home ownership: Fall is the time to plant a tree! But read this first.
- 11/01/16 03:34 AM
Looking to put down some roots this year? In most regions, fall is the time to plant a tree. Why should you consider planting a tree? Well, besides being beautiful and providing shade, trees positively alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife.
All in all, trees are a great addition to your home, and getting them in the ground now gives them a chance to root and begin to grow before the ground freezes. But before you start digging holes, here are some things from a home inspector perspective to consider … (4 comments)
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home ownership: Back to School! Do You Know the ABCs of Grading?
- 09/07/16 11:14 PM
What is grading? Well, we aren't taking about red pens and gold stars!
All across the country it seems to be that time of year--back to school time! Backpacks and notebooks are lining the shelves of our neighborhood retail stores and school buses are busy on the streets. But September is also a great time to address grading issues before fall and winter (when you might not be so enthused about spending time in the chilly air remedying water control issues).
What is Grading?We home inspectors tend to talk a lot about grading around the house, and its implications. What is grading? Simply … (3 comments)
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home ownership: 6 MUST READS for Homeowners this Summer!
- 07/30/14 01:20 AM
Have you started your summer reading list? Don't worry, this one's just for fun! It's a great time to sit down with a good book (or magazine or blog, for that matter!), so here's the US Inspect summer reading list. We scoured the internet and polled our inspectors for their top picks. The result is this list of 6 must-reads for any homeowner.
This Old House Magazine It's a show, it's a website, it's a magazine! Each issue of This Old House Magazine focuses on a few seasonally appropriate home projects and in typical TOH fashion, expertly explains each project in … (4 comments)
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home ownership: 4 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes!
- 07/28/14 11:11 PM
With summer heating up, you may be spending more time entertaining on your patio and deck. Hanging out until the sun goes down and cooler temperatures set in is especially refreshing - that is, until the mosquitoes arrive! But wait, before you reach for your bug spray, try some of these natural measures first to help reduce the presence of these troublesome pests so you can better enjoy your time outdoors.
Remove Sources of Standing Water Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so you need to remove their breeding grounds to reduce their population around your deck. Keep … (7 comments)
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home ownership: 7 Ways to Dress Up Your Deck!
- 07/28/14 10:01 PM
Summer is in full swing and we are spending lots of time entertaining. If you have a deck, it's probably a popular venue for meals and get-togethers. But are you feeling like your space is a bit dull or drab despite the vibrance of summer? Dress it up with these 7 ideas!
Add Some Plant Life Adding plants is a great way to refresh your deck space, and can help with privacy issues too. Choose plants with vibrant colors or pleasant fragrances to wake up the senses. Try lemongrass, it's a natural mosquito repellent! See this idea
Use … (13 comments)
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home ownership: Happy 4th! Home Ownership: As American As Apple Pie
- 07/04/14 02:03 AM
Home ownership, for many, is a big part of what we like to call, “The American Dream.” In the 1950s that dream consisted of a house, a dog, 2.5 kids and apple pie--we're not sure a contemporary definition of the phrase would change all that much. Homeownership is still at the center of the American way and has become for many the highest expression of our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. And for that reason, you might say that working in real estate is very...well, Patriotic! So on this Fourth of July holiday, let's salute all things … (7 comments)
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home ownership: 10 WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
- 05/24/14 11:42 PM
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and for many that means that temperatures are about to really heat up. Here are 10 ways to stay cool this Memorial Day Weekend and beyond!
Make A Splash - One of the most effective and popular ways to stay cool is to harness the power of water. Whether it be by sprinkler, pool, mist, or splash - water just does the job and is fun all at the same time. Try some red, white and blue water balloons this weekend, or a mist machine on the patio … (5 comments)
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home ownership: Spring Cleaning Tips: 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Start!
- 04/09/14 06:50 AM
Some people love spring cleaning, others...not so much. While cleaning is not usually the first thing on our minds when spring weather finally arrives, it really is the most basic form of home mainatenance and a great way to care for our homes. But sometimes the hardest part of a home maintenance task, is knowing where to start and simply getting going. So here are some quick and easy spring cleaning tasks that are a great place to start! These are low impact, I promise!
Clean Ceiling Fans- So you don't turn them on and swirl dust all over the room. Launder … (6 comments)
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home ownership: Do Solar Roof Panels Attract or DETRACT Buyers??
- 04/07/14 08:17 AM
So, my husband and I have been researching installing solar panels on our roof. At first we were into it, then we weren't sure what we had got into...and then this past week our estimates were predicted to cover nearly all of our usage requirements for the year and our interest is renewed!
We can't afford to do panels ourselves, so it would be through a third-party company. With a third-party company, they install and maintain the panels, we pay for all the electricity we produce, but it's at a much lower rate than our local power company charges. It's a great way to get your … (5 comments)
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home ownership: Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible? Tax Season Tips
- 03/18/14 10:38 AM
It's tax season! And one thing that's on everyone's minds is how to maximize the money we will keep in our pockets this year. A common question is: Do any of the home projects I've spent money on this past year count for a deduction or qualify for a tax credit? And if so, which ones?
When it comes to the IRS, it’s important to remember that there is a difference between home repairs and home improvements. General upkeep of your home, maintenance, and basic repairs are not eligible for tax deductions or credits, sorry! But, let's talk about what projects are eligible. … (2 comments)
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home ownership: Tame Your Energy Bills During Winter's Home Stretch!
- 03/04/14 03:32 AM
According to the old saying, March is a month that "comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb," referring to its weather. But while March is the month when we happily find ourselves celebrating the first day of spring, for many, we will continue to fight off the winter chill for several more shivering weeks. So it's a good time to share some tips to tame your energy bills.
Seal any leaks with insulation, caulking, weather stripping, and door snakes. If your attic isn't insulated, be sure to insulate the entrance so the cold doesn't seep into … (2 comments)
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home ownership: A SAFE Home for the Holidays: Two Minute Video
- 11/25/13 04:54 AM
'Tis the season for turkey dinners, gift-giving and throngs of descending house guests. You've been prepping for the meal and even the shopping, but is your HOME ready? This is the ideal time to make sure your home is safe and prepped for your friends’ and family’s arrival. (If video doesn't instantly appear below, please refresh your broswer).
This two-minute video provides a few tips to help make your holiday-time maintenance a bit easier so that you can get on with celebrating the joys of the season.
Posted By: Chrissy Doremus, U.S. Inspect Blog
… (2 comments)
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home ownership: 10 Things About Your Home You Live With That Buyers Can't and Won't
- 10/17/13 12:44 AM
I was at my parents' house this past weekend with my daughter enjoying a family dinner, when nature called. Hey, these things do happen. So there I was in my childhood bathroom with the toilet handle in my hand. I pressed halfway down...ONE-MISSISSIPPI, then all the way down...TWO-MISSISSIPPI...and then quickly let go! It wooshed and the handle jingle-jangled a few times until it settled back into place. I did this, just as I have done every time I have flushed that toilet--for as long as I can remember.
And with that, I had a thought. How, funny it is, these things that … (12 comments)
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home ownership: 5 Steps to a Closet that Sells!
- 10/16/13 10:48 AM
When it comes to bedroom closets, whether you are a homeseller, a new homeowner, or long-time resident in your current place, cleaning them is an excellent way to declutter, organize, AND make your storage space feel larger, which is sure to make you (and prospective buyers) happy. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Clean It. Take everything out - we mean everything! Once the closet itself is empty, vacuum, dust and clean the entire space. Not only will it look better, but your clothes will keep cleaner and you'll reduce the presence of allergens. Hint: Now that it's empty, if you … (5 comments)
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home ownership: Do you have one of these? You SHOULD!
- 10/08/13 05:03 AM
Many of us take action about this key family safety measure only when are kids come home and bug us to as part of their homework ;-) We often do it once, and then not again until the next prompt. Well here's your prompt! It's National Fire Prevention Week, have you guessed today's topic yet??
You guessed it, it's time to talk about how to create and practice your family fire escape plan. Just like my opening paragraph describes, I was prompted to do this in my own home just last week, as part of my preschooler's homework. We went through … (6 comments)
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home ownership: 5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR BATH FOR UNDER $100 (Great for Sellers!)
- 10/04/13 04:04 AM
Updating your bathroom doesn't have to be a huge project that breaks the bank! There are plenty of inexpensive ways to spruce up your space for a mini-makeover with maximum impact. Here are five ways to rev up your bathroom for under a hundred bucks.
Put on a stylish new coat - $35-$55. Of paint, that is. Updating the paint on the walls is one of the least expensive ways to update your bathroom and give it a completely new look. Look to the sea and sky for inspiration and try a soothing tone of green, gray, or blue for a spa-like retreat. Hint: … (59 comments)
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home ownership: It's time to put down some roots! Literally!
- 09/27/13 05:35 AM
Looking to put down some roots this year? In most regions, fall is the time to plant a tree. Why should you consider planting a tree? Well, besides being beautiful and providing shade, trees positively alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife.
All in all, trees are a great addition to your home, and getting them in the ground now gives them a chance to root and begin to grow before the ground freezes. But before you start digging holes, here are some things from a home inspector perspective to … (1 comments)
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home ownership: What's on tap?
- 08/02/13 11:43 AM
What's on tap? And I'm not talking about at your local bar, I'm talking about your home water tap. Do you know the quality of your drinking water?
August is National Water Quality Month, so I wanted to devote some time to talking about this important topic. Below are some basics from the EPA about water quality at home and how to make sure your tap is tops! See their website for for more.
Q: How can I find out if my tap water is safe?
A: Because of water's different sources and the different ways in which water is treated, the … (5 comments)
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home ownership: Mid-summer maintenance--it won't be long 'til your back poolside!
- 07/16/13 04:38 AM
Wait, hold up--it's time for mid-summer home maintenance. Here are a few simple things to look at this month in order to keep your home in tip top shape, but we promise it won't be long 'til your back by the poolside!
Inspect Gutters - Take a quick look and make sure your gutters are clear. It will make the task easier come fall, plus you won't have to bat an eyelash as those summer thunderstorms continue to roll in and your gutters are functioning fabulously.
Sure Up Play Equipment - Now's a great time to give your outdoor play equipment … (14 comments)
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home ownership: Deck Construction & Maintenance Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe
- 06/26/13 04:12 AM
Throughout the summer, many of us will find ourselves socializing with family and friends on decks. The last thing anyone wants is for a celebration to turn sour when a deck collapses. Unfortunately though, this is not an uncommon event, especially when decks are loaded with extra guests during special events, like the Fourth of July. People can incur serious injuries, even death, when decks fail.
Most deck accidents are preventable though. They mostly occur because framing for the house lacks a secure band joist to which lag bolts are supposed to be attached. Unfortunately, it is not until after a … (0 comments)
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Looking to put down some roots this year? In most regions, fall is the time to plant a tree. Why should you consider planting a tree? Well, besides being beautiful and providing shade, trees positively alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife.
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