Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Termites are sneaky creatures. Concealed by the wood and soil where they reside, termites feast away on your home. These wood-destroying insects (WDIs) often go unnoticed as they feed on structural components such as studs, rafters and floor joists from the inside out. “Unaddressed termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of a home,…
Brown recluse spiders are venomous — bites from these pests can lead to illness, tissue necrosis and, in rare cases, death. As their name suggests, brown recluse spiders often reside in undisturbed areas of the home, particularly if there is a nearby food source. While they’re not known to be aggressive, they can bite if…
Fungus gnats are among the most common types of flying pests found in homes in the United States. “There are many species of gnat, but the most encountered inside homes is the fungus gnat,” said Craig Sansig, certified associate entomologist and service director for Viking Pest Control. Fungus gnats don’t bite humans, but they are…
Finding snakes on your property or in your home can be startling. They can also present a serious threat to you, your children and your pets if they’re venomous. “The best way to get rid of snakes in your yard and garden is to get rid of food sources and shelter,” said Brad Woods, an…
Taking accurate roof measurements can save you time and money. Overestimating the number of shingles you need could leave you with unused shingles when you’re finished, while underestimating how many shingles you need will require additional trips to the store. “Running out of roofing material while on the job can [also] mean mismatched colors and…
Gutters are pivotal in protecting your home from leaks and water damage. Without them, water can soak into the soil next to your foundation, wick through the concrete, and potentially create problems with moisture that lead to mold or structural damage. Gutter installation costs vary based on the material used. According to Erik Swain, owner…
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage each year, and property owners collectively spend more than $2 billion annually to treat them. “Termites eat through anything containing cellulose, which means wood, drywall and even wallpaper. If an infestation takes hold, termite damage could cause serious risks to…
Many municipalities in Texas switched to deregulated energy in 2002, giving residents of those areas a choice among electric companies. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages about 90% of the power load for those deregulated regions, accounting for about 26 million Texans. But each Texan can choose their own electric company — also…
The deregulated electricity market in Texas means Dallas residents have choices when it comes to electric companies. You might begin your search by comparing electricity rates, but it’s not only about that monthly bill. You should dig deeper than the cheapest electricity rates to find the best electric company in Dallas. Here are tips and…
The variety of Houston electricity plans reflects the spirit of competition that inspired the move to deregulated energy in Texas. But how are Houston residents to know what energy plan is right for them? Most consumers’ main goal is to find the best electricity rates. After all, a lower electric bill was the advantage Texans…
From February 2023 to February 2024, the average electricity rate in the U.S. increased by nearly 3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additional BLS data shows that electricity prices have climbed 29.1% in the past decade and 90.1% over the past two decades. “We are seeing significant changes in both the…
The main difference between shingle and tile roofs is the material used for the top layer. Shingle roofs use asphalt shingles, or sometimes wood, to protect the roof’s underlying layers, while tile roofs usually use clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs are also significantly heavier, so they require extra support. “Homeowners should be aware of…
The main differences between metal and asphalt roofs are their life span and durability. Metal roofs last about twice as long as asphalt roofs — up to 50 years compared to 25 for asphalt shingles — which helps offset their higher initial costs. Metal roofs are also more durable and can stand up better to…
A roof drip edge is a metal flashing that acts as a barrier between rainwater and building materials — namely, your roof deck and fascia. There are three types of roof drip edges: Type C, Type D and Type F, also known as L-style, T-style and gutter aprons, respectively. The drip edge that’s right for…
Fruit flies aren’t dangerous, but they’re certainly annoying. According to Oklahoma State University, they can multiply rapidly in your home by laying up to 500 eggs at a time. Getting rid of fruit flies involves preventing breeding and eradicating the adults. You need “a multiprong solution for an infestation,” said David Price, associate certified entomologist…
Dealing with an emergency roof leak is the last thing any homeowner wants to do, but taking action and scheduling a repair quickly is the best way to avoid more property damage and potentially higher repair costs. Unfortunately, the actual roof leak is just the first problem to tackle — you may also be facing…
The type of roof you choose for your home can have a major impact on your heating and cooling bills, curb appeal and long-term roof replacement and repair costs. It might be tempting to choose a roof type based solely on upfront cost, but that’s not always in your best interest. “The best roofing comes…
Asphalt roofs are less expensive than most, which is a big reason why they’re the most common roof type. “Other than a cobb and turf roof, it’s the most cost-effective way to keep the elements out of your home. Not only does it offer affordability, but it also comes in a variety of textures, styles…
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and it refers to any system that uses heated or cooled air to regulate temperature. Forced-air systems are the most common HVAC systems — they use ducts to distribute warm and cool air, provided you install a central unit. Radiant systems that provide heat cannot be adapted…
Fleas bite pets and people and can cause severe itchiness and allergic reactions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fleas can also transmit diseases to and from humans and pets, including typhus, plague and cat scratch disease (CSD). The CDC also maintains that getting rid of fleas is complicated, as flea…
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