This article from cnn is very helpful if your basement is wet:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/26/real_estate/flooded_basement.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2009022706 

I’ve had a couple of calls lately from clients with questions about Aluminum wiring.  I thought I’d write a summary of the issue:

1)  Most houses have some aluminum wiring.  This can usually be found on your main service entry cable that comes into your panel box from the outside.  This cable is usually STRANDED ALUMINUM and is not a problem.

2)  Some houses have branch circuits (outlets and light switches) that are aluminum.  Aluminum branch wiring can be a problem.  Aluminum expands and contracts more that copper wiring, and this expansion and contraction can loosen up aluminum contacts with the outlets.  This has caused fire in the past.

The solution to this problem is to use custom outlets and switches made for aluminum so they will not become loose.  These outlets and switches should have a CO/ALR designation stamped on them.  So if you notice that you have aluminum branch wiring, make sure your outlets and switches are made for it.

Remember, the “big” stranded aluminum wires are not a problem.  This is likely because the space between the strands provides a space for the aluminum to expand and contract without damage.

During freeze and thaw cycles in the winter, ice dams and icicles form on most houses in upstate new york. They can cause damage to roofs and gutters, and have the potential for injuring people as they brake off.

Ice on a roof can be reduced by having proper ventilation in your attic space and proper insulation in your house.

Ideal roof ventilation allows air to flow in under the eaves and out near the ridge of the house. This flow of air helps to prevent temperature differentials on the roof that lead to ice formation.

And the insulation above your living space should be at least a foot deep. If yours is lower, consider rolling out some more or having some blown in. (Be sure that ventilation doesn’t get obstructed.)

Even the best insulated and ventilated roof will have ice problems when conditions are right. So a last line of defense is heating cables that melt off ice as it forms. They don’t always look great, but they look better than gutters hanging off or roof buckling up.

As the weather gets colder, frozen pipes will begin to become a problem. Sometimes they are just a nuisance, but when frozen pipes crack, thousands of dollars of property damage can occur!

An ounce of prevention is always best. Pipes freeze when they are in the path of drafts or when they are near a poorly insulated outside wall. So consider replacing basement windows with glass-block windows to cut down on drafts. Make sure there is insulation all around the top of your basement walls in the cavities (along the rim joist.) Feel for air coming in around utility penetrations and dryer vents and insulate accordingly.

A second line of defense is to insulate your pipes themselves. Home stores sell foam sleeves that can be put over pipes.

When the pipes do freeze, try to thaw them using a hair dryer set on hot. To do this, you’ll have to try to trace out where the ice clog is. If there is a long stretch of pipe where the clog could be, start by warming up joints and turns in the pipe.

I do not recommend using a flame to thaw pipes, as their proximity to dry structural wood in the house could cause a bigger problem. And if you accidentally find yourself heating a gas pipe, you could be in a dangerous situation (although, you would probably end up with thawed-out water pipes.)

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!)