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Tag Archives: home inspection

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!

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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 safety

Shining a Spotlight on Crawl Spaces

crawl spaces

When you think about home inspections, many things come to mind, like the foundation, HVAC system, or electrical systems.

Although these are key factors in your home, many people don’t consider the importance of the home’s crawl space as it’s a typical ¨out of sight, out of mind¨ situation.

While they’re usually small and seem petty, they can actually host a number of problems that can affect your home inside and out. We’re going to look at some common issues with crawl spaces that you can address before putting your home on the market.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the crawl space gives inspectors a truly thorough look at the home’s integrity and energy efficiency.

If there were low quality renovation attempts or defects that occur naturally over time, an inspection of your crawl space will reveal them.

Affected Air Quality

If the moisture content of the air is left unmonitored, it can make it easier for mold and rot to attack the insulation or wooden beams under your home.

Thanks to rainy weather or lack of vapor barriers, this mold and rot will flourish and eventually lead to the release of mycotoxins that can make their way into your home via floorboards.

A large percentage of your home’s air comes through the crawl space meaning if you have mold there it can compromise the air quality inside your home.

Fix It

Regular check-ins with your crawl space is the best step in prevention, including insulation checks if you already have it. Also, make sure that downspouts and gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation.

Beginning of Energy Efficiency

The common advice for saving on energy bills is to insulate your attic, but your home’s crawl space can also have a dramatic effect.

An uninsulated crawl space could be costing you big bucks by allowing significant heat to escape your home. Homeowners report saving 30-50% on energy bills after installing insulation. A well-insulated crawl space = a warmer home in the winter.

Fix It

Call a professional and get insulation installed.

Critter Infestation

Even if you think your crawl space is safe from rodents and other pests, the truth is the tiniest hole makes this area fair game for any critter.

Typical infestations include rats, squirrels, skunks, and snakes.

None of these are exactly the cuddly creatures you want to run into at home. Additionally, the little ¨gifts¨ they may leave behind can fester and affect air quality inside your home.

Certain furry friends, like squirrels, can cause more trouble by chewing through insulation, vapor barriers, or electrical wiring.

Fix It

Investigate and seal any entry points, then eliminate all food sources. Don’t store food in your crawl space and be sure to clear out any decomposing plants or animals. If you find that your infestation is serious, you should call a professional.

We Can Help!

Maintain the quality of your home by regularly checking your crawl space, or call us to take a look!

The more proactive you are with this aspect of your home, the less problems you’re likely to run into.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

3 Reasons to Walk Away from a Deal

home inspection

Most people realize the importance of needing a home inspection as buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life.

For many, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the charm of a house or even the potential you imagine when looking at new homes, but the reality is once you get that home inspection report back there will be a few marks and possibly some that are worrying.

A report with a few marks is definitely enough to cause anxiety, but what you decide to do with the report will largely depend on your tolerance level. For some, they will stick around and tackle the problem while others would rather cut their losses and continue with the search.

However, there are red flags that both realtors and home inspectors agree on as signs to kill the deal and move on. If you come across these issues, you may want to think twice before proceeding.

1. (Major) Foundation Issues

 Cracks and other irregularities in the foundation can be extremely expensive, upwards of $10,000, to repair. Aside from this, you must consider the fees for landscaping repair to correct the problem if an excavation is necessary.

While some foundation repairs are minor and may only cost you a couple of hundred dollars, you can only be sure after contracting a licensed structural engineer to assess the problem.

Many seasoned home professionals agree that first time buyers should avoid major foundation issues as they may lack the funds and experience to take on this problem

2. Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

Much like shoulder pads and mom jeans, these plumbing pipes are a product of the ‘80s.

These pipes were initially favored as cheap alternative to copper, but are more likely to leak and could cause issues like mold, structural damage, or the headache that goes with a burst pipe.

Most homeowners haven’t replaced the pipes if they haven’t personally encountered an issue. Save yourself the trouble from having to deal with this potentially disastrous problem.

3. Buried Oil Tanks

While more common in areas with harsher winters, such as the Northeast, this American tradition is one that could haunt your home today.

Before electrical heating, many had underground tanks that sent propane to the house throughout winter. Obviously, there is a handful of possible problems that could come from this, but common ones are leaks (that lead to soil contamination), sink holes, and drainage problems. Much like the foundation issue, a tank removal will cost you well into the thousands.

Finding these tanks can be tricky, if they’re active, you’ll see two pipes coming up from the ground. If they were shut off, there won’t be any outward evidence.

Fix or Fold?

In the end, the choice to stop the buying process or decision to tackle the issues will be your decision. Your financial standing and how much you’re comfortable with shelling out will be the biggest factors.

This is just another reason why a home inspection is an investment for your future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Why You Need a New Home Inspection

new home inspection

Everyone’s goal in selling their home is to find the red flags before negotiations begin and make the most money possible.

Getting an inspection before listing will ultimately save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

A serious buyer will more than likely require a home inspection before sealing the deal, but the pre-listing inspector will not be the same one doing the buyer’s inspection.

The inspector hired by the seller will identify hidden problems and necessary repairs that, once addressed, will ultimately raise the value of your house.

If you receive an A grade, or near, you can hand out copies of the report to potential buyers to showcase the condition of your home.

Save Money

A pre-inspection gives you a heads up on any repairs or problems potential buyers will want you to address. You then have the time to compare costs for different issues and a variety of contractors.

Any issues that show up in the buyer’s inspection report will ultimately lower your asking price, tackle these head on before listing!

A pre-inspection report will also allow you to disclose all problems upfront and this can protect you against claims buyers could make later.

The fewer problems your home has, the faster it will likely sell.

Quick Sales Process

Lessen the time of back-and-forth negotiations and have your house market ready. When repairs are already identified and completed your home will be more attractive to buyers.

Pre-inspection reports will reassure buyers that no major surprises are waiting for them and they’ll feel more comfortable making an offer.

Spotlight Attractive Features

As long as you’re not trying to sell a fixer-upper, a pre-inspection can highlight the selling points of your home.

Whether it’s an electrical upgrade or seriously cool swimming area, instill the confidence in buyers that there are no problems to be found.

Now you know the benefits of a pre-inspection, but what are some things you can do to prepare for the inspection? Check out our tips to ensure a successful inspection:

  • De-clutter: Clean out those spaces below your bathroom or kitchen sinks, move any boxes out of the way, and clear the path to water heaters and other appliances.
  • Full access: Give inspectors complete access by unlocking garages, gates, sheds, etc. and moving any items blocking the path to attics or basements.
  • Turn on lights: Make sure light bulbs work, even in areas of little use like basements or storage spaces.
  • Pull out the paperwork: Provide your inspector with documentation of home maintenance and repairs. This will include roof, chimney, water heater inspections and any insurance claims.
  • Check for clogs: Go through your home and check each sink by running water. Take care of slow drains with store-bought clog removers or contact a plumber for any seriously clogged drains.

Check out what our seller’s inspection provides and give yourself the upper hand in negotiations by avoiding any surprises in an inspection report.

Schedule an inspection with us today.  We guarantee an inspection within 48 hours, and we’re open 7 days a week!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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