We have a rim lock on one of our exterior doors, supplemented by a deadbolt. We have an old house, and there was what I guess was the original rim lock there when we bought the house, but it had no keeper. To replace it, I got one of the more ornate rim locks with keeper from HOAH. What I discovered was that the door frame wasn't on the same plane as the door, so I had to affix a piece of wood to bring the keeper in line with the latch. Also, the doorframe didn't seem to have enough wood behind it where the keeper needed to go, so the screws holding the keeper kept coming loose. I solved this by affixing the aforementioned piece of wood further way from the edge of the doorframe. So this is a long way of saying that you would need to let your contractor know that the doorframe needs to be able to accomodate the keeper. Also, if you live in a cold climate, you'll want to get draft covers for your keyholes. Here is a link that might be useful: Draft cover

Roxan I ran into the same thing this summer. For the few things that I have hired someone else, the one this summer won the prize for most disorganized and unprofessional. Part of the problem seemed to be the particular trade (concrete) I was looking for. Some would call back then not show up at the appointed time, others were concerned just how big was the job and if it was worth their time. Not to get into the details but all future contractors will sign a contract with ME in regards to time they will arrive/leave and who will be on the job site. Also a start and completion date. Talking with my neighbors, who have had similar problems, some of the contractors seem to have no concept of what is appropriate behavior. Examples such as bringing your kids and dogs. Actually had another neighbor who was looking for a concrete contractor to pour her a patio. The guy could have had another job. Needless to say, he wasn't considered. And as mentioned neighbors/friends are a good source. Though my guys, who put in my windows, I found at the home remodeling show. They were excellent.

Breezy- The E has been working on the project since the beginning back in May. We upgraded our service from 100 to 200 amp service (not our idea but the city's) and switched from fuses to circuit breakers. The kitchen was a complete gut- down to the studs so he had to put new wiring in--but the walls have been in since late June. He also had to put in 4 new smoke detectors and a CO detector, 4 puck-under cabinet lights, 5 recessed cans, electrical for the range hood, gas range, DW and Fridge and new outlets. My kitchen/DA is small. 11 x 26 roughly. Fortunately I have been doing yoga for past few years on Monday nights. Its just that we are so close but yet so far away. And people keep asking stupid questions (they do not realize they are stupid questions) like "You can at least use your stove?" -Um no, there is cardboard on the floor and over my soapstone, a step ladder in the center of my kitchen, tools everywhere, the GC's radio on my counter, oh and the E has not hooked up the electricity to the range yet. "You can start putting your things in the cabinets" - No. I opened one cabinet yesterday just for fun-- found a tube of wood filler, another of wood glue, two kinds of tape, a pen, and a half eaten bag of chips (not mine of course). But your are right Breezy-- it will be done soon and I know I will enjoy it so much!!

Mike_Home - Thank you for the answers and advice. Here are some responses and follow-up questions. 1. SEER/EER - your answer is what I had been slowly understanding that these numbers are what drive the efficiency numbers. Rough calculations comparing my older 10 SEER unit to a 14 and 16 SEER unit plus using 1 year of energy bills, show a potential electricity improvement of $184/year for the 14 and $238.31 for the 16. Of course this is all dependent on a quality install as well as proper ducts, etc. as you've outlined in other points. 2. Payback will be uncertain as I was relocated for work. Not sure how long we'll be here and at this point, the energy savings per year is still important. 3. Understood. Before my research, I didn't realize that the furnace played such an important role in airflow. 4. My zoning explanation might have been poorly stated. The gist of what was mentioned, was that based on proper zoning, the more efficient airflow distribution within the home may allow for a 4 ton condenser. The condenser potentially wouldn't have to push air through all of the ducts at the same rate. Does that logic track with your experience? 5. Appreciate thermostat advice and handling all the features, etc. 6. The annual maintenance contract was from the contractor providing the detailed Goodman quotes. Participating in the yearly maintenance contract covers 100% of repair costs (Contractor backed, not OEM), includes a 10 year replacement warranty, and there are no dispatch or service fees for service calls. The replacement warranty is the full replacement of the failed unit rather than just repairing under the 10 year labor warranty with Goodman. If I don't do the yearly maintenance contract, there is no replacement warranty. Ever heard of this? The contractor (Goodman quotes) may have mentioned "calculations" at one point but I don't remember hearing about them doing a manual "J" load calc. As far as I can tell, Title 24 doesn't require the J calc. It does require a duct leak test performed by a certified 3rd party HERS testing company. This is required on ALL HVAC projects in CA. Rebates are only available as part of CA's Home Upgrade Program. This program has required testing and upgrades on items like ducts, whole home envelope, attic insulation, etc. I will go back to two of the contractors and ask them about performing the calculation. I am looking to replace the whole system at this point to make sure the equipment is compatible and most efficient. Goodman is making me increasingly nervous, especially with the Class Action lawsuit that was just set back last week based on a judge's ruling... As for the use of a different coil with the Goodman equipment, it seems to be very common with Goodman quotes (based on board postings like this). I think there is a relationship or commercial connection between Goodman and Aspen to drive the high use with Goodman systems. I don't know the true specs on the Ruud equipment, I was guessing a bit; I will ask for the models, etc. Thanks again!