On the most recent This Old House project in Austin, they installed a hot water system that may work for us.  Rather than have a water heater running all the time, they installed a gas fired instant hot water boiler.  It is probably more expensive than a traditional boiler, but it is a lot more efficient [...]

Refrigerator If we purchase an Energy Star certified refrigerator by May 31, 2007, we can get a $100 rebate from DC.  http://www.dceo.dc.gov/dceo/cwp/view,a,3,q,601835,dceoNav,|32974|,.asp  Rebate Form  

Quote from Allstate: $1166.62 / year, includes deductions for burgler alarm, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks and fire extinguisher.  $473K coverage, personal property coverage of $354,750, family liability to $300K per person, guest medical to $1000 per person.  $1500 deductible.  POLICY COVERAGE                    AMOUNT     PREMIUMS  Dwelling                           473,000    1,124.62    Other Structures Protection      47,300  Personal Property Protection       354,750 [...]

DC requires a permit for an home improvement projects such as decks, fences, interior renovations and repairs, and window replacement.  There are four kinds of permit, and we would probably need them all: Building Permits Plumbing Permits (Supplemental) Electrical Permits (Supplemental) Mechanical Permits (Supplemental) Plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits can only be obtained by licensed [...]

Klockner seems like a good bet — we should call them.  http://www.klockner.net/  They’re based in Takoma Park, MD – 301.270.3033.  On 3/15, spoke to someone from Connell and Schmidt Builders.  They called me to talk about trash hauling, but it turns out that they also do design/build work, speciallizing in the Columbia Heights, Petworth and [...]

Deconstruction Services – http://www.deconstructionservices.com/index.html - They will take appliances, kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures, etc. and donate to Habitat for Humanity and/or Community Forklift and/or The Loading Dock, ensuring that the homeowner gets proper receipts for tax purposes.  They also take concrete and cinderblock and will arrange for removal of all construction and demolition debris with owner paying [...]

Whole house surge supressor Upgraded supply needed? Power out to garage. Ability to add lighting in the back yard at a later date. Outdoor GFCI recepticles. Electrical Contractors: JKJ Electric: www.jkjelectric.com

Kickout platform behind the toekick of the sink base that Kristen can stand on when she washes dishes.  Also one in a place she may do prep work.  Could also be used to effectively lower counter height for bread making. Trash, recycling and compost to the right of the prep area. Hanging pot rack.  Kick out [...]