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.

While there are not many seasonal tasks for basements, there are a few things you want to keep an eye out for during the year. Seasonal basement maintenance is likely to make a difference in how your basement performs all year long. Whether your primary concern is reducing flooding during the rainy season or having a relaxing environment to cool off during the hot summer months, these simple, seasonal basement repairs are going to make trips to your cellar a little more fun and a little safer, too!


Winter and Rainy Season Basement MaintenanceThough foundation cracking is something that can happen at any time of year, winter frost heaves and soil shifts caused by improperly directed rain water make these seasons the two most important times to check for it. When dealing with foundation cracks, repairs are only as expensive as you let them get; identifying cracks early on is a sure-fire way to keep your fixes as quick and affordable as possible. Not every crack in your basement is going to be a problem, and in many cases, cracks may never need attention, but only a professional can tell you which ones may be cause for concern. Get a professional inspection and mark any cracks that are found with a felt tip pen, clearly stating the diameter at the time of the marking. Examine them regularly to see if they are getting any bigger, and pay extra close attention during winter and rainy seasons.


Basement Repairs to Reduce Dry Season CondensationMany basements become a little damp during heavy spring rains and quick winter thaws, but if your basement is showing moisture during times when it hasn’t been raining, there might be some other issues afoot. This is one case where proper basement maintenance is often a matter of fixing problems in other areas of the property. Since condensation during drier months can be caused by a number of reasons outside of your basement, it will take a qualified professional to pinpoint and fix the issue. Poor drainage, inadequate ventilation, obsolete plumbing and several other culprits could be to blame for condensation during dry periods, and a few simple outside adjustments or basement repairs are often a lot cheaper than the property damage and mold removal that can result from letting this issue go unchecked.


An Easy (and Agreeable) Way to Make Basement Maintenance a PriorityNo matter what the season, basement repairs and maintenance are much easier to keep up with when you regularly spend time in the space. Since most unfinished basements are used for nothing but storage, few people bother to frequent them (much less examine them!). By making your basement a more pleasant, pertinent place to be, you’ll notice small issues more quickly almost by default. Waterproofing, sealing and finishing your basement is both a great way to identify small basement repairs before they blossom into huge ones and an extra incentive to adhere to your basement maintenance schedule. It is also an affordable and effective way to increase your living space and add value to your home.
Finished basements are perfect for gatherings of all kinds, and are particularly convenient for activities that would be a bother in other areas of the home (think wood shop or band practice). The best part of remodeling a basement, however, has to be the fact that you get all the added benefits of new living space without the extra high price tag of a traditional addition!


Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/seasonal-basement-maintenance/#ixzz5As8d1opA

Too many homeowners believe spring maintenance is all about the cleaning. Sure, spring cleaning comprises a big chunk of any spring home maintenance schedule, but maintenance aimed at various structures, appliances, and systems within the home is, arguably, just as important. Nearly all homeowners love to see spotless windows for that first sunny, 70-degree day, but you can’t forget your roof and the possibility that ice dams formed over the winter. Indeed, just as much as that first spring day should provide an excuse to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also provide a reminder that your outdoor spring maintenance is waiting. Follow this spring maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist

• Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
• Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
• Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area.
• Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
• Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
• Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
• Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
• Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor.
• Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
• Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Perform a thorough cleaning. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.
• Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
• Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.

Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/spring-maintenance-checklist/#ixzz59YTNw3QB

​

​Home Maintenance Tips

Fix fences, tighten your home’s energy efficiency, repair a screen door and make 8 cheap, fun improvements to give your home’s entrance some spring sparkle. 

Finally, it’s spring. To celebrate, do a few improvements indoors — tweaking your home’s energy efficiency and getting doors to operate smoothly — and then get outdoors to do some work that shows off your home’s exterior. Install a new screen door or repair an old one. Maintain fireplaces and gas appliances while avoiding the scammers who pop out of the woodwork like bugs this season. Repair fences. Remove stubborn stains from concrete garage floors, patios and sidewalks. And try one or all of our eight cheap and fun ways to give your home’s entrance some exciting spring sparkle.

Inside

Install a programmable thermostat:
Energy is wasted when you push up the temperature when the room feels cold or turn down the heat manually when it’s too warm. A programmable thermostat lets you set the temperature in your home, then leave it. The most useful products give you options for establishing different temperatures for day and night (62 at night, for example, and 65 during the day), weekdays and weekends (keep the house cooler while you're away at work and warmer when you're home) and also let you turn the heat way down during vacations without changing your daily settings. 

Cut energy expenses further:
While you are in the mood to reduce energy consumption, call your electric utility and/or your heating-fuel company to ask about financial incentives for installing energy-efficient appliances or improvements. Some utilities subsidize the cost of improvements: adding insulation or weather-stripping, or installing that programmable thermostat, for example. Others give rebates for purchasing Energy Star appliances such as water heaters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pumps and fans. Also, remember to take the federal tax credit for such. 

Straighten out problem doors:
Walk around the house with a can of silicone lubricant and a rag, trying each door. If a door is sticky, open it part way and pull the hinge pin out. The pin is found in the center of the hinge, in the joint between the plate on the wall and the one on the door. Lightly oil the pin and the hole into which it will fit, using the rag to stop drips. Drop the pin back in place. If a pin is stuck in a hinge, use a hammer and small screwdriver to knock it all the way out. Sand off accumulated oil, dust and rust from pin and lightly lubricate it before reinstalling. You may have to do this with both pins. 

Outside
Repair or replace screen doors:
Get ready for bug season by hanging screen doors. You can repair torn screens yourself: 
Measure the screen opening. You'll need overage, so add at least an inch to each side. Bring the measurements to a hardware store and purchase a new length of screen. 
The screen is held in place by a flexible cord fitted into a channel that runs around the screen frame. Lift out the cord. If it is old and brittle, measure it and buy new cord at the hardware store. 
Place the new screen over the opening, fit it snugly in place by settling the cord in its channel around the entire opening (poke it in place with a screwdriver). Trim the excess screen with scissors or a box cutter. 
Many Hardware stores sell kits for replacing screens today check with your local store. 

Install a chimney/rain cap:
You could send out an invitation to birds and squirrels to come nest in the warmth of your chimney, or you could install a cap to protect the stack from dripping rain and uninvited critters. A cap, sometimes called a “crown,” shelters the opening while it lets smoke escape. A cap prevents wind from entering your home and helps create a good draft that feeds your fireplace or stove with oxygen. Metal chimneys usually come with caps, but if yours doesn't have one, ask the manufacturer for advice. Caps are not appropriate for all chimneys. Ask your chimney sweep to inspect the chimney each year for damage and to advise you on whether to install a cap. 

Beware chimney-sweep scams:
Yes, you should have your chimney swept by a professional to remove flammable creosote that builds up inside the flue from wood smoke. (If you don’t use the stove or fireplace much, you can wait two to three years between cleanings.) But not every chimney sweep is right out of “Mary Poppins.” Door-to-door scammers prey on homeowners, dangling deliciously low prices, then pressuring owners into “repairing” expensive but fictitious problems. Protect yourself by using a chimney sweep with an established business in your town. Check a company’s track record through the Better Business Bureau and locate certified sweeps at the www.wettinc.ca

Have gas-burning furnaces and appliances inspected:
Every year a licensed gas technician should clean out dust and debris and examine the appliance for safety, efficiency and repairs. Find a repair pro through your gas company or utility or search the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association's in your area.