April 2023

ISSUE 18

News Bites

Happy Earth Day - COCLT Spring Clean Up

As if Earth Day is not enough reason to celebrate, the COCLT is holding the 2nd Annual Spring Clean Up on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please join us beginning at 10:30 a.m. Check your email for more information coming soon about sign up and meeting location information. A rain date is set for Sunday, April 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. We will provide all the equipment. Just show up and help beautify the South Side of Columbus. Email Norman Deena with questions.

Welcome Home

Please join COCLT in welcoming some homeowners who have closed

on their new homes in 2023.

Protect Yourself When

Contracting Work

Sometimes a home repair or improvement is beyond what you can or want to do. Below are some things to consider when you need to hire a contractor:

Be on the lookout for contractors that

intentionally damage your home while conducting an inspection to justify the need for repairs
alter a contract after it has been signed and amend the terms without your knowledge
install lower quality products than originally agreed upon
require cash down payments
use high-pressure sales tactics

Make sure that you

request a list of preferred contractors from your insurance carrier, the Better Business Bureau, or a specialized organization
verify licenses, bonding, and insurance
verify contractors are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State
contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate
do not allow contractors to inspect your property when you are not home
watch a contractor conduct the inspection
read all documents before signing
never sign a blank contract or a contract that is not fully completed
pay contractors by check or credit card, rather than in cash, so you have a record of all payments issued
do not pay a contractor in full, or sign a completion certificate, until all work has been finished

If you believe you have been defrauded by a contractor, you are encouraged to call the Ohio Attorney General's Office (Consumer Protection Section) at 800.282.0515 or use the Consumer Complaint Form.

Call Before You Dig...It's the Law

If you are planning any outdoor improvement projects or yard work, it is best to call 8-1-1 (Ohio’s one-call notification system) at least 48 hours ahead of time so you know where it is safe to dig.

One call coordinates local utilities and oil and gas production facilities so underground lines can be marked. Not only can doing so avoid headaches and make your job easier, but you could avoid potential utility outages, repair costs, and serious - or even fatal - injuries. More info can be found HERE.

Homeowner Tips

The Right Fan

for the Room

Ceiling fans are a great way to save on heating and cooling costs.

If you decide to add a fan to a room, in addition to deciding on the color and style, you also should consider the square footage of the room.

Calculate the room's square footage by multiplying the length and width of the room. Then, select a ceiling fan that is the right size for the space:

100 sq. ft. = 36" span

200 sq. ft. = 42" span

400 sq. ft. = 52" span

> 400 sq. ft. = one 60" fan or two 52 or 56" fans

Make sure there is at least 18 inches of clearance from the walls.

After installing, do not forget to change the fan direction for the season. The direction in summer should be counterclockwise to help create a downdraft, which creates that direct, cooling breeze. The direction in winter needs to be clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.

Cleaning

Mistakes

You finally worked up the energy and motivation to sweep under the couch and dust the ceiling fan blades. Winter hibernation can only last so long.

Some things to remember while you work:

Don't lift heavy things by yourself.

If you cannot lift safely, wait for help. Lift with your legs (not your back) and bend with your knees.

Don't mix cleaning products. Read warning labels carefully and open windows when necessary.

Don't do it all in one day.

Break your large goal into smaller, manageable tasks.

Don't start cleaning until after you declutter.

It's hard to dust when two weeks of mail is on the table. Take a few minutes to put things away.

Don't overlook garbage cans.

If something leaked or the plastic absorbed some unpleasant smells, you need to clean the can too.

Don't wear sandals or flip flops.

Wear athletic shoes to avoid slips and falls.

Don't get dehydrated.

Drink plenty of water and take rest breaks.

Save Some $$$

Part 2

Here are more ideas to save some money.

Use a power strip with appliances like coffee makers/electric tea kettles, toaster ovens, and hair dryers/straightening tools. Appliances continue to use power even when off, which can add 10% to a monthly utility bill and increase the average annual electric bill by hundreds of dollars.

Set your water heater to 120°. Hot water heaters often come with a factory setting of 140°. You can reduce water heating costs by 3% to 5% by lowering the temperature setting by 10°. It is not recommended to go lower than 120° or there is a risk of bacteria developing inside the water heater.

Cut back on the amount of laundry detergent used in each load. You typically need only one (loads around 8 pounds) to two (loads around 12 pounds) tablespoons of detergent. The measuring cup that comes with your liquid laundry detergent is often 10 times larger than the actual amount of laundry soap needed. And, clothes actually get cleaner with less, because no soap residue is left behind.

DIY Resources

DIY projects are popular these days. Whether tiling a backsplash, making compost, or repurposing furniture, you can save money and liven up your living space. Local home improvement stores are offering DIY project ideas and instructions at no cost. Check out the links below for in-store and virtual workshops and information.

If you have any questions about whether you need COCLT's permission to move forward with a project, you can contact Norman Deena.

Home Depot