I’ve compiled a list of recommended specialists for repairs and housing-related work. I don’t receive a kickback in any form from any of these people. I recommend them because I know their character and their work and because they can be trusted to do what’s best for their clients. They are all Rochester-area folks.

Realtors

Jim and Jen Wimmett - www.theNYteam.com - 615-0107
Jen and Jim are a husband and wife realtor team that are honest and down to earth. They’re not pushy and will go the extra mile for their clients. They’re as honest as they come and will treat you right.
Michele Ladd - www.MicheleLadd.com - 729-0966
Michele is a top-notch realtor who is involved in the community and does what’s best for her clients. She specializes in luxury homes but can help you with any of your real estate needs.

Electrical

Steve Nichols at Nichols Electrical - www.NicholsElectrical.com - (585) 749-5999

Steve is a master electrician who would rather lose money than rip off a client. He’ll recommend only necessary repairs and give you only what you need. He’s as honest and hard-working as they come, involved in his church, and is a great family man.

Building Materials

Simplified Building Concepts - www.SimplifiedBuilding.com

These guys specialize in the design and sales of structural steel pipe and pipe fittings (great stuff for railings and a variety of household needs.) They sell tinker-toys for big people that will help you with any number of applications.

Web Design

I know its not a housing field, but in case you are looking for a good web designer, Chris Pollock made this site. His web address is www.web.simplifiedbuilding.com. He’s got solid character and a heart to help people and can work with you on pricing.

Driveway sealing is the best way to prolong the life of your asphalt and save you money.

We recommend sealing your driveway every other year to squeeze every bit of use that you can out of the expensive blacktop.

 This project is an easy one to do, and will attract a do-it-yourselfer looking to save money.  But estimate the costs involved.  It is often less expensive and less time-consuming to pay a company to seal your driveway than to do it yourself!  Consider the following:

1)   Commercial sealers buy bulk blacktop, and so they pay considerably less that you would pay for buckets that you bring home in your trunk.

2)  Commercial sealers can spread the cost of equipment like a spreading broom and driveway cleaning tools over many jobs because they are reusable tools.  (You buy one broom for every driveway job you do, they buy one for every hundred!  Their equipment cost is 1/100th of yours!)

3)  Commercial sealers have experienced teams to do the job.  Many hands make light, and quick work.  What could take you a weekend may take them only an hour.

4)  Commercial sealers take the mess with them, you take it into your house.  Consider the cost of replacing the rug you dripped blacktop onto!

  So get a couple of estimates to check it out, but we have found that you usually save time and money by hiring this job out, making commercial sealers a win-win.  (You will also avoid the sore back, caloused hands, and sunburn!)

While it seems that every year heating bills go up, this year you could drop your cost significantly. This list has some cheap ways to reduce your bills, and some expensive. If you won’t be in your current house long, don’t bother with the expensive upgrades (they won’t pay off). But if you plan on staying put, consider making all of these upgrades for long-term savings.

1. Replace those old windows

Your home loses much of its heat through old drafty windows and doors. Though expensive up-front, replacing windows will reduce your heating costs noticeably right away. If you plan on staying at your home for several years, the repairs could pay for themselves.

2. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace
   If you have a low or mid-efficiency furnace, the heating savings can be significant if you upgrade. The up-front cost is significant, but again, if you plan on staying in your house for a few years it should pay off.
   

3. Turn Down the Heat Every time you Leave the House

You can shrink your heating bill by 10% if you keep your furnace lower during the workday. You can reduce it further by turning the thermostat down at night. If you don’t have the discipline to remember to do it, consider buying a programmable thermostat for $100. (Another advantage of a programmable thermostat is that it can warm the house up just before you wake up or return home from work.)

4. Go Tankless
   Tankless hot water heaters use 30% less energy than traditional water heaters. If you buy a decent one, it will also provide unlimited hot water (the tank can’t get empty). Count on having to live in your house at least 5 years for the tank to cover its up-front costs (though that number can vary).
   

5. Add insulation to your attic

The heat in your house rises, and if there isn’t enough insulation to slow it down, your furnace will work overtime to try to keep it warm outside! Consider rolling out 12 more inches of fiberglass insulation. If you insulate by yourself, be careful not to obstruct the vents under your eaves (the soffit vents).

6. Insulate your rim joists
   What’s a rim joist? It’s a board (possibly 2×8 or 2×10) that sits on top of your foundation wall (the wall that your first floor supports rest on). It runs around the perimeter of your house. Adding roll insulation here (cut it to fill cavities) will pay for itself quickly.
   

7. Seal out those drafts

Replace weather-stripping on doors, caulk around windows, and seal any holes or cracks on perimeter walls. Spray-foam is great, but use it with caution. When it expands, it can crack window frames or dry-wall.

8. Clean or replace your furnace filter

Disposable furnace filters should be changed at least every six months. Every time you change your clocks for daylight savings, change your furnace filter. This will make your furnace more efficient and reduce your energy costs.