Homebuyers and sellers often hear about “plumbing upgrades”, but what does this mean? Generally speaking, upgrading plumbing in the context of buying or selling a home refers to both fixtures and/or the plumbing system itself. Here are some basics to consider when referring to plumbing upgrades.
Fixtures
In bathrooms and kitchens, the faucet fixtures are an easy upgrade that adds style without a lot of spend. If a home is being prepped for sale, the best bet is to use fixtures that will appeal to the most potential buyers – choose a basic finish and design that isn’t too specialized. The idea is not necessarily to draw attention to the faucets, but to demonstrate that the fixtures are modern and in good condition.
Toilets are another simple upgrade that will also have a positive effect on how the home is perceived. If space allows, an elongated bowl and a high-profile height are smart changes to make. A neutral color that works with the existing tile and walls is best.
A shower upgrade can be as basic as adding a handheld shower unit to the existing setup. Another effective upgrade is to install a “rain”-type showerhead, which are becoming more popular in new homes. Also consider a thermostatic valve for the shower, which prevents scalding while the shower is running.
Piping
Lately there has been a growing trend toward home repiping. During this process, all water lines in the home are replaced. Sometimes, the line from the water main to the house may need to be replaced as well.
Over time, old metal pipes can degenerate, increasing the potential for leaks, reduced water flow capacity/water pressure, and causing material to flake off inside the pipe. The taste and appearance of water can also be adversely affected. Some older homes have lead pipes, which are less subject to corrosion but pose a serious health hazard for children.
Typically, replacement piping is made of copper or PVC. The best material to use depends on a number of factors, including the hardness of the water and winter temperatures. Homeowners should always seek out the opinions of several contractors before making the important – and not inexpensive – decision to repipe the home. Your Pillar To Post home inspector can provide additional information on plumbing upgrades as well.
Furnaces in homes throughout North America are cranking up for a long winter season. It is especially important to have furnaces inspected and maintained to ensure that they run efficiently and safely now that the colder months are here.
SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY
By some accounts, home heating, especially gas furnaces, can represent half of a typical home’s winter utilities bill. Efficient operation means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. For example, programmable thermostats can be used to automatically turn heat up or down at specified times, so that the temperature is lowered overnight or while no one is at home. Thermostats should be calibrated occasionally to avoid “off cycle” heat loss; a properly calibrated thermostat will result in more even heating between the on/off cycles, which is both more efficient and comfortable.
SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
Safety is an important factor in furnace operation. Gas furnaces can be a source of carbon monoxide if there are leaks or cracks that go unnoticed or unrepaired. The furnace flame should be steady and burn blue; if not, this should be addressed immediately. A qualified contractor or inspector can detect these types of problems and recommend needed action.
Yearly furnace inspections are strongly recommended. A heating service and repair company can clean and inspect all components of a forced air furnace, including the blower motor, belts, heat exchanger and filter, and check the flue for obstructions.
Simple furnace maintenance includes checking and replacing disposable air filters and cleaning permanent-type filters, as well as keeping dust, hair, and lint away from the burner compartment and air intake. A dirty furnace costs more to run and takes longer to heat the home. No matter what type it is, a well-maintained furnace will not only last longer, but can save energy, money, and help a home’s overall air quality and comfort.
CONSIDERING A NEW FURNACE?
If a new furnace is necessary, it is a good opportunity to evaluate the various types of furnaces now available and how well they might meet a home’s specific situation. Furnaces are defined as conventional efficiency, mid efficiency, and high efficiency. There are advantages and drawbacks to each type, and some are better suited to older homes, for example, and cost may be a factor in considering various types of systems. However, the ability of some new furnaces to reduce off cycle heat loss, eliminate the need for an always-on pilot light, etc. make replacing a furnace worth considering if a current system is in bad repair functioning poorly. Your local Pillar To Post office can provide you with additional information on various types of furnaces.
More and more homeowners are considering radon detection a "must" - and with good reason. Health officials have warned that exposure to unsafe levels of radon can cause an increased risk of cancer. In fact radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in North America, yet it is easily preventable. The Environmental Protection Agency has dubbed January "Radon Awareness Month." Read below to learn more about testing radon levels in your home and protecting your family.
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF RADON?
Radon is naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is 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 RADON ENTERS THE HOME
Radon gas can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure.
HOW CAN MY CLIENTS FIND OUT ABOUT RADON IN A HOME THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE?
A Pillar To Post Home Inspector can conduct a Radon test as either part of the home inspection process or on its own. An inspector will set up the testing equipment and report on the results once the proper measurement procedure is complete. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to lessen the concentration inside the home.
REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RADON IN THE HOME
Radon mitigation methods can include sealing likely entry points, improving ventilation, and a process called soil depressurization, which vents air from the house back into the surrounding soil, reducing the level of radon that can enter the home. Professional mitigation services are recommended to provide recommendations for a home's specific conditions.
Pillar To Post welcomes your comments and concerns. You can contact us: Click Here
Through coaching hundreds of people, both in my life coaching practice and as a professional organizer, I’ve discovered the one thing that seems to hold many people back from getting what they want: their thoughts. Is “stinking thinking” holding you hostage? Stinking thinking can be defined as a bad way of thinking that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will happen to you, or that you are not a deserving person. It stems from the beliefs that were programmed into our minds years ago.
Are the following statements true or false?
What’s your image of perfection? And how is that working for you? It’s impossible to satisfy the inner judge, that critical voice inside your head that expects you to live up to its unrealistic image of perfection. It tells you all the things you should be, and when you don’t measure up, you feel that you’re not good enough. Our inner critic creates expectations neither others nor we could ever meet, so inevitably we end up feeling disappointed with ourselves; this can lead to feelings of failure and unworthiness.
Ready to make some changes? Use the 3-D formula: 1. Detect: We’ve been under the influence of our thoughts for so long that we don’t even realize we can take control of them. The good news is that we can. But before we can take charge and change things, we have to become aware of the ridiculous things our inner voice is telling us (detect). One way to bring them to light is to keep a journal. Another way of capturing them is to record them on your phone as you notice them.
2. Dispute: How true are these beliefs? Expectations of our inner judge are unrealistic and set us up for failure. Once we have exposed these thoughts for what they are, we can stop believing them (dispute). Let go of these false beliefs. Release any criticism and blame you may be directing at yourself.
3. Devise: Come up with a new way of thinking (devise). Shift your point of view and see yourself differently. Think as if you had your own best interests in mind. That means rephrasing those bullying thoughts to something more forgiving. Instead of harsh, judgemental self-talk, speak to yourself with respect. Use phrases such as “everyone makes mistakes” and “I did the best I could.” Choose praise over criticism.
Quiet the voice inside your head to make space for love and joy to enter your life instead. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
Letting go of false beliefs in your mind creates more space in your life for peace and happiness. Change your beliefs and you can change your thoughts. Change your thoughts and you will change your feelings. Change your feelings and you will change your behavior. Changes in your behavior can lead to you improving your life and your relationships.
Ultimately, your thoughts become your destiny.
A Certified Professional Organizer®, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. visit www.WeOrganizeU.com or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.com
Spring is upon us and it seems that runny noses, watery eyes, coughs and headaches often abound. If your doctor has not found the cause of your suffering, it may be time to consider a third possibility: mold.
More than 100 types of household molds thrive in damp conditions, making after spring showers prime time for mold to appear in floors, walls and ceilings damaged by leaky pipes or foundation walls, soaked wood, plasterboard, or even newspapers.
Molds give off tiny spores that can get into respiratory tracts and cause allergic reactions. For most people, this results in an irritating but harmless problem. But in young children, it can be more serious.
Fortunately, you may be able to protect your family by taking these three steps:
1. Regularly check areas where mold thrives, including damp basements, bathrooms, air conditioners and anywhere that ceilings or walls may have suffered water damage. Peeling wallpaper often signals moist conditions, so check these spots carefully. Always quickly repair plumbing leaks.
2. Clean mold growth with a solution of one cup bleach to three cups water. Wear a mask and rubber gloves beforehand. If the area is larger than two square feet, hire a professional to get rid of the mold without spreading spores.
3. Prevent re-growth by using a dehumidifier in basements during wet weather. If you eliminate the moisture, then mold should never be too much of a recurring problem.
Consult your Pillar To Post® Inspector if you have concerns about mold.
Bathrooms are a good place to invest in for more enjoyment and to add future home value. Here are just a few expert “do or don’t” suggestions to help you renovate.
DO CHOOSE QUALITY, elegant fixtures in a classic style, as they will last longer and be more resistant to shifting trends.
DO SELECT DURABLE, water-resistant flooring such as ceramic, marble, or stone tile. For more warmth underfoot, consider installing subfloor heating coils or choose well-sealed hardwood flooring.
DO USE FOUND SPACE. Install a recessed storage cabinet at least three inches deep in the wall between the studs to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space.
DON’T OVERCROWD by adding too many accessories, or by installing overlarge fixtures. A 35-square-foot bathroom only has space for an average size tub/shower, toilet, and a single-sink vanity.
DON’T NEGLECT to vent. A 50-cfm fan is sufficient for venting a bathroom 50 square feet or less, but for spaces larger than 100 square feet, two fans - one for the shower and another near the toilet are better.
Germs can flourish on plastic or wood cutting boards. Keep them as clean as possible.
1. Disinfect with a salad staple: white vinegar. Use a clean sponge or paper towel to rub white vinegar over the board, and rinse with warm water. Vinegar destroys food-borne bacteria on contact.
2. Refresh with a squeeze of citrus. Cut a lemon in half, rub the pulpy side over the cutting board, and rinse with warm water. Fruit’s citric acid kills germs and odors.
3. Clean a wooden board with salt. Place it in the sink, sprinkle salt over the surface, then pour a cup of hot water over the board. Scrub the salt into stains and rinse. Your board will be spot-free, and salt will remove any ground-in flavors
4. No time to scrub your glass or plastic cutting boards? Clean the easy way. Put them in the dishwasher. The high heat will sanitize the surface.
Caution: Avoid cross contamination. Designate one board for raw meat and fish and another for everything else. This eliminates the accidental transfer of bacteria onto your veggies.
There are no perfect houses. Whether you have a new home or one that's a hundred years old, houses have cracks. Houses shift and settle into position after construction. Houses will have cracks in either the cosmetic finishes or structural components. Most of these cracks have no structural significance. Some are significant and Pillar To Post® inspectors use every technique to help their clients figure out the difference.
Shrinkage Cracks A newly poured, concrete foundation may contain small cracks because concrete shrinks as it cures. Fortunately, a shrinkage crack in a foundation wall is not structurally significant. Here’s how to recognize a shrinkage crack in a poured, concrete foundation:
The crack will be small, less than 1/8th of an inch wide.
The crack will be vertical.
The crack will not extend up through the structure. The crack is in the foundation only.
Shrinkage cracks usually occur in the middle third of the length of the foundation wall. If the crack is located towards the end of the length of the foundation wall, it’s probably not a shrinkage crack.
Horizontal Cracks In a Basement Foundation Wall This discussion relates to cracks in the concrete foundation wall in a house with a basement; this is not relevant to slabs on grade or to cracks in walls above grade level. A below-grade, horizontal crack in a foundation wall, which runs the length of the basement, is likely to be a sign that the foundation is failing under the weight of the surrounding soil. The soil outside the foundation walls exerts an enormous pressure on all the foundation walls. Foundation walls are designed to be strong enough to resist this load. Occasionally, unanticipated, additional loads exert pressure and the foundation begins to fail, resulting in a horizontal crack in the foundation wall.
Settlement Cracks Foundation settlement cracks are vertical, extending up through the structure. For a brick home, you may see cracks following the mortar joints in the brick wall. In most cases, the settlement crack itself has no structural significance; the concern is that the house may continue to settle over time.
Settlement Crack Size A larger settlement crack is more likely to be due to ongoing movement than a smaller settlement crack is. While there are no hard and fast rules, a settlement crack or series of settlement cracks that have a sum total opening of less than 1/4 inch are probably not because of ongoing settlement.
Direction of Movement A typical settlement crack is vertical, starting from where the crack opens up. The bumps and crevices line up and fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. If the crack face has moved in any other direction, such as a shear crack, the quarter-inch rule described above does not apply. This can be a significant structural concern.
Repaired and Re-cracked A settlement crack that has been repaired and has re-cracked (not just a hairline crack) could also indicate ongoing movement.
Lights, camera, - snacking! Your favorite movie snack is closely associated with the emotions you experience at the cinema. It may reveal anything from your sociability to creativity.
Jujubes or Twizzlers: You are a decisive doer with strong leadership skills.
Raisinets or M&M’s: You are a thoughtful classicist, contemplative and also quiet yet sophisticated.
Popcorn: You are a generous ladder-climber, sharing, charitable yet goal-oriented and successful.
Nachos: You are always prepared and a perfectionist, welcoming any challenge with a methodical approach.
That little can of WD-40 has more uses than you originally thought.
1. Keep silver shining. Remove tarnish from your silver jewelry or platters with a few sprays of WD-40. It helps to prevent tarnish build up by sealing out moisture.
2. Get rid of gum. If gum is stuck to carpet, spray over the spot, wait 10 minutes and you should be able to wipe away the sticky mess with a clean cloth.
3. Bye-bye scuff marks. Make those pesky black marks disappear from your tile or wood floor in a flash. Just spray WD-40, and then rub with a clean cloth until the area is no longer slippery.
4. Loosen zippers. Get a zipper to slide easily again by spraying WD-40 on it, then pull it up and down a few times. Remove excess with a paper towel.
Most settlement cracks are the result of short-term settlement. Ongoing settlement is unlikely and uncommon. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to identify ongoing settlement from a one-time visit to the home.
Since making multiple visits to the home over a few years is not compatible with a real estate transaction, we have to use our experience to read the cracks and take an educated guess as to whether ongoing settlement is likely.
There are no inspections available with this FBO within +/- 4 days of your preferred inspection date. Please pick another inspection date, or contact us.
icon and select "Add to Home Screen".
