Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

While the stress of finding the perfect tenant and fixing up odds and ends sometimes deters homeowners from renting out their homes, the tax deductions can often sway their decision.  If you save receipts and include such expenses on Schedule E of your tax return form, many of the necessary maint...

Touch up exterior paint. Peeling paint allows more moisture and sunlight to damage the existing paint, making it a tougher and more costly chore down the road.  When buying exterior paint, this isn't where you want to penny-pinch.  Go for the expensive label - it's worth it in the end. If you hav...

The Home Star bill, a $5.7 billion program for the next two years will allow homeowners to cash in on rebates for better insulation, new energy-saving windows and doors.  This new stimulus, dubbed cash-for-caulkers, is separate than that $1,500 tax credit on energy from last year through the end ...

1. Check for lead paint.  The EPA has set new regulations for lead-safe regulations.  Having a contractor abide by these new standards may add additional cost to your project. 2. In order for your paint to stick better, make sure all the grit and grime is washed off the exterior before painting. ...