There are so many things that can go wrong during the construction process. There are just a ton of elements that all have to come together just right for a successful build. And it's pretty common to have a punch list of problems that the builder will come in after the fact and make right. But how about having your house smell like rotten eggs? ... (read more)

A proper courtship is probably a good thing. Spend some time with a person and get to know them. Go on a few dates. Have a meal or two together. Meet each other's families. All makes good sense, right? But a courtship of 28 years? Make up your mind already. ... (read more)

Depending on where you live in McCoy's trade area, some of you may use your fireplace more than others. With cooler temperatures on the way, many of you may be looking forward to the warmth and atmosphere that a real wood burning fire can offer. And if you use your fireplace often, when's the last time you've had it serviced by a professional chimney sweep. ... (read more)

I can remember back to that very first cell phone I bought for my wife many years ago. It was such a novelty. I found myself calling her for no reason other than because I could. But then when it finally came time to upgrade the phone, I was puzzled about what to do with the old one. So, it sat in a desk drawer forever, and I finally threw it in the trash. ... (read more)

We talk a lot in this blog about alternative housing. We're always on the lookout for new, innovative ideas when it comes to putting a roof over our heads. And sometimes, it's a twist on an old idea like how to build a modern, energy-efficient home using straw bails. ... (read more)

It finally seems like we're coming out of the grip of what was, for us down in Texas, a brutally hot summer. Lot's of rain and cooler temperatures are helping us forget weeks and weeks of triple digit heat. So it may be hard to get in the winter frame of mind, but as cooler weather is here and the potential of some cold weather just around the corner, now is the time to get out there and get your home ready for winter. ... (read more)

Some company or business logos are iconic. The Nike SWOOSH. The Apple Computers apple. Or the golden arches of McDonald's. You don't even need to see the companies name. You just know them by their logo. Well what images come to mind when you think of the National Association of Home Builders logo? ... (read more)

We have talked here before about what does and doesn't constitute an energy-efficient "green" product. There are lots of claims out there as manufacturers all try to cash in on the current popularity of the green movement. So to say the least, it's disappointing to hear that some products with the Energy Star label don't perhaps deliver the energy savings they claim to. ... (read more)

If you're thinking about taking on a remodeling project, one question that always comes up is, "how much can we afford to spend on the project?" Unfortunately, many folks don't do a good job of figuring this out and consequently don't establish a budget for the project. They end up not satisfied, because they didn't get what they were expecting or shocked by the final price tag on the renovation. ... (read more)

Ever heard of the expression, "out on the edge of the cow catcher?" The cow catcher is that big, pointed metal grate on the front of old locomotives. The purpose of the catcher was so that if a train were to meet up with a random cow out on the tracks, the catcher would not-so-gently displace the cow from the tracks. ... (read more)