Category: News

Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

Posted on September 1, 2018 by onlineimage - News

The days are getting noticeably shorter, and maybe there’s a nip in the air – sure signs that fall is on its way. Now is the perfect time to put these ideas on your to-do list and get your home in shape before winter rolls in.

Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause mold problems and even structural damage.

Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Although you should always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, you can do a preliminary survey safely from the ground using binoculars.

Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them – they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the seams between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can freeze and burst, causing leaks and potentially serious water damage.

Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic inspections at no charge, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting a fire this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

Happy fall to you from everyone at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors.

Why Do You Need a Home Inspection?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Almost inevitably, the subject of the home inspection will come up during the buying process. Some buyers may be inclined to skip the home inspection; there is so much else going at that time that it may just seem like another task to check off the list. However, a professional home inspection is the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the condition of the home they’re considering – an unbiased evaluation that can provide much-needed peace of mind at a stressful time. This information can prove extremely useful and help avoid unpleasant surprises.

A professional home inspection includes a visual assessment of the home’s systems and structural components, including heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, roof, foundation, walls, chimneys, doors, and windows. Appliance systems as well as heating/cooling and plumbing are tested to ensure proper operation. These evaluations are then included in the written inspection report, which should include detailed findings and identify any potential concerns. The report should also indicate any recommended repairs based on the inspection results. At that time, you might recommend that the seller complete needed repairs, or if they choose not to, that the cost of doing the repairs be reflected in the selling price.

However, in many of today’s overheated real estate markets the home inspection contingency may be waived in order for an offer to be considered at all. In these cases, a home inspection is still extremely important because it allows buyers to learn about the home and provides comprehensive picture of the home’s condition. Some buyers are now opting to have a home inspection after the purchase has gone through so they can plan for future repairs, upgrades, or address other issues.

To get the most out of a home inspection, buyers should accompany the home inspector during the process. This allows for asking question on site and getting any needed clarification about potential issues that come up along the way. It’s a great way to get to know the home and locate key items such as key shutoff valves, the breaker panel and more. Attending the inspection will also provide a better understanding of any repair recommendations.

The home inspection is truly a key part of a smooth transaction and a confident purchase. Not only that, the inspection report will serve as a reference for details about the home for years to come.

Adding Value with Home Repairs

Posted on August 28, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Pre-sale Home Repairs Can Add Value

When selling, your clients should consider some easy and relatively inexpensive fixes that can increase buyer interest and boost the selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for a better price.

Interior

Bathrooms and the kitchen should be given a deep cleaning. Consider hiring a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
If kitchen cabinet exteriors are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinet boxes, refacing can give the cabinets new life and can visually update a kitchen. If refacing isn’t a practical option, a quality paint job can provide a fresh look as well.
Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral-colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives everything a fresh look and prevents potential buyers from focusing on an eyesore.
Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the home. Stick with neutral colors so that buyers aren’t distracted by colors that make a strong statement. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
If carpet is covering hardwood floors that are in good shape, consider having it removed to expose the hardwood. Hardwood floors are desirable, so show them off! If carpet is staying, it goes without saying that it should be thoroughly cleaned.

Exterior

If the entire exterior needs painting, have it done. Buyers notice if paint is faded and peeling, and this can reflect negatively on the home overall. If the paint is in good shape in general, renew the doors and trim with a fresh coat.
Clean the windows inside and out so they sparkle. It’s amazing what a difference this can make in a home’s appearance. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the easiest and safest way to get the job done on a multi-story home.
Clear clutter from the yard, keep the lawn mowed, and trim any overgrown shrubs that detract from the home’s appearance. A fresh layer of bark mulch around shrubs is inexpensive but conveys neatness. First impressions are key, of course, so the home should look well maintained even at first glance.
Pots of bright, colorful flowers along the entry path and by the doorway add a welcoming touch.

It’s usually best for homeowners to save major remodeling projects – and the budget required – for their new home, not the one they’re about to sell. But implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment in time or money, getting your clients on their way to their new home sooner.

Sick House Syndrome

Posted on August 27, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

What Is Sick House Syndrome, and What Causes It?

Sick House Syndrome occurs when a house can’t “breathe” and rid itself of indoor pollutants, resulting in poor indoor air quality – a “sick house.” Inadequate ventilation allows these pollutants to build up, causing potential health risks to the home’s occupants. Young children, the elderly, and some chronically ill persons are most susceptible to the effects of Sick House Syndrome.

Common sources of indoor pollution include tobacco smoke, certain carpeting materials, furnaces and fireplaces, pressed wood cabinets and furniture, and household cleaning products. In addition, a buildup of moisture can cause mold, which can grow uncontrolled inside walls, crawlspaces, and other areas. Mold spores are released into the air and can also travel throughout the home via heating and cooling ductwork.

How Can Indoor Pollution Be Reduced?

Source control is usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. In some cases, eliminating the specific sources of indoor pollution – for example, removing carpets, repairing and maintaining faulty furnaces – is all that is necessary. It’s also a good idea to have heating and cooling ducts cleaned every few years.

For many other offending substances, improving ventilation is a key means of decreasing indoor pollution. These include tobacco smoke, cleaning products, and moisture buildup. Many newer homes in particular are so well insulated and sealed that only a very limited amount of fresh air can get in. In this situation, using attic or window fans and opening windows when weather permits are easy and inexpensive ways to increase ventilation. Over the years, tobacco smoke can actually be absorbed by walls, floors, and ceilings and may need to be professionally removed.

Asbestos and lead don’t normally cause problems if they are undisturbed, but these and other hazardous substances should be analyzed by a qualified professional to determine if sealing, abatement, or removal is warranted. The presence of these materials may also need to be included in disclosure forms when selling a home, so special attention is warranted in these situations.