​As colder temperatures head our way, there are several important steps for homeowners to take to make sure their home is ready for the winter. While we won’t be able to list everything in this blog post, here are a couple of ideas.
Empty any exterior plumbing systems you have. This means winterizing the pool, hiring a service to blow out the sprinkler system, and draining any exterior water spigots.
Prep your lawn care equipment. The main step here involves draining gas from motorized equipment, or adding a fuel stabilizer. Gas goes bad, and having it sit in your expensive tools for months of cold weather can really mess things up for you in the spring.
Cover your patio furniture. This is probably one of the simplest things on any homeowner’s to-do list. If you don’t have an indoor location to place your patio furniture for the winter, cover it on a clear, dry day to avoid trapping moisture under the cover.

Since the pandemic has restricted the use of gyms or other exercise facilities either regularly or intermittently, a lot of people have decided to simply invest in their own exercise equipment, setting aside a portion of their home to be a gym. If this is the case for you, or even if you’re still considering it, there are some things to keep in mind regarding safety.

Most exercise equipment these days connects to electricity in some way. Making sure that the equipment cannot be started unintentionally is very important. Also, there may be powerful springs or resistance weights that can become dangerous pinch points.

​Leaving free weights on the floor can become a trip hazard. All of these suggestions are important for adults, but they are far more important when you have children living in your home. If that’s the case for you, it may also be a good idea to have a separate, lockable room to contain your exercise equipment.

​Small children are fearless by nature, for better or worse. In most cases, that’s probably a good thing. If you are a homeowner and a parent with small children, you’ve likely already thought of ways to keep your child safe from the many dangers that a house can present. Even so, we’d like to share some things to look out for, and if it’s something you didn’t think about – great! If it’s something you’ve already got covered – even better!

Falling hazards: stairs are certainly at the top of the list for potential hazards. However, even one step from one level to another, if taken the wrong way, can bring disaster.

Chemicals: it’s important to store all chemicals high out of reach of small children. More than that, it would be good to lock them up, since children love to climb.
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Water: pools are of course very dangerous if children are left unsupervised. However, you may also consider other areas of your home where standing water could cause harm.

We’d like to switch directions just a little bit, and focus on ways that you can save money during the current economic crunch. Everyone has the expense of buying groceries – here are some simple tips that can make that expense a little lighter.

For one thing, you may want to consider shopping for staple items like rice, flour, or even canned foods. While it may take some additional time to prepare items like these, they are usually relatively inexpensive when compared with other items. Also, items like these are either non-perishable or have a long shelf life, increasing their value since there is less chance of wasting them.
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Also, consider buying generic brand items. What your grandmother says is true – they’re just as good as the store brand! And they’re often considerably less expensive. Besides that, due to this pandemic, store brand products have been selling out even faster than generic brands.
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​Home safety and security are a priority for all homeowners, and there is certainly no shortage of house security options available, with some being very high-tech.  One security measure that has been around for years, however, is window bars. Window bars are installed on the ground floor windows of a building and are usually made of metal. These metal bars greatly reduce the number of entry points for a would-be intruder so work well to deter them. So then, can we conclude that window bars are a good choice? Are there any disadvantages?
 
One key aspect to consider is the safety of those who live in the home. For example, in an emergency such as a house fire, the quickest means of escape is very often a window. If window bars are installed in the home, these vital exit points could be blocked, this would not only make escape difficult but would present a problem for firefighters who need these entry points to gain access to the building and fight the fire.
 
So, now should we conclude that window bars are a bad option? Window bars are not necessarily a bad option either, but if you want to consider window bars for your home they must come with a quick-release mechanism that makes it possible for someone inside the home to release the window bars in the event of an emergency. Make sure that the release mechanism is simple to operate and requires no special tools. If a key is needed to release the window bars, it is vital that it is kept in an easy to access area and that everyone in the household knows exactly where to find it.

​Condensation will often gather on windows, pipes, and other hard surfaces. Although we may be used to seeing it in our homes, does that mean it is harmless? Can condensation become an issue? Let’s look at the reason why condensation can present a problem and consider some simple ways to prevent it.
 
When condensation is constantly gathering on a surface or dripping on a floor, etc. you may start to notice issues resulting from water damage. The flooring may start to rot, or you may notice mold starting to form, and, if water starts to drip onto electrical appliances, this will create a fire hazard.
 
There are a few ways to prevent condensation. One way is by insulating pipes. The thing you must remember when considering this, however, is if you rely on the heat that comes from those pipes to warm the home, insulating them will stop this, so it may not be the best choice for you.
 
Reducing indoor humidity is another way to prevent condensation. A good flow of air through the home will help with this, so try opening windows and doors as much as you can. Just keep in mind that for this to work, the air outside should not be as humid as the air inside the home. You can also try using an air conditioner and dehumidifier to lower humidity levels. Dehumidifiers draw water vapor into a tank which prevents it from collecting on other surfaces in the home. If humidity is a big problem in your home, consider how many houseplants you have. While there are numerous benefits to houseplants, they can also raise the level of humidity so reducing the amount you have will help.
 
If you still have a big problem with condensation after trying various methods to prevent it, you may need to have the issue looked at. It may not be condensation after all but could be another problem such as a water leak which will cause even more damage if left undiagnosed.

​Were you aware that formaldehyde is used in many of the items we have in our homes? Of course, most of us know a little something about this chemical but, one thing we may want to think about is whether it is safe or not. Let’s briefly look at some of the items in your home that may contain formaldehyde and consider if they pose any risk to you or your household.
 
As with most chemicals, formaldehyde is not something you can detect visually but you may notice the pungent smell it tends to give off. Formaldehyde is often used in the treatment of textiles, this means that it can be found in sofas, curtains, cushions, or other soft furnishings. It is also used in building materials like particleboard, plywood, and other pressed lumber. Fuel-burning appliances as well as various types of glue can also contain formaldehyde. This basic list highlights the likelihood that formaldehyde is present to some extent in your home.
 
How dangerous is formaldehyde? It is still not clear how much formaldehyde you would need to be exposed to for it to become a health risk, however, we do know that it is a cancer-causing carcinogen and can particularly affect the upper throat, so there is a cause for concern. Other symptoms associated with exposure to formaldehyde are respiratory problems and fatigue. As these are also symptoms for numerous other health problems, do not automatically assume that you are being affected by formaldehyde. Instead, consult with your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
 
Are there any products available that do not use formaldehyde? Yes. There are many formaldehyde-free household goods on the market today so, if you are concerned about the hazards associated with this chemical, be sure to do your research when shopping for your home furnishings and building materials.

​Every so often it is good to have a review of your home's safety and look for ways it can be improved. Many injuries are reported every year due to accidents that take place within the home. One of the more common accidents, that is particularly dangerous to children, is furniture tip-overs. Let’s consider how this type of accident can be avoided.
 
Before you even buy a piece of furniture, think about how easy it would be to tip over. This is especially important to consider in households with young children. Furniture pieces that have a wide, sturdy base are a good option as this makes them bottom heavy and harder to tip over. It is also a good idea to store any heavy items on lower shelves or in bottom drawers.
 
The television is high on the list of household items that can fall or tip over. If the television is kept on a unit, be sure it is one low to the ground and have the television sitting as far back as possible. Electrical cables that are attached to the tv need to be safely hidden away out of sight.
 
Self-assembly or flat pack furniture is very popular these days. When assembling any item, be sure you follow all the instructions. These items usually come with a strap or L bracket that enables the item to be firmly fixed to a wall. You must use these as they are specifically intended to prevent tip-over accidents.
 
Finally, keep any items that you do not want children getting hold of out of their sight and not just out of their reach. If a child sees an item it wants, but it is too high to reach, it will be more likely to climb on furniture that can tip over to get to it.

​We have spent a great deal of our time at home in the last year and all that time indoors may have made us think a little about all the little jobs and projects we need to have done around the house. It may also make us think about the quality of our inside air or anything else in the home that could affect us negatively. That is why this month we are going to consider the subject of Radon. So, what is Radon and why should your home be tested for it?
 
To explain what Radon is and help you understand the reasons it can be present in your home, please watch the following brief video. It will also help you to see why testing for it is so important. Of course, the health and wellbeing of you and your household are of the utmost importance so, why not add a Radon test to the list of tasks you want to accomplish in your home?

​If you have been searching a long time for the perfect property and still haven’t found anything quite right, why not consider a pre-manufactured home? Here are some of the reasons why it may be an option for you, and some things to keep in mind before making a decision.
 
Some people are put off by the thought of a pre-manufactured home because they feel there are not enough styles to choose from. Nowadays, however, pre-manufactured housing comes in a vast range of styles that will suit most tastes and budgets. So, if this is how you have felt, it might be something you should reconsider.
 
If you do find a pre-manufactured home that suits you, there are a few other decisions you will need to make such as where you are going to put the home. There are options here as well. For example, you could look for a piece of land to purchase for the home to go on. Leasing land that is specially designed for this type of housing is another option, or you could buy the land and the home together. Whatever you choose it is very important to find out everything you need to know regarding utility connections, zoning laws, regulations and rules pertaining to pre-manufactured housing, or any other legal requirements, etc. Remember that this information will vary depending on the location the home will be in so make sure to do your research specifically for the area you will be living in.
 
When purchasing a pre-manufactured home, take the time to study the manufacturer's warranty. Check that you will be covered for the transportation of the home as well as the installation and be sure to avoid any actions that will make the warranty void.
 
Finally, when your pre-manufactured home is finally in place and all set up, have a thorough home inspection performed to ensure everything is working the way it should be.

​In our first blog of this month, we discussed the length of time you can expect your home's water heater to last. In this blog, we are going to talk about when it is the right time to replace it.
 
With time, the home's water heater will require maintenance. You may start to observe puddles forming under the heater, or cold showers, etc. that are indications it needs repairing. Even if you are not noticing any of these problems but the water heater is approaching the end of its average lifespan, it is a good idea to ask yourself whether the cost of maintaining it is worth the money.
 
As well as the age of the water heater, another thing to check is whether it still has its warranty. If it does, check that it will cover the labor costs as well as replacement parts. Very often the warranty does not cover the labor which could turn out to be pretty expensive. For example, one part of the water heater that commonly has to be replaced is the sacrificial anode. This can be a difficult job to do and, if it is not done right, can damage the unit very easily. Replacing this anode could also void out the warranty. So, if the anode needs to be replaced in an old water heater, you may want to consider whether it is worth it, or if it is better just to replace the heater altogether.
 
To help you determine whether it's best to repair or replace your water heater, look at the amount you spend each year on average to maintain it. If the amount is more than 10 percent of what it would cost to buy and install a new one, then it might be better to replace it.
 
If you are still unsure about the right action to take, what not have the water heater inspected? This way you can find out the existing water heater's condition and have a better idea of whether it should be replaced or not.

​A water heater is vital for a home to run effectively. That is why we home inspectors pay extra attention to it during our home inspections. One question that is frequently asked by the homeowner is how long will a water heater last before it needs to be replaced? You can usually expect a water heater to last about 10 years, but this does depend on a few factors. What are some of them?
 
Firstly, the way a water heater is installed plays a major role. Many homeowners try to install one themselves so that they can save some money, however, they may quickly come to regret that decision as installing a water heater is not as easy as it seems, especially with tankless gas heaters. A water heater should be installed upright and in an area that is well ventilated. Do not install the heater anywhere that may be at risk of flood damage as this would cause rusting of the exterior pipes, which would then reduce its efficiency and lifespan. Another point to have in mind when deciding where to place the water heater is to make sure there will be easy access to it which will make repairs and inspections a lot easier.
 
Another factor when it comes to the lifespan of the water heater is the amount of use it gets. The more water that it has to heat, the harder it will need to work which will put more stress on it.
 
When looking to purchase a water heater, how can you make sure you are buying one that will last? As we find with most appliances, you get what you pay for. A more expensive water heater will likely last longer than a cheap one. It is also important to check how long of a warranty it comes with. Generally, water heaters that have a longer warranty are built better and so will have a longer lifespan.

​In our last blog, we discussed the types of biological pollutants that are found in practically every home. The problem is that these can cause several ailments with symptoms very similar to other kinds of illnesses. Although your doctor is the one who should diagnose whether biological pollutants are the cause of your health problem or not, there are some questions you can ask yourself to help you determine if your indoor environment is affecting you.
 
Some of the health problems related to biological pollutants are frequent headaches, dizziness or tiredness, fevers, stuffy nose, dry throat, and difficulty breathing, etc. If you or any members of your household are experiencing these, ask yourself, do the symptoms disappear when you spend some time out of doors?
 
Another question to ask yourself is have you recently moved house or had any work done to your home such as the installation of storm windows, weather stripping, insulation, or some other kind of energy conservation work? If the answer is yes, did your symptoms start during or after the move or remodel?
 
Does moisture tend to collect on hard surfaces like windows, ceilings, and walls? Do you smell moldy or musty odors in the home that would be an indication of moisture intrusion? Does the air indoors feel humid?
 
Have you recently cleaned your humidifiers or air conditioners, or has it been a long time since they were done?
 
Are there any problems with pests in the home such as rodents or cockroaches, etc.?
 
If you have found yourself answering yes to all or even a few of these questions, biological pollutants may be affecting the air quality and environment inside your home.

​The air we breathe plays a major role when it comes to our overall health and a lot of money is spent every year towards cleaning up pollution in the air outside, but, what about the air we breathe indoors? How might that be affecting your health? Most of us are spending a lot more time at home now which means we are at greater risk of being affected by indoor air pollutants. What are some of them and what conditions do they thrive in?
 
Biological pollutants are living organisms or have come from living organisms. They travel through the air and are invisible most of the time. Some of the more common biological pollutants you will find indoors are dust mites and cockroach parts, bacteria and viruses, pollen, and animal dander.
 
What conditions do biological pollutants thrive in? It should be mentioned that these substances are found in all homes so you will not be able to completely remove them, but there are some conditions that make the problem worse. To support the growth of biological pollutants, moisture and nutrients are required. We know there are many areas in the home that provide these conditions such as bathrooms, damp basements, humidifiers, and air conditioners. Modern construction and materials can also contribute to the growth of some biological pollutants because, reducing the amount of air that comes from outside into the home, can result in higher moisture levels indoors.
 
How can you determine whether biological pollutants in your home are the cause of some of your health problems? Our next blog will discuss this.

​Anyone familiar with property development knows the importance of thoroughly reading a property report. If you are thinking about having your new home constructed on a property development, here is a sample of the kinds of information contained in a property report:
 
The purpose of a property report is to provide you with all the information you need to know about the property as well as the development it is in. This will include information regarding what you can expect in the way of amenities upon completion of the development, what you should expect to pay for services such as gas, water, sewer, and other utilities. It should also inform you about how far the development is from local communities and recreational facilities, etc. 
 
Besides the kinds of amenities, you can expect to enjoy, the property report should also contain information that is very important to know like whether there are any mortgages or pre-existing liens on the property. It should also tell you if there are any problems with the lot that could hinder construction or cause any delays with the build. It will also inform you about when you can expect to receive the title for the property.
 
Although this is just a small sample of the kind of information you will find in a property report, it highlights the importance of carefully reading it before committing yourself to the property. These reports are put together by the property developer so make sure that they confirm you will receive everything that has been promised to you in the report.

​Wood burning stoves can be a very effective source of heating as long as it is maintained well. If you have just moved to a house with this type of fire, do you know how best to take care of it? The following suggestions will help you to keep it functioning properly and safe to use:
 
It may be tempting to burn anything and everything in a wood burner but there are many items you should not burn. As the name suggests, a wood-burning stove is for burning wood, so avoid using coal as it burns much hotter than wood and could become dangerous. You should also avoid using certain woods such as plywood, particleboard, and painted or pressure-treated woods, plastic items, colored paper, and gift wrapping, all of which release toxic chemicals when they are burned.
 
What are some of the best woods to burn? It is best to choose dry wood rather than freshly cut wood because it has a much lower moisture content meaning it will burn hotter. For starting the fire, use softwood like pine which will ignite quickly, then, when you have got the fire going, switch to hardwoods like ash, hickory, or pine, cut into smaller logs. These work well at delivering a hotter, cleaner burn.
 
As with any type of stove or fire, safety is a concern so make sure that the house has been fitted with the appropriate number of smoke detectors for its size and check them once a month to ensure they are working properly. Dispose of wood burner ashes by placing them in a metal container filled with water. Finally, have the wood burner inspected regularly to make sure that creosote is not accumulating in the stovepipe.

​With 2021 soon to be upon us, maybe you are making plans for next year. Are you thinking about selling your home and buying a new one? If you are, then you will know how important planning ahead is. Buying and selling a home is a big, and sometimes lengthy, process. One step that is very important during this process is the home inspection. For example, you may want to consider a pre-listing inspection to give your home a better chance of selling, plus there is the home buyers inspection. But how much does a home inspection cost?
 
The following short video is designed to help you with this question. It will help you to understand what is involved when determining the price of a home inspection. We are ready to assist you with all of your home inspection needs so, please feel free to call us or contact us with any questions you may have. 
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​We all know that water is an essential part of our life, however, it can also be something very destructive especially when it comes to our homes. When a property is water damaged this can result in all kinds of issues such as poor indoor air quality, and higher maintenance costs. It can even lower the value of the property. A regular home inspection will help you to identify some of the common sources of water intrusion, enabling you to repair them quickly. Here are a few areas in the home where water damage can occur:
 
The roof. If the roof does not have proper drainage or enough slope water damage can occur. You can also experience water intrusion if gutters are blocked or if any flashing on the roof has started to leak, etc. so this is something you will want to regularly check for.
 
Cracks and holes will often naturally develop in a building’s foundations and exterior walls. If you notice this happening, make sure you seal them up quickly to prevent moisture intrusion.
 
The sheer nature of a plumbing system means that water damage is a possibility so regular maintenance of this system is essential. Have a check for dripping pipes, clogged drains, and leaking plumbing fixtures and, again, if you notice any problems, fix the issue immediately.
 
Excessive humidity in a building can cause a number of moisture-related problems. Clean and dry off areas that frequently collect moisture such as windows, sliding glass doors, or any other surface. Otherwise, water stains can occur on walls and ceilings and indoor air can become musty smelling.
 
No doubt, you will think of many more areas of the home where moisture intrusion could become a problem. Just remember that the key to preventing water damage is regular maintenance and acting fast when you do find an issue.

​It is only natural to want to get the best price for your home, however, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune trying to get it ready to sell. So, what are some simple updates you can do to make your home look as appealing as possible without the cost of a complete remodel?
 
Very often it is the home's kitchen and bathrooms that make a house look dated. While you may feel the only option would be to rip them out and install new, what about giving them a refresh instead? Refinishing kitchen cabinets and hardware will make it look like new, without the hefty price tag. You can also re-glaze bathtubs and sinks, giving them a new lease of life.
 
Do you have rooms in your house that you hardly ever use? Why not make them into a more useful space? For example, you could turn an unused guest bedroom into a home office, which is something many homebuyers are looking for these days.
 
Light, airy rooms are much more appealing than dark, cramped ones so look for ways to brighten up the home. Clear the outside of any trees and foliage that may be blocking light from windows and remove any heavy window treatments that make a room look much darker than it is. A fresh coat of paint throughout the home will also work wonders at brightening it up. Too much clutter can also make a room look small and cramped so try to minimize the number of knickknacks you have. It might even be best to place some of your belongings in storage.
 
Finally, It is important to remember that the majority of people will be looking at houses online before deciding which ones to go and see in person, this means that the photos you take of it should look as professional as possible. Rearrange rooms to highlight their best features and research various staging techniques that will help make your home look it's very best.

​Although there are a great number of honest workers out there, it’s sad to say that there are also many less than honest ones. If you are a homeowner that needs some work done on your home, this could mean there is the possibility of being ripped off by a shady contractor.  Of course, there are many ways that this can happen but for now let's just focus on one, termite exterminators.
 
It’s a good idea to recognize some of the tricks frequently used by dishonest companies. For example, when it comes to inspecting your home for termites, a deceitful person may greatly exaggerate the dangers that termites pose, conning you into spending a lot of money for an expensive, unnecessary treatment. One way you can prevent this is by comparing prices and services with some other companies. You will also want to obtain a contract that comes with a guarantee, covering you in case the termites come back within a certain period of time.
 
As a homeowner, it is unlikely that you have a lot of experience dealing with termites, but don’t just rely on the exterminator’s word that they have been found in your home, ask them to show you the evidence for yourself, on your property. Termite damage is apparent when you observe hollowed-out wood along the grain. You should also notice its galleries are lined with mud or soil. The evidence you are shown should be connected to your home. If you are shown evidence of termite damage in fencing or a woodpile that is not attached to your house, this should not alarm you as this does not automatically present a threat.
 
Lastly, be wary of companies that approach you offering a free termite inspection as their reasons for doing so may be less than honorable.

​Home renovation or house flipping television shows often inspire homeowners to want to try doing the same with their homes, in the hopes that they will greatly increase its value. But how much does a renovation really add to the home’s resale value and, is it worth it?
 
Remodeling a dated house can completely transform it, making it a much more comfortable space for the family to live in, so if you are planning to stay in the home it can be a good idea. However, if you are planning to renovate for the sole purpose of selling it, the money you spend may not make it a sound investment. If, after considering your options, you decide to go ahead with the work here are a few recommendations:
 
Make sure that any improvements you do to the home are in keeping with the other homes in the neighborhood. It is nice to have the best-looking house but making it that much bigger and better won’t increase its value that significantly.
 
Choose appliances and decorations that have a more neutral palette and base your decisions on what might appeal to a prospective buyer and not necessarily on your own personal tastes.
 
Perhaps you’re considering the addition of a backyard pool with the idea that it will appeal to a buyer. It may surprise you to learn, however, that you can put a lot of people off by having a swimming pool. Families with young children may worry about the dangers associated with them and some may not relish the thought of maintaining one.
 
So, if you are renovating your home to sell it, make sure that you do a great deal of research on the kind of work you should do that would make it a worthwhile investment.

​Many homes these days, particularly new builds, are fitted with pressure-assist toilets instead of the traditional gravity toilets. So, let’s have a look at how they work, and why are they a good choice.
 
From the outside, a pressure-assist toilet may look like a traditional one but, they function rather differently. The ceramic tank has an air-filled pressure container fitted in it. While a standard toilet uses gravity to flush water through, a pressure-assist toilet uses compressed air. This results in water being forced into the toilet bowl at a much more powerful rate than gravity alone can achieve.
 
Pressure-assist toilets come with many advantages. For instance, the strong flushing capacity of this type of toilet results in fewer clogs in the system. Plus, it’s water efficiency will save gallons of water each year making it much more eco-friendly.
 
Older homes also benefit from pressure-assisted toilets, this is because the powerful force of the flush helps to push waste through old pipework. Also, due to the tank's design, you will not see a buildup of condensation when the weather is humid. They are also easier to maintain than standard toilets.
 
Before you start replacing your toilets for pressure assist ones, there are a few things you should be aware of. For example, this type of toilet has a much louder flush than a gravity kind. They can also be more expensive than a standard toilet. You may also find that if your home has low water pressure, a pressure-assist toilet may not work as efficiently because they will need at least 20 to 30 PSI of pressure.

​All of us depend on a clean, reliable water source to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We can easily take it for granted, though, considering that all we have to do for an endless supply of potable water is turn on the faucet. So, where does your water come from? How can you find out?
 
If you live in a large town or city, it's most likely that your water comes from a reservoir which is generally referred to as a surface water source. The reservoirs location does not necessarily have to be in your immediate area, but it could be some distance from the area it is suppling. If your home is located in a more rural area you may have a different water source. Very often it is supplied by an underground reservoir or aquifer.
 
There are a few factors that will determine whether a water source is safe. As well as the body of water, the land that surrounds it plays a big role. It is important to know what the surrounding land is used for. Is it used for agricultural or industrial purposes, for example? This area of land surrounding the body of water is known at the watershed.
 
What can you do if you want to find out the source of your home's water? It is best to contact the company that supplies your water and ask them for a copy of their annual report. As a consumer you are entitled to a copy, so don’t hesitate to ask. The report will provide information regarding the source of your water and let you know if any contaminates, etc. have been found in it.

​With good reason wooden siding has been used for decades to clad the exterior of homes. Did you know, however, that there are several kinds of wooden siding? If you are thinking about this as an option for your home you may find it helpful to have a little knowledge of the types of wood used for exterior siding. Here are some of them:
 
Redwood and Cedar are two types of wood used for weatherboarding or clapboard. They not only look good but, are strong and not so prone to decay. You will usually see these installed horizontally with overlapping boards.
 
As long as it is maintained well, solid wood or lumber is a very good choice. It looks good and can be very durable. It can be placed horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally.
 
If you are looking for a less expensive option then you may want to think about hardboard. Hardboard usually consists of wood fiberboard, compressed with synthetic adhesive. It is treated with an EPA approved preservative to safeguard it from decay and insect damage.
 
Plywood siding is yet another wooden siding option. Woods that are typically used for this are yellow pine, Douglas fir, and red cedar. These can increase support for the structure of the building.
 
Your builder should be able to advise you on the best choice of wooden siding for your home and location but, it's always beneficial to know a little about it yourself.

​Many homeowners go to great lengths to protect their homes from intruders and often invest in very high-tech gadgetry to do so, but what about some of the more basic security features of the home like exterior doors? Would your front door protect you against break-ins? Here are a few security features that every exterior door should have:
 
One of the first things you should look at is the construction of the door. How solid is it? A door that is lightweight with a hollow-core wooden construction would be easy to break so make sure it has a strong solid wood or steel core. You should also make sure the door and frame are in good condition and not showing signs of deterioration such as rotting, warping, or cracking.
 
What type of lock does the door have? A good quality deadbolt lock is ideal. If you want to use a chain this will be a good addition to the deadbolt but never use it instead of one. You can also install a peephole which will allow you to check who is at the door before you open it. Also, since bump keys are a popular choice for thieves these days, you may want to consider a bump-resistant lock.
 
Very often a front door will have glass paneling in it and, while this is aesthetically pleasing, it may make it easier for a thief to smash through. In this case, you should make sure the doors lock is positioned far enough away from the glass so that it would be difficult to reach.
 
Some front doors have a mail slot in the door itself. If this is the case there should be a cage or box on the inside surrounding the slot, otherwise, someone may be able to access the doors lock by way of the mail slot.
 
These are just some features of a secure front door. Don’t let your exterior doors become the home's security weak spot.