Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Solar tubes run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room. Much like skylights, but less expensive and require less roof/ceiling space, solar tubes can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They...

In this extreme buyer's market, you can talk down the price of everything from  televisions to summer vacation rentals.  However, when it comes to home improvement, haggling can be very risky. Even if contractors are more willing to lower their prices, they may just cut corners on the job in orde...

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:The roof is a large source of heat in many homes. Rays from the sun enter through the roof, and while heat is absorbed by the attic, some heat diffuses down through the attic floor and throughout the house. In the winter, heat is also easily lost through the roof. A...

With the growing number of obstacles for home buyers, including a higher credit score standard and more restrictions on credit, it is extremely important that you have a thorough understanding of the changing market. Educate and prepare yourself with the following tips: 1. Learn about first-time ...

Never want to pay another rent check again? The security of owning your own home definitely has its perks, but it comes at a price.  Unless your financially steady and ready to by, home-ownership may not be the best choice for you.  Explore the financial costs that will add up on top of your mort...

Staging your home before listing it on the market is a crucial step that many homeowners often overlook. While the competition continues to be fierce in today's market, homeowners must take the necessary steps in order to make their home stand out from the others. 1. Home staging is not just for ...

By Mickey Matteson Unemployment is the highest it has been in 25 years. The DOW dropped to a record low in March. Everything is getting more expensive. These days we are faced with a lot of negative statistics and consumer confidence is suffering. When it comes to moving, one might think that the...

With the cost of insuring homes on the rise in recent years, now is a good time to examine your policy and look for ways to save money.  The Insurance Information Institute, a non-profit organization supported by the property and casualty insurance business, attributes the increases to the mounti...

Fewer homeowners may be starting complete kitchen remodels, but they're still replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets. They're also investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient.  Others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters after realizing that they may be in the...

You can benefit from energy-efficient financing whether you're buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling a home. If you're looking to buy an energy-efficient home, you can qualify for a better, more comfortable home because with lower utility costs, you can afford a slightly larger mortgage pay...