Existing 1960' s front porch

As we enter the third year of a tough economy around Charlotte, I hereby ask that the working public help lift our economy by buying again and spend money on your home. We can not expect the local, state or federal governments to fix anything; so we must do it ourselves. If everyone does a little bit, it can make a difference.

We can put many local contractors and remodelers back to work by simple doing handyman repairs around the house. All housing must be maintained to retain its value. Very small maintenance items can turn into big money pits by not repairing and fixing them sooner. We can put so many good craftsman back to work by just doing simple repairs.

Bathrooms, kitchens, roofing, paint, flooring, doors, windows and mechanical systems all ware out eventually as our homes age. These types of projects do costs more, but there are many ways to do minor face lifts without spending a small fortune.

If we buy American made products and use local construction labor to install them; this alone will put many people back to work and help lift our economy.

Lets start with replacing the front door; “The Front Door Initiative.” By replacing an old front door, it achieves many things.

1.    It can dramatically improve the look and road appeal of any home and will make most homeowners proud of the re-freshened look.

Custom front doors and porch.

2.   According to Remodeling Magazines’ Costs vs. Value report, doing this simple project usually creates a payback value greater than 100% in many locations around the country. (not including exotic type doors)

3.   It increases the energy efficiency of the home by the nature of the materials of the door  and sealing out drafts from this location. This helps the furnace and air conditioner not have to work so hard in keeping the house comfortable. Newer installation techniques seal up doors and window better.

4.    One wood door employs many people. From the landowner where the tree was harvested, the logger and crew, truck drivers, saw mill operators, the railroads to ship lumber, the door blank manufacturer, the mill shop to create the trim, the local fabrication shop to install the door in a frame with the trim, the local lumber yard where the door is purchased and delivered by, the salesman, the contractor and his employees to install the door in your house and finally the painter.

Look how many people one door can employ.  All we have to do is our part by changing the door on your house, spreading the word to others. Then thousands of doors can be installed. Just imagine the boost to local economy’s if all these people have jobs.

One door can get our economy going again; but we need your help. Ask a contractor for this simple and inexpensive project be achieved at your house.

David A. Tyson CR, CKBR