​In this article we are discussing home insurance.  While a homeowner will have their own insurance policy, what about someone who is renting their home? This is where renter’s insurance comes in.  Renters insurance is intended for tenants who want to have coverage for their belongings in case of any unexpected disaster.  This would also cover personal liability and damage you might incur to a neighbor’s property.  Of course, the type of coverage you have will largely depend on the kind of policy you choose.
 
While renter’s insurance might seem like an obvious thing to have, there are a surprising number of renters who do not have it, why is that? There are a few reasons for this, one is that the tenant thinks it will cost too much.  However, renter’s insurance is extremely affordable with an average policy costing less that $17 per month.  Other reasons a person might not have renter’s insurance is that they think they don’t have any possessions worth covering, but, if we think about how much it would cost to replace them, we may feel differently about the insurance.  There are also those who think they are covered under the homeowner’s policy and others who aren’t even aware renters’ insurance is available to them.
 
So, if you are renting your home and don’t yet have renter’s insurance, it might be a good idea to look at the different policies available to you.

​In this blog we are specifically talking about under home crawlspaces and their hazards.  The conditions naturally found in an under-home crawlspace are ideal for many things to thrive, it is a dark, usually damp space that can go undisturbed for long periods of time.  So, what unpleasant things might you encounter?
 
Standing water and sewage are big health risks for anyone entering an under-home crawlspace.  Mold and fungi are also often found.
 
Perhaps something many people are worried about with an under-home crawlspace, and for good reason, are insects, rodents or small animals.  Some of these could be poisonous or dangerous if they feel cornered or threatened.  Even if you want to make a hasty retreat, this will be challenging in such a tight space.
 
Structural issues with the home are another reason why an under-house crawlspace can be dangerous.  The best thing to do if you suspect the home has these types of issues, is to have a professional look at the property first.  However, if it is completely necessary for you to enter such a space, its very important that someone is informed of your whereabouts and can call for help should you encounter a problem.  Its also important that you are equipped with the appropriate protective clothing and gear so that you can be as safe as possible.

​Perhaps after reading the title of this blog you’re thinking “I didn’t even realize there were different options for drywall”.  The fact is that drywall manufacturing companies, like most manufacturers, are always looking for different ways to improve on their product.  One such way is by creating a product that is less disposed to mold growth than regular drywall.  Paperless drywall is one such product.  Paperless drywall, as the name may suggest, is a type of drywall that, instead of using thick paper to cover the drywall's gypsum core, uses fiberglass as a covering.  But, does that mean this is now a better option?
 
Paperless drywall undoubtedly has its benefits.  For example, due to its use of fiberglass instead of paper, it is designed to provide better protection against mold growth.  This makes it ideal to use in areas such as basements and bathrooms which see higher levels of moisture.  Paperless drywall is also sturdier due to its fiberglass covering.  This means it will incur less damage. 
 
So, while we can clearly see the benefits of paperless drywall, are there any drawbacks to using it?  It is generally more expensive than traditional drywall and it might not be easily available everywhere.  Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with it, however, is that due to its increased strength from the fiberglass covering, it is not so easy to install.  It is also harder to have as smooth of a finish as traditional drywall provides.  Another factor is that, because it is made of fiberglass, some irritation could occur cause to the skin, making the installation of it a little more unpleasant. 
 
To review, then, we can see that paperless drywall, like many newer products, has both its benefits as well as its drawbacks. 

​Watching nature around us can be a very enjoyable and relaxing experience and many enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife in their backyards.  There are times, though, when wildlife on our property can become a nuisance and the only solution is the use of some kind of deterrent.  Maybe the first thought is to use a chemical method of wildlife control, however, before you resort to this, there are a few alternatives you could try.  Here are a few possibilities:
 
Identifying what animal or rodent is causing damage to your back yard is the first step to take.  In this way, it will be easier to find the best deterrent for it.  Most of the time an animal or rodent etc. is attracted to an area because there is a food source there.  It could even be a certain kind of plant or shrub that you have in your yard.  If you find this is the case, it might be wise to remove the food source completely to eliminate the appeal. 
 
A barrier is another method you can try, one that is designed for keeping out wildlife.  It could also take the form of a visual deterrent or a sound that scares the creature away.
 
Perhaps, after trying these or other methods, you find that they have not worked.  A last resort measure to take is to capture the animal and relocate it.  Ask the advice of your local animal control center or wildlife management agent first though, as they will be able to offer advise on what you should do. 
 

​Each year thousands of elderly persons are injured due to accidents that happen in their own homes, the majority of these accidents happen from things they use and live with every day.  Falling and slipping are among some of the most common accidents for the elderly at home.  So, what are some practical and easy things that can be done in the home to help prevent these accidents?
 
An important thing that should be done is to look for ways to reduce tripping risks.  There are many items throughout the home that could become a tripping hazard.  All types of appliances that requires a cord need to be arranged in such a way so that the cord is not stretched along a walkway area.  This could even mean you have to arrange furniture differently to do so.  Another important thing to think about with electrical cords is the condition they are in.  Do they look old and frayed?  Do they run underneath carpeting or rugs? Are they attached to walls and baseboards etc. with nails and staples?  These are all potential fire hazards if not checked.
 
Many older people prefer carpeting in their home so it’s a good idea to check the condition of carpets and rugs.  Make sure that all rugs have a good rubber backing so that they are not easy to slip on.  Check all carpets for signs of wear and tear and ensure carpet adhesive is still keeping the carpet firmly in place.  If carpeting begins to loosen and stick up in places it will easily become a tripping hazard.
 
This is just a couple of the areas of an elderly person’s home that should be checked to make sure they are not a danger to them.

​It can often happen that you finally find your dream home only to discover that it’s the dream home of other people as well.  What will you do in such a situation?  No doubt, you will want your offer to be the most appealing to the buyer and you might start to look for ways you can sweeten the deal.  Perhaps you're thinking “what if I offer to skip the buyers home inspection?”  If this is the case, you might want to reconsider that course of action.
 
To explain the reasons why, please view the following brief video.  It will help you to have a good idea of why skipping the home inspection, even with a high demand property, is never a good idea.
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​Do you have a sewer gas smell in you home? While there are a number of different possible causes for this the important thing is to have this checked out.  Why is it important?  Apart from the noxious odor, sewer gas leaks could be a potential health hazard for the home’s occupants.  While the odor itself might be bad enough to deal with, there are other, more dangerous, risks such as fire or explosion, hydrogen sulfide poisoning which can be extremely hazardous and because sewer gases can displace the oxygen in the home, there is also risk of asphyxiation.
 
What are some of the causes of sewer gas leaking into the home? This can be caused from failures in the plumbing system which allow sewer gases to come back into the house.  If plumbing fixtures start to dry out, traps also become dry which means that the water barrier that would prevent the gas from coming back into the home is no longer there.  This could occur during dry weather or if toilets, sinks and showers etc. are not used very often.
 
Another reason sewer gas can leak into the home is when cracks start to form in vent pipes or in the plumbing drain.  Although vent pipe cracks can be rather hard to identify, they can cause quite a lot of sewer gas to enter the house.  Cracks in the house’s foundation can also cause sewer gas to leak into the home.  If plumbing vents have been positioned too close to air intakes, you might find sewer gas entering the house, then there is also air and wind flow around the building which could also allow gas to enter.
 
While there are many possible causes of sewer gas leaking into your home, its important to have a plumber find out the cause so that you and your household remain safe.

​A lot of homeowners enjoy having trees on their property which add beauty to any landscape.  But what about when a tree or trees are positioned very close to your home?  Could they be putting it at risk of structural damage etc.?  Let’s look at some of the possible issues that can arise from trees being too close to a building:
 
One of the big worries for homeowners is that the trees roots will cause damage to the home’s foundation.  Can this happen? If cracks already exist in the foundations, roots can make their way into the cracks.  If roots grow big enough, they can also grow under the home’s foundation causing to lift.
 
There are other risks from trees being close to a home.  For example, a trees branches or limbs could fall on the roof or power and communication lines.  They could also easily fall and hit someone, causing injury.  This risk is increased even more if the tree is old or dying.  Falling leaves and branches could clog up gutters and downspouts which could start to create structural issues if left untreated.  Insects and rodents would be able to gain easier access into the home and there is danger from fire, especially in an area at risk of wildfires.
 
Yes, there are certain risks associated with trees being positioned too close to a building.  This is something you might wish to think about if you are building your own home.  If there are trees close to your home, why not have a periodic check of them to make sure they are still healthy.  A dead or dying tree would pose a greater danger and may need to be removed altogether.
 

​There are certain odors in a home that can be especially difficult to eliminate.  One of the worse and most stubborn odors is that which comes from tobacco smoke.  Smoke particles are tiny and can permeate everything.  If you move into an apartment where no one has ever smoked, you could still have a problem with tobacco odor from a neighboring apartment.  So, what are some initial steps you can take to get rid of this type of odor in your new home?
 
As soon as you get access to your new place try to ventilate every room and get the air moving.  If you can, leave windows and doors open for good air flow.
 
Perhaps you are someone who prefers a natural method of odor removal.  There are a variety of things you can use to absorb or neutralize odors naturally, here are a few of them:
 
Coffee grounds work well at neutralizing bad odors.  Put some coffee grounds in filters and place them in rooms around the home.  Vinegar is another great odor neutralizer; the smell is sometimes a little off putting, but it is very effective.  Baking soda also works very well against bad odors, be careful when using it around furnishing though.
 
Why not try citrus peel?  Leave in around the home for a few days.  This is also good as it has that fresh citrus scent.  Charcoal is also great for tackling bad smells.  Leave bowls of charcoal around the home.
 
Although tobacco smoke odor is a very difficult smell to tackle, these simple suggestions will help to neutralize and freshen your new place. 

​There are occasions when damage can happen to someone’s property during a home inspection.  And while this is not something any home inspectors wants or intends to happen, should it always be assumed that the fault lies with the inspector? Should they automatically be held responsible for the damage? Let’s look at why the home inspector might not be to blame.
 
We should note that we are talking about something that could happen as a result of the home inspection itself, not the accidental breaking of a household object such as a mirror or lamp, this would be a different matter.  By way of example, imagine the inspector is checking some electrical panel and a switch breaks or falls apart, should it be assumed that the inspector was too heavy handed?  No, the fact is that the switch was probably going to break whoever it was that touched it next.
 
We can see from this example, then, that damage can occur as a result of the homes deterioration and not necessarily from the home inspector’s clumsiness.  In fact, a home inspection is carried out so that these kinds of issues can be found by the inspector and not someone in the household who could potentially be injured by such a thing.  So, if you need to have a home inspection in the near future, its good to keep this in mind.

​Many buyers turn to foreclosures as a way of purchasing a property at a very low cost.  With so many of them available, it might seem like great idea.  While buying a foreclosure can work out in your favor, there are some things to think about.  For example, if you are looking to purchase a bank owned foreclosure, you might find that your real estate agent discourages you from having a home inspection done on it.  Why is that?
 
The real estate agent might reason that this will not alter the price on a bank owned property seeing that it comes “as is”.  However, this is not in your best interests.  What if there is a major flaw with the property that will end up costing you thousands? Isn’t it best to find this out before you sign the contract? Think about the very nature of a bank foreclosure property, if the homeowner couldn’t afford the mortgage, how much maintenance do you think has been done on the place?  It also happens that sometimes a homeowner will strip the house of anything worth having.  In some cases, they even vandalize their own properties or leave behind tons of junk and rubbish.  These are all things you will be responsible for.
 
When buying a bank owned foreclosure, it’s always in your best interests to have it inspected.  A home inspector can discover major problems with a property that would be extremely hard to find otherwise which could end up saving you a fortune. 

​Performing regular maintenance on your home is one of the best ways to avoid major issues later.  Some jobs may seem rather insignificant, but if left unchecked, could end up creating a big problem.  Take the bathroom for example, while most bathrooms are fitted with some type of extraction fan, how many of them are working as they should?
 
A bathroom fan can stop working for a few different reasons.  One reason could simply be that it has become clogged with dust and dirt.  A good cleaning should fix this issue but its best not to let it build up, so a monthly cleaning would be good.
 
Bathrooms are very humid places, so a fan is needed to extract excess moisture.  If the fan has been installed correctly, it should extract that moisture through duct work leading to the exterior of the home.  If it has not, problems could arise.  What do we mean by this? In some cases, the duct work has not been installed properly and does not reach to the exterior of the house, instead it might only go as far as the attic space.  Is this a problem?  While it might not affect the bathroom itself, it will eventually cause deterioration of attic materials and even create mold issues.
 
Keep your eye out for signs that your bathroom fan is not working, look for corrosion of metal fixtures, paint peeling or bubbling and, of course, excessive moisture on tiles and ceiling.
 
If you are concerned about whether the bathroom fan is venting to the attic, why not have it inspected? In this way you will be able to prevent those bigger problems down the road.

​Searching out alternate energy sources is something many people investigate, particularly if they are building their own home.  If you are in this position, it’s important to study every aspect of it, for example, how expensive will it be to install?  Will I save a lot of money? What kind of impact will it have on the environment?
 
Having these questions in mind, lets discuss solar energy.  Installing solar energy panels can be expensive which could possibly put some people off, but when you take time to consider the long-term rewards, it’s easy to see that it doesn’t take long to recoup the initial outlay.  In fact, you won’t just be saving money on your energy bills by choosing solar energy, you may even be able to make a profit from it.   This can be done with the use of net metering which works by selling surplus energy back to your power company.
 
There are many advantages to choosing solar energy.  Though the manufacture of solar panels will have somewhat of an environmental impact, the actual use of them produces no effect unlike fossil fuels etc.  They are also not only safer environmentally but are also noise friendly as they do not use loud equipment.  This is due to the fact that they do not need moving parts to function.  An additional advantage is the fact that their source of fuel will never run out and can be found all over.
 
It’s obvious that there are numerous benefits to using solar energy, nevertheless, it is important that before making a big decision such as using solar energy, make sure this is the right choice for you by getting to know all there is to know about it.

​Buying a home is a huge decision to make, there are many things to think about and you will, no doubt, experience a mixture of emotions.  With this in mind, its important to make sure you have the right people working for you, people that you can feel confident in, knowing they will do the best job.
 
Please watch the following video which helps you to see what is important when it comes to having your home inspected.  Here at Step By Step we work hard so that your home will be a the investment you want.  Its important to us that you purchase a home knowing all the facts about the property, good or bad.  Please don’t hesitate, if you have questions or concerns, to contact us.  We are happy to help you and are confident you will be happy you chose us for all your home inspection needs.  
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​We get to see all kinds of exterior cladding as home inspectors and one very popular choice is vinyl siding.  So, what makes it so popular? And are there any disadvantages to using it that we need to be aware of?
 
The reason that vinyl siding is a good choice is that, when installed properly, it is very durable, is not easy to dent, is rust proof and also fade resistant.  Considering that we need it to last for a long time, we can see that these are important qualities.
 
What can we say of any possible disadvantages?  Well, if you’re looking for vinyl siding to provide you with extra insulation, you would be disappointed as it will not increase energy efficiency.  Another thing to be aware of is that in the event of a fire, toxins that are harmful to health could be emitted from the vinyl siding.
 
As can be the case with many types of exterior cladding, in certain elements, vinyl siding can be prone to damage.  For example, extremes of weather temperature can affect it.  If temperatures become too hot, the siding could start to warp, melt and start to distort.  If the temperature goes to the other extreme and becomes too cold, it can become brittle and easier to crack.
 
From this brief review, we can see that vinyl siding can be a very good choice of exterior cladding, but it should be installed by someone who knows how to do it correctly.

​This is a question that home inspectors can hear a lot.  If you are buying a brand-new home, you might be wondering the same thing, after all, the home has just been built and has never been lived in so what’s the point of having it inspected? The reasons for doing so might surprise you, for example, were you aware that a house could develop certain issues even before the construction has been completed?
 
This month’s brief video provides you with some other, important reasons why you should have an inspection performed on your newly constructed home especially if you might consider selling it in future years.
 
We are always here to help you with all your home inspection needs so please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions you might have so that we can assist you with the home buying process.

​We are given many reminders on how important it is to frequently test the batteries in your smoke detector but, what else should we know about these life saving devices?  For example, how many should there be in a home? And what is the best position to place them?
 
Did you know that roughly 3,000 people die every year in the United States due to residential fires? That’s a substantial number.  Sadly, many of these deaths happen because the home did not have a properly functioning smoke alarm.  It’s clear to see the importance, then, of making sure we have the correct number of smoke detectors for our home and ensuring that they are well maintained.  Here are some things we should consider when it comes to smoke alarms.
 
Smoke alarms should be fitted on each occupied floor of the home, this would include basements and garages.  Since many fires happen when the homes occupants are sleeping, it is also best to have them in each bedroom or close to each bedroom, where they can be clearly heard.  They should be fitted to the ceiling or wall.  When fitting them to a basement ceiling, place them close to the basement stairs.  A very important reminder is to never disable the smoke detector, even if it is becoming annoying and going off when cooking is being done etc.  It is just too easy to forget to connect it again.
 
It is good for the family to be conscious of what to do in case a fire starts in the home.  Every so often, test the smoke detectors at night while others are sleeping to see if it effectively wakes up children and any members of the household, then educate them on what to do next.  Make sure the smoke detector warning sound is unlike any other sound in the house so that it is clearly identifiable.  Finally, make sure to test your smoke detectors at least once a month to ensure they are in good working order.

​If you have your home on the market, you will know how much work this entails, but, you also know, that it will be worth it in order to get the best price for your home.  You will, no doubt, then want the home inspection to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.  With that in mind, what are some ways you can assist the home inspector so that they can do their job thoroughly? Here are a few ideas:
 
Sometimes its just small, simple things that can prevent a home inspector from giving a full report.  For instance, make sure that light bulbs do not need replacing and that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors do not require new batteries. 
 
A home inspector will need easy, clear access to areas that are often used for storage like the basement and attic for example.  Try and have these areas cleared and make sure there are no locked areas that would prevent access.
 
Pets very often hinder a home inspection.  While they may normally enjoy access to all areas of the home, on the day of inspection, it would be best if they were in a secured area or kept away from the home.
 
You may have a list of repair jobs that you want to do to get ready for the sale.  Try to have these completed before the home inspector arrives for the inspection.  It would also be best to have any trees and shrubs that are too close to the house, trimmed back before inspection day. 
 
While these are just some simple suggestions, they will go a long way to making the home inspectors job easier and more thorough.  

​Most households have to cope with unwanted pests in their homes which means they need to find an easy way of getting rid of them.  There are a lot of different types of pest repellent available nowadays, so, which kind will be right for you? Perhaps you’ve considered ultrasonic pest repellents.  The question is, though, do they actually work?
 
Ultrasonic pest repellents are designed to repel pests by emitting a high frequency noise that is so unpleasant to them that they stay away from the area.  They are usually small devices that plug into a wall outlet, this makes them simple and easy to use.  Another advantage to using them is that they are not harmful to humans or larger pets.  However, let’s get back to the question, do they work?
 
Studies performed to test the effectiveness of such a device have yielded a variety of results.  For instance, they have been shown to have very little effect on pests such as cockroaches and do not seem to have any effect on spiders and ants.  It is also possible for some pests to even get used to the noise meaning that they could eventually stop becoming a deterrent at all.  Another issue is that the high frequency sound will not pass through furniture or walls, this means that the area covered might not be that great.
 
On the other hand, there are many consumers who have experienced great results from ultrasonic pest repellents.  So, what should you do?
 
The best thing to do if you decide you would like to try them out is do some research to decide which brand has the best reviews.  In this way you will make an informed decision.  If you find that this is not an effective pest control method, it might be wise to call a professional for advice on what you should do. 

​Selling your home is a big step and can also be a very stressful one.  You will want to do everything you can to get your home in shape so that you can achieve the best price for it.  As you will be very well aware, a potential buyer will have a home inspection performed on your home to make sure there are no hidden issues.  But, how would you feel if this report showed up problems you were not even aware of?  You would surely want to be the first to know.
 
For this reason, a pre-listing home inspection is such a key step to a successful sale.  Please enjoy the following video which discusses why it is such a good idea to have this type of inspection performed.
 
We are here to help you with this stressful process.  If you have any questions about pre-listing inspections or would like to schedule an inspection, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

​If you live in a multistory home, going up and down the stairs will not be something you think twice about, but stairs are responsible for many of the accidents that occur in the home.  Those especially vulnerable are the elderly, handicapped or young children, even guests to your home could be at risk if they are not aware of irregularities to do with your staircase.  What then, are some of the hazards to be aware of?
 

• Each stair should be of equal height.  If not, it becomes very easy to trip up them or worse still, fall down them.  When a staircase is too steep this can also be dangerous. 

 

• Make sure that handrails and banisters do not become loose.

 

• Carpet on stairs is another hazard to watch out for.  If the carpet becomes loose, someone could easily trip and fall.  Any loose carpet should be fixed straight away with carpet tacks or double-sided tape.  Stairs that are wooden can be just as much of a hazard if they are over waxed or polished.

 

• The staircase and surrounding area should have adequate lighting.  This is particularly important for those whose eyesight is failing or the elderly, as insufficient lighting could cause a person to trip or fall.   

 

• Outside steps are another area that need attention.  If they do not have the correct amount of slope so that water can run off them easily, they can become extremely dangerous, especially in winter conditions where ice can accumulate. 

 
Making sure all areas of our home are well maintained is a vital key to ensuring the safety of our households, so have a regular check of the staircase to ensure that they do not present a hazard.  

​Is buying a property listed “as is” a sensible choice?  Before we respond to that question, let’s consider why sellers decide to sell a home “as is”.  Much of the time it’s because they don’t wish to go through the bother of doing it up just to sell. Another reason is that they may want to avoid being responsible for any problems that may come with the place.
 
As to it being a sensible choice, it depends on how you go about the deal.  If you have found an “as is” property that you like and it’s the right price, it can be a great option.  But, before you sign on the dotted line, there are some things you should do first.
 
Make sure you have the property inspected by a certified home inspector.  Yes, you are buying the property in as it comes, but you don’t have to simply hope you got a good deal.  Having the home inspection done could end up saving you a fortune in the end by giving you an idea of the true condition of the home.
 
A written disclosure from the seller, informing you about the condition of the property is, in some States required by law.  Does that mean that you can forego the home inspection in this case?  The written disclosure is not always as honest as it should be and sometimes important information about the condition of the place is left out.  The home inspection will let you know whether you can trust the seller or not, by showing if vital information has been omitted.  If this ends up being the case, you may want to walk away from the sale. 
 
So, as we can see, buying a property “as is” can be a sensible choice as long as you act with caution and do what you can to find out its true condition.

Are you about to purchase a home and need to schedule a home inspection? You may have a few questions you’d like answers to beforehand.  A couple of questions you might have are: How long does it take to have the home inspection performed? And should you be present for it?


To answer the first question, the length of time it takes to complete a thorough home inspection will depend on a variety of factors such as the size of the home, how old it is, where its located and whether other areas like outbuildings etc. need to be looked at also.  In general, though, you ought to expect the home inspection to take roughly three hours.  Be wary of anyone who takes significantly less time to do it, as it may not be as thorough as it needs to be.


Should you be there for the home inspection?


It is always a good idea for you to be there for the inspection. There are a few reasons for this, one is that as you go through the home with the inspector, you will be getting to know a lot about the house you are wanting to buy.  The home inspector will point out areas of concern or any defects with the property.  That way, instead of just reading the findings in a report, you will have seen everything with your own eyes.  


You will also get to know important features of the home such as heating, cooling and plumbing systems etc.  It’s sensible to know as much about the property you are purchasing as you can.


A good home inspector will be happy for you to be there during the home inspection, but if they are not, this is possibly a caution against using them.  If you would like to schedule a home inspection or have any other question, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Have you decided to put your own home on the market? Whether the reason to do it without the use of a real estate agent is to save money or to simply be more in control, what are some things you can do to make a success of it?


Good preparation is the key.  You will need to gather as much information as you can about what types of rules and regulations you must abide by.  Be ready for a lot of, it might be a good idea to have a lawyer help you with understanding contracts and administration.


An essential part of selling your home is making sure its appealing for a buyer.  It should be in good order and ready for showing.  You will also be up against experienced real estate agents who are also selling homes in your neighborhood, so you want to give extra attention to making the house look good.


Experienced real estate agents obviously want the best deal for their clients, so its going to be important that you know how to negotiate the sale.  This could mean you have to turn down a few offers at first to get a reasonable price.


There are numerous websites available nowadays that offer information on how to sell a home.  Take advantage of these valuable tools.


As we’ve stated, its vital that you find out all the legal requirements involved in selling a home.  Remember, different laws apply for different zones, so find out as much information as you can about your specific location. 


Having a Move In Certified home inspection completed is also a crucial step when it comes to a successful sale. It helps you be the first to know about any problems with your property, and not a potential buyer. 


Please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule your Move In Certified home inspection.   

We know how vital safety in the home is, but were you aware that every year countless injuries are caused by improperly maintained automatic garage doors? It’s a good idea, then, to have a check of these doors periodically to ensure they are working correctly.  Although it’s important that a skilled professional is the one to fix your automatic garage doors, you as the homeowner can do some simple checks to determine if they are in need of work.  
 
Become familiar with the way these automatic doors function, after all they are one of the weightiest, objects that is constantly moving in our home.  They commonly have a spring-supported mechanism operated typically by a switch on the wall or a remote-controlled device.  There are a lot of moving parts to these mechanisms, so it makes sense that occasionally some of these parts will stop working.
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• Although this may seem like one of the most obvious safety steps, it is important that no one is permitted to walk underneath the garage door while it is in motion.  It can be very tempting to quickly duck underneath it, but while you might be ok, if your children are observing this, they may try it themselves.
• Make sure any younger members of the household are aware of the dangers that could arise if they start playing with pulleys or strings attached to the doors mechanism. 
• When performing your check of the doors, be sure to check that all the correct warning labels are in place and clearly visible.  
• Do you and everyone in the household know where the manual release handle is for the automatic door?    
• Have a thorough check of the framework as well as the garage door to see what kind of condition it’s in.  Make a note if it is showing sign of stress and wear, then call someone qualified to fix the problem, or ask them what you should do.  

 
Maybe this is a good month to perform your simple, automatic garage door check.