Home Repair and Paint Guide

... Home security systems offer protection for your family as well as property. ... Wireless systems are much easier to install in areas that would be difficult if not impossible to wire. ... Basic home security systems consist of a central unit and multiple sensors. ... Sound sensors are especially helpful if you have large glass openings such as sliding doors. ... More advanced systems can also operate security cameras. ... Motion detectors allow you to provide a high level of protection at a lower cost because you don’t have to add an opening sensor to every door and window. Strategically placed, they can detect motion in a wide area. ... Additional sensors can be added to detect smoke, excessive heat, loss of heat, carbon monoxide, flooding, and other problems. ... This is especially helpful if you travel a lot and your home is empty for long periods of time. ... They offer complete systems as well as installation and monitoring. ... Be sure to ask a lot of questions before signing a contract. ... The peace of mind is priceless and you can leave your home unattended, knowing the security watchdog is on the job ...

... Older children (and some “adults”) won’t be as inclined to use your pool or hot tub when you are away. ... Privacy fences are made from a variety of materials, with vinyl and wood being the most often used. Vinyl offers easy cleanup and will not rot, but some types have a problem of warping in areas of high temperature. ... Most fences are 6 feet tall. ... Before starting your project, check local building codes and HOA rules if you live in a PUD or other controlled community. ... You may be able to construct a privacy fence around your entire yard, but most people build them around the back of their homes and leave the front open. ... If you are after privacy around something like a patio, the fence should be build along the patio edges. ... There are good substitutes for fences that get around a lot of zoning codes and “busy-body” associations - evergreen bushes and trees. ... But you can purchase bushes or trees that will grow to over 20 feet high. Plant the bushes close to each other and pick a variety that is dense. ... Be careful of wind. ... If you live in an area that normally experiences high wind gusts, talk with the fence supplier for the correct type of installation procedure. This usually involves placing the main fence posts at least 2 feet deep and using concrete or post-setter as an anchor ...