Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview home remodeling experts, interior designers/decorators, and homeowners who have recently remodeled their home for the following article:
THE FIX-IT LIST. This story would explore the maintenance/repair steps homeowners need to take soon to prepare their home for the fall and winter months, including a step-by-step checklist to make sure gutters, sidewalks/driveway cracks, window caulking, weatherstripping, gaps, chimney, water pipes, roof and deck are prepared. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Wednesday, July 6.
QUESTIONS:
1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) What maintenance/repair steps do you take every year to prepare your home for the fall/winter colder months? Why is this important, and how has it paid off for you in terms of preventing bigger repairs and expenses that could have happened? What tips would you provide to other homeowners on this topic? What is your full name, and city/state location?
2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) Why is it important for homeowners to maintain, fix and repair their homes in preparation for the colder fall and winter months? What are the risks and ramifications for not doing so properly?
3. Can you provide a 5- to 10-step checklist of maintenance/repair items, and recommended order, that every homeowner should mark off prior to the onset of winter? Please provide a few details for each item on the checklist and indicate why each item is important and when each item should be completed by.
4. Are there any items on this checklist that should be handled by a professional, not a do-it-yourselfer?
5. What are the minimal tools that homeowners will need to accomplish each item on your checklist (ladder, hammer, screwdrivers, drill, etc.)?
6. What budget range (low to high $ amount ) should homeowners expect to pay to properly maintain/repair these items annually?
7. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?
8. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
home remodeling experts, interior designers/decorators, homeowners
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