Solar Panels are increasing in energy generation and energy storage is getting better and better.  You definitely need to make sure that your dwelling is positioned on the property to maximize benefits.  While it is way down the road, make sure to investigate the implications of what happens when the day comes to replace your shingles.  I would make sure you also have adequate insurance in the event the panels are damaged by hail, trees etc. and that you have a comprehensive maintenance program in place should you elect to have panels installed.  You may want to check with your local building code authority and see if you are able to have solar panels on your property other than on the roof if you have enough space.  Just like the VCR, solar panels are coming down in cost and going up in efficiency, so you may want to wait.  If you could have many less panels in the near future, that produce more output, that may be the best choice. Here is a link of many residential applications https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0LEVzpL309ThhkA45xXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0YXQwZXBpBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDQxNl8x?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-745-s&sz=all&va=solar+panels+homes

You can put a small tack on the top of the door and hang a piece of fishing line down from that to attach the wreath to. Make sure the tack does not stick up high enough to hit the top jamb of the door. We use this method to hang wreaths on the front doors of our model homes. It does not leave any kind of mark when we remove the wreath. 

Consider, a new dog

The shape of your roof will definitely have an impact, but generally speaking, solar pays for itself in spades.

The other thing to consider is that solar is ideally tailored to your personal electricity requirements, which you won't know for sure until you've been in the house a few months (a year, for a complete picture). You're probably safe installing a smaller system (which is what you usually find on new construction), but you'll likely find it won't cover everything. If you decide to go forward now, just make sure the system is expandable down the line; this is one of many reasons you'll want microinverters as opposed to a string inverter.

Good luck!

Unfortunately, insulation and sound proofing is not required per code between conditioned spaces in this case.

It is also worthy of note that additional insulation between the floor will do very little to impact the noise tranmission as a majority is carried via vibrations on the framing. 

There are applications and techiques that can can be deployed.  All of them will require removal of the existing ceiling if you stay with a drywall finish.  You can run resilient channel in addition to sound de-coupling isolators. 

It is not an easy or cheap bullet fix in this case. 

Yes, you can paint vinyl shutters. First make sure they are throughly clean and dry. Then is they are glossy give them a light skuff up with a scotch bright pad or fine sandpaper. Finally I would recommend using a spray paint that is designed for plastic. You can buy this at most home improvment stores. Do a test spot first and make sure there are no reactions.   

Hey Eric,

Sagging gutters can be repaired a number of ways. If you are insistent on keeping the existing gutters, you will need to remove all the gutter spikes and replace them with hidden hangers. The recommended pitch is 1/4" per 10' of gutter. That can be a hassle, especially if some of the spikes are still in the gutter tight. Having a new gutter installed with hidden hangers that are screwed in is the next best thing to repairing and repitching the old ones. Hope that helps!

As a builder I could tell you there is no right answer. I built my home on the water and I have switched from eal grass to artificial . My reasoning was to conserve water and time. Now I can also focas my time on other things. I've addded a complet creek that runs down my entite property into the lake and addded palm tees and other floweers and tees. The amazing thing is hoe green my yard always appears from lake and now I have installed over 20 other homes with the same product. For me the switch was completely worth it as well as all the new clients I've gathered from it. It's a personal decision for sure. www.greenbuiltwa.com

We recommend filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureu in your region.  If the company has any standards, this should make them and other consumers aware of the issue and hopefully they dont make the same mistake twice or no one will use them in the future.  Hope this helps. 

I agree with Philip. Visit the link below, select your region and you'll get a ton of ROI data:

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/

Hope that helps and good luck!

Clifton Muckenfuss

Carolina Exteriors

Apex, NC

I would start with making sure your attic has adequate ventilation. 

Ralph, Security Systems as we know have come along way over the years. The "glass break" or "open" sensors are what I believe you're speaking of. We use the ADT Pulse systems because of System functionality and how it operates.  My Previous Career Experiances are in Militarty EOD ( Bomb Squad) operations to include Advaced training in access and Denial Training/ operations  of each system and sensors. So my answer is based solely on the specific question answered. 1. Bruce is Spot on about warranty checks although I would add that ADT would more than Likly come out and reinstall or update at little to no cost and there functionality to me is key and they would be the ones with the experiace and structure to validate. From an Experiance base answer I would suggest looking possibly at updating to a Pulse style system or aka Smart home system that allows Video and active security measures. The importance of the installer or service provider being the installer  is based on the " durning Need time frame". knowing your system is set right is piece of mind and could be life saving.  Active motion sensor lights | IR and Proximity sensors inside | And a HOME setting for perimeter security are good standards of practice. Gavigan Homes

Billy- 

the best security system is a great plan and training 

The best options really will depend on your budget. You want to have the best "flow" in the kitchen that you can, keeping your appliances within a general 'triangle design". If you are talking options as in granite vs quartz vs Corian vs laminate, budget will determine that. I prefer quartz over granite because of less long term maintenance. The finish on cabinetry is also a detail that can make a huge difference. Glazed finishes are very nice, but can be expensive. Sometime custom cabinetry can be almost as economical as "box" cabinets when you factor in the additional labor needed to install box cabinets. I hope that helps some.

Investigate a bunch of contractors. Interview several of them. Narrow your list down to the ones you actually would be willing to do business with.

Be truthful with them about the amount of money you want to spend, and, are willing to spend if necessary to create the perfect project. Find a company that has a process that fits you, someone you trust, someone who communicates with you the way you want.

If you aren't truthful with them, do you think you can trust them to sense that and be truthful with you? Are you someone who likes to bargain? If so then maybe you give them a lowball number, they give you a high number, you negotiate and meet in the middle and then, do either of you feel like you trust each other?

Rather, find someone you can be confident with. Someone who is willing to speak frankly with you about prices. Call their referrals, and ask the questions that you are most afraid of! Find out how they dealt with it. Find out what things when wrong (they always do) and how the remodeler handled it. With a temper? With reluctance? In a way that was fair to all involved?

Good luck!