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Author Archives: Garrett Hand

Categories Home Inspection

8 Ways to Keep Calm During Your Next Move

moving

The U.S. Census Bureau reported over 36 million Americans moved homes in 2016. Moving homes is usually one of the top most stressful events people go through in their life.

The thought of having to pack up every single thing you own just to unpack it again can be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one is about to take on a move, then stick with us for some hacks to make your move sweeter and stress-free.

Today we’re going to review some of the best tips to make your move easier

1. Take Pictures

The small stuff is what usually makes us the most aggravated, don’t waste a single second trying to remember where all those cords behind the TV go or how you had your bookshelf arranged.

Take photos before packing, and you’ll be able to re-create your home in no time easily.

2. Purge

Separate your clutter into three groups: Sell, Donate and Toss. For big price items take a few pictures and try to sell online, or if time permits host a garage sale.

Donate non-saleable items and toss the junky stuff. When it comes to clutter in the kitchen eat your way through all the small stuff you have lying around the pantry and fridge or host a potluck with friends as a farewell to your old home.

3. Make Time to Pack

Clearing your calendar and allowing yourself large chunks of continuous packing will be more efficient than small spurts of packing time throughout the week.

Ask for a day off and don’t make any plans, devote yourself solely to packing and organizing.

4. Avoid a Tangled Mess

Wind your extension cords and loose cable into old toilet paper rolls to save space and a headache when packing.

5. 20 x 20 Rule

If you find it difficult to “purge” your things, consider the $20 in 20 minutes rule. Is it something that if needed you could find it in 20 minutes for under $20? If so, let it go for now!

6. Stock up on Boxes

I know we just gave you tips on how to get rid of clutter, but accumulation isn’t always a bad thing.

This is true especially when you’re going to need lots of boxes and packing materials. Ask friends or grocery stores for old boxes that you can use during your move.

7. Delegate

Don’t take on too much; it’s okay to ask for help.

For smaller chores look at the app TaskRabbit to get help for things like breaking down furniture or organizing boxes.

8. Home Inspection

If you’re selling your old home, you’ll benefit greatly from a professional home inspection. Let us help you get the most money out of your home!

A pre-listing inspection will give you ammunition in the negotiation process. Before you take even one box into your newly purchased home be sure, you’ve had a buyer’s inspection, save yourself from falling into the money pit by signing a contract without all of the information.

Those were our top tips in preparing for a move, next week we’ll address some commonly forgotten tasks as well as give you some resources to make moving hassle-free.

Are you about to make a big move? Make your life easier by calling in the pros today!

 Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Don’t Let These Tips Slip Your Mind During a Move

Move

We already know that moving can be a complete disaster in both practice and emotionally speaking if you don’t properly prepare.

Perhaps the easiest way and most important aspect of moving will be getting a full, professional home inspection; whether it’s a seller’s inspection or buyer’s inspection.

Get the most bang for your buck and save yourself from future problems by letting us assess your home!

In our last post we talked you through some important tips to maintain sanity while moving, but today we want to go over some crucial factors and resources that will be key in crafting your stress-free move.

Because moving, especially if you have a large family, can be incredibly taxing it’s no surprise that you will forget a few things, some of which may feel unforgettable. We’re here to help you in planning your big move.

1. Change the Locks

You don’t know who has keys to your new home, don’t take any chances and have the locks changed before moving in.

2. Steam Clean

Give your new home a fresh start by having the carpets steam cleaned before moving in furniture.

This will require a little planning, and you can save money by renting or borrowing a steam cleaner and doing the work yourself.

Again, if you don’t have the time look for a professional service or hire hourly help from TaskRabbit.

3. Fight off Unwanted Guests

No, we don’t mean nosey neighbors! We’re talking about the little critters like termites, ants and or mice. Tackle this issue before moving in to save yourself frustration.

4. Moving Survival Kit

This should be done before packing the major items in your home and should stay with you during the move, aka in your car.

This could be a few bags that have all the things you’ll need right away medications, some clothes, food, new keys, pet supplies, etc.

Some key items to include: Passport and important documents (because you want to keep them close), garbage bags, cleaning supplies, a utility knife, flashlights, and toilet paper will be useful.

5. Remember the Outdoor Items

Often people forget the small stuff in the backyard, like the bird feeder, wind chimes, or the statue you got for Mother’s Day. Bring these things inside when packing, so you don’t leave them behind.

6. Prepare Appliances

Especially the big ones. If you’re taking your refrigerator, you need to make sure it’s ready to go at least 24 hours before the move. It should be completely dry and empty before moving.

7. Let the Post Office Know

Fill out the change of address form at least two weeks before moving to ensure your mail arrives to your new location.

8. Color Code

Assign each room a color then put that color on the outside of the box. For example, say all the kitchen boxes will be yellow then you paint a small, visible area of the box yellow.

Additionally, this can help movers by letting them know which color goes to which space.

What are some other tips you like to use when moving? Have you recently purchased a house or are looking into buying one?

Stay away from the money pit by letting us do your home inspection, call the pros today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

DIY Home Maintenance

Home Maintenance

There are many things you can regularly check to ensure your home is in tip-top shape.

And by staying on top of home repairs, you can potentially save yourself from unexpected and costly repairs.

Keep in mind that while checking your home, if you come across some serious issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

If you’re the type of person who prides themselves on being “on top of things” or you generally like to be aware of what’s going on in your home, this post will be just what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re the complete opposite and find that you’re often catching up in different situations, this post will be helpful for you too.

It’s easiest to tackle this list if you break it up by seasons. As we are drifting out of summer, we will begin with the Fall checklist.

Fall Projects

As moderate temperatures begin to settle, it’s time to pick up your rake and head outside.

This will be an essential time to prep your home for winter, especially if you live in a harsher environment.

  • Clean gutters
  • Inspect deck for any loose nails or screws
  • Inspect roof for any damage
  • Drain sediment from water heater
  • Insulate exposed pipes
  • Check/clean fireplace
  • Tend to cracks and gaps in driveway or walkway
  • Check for frayed wires

Winter Projects

Make it through another cold season without any problems by checking these items off your to do list!

  • Check toilets and sinks for leaks
  • Inspect hose on washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker
  • Test sump pump
  • Inspect and replace any bad weather stripping around doors and windows
  • Keep an eye on steps and handrails in case of ice
  • Trim trees and shrubs near your house

Spring Projects

  • Check roof and clean gutters
  • Change AC air filter
  • Schedule a septic system inspection
  • Check concrete slabs for cracks and fill accordingly
  • See if outside faucets suffered from freeze damage
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Summer Projects

  • Review foundation for drainage issues
  • Check basement and crawl spaces for moisture
  • Keep an eye on any pests (termites, ants, etc.)
  • Clean AC filter and bathroom vents
  • Scrub away any mold or mildew build up outside the home

Incorporating these monthly practices into your routine will prove beneficial in the long run.

Remember that these lists are meant to serve as a helpful guide to important home maintenance projects, but if you are serious about taking care of your home and your wallet then you should follow a few more tips monthly, regardless of the season:

  • Clean/replace HVAC filters
  • Clean garbage disposals and kitchen drains
  • Clean range hood filters

How often do you check these items off your to-do list? Are you having doubts about something you found?

While you can be on top of the ball and actively work to keep your home in good shape nothing can replace the touch of a pro.

If you come across anything concerning or you want a professional opinion don’t hesitate to call us today!  

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Energy Savings, Home Inspection

Don’t Let Insulation Problems Bury You

Insulation Problems

HomeAdvisor calls insulation “the best investment you can make in a long-term residence” due to projected savings in utilities over time.

On average, families spend $1,900 on utility bills a year; heating and cooling make up 54% of utilities. Proper insulation can cut costs by 40%!

Ensuring proper and functional insulation is in your home will prevent a long list of problems over time.

Some of the most common troubles that stem from poor insulation include:

  • Drafts, feeling too cold in winter and too hot in summer
  • High energy bills
  • Erratic temperatures throughout rooms
  • Moisture that can lead to mold

Good insulation is something that matters for both current homeowners and those in the market for a new place. It’s also particularly relevant for owners of old homes as many people assume that poor insulation is just a quirk of having an aged home, which is untrue.

Whether you’re buying a new home or currently own one it is important and possible to have efficient insulation that will save you trouble down the road.

There are many types of insulation and various benefits for each one, but we are going to focus on some common issues that you can easily monitor and address to ensure your home remains problem-free.

1. Windows and Doors

Regularly check for worn weathers tripping and if you find it has deteriorated you can easily replace yourself. If you see that your windows need to be replaced, but you’re not quite ready to tackle the project invest in some thermal curtains for a temporary solution.

Cellular shades and shutters are the most efficient window coverings as they create a barrier between the window and the room. When it comes to the doors, adding a rubber flap at the bottom or installing a draft guard can be helpful.

2. Outlets

In older homes, outlets and light switches can be a huge source of heat loss thanks to improper insulation around outlets, light switches, and breaker boxes.

The fix here is easy, just buy some insulating gaskets made for outlets and install around your home.

3. Attic

The most common topic to come up when discussing poor insulation is the attic. Improper insulation is common and problematic in the attic, leading to various problems like drafts, moisture, and then spiral into bigger issues like structural damage.

Add weather stripping around the access point of your attic and look for insulation devices made specifically for attic doors to prevent a draft.

These are just a few of the most common problems due to poor insulation, but remember they are only temporary fixes.

If you’re worried that you have a bigger problem on your hands, especially in the attic, don’t waste time on calling in the pros!

We Can Help

Schedule an inspection with us today and let us put your mind at ease! Our team of qualified inspectors will provide you with a thorough inspection and report.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Pest Control

9 Ways to Keep Termites Out of Your Home

Termites

The average termite repair costs a homeowner $3,000, that’s an amount that could easily damage a family’s savings and bring on unnecessary stress.

Termites are absolutely an issue you don’t want to (and can’t) ignore, we’ve talked about how to look for a potential termite problem, but today we are going to give you some ideas to prevent the problem from ever occurring.

The Scary Truth

Avoiding termites at all costs should be your goal, while getting an exterminator or buying poisons may seem like a simple solution dealing with termites is without a doubt a nightmare.

A single termite colony can be made up of between 300,000 to one million “workers.” In addition, one termite queen can lay thousands of eggs per day and live 30-50 years.

In just six months serious structural damage can occur, and in only two years a home can be destroyed by these pesky invaders.

If these numbers seem startling to you, that’s because they are! The best solution to a termite problem is never to have one.

What You Can Do

Once you’re sure you don’t already have an infestation, don’t waste time in termite proofing your home.

 

  1. Regular Check-Ups: Why skimp on something that can only benefit your biggest investment, your home? We do a full WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) inspection and offer a 90 day warranty.

 

  1. Watch Your Roof: Repair broken tiles and check for damp areas which create moisture that may attract termites.

 

  1. Be Mindful of your A/C: Keep your air conditioning unit‘s moisture release away from your home’s foundation.

 

  1. Declutter: Cardboard boxes full of papers and old photos, especially in the attic, are a food source for termites. An easy fix is to swap your cardboard for plastic boxes. If you store things in your garage keep items away from the walls, otherwise termites now have a direct route into your home.

 

  1. Foolproof Floors: Place a termite barrier when building a new home if you have wooden floors and be sure to monitor any potential termite damage regularly.

 

  1. Furniture Placement: If you have wooden furniture, keep it away from walls and consider making the switch to another material, like metal.

 

  1. Shut the Front Door: For that matter, keep all doors and windows closed during swarming season. Swarming season occurs in the spring when termites with wings (swarmers) like to come out.

 

  1. Clear the Yard: Avoid burying waste lumber or letting decaying vegetation pile up, g., fallen branches, roots from plants, and scrap wood.

 

  1. Restrict Wood to Ground Contact: Use concrete supports to raise wooden beams, like those for decks, patios, fence posts, etc., off of the ground. Termite-resistant and treated fence posts are a possibility if you don’t want to use a material other than wood.

 

While these tips are an excellent strategy in preventing termites, regular check-ups will be necessary. If you’re serious about dodging this nightmare, then you must be proactive.

We Can Help

Call us today and let our team of pros put your mind at ease.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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