic outdoor space opens up entertaining potential, a place to relax enjoying a beautiful view, and oftentimes is a deciding factor in a home buyer's decision. 

What if you want to spruce up your outdoor living space? Maybe you have a deck that isn't exactly inviting you to spend nights chatting with friends, perhaps your friends are scared to walk onto your deck and they are no longer visiting?? Here are some ideas on what you can do, and some options for replacement if things get that serious.  

Composting with Worms in Small Spaces

A short while ago I decided I wanted to incorporate composting into my life again. I currently stay in a condo with a small patio. Not ideal for a composting operation from my experience. Additionally a lot of my clients live in townhomes or condominiums. So I set out to discover a composting option for those of us with limited space. Or really even if you have a large area but want to give composting a whirl this is a good option, worm composting is certainly not exclusionary in my opinion. 

Visit to the Conservation Garden Park

Hello everyone! Recently I took a trip to the Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan. I had been meaning to go for quite some time, and I will tell you it did not disappoint. For those who aren't familiar with the Conservation Garden Park it is a demonstration garden of water wise plants, an education center, and just an overall water saving idea center if you are looking to switch up your landscaping and want to incorporate more native or water-wise plants. Many states and various cities have something similar. The Conservation Garden Park is a very convenient option for Utahns, particularly those living on the South end of Salt Lake County. Should you go? My opinion is...ABSOLUTELY. It is free (you can donate, as it is a non-profit) has fairly convenient hours, activities for kids, and is just an overall peaceful place to visit and get garden ideas. I'm a fan. 

Green Tips for a Nursery or Child's Room

Well I'm finally back. Things have been a little hectic and I'm sorry. But today I wanted to talk about something that might interest new parents or anyone with children in their lives, which is most of us...or maybe we are just concerned with our own health, also a very good thing and nothing to be ashamed of.