Even though using American-made products can be more expensive, the rewards for the US economy could be substantial especially if it helps boost our economy and creates more jobs. Consumer Reports online is showcasing a builder in Bozeman, Montana that is building a home made entirely of American-made products and it includes a list of products used and the company names. To read the entire article and access the list please visit the following site:

Where You Can Buy Made in America Building Products

Avery County has just inaugurated its first solar farm that will supply power to Mountain Electric Cooperative in Tennessee. The solar farm was created on a six acre parcel of land that was previously used as a Christmas tree farm. To read the full article, click on the following link:

Solar Farm Article

Looking for a place to retire? Boone is listed as one of the top three place to retire in 2012 according to US News online. With so many things to do and so much nature surrounding the area, it would be a retiree's dream place to live.

 

 

To read the entire article please visit US News Online.

In his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (2004, Free Press, New York), author Stephen Covey lists as his #1 “habit”: Be Proactive.

 

Counsel to anticipate problems and to “be prepared” applies to all manner of life activities, from professional career to protecting our health and, yes, to home maintenance.

 

If one were to ask a stranger on the street an example of “home maintenance,” common responses might include “exterior paint,” “a new roof,” or “replace rotten siding.” While these answers are all correct, the question and the subject cover a much larger spectrum.

 

Home maintenance is one of those things frequently placed in the “out of sight – out of mind” category.  We tend to assume that if a roof is not leaking, then everything about the roof, including the interior ceiling and the attic, is fine.

 

While this may be true, in my 18 years of experience in the construction trades and as a contractor, I have seen many circumstance and situations.   Things looking good on the surface may actually be deceiving.

 

To read the full article click here.