We had several extended periods with abnormally low temperatures in Dallas this past winter, that will create high electric bills in an all electric home.You said you replaced the A/C when you purchased the home, did you by chance have heat pumps installed or is the heat just resistive heat (very expensive).Even with heat pumps, when the temps get into the teens, the cost to heat goes up significantly.

If they resist I move on.

@Bill Gulley you knew I wouldn't be able to resist saying something here didn't you.

One of the individuals on my repair crew at one time has worked for one of the local termination companies, and assures me there's not a whole lot to it as long as you can find the correct chemicals to use.After research I've found what appears to work extremely well on bedbugs, including the ones that are typically resistant to 'normal' regimens.My concern now is about liability.

Things I have come across that can lead to saving money, time, and headaches:-Smoke detectors with long-lasting battery-Low-pile and stain resistant carpet-Heavy-duty tile w/ lifetime guarantee -Long-lasting light fixtures and bulbs-High-gloss paint (easier to remove stains)I am curious to hear others weigh in on these practices and provide others.

What we have here is a case where someone wants to design an electrical circuit to accomplish a result without knowing how electricity flows and what resistance may be imposed by natural laws.

Maybe a little low - however since we are building and I know the quality of materials we are using I have a good handle on how long they will last/cost to replace etc.If they are new builds I think most of what you would put there depends on the quality of materials used, quality of construction and the types of things that will start to wear out first based on your weather etc.Roofing, siding/windows, water heaters, appliances, exterior paint, etc are what I would foresee needing attention and the largest expenditures as time moves on (and for those of us in hail prone areas  - the random damaging hail storm)If I follow the new construction route for an extended period of time I'd plan on selling around the 10-15 year mark so I avoid the maintenance issues that will likely start popping up around then.We will use SmartSiding which has a 50 yr warranty, Smart trim and if my partner can get a hookup on some discount or odd lot Class IV impact resistant shingles we'll be using those on the roof.  

That approach is very difficult because you are - pushing up against natural sales Resistance- every other Realtor is doing the same thingThere lies the problem: Marketing incest.

Arch. shingles are a better idea,,they even make a 300 # lifetime one now resistant to hail etc.

Despite my need to know everything (curse of being an engineer) before doing anything, I couldn't resist becoming the Mayor of my hometown---I was sworn in Saturday morning...