Jim and his wife have full time jobs, five school aged children and two large dogs. Jim devotes little time for taking care of his home and doesn't notice conditions that should be attended to. A large stain is taking shape in the living room ceiling due to a leak around the chimney. His carpeting is ruined and the interior needs a lot of cosmetic attention. The basement is unfinished and the furnace filter hasn't been changed in four years. The deck is in disrepair and needs painting.

John and his wife have full time jobs and two pre-school children. The expense of starting a family and paying off student loans leaves John with little money for expensive landscaping, finishing the basement or much more than decorating with furniture pieces. John is "handy" and nicely maintains his home, but has not invested in major improvement to the home.

Jerry and his wife are retired and financially secure. Their children no longer live at home. Jerry has finished the basement with a full bath, two guest bedrooms, and a home theater system. He has installed a  multi-level deck and, because Jerry's wife likes to cook, he's replaced the builder grade appliances with top of the line gourmet units. His landscaping is gorgeous and includes exotic plantings and a pond. Jerry has the time and money to spend on his home and it is now in better condition than when it was purchased.