maple valley: Healthy and Safe Spring Cleaning
- 05/07/08 03:00 AM
HEALTHY AND SAFE SPRING CLEANING Now is the perfect time to tackle spring cleaning projects around the house. Here are some reminders to help make this year’s spring cleaning safe, healthy, and easy: >Choose non- or low-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. >Alternatively, household staples such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can make effective, inexpensive cleaning solutions. >Exercise caution when using ladders or stepstools, making sure they are stable and in good repair. Be sure to wear non-slip footwear around wet floors. … (3 comments)
maple valley: Staging Tips
- 05/06/08 05:06 AM
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE Selling your home? Beyond the basics of completing needed repairs and addressing any issues revealed in your pre-listing home inspection, it’s also important to consider the effect your home’s appearance will have on prospective buyers. “Staging” a home should be thought of as creating an appealing but neutral space that will allow buyers to see the potential of your home. Naturally, it’s difficult to look at your own home objectively; it’s yours, after all. So consider enlisting a friend to help you evaluate your space, or you may wish to hire a professional home stager to … (1 comments)
maple valley: Knob and Tube Wiring Quick Facts
- 04/28/08 04:11 AM
In areas with older homes we all have seen or are going to see Knob and tube wiring. In my post today I wanted to post some "Quick Facts" about old K&T (knob and tube).
K&T Limitations: Usually Restricted to a Maximum of 60 amp serviceNot a grounded system making it more hazardous than modern wiringTwo-Prong Receptacles, Restrict the use of some Kitchen AppliancesThe wire is generally old, and its insulation may no longer be intact While it is true that use in Living areas (Bedrooms, Living rooms, etc) pose very little risk, The true risk comes around water. With an ungrounded wiring … (0 comments)
maple valley: Contolling Allergens in the home
- 04/24/08 03:34 AM
CONTROLLING ALLERGENS IN THE HOME For many people, household allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and shortness of breath, and may be a contributing cause of asthma, especially in children. However, it is possible to minimize the effects of such allergens by taking steps to control their presence and dispersal in the home. The most common household allergens include dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, and pet dander (dried flakes of skin shed by pets, particularly cats and dogs). Effective control relies on a combination of measures that, when used properly, will reduce the levels of … (0 comments)
maple valley: Carbon Monoxide: Avoidance and Prevention
- 04/17/08 04:07 AM
CARBON MONOXIDE: AVOIDANCE AND PREVENTION Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in devices such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These items are normally designed to vent the CO to the outside, but harmful interior levels of CO can result from incomplete combustion of fuel, improper installation, or blockages, leaks or cracks in the venting systems. Homeowners can take action against potential carbon monoxide poisoning by taking the following steps: Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected yearly, preferably before the start of the cold-weather season … (1 comments)
maple valley: 7 easy steps to Spring Clean
- 04/08/08 05:40 AM
SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME IN 7 EASY STEPS Everyone knows spring cleaning sounds like a great idea. You say you’ll do it, then a few more weeks go by, then another month, and before we know it spring cleaning takes a back seat to everything else. By breaking spring cleaning down into manageable tasks that can be accomplished over a couple of weekends, you can get the whole job done without feeling like you’ve missed out on all the fun. It doesn’t have to feel like drudgery either – put on some music or listen to an audio book while you … (2 comments)
maple valley: 10 Structural Red Flags
- 04/07/08 05:11 AM
In real estate, it’s dangerous to overreach when it comes to providing guidance on structural, legal, and financing matters. Here are some basics, but be sure to send buyers and sellers to the appropriate experts when necessary. 10 structural red flags No home is perfect. “Owners have reported to us that two-thirds of home inspections uncovered problems,” says Dan Steward, president of home inspection company Pillar To Post, Tampa, Fla. That’s why many sellers decide to have a pre-sale inspection. “For any homeowner, repairing problem areas prior to putting the house on the market can maintain or increase the home’s value … (5 comments)
HEALTHY AND SAFE SPRING CLEANING
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