Categories Home Inspection

Home Maintenance in Under 15 Minutes

Solutions

Have you noticed all the small “save it for later” projects piling up around the house?

Most household issues are more of a headache than an emergency. Good news! We have simple solutions to help you fix them in the same time it takes to brew your morning coffee.

The Problems and Solutions:

1. Peeling wallpaper:

If your wallpaper seam is coming up, paste it down with adhesive, go over once with a damp rag, and cover with painter’s tape. After 24 hours remove the tape.

2. Stuck Window or Door:

A buildup of gunk is the main cause for windows and doors that don’t move smoothly, put dry PTFE spray lubricant on the contact points and wiping it off with a rag. Don’t use oil lubricants; they can attract dirt, and some can damage the vinyl.

3. Lingering Odors:

Have you noticed a musky smell in your basement or garage? All you need is a big bag of plain charcoal (not the self-lighting kind). Cut a square out, and leave it in the corner somewhere and let it absorb the odors. Replace every 6 months.

4. Rattling Door:

A regularly rattling door is annoying. Thankfully, the solution is easy. Take a medium Philips and slot head screwdrivers, two pairs of pliers and a washcloth. Use a screwdriver to remove the doorknob’s strike plate (the metal square on the jam that reinforces the bolt hole). See the tang, or the lip that curls into the hole? Wrap the strike plate in the cloth and use the pliers to bend the tang a half-centimeter toward the hole’s center. Repeat and bend further until the rattling stops.

5. Pesky Wood Scratches:

If you see some scratches in wood you can color it out with a crayon or a scratch repair pen from any hardware store.

6. Wobbly Showerhead:

Eliminate a wobbly showerhead or pipe with a few squirts of expanding foam.

7. Ceiling Holes:

Save yourself time by covering any ceiling holes with a smoke detector.

8. Water Stains:

Tackle water stains with a bleach and water solution (10 percent bleach), but first cover the walls and floors with plastic and be sure to use protective goggles. If it’s an old stain, use a mold and mildew remover from the grocery store. This will work on both flat and textured ceilings.

9. Bad Faucet:

When a faucet loses pressure or starts spraying to the side it’s usually the result of a dirty aerator screen. Close the drain plug and then remove the aerator using a rag or masking tape. To remove the sand and other deposits, soak the aerator in vinegar, then scrub it with a toothbrush.

10. Kinked Toilet Chains:

Kinked toilet chains lead to running toilets; solve the problem by removing the chain from the arm and sliding a plastic straw over the flapper chain.

More than likely you’ve found yourself with a handful of these problems in your own home. Taking a few minutes each day to tackle one of these issues could help make each day go more smoothly.

Do you have any quick fix tips you swear by? Let us know!

Want to know what’s going on in your home?

Schedule an inspection with us today and we’ll be at your home in 48 hours or less, ready to give you a thorough and professional report.

 

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Categories Home Inspection

Things Your Inspector Wants You to Know

home inspection, home, inspection, buyer, seller, inspector, basement

After years of working in the industry and hundreds of experiences with inspections, buyers, sellers, etc. we at EIG have realized there is a gap when it comes to communication between homeowner and home inspector. 

 

That’s why we’ve dedicated our company mission to bridging the gap and improving the home inspection experience. 

 

Home inspections are a big deal, for sellers this could be the confrontation of the maintenance issues you neglected over the years.  

 

For buyers, an inspection can lead to heartbreak if a report finds the home is not worth buying. 

 

While that sounds scary, our intention is not to frighten you, but to keep you informed.  

 

With that being said there are a few golden rules that every home inspector wants homeowners to know before starting the process. 

For Sellers 

 1. Mind Your Pets

Be sure to leave them in a crate or at a friend’s house during the inspection. Not only is it distracting, it could be dangerous.  

 

During the average inspections doors, gates, windows, etc. will constantly open and close, giving your pet an easy opportunity to escape. 

 

 2. Get Rid of the Clutter 

While it’s not totally necessary to have a spotless home for the inspection (an inspector won’t care if your stove is dirty) you do want to make sure there are no barriers that prevent entrance into different rooms.  

 

Allowing the inspector to have easy and quick access to all rooms, including basement and attic, the experience will be smoother for everyone. 

 

3. Schedule a Playdate 

If you have babies or small children, it’s a good idea to get them out of the house during the inspection too.  

 

If you can get a family member or friend to watch them at a different location that would be ideal.  

 

If not and they must be at home then be sure to keep an eye on them—remember, lots of opening and closing of different doors and gates. 

 

For Buyers

1. Stay Calm 

There will be problems with the new home, don’t panic! Not all issues are critical, and we will help you decide which ones are more serious and which are easily fixed.  

 

2. Don’t Ignore Water Problems 

I know, I know—we just said not to freak out. But if you see leaky ceilings, puddles or any water related issues in the basement you may want to think twice about the purchase.  

 

Water damage or problems can be expensive and difficult to address. 

 

3. We’re Not Psychic 

Although we do know an awful lot about homes, unfortunately, we can’t predict the future.  

 

Home inspections are visual inspections, and we can’t say exactly when something will need to be repaired or exactly how much it will cost, but we can give you rough estimates that will be helpful in your decision making process. 

 

Don’t let an inspection stress you out! We’re here to help make the process easy while making sure you’re as knowledgeable as possible about each step. 

 

Stop wasting time and get in touch with us today to schedule your own professional home inspection!  

 

 

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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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