January 2000 Newsletter

1. What's new! ...plus December's $100!
2. January's $$ Saving Tip - Properly vented fans
3. Weather-stripping- Keep the cold air out!
4. Part One- Hiring a Contractor
5. Our Sponsors
6. The Monthly Funny :)

1. What's new!

* We've picked a winner for our free draw in December!
Congratulations to Ted Martin of Calgary! You've won $100 toward
your project!

* Please visit us at Home Expo - Calgary's Home & Renovation
Show at the Roundup Center, (Stampede Park) January 13-16. Our
booth is right beside Builder's Big Putt, so before you putt for the
big prize, stop by!

* We also hope to see you at the Calgary Home & Garden Show at
the Round-Up Center, Feb. 23-27. These are both very informative
and entertaining shows, so do stop in!

2. January's Savings Tip- Properly vented fans

Now that the weather is colder, it is important to make sure that
your bathroom and kitchen fans vent exhaust outside the attic and
not inside it. You should be able to see the outlet vent sticking
through the roof or under the soffit(roof overhang). If the fans vent
into the attic area in cold weather, the moisture in the air can
condense and drip down onto the insulation. This makes the
insulation ineffective. Even if you see the vent outlets, it is still a
good idea to go up into your attic to make sure the vents are
connected. Also check any joints in the ducts to make sure that
they are not leaky.
(Jim Dulley)

3. Weather-stripping- Keep the cold air out!

People often forget to check the condition of the seal under the
garage door. If your garage is attached to your home, a lot of air
can leak in under an old seal. This is particularly true in the winter
when an old stiff seal will get even stiffer in the cold weather. A
leaky seal will let your garage get cold, which draws more heat
from the walls common with the house living areas.
A leaky seal will also allow cold winds to blow through and impact
directly on your walls and door to your living area. This moving air
increases the heat loss and allows more cold air to leak into your
house through cracks or gaps. Make sure to weather-strip the door
from the house to the garage too.
(Jim Dulley)

4. Part One- Hiring a contractor

Of course the most time saving and informational way to find a
contractor is by registering your project with Home-Work
Contractor Referral!  Once you are ready to proceed with getting
estimates, this is what the pros suggest you do....

1. Nail down project details early to avoid surprises later on. For
example, before you meet with a carpenter to talk about building a
deck, you need to know roughly the shape, size, wood type and
finishing touches you prefer.

2. You'll find inspiration by looking around for ideas. Even for
smaller projects, talk to other homeowners for ideas. Ask which
flagstone the neighbors used for their walkway... find out whether
your friends chose hardwood or ceramic tile flooring for their
kitchen.

3. Showrooms are an excellent information source for inspiration. 
Salespeople at showrooms, home centers, dealers and distributors
will counsel you on many aspects of your project.

4. Keep your ears open when talking to tradespeople - much of
your education will come from the specialists who bid on your
project. For instance, you might think you know just where you
want your new driveway. But a paving contractor might cite
technical reasons to amend your plan.

5. As you show the specialist the job, get feedback. Asking "Did I
miss anything?" will open the door for informed suggestions. If
you're worried about cost, say so. That lets a pro suggest ways
you can save.

6. Don't be stuck on doing a project your way; you'll miss out on
the experience of someone who handles this work every day.

7. Never proceed without getting an estimate. In fact, get at least
three bids so you can determine what a fair price is.

(by Kevin Brenner and Kate Kelly) More tips next month....

5. Our Sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors for their continued support! Please find out more about our sponsors while visiting our web page. Please let them know you found them through Home-Work.
- Remax House of Real Estate       - Keaco Services
- Phantom Screens                       - The Blind Doctor
- Blinds 2000                                - High Security Lock Co.
- Pillar to Post Home Inspection     - Realty World Tempo
- Richardson Rug & Upholstery      - Handles & More
- Window Works                           - Paint'N'FauxFX
- Magiclean Cleaning Services Inc.

6. The Monthly Funny :-) 

A strong young man at the construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had
enough.

"Why don't you put your money where your mouth is," he said. "I will bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won't be able to wheel back."

"You're on, old man," the braggart replied. "Let's see what you got."

The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, "All right. Get in."

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