Since the US passed the Inflation Reduction Act, opening funding to homeowners to make needed upgrades to our houses, there has been a lot of talk about the importance of electrifying! Since we've actually done it, I wanted to touch a little on what that actually looks like.
We're in MN, and -other than our solar install- we did all the home upgrades... before there were any assistance programs for it. No matter how costs get broken up, it's still a big factor in how these projects get done. Impossible? Of course not! We already did it! But that doesn't mean it was an easy road. Running the numbers, the IRA does make it a lot more attainable.
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As we get moving into summer, it's time to get our stock tank pool ready for its active season! It's our third year with the stock tank, and we have a pretty nice set up for some extra summer fun in the super-hot months here in MN. It came in really handy last summer when we were between HVAC systems, and I've definitely dipped in between outdoor projects.
Overall, this is a fairly inexpensive backyard addition that is far lower in maintenance than a lot of other choices. Plus, the size is great for lounging, and it is generally a great place to introduce swimming to little ones. Our two-year-olds have used it the past two summers with and without different floats, and the nine-year-olds live it as a place to play. This spring, after a record-setting snow season with a metal roof, we decided to add window well covers to our egress windows. There are a lot of benefits to this, beyond the obvious snow-clearing. But our window wells were a little more challenging than in other applications.
Because these rooms are actively occupied, I didn't want a simple cover that sits on top of the well, preventing the operation of the window. And with a window that is half above-grade and half below-grade, that was a challenge to find. I also needed to find a well cover that could hold up to the massive amounts of snow that we are capable of seeing in Minnesota. |
Katie SwansonI am a parent, creative spirit, and old house lover. My big passions are sustainable design and preservation. Bringing these together is key to moving existing homes into the future. * By subscribing to the monthly newsletter, you consent to receive links this month's blog posts and other relevant blog updates, a round up of things I love, and as a throwback to my DIY days, I may toss in an exclusive knit or crochet pattern of mine. Archives
May 2024
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