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When most people think of using weatherstrip, they think of it as a way of keeping the cold out; that it’s all part of winterizing their home. The only problem is, since they think of it as a winter related thing, they don’t usually address the issue until winter. Then it’s cold out and who wants to work on their doorway or windows in the winter?  Maybe the term weatherizing is more appropriate. Doesn’t it make more sense to test for leaks and address them now, while the weather is warmer? Weatherstripping can yield significant energy savings in the summer....

At first glance, it would seem like the easiest way to find a remodeling contractor would be to just Google them. Of course if you did so, you’ll probably find more than enough candidates to choose from. And surely they must be the right ones for the job, because their website says so, right? Truth is, their online presence may be a helpful tool in your search, but it doesn’t provide the whole picture. When it comes to finding a contractor to remodel your home, some of the older methods are still the best. First off, ask friends, relatives and...

EAST BROOKFIELD — When Scott Norrie walks around Howe Lumber’s bright design showroom or vast lumberyard, he nearly always spots a customer he knows. Most often, Mr. Norrie, co-owner of the 53-year-old family lumber business, sees contractors who make regular pickups. Sometimes, it’s a local homeowner needing tools for an emergency project. And on occasion, he said, a customer will buy a new kitchen to replace the old one purchased from Howe decades earlier. “It’s important for us to maintain those long-term relationships,” Mr. Norrie said during an interview at the West Main Street showroom. Those loyal customers have helped...

Every garage owner knows the luxury of their extra storage space— at least until it becomes full. They soon learn how quickly that luxury can become a burden. Garage clutter isn’t something that happens overnight. It builds slowly, right under your nose until before you know it, you begin to lose track of where things are or what you even own. If you’ve come to realize that your garage is more of a place to stash stuff then park your car, why not consider a makeover? This could mean anything from a good cleaning out, followed by reorganizing the area...

There’s a lot you can do this summer to save energy.  The same insulation and weather-stripping that saved energy during the winter months will show you benefits during the summer as well. Even so, there are a few things you can still do during the hot weather that can help. Don’t Overwork Your ACYour air conditioner has enough work to do. If you’ve already chosen the most efficient air conditioner you could find and even made sure it’s the right size for your living space, there’s still more you can do to help improve its efficiency. •    During the daytime,...