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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​A burglar is an opportunist and will look for any weak spot on your property that they can use to gain access to your home. To make your home a more secure place you will want to make it as unattractive as possible to a would-be intruder. Here are a few ways you can do this:
 
First of all, you can design the landscaping in your yard in such a way that would deter a burglar. You do not want to cover the entrance or windows of the home with trees and shrubs as this will provide a good cover for someone while they try to break in. Fencing can be a good deterrent but, again, it should not provide a shield for the burglar.
 
The exterior door should be solid with good locks. Windows should also be made of solid materials and strong glass and show no signs of deterioration. In areas most at risk of intruders, you can install window bars or heavy-duty wire screens. Just make sure that the home's occupants could exit the windows easily in the event of an emergency.
 
Sliding glass doors should be secured with locks both on the top and bottom of the door. Another simple step you can take is to place a piece of wood such as a cut off broom handle into the door track which will prevent it from being opened.
 
Burglars don’t want to be seen by neighbors or passersby, so lighting is a good deterrent. It is helpful to install lights on every side of the house and have them fitted with motion sensors. If you are not going to be at home, leave a few lights on in the house to make it seem like you are in.
 
Yes, make your home as unappealing to an intruder as possible by making it very difficult to enter your home.

​If you have just completed the home buying process and the time has come for you to finally move into your new home, you will want to take some time to get settled and enjoy it. Naturally, after investing so much time and money into the purchase of your new home, you will also want to keep it well maintained. What are some of the ways you can do this?
 
The following short video will help to give you an idea of the kinds of tasks you can include in your home maintenance routine. While it's true that the home has just been inspected before finalizing the sale, you can begin your home maintenance routine straight away and begin protecting your new investment.

​It is not pleasant to think that dust mites are living in our homes but, the fact is that they are present in pretty much every home. Dust mites can be so prevalent that in just one square yard of carpet there could be as many as 100,000 dust mites. In general, dust mites are not considered to be a big problem; however, they do trigger allergies in many people so, what are some things you can do to lower the number of dust mites in your home?
 
While there are numerous detergents and other products available that are intended to protect you from dust mites, etc. these are very often not as effective as they claim to be. Before using a chemical approach there are some other methods you can try to eliminate them. Here are some of those methods:
 
One place where dust mites are often abundant is in bedding. If you want to eliminate all dust mites from your bedding then it’s recommended that you wash it at a minimum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also put your bedding in the dryer for 10 minutes at a high temperature and this will also kill them.
 
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions so try to find ways to reduce humidity levels. Air conditioners and electric blankets have been found to be effective.
 
Vacuuming is another very good way to reduce a dust mite population, if possible use a vacuum with a HEPA filter as this will prevent dust from going back into the air. It's best to dust your home with a damp cloth so that you avoid a redispersion of dust onto other surfaces. When vacuuming, don’t forget to include textiles, and other soft furnishings, etc. as well as carpets and flooring.
 
Air purifiers are also beneficial, especially in homes with allergy sufferers. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter are best to use. It is good to be aware, though, that while air purifiers will help to lower the number of dust mites in the air, it will not eliminate them completely as dust mites are not usually airborne.

If you are trying to live within a budget you may be thinking about different ways to save money. Making your home more energy efficient is a good way to save on household bills and one thing that most homeowners can do themselves is sealing and insulating gaps and holes. Here are some areas of the home where air tends to escape:
 
The attic spaces. Due to the fact that heat rises the attic is an area that you will notice leaking air. You will often experience bigger gaps and holes in dropped ceiling areas, behind or under attic knee walls, or the area where the attic meets with the floor, so you will want to plug up any of the holes you find there. Next, seal up small holes. If you are wondering how to find smaller holes, one clue to watch out for is patches of insulation which have become darker than the rest. The attics access panel is another area that will benefit from weatherstripping or foam board insulation.
 
As well as the attic, what other areas of the home can benefit from sealing and insulating? Some places you will want to check are doors, window frames, baseboards, window or wall mounted air conditioners, electrical outlets or receptacles, and piping. 
 
These are just a few of the places throughout the home that can become more energy efficient if they are sealed or insulated. Plus, as well as saving you money on cooling and heating costs, a tightly sealed home will also contribute to better indoor air quality and comfort.

​If you are about to move into a home that has a grinder pump, it is important to know how one functions and what you need to do to keep it well maintained. In this blog, we are going to discuss some basic ways to do this but let’s start with the reasons a home may need one.
 
When there is a plumbing system below or even at the same level as a public sewer line or septic tank, as in the case of a basement bathroom, for example, waste is not able to flow fast enough through the system. A grinder pump helps to push waste matter quickly through the plumbing system. It does this by grinding up the waste so that it becomes a slurry and then pumping it through into the sewer or septic tank. 
 
For obvious reasons, then, you would not want the grinder pump to stop working. To avoid problems there are some items you should never place down the toilet. These items include diapers, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, aquarium gravel, plastics, toxic chemicals, and grease which can build up in the tank.
 
It is also important to remember that grinder pumps are powered by electricity so if the home loses power its best to use as little water as possible to prevent the tank overfilling. You should also avoid connecting the grinder pump to a sump pump as this uses an excessive amount of electricity and will overwork the pump.
 
Another basic reminder is that if you are going to be away from home for a few days you will need to prepare the tank. You can do this by running water so that you activate the grinder pump, this will flush the tank with clean water and stop any nasty odors from entering the home.

Wood rot also referred to as wood decay is a type of wood-destroying fungus that can cause major damage to a home if left untreated. Isn't it a good idea, then, to know the areas of your home that may be more susceptible to wood rot?

Firstly, it's good to know a couple of basic things about wood rot. For example, to survive it requires oxygen, moisture, and a food source. It particularly thrives in damp, warm environments but it has the ability to survive in many other conditions. You should also be aware that there are other things that can damage wood in a home such as carpenter ants or termites so its good to have the problem diagnosed by a professional.
 
There are many areas in a home that can become affected by wood rot, here are a few of them:
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• Wood that comes into direct contact with masonry, concrete, or soil.
• The surrounding subfloor areas of bathtubs and toilets, also around corroded or leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures.
• Foundations. Look for cracks in the home’s foundations or any places where water pools around the house due to insufficient grading.
• The underneath of sliding doors or windows that have not been installed properly.
• Roof penetrations with damaged flashing.
• Decking, especially ground floor exterior decks and support posts.

 
If you have some concerns that wood rot may be a problem in your home, why not have it inspected? This way the problem can be diagnosed and hopefully remedied before it becomes a costly repair. 

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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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