May 2016 (61 )
In Progress:
THE GARCIA PROJECT
We are so proud to know that the Overhaul For A Hero project will truly change lives. Officer Ramiro Garcia is no longer able to serve the city of Houston, but with the help of Texas Home Improvement sponsors, the Houston Police Officers Union, local contractors, and Texas Home Improvement listeners the Garcia Family will be better equipped to care for their son. Their home is being transformed because the community cares about its police officers and all those who work daily to keep us safe. This is just the way we know best to show our appreciation for the great sacrifices our local heroes make everyday.

The Overhaul team is currently remodeling their home including bath and kitchen updates, flooring, windows, roof, landscaping, heating and air conditioning, security system, all new paint and siding....and so much more.

Please visit our Facebook Page:

And share with your friends the great pictures and videos of the project. 

Upcoming: Jim reveals to the Garcias their completely overhauled home.


 


Your Questions -
Jim's Answers

Sinking Swimming Pool Deck
Ken's swimming pool deck is dropping - Jim has a couple of options for him.

Saving on AC Costs:
Should you shut vents in unused rooms?
Tony asks if he should be shutting those vents, and how often should he be changing filters.

Replacing Hot Water Heater 
in Attic

Mike has two 15 year old hot water heaters in the attic and is afraid what will happen if they start leaking.




Hey Texas! 
Are You Ready?
It is Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The US Department of Homeland Security has the following recommendations for getting your home ready for hurricane season.
  • Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
  • Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
  • Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels.  
For outstanding information for how to keep you, your family, and your home safe visit Ready.gov.


10 Things to Consider When Hiring a Remodeler.
 
Establish a project plan, covering all phases and dependencies in the work.  Plan your big picture goals with the remodeler and discuss your needs. 
Establish effective two-way communication with the home remodeler.  It's essential to have good communication for a smooth home remodeling project.
Make sure you are compatible with the contractor.  You'll spend a lot of time with your remodeler so it's important to have a good rapport and trust in him or her. 
Set a clear and mutual agreement about the schedule.  You and your home remodeler should agree on the schedule up front to avoid conflict and problems later in the project.
Request a written proposal.  
Get a clear and mutual understanding on miscellaneous details up front.  There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts.
Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life, be flexible during the project so that you can handle the unexpected and go with the flow.
Discuss and agree on how change orders will be handled.  With home remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or other project details during the job.
Agree on a well-written contract that covers all the bases.  
Ask for a written lien waiver from the home remodeler upon completion of the work.   This document will verify everyone, including subcontractors, has been paid.

-- From  How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler  by Tom Higgins, Superior Products Home Improvement, Littleton, CO.

Thanks for listening!

Jim Dutton





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The Garcia Project featured on ABC News

Reporter Kevin Quinn tells Officer Garcia's story as he visits the house and interviews Jim Dutton and Dora Garcia.

What happens in there is...

Keep it that way!
Nobody's Business is a "Spray Before You Go" toilet spray. Before you do your business a quick spray will make sure no else one knows. Completely natural
and 
wholly effective.






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