Uncontrolled moisture, in the forms of liquid water and water vapor, is huge enemies of any home. If not controlled, moisture can cause heating and cooling inefficiencies, resulting in an uncomfortable house and higher utility costs. Uncontrolled moisture can also lead to rot, mold, structural damage, and poor air quality.
What specific methods you use to control moisture will depend on the climate in your region and the design and construction of your home. This week we’ll go over some moisture control strategies that will work for the majority of us, but always consult with local contractors to a make sure these strategies will work for your project.
Show notes at BYHYU.com
I’ve gotten lots of emails from many of you stating that you love the show but that you decided to hire a builder. It’s almost as if you were apologizing for hiring a builder, but this podcast is for anyone building a house, so we can all build a quality dream home with or without a general contractor.
Some people just aren’t interested in contracting their own homes. They don’t have the time or interest to make all the decisions that builders have to make. They don’t feel comfortable hiring and managing subs, and, in that case, hiring a general contractor is the best course of action. There should be no shame associated with hiring as much help as you need to build your house.
The purpose of this podcast to help all of us make informed decisions and better understand the construction process, whether we use a builder or not.
Show notes at BYHYU.com
So, should you hire an interior designer? Well, Interior designers will tell you that you should absolutely hire them to help you decorate your new house. But ask a barber if you need a haircut and you know what he’ll say. Whether or not you hire an interior designer is an incredibly personal choice. There’s no right or wrong answer.
Show notes at BYHYU.com
According to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, only 17% of houses in the US have a security system. Many people have avoided home security because of the costly, long-term monitoring fees and annoying false alarms that plagued home security systems decades ago. But systems today have improved. Systems are both simpler to use and more sophisticated than ever before.
Homes that are targeted for crime are usually unoccupied homes with lots of cover, such as lots of tall bushes around the house. Homes with easy escape routes and easy access through unlocked or unsecured doors or windows are also favorites of criminals. Home security system deters criminals. Think about it, When an alarm sounds and interior lights come on in response to an alarm and when exterior lights start flashing or a voice comes through a video doorbell when a potential intruder approaches, the bad guys are more likely to leave your house alone and go after an easier, quieter target.
Homes without alarms are three times more likely to get burglarized according to The National Council for Home Safety and Security. Some say that statistic is overstated since overall crime rates have dropped over the last several years. But whether that number is inflated or not, I don’t think anyone can argue that home security systems, at the very least, give criminals pause when they are considering which homes to violate. And for many people, especially as they age, a home security system brings peace of mind.
This week, I’ll give you the basics of home security systems. You’ll be able to find lots more detail on the websites of specific brands, but this mini-lesson should help you decide whether you have enough interest in home security to seek more information.
Show notes at BYHYU.com