I’ve always been fascinated by solar energy. Maybe that’s because I live in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, a part of the country known colloquially—and quite accurately—as the “Valley of the Sun.” Here in Phoenix, most residents have a love-hate relationship with the sunshine for which we are so well-known. We celebrate cloudy, overcast days as if they were priceless treasures. We groan when the temperatures hit 100 degrees in ...

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A radiator leak provided an important lesson in our house this weekend. Can you live without heat for a few days? Yes, assuming it's not the dead of winter. Can you learn to fix a few things yourself? Yes, with the right advice from a good contractor or friend. Owning a house is all about that fine balance between doing home repairs that protect your investment and keeping your kids' ...

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It’s a nightmare scenario that you wake up to find all too real. A contractor promises to complete necessary home repairs or improvements, takes your money, and leaves you high and dry with no repair and no recourse. Being a victim of home repair fraud leaves you feeling vulnerable, angry, and violated--as if you were robbed. Which you were, just in more politely than a home invasion or ATM hold-up. In ...

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You've watched your neighbor tear apart his house and put it back together again. Seems easy, right? After watching countless DIY shows, it all looks pretty intriguing. But, is it the right move for you? It's always tempting to save money and not have to worry about scheduling contractors for your home improvement projects. What your neighbor is hiding, however, is his years of carpentry experience or hours and hours ...

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