​If you are getting ready to put your home on the market, you may be thinking about ways you can improve the value of it. Although renovating some areas of the home can make it look like new, it isn’t always a good investment. What can you do instead? Try these remodeling alternatives which will cost you a lot less.
 
A great way to start improvements is by giving your entire home a thorough clean. Look for ways you could brighten up the home and allow more light to come in.  Cleaning the windows and removing any heavy window treatments are good ways to brighten a room. If there is foliage growing around the windows outside this will also prevent light from entering the home, so trim it back.
 
Is your home too cluttered? Try to think about the best way you can use a space. A cluttered home will not appeal to a potential buyer so, clear it out and put it in storage if you need to. Do you have a guest room that you hardly use? Could you re-purpose it and stage it as an office or other useful space instead? It will surprise you to see how much floor space your home has when you reduce your possessions.
 
Is the kitchen or bathroom looking a little dated? Instead of ripping them out and replacing them, why not refinish the cabinetry? Re-glazing a sink or bathtub can also extend the life of them. Another thing that can work wonders at transforming and brightening a home is a fresh coat of paint. It's also a fairly inexpensive option.
 
Stage the home so that you highlight the best features of every room and make each space look inviting. It is good to remember that most buyers will take a look at your home online first, so some clever staging will show the home at its best and make it look enticing in photos. If you don’t feel like you have the knack for staging your home, there are professional staging services that can help you.
 
These low-budget remodeling alternatives often give you the same results as a high-priced renovation will.

​So many of you enjoy gardening and perhaps you have a greenhouse on your property. Much like any structure, a greenhouse requires regular maintenance and upkeep so that it will keep working the way it is supposed to. With that in mind, here are a few maintenance and safety tips.
 
A greenhouse usually houses items like gardening equipment and pesticides, etc. that could be dangerous in the wrong hands, particularly young children, so it is best to keep the greenhouse locked whenever you are not using it.
 
Greenhouses are designed to create an ideal atmosphere for plants to grow by retaining light and heat, however, good ventilation is also needed to prevent greenhouse air from becoming too stagnant and humid. This would, not only make it too hot for plants to grow, but also create conditions for fungi to thrive.
 
To avoid too much moisture in your greenhouse which will encourage insects and harmful pathogens like mold, make sure you immediately fix any leaks that have developed.
 
Additional heating is often required in a greenhouse during the colder months. To avoid the risk of fire or other related safety issues, if you decide to use an electric heater for this make sure it is designed for outdoor use. As an extra safety measure, unplug any electrical appliances when not in use.
 
Yes, by taking the time to keep your greenhouse well maintained you will contribute, not just to a better environment for yourself, but one for your plants as well.
 

​Major earthquakes as we know cause major destruction to property but, what about minor tremors, either natural or manmade? Can these cause damage to our homes?
 
Minor earthquakes can damage our properties and expose potential weak areas of the home. This is because in parts of the country that do not see a great deal of seismic activity the building codes governing earthquake preparedness are not as strict which means that even minor tremors could potentially cause some damage. Let’s look at a couple of areas in the home that may benefit from added support.
 
Make sure that the foundations of the home are in good condition. Check that they securely fixed to the house itself and look for any signs of deteriorations such as crumbling or cracking cement. Even a small amount of ground movement could make this problem worse.
 
An extremely serious issue that often occurs during an earthquake is leaking gas. Any appliances that run on natural gas should be secured to the floor or wall. A manual shutoff gas valve should be very clearly labeled and have easy and clear access to it so that it is easy to turn off in a hurry.
 
The chimney is another area that can become very unstable after any type of ground movement. If the chimney is damaged it can run the risk of collapsing into the home which would potentially cause serious injury to anyone inside. If you have an unreinforced masonry chimney, it can be secured using sheet metal straps and angle bracing. You should also place children’s play areas away from the chimney’s location.
 
Securing freestanding appliances such as the water heater is another way to reduce the risk of damage during a minor earthquake. This can be done using metal straps.
 
There are many more ways a home can be made safe against ground movement, but these brief suggestions will help get you started.

​Light plays a major role when it comes to setting the right tone for your home and nothing is more preferable than natural lighting. But, what if there are darker rooms or areas in your home that do not allow for traditional windows, could natural light be incorporated in this kind of space? Here are a few options:
 
One of the most popular ways to add natural light, other than a traditional window, is with skylights. This window option is highly effective if you want a maximum amount of light. Just keep in mind, however, that when installing skylights, you must make sure the flashing is done correctly and that you select double-paned windows.
 
Another method for adding natural light into a dark space is with light tubes. These tubes are fitted with a lens designed to enhance low-level light while at the same time minimizing the intensity of the midday sun. They are also coated with a reflective material that enables light to channel through the tube. Then, to evenly distribute the daylight, a light diffuser is added.
 
Clerestory windows are another way to maximize natural light. These windows are usually positioned high on a wall and have a short but wide design. During the summer months, this design allows a lot of natural light but, due to the roofs overhang, not too much heat. During the winter months, however, they not only allow maximum light but add some heat as well, making them a good option for all seasons.
 
If you are looking for ways to add natural light into darker areas of your home, perhaps some of these natural lighting options would work for you.

​Ceramic tile is a popular choice for flooring as it is durable, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. However, over time, ceramic tiles can start to need maintenance and repairs. So, what types of problems do we often see with ceramic tile flooring, and what are some ways to repair them?
 
As we have mentioned, ceramic tile flooring is very durable but one common problem you may observe is cracks in the tiles. This is commonly caused by simple wear and tear. It could also be because the tiles were not installed correctly. You may also notice cracking tiles in areas that experience temperature extremes because, depending on the temperature, a house can expand or contract which will cause the tiles to crack. It should not be too difficult to repair cracked tiles. If the cracks are small you can use a little grout to fill them. If the crack is too big, however, the tile may need to be replaced.
 
Deterioration of grout is another issue you may experience with ceramic tile floors. It is not uncommon to see crumbling, cracked, or discolored grout which can easily happen. For example, if the grout is not properly sealed it will start to absorb moisture. Some areas you will see this more is in moisture-prone rooms such as the bathroom. If grout has become too damaged you will need to remove it and redo it.
 
Another issue that occurs from improper installation of ceramic tile is an uneven floor. While this is probably very noticeable, it’s a good idea to give the floor a thorough inspection. If the problem is particularly bad, the tile will need to be redone.

​Cutting down on home energy costs is something we all desire, particularly during these challenging times. So, how easy is it for a homeowner to lower energy costs while at the same time make the home more energy efficient? Perhaps surprisingly, there are some relatively simple ways you can improve a home’s energy efficiency, let's look at one of those ways, sealing and insulating.
 
When a house is tightly sealed this will, not only help lower the amount you spend on your monthly utility bills, but it can also help improve the home's indoor air quality and comfort, this is also something that most homeowners can do themselves. 
 
A good place to start when it comes to sealing and insulation is the homes attic space, this is because hot air rises so air leaks are more likely to felt at the highest point. Begin by plugging up the larger holes, these are more commonly found in dropped ceiling areas, behind or under attic knee walls, and where the attic wall meets the floor. Smaller holes can be sealed. These small holes can often be detected by the presence of darkened areas in the attic’s insulation. The attic’s access panel is another area that will benefit from weather stripping or foam board insulation.
 
When you have taken care of the attic space what other places might need insulating or sealing? Some other areas of the home may include window or wall mounted air conditioning units, window frames, baseboards, electrical outlets or receptacles, doors, and areas around piping.
 
Yes, many areas of the home will benefit from being properly sealed and insulated. By doing this you will increase the home's energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs.

​Our homes are vulnerable to all kinds of problems and one of those areas is wood decay or wood rot.  If left untreated, wood rot can become a big problem, one that would be very costly to fix. So, what is wood rot and what areas of the home are more susceptible to it?
 
What is wood rot? It is a type of fungus that destroys wood. This is not to be confused with the damage done by termites or carpenter ants, however.  In order to survive this wood-decaying fungus simply needs oxygen, moisture, and a food source and while it particularly loves a warm, damp environment, it can survive in a lot of conditions. It's clear from this brief description that wood rot can become a problem in many homes.
 
What are the places most at risk of wood decay in a home? Here are a few of them:
 
Roof penetrations with damaged flashing.
Any wood that is in direct contact with masonry, concrete, or soil.
The underneath of windows or sliding doors that have not been correctly installed.
The subfloor around toilets and bathtubs and areas which surround corroded plumbing fixtures or leaks.
Foundation cracks and places where water collects around the foundations due to improper grading.
Decking support posts as well as ground floor exterior decking.
 
These are just a few areas of a house that are vulnerable to wood decay. If you are concerned about this becoming a problem in your home, why not contact us? We will be happy to advise you.

​Damp basements are a common issue for many homeowners and can result in a number of problems for the home, including poor air quality and mold.  If you are trying to determine the cause of your damp basement, you may want to start by looking at other areas of the property to see if they are in disrepair.
 
One area you should check is the gutters and downspouts.  If they are damaged in some way or have become clogged and are leaking, this can cause a pooling of water around the foundation of the home.  If downspouts have been improperly installed, this can also be a problem.  Downspouts need to be fitted so that water drains away from the home, 10 feet away is an ideal amount.
 
Another problem that may cause a damp basement is if the property has insufficient or uneven grading or slope.  When there is an uneven or inadequate slope around the home, water will not be able to drain away properly and may collect in pools around the home.
 
Your home's location may be another factor.  For example, if the home is located at the base of a hill or incline, you could see pooling water.  As a solution to this, some homeowners dig small ditches, called Swales, about 10 to 15 feet away from their property which will divert water away from the home.
 
These are just of the ways a basement will become damp.  Please feel free to contact us for more information regarding a damp basement or any home inspection query.

Are you about to move into a new home that uses well water? Perhaps this will be the first time you have lived in a home with this type of water source.  If it is then there are some things you will need to be aware of.  For example, to make sure the water is safe for drinking, you will want to get it tested.  The reason for this is that well water can have all kinds of bacteria in it.  What kinds of bacteria are we talking about?
 
To help you understand the importance of testing your properties well water, please enjoy this brief video.  It will help to give you an idea of the types of bacteria your well water could be harboring, and how frequently the water should be tested.

​With the long, cold winter months also comes dry air and the issues this can create in our homes. Dry air causes a number of problems from dry skin and increased static shocks to peeling wallpaper and the warping of wooden furniture. One remedy for dry air in the home is a central humidifier, let’s look at how this works and why caution is also needed when operating one.
 
A central humidifier is generally fitted to the forced air system of the home and fed water via a connection to the home's plumbing system. This is then able to bring dry air relief to the entire home. A good option is a ‘trickle’ type humidifier. Although central humidifiers will help to eliminate dry air, if not maintained properly, other problems may arise. For example, bacteria or harmful fungus may start to form. Too much condensation caused by the humidifier can create the ideal atmosphere for mildew and mold. If mold starts to develop, this could produce a hazardous environment.
 
Before you go ahead and install a central humidifier in your home, make sure you are familiar with how it works and ways to maintain it so as to prevent any negative effects on your home and health. If your home already has a central humidifier, how well is it working? When did you last have it inspected? When we think that the air we breathe inside our homes could be damaging our health, we can see the importance of having the homes central air system checked regularly.