Time for the Summer Bucket List
Now that Summer is here, time to share my plans
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
Ah, summer. Warm days, sultry nights, the beach, fun, friends and, of course, a list of to-do items:
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Home renovations can help sales, but be smart
Picking the right things to fix up can make all the difference
By Jill Goldman, Special to The Times
Many of you have considered home renovations over the past year, and know that they types and costs of such projects vary greatly. The most affordable renovation is usually the one that provides the biggest benefit when selling, and that is fresh paint. Yes, just fresh paint. Good paint can run...
What’s in my drinking water?
Whether it comes from a well, or a water system, what you need to know
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
The experts say that the human body needs eight glasses of drinking water a day. This amount of water is needed because the body needs water for temperature control, removing waste from the body and brings oxygen to the cells and organ function.
Let’s talk about what could...
The evolution of building codes
Rules for safe building have their roots in ancient times
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Some may ask “why and when did building codes evolve?” Did it all start in the 1920s or later?
Well, we need to go back to a time when a Babylonian emperor named Hammurabi enforced his own code called the Hammurabi code. This was around 1800 BC. His thinking was if a builder built...
Smoke detectors: the right one could save lives
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Here’s a hot topic: smoke detectors.
All new residences are required to have smoke detectors. They must be hard wired with a battery backup. The location in a single family home goes like this:
One in each bedroom, one in the hallway, one on each level, and one in the basement.
If one is activated all of the alarms will sound. The idea is to...
Sun rooms: let the sun shine in
What to know to add some light to your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
How did sunrooms come about? It all started with the porch, and when the time came for a barbecue people had to put up with all kinds of insects. So they started to install screening on their porches and with a little bit of framing, the insect problem was taken care of. Then, in the 1960s a trend started...
‘Countering’ those kitchen questions
Lots of options for those kitchen and bathroom counters
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Centuries back man didn’t have many options as far as counter tops. They probably cut down a huge oak tree and started working the daylights out of it to come up with something that was feasible. As far back as I can remember, people used tile or Formica. But today we have a few more options...
Iron railings: timeless beauty and durability
Ornamental Iron Work can enhance the look of your home
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, KennettTimes.com
When I was growing up I remember an iron railing and guardrail set up in my house. In fact most of my friends in the neighborhood had the same model house and they also had iron railings. As kids we would climb all over it maybe four or five kids at a time, and it never budged. So, iron railings...
Under cover: Roof shingles and attic ventilation
The right kind of roof and ventilation can keep you cool and dry
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Let’s talk about the most commonly used shingles: organic asphalt shingles. They last about 18 to 20 years. The only problem with them is that in time they can cup in very humid and wet climates. Try to purchase a shingle with an algae resistant coating. There is an asphalt...
Let’s talk about something cool
When the thermometer hits the triple digits, you better know how to keep your AC unit happy
By John D’Annunzio, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
In this edition I will talk about three subjects, how air conditioning systems work, how to maintain them and saving tips on electricity.
Air conditioners have several parts; the unit outside of a building is called the condenser or compressor. The refrigerant...
