​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. 
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​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.