It’s fun to dream, but real home improvement plans require real numbers.
The Home Service Store has a cost estimator on its Web site, www.TrustHSS.com, that can help you get a better idea of the budget you’ll need for various home improvement and repair projects.
The calculations are based on ZIP code, so estimates take into consideration labor and materials costs in your area.
Project categories covered by the cost calculator are kitchens, bathrooms, additions, painting, roofing, decks and patios, and interior/exterior projects. The calculator provides estimates of both product prices and labor costs, so it’s useful for do-it-yourselfers as well as people who intend to hire contractors to do the work.
The Home Service Store is a home maintenance, repair and improvement company that links consumers with contractors in their areas, but you can use the estimator without hiring its services.
Shining star
Tremendous advances have been made recently in energy efficiency, and most people have the chance to save money and resources by cutting their energy use. This site, www.energystar.gov, tells you how.
Energy Star is a program sponsored jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy Star logo is probably most familiar on appliances that meet government targets for energy efficiency, but the programs goes well beyond appliances.
This site will guide you toward making good choices in getting new insulation, efficient designs, and special areas offering advice for energy-efficient homes, schools, businesses and churches. There’s also a kids’ area.
There is also lots of information for people looking for the most efficient appliances available.
