Fuze Power
Jake Meggs
Q: What will happen when the electric companies decide not to participate in the net metering programs?
A: Right now the electric companies are buying excess electricity that the solar panels on your home create during the day. If the electric companies stop the net metering programs for new customers, solar power can be supplied for homeowners in several ways. One option: build a smaller array that will only supply homeowners the electricity that will be used during the day. Another option would be to build a solar array for the home and utilize a whole-house battery backup system that will supply the electric needs at night. Keep in mind the electric company and co-ops in the state have the option to start and/or stop the net metering programs whenever they would like. Solar companies have been working with new customers in other states without the net metering programs for several years.
Impressions Flooring Collection
Wes Vicars
Q: I am looking to replace my hardwood floors. What kind of floor could really make a statement in my home?
A: Traditional hardwood plank floors can sometimes be a feature that is overlooked in a home. Now more than ever, homeowners are looking for a way to spice up their homes, starting right beneath their feet. The Lexington Series from Impressions Flooring Collection offers four beautifully rich colors in both traditional planks and pattern cuts to enable the creation of a truly customized look. From the popular Herringbone pattern to the bold Block pattern, the Lexington Series can create a strikingly beautiful floor for any room in your home.
Main Street Home
BJ Smith
Q: What’s an easy way to tell if a piece of furniture I’m considering will fit in the amount of space I have available?
A: Try a couple of different methods in determining if a piece will fit in a particular space, but you must know the width and length of the item. First, get a newspaper and lay it out on the floor in the same shape and dimensions as the piece you are considering. Then, use painters tape and do the same thing. Either method is easy and inexpensive — and most importantly will show whether or not there is adequate floor space for the item under consideration. In addition, check doorway openings, hallway widths, and stairways to make sure the piece can get to the planned location. It’s always easier to decide against a piece than to get it home and find out it won’t fit.
The Nest
Nicci Stengel
Q: Why should I have a touchless faucet in the kitchen?
A: It’s convenient, time saving, and hygienic. Less wear and tear on the components of the faucet means less repair or replacement. Energy efficient, the sensor system will save you money on your water bill and conserve a natural resource. Working with raw meat is made easier. Use your arm or elbow to turn on the faucet and eliminate the possibility of contaminating the faucet with bacteria and germs that may be present.
Palmetto Construction & Renovations
Jim Evatt
Q: What can I do if I don’t have the budget or time for a complete kitchen renovation?
A: The kitchen, the hub of the home, is a room you want to keep updated and make inviting. Unfortunately, it can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. You don’t have to embark on a lengthy and expensive renovation to keep up with trends and make your kitchen more appealing! Some easy and economical ways to make a big impact are to: change the paint color, change cabinet door fronts instead of buying new cabinets, change cabinet hardware, and then change some or all of the light fixtures. The best part about these easy updates is that because the investment is relatively small, you don’t have to live with them forever if your taste changes.
Palmetto Tile Distributors
Henry Goldberg
Q: What is an emerging tile trend?
A: Lately, we are seeing tile manufacturers mixing metal finishes with marble in creative geometric patterns. Brass and gold metals add a striking contrast to white marbles while silver and stainless finishes are subtle, but still give a wow factor. The beauty of mixing a modern metal with a more traditional marble results in an edgy flair without compromising the timeless elegance of the space. Be bold, give your space some personality, and don’t be afraid to mix metals in the same space — it will add dimension.
Sonitrol Security Systems
Michael Rama
Q: Can your home security system protect you from carbon monoxide?
A: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, but newer home security systems are built with sensors that can detect it. If you’re in the market for a home security system, you’d be wise to include the carbon monoxide sensors for the detection, but also for the notification that happens. If CO levels get too high, an alarm goes off inside your home. In addition, the home security company will alert you when levels get too high, in case you’re not home.
Sox and Freeman
Blake Roddy
Q: Why should I choose a professional tree service company and what should I ask when I meet my arborist?
A: Tree care work in general is hazardous, but tree removal is especially dangerous. Successfully felling a tree requires knowledge of tree physics, biology, dangerous tools, advanced cutting techniques, and more. To find a professional, find out about their accreditation. First, be sure to ask to see current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Second, ask for references and check on the quality of their work. Third, don’t be rushed by a bargain, don’t pay in advance, get estimates in writing, and insist on a written work order. Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done.
Tailored Living
Robin Carruthers
Q: Can staying organized really help your health?
A: Staying organized can boost energy levels and productivity — in turn, reducing stress and making you happier. According to WebMD, taking a few minutes to organize your desk at work or put away your clothes at home can help you work more energetically for the rest of the day. Staying organized can also improve your sleeping habits. Clutter in your room can be stressful, causing you to lose out on precious sleep. According to a survey done by the National Sleep Foundation, people who make their bed are 19 percent more likely to report regularly getting a good night’s rest. Staying organized allows for increased “me time!” Spending your time doing things you want to do reduces your stress and adds to your happiness.
Top Hat Sweepers
Ron Rust
Q: What is the best wood to burn?
A: Dry, seasoned, split wood is the best wood to burn. Wood is classified as soft wood or hard wood. Hard woods are considered preferable, although the most important point is for the wood to be cut and split six to nine months in advance of burning, then stacked and stored out of the rain. If you see a considerable amount of smoke from burning wood, this means that the heat is being used to dry out the wood. The smoke is unburned wood particles that cool down as they condense in the smoke chamber and flue and become creosote. If sparks get to those wood particles they can ignite and cause a chimney fire, which may cause property damage or personal injury. Now is the time to get your wood ready for next season.
Wolfe & Taylor
Calhoun McMeekin
Q: I want to buy my first home. Where do I begin?
A: Most people begin by contacting a real estate agent who can walk you through the process of getting financing, finding a house, and closing the deal. You will need to talk to a lender about what you can afford and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Then the house hunting begins! Your agent will help you find what’s on the market, or about to be, and you will visit homes until you find the one for you.
Woodley’s Garden Center
Rick Woodley
Q: How can I enjoy gardening with my limited space?
A: For every season, you can create container gardens and planters that provide instant color anywhere at any time. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to grow your favorite plants. Gardening can be done on a windowsill, patio, balcony, doorstep, or any space that will provide sufficient sunlight. The best part is almost any plant that will grow in your landscape can also thrive in a container garden!
