Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Bruce Wiegan of BNW Builders PRO answered:

Apr 18, 2015

Make sure that your attic is properly insulated.  Make sure the seals around all windows and doors are in good shape.  If you can see daylight air is entering and leaving as well.

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Robert Shaw of Solare Energy PRO answered:

Apr 28, 2014

With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar!  It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
Wires of window sensors to alarm snipped.
Jul 16, 2015

Veery few windows and doors have alarm sensors on them these days. Most monitoring is done with wireless motion sensors that cover windows and doors / entry points to the House. If you really want to have sensors on the windows then a good electrician will be able to extend the low voltage wires.

Dennis Gehman

Gehman Design Remodeling

www.gehmanremodeling.com

Harleysville, PA 19438

C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
Wires of window sensors to alarm snipped.
Feb 19, 2018

I'm actually not seeing a wire sticking out of the wall to connect to (in either picture).  There should be a wire sticking out somewhere, unless they also clipped that off, or stuffed it behind the window.  Also, did they leave behind the other half of the sensor?  As others said, wireless may be an option if all else fails in your scenario. 

Nov 4, 2019
Front door damage from dog. Is this fixable?
Dec 27, 2019

It can definitely be repaired, it would need extensive spackling, most likely with 2 part Bondo, then sended primed and painted.

this is something that should not take more than 6-8 hours in total, obviously it does require some skill.

John Ford asked:

Jun 10, 2014
Can anyone share insights on how to block off a chimney opening? We have wasp coming through the chimney opening of our den into the house.

Wayne Holloway answered:

Jun 19, 2014

An enclosed Chimney Cap if they're coming throught the top of the Chimney.

Nov 4, 2019
Front door damage from dog. Is this fixable?

Gordon Leonard answered:

Dec 9, 2019

The picture shows the door is stained wood.  The wood is repairable but the door will have to be painted or the repairs will be visible.

Do you know if the estimate from Home Depot was to replace the entire door assembly or just the (door(s)?).   If they estimated the cost including removal and replacement of door jambs, threshold, and door trim, then an alternative that could cost less would be to replace the door slabs only and keep the existing jambs and trim.