​A home's lighting is very important in setting the right tone, but to get it right takes an element of skill.  When you think of lighting up a dark space in your home, you perhaps think about electrical forms of lighting, however, daylighting is another way you can brighten up a space and, at the same time, save on energy costs. Let’s look at some of the ways that daylighting could be incorporated into a home.
 
Daylighting is a term used to describe the practice of using natural light to brighten up the interior of a home. It can be done by employing several different methods. One common way is by installing skylights. If you decide to do this, make sure they are double-paned and that the flashing is done properly.
 
Another effective method of daylighting is with clerestory windows. Set high on a wall, these short but wide windows allow the sun to flood into a room during the winter months adding light and heat, but at the same time are protected from the sun in the summer by the roof overhang.
 
Light tubes are another way to evenly distribute daylight. They do this with a special lens made to amplify low-level light but reduce the intensity of light from the sun at midday. The tube itself is coated with a highly reflective material that channels sunlight through it. It then enters the interior space through a diffuser which evenly distributes the light.
 
These are just a couple of the methods used to incorporate natural light into a home instead of relying solely on electrical lighting to do it for you. 

Spring is often a time when we try to start the projects that need to be done around the house. However, if you are not used to doing much in the way of DIY, even a small job can feel like a big undertaking. One thing that will make any task easier is to have the correct tools for the job. While there are so many different tools you could buy for your tool kit, we have prepared a basic list to help get you started.


It’s a good idea to think about some of the most common DIY jobs you may need to do and what tools you would need to do them. What about hanging a picture, for example? What tools would be required? Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is a hammer and nails. You will also need a tape measure and a level that would ensure the picture is even and in the right spot.


If you purchase self-assembly furniture items, you will likely need some basic tools to put them together such as a screwdriver. Make sure you purchase a screwdriver kit that has both a flat head and Philips head screws in it.


Do your toilets and sinks have a habit of blocking up? While this may eventually require the expertise of a skilled plumber, the problem can very often be remedied using a plunger, another good tool to own.


We cannot list every task you may need to do at home but here are a few more tools that will help with many DIY jobs: a saw, a wrench set, duct tape, and a flashlight. Also, don’t forget safety equipment which should include safety glasses, a breathing mask, and work gloves.
​

If you have an at-home gym or any kind of exercise equipment at home, you are likely using it a lot more now that we are spending so much more time in our houses.  While this is great for our physical health, some gym equipment can also pose a safety concern, especially if there are small children in the household.  So, we thought it would be a good time for a few exercise equipment safety reminders.
 
One of the most common types of at-home exercise equipment is a treadmill.  Be sure that anyone who uses it knows how to operate it and attaches the safety key which will immediately turn off the machine if there is a problem.
 
Weights and barbells should be stored out of the way of children as these can cause serious injury if they gain access to them.
 
Many people like to listen to music or tv while they are working out, but this may make them less aware of their surroundings.  If a small child were to come into the room, they may not notice, and this could put the child in danger.  One way to address this problem is to position exercise equipment in such a way so that you can see when someone enters the room.
 
Children love to play with things they shouldn’t, and gym equipment can be a great temptation for them.  When you are not using exercise machines, keep them in their locked positions and make sure that any attached cords and wires are not dangling from them.  It may be best to unplug the equipment when you are not using it to minimize the risk of a child accidentally turning it on.  Of course, the safest thing to do is to keep all gym equipment in a room that can be locked. 
 
We hope everyone stays safe and healthy at home during this challenging time.

For many homeowner’s damp basements are a common problem that can result in issues for the rest of the home such as bad indoor air quality and mold.  When trying to ascertain the reason for your damp basement, you may first want to check that other areas of your home are not causing problems in the basement.  Here are a few examples:
 
If the property has an uneven or inadequate amount of grading (slope) then this can prevent water from draining away from the building the way it should.  This means that water may start to pool around the foundations of the home, making the basement damp.
 
Another reason water could collect around the foundations of the home is if gutters and downspouts are either damaged or clogged and leaking.  If downspouts were not installed correctly, this could also be contributing to the damp. Ideally, downspouts should be installed so that water drains away from the home, 10 feet is a good amount.
 
Sometimes the location of a home may be the reason for a damp basement.  For example, homes located at the base of a hill or incline may experience water pooling around the home.  To help prevent this from happening, some homeowners have small ditches or swales dug about 10 to 15 feet away from their homes which would divert water away from the house.
 
These are just some of the reasons why a homeowner might experience damp basement issues.  However, for a more in-depth assessment, it would be wise to schedule a thorough home inspection.

​While the thought of bed bugs in a home would make anyone cringe, the fact is that they have become a very common problem.  So, how can you determine whether there are bed bugs in a home? Here are some indications:
 
Bed bugs are generally oval and flat with a rust-colored body.  Their small size means they can be very difficult to see, especially when they first hatch making them easy to inadvertently transport from one location to another.
If you have traveled to a place that has bed bugs, you could accidentally bring them back into your home.
 
To check for bed bugs, look for blood spots on bed sheets and mattresses or any staining that may have resulted from the remnants of a bed bug or its fecal matter.  If you have been bitten by bed bugs you may notice itchy bumps on your skin.  Sometimes you will also observe a musty odor that is emitted by them.
 
Bed bugs are not just found in beds but many other areas such as books, picture frames, soft furnishings, clothing, and other furniture items.
 
If you think you have detected the presence of bed bugs in your home, don’t panic and attempt to treat the problem by yourself as this may make the issue worse.  Instead, contact a professional pest control company that is trained to treat this type of problem.

​If you are currently searching the property market for a new home to buy, you will no doubt be aware of the many options available to you.  But, how can you be sure you are making the right choice? This may be of particular concern if you are a first-time buyer.
 
To be sure you are making a wise investment you must find out all you can about the condition of the property.  To highlight the importance of this, let's consider a home that has a prior history of fire damage.
While the home may look in good shape at first glimpse, is that its true condition?
 
To help you to understand some of the issues you may face when purchasing a fire-damaged home, please watch the following video.  It will help you make the right choice when considering this type of property.

​Every homeowner wishes for a good measure of security on their property and in their home.  But, it may surprise you to learn that, although you might think you have a good lock on your door, it could be easier for an intruder to enter through the front door than you think.  A bump key can be used for gaining entry into a home. So, what is a bump key?
 
A bump key is a key that is cut out in a specific way so that it can be used to pick a pin-tumbler lock. If you are wondering whether a pin-tumbler kind of lock is very common, the answer is yes, it is one of the most common types of lock in the world and is used in exterior door locks. A bump key can be a very successful way to enter a home because these types of a key are pretty easy to acquire, you just have to know who the manufacturer of the lock is.  Learning to bump a key also takes little skill and not too much time to master.
 
What are some ways you can prevent an intruder from using a bump key on your door? It is possible to buy locks that are bump proof, but these can be hard to find and quite expensive.  Bump-resistant locks are a bit more commonplace so you may find this is a better option. It is also wise to install some other type of security system that would raise the alarm if an intruder entered your home. If you have any concerns about the safety of the exterior doors in your home, please feel free to contact us for more advice.

​The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the house so, during our home inspections, the kitchen is inspected thoroughly. It's also a room that can tell you a lot about the overall condition of the rest of the home. When looking at a prospective new home, watch out for these warning signs:
 
The kitchen sink can tell you a lot about the home. Turn on the faucet and see what the water pressure is like, if you notice it seems low, you will want to find out the reason. How quickly does the water drain from the sink? Look under the sink and in cabinetry for signs that water is leaking and if this has caused any damage.
 
Dishwashers can also be an area where you might observe water damage. If you can, check the condition of the dishwasher’s hoses and seals. If these are damaged and have been leaking water you could discover serious issues such as a rotting sub-floor and mold which may be a big problem if you purchase the home.
 
Electrical outlets are another area to check. Are they all working correctly? If not, why not? It could indicate bigger problems. If the oven is a gas oven, do you smell gas in the area surrounding it? If you do, it might be another warning sign.
 
Look out for damaged counter tops. All sorts of bacteria may be found if there are cracks and damage to grout, etc. Sometimes it's better to just replace them which is something that should be factored into your budget.

​A warm and inviting fireplace is a welcome addition to any home, however, not all houses are built to incorporate a traditional fireplace. The solution? A factory-built fireplace. This type of fireplace has many benefits and is easy to install. Let’s look at some of those benefits.
 
Fireplaces that have been built in a factory are a good option as they can be stored in a warehouse until needed. This means that they can be used for most pre-existing homes as well as new construction. They are generally comprised of a firebox that is enclosed in a steel cabinet and attached to a steel chimney or flue. Factory-built fireplaces are also lightweight, efficient and safe to use. Although it depends on the manufacturer, they usually have small safe-clearance requirements and are even safe to install close to wooden framing. The advantage of this is that you can install this kind of fireplace on any level of your home. 
 
Factory-built fireplaces do enjoy an excellent safety record but there is still a need to take all the safety measures that you would if you had a traditional fireplace, this should include checking the chimney once a month to make sure creosote has not started to buildup. As we mentioned, different manufacturers will have different requirements so you must be aware of these before you begin the installation of your fireplace.
 
Yes, your home could also enjoy the advantages of a cozy fireplace with the installation of a factory-built model.

​With a new year, not to mention a decade, just a couple of days away now, have you started planning out your upcoming year? If you are a homeowner perhaps you’d like to take on some home renovation projects or maybe get around to doing a few home maintenance jobs. Regular maintenance is essential to the proper functioning of your home. One aspect of home maintenance you may not have thought of, however, is a yearly home maintenance inspection. If someone were to ask you the last time you had a home inspection performed, would you say it was when you purchased the home? Many would answer yes.
 
To highlight the many advantages of having a yearly home maintenance inspection, please enjoy the following video. We are here to assist you with any type of home inspection you need so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

​Electricity has become something we rely upon heavily, so much so that if our homes lose power for any reason, we often find ourselves in complete chaos. It is even a matter of health and safety for many individuals. It’s no surprise, then, that so many choose to acquire a portable generator. As well as helping during a power outage, a portable generator is great for camping or traveling to more remote areas as it can be transported easily. Also, there is no special permit required to own one which is another advantage.
 
There is a need for caution with portable generators, however, and its important that you only use them for their intended purpose. For example, if you are using it for a power outage, make sure you do not overload it. You will not be able to keep every appliance running as normal but should only use it for the essential appliances. It is only designed for corded electrical appliances and should not be used for appliances that are hard-wired to your home. Keep this in mind if you use these for health reasons.
 
Never run a portable generator inside the home. They produce carbon monoxide which could be very dangerous. Another thing to have in mind is that the generator will become hot as it is running so be very cautious when adding gasoline.
 
Yes, owning a portable generator has many advantages but, as is the case with all types of machinery and appliances, care should be taken when using one.

​A tumble dryer is an essential appliance in most homes, however, if a dryer is not used in the way it is intended, it could pose a serious fire hazard. Many houses have been destroyed because of a fire that originated in the dryer. Let’s look at one essential safety aspect of a dryer, the vent.
 
Why does a dryer need a vent? Tumble dryers work by blowing hot air into a rotating drum of wet clothes. As the clothes tumble about in the dryer water evaporates from them forming water vapor. This water vapor needs a way to escape the machine which it does through the attached vent. Another product that comes from clothing as it dries is lint and this also needs to escape through the vent.
 
What if there is no vent attached to the dryer? If there is no vent connected to the dryer it could begin to overheat. Water vapor will not be able to escape the dryer and lint, which is extremely flammable, will accumulate in the machine with nowhere to go. When this happens, the dryer is at risk of bursting into flames.
 
It is important to check the dryer periodically to make sure the vent is working as it should. This can be tricky at times because washers and dryers are usually fitted into tight spaces and dryer vents are normally connected to the back of the machine. Because vents are generally made of bendable plastic or metal duct they are also vulnerable to damage. While checking that the vent is attached to the dryer, it’s a good idea to also check that there are no kinks or damage to the vent that would prevent airflow.

​If you are a gardening enthusiast you will know the many benefits of owning a greenhouse. However, just like any other structure, a greenhouse needs to be properly maintained if it is to function the way it is intended. So, here are a few ideas you might find helpful:
 
When you are not using the greenhouse its best to keep it locked, especially if there are young children at home. Gardening tools, pesticides, and other dangerous items are often stored in a greenhouse so keeping the door locked will ensure these items are out of harm’s way.
 
Greenhouses are designed to create the ideal environment for plants to grow by retaining heat and light, however, a greenhouse also needs good ventilation to prevent air from becoming too humid and stagnant. A lack of ventilation could make the greenhouse too hot which may kill plants, it will also create a breeding ground for fungi.
 
During colder months extra heat is often needed in a greenhouse by way of an electric heater. To ensure this does not become a fire hazard only use a heater that is intended for greenhouses and, if you are using other electrical appliances in there, be sure they are suitable for outdoor use and keep them unplugged when you are not using them.
 
You may notice a leak developing in your greenhouse from time to time. If this happens, try to fix it immediately, otherwise, too much moisture will accumulate, and mold or other hazardous pathogens could begin to grow. Excessive moisture will also encourage insects.
 
We hope these simple greenhouse maintenance tips will help to keep your greenhouse a safe space as well as an ideal environment for plant life.

​As a homeowner, you can look for signs that your home is falling into disrepair, even if you don’t have much construction experience. The chimney is one area that might show some obvious signs that it requires maintenance. Here are some of the things to look out for:
 
Think about anything that may have happened to cause damage to the chimney. An example of this would be if any larger objects have fallen on it such as tree limbs or scaffolding, etc. Earthquakes, even small ones, could damage a chimney. The weather also plays a role by gradually eroding the bricks and mortar of the chimney.
 
So, what would a damaged chimney look like? If something has fallen on it the damage should be apparent but there are other observations you can make. For instance, when you look at the chimney, is it leaning or listing in any way? Take a step back to see the whole of the chimney, has it started to separate from the rest of the home? Do the chimney's footings show signs of deterioration? What condition is the mortar in? A good way to test it is to take a screwdriver and scrape the mortar if it starts to crumble easily then the chimney is in need of repair.
 
As we’ve mentioned, a homeowner can look for obvious signs of deterioration in a chimney, however, many other parts of the chimney are not so easy to see and these will require a professional inspection. So, if you are worried about your chimney, please feel free to contact us for more advice.

The majority of us know that asbestos is a dangerous material, however, many may not know the reasons for this and what it can do to a person’s health. This is something that should be of special interest to anyone thinking about buying or renovating an old home. So, let's look at some of the reasons why asbestos is so hazardous.
 
Older homes were often constructed using materials that we now know to be dangerous. Asbestos is one such material that was used in various aspects of construction up until the 1970's. If you purchase an old home that has not been touched since then, you could likely encounter it. Asbestos is a mineral fiber. Different types of asbestos fibers were used to provide added strength to materials and deliver fire resistance and heat insulation.
 
Risks associated with asbestos. When a person has been exposed to asbestos fibers over a prolonged period, they are susceptible to a variety of health problems. Mesothelioma which is a type of cancer affecting the chest lining and abdominal cavity and asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue are among the very serious diseases caused by asbestos.
 
Why should you be careful when fixing up an old home? If there is asbestos in the home, scraping, sanding or the handling of it, in general, can cause asbestos fibers to be released into the air, placing you at risk of inhaling them. Asbestos fibers stay in the lungs for a long time so we can see why breathing them in is so hazardous.
 
What should you do if you are worried asbestos is in your home? Get the home inspected so that the problem can be properly diagnosed. If it is found, you should not try to remove it yourself, but it should be taken care of by someone qualified in the safe removal of asbestos.

A trampoline in the backyard can be an endless source of fun for children and adults alike but, they can also be a big safety hazard and the reason for many injuries.  If you have a trampoline in your backyard, how can you make it a safe space that everyone can enjoy? Here are a few ways to lower the risks of injury associated with trampolines:
 
If small children will be using the trampoline, make sure they are supervised at all times and, although children love to jump on it all together, this greatly increases the risk of someone getting hurt.  Its best to have just one person on the trampoline at a time.
 
Trampolines have a lot of metal springs and other parts that would be very painful to land on, make sure these are covered in padding.  A safety net surrounding the trampoline is also very important to help stop anyone falling off while jumping.  It is also a good idea to place the trampoline on a soft spongy surface such as wood chips and to have the area well lit.
 
Keep in mind your own fitness level.  If you are not normally very active or have some pre-existing injuries etc. be careful when using a trampoline.  It is very tempting to want to have a go, but one bad landing could cause some serious injuries, especially to your head and neck.
 
Yes, trampolines can be a great activity and while you don’t want to stop anyone from having fun in your backyard, as the homeowner, you have the responsibility to keep them safe while on your property.

​Moss is something we often see on a roof in areas where there are higher moisture levels and in places where the roof does not get much sunlight.  If you have areas of moss growing on your roof maybe you are wondering if it will do any damage to it if you do not have it removed.  Does moss damage a roof?
 
The answer to that question will depend on where the moss is growing.  If it is growing around gutters or downspouts then it could end up blocking them up and preventing water from draining properly.  The results of this could start to create structural problems with the home so removing the moss would be the best option.  You will also want to consider the materials used for the roofs construction, its unlikely that moss will be a problem if it is growing on shingles which are made from clay or stone for example, however, its good to keep in mind that moss holds onto a lot of moisture which could have a negative effect on the roofs structure.  If you are worried about this, it would be better to remove the moss.  If you are not sure whether moss is causing a problem, why not get the roof inspected to make sure it is still good structurally?
 
If you do decide that you want to go ahead and remove moss on your roof make sure you choose the right removal method.  Some ways of removing or cleaning roofs can cause more problems than they are trying to prevent so do your research.  As we can see from this very brief article that moss can cause damage if it is growing in certain places and depending what the roof is made from. 

​Perhaps its not something you would at first think about if you are looking to save on indoor cooling costs, but a purposefully designed landscape can do just that.  How, you may wonder? By using the method of landscape shading.  This is the careful positioning of trees and shrubs so that they provide shade to parts of the home which see the most sun.  This method is worth considering as it could lower indoor temperatures by as much as 9 degrees.
 
One of the keys to providing shade to the home in the exact area its needed during the hot summer months is careful planning.  Knowing just where to plant the trees requires a lot of thought.  You will also need to think about what trees you want to use.  If you want the maximum shade possible, choose a denser kind of tree.  If you want maximum shade during summer but want to enjoy the suns heat on the home during winter, then its best to select deciduous trees which will lose their leaves during winter.
 
Another thing you will want to consider is the length of time it will take for the trees to reach full height; it could take some time before you see the benefits.  If you are looking for more immediate results, why not try vines?  These can be grown around fences and trellis and provide very good shade.  If you would like some shade to fall on pathways or the driveway shrubs can be a good option. 
 
Designing your homes landscape carefully can not only be a beautiful sight to enjoy but can also work to save you money.

​Home buying can feel like an overwhelming process, particularly if you are purchasing a home for the first time.  When you have found that ideal property the next part of the process will be to have it inspected but, why is this so important? And, does it matter which home inspector you choose to carry out the inspection?
 
Let’s consider the question of why a home inspection is so important.  When you consider that buying a property is probably one of the largest investments you will make its easy to see the need to be sure you are making a wise choice.  Maybe you have looked around your potential new home a few times and cannot see anything wrong with it, however, there could be significant problems with the home that you cannot see.  A thorough inspection of the home would reveal those issues before you commit yourself to the property.  Yes, it's clear to see how vital a home inspection is.
 
So, does it matter who you choose to carry out the home inspection?  Yes, is does.  As we have mentioned, this is a huge investment for you, so you need the best people working for you.  Some home inspection companies are not as detailed as they ought to be and could miss major flaws with the property.  To be certain you are choosing the right home inspector, choose an InterNACHI certified home inspector.  You may pay more for the inspection but a few dollars more is worth it to have a thorough, honest inspection.  You don’t want to buy that dream home only to find out later that it needs major work that will cost you thousands so, make the right choice with your home inspection company. 

​When looking to improve indoor air quality, one of the first things to do is make sure your HVAC filters are changed regularly, this is also true with air conditioning units.  But, how can you tell when they should be changed?  Although it will depend on the amount of use your HVAC system gets, as a general guide, it is a good idea to replace HVAC filters every 3 months.  However, there are certain circumstances when it is advisable to change them more frequently that that.  Let’s look at some of these circumstances:
 
If you have a large household or pets in the home it’s more likely that the home will accumulate more dust, dirt and pet dander etc. so, this is one situation where your home would benefit from replacing the filters more frequently, it can even be done every month.  Another good reason to change filters more often is if any members of the household suffer with allergies or if there is anyone who smokes indoors. 
 
Something else that will have a big impact on indoor air quality is the homes outdoor surroundings.  For example, if you live in a rural agricultural area or if construction is taking place nearby, these would be good reasons to change filters regularly.  You should also change them if there have been any wildfires in the area. 
 
If you notice that the HVAC filter is damaged at all or if it is wet or damp, then this should be changed immediately as harmful toxins like mold spores could end up being released into the home.  As we can see, regularly replacing the homes HVAC filter goes a long way to maintaining a healthy indoor air quality.  You should also have the system serviced once a year.

​Mold found in a home, if not taken care of, can often cause a variety of health concerns.  If you have found mold in your home, maybe you’re wondering if it this is something you can take care of yourself.  To answer that, there are a number of factors to consider but, usually, if the problem area is not very big (generally less than 10 square feet) you should be able to take care of the problem yourself. 
 
The first step is to find out what is causing the mold to grow inside your home.  Mold must have water in order to grow so it’s important to find out the source of the water and fix any leaks or other reasons for the water issue immediately.  There will be no point cleaning up the mold if you have not first fixed the cause as it will likely grow back. 
 
For scrubbing mold off hard surfaces, you can use detergent and water, however this may not work for more absorbent things such as carpets etc. which might have to be thrown out.  Before painting a surface that has had mold on it, ensure it has been cleaned thoroughly and has completely dried out or you may find the paint will start to peel.  Do not use caulk on a moldy surface either. 
 
It can be very hard to eliminate the stains caused by mold so, if you find mold or mildew on curtains, cushions or other soft furnishings,  it might be useful to consult with a specialist in furniture restoration who can give you some advice on what to do. 
 
When cleaning up a mold problem remember to always wear protective clothing and a respirator and don’t permit others to be in the area without wearing protection during the cleanup.  Before you start the task of mold cleanup in your home, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional who will let you know if this is a problem you can take care of yourself.

​Being wise with our money is something we all need to do, however, we have so much credit at our fingertips these days, managing our money can be difficult.  Keeping this in mind, its good to ask ourselves: Is my spending having a negative impact on my credit score? And, does it even matter?
 
Day to day we may not even concern ourselves with a bad credit score, but it might become a problem for us when we decide to make a larger investment and need a loan, like buying a home for example.  This is because a lender will usually refer to your credit report when deciding if they should grant you a loan or not.  They will use it to see what kind of history you have with paying bills and how much debt you have etc.  So, if you have a bad credit report, what can you do to improve it?
 
Begin with requesting a free copy of your credit report which you are entitled to once a year.  This will allow you to review it yourself before applying for a loan.  Next, start paying your bills on or before their due date.  If it’s difficult for you to remember when the due date is, it would be a good idea to set up an automatic payment plan which covers at least the minimum amount due.  This way it will improve your history of on time bill paying not to mention avoid costly late payment fees.
 
Are you someone who has collected a variety of credit cards over the years?  Go through them and get rid of those you no longer use, don’t just get rid of the card but call the company to cancel it as well.  A large amount of credit cards can give a lender the idea that you have too much available credit on your hands and will likely put yourself in economic peril.  Keep the longest held credit cards though, as this shows your history of bill paying.
 
Its never too late to start improving your credit report.  This is something to keep in mind when deciding to buy a home.

​Making the decision to buy your own home is a very important one.  To do it right and get the property you want will require hiring the right people to help you with the process.  However, with so many real estate agents all vying for your attention, how can you know who is the right one for you?
 
When you have narrowed the list down to just a few real estate agents, you will need to find out as much as you can about them and their credentials.  Prepare a list of questions you want to ask them in the same way as you would with anyone you are looking to hire for a job, think of this as an interview.  So, what are some questions you should ask?  Remember that everyone who buys a home has different needs and circumstances.  Even if a real estate agent may come with years of experience, ask them how much experience do they have in dealing with your particular requirements?  For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to hire an agent who is only experienced in selling lower priced property if you are looking to buy a multimillion-dollar home, and vice versa.
 
Another thing you could ask a real estate agent is; what makes them stand out from other agents? Don’t just be content with a general answer like “because of my many years of experience” but, instead, ask them to give you more specific examples.  It’s also good to ask them if they own property themselves as this will mean they are familiar with the whole home buying process including what to expect after the purchase.  Ask them if they are working in real estate full time or part time.  A full-time agent is most likely to keep up with updated laws and the local market etc.
 
Making sure you hire the right real estate agent is very important.  So, make a list of your specific needs and select someone who will meet those needs for you.

​Maybe you are someone who’s always dreamed of buying on an old property and fixing it up.  There are many rewards that come with a renovation project like this and, when done well, can result in a beautiful home full of charm as well as modern convenience.  However, a home renovation project can also be fraught with problems.  For example, many older homes contain dangerous materials which years ago were used in construction.  If you encounter these, it may delay the project and be very costly to remove.  Here are some hazardous materials you may find:
 
During the 1960s and 70s aluminum wiring was often used instead of copper wiring.  If you find this in your home, you will likely need to replace it as it was found to be defective over time.
 
Asbestos is now recognized as a very hazardous material, however, during the 1930s and 50s asbestos insulation was commonly used.  Don’t try to remove this yourself, it should be taken care of by a qualified professional. 
 
In homes over 40 years old you may find lead paint is a problem.  Lead paint will become a hazard, particularly for babies and small children, if it is deteriorating and chipping or turning to dust. 
 
Radon gas cannot be discovered by smell or sight, but your old home may contain higher levels of it which can be harmful to health.  A test should be done to determine radon levels in the home.
 
These are a few of the hazardous materials you could find in your fixer upper, especially if the property was owned by the same person for many years.  Make sure you have enough room in your budget for the removal of such materials as they should be taken care of by professionals. 

​In many homes and apartments cockroaches are a big issue.  They are harmful due to their ability to spread diseases like salmonella and dysentery and are also known to cause allergies and asthma.  They are often difficult to get rid of because they produce thousands of offspring each year, are able to live for prolonged periods without food and can even survive after being under water for up to half an hour.  So, if you have evidence of cockroach activity in your home, what are some ways to deter them?
 
Cockroaches love moist, dirty environments.  Give the kitchen a thorough clean regularly.  This would involve cleaning behind larger as well as smaller appliances such as the refrigerator, oven and dishwasher.  Clean kitchen cabinets and the area under the sink.  Bathrooms need to be also kept clean and, as much as possible, kept dry.  Crawlspaces are another area you might find them. 
 
Try to eliminate anything that will attract cockroaches.  Place food items in tightly sealed containers.  Try to have a secure lid on the trash can and don’t leave pet food out for very long.  Cockroaches don’t like well lit areas so it might be a good idea to keep lights on at night. 
 
Remember cockroaches enjoy areas with a lot of moisture, if you have dripping taps or any leaking pipes, try to remedy the problem.  If you see areas that might be points of entry for cockroaches, seal them up.
 
While you would need to have the home treated first for a cockroach infestation, boric acid placed in areas where you have seen signs of them can help keep the infestation under control.  Keep in mind, though, that with particularly bad cases, you should consult a professional pest control company who can give you further advise.