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Categories Home safety

Make Your Home Safe

Home Safe

You spend a lot of time searching for the right home and then even more time negotiating deals.

Why wouldn’t you go the extra mile to make sure your home is safe for you and any person who will be in it?

Putting together a healthy home goes way beyond signing a lease or mortgage; the real work comes once you’ve moved in.

Studies have shown that most accidents or injuries occur within the home and with the right preventative measures you can ensure that you or a loved one don’t become another statistic.

If you’re ready to make sure your house is a safe environment, check out our list of must-haves for your home!

1. Fire Extinguisher

The CDC reported that cooking is the primary cause of residential fires. Save yourself the stress of a basic hazard like a kitchen fire by investing and maintaining your fire extinguisher.

Important note: There are a variety of fire extinguishers including Class A is for cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastic; Class B is for flammable liquids; Class C is for electrical appliances; Class D is for flammable metals; and Class K is for fires involving vegetable oil or other fats in kitchen appliances.

2. Smoke Detectors

The facts here are alarming; the U.S. Fire Administration reported that two-thirds of fire deaths were in places that didn’t have functioning smoke detectors.

Maintaining the smoke detectors are just as important as installing them, check the batteries at least once a month to ensure they are in good working order.

3. Contact List

Organize and keep in an easily accessible place, like on the fridge or table near the phone, with a list of emergency contact info, doctor contact, and even your personal information like health insurance and medication list. Here’s a great example of one.

4. Non-toxic Houseplants

If you have pets, this is essential. While plants can be beneficial to the home, like improving air quality, if you have a furry friend some plants like Aloe Vera, Geranium, or Daffodils could be dangerous.

5. Disaster Kit

Depending on where you live this could be a bag ready to go if there’s a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake or even just cut electricity.

You want to include water, at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, first aid equipment, a flashlight, cash, and copies of important documents.

6. CO Detector

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas making it extremely difficult to detect and a huge threat to any home.

Fireplaces, grills, or even cars in a garage are all proponents of CO. Installing a CO monitor as well as proper maintenance of appliances will ensure your home is safe from this hazard.

Don’t let these items scare you, but rather use them as a precautionary list that can help you mold a safe and healthy home for your loved ones.

If you have any doubts about other safety concerns in your home such as air quality, foundation, or structural faults get in touch with us today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Clean Your Home Like a Pro

Clean

We’ve talked about the benefits of prepping your home, whether you’re trying to sell or just getting ready for winter, taking preventative measures and maintaining small things year round will save you big in the long run.

Keeping a perfectly ordered home is nearly impossible, especially if you have pets or children.

However, there are some practical and easy measures you can take to prevent the need for a deep cleaning down the road.

Getting Started

First, define your mission. Are you clearing clutter or cleaning? Contrary to popular belief, they’re not the same and often when we attempt to clean we end up decluttering, which can only tack on unnecessary work to our mission.

Once you decide on your objective, stick to it. It’s a good idea to declutter a day or two before you intend on cleaning.

Sort through the things you want to sell or donate and actually make moves. Don’t let bags of clothes or household goods sit in your hallway for the next four months.

Before you get started with the cleaning, go through the house with a trash bag or basket to round up any random objects that are misplaced.

Along the way keep an eye out for any stray dishes, forks, cups, etc. that haven’t made their way back to the kitchen.

Pro-tip: This would be an excellent job for your kids if you’re interested in putting them to work.

A Pro’s Plan for Cleaning Your Home

1. Hit the Bathrooms First

Clear out everything from the tubs and showers and spray them down to let them soak while you tackle the other parts of the house.

2. Ceilings and Walls Top to Bottom

Time to get rid of those dust bunnies and cobwebs—don’t skip light fixtures and fan blades! The great thing about this task is that it doesn’t require any special supplies. Attach an old T-shirt or cloth to a broomstick and use that to dust.

3. Back to the Bathrooms

Once you’re finished dusting it’s time to get back to the bathroom and polish fixtures, scrub the sink, and empty any wastebaskets. Finally, finish with the floors; nothing fancy here, use a Swiffer or rag to make your floor look like new.

4. Furniture

Remove all items from shelves and tables and dust off with a paper towel before using a wood polisher or wax to take care of your furniture.

Don’t use the same cloth or rag for your knickknacks as you do on the furniture. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with oily/sticky figurines. Use a small vacuum for upholstered furniture weekly.

5. Check Windows

Take care of any smudges or fingerprints along windows and mirrors to give yourself a break from the all that dust you’ve picked up.

6. Kitchen Time

First, load the dishwasher to make space for the real work. Take care of countertops, appliances, and the fronts of cabinets.

7. Finish with the Floors

Once you’ve taken care of everything above you’re ready to vacuum carpets and clean hard surface floors.

While this list may seem overwhelming the more often you do it, the less time and work it will take in the future. Maintaining a clean home can preserve the integrity and structure of your home.

What are your pro cleaning tips? Let us know!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Energy Savings, Home Inspection

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Water Heater

During a home inspection, we always check water heaters. As the colder months are moving in it is extremely important that you take necessary measures to maintain your water heater.

Not only will keeping a well maintained water heater increase the value of your home, but it will ensure you avoid any major hazards or damage within the home.

What’s the Big Deal?

Worst case scenario with a poorly maintained water heater is that it becomes a ticking time bomb, almost literally. If there is a gas leak near the water heater, the small ignition flame could cause an explosion.

On the other hand, if safety measures fail in your water heater an extreme amount of pressure could build up leading to a dangerous water rocket of sorts.

Hopefully, these potential hazards are reason enough for you to make water heater maintenance a priority.

What Can You Do?

The best first step to take is to review the owner’s manual that came with your water heater if you can’t find it then check the manufacturer’s website for a copy.

If you feel that you are not comfortable handling the water heater yourself then don’t push your luck, call in a pro. Some things you can do to maintain your water heater are:

1. Check the Pressure Valve

Both gas and electric heaters have a temperature and pressure valve. Wearing goggles and gloves check the valve after turning off electricity or the pilot light.

2. Flush the Tank

Thanks to sediment buildup in the tank your heater’s efficiency can be affected. Flush the tank each time you check your pressure valve.

3. Lower the Temperature

Ideally, your heater’s temperature should be set between 120 -130◦F. Anything higher can cause serious burns as well as damage to your water heater.

4. Appropriate Insulation

Fiberglass wraps can maintain hot water and are easily installed by plumbers.

5. The Right Model

Make sure your water heater is up to date and right for your home. Generally, water heaters have a lifespan of 8-10 years and should be replaced soon after hitting the ten year mark.

6. Annual Appointments

Just like you go to the doctor for a yearly checkup, your water heater could benefit from a professional checkup each year too.

A pro will ensure that the safety mechanisms are in place and there are no leaks or drips.

Things to Look For

Leaks and drips coming from your water heater can be symptoms of a greater problem.

Faulty water supply connections are the most common culprit when it comes to leaks. Easily fix this issue with compression fittings.

Drips from the temperature and pressure relief valve usually mean a thermal expansion tank is needed.

In electric water heaters, the most common problem is turning the power on before the tank is full of water, leading to a burnt out upper heating element and no hot water.

Make sure the tank is full before turning on the power and if your upper heating element is burnt out it can be easily replaced.

We Can Help

At EIG we want to make sure your home is in tip top shape if you’re getting ready to sell or buy remember that your water heater is an important factor of the home.

If you’re ready for a home inspection, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Fall

Warmer weather is starting to disappear, leaves will be falling, and soon teen girls everywhere will be buzzing about pumpkin spiced lattes. Yes, the signs of fall are upon us.

Just as the seasons change, so do our own needs and concerns within our homes. If you live in a colder climate, you don’t want to be caught off-guard and unprepared.

Prepping your home in anticipation of the colder months can prevent unwanted repairs or even the devaluation of your home.

Follow our advice to “Fall-proof” your home and ensure you don’t run into any unnecessary problems.

Inside the House

1. Check for Drafts

Replace any seals or caulks around windows and doors or buy heavier, insulated drapery for windows to keep your house cozy.

2. Furnace Inspection

Contract an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the filter.

3. Winterize AC

If you live in a colder area that won’t use central air conditioning consider covering your outdoor unit.

 

Exterior of the House

1. Review Your Roof

Remove leaves or debris from flat roofs and check for loose or broken shingles/tiles.

2. Clear the Gutters

Prevent clogging by removing all debris and draining outdoor faucets in colder areas.

3. Inspect Siding

Look for any cracks or holes.

4. Chimney Maintenance

If you regularly use a wood fireplace have it professionally cleaned and inspected.

5. Look at the Trees

Make sure there are no dying, low hanging or rotten limbs that could fall on your home or a power line.

6. Install Storm Windows

Replace screens with more appropriate coverings.

7. Tend to Patio Furniture

Remove, clean and cover cushions or bring outdoor furniture indoors.

 

In Your Garage

  1. Test your generator
  2. Keep extra gas handy
  3. Service summer equipment – Empty fuel in your lawnmower, clean trimmers and get any necessary repairs taken care of so when spring rolls around your tools are ready to go!

Deep Clean

Although many attribute spring to be the season of cleaning, fall is actually the time to start. Slash your spring cleaning list by getting on top of your chores earlier in the year.

  • Dust closets when swapping out summer clothes for sweaters.
  • Wash walls, baseboards, switch plates and light fixtures.
  • Steam clean stone surfaces.
  • Inspect grout, especially around showers and backsplashes.

Preventative maintenance can save you big on emergency repairs and wasted energy costs.

Add value to your property by properly keeping up with your home’s needs—taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid a full-blown crisis down the road.

We’re here to help!

If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you won’t want to neglect the fall home maintenance guide. Additionally, make things much easier on yourself by calling in the pros!

At Elite Inspection Group we are bridging the gap between homeowner and inspector.

We offer extended services, easy and efficient scheduling, and once we’re finished, we will take you through the report in terms that you can easily understand.

If you’re ready for your home inspection today get in touch with us here!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Pass Your Pre-Sell Inspection With Flying Colors

Pre-Sell Inspection

When it comes to home inspections, many people think they’re only for prospective buyers, but getting an inspection before selling is actually a great idea.

It is an investment that will save you big on time and money in the long run.

Home inspections are one of the most mismanaged aspects of the home selling process and skimping on the pre-sell inspection can give the buyers the upper hand in negotiations.

Pre-Sell Inspection

A pre-list inspection will give you a strong standing to make a deal that satisfies you.

Take a look at these benefits of a pre-sell inspection.

1. Goodwill Gesture

Show buyers that you are willing to go beyond the expected and you have nothing to hide.

This will allow buyers to have a certain peace of mind when considering your home.

2. Save Money

This pre-sell inspection will make you aware of any issues before listing. Your home is more likely to sell fast if it is problem-free.

3. Spotlight Special Areas

Show off any upgrades or assets your home has to offer with a seller’s inspection.

Want to know how to ace your seller’s inspection, let’s take a look.

Sellers Inspection

If you want to help buyers truly appreciate the condition your home is in, take these steps before your inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Clear Access

Make sure all clutter is removed, and critical areas like furnace, water heater, AC units, and attics are easily accessible to the inspector.

2. Turn on the Lights

Replace any bulbs and make sure light fixtures are in working order.

3. Open House

Keep doors and gates unlocked for your home inspector.

4. Be Honest

Let inspectors know from the start of any flaws your home has. This could be a busted light fixture or broken tile.

5. Clean Filters

Change out filters in the HVAC system.

6. Check Monitors

Are your fire alarm and carbon monoxide monitors working? If not, replace them. If you aren’t sure, it’s time to check!

7. Look for Cracks

Any cracks in a window or a broken screen will show up in a report. Address these issues before the inspection.

8. Top Off Appliances

Make sure everything that should have a cap (gas lines, chimneys, etc.) that require caps should be covered. This can keep debris like leaves or animals from clogging.

9. Look at Your Vegetation

Do your trees need a trim? Take care of any low-hanging or dying branches.

10. Open and Close Everything

Check all your windows and doors to make sure they are working properly. Don’t forget to jiggle some doorknobs too!

11. Call a Pro

When in doubt if you come across a problem you’re not sure how to address, call a professional.

We Can Help!

Speaking of professionals, we are a team of highly skilled and qualified inspection pros. Use our advice to ensure a painless and effective seller’s inspection.

Check out our seller’s inspection services where you can find copies of our two types of inspection reports.

If you’re not sure which inspection you need, just give us a call, and we can help you schedule the best inspection for your home today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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