Home Advisor
Approximately once per month, BOWA publishes an email newsletter for our clients, business partners and friends. Each issue is filled with insightful commentary, design ideas, renovation tips, seasonal information and the latest BOWA news. To subscribe, enter your email address:
Renovations with Age-in-Place Appeal
August 1, 2010
Is your family approaching a transitional stage in the lifecycle of home ownership? Perhaps the kids have already moved out, or your “nest” is nearly empty with the youngest heading to college this fall. Maybe you’re planning ahead for a living space that would be more accessible and comfortable should your mobility someday become limited. [...]
Stay Cool With the Best Pool in Town
July 1, 2010
The “dog days” of summer are starting early this year with June 2010 ranking as the hottest month of June on record in Metropolitan Washington, DC. So, what better way to beat the heat than to spend time kicking back by the pool with family and friends? Diving boards and chicken fights are water draws [...]
There’s a Home App for That
June 1, 2010
Smart phones have transformed how people orchestrate their lives, both personally and professionally, and the ability to manage the home remotely with the swipe of a screen is no exception. Here are a few of our favorite iPhone applications (apps), sure to make life a little easier, impress your guests, and simply elevate the ‘cool’ [...]
Wanna get Paid for Home Improvements?
April 15, 2010
Ugh, tax time! While most (if not all) of us dread doing our taxes each year, I suspect we can all agree that finding ways to save money through deductions is great! So, as a follow up to last year’s BOWA Home Advisor on available tax credits, grants and rebates for green upgrades and other [...]
Does Your Home Need a Driveway Facelift?
January 1, 2010
When friends and family visit, your driveway is one of the first things they see as they approach your home. So why is the driveway often an afterthought when it comes to planning for curb appeal? If your driveway is stained, worn, cracked, or simply doesn’t complement the aesthetic of your home any longer, it [...]
How Much Heat is Your Home Losing?
December 1, 2009
Did you know that as much as 7-12 percent of your home’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors? In fact, in some homes, tiny gaps in these areas can collectively equate to a one-foot square hole punched in the wall. Outside air can leak into or out of your home through these [...]
Does Your Home Need a Pick-Me Up?
November 1, 2009
If you’re looking to give the interior of your home a fresh look, there are many things you can do even if a full renovation isn’t in the cards just yet. For example, updating the flooring, adding a fresh coat of paint or installing decorative trim can each have great impact and be relatively inexpensive. [...]
Other Approaches to Home Energy Savings
August 1, 2009
We’ve all heard the basic tips for saving energy around the house – turn off lights when no one’s in the room, unplug small appliances when not in use, turn off the computer at night, and the list goes on and on. But there are numerous other things that can be done that might not [...]
Updating Your Plumbing Fixtures
July 1, 2009
Do you ever find yourself wishing you could transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat reminiscent of your last luxury getaway? With upscale bathroom remodels consistently among the top of the list in terms of recoupable costs, many homeowners are doing just that. By combining the latest in plumbing innovations with careful design and execution [...]
The Future of Incandescent Light Bulbs
June 1, 2009
In December 2007, a Federal law was passed that will gradually phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs in an effort to save energy, lower electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The law instead favors more efficient light from halogen, CFL’s (compact fluorescent light), or LED fixtures. Even though incandescent bulbs don’t need to be [...]