Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoyed the holidays and had some quality rest and relaxation. I know I did. I also spent some time contemplating my new year resolutions. My wife would probably classify the effort as more like planning my new year home projects, and she is probably more accurate, but no matter. Planning and setting goals are always a good thing to do at the start of a new year, regardless of what they are.

On the top of my list of new year resolutions (a.k.a. home improvement projects) is re-shingling the roof. It is followed by re-siding the home with vinyl siding. I am still contemplating this idea, as I have never been a big fan of vinyl, but after years of painting I am getting more wetted to the idea of vinyl. This may be the year I break down.

Third on my new years resolution list is replacing a couple of all wood windows with vinyl clad windows.

In addition to my top three resolutions, I have a number of other items that I am also still contemplating for 2006. They include: installing a Hot Tub, re-surfacing a deck, and landscaping.

Over the next week I will sharpen my pencil and cost out each of the "resolutions" and try to maximize the resolutions with the allowed budget. A must task for every home improvement Do-It-Yourselfer.

I know 2006 is already shaping up to be an exciting year in our home. I hope it is the same for you.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

• How to Assemble Log Furniture


• Termites and Termite Control - How To Stop Problem Jobs From Becoming Nightmares


• Feel the Bathroom With Bathroom Accessories


• Slate Roofing Tile for Classic Beauty


• Deck Plans - Are You Building A Deck?


• House Plans - Save Money Designing Your Dream Home!


• The Solution to Storage Sheds


• Solving Kitchen Sink Problems


• Country Cupolas Add an Elegant Touch to Your Beautiful Home


• Tankless Hot Water Heaters Are Safer


• Reupholstering Simple Dining Chairs


• Various Uses of Plastic Moldings


• Various Types of Fences


• Kitchen Remodeling Checklist: Are Your Prepared?


• Concrete Foundation Repair