Mississippi

From Gary N Smith.net – Home Inspections and Energy Ratings

• Public Underestimates Savings of Energy Efficiency: Scientific American Podcast (Listen Here) August 30, 2010
  Most of us know we should rein in our energy use. But to be successful, it’d help if we knew the best way to do it. So scientists asked more than 500 people, “What’s the most effective thing you can do to conserve energy?” The results were illuminating. [...] […]
  Gary Smith
• Benefits of an Energy Efficient New Home August 2, 2010
  An energy efficient home allows you to take control of your investment. Today, it is possible and practical to have it all - a more comfortable and durable home while doing your part for national energy independence and environmental protection. It’s a win-win situation for everyone - now and for future generations. [...] […]
  Gary Smith
• Poor Workmanship July 17, 2010
  I'm sorry to say that there are some builders in the market place who attempt to deal with less than acceptable practices. I recently visited a home owner in central MS who has hired one such contractor. See how out of level this one week old room was. She simply let go of the wheel chair: [...] […]
  Gary Smith
• The Facts About FHA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage June 30, 2010
  As the single largest housing expense after a mortgage payment, your utility costs can have a direct impact on how large a mortgage you can afford. You can save money on the cost of utilities by purchasing new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems or by making home improvements, such as weatherizing and insulating older homes and these investments can […]
  Gary Smith
• Power Use – If you can’t measure it you can’t improve it. June 20, 2010
  What if you went to the grocery store each day or each week and at the end of the month the store sent you a bill for all the food you'd bought. No specifics details on how many gallons of milk or boxes of cereal, just a big bill and a thank you. Well, that's how we buy electrical power. One bill, you have no idea which room or appliance used the p […]
  Gary Smith
• We Want to Sell and Want to Know the Value of a Home Energy Rating June 4, 2010
  Statistics show that lowering home energy usage directly improves value. This notion is supported by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, ENERGY STAR, FHA and VA financing instruments. When you increase the value through energy savings the increase is recognized in the new loan. A potential buyer will consider cost to operate the home, but only if informed. Information […]
  Gary Smith
• 22 Homes and Counting May 6, 2010
  The latest count of homes built to the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program for Mississippi shows green building is being promoted and supported statewide. All the homes have been tested and certified by the National Association of Home Builders to use less energy, have cleaner air, are more comfortable and are easier to maintain [... […]
  Gary Smith
• Annual Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Deck May 5, 2010
  It’s that time of the year again. Barbecues and family fun outdoors. To ensure years of carefree, easy living on your deck, take time each year for an inspection and some simple preventative maintenance. The finish protecting your deck won’t last forever, so plan on cleaning and resealing your deck at least every other year. Follow these [...] […]
  Gary Smith
• EPA Sets Fine of $37,500 for Unqualified Contractors April 15, 2010
  Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead [...] […]
  Gary Smith
• Will My Exposed Slab Be An Issue When I Want to Sell? April 4, 2010
  Gary, I have a question about my personal home that you might be able to answer. The south side of my yard is considerably lower than the north. Therefore my flower beds on the south side are more “raised”. We want to lower the beds by removing dirt but it will make the actual [...] […]
  Gary Smith