homeowners Archives - Elite Inspection Group

Everyday Gifts for Homeowners

3Jan2018

With holidays around the corner, many of us are winding down with our gift shopping and starting to settle in at home for some quality relaxation and family time.

When you think about your home it’s more than just a place to store your belongings and sleep—it’s almost like a state of mind.

To have a peaceful home, you need a space that is both functional and attractive. You’ve already invested time and money in your home so why not stock it with proper tools that will make life easier for you?

Whether you are looking to put the essentials in your own home or you’re getting some gifts for a new homeowner in your life, consider these gifts that will optimize your home maintenance.

Safety

When it comes to safety there are many useful tools and items to keep around the house, but some of the basics include:

First-aid kit
Power outage essentials (flashlight, batteries, etc.)
Fire extinguisher (check out this helpful guide)
Tarps (useful in storms to secure objects that may become airborne)

Surge protector (especially in older homes)
Disinfecting dishwasher light (did you know that 62% of tested dishwashers harbor mold—yuck! Keep your health in check with this trusty device)

Home Care

Keeping your house clean not only makes your home that much more comfortable, but it will also increase the longevity of your home while providing a healthy space for your loved ones.

Versatile vacuum (Pro-tip: Splurging on a good vacuum is worth it!)

Microfiber cloths
Rubber gloves (especially if you handle chemicals or harsh soaps)
Storage solutions (this can be anything from plastic containers to wicker baskets)
Multi-head screwdriver
Power drill

Practical

This short list is chock full of items you wouldn’t think you needed until in the moment. While not the flashiest of objects, they will pay their weight in gold when you think about how often you use them.

Step ladder
Binder clips (yes, these, use them to clip open food packages, hang drying clothes, or even clip your curtains closed)
Adjustable tension rod

Leatherman multi-tool
Retracting extension cord reel

How many of these things do you already have around your home? What about your loved ones?

Keeping items like the ones on this list can ensure a healthy and functioning living space for all. We know that these aren’t the most exciting home gifts so if you’re looking for something a little flashier we have a few suggestions.

Fun Home Gift Ideas

Temperature controlled faucet light: Avoid burns with this cool (and cheap!) light, cold water turns the light blue and hot water turns it red.

Electronic cleaning putty: Get your kids excited to clean with this silly putty made especially to get the hard to reach crevices on our devices like keyboards or remotes.

Palm up soap dispenser

Wake-up light: This alarm clock stimulates a sunrise, maybe it’s not directly related to the home, but it is a cool gift.

Pop out outlet: Great for style and safety! If you have kids, you should consider investing in these.

We Can Help

If you’re looking to move homes or want to knock out your annual home inspection, give us a call! We’ll make sure you and your family have a stress-free holiday at home.

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Home Inspection

Things Your Inspector Wants You to Know

1Nov2017

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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Home Inspection

7 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners

29Mar2017

Whether you’re an avid handyman or aspiring DIY-er, having a cohesive set of tools at home will prepare you for pesky repairs or when inspiration strikes.

1. Duct Tape

Duct tape is one of the most versatile and resilient resources. Add it to your go-to emergency repair toolkit, as it is extremely strong, adaptable and waterproof.

Pro Tip: You can use duct tape for temporarily sealing water leakage, patching vinyl siding, taping a broken window or screen, protecting grill gas hose from pesky critters and more.

2. Wire Cutters

Great for snipping wires or small nails. There are three main types:

Beveled edge: Cuts wires to a pointed tip.
Semi-flush: Used for fine wires and cuts to a flat tip.
Flush cutters: Offers a sheer face cut; usually expensive with a high level of precision.

Pro Tip: Most wire cutters are not intended for hard metals, such as iron or steel unless specifically specified. Never hammer or bang on wire cutters to make a cut, as flying debris can be harmful.

3. Respiratory Mask

You should wear a mask when painting or in a dusty/dirty environment. Although paints and coatings have been improved and contain less toxic chemicals, you should still avoid inhaling directly.

Pro Tip: Disposable masks are inexpensive and usually come in a pack of 10 or more — be sure to throw away after each use.

4. Set of Screwdrivers

While electrical screwdrivers can get the job done faster, manual versions are more portable and convenient for small, hard to get places. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about recharging your tool, when you need it in a pinch.

Pro Tip: We recommend a set of four screwdrivers: a big and small version of a flathead and Phillips-head. Did you know, the Phillips-head was invented in the 1930s as a solution to “over torquing”, where the user of a flathead was exhibiting too much twisting force and thus not making the most efficient use of their strength?

5. Claw Hammer

One of the most important tools for any homeowner. You can use a good hammer for driving and removing nails, and in combination with many other tools.

Pro Tip: We recommend a 16-oz hammer for the most bang for your buck and all-purpose use.

6. Combination Wrench Set

One side is open, and the other is a closed loop, as nuts and bolts come in metric and standard sizes, you’ll need both ends.

Pro Tip: Avoid over-tightening and always pull the wrench toward you.

7. Tape Measure

Much more efficient and compact than a ruler or yardstick. You’ll use a tape measure for a multitude of purposes and will be glad to have it around.

Pro Tip: We recommend a 25-ft tape measure, although longer may be better suited depending on your purposes. Don’t forget always to measure at least twice!

Consider this a starter pack. Once you become a homeowner, you’ll realize your needs increase, and you’ll likely be adding to your toolkit in no time.

Don’t forget, we guarantee your inspection in 48 hours — schedule yours today!