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.

​It can often take time to find the perfect home to buy and, while we hope there won’t be any major problems with it, a home inspection is essential to finding out all you can about the actual condition of the property.  But, what do you do if the inspection report does reveal issues with the property?
 
There are many defects that could be included on the report, some a lot more serious than others.  Perhaps the report notes that a few roof shingles are missing, or smoke detectors are not working properly, these are problems that can be fixed easily and for a reasonably low cost.  However, there are other issues that could be a lot more serious such as structural damage, mold issues or wood rot for example.  These would be a much bigger job and cost a lot more to fix, in some cases, it might be too big of an issue to go ahead with the purchase.  Whatever the case, it’s clear to see the wisdom in having the home inspected before committing yourself to it.
 
Sometimes the home inspector is also a building contractor, couldn’t you just ask them to fix any issues they find?  Although you may feel it’s a good idea, a good home inspector will explain why its not.  It could appear that it was advantageous for the inspector to find issues with the property in order to fix them, this might call into question the accuracy of the inspection report.  Find out if the home inspection company is familiar with and abides by the InterNACHI Code of Ethics.  Choosing an InterNACHI certified home inspector is the key to a thorough home inspection, one that you can feel confident about.  So, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to answer your home inspection questions.

​A kitchens garbage disposal unit is designed for small leftover food scraps to be ground up so that they are small enough to simply flush through the system and into the sewer or septic tank.  This plays its part in lessening the amount of waste that goes to landfills or waste management facilities.  While it might be very tempting to put anything that will fit down the garbage disposal, this is not a good idea and will reduce the life span of the unit.  So, what are some things that can and can’t be placed in the garbage disposal unit?
 
You may feel like any kind of liquid can be placed down the system but things like chemical, oil or grease should not go in there, particularly if you have a septic tank.  The garbage disposal is not intended for nonfood items either.  You may feel this is obvious but its surprising how many things end up in the sink along with food scraps, think of items like aluminum foil or even bottle caps.
 
Some foods could also create problems with a garbage disposal unit.  Harder items such as bones should not be placed down there, also foods that are particularly fibrous like corn husks and potato peelings can clog up the unit.  If you really want to put them down there, do so in small amounts and keep the water running for a little while even after switching off the garbage disposal. 
 
While these may seem like very simple suggestions, following them will do a lot to prolong the life of your kitchen garbage disposal unit.

​We all know that water can do a tremendous amount of damage to a property and, if left untreated, can become an unsafe environment.  So, what if, you’re looking for a new home to buy and find the ideal place but, it has a history of water or flood damage.  What should you do? Is it automatically a bad choice?
 
To answer those questions, we have the following video.  There are many different reasons a property might flood or have water damage, and this is a very important thing to know before making your final decision.  Another important factor is how thorough the repair work was carried out.  Flood damage to a property doesn’t always mean it’s a bad investment but knowing the facts about the home is very important.  We want to ensure you find out all you can about your potential new home, that is why we provide the most through, detailed home inspections.  We are always happy to help with all your home inspection needs. 
​

​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.