Like it or not, winter is not far around the bend, which makes this an ideal time for homeowners to prepare their homes before the snow flies. Here are simple and effective steps that will help you maintain the lifespan of your properties and save you money in the long run.
A home inspection allows homeowners to maximize efficiency and safety in their homes. The inspection provides a home maintenance schedule specific to that home as a way to assist the homeowner in maintaining the value of their investment.
It is especially important for people to clean gutters with downspouts and downspout extensions, so that when the snow melts on the roof the house helps water travel away from it. Otherwise blockages in these drainage systems create stagnant water that can freeze and thaw, and eventually cause ware to the shingles, rending the house vulnerable to damage. Another useful tip is to ensure attics are properly ventilated.
Ventilation with a good system of soffit and roof vents create conditions to continually take moist air away and stabilize the attic temperature. This allows homeowners to avoid moisture being absorbed in the home’s framing, which can weaken it.
Go around the exterior of your homes with an outdoor sealant. If you see worn out or cracked sealant at windows or holes on the exterior, seal these areas. This action will pay off in avoiding leaks into the house.
Not sure how to accomplish these tasks?  Not to worry. Home inspectors are great resources for providing personalized and expert consultations. However, for those more keen on DIY, follow these tips to save time, money and frustration this winter.
Inspect fireplaces and chimneys
“Screen off the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds. Check the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. If the chimney has not been cleaned, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.”
Inspect dryer hoses and exterior dryer vents
“Check for lint blockages to avoid fires. A dryer can only push the moist, hot air so far, and eventually lint will build up. This can burn out your dryer, taking longer to dry your clothes while using more electricity.”
Check heating systems
“Plan to change the furnace filter every month during the winter to reduce energy costs. It is also beneficial to switch thermostats out for programmable options.”
Check air ducts
“Remove the register covers and vacuum inside if the duct has been cleaned regularly. Check ducts for any air leakage that needs to be sealed to improve the airflow throughout the house.”
Prevent pipe freezing
“Ensure sprinkler systems are blown out and winterized, and exterior faucets and water lines are insulated. Drain the air conditioner pipes and shut off the water on air conditioners.”
Check windows and doors
“Weather stripping around doors and caulking around the windows will help prevent cold air from entering the home. Also make sure to switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage.”
Check roof for damage or missing shingles
“Replace worn roof shingles and check for missing ones to ensure water cannot enter the home.”
Prepare winter essentials
“Locate snow removal tools, such a snow shovel, plows, and snow blowers. Make sure they are ready to go.”

Seasonal home maintenance is something home owners know needs to be done, especially for cooler weather. Just by doing these easy little things can potential issues.
What are the best ways to prepare your home for the fall? Here are our top 10 fall home maintenance tips!
1.  FURNACE MAINTENANCEYour furnace should be serviced at least once a year. It’s best to do it in the early fall, before you need to turn it on for the winter. This ensures that it’s operating properly and efficiently, and that there are no dangerous issues that have gone unnoticed, like carbon monoxide leaks due to a cracked heat exchanger.
There are a few different things you can do to prepare your furnace for the fall and winter, like:

• Change the air filter – Your air filter is easy to access, and should be changed about every 3-6 months. If you have pets or live in a dusty climate, you may want to replace it even more regularly than this.

• Clean the combustion chamber – Using a wire brush and a shop vacuum, you can remove carbon buildup from the combustion chamber, which prevents corrosion and allows for a longer furnace life, and better energy efficiency.
• Inspect the flue – The flue is the pipe that sends exhaust outside of your home. You can inspect it and check for leaks, sealing any small leaks with foil tape. Large leaks and corrosion may require you to replace the flue.

• Clean floor vents – You should clean your floor registers with a vacuum every year, to make sure that they are not blocked, and that debris does not fall into the furnace.

These are easy enough for just about anyone to do, and performing these steps on your own can save you some money.
2.  WEATHERPROOF YOUR DOORSWeatherproofing a door is the process of examining the weather stripping and gaps in your doors, in order to determine if they may cause leaks or a draft, and then replacing weather stripping and other elements, as necessary.
First, inspect the door. If you can see light coming through, chances are its drafty – and needs to be weatherproofed. Then, you can use caulk to fill up minor gaps, or use backer rod to fill in larger gaps. You also may want to replace damaged weather stripping on the interior or exterior of the door.
Want to weatherproof your doors yourself? Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you’ll need to do! 
Weatherproofing helps prevent water from getting into your home, and also eliminates drafts which can reduce the effectiveness of your heating systems, and raise your utility bills.
Weatherproofing also can help prevent damage to the subfloor below your exterior doors. If moisture and dampness get inside, it can eat away at the floor material, and cause issues like mold and mildew.
A properly weatherproofed door won’t need to be redone for several years, but if you live in a harsh climate, you may need to replace weatherproofing more often.
It’s best to simply examine your doors every year. If you notice gaps or drafts, you may need to weatherproof your doors again. If you don’t notice any issues, you’re good to go for another year!
With these simple tips, you can make sure that your weatherproofing lasts longer – and that you won’t have to keep redoing your doors every year.
3.  CLEAN YOUR GUTTERSYour home needs regular maintenance to keep it safe and in good condition, and gutter cleaning is one of the most important steps. Clogged gutters can damage your roof and cause leaks, cause ice damming in the winter, or even lead to foundation issues.
So grab a ladder, a plastic bag or a bucket, and get up to the roof! Make sure to stay safe on the ladder, and place it safely and securely. You may be able to walk on your roof if it’s not steeply pitched, but it’s usually better to stay on the ladder.
Grab all the debris from your gutters and dump it in your bucket or bag, and flush the gutter by using a hose. Repeat until all your gutters are clean. Once you get used to it, it should only take you an hour or so.
It’s usually recommended to do it twice a year – once in the late spring, and once in the early fall. However, if you live in an area without too many trees, you may be able to do it just once a year. Conversely, if you live underneath pine trees, or in a heavily forested area, you may want to clean your gutters every 3 months to ensure they don’t get clogged.
4.  FLUSH YOUR HOT WATER HEATERFlushing your water heater can help remove sediment from the tank, and prolong its lifespan, and fall is the perfect time to do this.
If you’re not handy and don’t like working with tools, you may want to hire a professional to do this. It’s not expensive, and the cost of a maintenance call is small, compared to the benefits of a longer water heater lifespan.
If you want to try to do it yourself, though, this guide from Family Handyman is a good place to start. You’ll save a little money, and learn more about how your water heater works!
5.  SHUT OFF EXTERIOR FAUCETSIf you don’t shut off the water supply to your exterior faucets from inside your house, the pipes leading to it may crack and freeze, which can cause leaks, and cost a lot of money to replace.
If you have a “frost-free” faucet, you may not need to do this. A good rule of thumb is that, if a faucet knob is perpendicular to the house, it’s frost-free, and uses what’s called a “frost-free sillcock” to prevent freezing – but make sure you double-check.
If your sillcock is not frost-free, there should be a shut-off valve for the exterior faucet, somewhere on the pipe that leads to it. Locate this, and shut it off. Then, open up the outside faucet, and then open the adjacent bleeder valve to let any remaining water drain out.
6.  WINTERIZE A/C SYSTEMYour air conditioner can be damaged by the ice, snow, debris, and other weather-related conditions of the fall and winter. That means you should winterize it before it gets too cold outside.
Winterizing your A/C is simple to do.

1. Simply begin by removing grass, leaves, twigs, and other debris from the unit itself. Then, use a garden hose to rinse it, and remove more debris, dirt, and dust.

1. Allow the unit to dry, then cut off the electrical power at the electrical circuit, to keep it from switching on if a day is unexpectedly warm. After this, install rubber pipe insulation around the pipes to protect against freezing.

1. Then, cover your unit with an A/C cover, to keep ice, snow, and other debris from building up on it.

7.  CLEAN CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACEYour chimney and fireplace should be cleaned and inspected yearly to make sure they’re safe to use. Generally, a professional is required, as they will be able to recognize any issues with your fireplace, and be able to give it a deep clean which will prevent dangerous chimney fires. You should also clean out your fireplace.
If you don’t use your chimney or fireplace in the winter, you may be able to do this once every two years – but we don’t recommend this, as the chimney is a common failure point when it comes to roof leaks. A regular inspection every year helps keep it clear, and ensures it’s not leaking.
8.  TEST YOUR SUMP PUMPYour sump pump keeps water out of your basement, and away from your foundation. If it fails during the winter, and water builds up underneath your home, it can freeze and crack, which may cause permanent damage to your foundation.
So make sure you test your sump pump out. You can hire a professional, or follow this guide to do it yourself. You should test your sump pump regularly throughout the fall and winter, whenever there is a heavy downpour.
9.  CHECK FOR CRACKS IN PAVEMENTThe corrosive properties of road salt, as well as the thermal expansion of pavement during freezing and refreezing, can turn small pavement cracks into serious damage, and carve out chunks from your driveway the next spring, after the winter has passed.
This is why you should check for cracks in your pavement in the fall. You may want to consider re-sealing your driveway if you have a lot of cracks. If you just have a few cracks, you can use asphalt driveway repair caulk to plug them up, and keep them protected during the fall and winter.
A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way, and can keep your driveway intact and in great shape.
10. CHECK YOUR WINDOWS You should check your windows for damage and loose frames, to make sure they’re in good shape before the winter. In addition, you may want to install additional weather stripping or caulking around them, to prevent drafts and keep your power bills low.
If you’re serious about energy conservation, you could also invest in a pair of energy-efficient cell blinds, as well as heavy blackout curtains. Combined, these window treatments can help insulate your windows, keeping you comfortable and reducing your power bill.
 
Get Ready For The Cold Weather!Regular home maintenance is key for simplifying home ownership, and avoiding major repairs and unexpected costs. So follow these tips, and keep your home safe this fall and winter.

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.


Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.


Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.


Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

Important home inspection tips for buyers

While it’s typical for a home inspector to find minor issues, there are eight problems that should warn you to proceed with caution or walk away from the house completely. Before you purchase, thoroughly inspect it for the following home inspection red flags to find out if they’re deal breakers.

1. Asbestos. Many homes built before July 1989 may contain this hazardous material. If asbestos is present, it must be removed and properly disposed of by a professional. If that’s the case, this costly job should be factored in before making the decision to bid on the house.
2. Electrical or plumbing problems. Many plumbing and electrical problems are small and inexpensive to fix. Some people try to save money by doing projects themselves or by hiring an amateur. If the previous homeowners cut corners with wiring or plumbing, consider repair costs when deciding whether to purchase the house.
3. Foundation issues. Not all small cracks are deal breakers. When it comes to foundation issues, the main objective is to determine the causes behind cracks. Is it just minor settling of the structure? Or is it more serious, such as large tree roots or poor soil conditions? Once you’ve found the cause of the cracking, you’ll be able to better assess whether you’re willing to move forward.
4. Lead paint. In addition to asbestos, older homes may also contain lead paint. This could be a deal breaker, especially for families with young children. Lead paint is extremely dangerous when consumed and removing lead paint can be costly.
5. Mold. Not all mold issues are created equal. If mold is found in the bathroom it can be fixed simply by installing an exhaust fan, it’s not cause for great concern. However, if mold is caused by a roof leak, or irrigation or plumbing damage, you may want to research the repair costs before moving forward.
6. Old roof. A home inspector will be able to help you determine if any roofing issues are minor, or if there is any damage under the roof. Keep in mind that replacing a roof is one of the most expensive home repairs and can cost thousands of dollars.
7. Pests. From wood-eating insects like termites, to cockroaches, to burrowing rats and mice, pests can damage the structure of a home in many ways. However, not all pest problems are as serious as others. When in doubt, call in a pest control company to give you a quote before closing on the house.
8. Water damage. Be sure to get an explanation for any water damage you discover. Find out if the basement is likely to flood or if rusty pipes played a role. These larger issues should raise a red flag and help you determine if this is a deal breaker for you.

The information uncovered in the home inspection can be used for negotiation with the seller. If the home has major issues, you may ask the seller to fix the problems or drop the asking price so you have extra money to take care of them yourself

June is here! Here is a short home repair checklist to help you avoid expensive repairs later and keep your home safe and efficient.

• Tighten Loose Screws & Nails on Porches & Fences – Wood expands and contracts with changing temperatures and weather.  Boards will loosen and warp if not maintained.  To ensure your porch or fence lasts, tighten screws and hammer protruding nails carefully to make sure you don’t cause the wood to crack by over tightening.

• Test & Adjust Gates – The bottom boards can break and gates can sag as they get older.  Boards may need to be replaced and sagging can be fixed by adding diagonal cross bars of woven metal or wood to straighten.  Gates can also sag if they do not have enough hinges.  To save money, many fences are built with 2’ x 3’s instead of 2’ x 4’s and 2 or 3 hinges are used instead of 4.  If a sagging gate has less than 4 hinges, adding hinges will prevent future sagging.

• Clean & Seal Fence and Porch Area – Do this once each year to extend fence and porch life.  Make sure that once you use one kind of product for this that you continue to only use the same type product every year in the future to prevent any incompatibility problems.

• Fill Up All Sinks & Check Drains for Leaks – Visually check for leaks and check drain speed by filling up sinks and watching how fast they drain.  If you’ve noticed water build up in the sink, while using it, it’s at least partially clogged.  Use a natural product like Bio-Clean to unclog your drainpipes.

• Change Furnace Air Filters – Filter out allergens and keep your furnace running efficiently by changing your air filters.  We recommend microbial type filters. Change monthly or as recommended by manufacturer.

• Test All Smoke or CO Detectors – Push the button on the unit to check it – a few minutes doing this each month could save your family’s life in a fire.

• Have Air Ducts Cleaned Every Other Year – It’s important to make sure the service you choose uses equipment that sucks and scrapes anything inside the ducts out to their truck or at least outside your house.  Make sure to use a service that provides video of the before and after and that any seams that need to be patched are patched with metal tape, not fabric.

The warm weather months are the prime season for real estate buying and selling, and millions of Americans are busy shopping for homes and finalizing their transactions. Purchasing a home is typically the largest financial transaction of a person’s entire lifetime, and those who realize the American Dream through home ownership want assurance that their home is well constructed so that it can potentially last a lifetime. For that reason it is always highly recommended that before closing on any home the buyer should hire a licensed and qualified home inspector to thoroughly evaluate its structural and mechanical performance.
Here are some tips for ensuring a successful home inspection:

• Schedule the home inspection as soon as possible after submitting an offer to purchase.  That will allow you enough time to negotiate any potential repair allowances or expenses with the seller. It will also give you time to have repairs or other remedies completed and, if necessary, inspected again before the date of your closing.

• Attend the inspection, if possible. Being on hand while the inspector examines the home offers you a rare opportunity to ask questions and get valuable home maintenance advice. The inspector can point out particular areas of interest to you and explain any special concerns or issues he or she discovers.

• Don’t neglect the home inspection process just because you are buying a new home from a developer or builder. Some of the most catastrophic problems with homes have been found in new construction, and if nobody has lived in the home before then there is no one to verify whether or not problems or potential problems exist. A professional inspector knows exactly what to look for – even in the examination of a brand new house – and they will give you a full report to help you make your important buying decisions.

• Once you receive the inspection report take some time to read through the entire document. Many homeowners simply scan the report for problems and then toss it out or file it away somewhere. But each report contains lots of insightful information about the property. Knowing what the inspector found and described about your home can make you a more informed consumer and a more conscientious homeowner when it comes time for proactive home maintenance.

• The inspection report also gives you a common reference document that is written in appropriately technical language. That means that referring back to the home inspection report can facilitate clear understandings during discussions about your home with contractors, tenants, insurance companies, real estate agents, and other interested parties.

• Even if the home has been recently inspected and the current owner shares that official inspection report with you, you should still exercise your right to hire your own inspector. Houses aren’t static, unchanging structures. The condition of a home can change drastically within a very short time, and relying on outdated information – even if it was accurate at the time it was compiled – can be a serious mistake.

• Before hiring a home inspector, first confirm his or her professional credentials. Each state has its own criteria and licensing or certification system for home inspectors. You want to be sure that yours has the educational and training background required – as well as current and verifiable professional certification.

A professional home inspection is one of the best investments you can make, and it represents just a small fraction of the cost of the real estate purchase. Nobody would risk buying a car without first having it checked-out by a knowledgeable mechanic or other car expert. Otherwise they can end up paying a considerable amount of money for a lemon. But compared to the price of a home, vehicle purchases are relatively minor. Trust the experts before signing on the dotted line and signing up for a long-term mortgage commitment.
Hire the best possible home inspection professional, and then rest assured that you can make a wise, well-informed, confident home purchase. Not only will the expertise of a professional home inspector provide you will valuable insight and information, but it can also offer you invaluable peace of mind and reassurance during the often stressful process of buying a home for yourself and your family.

Spring is here and like most homeowners, I’ve been spending time opening windows and clearing the (literal) cobwebs from my home. The air is a bit warmer, the light lasts longer and although my yard will need some help recovering from the winter chill, it feels good to step outside. Spring cleaning is a ritual for many homeowners, we feel more inclined to change our decor and tidy up from the long winter of near-hibernation. But spring cleaning is also a ritual because many people suffer from pollen-related allergies; the sneezing and snuffling motivates us to clear the dust and the clutter. Cleaning companies are busier as homeowners desire a thorough clean (windows, carpeting, appliances, etc.). It’s the perfect time of year to scrub the corners and crevices of the home.
Allergens can be the fault of blooming trees and plants and can easily make it’s way into our homes. Allergens can also come from the home itself: dust mites, insect droppings, pet dander, mold and mildew are all known contributors to respiratory issues. If your family is suffering from constant itchy eyes and sinus issues it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the inside of your home. Be sure to use non-toxic cleaners (you can find easy and inexpensive cleaning recipes here) so you don’t further aggravate a family member’s sensitivities. You’ll love your home more if it’s not making you physically sick!

Here are the most common rooms to address if you are suffering from allergies:
KitchenFirst and foremost, be sure you are regularly wiping down surfaces including the hard-to-reach areas like behind appliances or inside cupboards. Paying attention to the accumulation of dust and debris in these “hidden” areas will help you spot early signs of insects and other pests. Pet hair and dander also love to gather in the corners and recess of the kitchen. Clean out the vents so that smoke and steam are ventilated properly during cooking. Mold and mildew are a constant battle in the kitchen where moisture, temperature and food gather together. Make it a habit to regularly clean out the refrigerator and pantry. Wipe down the rubber seals on your refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. Regularly wipe down the garbage can and surrounding areas. Homeowners usually enjoy a clean kitchen and unfortunately many of us use toxic chemicals to create a sanitary environment. These chemicals are often irritating to sinuses, lungs and skin so consider using these easy-to-follow and inexpensive natural cleaners.
BathroomMold and mildew will be your biggest chore in the bathroom. To make things easier, keep a small tub of non-toxic cleaning products in the bathroom so you can quickly clean on a regular basis. Replacing plastic shower liners with a resistant liner can help. As does making sure you have a properly installed bathroom vent to help suck out the moist air. Dust and dander can also accumulate in the bathroom so wipe down surfaces once a week.
BedroomThe biggest chore in the bedroom is addressing dust mites and other allergy-triggers. Pillows and mattress covers should be replaced every 1-3 years. Some pillows don’t wash very well so read the label if you plan on washing them. Using a high-quality pillow cover and pillow case can help extend the life of your pillow. Vacuuming regularly under the bed, where dust bunnies accumulate is important as is keeping the surfaces near where you sleep (like your nightstand) dust-free.
Attic & BasementIf your attic or basement are used for storage you’ll want to check your belongings for dust accumulation, mildew and pests. Because these areas are usually walked through or inspected, it’s an opportune place for things to grow and accumulate. Cleaning and organizing these spaces is the best way to start the process. If you notice a lot of dust and debris be sure to wear a HEPA mask so you don’t inhale unwanted toxins. Call a debris hauling company if you have a lot of items that should be removed permanently from the home. Instead of storing items in cardboard, consider purchasing clear plastic boxes. They are easier to stack and it’s easy to see from afar what the boxes contain. Storing the boxes on inexpensive shelving will also help you consolidate items. Any plumbing in the basement should also be inspected for leaks as mold and mildew can quickly gather in a basement.

If Spring has come to your neighborhood then you might be in the throes of warmer weather and more hours of daylight. This is good news for homeowners who may find they have a bit more time, and motivation, to get out into the yard or work on the house.

Not sure what your home or property needs done this month? Looking for someone to do these projects for you? Here are some ideas to get you motivated and get your to-do list done!

House cleaning
Let a professional tackle your spring cleaning! Aside from the usual housecleaning tasks, consider having your carpeting, upholstery, drapery and windows cleaned as well as outdoor patio items like your grill or outdoor furniture.

Exterior cleaning
If your exterior siding, roof, gutters, patio, driveway and walkways need cleaning, try a professional pressure washing company. Removing moss and algae build-up is important not just for looks but for keeping these materials in good shape and ensuring a safe walk up to the house.

Landscaping services
If your yard needs some post-winter cleanup, consider hiring a landscaping company. They can deliver large quantities of mulch or gravel, remove debris from the garden beds, lay down new sod, and make your yard ready to support spring and summer growth.

Exterior projects
​Need to repair your deck? Want a new pathway in the yard? Does the fence need mending? April is a great time to book a professional to get exterior structural projects done. Getting these tasks done right will help ensure safety in your yard and can add value to your property.

Perform these simple maintenance jobs to fend off potential moisture problems, prevent costly repairs, and pave the way for a trouble-free summer.

Clean GuttersWhat? Again? Yup, consider this the early-spring edition of a twice-yearly (at least) outdoor maintenance task (a big reason folks love single-story houses). Look in gutter bottoms for loose granules that signal your asphalt roof may need replacing (see Roof Inspection, below).

Got gunk in the downspout gooseneck? Ream it out with a garden hose. Take off any nozzle and have a helper turn on the water when you’re ready. Shove the hose into the downspout to power out of gooseneck bends. Make sure your downspouts channel water at least five feet from foundation walls.

Inspect Your Roof If you’re cool with heights, do an inspection from a securely set ladder. If not, use a pair of binoculars. You’re looking for: curled and missing shingles, rusted and pitted flashing, and cracked caulk around pipe collars, skylights and other roof penetrations.

If your roof is relatively flat and you’re confident about working on a roof, do the repairs yourself. Steep roofs require safety equipment, such as a harness. If you’re unsure, opt for safety first and call in a pro. Expect to pay a licensed roofing contractor $100 to $200 for minor repairs; $300 to $500 to replace flashing and boots.

Repair PaintKeep painted surfaces in good repair by scraping off any chipped and peeling paint and spot painting exposed surfaces. “The worst thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot,” says Brian Gummel, president of The Painting Company in Edgewater, Md.

Pressure wash your home's exterior and look for any chips in the paint. Exposed wood can rot, so give worn areas a new coat.

Trim Overgrowth Spring is a good time to trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house —get an early start before leaves grow and while you can see individual limbs. Keep branches 5 to 7 feet away from your house so they can’t conduct moisture onto your roofing and siding. You’ll also help discourage squirrels and raccoons from exploring ways to nest in your attic.

Always use clean landscaping trimmers and cutters to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Clean off blades with a little bleach on a rag, and dry the cutting surfaces thoroughly. Keep tools sharp to prevent tearing bark.

Ensure Good DrainageGood drainage is the soul of a happy house. To keep your hacienda smiling (and help put the kibosh on mold, mildew, termites and basement leaks), check to make sure the soil slopes away from foundation walls at least six vertical inches over 10 feet. That’ll move rain and snowmelt far enough away to prevent problems.

Check Foundation VentsA house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that helps dissipate excess moisture and prevent mold growth. The vents have screens that keep critters from taking up residence under your residence. The screens usually are recessed and become catch-alls for leaves, twigs and assorted debris.

Spring is a great time to clean out foundation vents and check screens for damage. Clean the vents by hand or a shop vacuum. Repair any damaged screens knowing that a rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, and mice can get inside a hole barely bigger than the diameter of a pencil!

Inspection day is often one of the most exciting moments of home buying because it’s likely the first chance you have to go inside the home since you made your offer. It’s also usually the last chance you’ll have until a final walkthrough. But more importantly, it’s your opportunity to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to the condition of the home.
Home inspections can be reassuring, fun and exhausting all at the same time.
Home inspections don’t just provide you with a list of problems you want to negotiate with the seller to fix or something catastrophic that makes you back out of the deal altogether. It will provide you a detailed report that is something of a “new owner’s manual” for the home. It will include maintenance tips and schedules you should follow.
Inspection dayYou should plan on being there and your agent should be right there with you the entire time. Chances are the seller’s agent will be there, too to help get any quick answers the inspector might need. Block off the entire morning or afternoon. Home inspections take time and you don’t want to rush through it. During this time, follow along as much as you can. You don’t have to follow the inspector into the crawlspace – they bring protective clothing just for that – but anyplace reasonably accessible, you should go too.
You aren’t being a pest. (That’s a different inspection altogether. If you have any reason for concern, hire an additional pest inspection.) You’re being a student. Inspectors will explain your home’s systems and give you maintenance tips. Those should also be in the final report, along with pictures. But hearing and seeing it in person is helpful. The day of inspection will probably feel like a whirlwind of activity. You may be a little nervous about what the inspector will find. It will help if you make like a Boy Scout: Be Prepared.
Home inspection checklistYou should start preparing for a professional inspection when you initially tour the home, before making an offer. This will give you an idea if there are any areas you want the inspector to pay special attention to. A good inspector will address these issues in the report you pay for. Use this checklist to help figure out what to look for ahead of time and in the final report. If any of these items aren’t covered in the inspection report, ask why not.
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?
Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?
Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?
Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?
Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.
Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there’s a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?
Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?
Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?
Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.
Full disclosureIn addition to your own eyes, ears and nose, you should get a seller’s disclosure statement before your inspection. Use the statement to help you pinpoint anything you want your inspector to look at. If they disclosed that they had a leaky window replaced or repaired, make sure that gets some extra attention from your inspector.
Disclosure requirements vary by state and sometimes local jurisdictions, so ask your real estate agent if you have any questions about what is included. Disclosure typically comes in the form of boilerplate documents with a series of yes/no questions for the seller to detail their home and their experience there.
One thing to look for is whether any unpermitted work has been done. If so, you could be on the hook for bringing the house up to code should you ever remodel. Even if that’s not even remotely on your radar, unpermitted work needs to be carefully inspected, particularly electrical and plumbing work.
Inspectors aren’t perfectWhat happens if your inspection comes back clean but you find problems after you move in? It depends. First, the inspection will only cover things they can see. They aren’t tearing out walls and don’t have x-ray vision so problems that are truly hidden aren’t really their fault. (Unless they missed what should have been obvious signs of a potential hidden problem.)
Look carefully at your contract. Will they pay for repairs of things they should have caught but didn’t? Or will they only refund your inspection fee? The bottom line is that you may end up taking them to court if it’s a big enough deal. So a leaky faucet? That’s just the joy of homeownership. A structural failure that leads to the home being condemned? Probably worth talking with a lawyer. But you should also understand that things happen. This is part of being a homeowner. An inspector can’t forecast the future. Sometimes stuff happens.