Spring brings out home improvement scams
If you are a homeowner and you’re getting that itch to do some remodeling or if you’re facing some repairs brought on by the inclement weather we’ve had lately, here are two words you need to remember: Buyer beware. It’s a fact that the Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office receives more than 70,000 phone calls per year and will handle 25,000 complaints about improvement scams. Read full article via The Newark Advocate.

Daimer Industries Announces Three New Dual-Function Carpet Cleaners that Work on Hard Floors
“The new dual function additions to the 5000 line of carpet cleaners provide pressure levels as high as 150 psi and temperatures as high as 210º F,” said Matthew Baratta, Daimer spokesman. “The special hard surface cleaning attachment works on most porous and non-porous surfaces. It’s ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, outside decks, walkways, even garage floors.” Read full article here: Daimer Industries Announces Three New Dual-Function Carpet Cleaners that Work on Hard Floors.

Tough times for home improvement
Denise Crossley and her husband first started thinking about remodeling the kitchen in their sprawling Victorian house in Barrington four years ago. Despite the downturn in the economy, the Crossleys went ahead with their high-end kitchen remodel last fall. Read full article here:  The Providence Journal.

The Wenatchee World Online – Local home and garden news for Wenatchee, Washington
Here are three smart ideas from William Millholland of Case Design/Remodeling for those considering  small-scale renovation projects. Facelift on the front of the house Making a house more attractive from the street is an often overlooked project. Add a portico, shingled roof and columns ($8,000 to $15,000). Put slate or brick on top of your basic walkway ($3,000 to $5,000). Replace an old front door and embellish it with new hardware and new chimes ($1,500 to $3,000). Cosmetic makeover of the kitchen Remove laminate countertops and put in granite or quartz, install a stainless under-mount ...

Remodeling – The Investment You Can Live With – WHNT
Most people remodel their home to make it better fit their needs and desires. They upgrade the kitchen, build a deck, or add a bathroom to make day-to-day living more practical and enjoyable. But remodeling can also play a role in financial planning. The home is typically one of our biggest investments. While much of its value is controlled by location and the general economy (things we can’t easily change), some portion of our home’s value is determined by its condition, size and the degree to which its layout and decor ...

Kitchen Remodeling with IKEA
I saw this article about a designer who is leaning heavily on all things IKEA for her clients and it’s an interesting trend in this economy. If designers learn to use the IKEA product line effectively for remodeling projects, it can be a great way to extend your remodeling dollars and go green while you’re at it. Shankle, who owns the design studio Eco-modernism, has been using IKEA products in her work and in her home for more than a year. So what’s the big deal about IKEA? “It’s really affordable,” Shankle says. ...

Home Energy Tax Credits to Save You Thousands In 2009
Home energy tax credits are available for solar energy, energy efficiency, biodiesel and hybrid cars, home solar panels and more. See which federal home energy tax credits you can claim in 2009. When Congress passed the financial bailout bill late last year, it included a range of federal tax credits and cash gifts for businesses — but also a suite of new and renewed tax credits for individuals who want to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to their home or cars. When President Obama signed the economic stimulus bill ...

Capital home & garden show focuses on low cost improvements for inside and outside the home
Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2009 the Capital Home and Garden Show will be at the Dulles Expo Center. It is the region’s largest and most popular show of its kind. Attendees will have over 750 exhibits to visit, featuring experts, how-to workshops and demonstrations. They can view the latest in technology and gadgets in the home improvement industry, plus discover top gardening and landscaping trends. This year, given the economic and housing situation in the country, many people will also be seeking money-saving tips and ideas. Read full ...

World Leader in the Organic Insect Control, Organic Plant Disease Control and Organic Gardening Care Product Categories, Launches New Website
Want a beautiful, healthy garden, but are concerned with using traditional poisons pesticides and salt based fertilizers? We know good, fact-based information is hard to find. The new Saferbrand.com website gives consumers easy online access to products, advice and solutions says Dave Swift, Category Development Manager for Woodstream Corp. Garden enthusiasts, casual gardeners, and homeowners can logon from their computers for expert tips and advice on organic pest control, organic gardening techniques and organic plant care as well as comprehensive information for diagnosing and solving your garden maladies. Resources available include an ...

Pest Control – revenge of the stink bugs
What is going on this year with the stink bugs? Everywhere I go I see these grey triangular critter climbing up a wall or hanging on a curtain. They are so slow they are almost too pathetic to kill. Do I need professional pest control? They are showing up everywhere. In the kitchen, in the bathrooms and the living room. I have seen these outside in the summer before but this infestation in th emiddle of th ewinter is a new ting altogether. I found out I’m not alone. I ...

Ocean City, Maryland Developer Gets On National Bandwagon by Creating Own Stimulus Package
Ocean City, Maryland developer has engineered a stimulus package in an effort to ignite local slumping luxury resort real estate market. Rivendell Condominiums, their most elegant waterfront condominium community in Ocean City, MD, is kicking off the spring selling season with unprecedented offers specifically targeted to “buyers-on-the-fence.” The developer, Buccini Pollin Group, Inc. has created this stimulus package specifically to appeal to prospective resort condominium buyers. This limited-time offer (the next ten-homes sales only), includes reducing prices to “bare bottom” lows, paying closing costs, and offering seller financing up to 90%. ...

‘Improve not move’ proven
The current economic climate and depressed housing market are causing people to spend more on home improvements, according to the latest figures from Sainsbury’s Finance. The lender made an estimated 425,000 loans for home improvements in 2008 – a 53% increase on loans in part or wholly for home improvements compared with 2007. Read full articel…’Improve not move’ proven.

Consumers keep focus on saving cash, energy
This article on a recent home improvements show illustrates the trend in the industry. Retailers and contractors need to be aware of consumers perceptions and how those affect their purchase behaviors. While the incomes of most consumers has not changed, their willingness to spend has been severely cut back. This article shows a tendency towards the efficiency end of the spectrum, instead of what are perceived as extravagances. This is where the marketing focus for the residential construction industry needs to shift for the short term. The economy stayed on consumers’ ...

Remodeling industry has room for recovery
As the correction in housing continues, the remodeling industry is suffering right along with other sectors. Shrinking home equity is causing many people to scale back or put off home improvements, while other homeowners are struggling just to make their mortgage payments. “Earlier this decade, the ability to borrow against equity created by rising home prices fueled remodeling activity, as well as broader consumer spending,” said Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, in a news release. “Now that prices have softened, owners cannot finance ...

Setting the record straight on myths regarding pest control
Pests are never welcome in any home or working environment; not only are they unsightly, but they carry diseases as well. The summer season creates the perfect environment for an influx of insects such as flies. Many over-the-counter products promise a solution to pests by eliminating the symptoms of infestation, instead of focusing on the root of the problem. Since rodents and insects have been around from the beginning of man, many myths and old wives tales have been developed. Read Full Article…Setting the record straight on myths regarding pest control this ...

Natural pest control on conventional and organic farms
A study of natural pest control on conventional and organic farms in the southwest has found no difference between the two systems. The team, led by Professor Jane Memmott at the University of Bristol and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), has shown that caterpillars are attacked by parasites to the same degree on both conventional and organic farms. Bristol University | News from the University | Pests.

Squirrels and The Hartford insurance: both headaches for homeowne
A squirrel expert, Matthew Vining, from Wildlife Pest Control come out on Christmas eve. He plugged all the holes, leaving a one way door so the remaining inhabitants could make their way out and not return. This service cost $570 but it was quiet up there on Christmas eve. Squirrels and The Hartford insurance: both headaches for homeowner – George Gombossy | CT Watchdog.

Your old house made new
Home builders and remodelers are squinting down the tunnel of 2009, looking hard for a bright spot at the end. Exhibitors at the upcoming Milwaukee Home Improvement Show are counting on minor remodeling projects and small upgrades to see them through the year. Read Full Article…Your old house made new – JSOnline.

Budget offers tax break for home improvements
For homeowners thinking about a refurbished kitchen, that extra bathroom or a new deck, this may the year to act because the tax man will help with the bills. The program covers a variety of projects, including renovations to houses, cottages and condos. In addition to major work such as rebuilding a kitchen or bath, or finishing a basement, it covers a lot of smaller upgrades. Read Full Article..The Canadian Press

Frugality is finally showing up in new home developments
An “energy lab” model home built by Brookfield Homes near Winchester, Virginia, includes a wind turbine and solar panels. Such energy efficiency features gain popularity as buyers try to stretch their dollars. Frugality is finally showing up in new home developments. Read the Full Story Here: The Peninsula On-line Increase your home’s energy efficiency with an insulation upgrade

Ready to sell: Seven steps to get you there
Step 1: Plan and Prepare Some 5 million existing homes are sold each year, and while each transaction is different every owner wants the same thing – the best possible deal with the least amount of hassle and aggravation. Unfortunately, home selling has become a more complex business than it used to be. New seller disclosure statements, longer and more mysterious form agreements, and a range of environmental concerns have all emerged in the past decade. More importantly, the home-selling process has changed. Buyer brokerage – where REALTORS® represent homebuyers – is now ...

Remodels holding more value than home prices
Remodeling Magazine’s 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report, produced each year in conjunction with Realtor Magazine, contains good news about the value of remodeling projects. The recent Cost vs. Value Report showed that renovations on a nationwide basis held their value better than home prices did in 2008. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home prices declined 7 percent in 2008, while the value of homeowners’ investments in remodeling dropped only 2.8 percent in 2008. Free Quote for roofing repairs and replacemnet in Frederick MD During slow real estate cycles, many would-be ...

Schools in Loudoun Will Remain Closed All Week
All Loudoun County Public Schools will continue to be closed for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, February 10-12, 2010. This closure includes school activities, practices, and other uses of school buildings. The decision to close is made because of the severity of the snow we already received. It will probably take until Sunday to dig out our 770 buses and make them trip worthy. We are working as fast as possible to open school parking lots and clear walkways on campuses. In the meantime we appreciate the work being done by ...

Three grocery stores in Loudoun County closed because of roof hazard
Loudoun County public safety officials are urging property owners to clear their roofs of snow if possible – especially if they have a flat roof. At least three grocery stores in Loudoun County have been forced to close temporarily because of the amount of snow on their roofs. This particular snow fall contained significant amounts of liquid, which in turn, presents a potential danger for roof collapses. Residents should also keep in mind that the National Weather Service is calling for a significant snowfall later this week.

Make House Address Visible For Emergency Personnel
Loudoun County residents need to make sure their address is visible to emergency personnel in the wake of the record-setting snowstorm that dumped nearly three feet of snow in many sections of the county. Public safety officials are telling residents whose addresses can no longer be seen – because, for example, their mailbox is covered by snow – to post their address on their front door so that it is visible for emergency vehicles. Residents should put their address on a piece of paper in clear and large print and tape ...

Severe winter weather poses a particular danger for elderly
Severe winter weather poses a particular danger for elderly and home bound individuals who may have trouble staying safe during winter storms.  Loudoun County officials ask that residents check on their neighbors, especially in rural areas. Also, check in on neighbors who haven’t been seen or heard from and who may need help. If assistance is needed, citizens can call the Loudoun County Emergency Operations Center public inquiry number at 571-258-3638.

Loudoun vehicles parked on or along snow emergency routes must be moved
Due to the prediction of a significant winter weather storm the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced that all vehicles parked on or along snow emergency routes must be moved by midnight tonight (12 a.m. 02/05/10). If your vehicle or vehicles are parked along any snow emergency route they must be moved or they will be towed at the owners expense. The routes need to be cleared to allow snow removal and emergency vehicles to access these areas. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office appreciates your cooperation in this matter. via Loudoun – Latest Alerts.

Potomac Falls High School Dance Team Places 2nd Nationally
The Potomac Falls High School Dance Team brought home second place for their hip-hop dance routine performed in the National Champion Jazz category of the American National Championships. The dance competition was sponsored by the American Masters National Cheer and Dance Team Competition held January 16th and 17th at the Baltimore Convention Center. This is the team’s second honor this year. This fall the nine-member team captured first place in jazz and hip-hop as well as the Grand Championship for the highest score of the day at the Manchester Dance Team Invitational ...

Shots Fired During Civil Dispute in Sterling
A Sterling, Virginia woman has been arrested after a firearm was discharged in her residence during a civil dispute. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a residence on Regis Circle shortly after 10 p.m. on February 1, 2010 for a report of gunfire. The homeowner, Dolly Jean Freeze, 33, and a former roommate were reportedly involved in a civil dispute. Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the residence earlier that same evening regarding a dispute over some of the items being removed from the home. Deputies left the scene after ...

Ashburn Man Charged With Sexual Assault of 14-Year-Old
A man with ties to the Ashburn, VA area was charged today with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old female on January 27, 2010. Kofi Owusu-Ansah Anning, 19, of no fixed address, is charged with two counts of forcible sodomy § 18.2-67.1. and a probation violation. The suspect allegedly met the victim at a fast food restaurant in the Junction Plaza Shopping Center around 7:45 p.m. A group, including the suspect and the victim, left the restaurant and walked together on a nearby path with the understanding they were going to ...

Hillside Elementary Students Excel at WordMasters Challenge
A team of fifth grade students from Hillside Elementary School won highest honors in the WordMasters Challenge, a national language arts competition. Approximately 220,000 students nationwide compete in three separate meets held at intervals during the school year. Competing in the difficult Blue Division, Hillside’s team tied for 10th place among the 669 teams participating in the first meet. The WordMasters Challenge is an exercise in critical thinking that encourages students to become familiar with a set of interesting new words, generally above grade level, then challenges them to complete analogies ...

Purcellville Police Report, January 27-29, 2010
Credit Card Fraud 01/27/2010   7:15 p.m.   37000 blk Perkins Ct. Resident reported that he received a call that claimed to be from a credit card company and was requesting personnel information from him in an attempt to commit fraud. The resident gave no information and reported the matter to police. DWI 01/27/2010    8:57 p.m.    300 blk McDaniel Dr.     Daniel Guevara, a 29 year old male from Purcellville, was arrested for DWI. Counterfeiting 01/28/2010    7:00 p.m.    100 blk S. Maple Ave.  A business owner took in a counterfeit $20 bill at the business. ...

The Loudoun County Surplus Store Open Saturday
The Loudoun County Surplus Store will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday, January 30, 2010. Featured items include several bicycles in very good condition, file cabinets, chairs and books. The Surplus Store is located at 14 Cardinal Park Drive, Suite 106 in Leesburg, and is open on the first, second and third Friday of the month, and the last Saturday of the month. The Surplus Store sells excess government property. In addition to typical office items such as computers, desks, and chairs, the store features unclaimed items confiscated ...

Award of phase 1 Renovations of Skating Rink in Purcellville
The Purcellville Town Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on January 19, 2010, awarded a contract to Harry Braswell Inc., for the construction phase 1 renovations of the Purcellville Skating Rink, also referred to as the Tabernacle.  Phase 1 renovations will cover structural repairs, replacement of the shingle roof with a metal roof to match the historical heritage of the building, and minor site and concrete replacement. The awarded contract is in the amount of $509,402 which is approximately $506,000 below the design consultant’s estimate. “The Council is proud of its record ...

Loudoun Public Schools Artists to Welcome International Travelers to Dulles
Artwork produced by students from three Loudoun County schools – Stone Bridge High School, Sterling Middle School and Mountain View Elementary – will be part of an artwork titled “HELLO AND WELCOME!” at Washington Dulles International Airport. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), HELLO AND WELCOME! will feature the students’ self-portraits in a large-scale modular display. This display will be placed in the Federal Inspections Service area on the airport’s Concourse C, where many international travelers are received. The three Loudoun County schools will be joined in this project ...

Vacancies In The Loudoun County Community Services Board (CSB)
The Loudoun County Community Services Board (CSB) is anticipating at least two vacancies to fill beginning July 1, 2010. Each new appointee would be eligible to serve up to three three-year terms. The Loudoun County CSB is appointed by and accountable to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to set policy for, and to administer the provision of, community-based services for people experiencing mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. That responsibility includes oversight of the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services. CSB members are drawn ...

Sheriff continues to investigate armed robbery of a Sterling health food store
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the armed robbery of a Sterling, Virginia health food store and is seeking information from witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 a Black male and a White female entered Healthway Natural Foods in the 46900 block of Cedar Lake Plaza. The female brandished a firearm and demanded cash. The male, described as having a medium build, had his face covered with a blue bandana. The female,who was described as ...

Loudoun Sheriff Investigates Armed Robbery of Sterling Health Food Store
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported armed robbery of a Sterling, Virginia health food store. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 a male of unknown race and a White female entered Healthway Natural Foods in the 46900 block of Cedar Lake Plaza. The female brandished a firearm and demanded cash. The male had his face covered with a bandana and the female was wearing what appeared to be a bright red wig. The male is further described as having a slim build and a beard. Both ...

Property assessment notices reflect state of Loudoun’s real estate market
The 2010 real property assessment notices being mailed today reflect the current state of Loudoun County’s real estate market, according to Todd Kaufman, Loudoun County Assessor. The assessment notices include a pamphlet about the assessment and taxation processes. Information regarding the review and appeal process is also included as is information on programs such as Land Use and Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled.A message from the Loudoun County Assessor explaining the assessment process, the 2010 Automated Application for Review form, answers to frequently asked questions, and other important ...

Sheriff Seeks Public’s Assistance in Identifying Wanted Suspects
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking for  the public’s assistance in identifying several unidentified and wanted suspects from the agencies wanted subject’s web site. The suspects were allegedly involved in recent crimes in Loudoun County including fraud and larceny. In some of the cases the agency has compiled images of the suspects taken from video surveillance. The list can be viewed on the Loudoun County  Sheriff’s Office website at www.loudoun.gov/sheriff and clicking on the Wanted: Information link. Callers who can identify or know the whereabouts of any of the suspects can contact ...

Cliff Keirce and Valdis G. Ronis to serve on Planning Commission
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has appointed Cliff Keirce and Valdis G. Ronis to serve on the Loudoun County Planning Commission. Keirce will serve as the Dulles District representative, completing the term of Sandra Chaloux, which expires on December 31, 2011. Chaloux submitted her resignation to Dulles District Supervisor Stevens Miller, effective immediately. Ronis will serve as the Potomac District Supervisor, completing the term of Chris Brodrick, which expires on December 31, 2011. Brodrick submitted his resignation to Potomac District Supervisor Andrea McGimsey, effective February 1, 2010. Keirce has served on ...

Phase II Sewer Rehabilitation Project Continues in Purcellville
The Town of Purcellville’s contractors have successfully completed the relining work throughout various parts of Town. The next step is to have the contractors work on pipe expansions on a section of West Main Street located between manholes in front of 631 and 701 West Main Street. This work will take place next week beginning on Tuesday-January 19, 2010. The work will be conducted as to have minimal impact to traffic flows as most of the activity will occur on the northern side of the road. During this period, please be ...

Farmwell Station Teacher Sets Powerlifting Mark
Farmwell Station Middle School English teacher Jessica Read set a Virginia and national bench press record for her weight class and age group at the 100 Percent Raw Christmas Classic on December 12th in Stanardsville. Read’s 235-pound bench press also is the fourth-best by an American in the Superheavyweight class. This competition was the first for Read, who had given up weightlifting for several years. (Raw refers to the fact that the competitors don’t use wrist wraps or anything else that might aid their performance.) Read is a native of Loudoun County ...

Stevens Elected School Board Chairman
J. StevensJohn Stevens (Potomac District) was elected chairman of the Loudoun County School Board at the board’s organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 5th, at the School Administrative Offices in Ashburn. Stevens was elected by a 6-3 vote with himself, Priscilla Godfrey (Blue Ridge District), Bob Ohneiser (Broad Run District), Jennifer Bergel (Catoctin District), Tom Marshall (Leesburg District) and Dr. Joseph Guzman (Sugarland Run District) voting for his nomination. Marshall nominated Stevens for chairman. Godfrey also was nominated for the chairman’s post. Her nomination failed on a 5-4 vote with Godfrey, Tom Reed (At-Large), ...