Author: oi_admin

Questions to Make Clutter Go

Posted on December 21, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Clutter Go Shadow Is your home overflowing with clutter? Most of it is likely sentimental stuff, which is the hardest to part with because they tug at us emotionally. For a can’t-miss way you make it easier to choose which should stay and which should give away, ask these five simple questions.

1. Does it make me happy? If it doesn’t make you smile or you feel guilty and stressed about not appreciating it, it should not be in the house.

2. Can I photograph it? Have something big and unwieldy that you hang on to? A photo will take less room and spark the same happy memories as the thing itself.

3. Can I scan it? Certificates, child’s drawings, old letters scanning them into a computer saves you room and also keeps them safe and secure forever.

4. Do I have two? Keep the best and donate the rest. Ask “Which one do I like the most?”

5. Who could I make happy with this? You get extra space and donating to a good cause delivers a happiness boost that can last weeks.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Posted on December 21, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Plant Shadow Houseplants are visually appealing and also they improve our home’s air quality by adding oxygen and removing harmful pollutants. Here are a few hardy plants that will thrive in any environment:

1. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are great for beginners as they’re almost impossible to kill and they also look great in hanging baskets.

2. Cast Iron Plants (Aspidistra elatior) are foolproof as they only require dim light and also don’t need much water.

3. The Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderana) simply stands in water and has been used by the Chinese for centuries in the art of feng shui to create harmony in the home.

Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death for houseplants. Water them thoroughly but make sure there are drainage holes so excess water can escape, as you don’t want your plants to be sitting in water.

Improper lighting is another reason why promising young plants become statistics. It’s important to match the lighting needs of plants with the amount of light you have to offer.

Inspection Insights: Wood Burning Fireplaces

Posted on December 21, 2017 by oi_admin - News

There is nothing like the ambiance of a wood burning fireplace. But like any heating system, wood burning fireplaces require yearly maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Furnace Shadow Most chimney flues are not readily visible when you look up the chimney. Often, you cannot properly inspect the flue until it has been cleaned. It is important to get your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected every year for a number of reasons, but the two main reasons involve safety. Simply put, get the flue cleaned to avoid a chimney fire. A chimney fire occurs when the combustible deposits in the chimney (creosote) ignite. A chimney sweep can remove the creosote deposits that potentially cause fires. Second, have the flue inspected. A flue liner in good condition will help protect your home if you do have a chimney fire. An inspection of the chimney flue is not part of a home inspection. Call a trained technician to clean and inspect your chimney flue.

Old Unlined Chimneys
Fireplaces in old homes may not have clay flue liners. It is particularly important to seek the advice of an expert for these old chimneys. Unlined brick chimneys come in two varieties: single thickness (four inches of brick), and double thickness (eight inches of brick). There is little debate that a four inch thick, unlined chimney is not acceptable. This chimney should either have a liner added, or the fireplace decommissioned. Consider hiring an expert who does not offer a chimney lining service. This will give you an unbiased opinion on whether a liner is needed.

Glass Doors
Glass doors across fireplace openings reduce heat loss when the fireplace is not running. Most glass door systems added to an existing fireplace are not designed to be closed when the fire is lit. On the other hand, some high efficiency zero-clearance fireplaces are designed for operation with the doors closed. If you are not sure, ask the technician who cleans and inspects your fireplace and flue.

Wood Stove
A wood stove is more efficient than a fireplace. Modern wood stoves burn cleanly and efficiently. Like fireplaces, the wood stove must be cleaned and inspected annually.

Zero-Clearance
Today, a fireplace can be added to almost any home. A zero-clearance fireplace can be installed directly against an existing wall.

Why Test for Radon? What You Need to Know

Posted on December 14, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Any home can have a radon problem – old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, homes with or without basements. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. and Canada has an elevated level of radon. Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of radon can create an increased risk of lung cancer; in fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Lung cancer caused by avoidable radon exposure is preventable, but only if radon issues are detected and mitigated prior to prolonged exposure in homes and buildings. There is real risk in not knowing if a home has a high level of radon.

WHAT IS RADON?

Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing residents to possible health risks.

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO A HOME?

Radon can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls, foundations or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure. Other entry points can include gaps in suspended floors and cavities within walls.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AREN’T AT RISK?

We encourage homeowners to request that radon testing be added the home inspection process. Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector will set up the monitoring equipment in the home and report on the results. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to reduce the concentration to or below acceptable levels inside virtually any home. This can include a relatively simple setup such as a collection system with a radon vent pipe, which prevents radon from entering the home in the first place. Professional mitigation services can provide recommendations for a home’s specific conditions.

For more information on how your clients can include radon testing in conjunction with their home inspection or to request this service, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.