Hear our tips for picking the best pressure-treated lumber and keeping smoke smells out of a chimney. (cmannphoto, Getty Images Signature/schankz, Getty Images)
In Hour 1, we talk about sealing out smoke odor from a neighbor, screening in a pool and more.
Hour 1
Sealing Out Smoke Odor
Sealing your home’s “envelope” is the best way to keep a neighbor’s cigarette smoke from coming into your home. (schankz, Getty Images)
Colleen Powell hasn’t been able to use the chimney in her duplex since the top was removed. She can’t light any fires in the fireplace, but she now has a smoke problem.
“The neighbors next to me are smokers. Somehow it comes through to my place and smells the strongest near it. Do you have any suggestions about what can be done to fix this problem?” Colleen asks.
Most of the time, heat from a fire prevents downdraft. However, since the chimney is capped, the smoke has nowhere to go and is making its way into your living area.
If you have a damper, close it immediately. Then, purchase a fireplace plug. It blows up like a balloon and slips right up into your fireplace to seal out downdrafts, noise and odors.
You can get the same result with a foam board. Simply cut it to shape and use caulk to seal it inside the chimney.
The forced air from your heating and cooling system will pull outside air into your home, so you should seal your home envelope as best as you can. Caulk any cracks and gaps and install socket seals behind your plugs and switch plates.
If you want to build a screened-in pool structure, heavy mesh screen is available in hundreds of colors and mesh densities. (akurtz, Getty Images Signature)
Christy Baggarley in Georgia wants to build a screened-in enclosure around her pool, but can’t find where to buy either a kit or the individual components.
Christy asks, “Does such a thing exist? Also, in one of your videos, you showed a super-rugged screen. Where can I buy some of that for our pool enclosure?”
The screen system Christy is referring to is a retractable screen from Wizard Screens. These screens are available in a variety of sizes, and there’s even a motorized option.
We aren’t familiar with any kits that you can put together yourself. Screening in a pool is a very involved job, so we recommend calling a professional to install one.
One system we’re familiar with is the Screen Tight Screen Enclosure System, but they currently only ship their aluminum screen enclosures to select markets in Florida. Call a local contractor to see what’s available in your area.
If you want to build it yourself, heavy mesh screen is available in hundreds of colors and mesh densities. For the posts, use quality treated wood, sand it and stain it before you attach the screen. This will give the enclosure a nice clean look.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, hear our tips for picking pressure-treated wood, fixing a crack in a concrete slab, and landscape lighting.
Tips for Choosing Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood tends to warp and bow, but you can pick boards that are less likely to do so. (cmannphoto, Getty Images Signature)
A caller wants to know: “What can I do to keep pressure-treated lumber from twisting and bowing once it has dried out?”
It’s nearly impossible to keep pressure-treated wood from twisting and bowing, but here’s what you can do to lessen the chances of that happening:
Buy a good quality pressure-treated wood — all are not the same. The best you can get is kiln-dried after-treatment lumber. This type of pressure-treated lumber is dried in a kiln after it’s treated with chemicals, so any excess moisture and chemicals are removed. This helps minimize the wood’s tendency to warp, cup and shrink.
Before assembly, apply a penetrating clear coat over the wood to minimize movement later on. You can also use a semi-transparent stain.
Hand-pick through the pile. Find the driest, straightest boards. Since they’re dry, they probably have already warped into their permanent position.
Fixing a Crack on a Concrete Slab
If you don’t repair concrete cracks before installing vinyl flooring, the cracks will show through. (kshushsh, Getty Images)
Jane Muich in Missouri has hired a contractor to install vinyl plank flooring in her condo. To save money, she removed the baseboards and carpeting herself.
However, after pulling up the carpet, she found two 1/8-inch-wide cracks in the concrete slab. One crack is nearly 20 feet long and is un-level in some sections. The other crack is about 5 feet long.
She asks, “Must these cracks be fixed before the floor is installed?”
Short answer: Absolutely! And now is the time to do it before you install the flooring.
You can fix this with a floor-leveling compound. Custom Building Products has a variety of floor leveling and floor patching compounds you can choose from.
It’s like repairing a crack in drywall. Mix the floor-leveling compound and use a concrete trowel to fill in the crack. Let the compound dry according to the instructions and apply a second coat.
If you don’t do this, you will see the crack once the luxury vinyl tile is installed. Also, make sure your contractor leaves a gap around the perimeter of the room so the flooring can expand and contract.
Around The Yard: Landscape Lighting
Few things are as pleasing as an artfully lit landscape, but it can be a surprising challenge to make it relatively natural. (Alberto Sava via Canva)
Landscape lighting can enhance the beauty of your home at night if it’s strategically placed.
Don’t just haphazardly place lights all about. Walk around your yard at night and take note of features that could be enhanced with a little light or dark areas that could be made safer with a little illumination.
Before you start buying fixtures, consider what kind of light you need. There are a variety of lighting methods and the ones you choose will determine the equipment you need to buy.
For example, shadow lighting shines a single beam of light on a feature, say a trellis, and casts its shadow on a surface behind it, like a wall or fence.
Uplighting is a great way to illuminate trees using a flood light hidden below them to dramatically highlight their structure.
Moonlighting reverses this idea by placing spotlights high up in the trees, pointing downward, to cast the shadows of the limbs on the ground much like moonlight would.
And of course, downlighting with several small fixtures is a great way to softly light up a pathway or staircase.
Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, experiment a little with a strong flashlight to be sure you like the effect. Your time and money will be better spent if you do the planning upfront.
Wood Trim Cleaning Tip — Mix one quart of water with about one cup of liquid fabric softener. Use a cloth or sponge to wash the decorative molding and baseboards.
So, why does this work? Well, the antistatic property of the fabric softener helps to remove the dirt and prevents static cling from attracting more dust.
Bungee Cord Tool Storage — Here’s a tip for using bungee cords to store and organize hand tools in the workshop.
First, twist off the hooks from the cord, then attach one end of the cord to the wall with a cable staple. Stretch the cord tightly across the wall and secure the opposite end with another staple.
Now hammer in two or three more staples across the cord, spacing them 4-6 inches apart.
Then, simply slip the hand tool behind the taut cord.
Steps, walkways and heavily trafficked areas of your yard often require path lights to prevent accidents, but the cheap plastic models often don’t last and look somewhat haphazard.
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These lights create the illusion of a flame inside their housing for a flickering effect. (The Home Depot)
Real-Flame Look
Adding path lights is an easy way to ensure that guests and family members can see where they are going and avoid any obstacles, so why not also add some style along with safety?
Hampton Bay’s Solar LED Flicker Flame Path Lights add a touch of flair to your landscape. The “flicker feature “ in these lights creates the illusion of an actual flame inside the mesh-textured light housing.
These realistic-flame lights are perfect for enhancing entryways, pathways, and garden areas. They’re also great for creating the perfect ambiance for an evening poolside barbecue.
Each light includes a solar rechargeable battery and features an option to set the light to flame effect or steady, solid light. (The Home Depot)
Built to Last
These black-finish path lights are made from weather-resistant aluminum, so they’ll last. And, because they are solar-powered, no wiring or tools are necessary, so installation is a snap.
Each light includes a solar rechargeable battery and features an option to set the light to flame effect or steady, solid light.
This integrated LED light produces six Lumens of light and automatically turns on at dusk delivering up to eight-hour run time on a full charge.
Today’s Homeowner TV host Danny Lipford and Marc Ingram, production manager for Today’s Homeowner Media and 3 Echoes Content Studio. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
In this week’s Ask Danny, I’m talking with Marc Ingram about building a barndominum.
Marc manages production for the ’Today’s Homeowner’ TV show, radio show and podcast, plus projects for our production company, 3 Echoes Content Studio.
In his off time, he loves hanging with his wife, Mallory and his beautiful daughter Adley Kay… and fishing. He loves the outdoors, which is why he’s now in the process of building a new barndominium-style home on five acres of land he recently purchased.
A barndominium, or barndo, is simply a barn-like structure that is converted into a living space, office space, or anything suitable for residential, business use or both, according to greenbuildingelements.com. They’re built from kits made with prefab steel construction, so you can design the layout to suit your needs and style.
A barndominum-style home offers plenty of storage and can be customized. (Image source GBE)
Why Choose a Barndo-Style Home?
What made you go this route instead of a traditional new home?
Marc: My wife actually suggested it to me. We had this thought of selling our home, and we came across these style homes. It was exactly what we were looking for, the ability to customize it how it fits our family.
And not only that, we could take our time with it. We weren’t bound to a time frame so we could take it at our own pace. We saw this style fit our needs and wants. so did more research.
For centuries, people lived in housebarns to benefit from the warmth horses and livestock provided during winter. (Landscape at the Sambre by Edouard Delvaux, 1826-1828, The Everett Collection)
Barndominum History
During your research, what did you learn?
Marc: Although barndominums surged in popularity around 2016-2017, the style goes back farther than what people think.
The term “barndominum” was coined in the 1980s by a Connecticut real estate developer who was working on a new style of planned community that centered on living near horses.
However, the concept of barndominums has been around for centuries in the form of housebarns. The concept of the housebarn dates back to prehistoric times when it was discovered that the heat from the animals could help warm the living area of humans.
In a housebarn, there was a stable underneath for horses and livestock and living quarters up top.
When we started diving into the history, we thought, “Wow there’s so much more to this than just what’s now called a barndominum, or a shouse (shop-house).”
The way we were looking at it, we didn’t want to go with a traditional. We wanted to get back to the countryside and bring my daughter up that way.
Barndominum homes are popular in the country, so clearing land is the first step in the building process. (benedek, Getty Images Signature)
Getting Started
What’s it like getting your property ready for your barndominum?
Marc: I think the day after we signed for the property, I was there at 5:30 a.m. with the tractor clearing a road. We started with a small access road to the property and everything else was heavily wooded.
We had all these ideas and thoughts on how we a bring the property to life. But once you get out there to clear it, you realize the obstacles. For example, an old logging road apparently ran right through our property, so part of the land was cleared out enough to get a log truck through. So now, I have 55 stumps that need to be removed.
But that’s the beauty of it: I’m taking something from nothing and making it something for my family.
For us, doing the work ourselves helps us manage our expectations and our timeline, and in a few years, we’ll have something my family can be proud of.
A basic barndominum is a rectangular metal shell, but architectural elements can be added to look more like a traditional home. (Image source GBE)
Barndominum Home Style
What kind of style are you gravitating toward?
Marc: We’re looking for a basic steel shell exterior with some architectural design.
The outside of some barndominiums look like a warehouse building or an office, but once you go inside, you realize it’s a lavish home. You think, “Wow, you can have granite and marble inside a barn?!”
We also chose steel because of its high rating for hurricanes. thought about safety. We want to be a step ahead instead of playing catch-up down the road.
Barndominums are sold in prefabricated kits, so you can act as the general contractor when building one. (Courtesy Courtney from Mississippi)
Building Costs
How does it compare in cost to building a traditional home vs. building a barndominum?
Marc: If you go the route of hiring a contractor to take you from start to finish, you’re not bound by prices, but you have a forecast to go off of. The national average is about $80-$200 per square foot.
If you take on the role of the general contractor, based on my research, there are families that have built a 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot home from $40-$75 a square foot.
Once the exterior is built, then you need to decide if you are going to finish the interior yourself or sub a contractor to do the work for you. I plan on completing the interior myself and subbing out projects as needed.
Barndominum homes are unique, so selling them can be tricky. (CHRISsadowski, Getty Images Signature)
What About Resale?
A barndominium is not for everyone. Does it concern you that it’s narrowing the pool of buyers when you have a unique structure?
Marc: It doesn’t concern me because a lot of people who go this route look at the long haul. They’re looking for something that suits their family now and in the future.
For us, we’re in it in the long haul. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but we’re happy where we are at.
Marc’s Advice
What’s your advice for someone who wants to build a barndominum?
Don’t rush. Excitement is a true thing, but you’re making decisions that will affect you and your family for the rest of the time you’re at this place.
Research. Research. Research. I suggest visiting Barndominium Life for more information.
Talk to companies that build barndominums and people who live in barndominums. Their first-hand experience in building a barndominium is so valuable.
Further Reading
Ask a Question! (Podcast)
Ask a question and we could answer it on the “Today’s Homeowner Podcast!” We also may use it on our nationally syndicated radio broadcast or on todayshomeowner.com.
If disaster strikes, will your homeowners insurance cover the cost to replace your home? A basic policy might not be enough to provide peace of mind — you need guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
If your home insurance is lacking, you might be paying out of pocket to rebuild your home. (bjunda, Getty Images Signature)
What is Guaranteed Replacement Cost?
When something goes wrong, such as a natural disaster or a fire, the insurance company will cover your loss—or at least, up to a certain dollar amount—after you pay a deductible based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
Many people believe an insurance policy will cover all the damage after a disaster. Unfortunately, this isn’t automatically true — and many people don’t realize it until it’s too late.
For example, if an electrical fire claimed your home, depending on the type of insurance coverage you have, your policy might only cover the home’s current value minus depreciation and wear and tear. That means the insurance company wouldn’t write a check to cover the entire cost of building a new house if construction costs significantly increased due to inflation or unforeseen circumstances.
You could pay out of pocket to cover the remainder — or cut costs by sacrificing some of your old home’s features. But those options add steps and stress to the project during an already difficult time.
Guaranteed replacement cost, on the other hand, covers the amount to repair or replace your home after a covered loss — even if it would cost more to rebuild your home today than it did when you bought it.
With Erie Insurance’s Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage, you’re covered even if you have to build a new home.
Of course, there are some important terms and conditions.
Under Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage, you must report home improvements over $5,000 — such as, say, new construction on an addition — within 90 days. Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is.
In addition, the coverage of costs is subject to limits and must comply with laws or ordinances, so terms may vary based on where you live.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost Coverage is not available in all states, so check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost covers the amount to rebuild your home, even if it costs more to rebuild today than when you bought it. (brittak, Getty Images Signature)
Why You Need Guaranteed Replacement Cost
Even if your homeowners insurance has a high limit, the cost to repair or rebuild is always in flux.
Your policy’s current limit might allow you to completely rebuild your home this year, but if building costs and inflation rise, it may only cover a portion of that next year.
Guaranteed replacement cost coverage, then, provides greater peace of mind than policies that deduct for depreciation when calculating reimbursement.
If you don’t have guaranteed replacement cost coverage, the work stops when the money runs out. So, you’re left with an incomplete project that you must pay out of pocket to finish.
Having this coverage could potentially save you thousands of dollars after a disaster.
Insurance can be complicated, so speak with an Erie Insurance agent to find the best policy for you. (Pixelshot)
Which Insurance Policy is the Best?
Now that you know what guaranteed replacement cost is, it’s time to consider what type of policy you need to accompany it.
A common question is, “How much coverage should I get for my home?” The answer boils down to how much you’re willing to sacrifice — which should be nothing.
Always opt for full coverage. If you go with any less, you could potentially lose tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars if something goes wrong — just to save a couple of hundred dollars in an annual premium.
Home insurance can be complicated, so let an experienced agent help you assess your needs and risk tolerance to find the right coverage.
Erie Insurance, established in 1925, has claims adjusters who are trained to know how different homes are constructed, the materials used, and which kinds of damage can occur.
Their independent agents provide 24-7 support, a wide array of coverages, and no gray areas so that you’re provided with a full understanding of your policy.
Need more living space for your growing family? Don’t immediately call a real estate agent or contractor — first, talk with an independent insurance agent before you move or renovate.
The Importance of Working with a Pro
Your home is your most valuable asset. Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event the structure is damaged such as by fire or severe weather. It can provide peace of mind but choosing a policy can be complicated.
For instance, how much coverage do you need for the structure? What about your valuables? What is a good deductible? Do you need guaranteed replacement cost coverage? It’s also important to understand a policy’s exclusions, and whether an additional policy is needed for special events like floods and earthquakes.
An independent insurance agent can remove all the guesswork, guide you through the different coverage options, and match you with the protection that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Independent insurance agents can help you find the coverage you need and, often, save you money. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent
There’s no shortage of homeowners insurance providers and coverage options. Some providers have offices in your community; otherwise have out-of-state headquarters; and still, others have international offices with U.S. branches and licenses for local coverage.
You could search the web for companies that cover your area, but the results might be daunting — and where would you even start?
Instead, you can save a lot of time by contacting an expert who can ask you questions about your home and identify the necessary protection.
Independent agents can represent multiple insurance providers, as opposed to so-called “captive” agents who usually represent just one company. So, they can help you find the right insurance company and coverage for your needs at competitive rates.
Not only will they compare premiums — the amount you must pay every year to keep a policy active — but they also will compare policy coverage and limitations.
First, it’s important to find a quality agent with a reputable company.
For instance, Erie Insurance, this post’s sponsor, was founded in 1925 and serves 12 states — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia.
The company has a long track record and its property/casualty companies are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, a global credit rating agency with a focus on the insurance industry.
Independent insurance agents live in the communities they serve, so they know which types of risks need to be covered. (sshepard, Getty Images Signature)
Why Local Knowledge Matters
A homeowners insurance policy is not a one-size-fits-all situation — that’s why you need local knowledge to build the best plan.
Different areas have different risks — for instance, the U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts are prone to hurricanes, whereas California sees more earthquakes than other states; and areas across the country have tornadoes.
Also, houses are built differently based on the location — for instance, homes in the southern United States may have slab foundations, whereas many northern U.S. homes have basements — and each requires the right coverage.
Independent insurance agents have offices in your neighborhood and are a part of your community, so you’ll know you’re working with someone who understands local home construction, the area’s typical weather, and the coverage you need.
Erie Insurance agents, for instance, often check in with customers to touch base and make sure their coverage is up-to-date.
Talk to an insurance agent to make sure your policy covers a home addition. (Willowpix, Getty Images Signature)
Filling in the Gaps
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to a new one or just making improvements, it’s important to contact an independent insurance agent.
If you’re buying a new house, you need to consider moving insurance, especially for long-distance moves that involve interstate or cross-country travel. It will cover you during the move and it’s usually not necessary to purchase an additional policy.
Keep in mind there are limits for certain kinds of misplaced, lost or stolen personal property. Your insurance agent can help you find the best coverage and set expectations before the big move.
If you’re building an addition to your home to create more living space or making major improvements, let your insurance agent know. An addition can increase your home’s value — your agent will advise on whether your insurance policy has enough coverage to keep up.
It’s just one more reason why it pays — literally — to work with an independent insurance agent.
An outdoor fireplace transforms your yard into a bonafide living area and increases your home’s value.
Whether you’re having a gathering with friends or unwinding after a long day, an outdoor fireplace is an investment that you will enjoy for many years.
Historically, fireplaces were used to keep a home’s interior warm during winter. But now, with outdoor living areas becoming increasingly more popular, fireplaces are popping up in many backyards.
These days, homeowners want the amenities of their indoor living rooms in the great outdoors. So the fireplace, an iconic element of any living room, is a must.
An outdoor fireplace still serves the same function of providing warmth, but it also adds to the backyard’s aesthetic.
Outdoor fireplaces come in many materials — such as steel, stone and terracotta — along with a range of shapes and sizes. Their fuel sources include wood, electric, gas and propane, and they can be in a fixed position or portable.
Paver outdoor fireplaces have the look of a traditional, interior fireplace. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces
For a traditional-looking outdoor fireplace, one constructed using pavers is a popular option.
This type uses stacked pavers to create a customized wood-burning fireplace with a full-sized chimney.
You can also add paver surrounds around the fireplace to further define your outdoor living area.
Building a paver outdoor fireplace is a large project, so check with your local building department to see if you need a permit.
If you’re ready to take your outdoor living area to the next level with a paver outdoor fireplace, build one using Pavestone’s Rumblestone Fireplace Kit, which is available at The Home Depot.
The kit includes a firebox, a custom-fit 21-inch log grate for burning wood, a 14-inch chimney, 24 tubes of polyurethane adhesive, plus five pallets of coordinating RumbleStone blocks to build the surround.
The RumbleStone blocks’ weathered appearance offers a natural look and feel. They can be assembled in an infinite variety of configurations and orientations, so the possibilities for creative expression are as endless as your imagination.
When filling the bed, stop every three inches to compact the material using a tamper or compactor. Do this until the hole is filled to ensure a stronger base that will stand the test of time.
Add an inch of Pavestone Paver Sand on top of the aggregate before laying the blocks.
Once you’ve laid your fireplace base, it’s time to start stacking the blocks. To ensure that do-it-yourselfers get the right block in the right spot, the kit includes a set of color-coded drawings that detail which blocks go where on each step — from the initial footprint on the ground to the firebox installation and extending the structure up around the chimney.
Rumblestone blocks have round edges and come in a variety of shapes and sizes that all modulate on a 7-inch dimension.
No mortar is needed to assemble a Pavestone Rumblestone fireplace — just construction adhesive. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
This building block design means you don’t need to cut any pavers, and there are no open seams because the blocks overlap each other for strength. All you need to secure them is some polymer construction adhesive.
Because this kit is so simple to put together, you can assemble this outdoor fireplace in just a few hours.
A paver patio, like this one made from Pavestone’s Avant XL pavers, provides a perfect surrounding for an outdoor fireplace. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Complete Your Outdoor Living Area With a Patio
A stand-alone fireplace, though attractive, may look out of place in your backyard if you don’t add matching elements. So, build a patio to surround it and define the outdoor living area.
A patio not only complements your fireplace but also increases your home’s resale value.
The average cost of building a patio is between $3,000 and $5,500, according to Forbes. However, SuperMoney, an online financial comparison platform, says a patio can increase a home’s value by 8 to 10 percent and earn an 80 percent return on investment.
If you want a beautiful, consistent look to your patio and outdoor fireplace, construct them with the same materials.
Pavestone offers a variety of pavers in different textures, colors and sizes. A quick visit to their website leaves you brainstorming all sorts of ideas for your next backyard project, whether it’s a fireplace, a fire pit, a patio, or anything else.
No assembly is required for a chiminea, and because it’s small, you move it anywhere you want. (MarkPiovesan, Getty Images)
A chiminea (Spanish for chimney) is a freestanding, front-loading fireplace with a bulbous shape and a vertical vent.
Traditionally, chimineas are made from clay, but some are metal or cast iron. You don’t need to assemble it, so the most work you have to do is transport it to where you want it.
However, despite its simplicity, there are some drawbacks.
A typical chiminea is small, so you’ll need to frequently add wood to keep a fire going. And, once lit, it has a hot shell, which can be dangerous to the touch, especially for children. In addition, it sits off the ground on a metal base, so it could tip over.
For these reasons, many homeowners prefer a permanent structure for creating warmth outdoors.
You can incorporate a fire pit into the corner of a patio, or build a standalone one in your yard. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
One such option is a fire pit. This type of outdoor fireplace also is simple: it has raised walls and an opening in the middle for a fire.
A fire pit can be made of metal, concrete or stone and use gas or wood for fuel.
Fire pits are easier to construct than an outdoor fireplace because a basic build only consists of a circle or square.
Pavestone offers fire pit kits — with up to 20 options — for easy, do-it-yourself, assembly.
Outdoor fireplaces add beauty and value to your home. The type you choose will depend on your budget, but investing in a paver fireplace will give you a better return on investment.
To get the most out of your home’s outdoor space, you’ll want to build a patio to go with your fireplace. A patio defines your backyard living space, enhances the exterior aesthetic with stylish hardscaping, and increases your home’s resale value.
