Low Maintenance Plant in Garden


We have a small planting area in our front porch (1.5′x15′) that we have been meaning to fix up. Can anyone recommend a low maintenance flower/plant that we can put there? I hear for tulips you need to put the bulbs in before April, guess we missed that. Note that we are not experience in gardening but would like to give our house more curb appeal. Thanks

Categories: Garden
By namahs | 04/19/2011 11:46 AM | Comment

Window Guards Installer


We are thinking about adding window security guards on all our ground level windows for added security. Can anyone refer a reliable & reasonable priced contractor/installer for this job? Thanks in advance

Categories: Iron
By namahs | 04/18/2011 3:10 PM | Comment

Cablevision disconnect process


We finally decided to pull the plug and disconnected the IO TV last month. It seemed pretty simple, called the disconnect department and then I returned the cable tv box to their store the next day.
Two weeks later to my surprised I still see the IO TV service in my account. I called their billing dept and they said a tech has to stop by to do something in my backyard. Alright, simple enough. The service appt was for 3/2/11 and we were home. We did not hear the door bell or receive any phone. A couple of days later I called and the customer service lady said the tech could not gain access since its private property. I asked why did the tech bother ringing the door or calling. She had no respond. Another service appt set for 3/14. I told the cust. service rep to note to ring the door. Today, we were home again and nothing..no phone call or door bell. I just got off the phone with Cablevision and the tech put the same note: Private Property no access.

I feel like I’m being held ransom. I’m still being charged the $70 for the IO TV even though I returned the box. I’m doing my part waiting for the tech and still nothing. Anyone dealt with something similar or know how I can get this resolved. It is beyond upsetting.

Categories: Television
By namahs | 03/15/2011 12:11 AM | Comment

Hot Water Heating system problem


We have a Burnham series 2 hot water heating system. It was installed about 2 years ago. The past week we have been having the issue where the hot water does not circulate the baseboards after a period of time. I first noticed this when the thermostat was significantly lower than the desired set temperature and I did not hear the water noise through the baseboard. I called a plumber and he hit the reset red switch on the Honeywell control device and the blocked vent switch. After a few seconds the water starts circulating up to the baseboards. This has been going on at least 3-4 times this week. The plumber claims most likely its a poor blocked vent switch. We end up replacing that and we are still experiencing this. His next guess is that there is a blockage in our vent/chimney? The chimney was cleaned prior to the new heating system installation 1.5 yrs ago. Anyone experience anything like this? What would cause the hot water to stop circulating and resetting or hardwiring the block vent switch would fix it temporary? There is nothing wrong with the physical burner itself since the pilot light is on and its heating the water to the correct temp.

Categories: Heating
By namahs | 02/09/2011 10:21 AM | Comment

Washer repair/service help


Just shortly after 1 year, my LG front loading washer is getting this “tE” or upside down “FE” error code. I believe it has something to do with the thermistor.

Anyone have any washer repair service they recommend? We are leaning towards going with Sears repair service.

Thanks in advance

Categories: Appliances
By namahs | 01/01/2011 9:20 PM | Comment

Drafty Bedroom


We live in a semi-detached brick house on the 1st floor. The master bedroom is in the front of the house and has a total of 5 windows (3 covering most of the front and 2 on side). It is cold and drafty during the winter. When we open the bedroom door, you can feel the arctic draft blowing to the living room. This past summer, we upgraded the windows and closed one of the side windows. Unfortunately we feel this did not help.

I’m not sure where the source of the draft is coming from. Is there a contractor or specialist that can be hired to locate the draft? Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Categories: Insulation
By namahs | 12/14/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

Burnham Burner Leak


We converted last year to a hot water heating system, everything was working great last year. We turned on our heating system for the first time this season and things seem to be working fine for half an hour. Then I noticed the baseboard was cool to the touch but the thermostat was not as our desired temperature. I went to the boiler room and noticed a puddle of water on the floor. Looking closely at the burner, the leak seems to be where I marked the arrow. is this serious or a quick tightening of nut on the pipe?

Anyone have any recommendation of plumber?

Categories: Heating
By namahs | 10/25/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Neighbor Blocking Entrance Driveway


First off please pardon my Kindergarten visual drawing. So here is the deal. As you see from the picture, my neighbor has a huge commercial vehicle parked in his driveway. Recently they decided to park their 2nd car in front of their house (20ft wide), leaving more than enough space for their van to get in and out with no issue. The problem is they gave so much space on their side, it leaves less space on my side. Majority of the cars that park right outside my house ends up parking very close to the entrance of my driveway, sometimes even blocking it. Anyone ever dealt with anything like this? Also does anyone know if you can park a commercial vehicle in a private residential driveway?

Categories: Quality of Life
By namahs | 06/29/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Vinyl Windows Replacement


We are looking to replace the windows in our house. Anyone have any recommendation as far as what is a good vinyl replacement window? or good windows company. Our budget is around the $300-$400 per window installed range. What is your take on Alslide windows? We are also trying to take advantage of the Energy Star tax reimbursement program so the windows would have to be energy efficient. Thanks in advance.

Categories: Windows
By namahs | 06/02/2010 9:49 AM | Comment

Tree Stump Removal


We have this huge tree stump at our backyard that the previous owner did not completely remove. We want to put up a new fence and do some gardening so we need it remove. Anyone have any recommendation? and how much a job like this would cost?

Categories: Garden
By namahs | 05/12/2010 9:38 AM | Comment