Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?
Attic Insulation

Are your heating & cooling bills going through the roof? Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s conditioned air escapes through the attic? Adding attic insulation is the most effective thing you can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

May 1, 2017
Carpenter bees out of reach! Anything that can be done?
May 4, 2017

Bee spray typicaqlly has a really far reach or an exterminator. 

Andrew Hall asked:

Jan 20, 2021
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C E asked:

Jul 16, 2015
Wires of window sensors to alarm snipped.
Jul 20, 2015

Sorry to hear about your alarm wires.  There are a couple of differenct ways to go about resolving this issue.  We typically involve the servicing alarm company to make sure whatever is done to resolve the issue is accordance with their servicing the alarm system at the home.  They will be respoinsible and liable for the monitoring, so it is critical to involve them.  If possible to pull some additional length at the point of contact is helpful, or splicing on additional length is an option too.  If the wire issue gets too complicated, you may consider a wireless system.

I hope you found this helpful.  Please contact us directly of we can be of any service to you. john@assurancebuilders.com.

May 1, 2017
Carpenter bees out of reach! Anything that can be done?

Timothy Lock answered:

Sep 11, 2017

I believe Home Depot has some aerosol products that can nearly reach 40 ft, but not positive.

Apr 6, 2017
Dog damage to door: What is the best way to repair it?
Jun 27, 2017

I would concur with the above answers.  If you are able to fill with wood putty and paint that would prove to be the most cost effective option.  If you would like to go further, determine the brand of the door and I'm sure you could find a replacement sash.  I am like you, I love my dog like my children, continue to be patient and show your bowser the love he deserves.

Apr 6, 2017
Dog damage to door: What is the best way to repair it?
Apr 7, 2017

There are a few options depending on the circumstances, if the dog has scratched the slab and depending on material, you'll need an entirely new slab. You have the option of painting over the scratch, but the odds of that peeling into the future are high. Our doors are steel and fibreglass, fibreglass would require an entirely new door slab to be installed if you wish to rid the problem for good. To surely rid the problem, the dog or puppy should be trained before repair unless you want to experience a fruitness endeavour. 

When dealing with a wooden door, their are a few DIY solutions like sanding, filling sanding again and painting/staining over. 

It looks like the pup teaches classes on how to be a beaver 101. Sanding, filling and matching the colour back would be the best option in this circumstance, or simply an entirely new replacement. 

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?
Mar 25, 2016

Windows and doors are the largest culprit in lost of energy efficiency. It may not be the cheapest option but will provide you with the largest impact.

John Ford asked:

Jun 10, 2014
Can anyone share insights on how to block off a chimney opening? We have wasp coming through the chimney opening of our den into the house.

Eric Consuegra answered:

Jul 9, 2014

Hey John, 

A few questions first.

Is the chimney functional?  Is the flu venting anything in the home (i.e. furnace)?  Does the chimney go through the roof, or next to the roof on the eave or rake?

If the chimney is not functional and it does not vent anything in the home, you may want to address the problem at the roof by closing it off.  This will make sure no bugs or water can enter into the home.  If the chimney is through the roof, you will need to tear the structure down below the sheathing, install blocking around the chimney box, and install new sheathing over top the chimney.  Exterminators are always the best experts to call for bug problems.  If they keep coming back, it may be time to try a different company. Hope this helps!

Eric Consuegra

AROCON Roofing and Construction, LLC

John Ford asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Home electrical wiring: what are some safety tips for doing a home electric job?
Jul 24, 2014

Hire a reliable electrician who has many years of experience. Do not settle for the best price.

John Ford asked:

Jun 10, 2014
Can anyone share insights on how to block off a chimney opening? We have wasp coming through the chimney opening of our den into the house.
Aug 4, 2014

John,

When you see the wasps around, look at the exterior of the chimney and possibly from a ladder.

What you may see is that they are not coming down into the chimney through the top or chimney termination but in through small cracks in the brick where the mortor has come loose.  I would spray the area for the wasps, wait a resonable amount of time and seal the crack and then purchase and install a http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Chimney/Top-Sealing-Chimney-Dampers/Chimalator-Top-Sealing-Chimney-Damper  lock top type chimney cap. 

Thanks

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling.

Nov 5, 2019
Front door damage from dog. Is this fixable?

Gordon Leonard answered:

Dec 9, 2019

The picture shows the door is stained wood.  The wood is repairable but the door will have to be painted or the repairs will be visible.

Do you know if the estimate from Home Depot was to replace the entire door assembly or just the (door(s)?).   If they estimated the cost including removal and replacement of door jambs, threshold, and door trim, then an alternative that could cost less would be to replace the door slabs only and keep the existing jambs and trim.

Aug 10, 2020
How do I repair old wood?

Mason Hearn of HomeMasons, Inc. PRO answered:

Aug 18, 2020

That is Oriented Strand Board (OSB), typically used for sheathing.  Looks like it has been used exposed to weather, which is not its intended use.  There is no reasonable repair for that, other than replacement... with materials suitable for whatever the application might be.  Call a professional contractor.

Jun 19, 2020
We have a small leak on the ceiling in a room and in the adjacent restroom there is mold growing on a certain part of the ceiling too.
Jul 1, 2020

I agree with what Yuri said and would like to add that it is imporatant to have it removed properly so as not to cross contaminate. Mold spores are microscopic in size and easily dispersed if not handled correctly.

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