​Searching for alternative energy sources is something many look into, especially if they are going to build their own home.  When doing this, it’s important to research every aspect of it, for example, will it be expensive to install?  How much money will I save? What impact will it have on the environment?
 
With these questions in mind, lets consider solar energy.  Solar energy panels can be expensive to install and that might put some people off, but when you consider the long-term advantages, you will be able to see that it won’t take long to recoup the initial expense.  In fact, you won’t just save money on your energy bills by using solar energy, you might even be able to gain a profit from it.   You can do this with the use of net metering.  This works by selling excess energy back to the power company.
 
There are numerous advantages to solar energy.  Although the production of solar panels will have somewhat of an impact environmentally, the use of them produces no impact unlike fossil fuels etc.  They are also not only environmentally safer, but they do not use noisy equipment due to the fact that they do not require moving parts to operate.  Another advantage is that their fuel source will never run out and can be found everywhere.
 
Its clear to see the many benefits of using solar energy, however, as we always advise, before making a decision on whether this is right for you, get to know all there is to know about them.

​Formaldehyde is a chemical we’ve all probably heard of but maybe associate it more with being used in a laboratory.  So, it might surprise you to know that it is found in many household items.  What kinds of items is it found in? and, is it a health hazard?
 
Like many chemicals, formaldehyde is not clearly visible, although, at times it might have a pungent aroma.  It is used for treating various textiles like curtains, cushions and sofas.  It may also be present in pressed lumber such as particle board or plywood.  Formaldehyde can also be found in certain fuel burning appliances and glues.
 
So, what can we say about its effect on our health?  Should we be concerned?  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen with the worst health risks being cancer particularly of the upper throat.  Lesser symptoms from formaldehyde exposure are: respiratory problems, fatigue and allergy like symptoms (although this can be caused by many other things).  It is important to note, however, that there is not much known about how much a person needs to be exposed to formaldehyde and for how long before it poses a health risk.
 
If you are concerned about this chemical being found in your home, its good to know that there are materials available that do not contain it.  Research an item before you purchase it to make sure formaldehyde has not been used.

​Many of you are very keen DIY enthusiasts and probably know what tool you need for every job in the home.  What of those who are not so into DIY? Should you bother having any tools in the house? The truth is that every homeowner will benefit from having at least a small tool kit at home.  Let’s look at what tools are good for basic DIY jobs.
 
Think about the kind of small jobs you will likely need to do at home.  What about something as simple as hanging a picture or even a shelf? The key to doing a good job is having proper tools.  What might you need for this? To attach it to the wall you will, no doubt, require a hammer and nails.  A tape measure is also important to make sure its in the right place and a level will ensure it is straight.
 
There are also those not so pleasant jobs such as unblocking a toilet or drain.  An essential tool in this case is a plunger.
 
A lot of furniture these days requires you to assemble it yourself, this means you will need certain tools for the job.  A screw driver set containing both flat head and Phillips screws will be a valuable tool.
 
While we are not going to mention every possible job, you might need a tool for, here is a list of some other very useful tools to have in your home tool kit:  A wrench set, flashlight, duct tape, protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves and a breathing mask.
 
You may find that starting your home tool kit will make you more of a DIY enthusiast than you thought you were. 

We are all aware of the destruction a fire can wreak on a home and many of us go to great lengths to ensure our homes are equipped with fire safety measures.  One area of the home that we might not be so conscious of however, is the garage, particularly one that is attached to the home.  It merits concern as it’s generally the area with the most potential for a fire to start.  Why do we say this?
 
The garage is the place we usually store things that we don’t like to have in the home such as old paint cans, gasoline cannisters, gardening equipment, car parts and cleaning items.  Its also the area we work on the gardening equipment and car etc.  Yes, its clear that this is one of the most important areas to take fire safety measures.
 
Here are some fire safety precautions to take for your garage:
 

• Its important that the garage is fitted with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and that the batteries are checked regularly.

 

• Store any flammable items correctly and make sure they are well labeled.

 

• Take a look at the door connecting the garage to the house and make sure there are no broken seals or gaps which would allow toxic fumes to enter the home.

 

• When working in the garage, keep the garage door open and make sure any garbage or oily rags and containers are not left lying on the floor.  Clean up any oil spills etc.

 

• Last but not least, have the garage inspected by a certified home inspector.  This is an important step in making sure the garage is in good working order as the home inspector will be able to point out any unsafe areas.

 
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding garage inspections.
 

​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.
​
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.