​Most homeowners know that they should have their HVAC systems serviced once a year to keep them in good working order and maintain a good indoor air quality.  However, the HVAC filter should be changed more often, if not, this could contribute to a potentially hazardous indoor environment.  So, how often does the filter need to be changed?
 
While a lot depends on the level of use the HVAC system gets, the filter should be replaced every 3 months.  There are circumstances, though, when it is advisable to change the filter even more frequently than that.  If you have a large household this usually generates more dust and dirt.  Pets in the home produce pet dander and dust.  Family members who have allergies or those who like to smoke indoors.  These are all situations where it would be beneficial to change a filter more regularly, perhaps even once a month.  It is not just dust produced indoors that will affect the need to change the HVAC filter, outdoor elements also make their way into the home which can have an impact on indoor air quality.  You may want to think about changing your filter regularly if you live in an area surrounded by construction, agriculture or even if there have been wildfires close by.
 
If you see damage to the filter or notice it is damp or wet, change it immediately.  This could produce a toxic environment such as mold spores entering the air.  As we can see, HVAC filters do a lot to promote a clean air quality in the home so, don’t forget to check them and change them regularly.

​Perhaps you’ve been told that you should have your home tested for radon.  While you will want to do everything for the safety of the household, do you know what radon is?  The following video will help you find out the answer.  It will also help you to understand why radon can be so dangerous if found in high levels in the home. 
 
Because radon is a colorless, odorless gas, testing for it is the only way to determine how high of a level the home might have.  When buying a home its important to include a radon test as part of the home inspection, this way you will be purchasing a home with no hidden dangers.  

​With all the emphasis we receive on protecting the environment, perhaps you’ve been considering alternate energy sources for your home.  Solar power is one option which has many advantages and is an excellent source of renewable energy.  But, before you go ahead and install solar paneling in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you can make a well-informed decision.
 
Firstly, its important to be aware that if your desire is to power your entire home with solar energy, you will need a lot more than one or two solar panels.  Although technology is advancing in this regard, you will still require a large solar paneling system which will cost a lot to install and maintain and you will need the space to put it.  Much of the time, solar panels are installed on a roof but, this could create a challenge when roof repairs are needed.
 
Perhaps one of the most obvious statements is that to be effective as a reliable energy source, solar power needs a constant supply of sunlight.  A lot of factors can hinder this such as degrees of latitude, clouds and the setting of the sun every day.
 
If you are very environmentally conscious, its important to be aware that there are materials used in solar panels and the batteries they require which are known to be damaging to the environment.  Also, with time, solar paneling will start to deteriorate and need maintenance. 
 
As we can see, solar paneling has numerous advantages but its important to go into the process of installing them with full knowledge of the disadvantages as well. 

​When applying for a loan to buy a house a lender will generally require a credit report.  The decision the lender makes with regard to approving your loan will often depend on what your credit report reveals.  For example, it lets the lender know if you’re someone who pays their bills on time or if you have a lot of debt.  Naturally, then, you will want to have a good credit report, so what are some things you can to that will improve it?
 
One important way is to never miss a credit card payment.  If you find it hard to remember the due date, set up an automatic payment plan that will at least pay the minimum amount due.  This will help to ensure no late payments and you will avoid the fees that go with it. 
 
Do you have credit cards you no longer use? If so, contact the companies and cancel the cards.  Having multiple accounts open might make a lender think you are allowing yourself too much available credit which could put yourself in economic danger.  It’s not a good idea, however, to cancel your oldest credit card because this will show a lender that you have a longer credit history.
 
Obtain a copy of your credit report before you go ahead and apply for your loan.  Every 12 months you are legally entitled to one free copy of your credit report so take advantage of this.  Finding out your credit report ahead of time will allow you to be prepared ahead.  Sometimes a credit report might contain an error that could affect your loan application.  If you find this error first it would enable you to have the issue fixed before you start the application process. 
 
Buying a home is a huge decision to make and you will want to give yourself the best chance of being approved for a mortgage.  Trying to improve your credit report will help you to be better prepared to go through the process. 

​The reason a home inspection is so important in the home buying process is because it will reveal issues with the property that you may not be aware of.  While you hope that your dream home doesn’t have any problems with it, if the inspection report does reveal defects, what can you do?
 
This will ultimately depend on the type of issues the property has.  Some issues like the need to replace smoke detectors or a few shingles missing on the roof for example are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix.  There are other problems, however, that could be a lot more serious and could affect whether you purchase the property or not.  Things like structural damage, mold and wood rot etc. would be bigger and much more expensive to fix.  In some cases, they might even be too big of a problem to remedy.  Its clear to see the need to be aware of these things before you take on such a big investment.
 
So, what if your home inspector is a building contractor as well?  Does this mean you can have them fix the problems they find?  This is not always a good idea because it might appear that it was advantageous for the inspector to report problems just so that they can fix them, this would call into question how accurate the home inspection report was.  Don’t be afraid to ask the home inspection company if they are fully aware of and abide by InterNACHI’s Code of Ethics.  An InterNACHI certified home inspector will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and you can be sure to get the most thorough and comprehensive home inspection available.  This way you can be confident about the home you buy.

​We are well aware of the devastating effects natural disasters produce and, here in the United States, we have seen our fair share in recent years.  We are not able to control when or where a disaster might strike but we can try to be as prepared as possible in advance for one.  What are some things we should have in mind?
 
Make sure you have an emergency go kit.  While this kit needs to be small enough to grab in a hurry, it should contain everything you need to survive for a few days in the event of a disaster. 
 
Have an emergency disaster plan.  Discuss this with the household so that they would know exactly what to do in an emergency situation.  This way, if you had to leave your home quickly, everyone would know the plan of action which could help reduce the feeling of panic.
 
Know the location of shut off valves etc. for the home’s utilities.  If electric, water and gas are not turned off in the home during a disaster, returning to the home will be even more hazardous.
 
Take a look around your property and observe areas that might be affected by a natural disaster.  Of course, this would depend on the type of disaster, but a severe storm with heavy winds for example, would affect roofs, trees and make any loose item a possible projectile.  Ahead of time, secure any loose shingles, trim down trees to minimize the chances of them falling and damaging the property and keep gutters and downspouts free of debris.  No doubt, a look around your property will help you see what specific things need to be reinforced. 
 
While we hope you are never affected by an emergency disaster of any kind, being conscious of the possibility and preparing in advance, will help you to be better equipped should it happen.

​The title of this blog asks a good question, especially as we live in an area that has seen a lot of flooding in the past.  So, should you purchase a home that has a previous history of flooding? The answer to that question really depends on the source of the flood and how well the water damage was taken care of.  To help you understand this a little better, here is a short video.  It highlights the potential problems you may encounter if you decide to invest in a flood damaged property. 
 
Purchasing a home is a stressful thing to do and requires a lot work but, you do not have to do all this work by yourself.  We are here to make the home buying process a little easier for you by providing a very thorough and comprehensive home inspection.  We want your home to be a place you can feel comfortable and relaxed in.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions and concerns.
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​Trees can add so much to a property.  Not only are they a beautiful addition to a landscape, but they can also provide an extra level of privacy which many homeowners look for.  However, is it a good idea to have trees situated too close to the building itself?  Let’s look at some of the issues that might arise from this:
 
There are a number of concerns associated with trees close to a building.  Perhaps one of the big concerns for a homeowner is; are the trees roots going to damage the homes foundations? If cracks already exist in a home’s foundation, a trees roots can start to make their way into those cracks.  Very large tree roots can even start growing under the foundation and cause it to raise.
 
Falling branches and tree limbs are another concern if trees are close to the home.  These could fall and damage the roof, power lines, communication lines or, even worse, someone passing by or living in the home.  Leaves and branches could also clog gutters and drains which, if not cleaned out regularly, can create structural issues over time.
 
Fire is another reason for concern.  Trees can increase the risk of fire spreading throughout the home.  This would be a major concern in areas at high risk of wildfire.  There may also be a need for extra levels of pest control as trees allow rodents and insects easier access to different areas of the home.
 
If you have trees close to your home, what can you do to minimize some of the dangers associated with it?  Check the condition of the trees to see if they are dead or dying.  An unhealthy tree will pose more of a risk for falling branches etc.  Have a professional trim the trees for you.  If you are worried about any possible structural issues, why not have the home inspected?  That way, you can enjoy better peace of mind.

​Insuring your belongings is a good idea whether you own your home or live in a rental property.  But, if you live in a rental property, what type of insurance do you need for this?  This is where renter’s insurance comes in.  Renters insurance covers the tenant of a property in cases of unexpected disaster that may take place in the home.  What can you expect to be covered for?  While this will vary depending on the type of coverage you choose, renters’ insurance will generally cover your possessions, if they are stolen or damaged.  It will also provide personal liability coverage in case someone has an accident and is injured in your home, or you cause damage to a neighbor’s property. 
 
So, while renters insurance seems like an obvious choice, the fact remains that many tenants still do not have it.  Why is this?  There are a number of reasons, one of those being that they think it will cost too much.  The truth is that renter’s insurance is surprisingly inexpensive with an average cost of less then $17 a month.  What are some other reasons many do not have renter’s insurance? Some believe they are covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy.  They also feel that they do not possess anything of much value.  If you think about how much it would cost you to replace those things, however, you may realize the benefits of being covered to replace them.  Sometimes the tenant is not even aware that renter’s insurance is available for them. 
 
So, its clear to see that whether you own your home or rent one, its important to have coverage for your belongings and there is an insurance available to suit your situation and budget.

​Sinkholes, while not something we perhaps think of very often, are becoming more and more common these days.  Not only do they cause massive destruction to roads and property, but the risk to human life is of serious concern.  So, what warnings signs might you observe on or around your property that could indicate a sinkhole is forming?
 
What might you observe inside the home? You could see cracks developing in the floors and walls of your home.  Well water (if you have it) might become muddy or cloudy.  Doors and windows might not close properly anymore. 
 
There are actually a number of warning signs to look out for around your property also, some being very noticeable, while others are not so obvious.  Some of the more subtle indicators to watch for are trees and fences becoming exposed in places that were formerly underground.  You might also see them starting to lean over.  Plant life could be dying off in certain areas for no apparent reason.  This could be due to the plants water source draining into a sinkhole.  Has water started to form pools in areas of your property that have never had this problem before? This is another potential sinkhole warning sign.  What of the more noticeable warning signs? Cracks forming in circular patterns on the ground, rapid ground subsidence and openings suddenly appearing in the ground are some of those signs.
 
This is a few of the possible sinkhole warning signs to look out for.  It should be mentioned, however, that a number of the things we have mentioned could also be signs of a completely different problem so its important to have this checked out to determine the correct cause.