​We are constantly given reminders about the need to regularly check the batteries in our carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, but what else should we know about these life saving devices? For example, where should we put them so that they perform best? And should we have more than just one in the home?
 
Roughly 3,000 people in the United States die every year from the effects of a house fire, that’s a lot of people.  Sadly, many of these deaths could’ve been prevented if they had sufficient smoke detectors in their homes or, if the ones they had were working properly.   
 
So, lets look at a few important points to consider regarding smoke detectors:  There should be smoke detectors on every, inhabited floor of the home, this should especially include the basement and garage which is where many flammable items are usually stored.
Another point to consider is that we are most at risk of being harmed in a fire at night, when the household is asleep, so a good thing to do is have smoke detectors in each bedroom or at least very close to them so that they could be heard easily.  When fitting them in a basement, ideally fit them to the ceiling by the basement stairs.
 
Keep the family well educated as to what they should do in the event of a fire.  Test the smoke alarm at night, occasionally, while the household is sleeping to see whether the alarms would effectively wake them, especially children.  Also, if possible, try to make sure the smoke detector sound is different from any other sounds in the home.  NEVER disconnect the alarm just because it’s annoying you by going off when you’re cooking etc.  Its much too easy to forget that you disconnected it.   One last thing, do a monthly check of all smoke or carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are all working well.
 

​You may be thinking the title of this blog seems like an odd one, after all, why would your home need a checkup?  When we think about it, though, how many things benefit from being checked up on regularly?  Our health, even our cars, so why not our home?
 
Please enjoy this brief but informative video which highlights the benefits of having an annual home inspection.  It might not be as expensive as you think but could end up saving you a lot in the long run.
 
As always, we are here to help you with all your home inspection questions.  If you would like to know more about annual maintenance inspections or would like to schedule an inspection, please feel free to contact us.
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​If you have your home on the market, you have likely done some things to your property to get it ready to sell.  Perhaps you have done some yard work or made some repairs to make the home look attractive to a potential buyer.  Included in a successful sale is the home inspection.  You will, no doubt, want the report to be a favorable one, so, what are some ways you can assist the home inspector so that they can perform a thorough inspection?
 
Here are a few ways to help:
 

• Pets can hinder a home inspector.  While you may feel that your pet would not hurt anyone or be a problem, this is not always the case.  It is best, on the day of the inspection, to keep pets out of the way and in a secure area.

 

• Another simple thing that could actually change the home inspection report is if light bulbs need replacing or smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need batteries.  Before the inspection, check to see if these things are working well.

 

• There are other factors that can prevent the home inspection from being performed thoroughly.  For example, if certain areas cannot be accessed.  Make sure that all areas that will require inspecting like the basement and attic as well as heating and electrical systems are not locked and that there is no clutter preventing easy access.

 

• Trim back trees and foliage which may be covering parts of the house.  Also, try to have all repair jobs done before the day of inspection.

 
Its important to us that you have the best home inspection possible.  By following these simple tips, you will greatly assist with this.  Please contact us if you would like any information and tips on having a thorough home inspection.

​Household pests, so many homes have to deal with these annoying intruders and many people try different methods of getting rid of them.  One pest repellent option is ultrasonic pest repellent.  These are devices that plug into a wall and are designed to emit a high frequency sound that deters all types of critters.  However, does this method of pest control actually work? 
 
Some advantages to the use of ultrasonic pest repellents is that they do not use poisons or traps which could pose a threat to humans and pets.  They are a more humane type of deterrent which also makes them an appealing choice.
 
Studies into how effective this type of repellent is, have shown varied results.  They have proven that they have no effect on ants and spiders and have also shown little effect on cockroaches.  Some kinds of pests have actually become used to the sound over time which means that they cease to become any type of a deterrent.  Another problem is that the high frequency sound cannot go through furniture or walls which would render the device ineffective.
 
It should be noted, though, that many people have seen great results with ultrasonic pest repellents. So, if you decide to try them out, read consumer reviews and research which ones are the best to use.  That way you can make an informed decision.
 
If you are experiencing a particularly bad pest infestation, if might be a good idea to consult a professional for advice as you may need to use a more trusted form of pest control.
 

​Buying your own home has many advantages.  As well as being a great investment, it gives you the freedom to do it up the way you want and can provide you with a feeling of security that renting cannot give.  But, does that mean it will always be the case? How can you protect your home from going into foreclosure?

Foreclosure is a term many of us are familiar with.  A property can go into foreclosure when the owner either falls behind or fails to pay debts related to the property.  What are some ways to avoid this happening? Well, lets look at the reasons why it happens in the first place.

Failing to pay the mortgage is an obvious reason why a home will be foreclosed on.  When this happens, the bank will generally take back the property.

The government has the ability to seize the property if the owner continuously fails to pay their property taxes.
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Contractor’s bills.  If these have not been paid, this is another reason that the home could go into foreclosure.
 
Homeowners association (HOA) neighborhoods house a large percentage of people throughout the United States.  These neighborhoods require their occupants to pay homeowners association fees.  Were you aware, though, that failure to pay your HOA fees could result in your home being foreclosed on?  Be aware, also, that there are some States where Homeowners associations have a great deal of authority.  This means that you might not get any assistance or protection from the government if you fall behind with these fees.   
 
What can you do?  While it’s impossible to predict what your circumstances will be years into the future, make sure you are very familiar with the laws and regulations in your specific area before you even start the home buying process.  Get to know your rights as a home owner as well as the rights of any lenders or associations.   

Moving to a new home can be an extremely stressful process.  Even the more organized among us can still find that on moving day, there seem to be too many things to deal with.  Its at times like these when we might not be as environmentally conscious as we would like to be.  So, what are some of the ways we can prepare ahead of time for a move to a new home and do so in a way that shows we are environmentally responsible?


A good place to start is by going through possessions way ahead of the move date.  Its good to take the time to sort through things you no longer use and that way you can dispose of them in the right way.  Recycle as much as you can to reduce waste.  Place them in different piles, for example one pile to be donated and another pile for maybe a yard sale. Its much better to get rid of things before the move and that way you have a lot less to move on the day.


There are many objects we have in our homes that, when placed in the garbage, are very bad for the environment.  Chemicals, electronic equipment, batteries, paint cans, and light bulbs and are just some examples of things that should not be thrown in the trash.  These items are also best to be gone through well ahead of moving day so that you have the time to get rid of them in the safest way.  If you need information on where to take these kinds of items, contact your local environmental agency who will be able to help you. 


Yes, moving to a new house is one of the most stressful things we do, but by simplifying way ahead of time, it will help to feel much more organized on the day.

​An often-overlooked part of the home are the interior doors.  The average home could have over 20 interior doors inside, which why it is a good idea to ensure the quality and condition of the interior doors is up to your standards.  It’s also good to think about whether the interior doors could pose a safety risk.

There are many codes and guidelines on how an exterior door is installed and constructed but not so many, virtually none, for interior doors.  Take into consideration the injuries that could come from slamming doors on someone’s fingers for example.  That is why installing some pinch protection hardware in the door frame might be a clever idea.  It is also very important to think about the means of exiting a house in case of an emergency.  One example of restricted egress from a room could be an office or media room without windows and a door with extra locks because of security concerns.  Also, think of the height and width of each door, make sure each door can be easily walked through and there are no obstructions. 

It’s also important to look at the function of each door.  Due to an uneven floor or foundation, or if the installation of the door was not performed properly, this could affect the function of closing and opening of the door.  Another thing to check is the surface of the door to see if it is finished with paint or varnish, which would keep moisture from warping the door.
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These are some things that you can remember while looking at each interior door of a home.

​If you have your home on the market, perhaps you’ve been advised to have a pre-listing inspection done on your home.  Maybe you’re wondering if this is really necessary.  We know that selling a home and looking for a new one, can be extremely stressful.  You want to make sure that you do all you can to your home, to make it look as attractive as possible to a potential buyer.  But what happens if after all your hard work, the buyers home inspection reveals a problem you weren’t aware of?
 
This brief video will give you a good idea of why getting a pre-listing home inspection done, is a very useful aid to the selling process.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on pre-listing home inspections.

​As we considered in last months article, when constructing a home, its beneficial for the design to incorporate as much natural energy as you can from the sun and wind. What are some more ways this can be done?


In the design of a home windows are a very important factor. They allow for heat to transfer a lot quicker that walls, so depending on the home and climate, it could be good to have a lot of windows. Too many is not good either though. The type of window to choose should also be a consideration. A good energy saver could be a 'low-e' type of window.


The driveways orientation is also a big factor to consider. Driveways are usually made using asphalt or gravel which can get extremely hot in warmer months, this can affect the home. In the designing phase of the home, think about the climate and how you can maximize energy with the correct positioning of the driveway.


There are, of course, many factors to consider when designing a home. Can you design the home to maximize the energy from prevailing winds? Can the home be oriented in such as way so as to benefit from good breezes in the summer but also shield it against cold winds in the winter?


Looking at this simple summary, an important factor in a homes design is good orientation to be able to maximize the useful energy of the surrounding natural elements. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any advice you may need.