House & Home

You may think you know a foundation problem when you see one. Cracked or deteriorating walls, uneven floors, and sticking windows and doors are hard to miss. But once you crack open this book by a real foundation repair expert, you will learn about telltale signs that often get missed. Experienced building contractors and ordinary homeowners alike will benefit from author Bob Brown’s plain-language explanation of what causes foundation problems, how they should be investigated, and what solutions apply in different situations.

Get the inside story on what it takes to do a real investigation of foundation problems and come up with the right solution. Learn how contractors who lack knowledge or have conflicts of interest regularly charge homeowners thousands of dollars for “repairs” that are useless or make problems worse. Find out how and why Bob’s Arizona company spent years working with experts to develop a patented solution to remediate a damaging type of problem in which saturated soil heaves up under concrete slab foundations. Find out the questions you need to ask about foundations before a costly repair.

This book clears up common misconceptions about the repair of foundation problems that plague many homes all over the world. An industry insider reveals that product suppliers have trained contractors and their salespeople to perform quick and dirty inspections that can result in misdiagnoses. A real investigation of a foundation problem involves many steps and a thorough understanding of building construction and soil dynamics.

Bob Brown has spent decades working with engineers and scientists to find out how to thoroughly investigate different kinds of foundation problems in all of the unique ways and locations in which homes are built. He shares his proprietary solution for remediating the foundation problems most often given the wrong treatment. Homeowners who read this book will come away understanding more about foundation repair than some people who work in the field.

Are your energy bills through the roof, and is your home still cold in the winter and hot in the summer?

That’s the reality for many homeowners in Wisconsin today, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Advances in glass technology and window construction in recent years have made old style windows obsolete. In fact, some windows now on the market are more energy efficient than the walls that surround them.

Taking into consideration the window technology available today, we are able to produce high-performance windows that keep comfort at a maximum and energy consumption at a minimum.

Read this book if you are considering replacing some or all of the windows in your home. Learn how to assess the performance metrics on window labels and choose the best product for your situation. Find out about single-, double-, and triple-glazing and how it affects conduction and air infiltration. Read about argon and krypton, and learn which more effectively slows conduction.

From the hazards of “doing it yourself,” to the pitfalls of hiring a handyman, Wisconsinite Scott “The Window Guy” Young draws from a lifetime of experience replacing windows the right way. He guides you through the basics of glass production, window styles and construction, installation, price, and long-term value.

Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about replacing the windows in your home. Then window shop like a pro and enjoy the comfort, convenience, good looks, and energy efficiency that high-quality, properly installed windows will deliver for years to come.

Downsizing and moving to a new home is one of the most overwhelming experiences many seniors and their families will encounter. But with the right guidance, it doesn't have to be! This indispensable guide introduces readers to the Home Downsizing Concierge—a network of trusted professionals who specialize in senior downsizing and can provide customized, stress-free solutions every step of the way.

Inside, you’ll get tips from Ben Souchek’s 25+ years of expertise in real estate and downsizing to help you thoughtfully prepare for this major life transition. Learn when it may be time to downsize and how to begin the process. Meet the many specialists, from caregivers to attorneys, who handle each aspect of the move-out and move-in process. Get checklists to sort belongings, ready your home for sale, and keep your move on track from start to finish. Compare your options for selling the home, from using a real estate agent to selling to home buyers who make cash offers, and choose the best path based on your needs.

The book outlines a 6-month downsizing plan that readers can modify to fit their own timeline and circumstances. From helping you begin downsizing the right way to ensuring your house sells quickly and successfully, their goal is to make this experience as smooth as possible.

If downsizing is on your horizon, this guide will illuminate the path forward. You’ll learn how to sell your current house stress-free, transition to your ideal new home, and embark upon your next chapter with confidence.

There are so many reasons to update your living space. The exciting, creative process can quickly get out of hand if you are not ready for it. The Styleprint® Design System simplifies everything and helps you each step of the way. The Styleprint brings your unique design preferences to life by evaluating your space, identifying what exactly is not working for you, and then setting goals to improve it.

With the help of the Decor&You Styleprint Design system, you can create the living space of your dreams.