<span class="hide-blog-title">The Inspector</span>By NPI, Inc.https://npiweb.com/Blog/PostsHow to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guestshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/832/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-holiday-guestsHoliday,Home Decor,Just for FunWed, 13 Nov 2019 21:31:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 13, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/winter">Winter</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">Fall</a></p> <p>With the holidays fast approaching, you’re busy juggling what feels like 100 tasks. Your guests are still days from arriving, but you’re already overwhelmed. And when they do show up on your doorstep . . . well, then what? While the thought of attending to one more to-do list might be enough to tear your hair out, we have the perfect cheat sheet for preparing your home for holiday guests. Here’s how to keep them happy and avoid host regret, even while at your busiest.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Set Out All-in-One Welcome Kits</span><br /> When you’re at the height of dinner prep mania, the last thing you need is a barrage of questions and requests. Head off distractions and pamper your guests at the same time with welcome kits. These can be totally customizable and they don’t need to cost more than a few dollars each. Consider filling storage cubes with items like travel-size toiletries, books, magazines, towels, and small gifts like holiday-themed chocolates or a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop. You can also include a sheet with the holiday “schedule,” the household Wi-Fi password and any other relevant info.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Create a Quick Tour Guide to Your Area </span><br /> A little peace and quiet will never go amiss when you’re entertaining, and there’s no shame in encouraging your guests to get out of the house and explore. Take a few moments and create a list of your favorite nearby restaurants, movie theatres, activities and shopping centers and have it ready to go so they can make their own plans.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Have Food and Drinks in Plain Sight </span><br /> Make your guests feel welcome by inviting them to help themselves—without rummaging through your pantry. Keep snacks out in plain sight and have a well-stocked cooler or fridge with a variety of drinks, preferably out of the way of the kitchen. Dry, non-perishable foods are best. Think snack mixes, granola, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit and popcorn. All the better if it’s holiday-themed! Don’t forget a stack of cups, bowls or plates for people to fill. You’ll also want to have coffee and tea readily accessible for the adults, so be sure to have all the supplies you’ll need.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep Them Busy with an Activity Station </span><br /> To keep the whole staring at separate screens thing to a minimum, set up a card table activity station. This can include things like a challenging jigsaw puzzle for older kids and adults, holiday coloring pages and crayons for children, playing cards and boardgames. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even set up supplies for cookie decorating or a special holiday craft.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Add a Few Festive Touches</span><br /> Your home doesn’t need to be decked out to give everyone that warm, fuzzy feeling. Simmering some stovetop potpourri with cinnamon sticks, cloves, cranberries and oranges can go a long way toward creating a festive atmosphere. You can also invest in a few themed centerpieces or fresh flowers. Remember that decorations should never take up too much space on the floor or be placed in areas where they’re prone to being knocked over.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Deep Breaths</span><br /> Remember, hosting guests is a tough job that not everyone is cut out for—and you’re doing it! Take a few moments for yourself here and there throughout their stay and just breathe deeply. If you’re relaxed, your guests will be relaxed. They won’t notice the little things not going over perfectly, especially if you don’t let on that anything is bothering you. Congratulate yourself on a job well done and remember why you invited them in the first place.</p> 832Haunted Places: The Deane Househttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/831/haunted-places-the-deane-houseHoliday,Just for FunWed, 30 Oct 2019 17:36:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HAUNTED PLACES: THE DEANE HOUSE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 30, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/haunted-places-series">Haunted Places Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">Fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Location: </span>Calgary, Alberta<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Architectural Style: </span>Foursquare, aka Cornbelt Cube<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Built: </span>1906</p> <p>In our latest installment of NPI’s Haunted Places Series, we’ll take a closer look at the Deane House, one’s of Calgary’s most intriguing haunted places. With a history marred by tragedy from its earliest construction, the Deane House has earned its reputation as a hub of ghostly activity for over a century.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Fort Calgary and the Deane House</span><br /> Established at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in 1875, Fort Calgary became the region’s command post of the North-West Mounted Police. Keeping order in this time period was a tough prospect, with the area populated with whiskey traders, outlaws and other colorful characters. As rail lines were laid, trade increased and the city of Calgary grew around the fort.</p> <p>In 1906, the fort’s superintendent, Captain Richard Deane, had a home built for his wife, Martha, on the grounds of the fort, as he believed that the existing accommodations were unfit for family living. The home was constructed by prisoners of Fort Calgary. Martha, however, wouldn’t live to see the home completed—she died of an undisclosed illness shortly before construction of the house was completed.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Deane House Moves</span><br /> After Fort Calgary closed in 1914, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway purchased the land and tore down every building, except the Deane House. Transformed into the station agent’s living quarters, the house was moved to the property’s southeast corner where it sat for the next 15 years.</p> <p>In 1929, the home was purchased by C.L. Jacques, an entrepreneur who planned to use the building as a boarding house. To accomplish this, the Deane House was moved once again, this time across the Elbow River to the opposite shore. The house was later sold to Alex Brotherton, who continued to run the property as a boarding house called the Gaspé Lodge.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tragedy Over the Years</span><br /> During the Deane House’s years as a boarding house, many tragic events occurred. In 1933, a 14-year old boy committed suicide in the attic after being bullied at school for his epilepsy. In 1952, a tenant named Roderick Umperville stabbed and strangled his wife Irma while his children looked on, then killed himself in one of the home’s apartments.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">A History of Hauntings</span><br /> After Alex Brotherton died in the house in 1968, the Deane House’s violent and tragic past cemented its reputation as one of Calgary’s most haunted houses. One famous story tells of an old telephone that occasionally rings despite not being connected (and without any inside wiring!). Other visitors claim to hear voices and footsteps, smell cigar smoke and hear an antique piano play by itself.</p> <p>Staff members have also reported dark apparitions missing legs below the knees floating down the stairs and disappearing. In the attic, storage bins appear to have blood stains on them that can’t be scrubbed away. The ghost of a native man, his hair in a single braid and wearing a long-sleeved shirt and vest, has been seen haunting the home. One witness to this spirit said that the man warned her that she shouldn’t be in the house because it is a sacred place.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Deane House Today</span><br /> The Deane House currently operates as a fine dining restaurant and wedding event space. If you stop by for dinner, be on the lookout for any unexplainable phenomenon and let us know what you find!</p> <p><em>Photo by <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithjmurray/" target="_blank">Keith Murray</a>, licensed under <a class="color-secondary" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-ND 2.0</a></em></p> 831Haunted Places: McPike Mansionhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/830/haunted-places-mcpike-mansionHoliday,Just for FunTue, 29 Oct 2019 19:43:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HAUNTED PLACES: McPIKE MANSION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 29, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/haunted-places-series">Haunted Places Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">Fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Location: </span>Alton, Illinois<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Architectural Style: </span>Italianate-Victorian<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Built: </span>1869-1871</p> <p>McPike Mansion in Alton, Illinois is one of the most notorious purportedly haunted houses in the Midwest. With 150 years of history within its walls, McPike Mansion boasts countless tales of intrigue and good old-fashioned spookiness. Read on to learn more about the alleged hauntings of this infamous home.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">McPike Mansion</span><br /> McPike Mansion was completed in 1871 by Henry Guest McPike, a local businessman, real estate developer and horticulturist. McPike became famous for cultivating the mammoth, prize-winning McPike grape, an important species for wine-making. McPike was involved with local politics, serving as Alton’s mayor for three years. Quick fun fact: he was also close friends with Abraham Lincoln, and was by his side when he received the telegram informing him of his election to the presidency.</p> <p>Built on a 15-acre plot of land, McPike’s three-story, Italianate-Victorian-style home featured 16 rooms and a vaulted wine cellar—extravagant even by today’s standards. The house featured 11 marble fireplaces and intricately carved banisters and trim. In their prime, the grounds were adorned with lush gardens and orchards, home to rare trees, plants and shrubs. McPike passed away in 1910, but his family lived on at McPike Mansion until 1936.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Business College, Boarding House and Beyond</span><br /> The house changed hands several times since, serving as Browns Business College and then a boarding house, owned by Paul Laichinger. It was during this time that tenants began to experience strange phenomenon that couldn’t be explained. Throughout the late 30s and early 40s, boarders at the McPike Mansion claimed to hear the sounds of children playing and laughing, even when no children were present.</p> <p>When Laichinger passed away in 1945, the home became vacant, and time started to get the best of McPike Mansion’s once-elegant facade. Windows were broken, paint began to peel and the iron fence rusted, giving the home a menacing look. It was around this time that passersby began to report seeing faces looming in the windows.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">A Modern Day Haunting </span><br /> In 1994, Sharyn and George Luedke purchased the McPike Mansion in the hopes of restoring and converting it into a bed and breakfast and historical landmark. The couple hadn’t been at work long before Sharyn Luedke had her first unexplainable experience. She was gardening in the front yard when she spied a man in old-fashioned attire staring down at her from a window. The two locked eyes for a moment before he disappeared. After doing some research, Mrs. Luedke found a photo of Paul Laichinger wearing similar clothing.</p> <p>The man in the window wouldn’t be the only strange occurrence at McPike Mansion. Visitors would go on to spot strange mists and orbs, some even appearing in photos. They would feel the sensation of being touched, smell a phantom lilac perfume (thought to be the presence of former servant, Sarah Wells), and hear metal doors scraping across the floor on their own. The wine cellar seems to be the epicenter for paranormal activity; psychic mediums report feeling a surge of energy in the basement, even sensing the presence of Henry Guest McPike himself.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Visit McPike Mansion</span><br /> Today, the home is open for private tours, overnight campouts and nighttime paranormal research excursions. Would you brave a night in McPike Mansion? Let us know!</p> <p><em>Photo by <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blackdoll/" target="_blank">Black.Doll</a>, licensed under <a class="color-secondary" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a></em></p> 830Haunted Places: The Vaile Mansionhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/829/haunted-places-the-vaile-mansionHoliday,Just for FunTue, 15 Oct 2019 14:59:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HAUNTED PLACES: THE VAILE MANSION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 15, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/haunted-places-series">Haunted Places Series</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">Fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Location: </span>Independence, Missouri<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Architectural Style: </span>Second Empire<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Built: </span>1871-1881</p> <p>The Vaile Mansion has stood for nearly 140 years at 1500 North Liberty Street in Independence, Missouri. Its history has been fraught with scandal, tragedy and more than a few reported hauntings. This makes the beautiful yet foreboding Vaile Mansion perfect for our Haunted Places series! Read on as we uncover the fascinating history of this haunted home-turned-sanitarium.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-6"><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Haunted Places/vaile-mansion-02.jpg?ver=Pfxz4gb7lNJoh_wAm7CbIg%3d%3d" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-md-6"><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Haunted Places/Vaile Mansion/Vaile Mansion Side View.jpg?ver=2019-10-15-094800-880" width="100%" /></div> </div> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Meet the Vailes</span><br /> Colonel Harvey Merrick Vaile was born in 1831 in Bennington, Vermont. After building his fortune carefully for years as a lawyer, journalist and business investor, he became part owner of Star Mail Routes, a U.S. postal contractor that would run mail from St. Louis to points west in the frontier. As budding socialites in Independence, Missouri, he and his wife, Cecilia Sophia Vaile, set out to build a home reflective of their wealth and status in the community.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Vaile Mansion</span><br /> The Vailes’ new home was designed by renowned Kansas City architect Asa Beebe Cross in the Second Empire style, borrowing popular stylistic embellishments from French Baroque Revival architecture. Breaking ground in 1871, the Vaile Mansion was constructed over the course of 10 years and cost an astounding $150,000 ($4,000,000 in today’s dollars).</p> <p>The 31-room mansion was built with nine marble fireplaces, intricately painted ceilings and a 48,000 gallon wine cellar. It also incorporates features that we take for granted today but were rare at the time, such as flushing toilets and a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank. The Vaile Mansion served as a gathering place for many important people of the day, including U.S. senators and other travelling dignitaries.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-6"><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Haunted Places/Vaile Mansion/Vaile Mansion Interior 1.jpg?ver=2019-10-15-094800-880" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-md-6"><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Haunted Places/Vaile Mansion/Vaile Mansion Interior 2.jpg?ver=2019-10-15-094800-880" width="100%" /></div> </div> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Mail Scandal and Tragedy to Follow</span><br /> Shortly after Colonel Vaile and his wife moved into the mansion, the Vaile household became mired in scandal. Vaile, in his position as a postal contractor, was accused of defrauding the U.S. government by participating in a scheme in which postal authorities awarded lucrative contracts for new mail routes in the Southwest to high-bidding contractors, then split the profits.</p> <p>Vaile was summoned to Washington, D.C. to stand trial twice, in 1882 and 1883, and while he was eventually acquitted of the charges against him, he spent more than $100,000 defending himself. The ongoing trials did irreparable damage to the Vailes’ reputation in Independence, leaving them embarrassed and isolated in a community that had once welcomed them with open arms.</p> <p>To make matters worse, Sophia was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the midst of Vaile’s second trial. While he was in Washington, she committed suicide by an overdose of morphine on Valentine’s Day, 1883. Colonel Vaile returned to an empty home, and lived the rest of his days in the house alone as a recluse. According to one legend, he was said to have been so distraught at the death of his wife that he buried her on the front lawn in a glass-topped coffin set flush with the ground, so he could see her whenever he wanted. After many years alone in the house, Vaile died of a stroke in 1895.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">After the Vailes</span><br /> After the death of Harvey Vaile, the mansion was appropriated for a number of other uses, serving as an inn, a sanitarium and, eventually, a museum.</p> <p>Many visitors to the Vaile Mansion over the years have reported spotting a woman in white, commonly thought to be the ghost of Sophia Vaile, wandering the halls of the property. She often looks out the windows at visitors on the grounds. She’s seen most often on the second floor, the site of her untimely death.</p> <p>Sightings of a young man who many believe to be a patient of the sanitarium have also been documented—this spirit stalks the rooms of the third floor where he lived most of his life.</p> <p>The Vaile Mansion is also overrun with other ghostly activity, from disembodied voices to shadowy figures ascending and descending the dark mahogany staircases.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Visiting the Vaile Mansion</span><br /> If you want to try catching a glimpse of these spirits yourself, the Vaile Mansion is open to visitors from April to December, with many nighttime paranormal tours, as well. If you spot a ghost, let us know!</p> <p><em>Cover Photo by <a class="color-secondary" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vaile_Mansion.jpg" target="_blank">Melissa Kothe</a>, licensed under <a class="color-secondary" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a></em></p> 829Home Accessibility: Finding the Right Home and Making It Perfect for Your Needshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/828/home-accessibility-finding-the-right-home-and-making-it-perfect-for-your-needsSafetyThu, 10 Oct 2019 18:27:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOME ACCESSIBILITY: FINDING THE RIGHT HOME AND MAKING IT PERFECT FOR YOUR NEEDS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 10, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/moving">moving</a></p> <p class="emphasis-primary"><em>By Patrick Young of the blog <a class="color-secondary" href="http://ableusa.info/" target="_blank">AbleUSA.info</a></em></p> <p>Living with a disability or mobility issue is never easy, but you can make it much more manageable by prioritizing home accessibility. If your home isn’t tailored to suit your specific needs, you’re making things much harder on yourself. Any focus on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://mobilitymgmt.com/articles/2008/07/28/home-accessibility-checklist.aspx" target="_blank">home accessibility</a> will consist of both finding a home that, structurally, suits your needs as well as taking steps to modify that home even further. Here are some things to consider.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Finding the Right Home for You</span><br /> Let’s get this out of the way -- you’re never going to find a home that perfectly suits your needs. You can, however, get pretty close. As long as you find a home that doesn’t complicate your mobility issues/disabilities, then you should be able to modify it to near perfection.</p> <p>Here are a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/design/access-needs.php" target="_blank">few things</a> that you may want to look for in any potential home:</p> <ul> <li>One-story</li> <li>Wide hallways/<a class="color-secondary" href="http://www.affordableadaptivesolutions.com/widening-doorways.html" target="_blank">doorways</a></li> <li>Low/grade entryways (for ramp access)</li> <li>Level outdoor areas</li> <li>Reachable countertops in kitchen and bathroom</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Some things, like the home’s floor plan, are hard to alter. If you use a wheelchair, you may want to avoid multi-floor homes, for example. If you can find a home that checks off 75 percent or so of your accessibility requirements, then you’re off to a good start.</p> <p>Whether a home is right for you isn’t solely about the structure of the home itself. It’s about location as well. As <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/4-tips-buying-home-disabled/" target="_blank">Angela Colley</a> at Realtor.com notes, “it's important to clarify what your needs are in terms of disability - you may need certain services, like close proximity to public transportation or local pharmacies.”</p> <p>Also, there are programs out there -- both governmental and private -- that help those with disabilities find affordable housing. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://themortgagereports.com/31507/best-programs-for-getting-a-mortgage-with-a-disability-in-2017" target="_blank">Check here</a> for some good options.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Making an Accessible Home Perfect for You </span><br /> We all do things to turn our houses into our homes, but for someone with a disability, this takes on a whole new meaning. Home modifications can turn a merely tenable situation into a comfortable one. But costs can add up. For example, a typical remodel of a bathroom is between <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/remodel-a-bathroom/" target="_blank">$5,964 and $14,867</a>, according to HomeAdvisor).</p> <p>Two of the cheapest and easiest home modifications that benefit people with nearly any mobility issue are installing grab bars (a pro will usually charge <a class="color-secondary" href="https://diyornot.com/Project.aspx?ndx2=8&Rcd=239" target="_blank">around $200</a> for this work) and extra <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.constructionprotips.com/jobsite-tips/how-to-install-a-hand-rail/" target="_blank">handrails</a> in high-danger areas (kitchen, bathroom, stairways) and improving the light quality in the home. The latter, according to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/85874" target="_blank">studies</a>, can boost visual acuity (very important for those with all kinds of disabilities) in at least 82 percent of people. It’s important to start there.</p> <p>After that, you can move onto other accessibility mods like wheelchair ramps (typically costs <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/financial-assistance/wheelchair-ramps-medicare.html" target="_blank">$1,000 to $2,800</a>), widening doorways and hallways (if necessary), and adjusting the height of counters in the bathroom and kitchen. Though major structural changes can be done to any house, you will save money in the long run if you settle into a home that doesn’t need too many of these massive-scale alterations. Start by asking yourself this question: Is everything I need on a daily basis (food prep, bathroom, bed, etc) easily accessible no matter how I feel?</p> <p>Finally, don’t forget that technology can be your friend. The days of the SafeAlert and panic fall buttons being the only options for those with disabilities are gone. Nowadays, smart (automated) home solutions <a class="color-secondary" href="https://themighty.com/2017/08/smart-home-devices-for-people-with-disabilities/" target="_blank">can help</a> you control everything from the lighting, thermostat, home security, grocery ordering, and help you contact your friends, family, and medical professionals. You don’t need to just get by in your home. Prioritize accessibility.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Patrick Young is a writer and manager for <a class="color-secondary" href="http://ableusa.info/" target="_blank">AbleUSA.info</a>, a lifestyle blog dedicated to men and women living with disabilities.</em></p> 828How to Tell If You Have Hard Waterhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/824/how-to-tell-if-you-have-hard-waterCleaning Tips,Home MaintenanceTue, 17 Sep 2019 20:06:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE HARD WATER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 17, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/laundry">laundry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a></p> <p>Hard water. Soft water. If you’re not sure what the difference is, or what that difference means for your home, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain everything you need to know about hard water and how to tell if it’s an issue in your home.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Is Hard Water Safe?</span><br /> We’re getting this out of the way first thing. Yes, hard water is completely safe to drink, cook with, wash clothes in, and anything else you’d use water for in your home. Hard water is simply tap water that has a higher than ideal content of minerals, namely calcium and magnesium.</p> <p>While hard water isn’t dangerous in any way, it can be a hassle to deal with. As we’ll see, if your home has hard water, you’ll see the effects every time you cook, clean or bathe.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Sure Signs of Hard Water</span><br /> It can be hard to tell whether your water is hard—since you can’t determine the mineral content of your water by sight, you have to rely on the signs hard water leaves behind. Here are some of the ways to tell:</p> <ol> <li><strong>You notice odd stains. </strong>Whether it’s on the porcelain kitchen sink or the inside of the toilet bowl, reddish brown or grey stains mean hard water. These can be caused by excessive iron or other minerals deposited on these surfaces over time. You can get rid of them temporarily with a product like CLR and some elbow grease, but they’ll keep coming back unless you treat the cause of the problem. </li> <li><strong>You wrangle with soap scum.</strong> Some soap scum is normal, but if you find it collecting on your shower doors in thick deposits that are difficult to get rid of, it’s a good sign you have hard water. </li> <li><strong>Your dishes are always spotty.</strong> Whitish spots on your dishes after they’ve gone through the washer are calcium deposits. Over time these will get tougher and tougher to get rid of if the root problem isn’t addressed. You can also buy special dishwasher detergents and rinse aids that are formulated to combat the effects of hard water. </li> <li><strong>Your clothes aren’t getting clean.</strong> Hard water affects every one of your water-using appliances, including your clothes washer. Minerals and detergents don’t mix well—in fact, elevated mineral content in your water can keep detergent from rinsing clean. This residue trapped in clothing fibers causes clothes to re-soil faster, and can even lead to other problems like increased skin allergies. </li> <li><strong>Your soap and shampoo don’t lather. </strong>If you feel like you don’t really get clean in the shower, you probably have hard water. Excess calcium and magnesium in your water lead to problems like weak or non-existent lather and can make it nearly impossible to rinse products completely. This filmy buildup can make your skin and hair feel dull, rough and unmanageable. </li> <li><strong>Your appliances wear out faster than they should. </strong>Hard water is notoriously rough on washing machines, refrigerator icemakers and more, leaving scaly buildup over time that significantly shortens the life of your appliances. </li> </ol> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What to Do About Hard Water</span><br /> The simple answer is investing in a water-softening system. Water softeners treat your hard water with certain types of salt through a process called ion exchange. This process swaps the calcium and magnesium in hard water with another element, usually sodium, so you can avoid all the downsides of hard water listed above. Water softening systems can cost anywhere from $400 for a bare-bones model to $3,000 for a metered or timed system.</p> <p>A couple other things to keep in mind:</p> <ul> <li>Depending on how hard your water is to begin with, even a water-softening system may not solve the problem completely. Homes with water over 100 GPG (grains per gallon) when measured with a water test kit probably won’t get their water fully soft, but it’s still the best solution available. </li> <li>Water-softening systems deposit sodium into your home’s water supply, so if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, you’ll want to check with your doctor before drinking or cooking with soft water. To bypass this problem, many people opt for a secondary reverse-osmosis system for their drinking water. </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections Today</span><br /> For answers on the condition of your home’s major systems, call your local National Property Inspections team. Our inspectors can help you buy or sell with confidence by assessing your home and providing a full report.</p> 824Your 7-Item Checklist for an Efficient Air Conditionerhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/819/your-7-item-checklist-for-an-efficient-air-conditionerHome MaintenanceWed, 10 Jul 2019 16:56:47 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">YOUR 7-ITEM CHECKLIST FOR AN EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> July 10, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/summer">Summer</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hvac">HVAC</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a></p> <p>If there’s one thing you don’t want going out on you when you’re in the throes of summer, it’s your AC. Whether you use your home’s air conditioning system regularly or not, these maintenance tips will help you keep your system in great working order when the heat wave comes.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Start with your thermostat.</span><br /> When was the last time you replaced your thermostat? If you’ve just moved into your new home, what do you know about it? If it’s been awhile, you might be working with an outdated model. In that case, it’s worth looking into springing for a programmable, energy-efficient thermostat. Most can be controlled remotely from your phone for ultimate savings.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Look out for wear on exposed ductwork.</span><br /> Worn ductwork is one of the biggest culprits for cooling loss in your home. Look for visible signs of damage and wear.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Check the flow of your air vents.</span><br /> You never know what might be blocking airflow, from furniture to curtains to your child’s toys. Walk room to room and be sure that all the air vents are free of obstructions. We promise it’ll make a difference!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Make sure your drain line isn’t clogged.</span><br /> Mounted above your furnace, you should see a drain near the cooling coil. This can become clogged with dirt, dust and debris over time. You can be sure that your drain line isn’t clogged by flushing a cup of bleach followed by a gallon of water down it.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Replace your air filter.</span><br /> Changing out your air filter is a super simple fix that will make a huge difference in indoor air quality and flow. Your filter should be changed every three months at a minimum, and more like once a month during seasons that necessitate heavy A/C usage.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">6. Check your circuits.</span><br /> Look over your home’s electrical circuits to ensure that the connections are on and in working order.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">7. Head outside to check the condenser unit.</span><br /> Your A/C unit’s outdoor equipment is just as important as its indoor system. First, make sure that no foliage is touching your unit, and remember not to make plans for any gardening in its vicinity. It’s just not worth it since plants can cause rusting, blockages and other damage. You’ll next want to make sure that refrigerant lines are insulated. If the insulation looks worn, you’ll need to hire an HVAC professional to replace it. The same goes for outdoor electrical wiring—when in doubt, hire out.</p> <p>Once you’ve completed these seven steps, you can turn your A/C on to a comfortable temperature and wait for it to begin cooling your home. Be sure to head back outside to listen to the condenser. It shouldn’t sound irregular and you should feel warm air blowing out the top. Allow your air conditioning to run for about 15 minutes to be sure everything is working smoothly.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections to Schedule Your Inspection</span><br /> Your local NPI inspector can provide a full report on the condition of your HVAC system as well as the other major components of your home. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npiweb.com/Find-an-Inspector">Find an inspector near you</a> for help making decisions about your most important investment—your home.</p> 819After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repairhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/130/after-the-home-inspection-when-to-request-a-repairHome Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 24 Jun 2019 13:53:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repair</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 24, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/first-time-homeowner">first time homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/moving">moving</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/basement">basement</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/foundation">foundation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a></p> <p>When housing markets are hot, buyers have to be flexible when it comes to minor defects in a house they want. Because a home might have multiple competitive offers, it’s important to know how to get yours accepted so you can move into your dream home ASAP.</p> <p>While it would be ideal if the seller offered to fix every issue your home inspector finds, that’s not often realistic. Instead, you need to know which items are potential deal-breakers and which repairs can safely be put off until after closing. We’ll show you when you should request repairs to a home you’re looking at buying, and when asking for a repair could needlessly sink the deal.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Sweat Little Issues</span><br /> Buying a house is a big investment, so it makes sense that you’d want everything perfect. However, that’s not a reasonable expectation. Unless you’re building your home, every house is a used house, and they’re all going to have idiosyncrasies and blemishes that you’ll have to compromise on. What kinds of things are we talking about? Here’s a handy list:</p> <p><strong>1. Cosmetic Problems: </strong>There might be a crack in a tile, some scratched paint or old carpet you’re not a huge fan of, but these are issues that don’t cost a lot to repair and don’t affect the structural safety of the home you’re purchasing. A good way to think about it—if the problem you’re looking at causes your deal to fall through and the house goes back on the market, would the deal fall through again with the next interested buyer because of it? If the answer is no, think long and hard before you ask for these issues to be repaired by the seller.</p> <p><strong>2. Inexpensive Repairs: </strong>Anything that’ll be less than $100 to repair isn’t worth putting your deal on the line. There may be many little things wrong with the home you’re looking to buy, but you should ask yourself if any of them would really cause you to walk away. If none of the issues are safety concerns and you can prioritize repairs after you close, don’t get hung up on them.</p> <p><strong>3. Cracks in the Basement Floor: </strong>Believe it or not, not every crack in a concrete basement floor needs to be repaired. Odds are, in fact, that you have nothing to worry about if you spot one. Basement floors don’t support a home’s weight like the walls do, so most cracks in a concrete floor won’t have any effect on the home’s structural integrity. If you see hairline cracks, or even cracks that are up to ½ inch wide, no extensive repair is needed (usually just patching them with caulk will do). However, if the basement floor cracks and the slab heaves upward, that’s a problem you’ll want to take a closer look at.</p> <p><strong>4. Failed Window Seals: </strong>While a fogged double-pane window might be less than pleasing to look at, it’s considered a cosmetic issue only, and has little effect on the windows insulating power and the energy savings they provide. If there are fogged windows everywhere in the house, you may consider asking that they be replaced, but if there’s only one or two then it usually isn’t worth the trouble.</p> <p><strong>5. Minor Water Damage: </strong>When a home undergoes water intrusion on any interior building materials like drywall or wood, the signs can sometimes look worse than they are. Your home inspector will definitely take notice of these areas, and they’ll also be able to tell you if they indicate a more significant problem. If this is the case, it’s definitely appropriate to request a repair. However, if the water damage came from an isolated incident and is only cosmetic, you shouldn’t worry about it.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When You Should Request a Repair</span><br /> Now that we have the cosmetic issues out of the way, what should you pay special attention to on your inspection report? In short, anything that has a direct structural or mechanical effect on the home or its systems, or anything about the home environment that has the potential to cause an unsafe living condition for your family. These major issues can include:</p> <ul> <li>Structural issues like a leaking roof or large cracks in basement walls</li> <li>Evidence of termites or other wood-destroying organisms</li> <li>Major plumbing problems that inhibit use of the home’s systems</li> <li>Electrical defects that are known safety issues</li> <li>Lot drainage issues (water collecting near the foundation)</li> <li>Wildlife infestations such as squirrels or bats</li> <li>Evidence of ongoing or extensive mold problems</li> <li>Elevated radon levels beyond safe maximums</li> </ul> <p>The list above is a great place to start in understanding major issues with your potential home, but it isn’t exhaustive. If you have questions about whether something on your home inspection report qualifies as a major issue you should be concerned about, just ask your inspector! They’ll be able to explain the severity of any issue they find in your home.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call NPI today to schedule your home inspection.</span>National Property Inspections has the expertise to provide a full report on the condition of your home. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Find-An-Inspector" target="_blank">Find an inspector near you</a> today to invest with confidence.</p> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /><meta name="twitter:site" content="@npifranchise" /><meta name="twitter:creator" content="@npifranchise" /><meta name="twitter:domain" content="National Property Inspections, Inc. - npiweb.com®" /><meta name="twitter:title" content="After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repair" /><meta name="twitter:description" content="We’ll show you when you should request repairs to a home you’re looking at buying, and when asking for a repair could needlessly sink the deal." /><meta name="twitter:image:src" content="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Social/after-the-home-inspection_when-to-request-a-repair-09.jpg?ver=2019-06-24-085330-167" />130Your Guide to Home Compostinghttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/129/your-guide-to-home-compostingDIY,Just for FunFri, 07 Jun 2019 20:33:49 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">YOUR GUIDE TO HOME COMPOSTING</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 7, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/garden">garden</a></p> <p>Composting can be a little intimidating if you’re new to the game. The good news is that it’s definitely not as hard as it looks. If you’re interested in starting to compost at home but haven’t tried it yet, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Composting 101</span><br /> At its heart, composting is a process of controlled decomposition. Start with a pile of the waste your household naturally creates—stuff like kitchen scraps, paper, coffee grounds and more (we’ll go further into this later)—and eventually you’ll end up with a batch of rich fertilizer you can use to keep your garden plants growing healthy.</p> <p>Here’s where things get trickier. It matters how you store your compost pile, what you include in the pile and in what ratio, and how often you turn the pile. Technically speaking, you don’t need any special tools to get started with composting. However, if you (or your neighbors) don’t really want to spend your days looking at a pile of compost in your yard, you can buy a container that will hide the potential eyesore. Besides hiding your compost pile, many containers are designed to allow for easier turning of the pile, which speeds up the process. If you just have a compost pile, you’ll have to turn it by hand.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Can You Compost?</span><br /> Practically any natural material will begin to break down given the right ratio of bacteria, heat and moisture. There are some rules, though. First, all of your compost material should be in scrap-sized pieces. For example, don’t throw a whole pumpkin in your pile—while it will break down eventually, it will take a long, long time. Second, you’ll want to start out with the right mix of materials to provide the best environment for bacteria to thrive. Bacteria need two elements in order to grow and break down waste into fertilizer. Here’s a breakdown of different items that are rich in carbon and nitrogen to give you an idea of how to build your pile.</p> <ul> <li><b>Carbon-Rich Material:</b> dead leaves, twigs, wood chips (no paint or treated wood), straw, shredded paper, food-soiled napkins</li> <li><b>Nitrogen-Rich Material: </b>fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Ideal Compost Pile Ratio</span><br /> Compost piles with too much carbon won’t break down quickly (you’ll basically just have a pile of garbage hanging out in your yard). Too much nitrogen and you’ll end up with an extremely smelly pile. The ideal ratio for carbon to nitrogen in a compost pile is 25:1, but this number can be a little misleading. Since all organic matter contains a lot of carbon, including the nitrogen-rich examples above, you’ll simply want to shoot for a ratio of about 2 or 3 parts carbon-rich material to every 1 part of nitrogen-rich material. You’ll also want to introduce enough water into the mix to keep things moist, but not so much that your pile is sitting in a puddle.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Should You Not Compost?</span><br /> As we’ve mentioned, just about any organic material will break down in your compost pile given the right conditions, but there are several items we’d avoid.</p> <ul> <li><b>Meat scraps, bones or dairy products. </b>These are technically compostable, but if you put these in your pile it’ll start to smell, attracting pests and animals. The same goes for fats, oils and eggs, too.</li> <li><b>Pet waste. </b>Pet waste may seem like a “sure, why not” ingredient for fertilizer, but it can actually contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate your whole pile and make it unusable.</li> <li><b>Weeds. </b>Unless you’ll pull weeds before they’ve gone to seed, it’s best not to put them in your compost. Compost piles may get hot enough to kill weed seeds, but they also may not, and the last thing you want is garden fertilizer with built-in weeds.</li> <li><b>Chemically treated yard waste.</b> If you’ve recently treated your grass for weeds, don’t put the clippings in your compost bin. These chemicals can contaminate the pile.</li> <li><b>Diseased or bug-infested plants. </b>If you know that a tree, bush or other plant in your yard is diseased or pest-ridden, leave the trimmings of those plants out of your compost. Depending on the disease or bug, they can survive in the compost and wreak havoc on your garden later.</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Turning Your Compost Pile</span><br /> Once you’ve got a good pile going, there are a few things you need to do to help the waste break down into fertilizer. First, you’ll have to turn the pile with a shovel every so often (about once every two weeks should be fine) to mix everything up. Why? Because the aerobic bacteria in your compost pile needs oxygen to thrive, and there’s not much oxygen in the middle of the pile. You should also add water with a garden sprayer when it needs it. Your compost should always be damp, but not wet.</p> <p>If you notice that your pile doesn’t seem to be breaking down after a week or so, add more nitrogen, or add more carbon if your compost is starting to stink. After a few weeks with the optimal balance of carbon to nitrogen, you should end up with a nice batch of soft, fluffy compost.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections Today</span><br /> Our expert inspectors have the knowledge and experience to assess all your home’s major systems and provide a comprehensive report. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Find an inspector near you today</a> to make your appointment.</p> 1295 Must-Ask Questions For Your Home Inspector After the Inspectionhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/122/5-must-ask-questions-for-your-home-inspector-after-the-inspectionHome Inspection,Home MaintenanceFri, 03 May 2019 18:17:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Home Inspector After the Inspection</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 3, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/first-time-homeowner">first-time homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/moving">moving</a></p> <p>When you’re in the middle of buying a home, it’s easy to get lost in the process. One thing you shouldn’t overlook is the opportunity to get answers to essential questions from your home inspector. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve developed this list of must-ask home inspection questions to help you cover all your bases and completely understand your new home.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. "Can I get an explanation?"</span><br /> Depending on how many issues your inspector finds, it’s common for their report to be 50 to 90 pages long, which can be daunting. While your inspector will make your report as easy to understand as possible, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it—after all, this is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you understand the home’s issues before you buy.</p> <p>As soon as you receive the home inspection report, go through it carefully and mark any sections that you don’t completely understand. Then call your inspector and ask them to address your questions.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. "Is this a big problem or a small one?"</span><br /> If your inspection report ends up on the longer side, don’t get overwhelmed. Most issues an inspector uncovers will be small and easy to fix, but others may warrant a closer look and more consideration before you agree to buy the home. Some issues, like a leaky roof that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, are obvious big issues you want to be aware of, but some things that may seem like large problems are actually easy and inexpensive fixes. It’s in your best interest to ask your home inspector whether a problem they find is something that should genuinely make you think twice about a property.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. "Do I need an expert opinion?"</span><br /> Home inspectors know a lot about the systems and structures that make up a home, but occasionally you may have to call in an expert. If your inspector notices a problem that’s outside their expertise, you’ll see a note in their report that recommends you consult a qualified contractor to investigate the issue further. Don’t hesitate to ask your inspector follow-up questions about these items—they may be safety concerns that require immediate repair or tasks that you can put off for a bit and plan to fix down the road.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. "How do I maintain my home’s systems?"</span><br /> If you’re a first-time homeowner or just don’t consider yourself very handy, you should take the opportunity to learn more about the simple maintenance tasks that await you. There’s no better source of this valuable info than your home inspector, who’s always happy to answer questions about any system in your home, from HVAC to electrical, plumbing and more. Just remember that your inspector’s main job is to give you a comprehensive and accurate report on the condition of your future home, so it’s best to be selective with your questions (or save them until the end) so you don’t distract from their work.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. "What should my repair priorities be?"</span><br /> This goes back to question #2—it’s important to understand that unless you’re buying a completely new home, any house is going to have a number of items in need of repair. Rather than expecting your potential home to be perfect (or expecting the seller to fix every single item listed in the report before closing), you should focus on prioritizing the repairs. Barring any huge issues that impact the sale (like a sinking foundation, extensive mold or termite damage), bigger safety concerns should always come first. Then you can plan ahead for smaller fixes as you have the time and budget to devote to them. Your inspector will be able to guide you in the right direction when setting up repair priorities and goals, so make sure to take advantage.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections Today</span><br /> NPI inspectors are professionally trained to identify the condition of a home’s most important features, and are happy to answer any of your questions before or after the inspection. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-an-Inspector">Find your local inspector today</a> to schedule an inspection before you buy.</p> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /><meta name="twitter:site" content="@npifranchise" /><meta name="twitter:creator" content="@npifranchise" /><meta name="twitter:domain" content="National Property Inspections, Inc. - npiweb.com®" /><meta name="twitter:title" content="5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Home Inspector After the Inspection" /><meta name="twitter:description" content="We’ve developed this list of must-ask home inspection questions to help you cover all your bases and completely understand your new home." /><meta name="twitter:image:src" content="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Social/5 must-ask questions for your home inspector-09.jpg?ver=2019-05-02-131700-863" />122How to Clean Outside Your House the Right Wayhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/121/how-to-clean-outside-your-house-the-right-wayCleaning Tips,DIY,Home MaintenanceTue, 30 Apr 2019 15:17:03 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO CLEAN OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE THE RIGHT WAY</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 30, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/spring">Spring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/lawn-care">lawn care</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a></p> <p>Spring cleaning season is in full swing, but if you’re like a lot of people you don’t pay a lot of attention to the outside of your house. Sure, you can get away with just focusing on the inside, but if you’re thinking about selling your house any time soon, it pays to spruce up your home’s exterior, too. From power-washing your driveway to taking care of mildewed siding, here are our top tips for cleaning the outside of your house for maximum curb appeal.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Start By Surveying</span><br /> If it’s been a while since you’ve taken stock of what’s happening with your home’s exterior, start by taking a little walk around the yard, taking note of areas that need attention. Pay special mind to areas of wood rot, mildew, loose fixtures, shifted downspouts or fallen tree branches (these you can clean up as you go). Once you have a list put together of areas that need cleaning, fixing or touching up, it’s time to strategize your cleaning methods.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Windows and Power-Washing</span><br /> If your windows are dirty (and let’s face it, they probably will be), your first thought might be to drag out the power-washer. To be sure, a power washer is a valuable tool in your arsenal, but it might be a little too heavy duty for your windows unless you’re very careful. Not only do you risk breaking a window with a high-pressure nozzle, you can also damage your window casing or trim if you’re dealing with wood rot. To avoid these issues, use only a 40° or wider angle nozzle, hold the sprayer at least a foot away from the surface being cleaned and don’t use a power washer at all if you notice signs of wood decay—the high pressure can blast away more than you intend and lead to a bigger repair or even water intrusion.</p> <p>If you find you can’t use a power washer on your windows, you can get a window cleaning kit (these are available at any hardware store). Look for kits that include a telescoping handle, microfiber scrubbing pads and a squeegee. To rinse, use a low pressure nozzle attached to a normal garden hose.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. How to Clean Vinyl Siding</span><br /> If you’ve got dirty vinyl siding, this is the perfect place to use a power washer. Vinyl siding is very durable and power washing can get the job done fast, but you still have to be careful not to apply too much pressure. Start with a low-pressure nozzle (again, 40° is good) and work from the top down, using side to side sweeping motions. If you have a two-story house that you can’t clean effectively without a ladder, it might be worth it to call in the pros and save yourself some trouble.</p> <p>If your siding has mold or mildew, power washing alone won’t solve the problem. For this, you can use a long-handled scrub brush and a cleaning solution specifically meant to kill mold and mildew, such as powdered oxygen bleach. You can then rinse with the power washer, but make sure you’re wearing protective eyewear when you do; there’s bound to be some splashback.</p> <p>Note: Don’t mistake powdered oxygen bleach for traditional liquid bleach—they aren’t the same. Using traditional bleach won’t keep moss from growing back and can damage your lawn or other nearby plants.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Brick and Concrete</span><br /> Again, a power washer can be your friend when it comes to removing some types of stains on concrete, brick and stone pavers. Since concrete is porous, though, certain staining materials like oil need to be drawn out first. Use a drying agent like clay kitty litter to cover any oil, grease or other drips, wait a day for the litter to absorb what it can, then scrub the stain with laundry detergent or a commercial oil stain remover. If this doesn’t remove the stain, you can step up your efforts and use trisodium phosphate (or TSP), available at any home improvement store. Since this is a powerful stain remover and degreaser, it’s important to follow the package directions carefully and use protective gloves when applying it.</p> <p>For stubborn stains on bricks, you can use a solution of muriatic acid and water—just be careful! Muriatic acid is extremely powerful and can damage plants and other surfaces if not used correctly. First you’ll want to make sure you have protective eyewear, clothing and a respirator to protect your nose, throat and lungs from any fumes. Next, mix your muriatic acid and water in a plastic or glass container (muriatic acid can eat through metal and ceramic so don’t use those). For lighter colored bricks, the ratio to use is 1 part acid to 10 parts water. Up this to 20 parts water for darker bricks.</p> <p>Next, cover any plants around where you’ll be working, saturate the area to be cleaned with a hose and carefully apply the acid solution without splattering, working from top to bottom. Leave the acid to work on the stains for 6 minutes, then rinse dark brick well with a garden hose. For lighter colored bricks, rinse first with a solution of baking soda and water.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections for a Full Home Assessment</span><br /> Your local NPI inspector has the professional training and experience to help assess the condition of all your home’s structures and major systems. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npiweb.com/Find-an-Inspector">Give them a call today</a> to schedule you pre-listing or homebuyer’s inspection.</p> 121How You Can DIY Common Fixes Around the Homehttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/119/how-you-can-diy-common-fixes-around-the-homeDIY,Home Maintenance,SafetyThu, 18 Apr 2019 19:01:08 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW YOU CAN DIY COMMON FIXES AROUND THE HOME</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 18, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hvac">HVAC</a></p> <p class="emphasis-primary"><em>By Bret Engle of the blog <a class="color-secondary" href="https://diyguys.net/" target="_blank">DIYGuys.net</a></em></p> <p>Hiring a contractor for every small thing that happens around the home can quickly add up. Instead, it’s wise to know what you can do yourself and what truly needs a professional hand. Here are some tips and tricks to mastering basic DIY projects around your property.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When to Consider Professionals</span><br /> Granted, going through video after video on YouTube isn't exactly a recipe for a fun evening or weekend. Furthermore, you may also be frustrated in your efforts to find a DIY solution relevant to your problem. If this proves to be the case, there are many professional avenues you have at your disposal. You can go online to find <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.thespruce.com/hiring-and-managing-home-repair-contractor-1825128">reputable contractors</a> and be on your way to having your maintenance done.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Unclogging Drains</span><br /> Clogged drains, whether in the kitchen or bathroom, can pose as many risks as they do inconveniences. Yet, dealing with it is accessible enough that it can be achieved with just a few household products, such as <a class="color-secondary" href="https://crunchybetty.com/clean-your-drains-baking-soda-vinegar/">baking soda</a> and vinegar. Using natural options is preferable to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://thepinkplumber.com/blog/clogged-drains-and-the-dangers-of-chemical-solutions/">chemical cleaners</a>, as these are harmful to the environment and can degrade your plumbing. An organic solution will displace any accumulated grime and debris through the reaction you get from mixing them together. Then, with boiling hot water poured down the drain, you will have clean plumbing that no longer works against you.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Looking After Your HVAC Unit</span><br /> There’s nothing worse than a broken HVAC unit when the temperatures are rising during the summer. And while you shouldn’t attempt to fix a busted unit on your own, there are a few things you can do to keep it in working order. For starters, keep any yard debris (leaves, weeds, fallen branches, etc.) at least two feet away from the exterior unit to ensure that it has plenty of room to function properly. It’s also important to clean out any dirt or leaves that have become lodged in the unit itself (always shut off the power beforehand). However, one of the most important tasks you can do is to change the filter on a regular basis (every 90 days is a good rule of thumb). When swapping out the filters, make note <a class="color-secondary" href="https://filterbuy.com/custom-air-filters/">of the size</a> on the side of the filter, as the incorrect size could put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Dealing with Running Toilets</span><br /> This is not a glamorous project, but resolving a running toilet can save you money and avoid any serious <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.servprorexburgrigby.com/blog/post/26190/water-damage-restoration/damages-to-expect-from-an-overflowing-toilet-">escalations</a> that may occur. If not dealt with in a timely fashion, you could experience expensive blockages or suffer flooding from the excess build-up of water. Going through each <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/toilet-repair/how-to-stop-a-running-toilet/view-all/">potential cause</a> will be a process of elimination, but can be comfortably fixed. This may sound daunting, but there are instructional videos online that detail the mechanics of dealing with a defective flapper, fill valve, or water trapped in your float. Remember, there is a risk of flooding, so switch off the water supply when necessary.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Correcting Walls</span><br /> Many of us have that one wall with an unsightly impression left by a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.zillow.com/blog/repair-doorknob-holes-walls-204457/">doorknob</a>. It may be tempting to call in a plasterer to fix the problem, but consider doing this one yourself. You could use a doorknob wall shield as a temporary measure, but fixing a hole is straightforward if you use a guide. All you will need is a drywall patch that you place over a wood insertion, and then some paint to blend your work with the wall. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-repair-damaged-trim-molding">Trim molding</a> is equally vulnerable to damage, especially as it is made out of materials that can be easily broken. Thankfully, this is a quick fix that requires only wood filler, a putty knife, and a few other items. If the damage is great, you may need an epoxy filler instead of wood putty, but the process is similar either way.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Fixing Furniture</span><br /> Even the best furniture can suffer from disrepair, but we can <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.houselogic.com/buy/moving-in/repair-and-replace-door-hardware-update-rooms/">easily restore</a> our drawers and wardrobes. So, don't be discouraged when a handle breaks or simply pops off, as it is an inexpensive fix. Loose knobs may only need their screws tightened, but even gaps can be dealt with quickly by using filler and a putty knife. If a knob has suffered too much wear and tear, use this as an opportunity to freshen up furniture with new handles. They are easy enough to install, but remember to take measurements so that your choices fit perfectly.</p> <p><em>Bret Engle created <a class="color-secondary" href="https://diyguys.net/" target="_blank">DIYGuys.net</a> and co-authored the book <strong>How to DIY Damn Near Everything</strong> to help give others the courage and confidence to pursue their own DIY projects.</em></p> 119The Best Way to Polish Wood Floorshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/111/the-best-way-to-polish-wood-floorsCleaning Tips,DIY,Home MaintenanceFri, 05 Apr 2019 20:21:52 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE BEST WAY TO POLISH WOOD FLOORS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 5, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/floors">floors</a></p> <p>Hardwood floors have topped homebuyers’ most wanted lists for some time now and remain a major selling point for prospective buyers. While they’re known for being more durable and easier to maintain than carpet, hardwood floors still need upkeep and TLC to stay looking new. Here’s the best technique for polishing your hardwood floors so they look their best for years to come.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">How Often to Polish Hardwood Floors</span><br /> There IS such a thing as polishing hardwood floors too often. Over-polishing will only lead to a sticky buildup and create the perfect trap for dust, dirt and grime. The idea behind polishing floors is to fill in any scratches, protect the finish from future damage and of course, achieve that shiny, sparkling clean look. The best schedule for polishing hardwood floors is once every two to four months.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Remove rugs and furniture.</span><br /> First, remove the rugs from the room whose floors you’re ready to polish. Then, the more furniture you can completely remove from the room, the better. Grab a friend, and remove all furniture if possible, or push it as close to the edges of the room as you can.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Vacuum floors thoroughly.</span><br /> Before you start polishing, you’ll want to make sure you remove dust and debris from your floors. If you plan to use a vacuum, make sure that the wheels are in good shape, as rough wheels can scratch hardwood floors. When in doubt, just grab a broom.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Figure out your floor's finish.</span><br /> You may not have thought about your hardwood floors’ finish before, but now is the time to investigate. The type of finish your floors have will determine which route you’ll need to take when it’s time to start polishing.</p> <p>Choose an area out of the way (like behind a piece of furniture) and lightly scrape up a little of your floor’s finish with a blade. If nothing comes up at all and you just see a smudge, you like have a penetrating finish on your hands. If this is the case, you’ll actually need to wax your floors and you shouldn’t proceed with polishing! If a little finish does come up, then you have the okay to proceed with polishing.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Start polishing.</span><br /> Beginning in a back corner of the room, pour a small, S-shaped amount of wood floor polish of your choice on the floor. Use a flat-surface mop to smooth the polish back and forth in the same direction as the wood grain, taking care to get rid of any air bubbles that form. Work in areas that are around three by five feet in either direction. This will help you control the amount of polish you use and allow you to achieve an even finish. We recommend applying a thin layer to start rather than a thick one—you can always apply another coat.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Wait patiently.</span><br /> Once you’ve finished polishing a room, make sure everyone knows to stay off the floor for at least an hour. To avoid scratches, it’s a good idea to close the room off to pets and furniture should not be moved back in for another 24 hours.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">6. Keep your hardwood floors looking great between polishes.</span><br /> Polishing is a big job, and having your work get reversed almost as soon as it’s completed is frustrating. To keep your newly polished hardwood floors gleaming, try placing rugs at the entrance to rooms to help control any dirt and grime that might be tracked in. You should also stick to a weekly vacuuming schedule to keep dust at bay. You shouldn’t need to use cleaning solutions between polishing, but if you do, be sure to check their compatibility with wood floors. Any homemade solutions that contain vinegar and/or ammonia are a no-go, but a homemade solution that contains castile soap won’t dull shine.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections for a full report on your home’s condition. </span><br /> Our NPI inspectors have all of your home and commercial property inspection needs covered. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-an-Inspector" target="_blank"> Find an inspector near you today</a> to schedule an appointment and receive a comprehensive report on your home’s major systems.</p> 1115 Spring Cleaning Tips You Shouldn't Followhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/72/5-spring-cleaning-tips-you-shouldnt-followCleaning TipsWed, 13 Mar 2019 17:39:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 SPRING CLEANING TIPS YOU SHOULDN'T FOLLOW</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 13, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/spring">Spring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/floors">floors</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/appliances">appliances</a></p> <p>The first day of spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to come out of hibernation and get your place spic and span. There’s no shortage of spring cleaning tips scattered across the internet, but which ones should you really follow? We’ll show which ones you need to avoid and what to do instead to save you time and money.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Dousing Carpet Stains</span><br /> When you spill wine on the carpet, your first impulse might be to dilute, dilute, dilute to keep the stain from ruining the fibers. This is actually one of the worst things you can do. Instead of saturating the stain with water or carpet cleaner, which can break down carpet fibers and push staining material down into the pad and underlayment, focus on blotting the stain. You’ll draw liquid out of the carpet fibers this way, and you can repeat by lightly misting the area with water or cleaner until the stain is gone.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Lemons in the Garbage Disposal</span><br /> This is one of those myths that’s hard to shake—after all, who doesn’t like the idea of refreshing their disposal with lemon? The problem is this: the same acid that cuts through grease can actually corrode the metal blades inside the disposal, shortening the life of the appliance in the long run. If you want to keep your garbage disposal clean and fresh, use baking soda instead, along with a few ice cubes. The baking soda acts as a light abrasive and odor neutralizer without causing damage, while the ice clears away any debris that’s built up in the blades.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Handwashing Dishes</span><br /> If you’ve ever been told that it’s better to handwash dishes than put them in the dishwasher, the reasons are probably outdated. First, handwashing dishes doesn’t generally save water—in fact, most modern dishwashers use far less water (and get your dishes cleaner) than handwashing. Unless your dishes state that they’re not dishwasher safe, feel free to throw them in. You also don’t need to spend much time pre-rinsing dishes before they go in the washer. Dishwashers clean dishes best when there’s a bit of food residue still on them (this gives the dish detergent something stick to). Just scrape the dishes to remove all the large debris and you’re good to go.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Feather Dusters</span><br /> Feather dusters look like they should work great, but depending on what they’re made from they can be expensive and a waste of your time. While ostrich feather dusters do naturally attract dust, they’re expensive and hard to clean. Other types of feather dusters just spread dust around, and if you have allergies you want to avoid kicking up dust and dander whenever you can. A much better solution? Disposable dry dust cloths. Look for ones that are electrostatically charged to attract and trap dust.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Polishing Floors Every Week</span><br /> If you’re one of those people who revel in spotless polished floors and furniture, we don’t blame you. It’s easy to overdo it though, and putting polish on top of polish is a recipe for dull, sticky buildup. If you’re polishing your floor every week, that’s too much. Layers of built-up polish can even trap debris, causing scratches to these surfaces over time. If you notice your floors or furniture getting dusty between polishings, a lightly dampened cloth will do the trick to get these surfaces gleaming again.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections Today</span><br /> Our expert inspectors have the knowledge and experience to assess all your home’s major systems and provide a comprehensive report. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-an-Inspector" target="_blank">Find an inspector near you</a> today to make your appointment.</p> 72Common Home Fixes: When You Can DIY and When to Hire a Prohttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/68/common-home-fixes-when-you-can-diy-and-when-to-hire-a-proDIY,Home MaintenanceWed, 06 Mar 2019 14:30:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">COMMON HOME FIXES: WHEN YOU CAN DIY AND WHEN TO HIRE A PRO</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 6, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a></p> <p class="emphasis-primary"><em>By Bret Engle of the blog <a class="color-secondary" href="https://diyguys.net/" target="_blank">DIYGuys.net</a></em></p> <p>Being a homeowner can be confusing these days, at least when it comes to DIY projects. With so many shows, guides, and experts seemingly ready to walk you through the most difficult of undertakings, is there any limit to what the average homeowner can do? Well, in actuality, there are a number of jobs where most people are better off connecting with a pro, and here’s how to determine what projects those are, as well as what you should expect to pay for them.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Before You Jump In</span><br /> The last thing you need is to be tripping over supplies and materials while you’re in work mode, and neither do you want a contractor damaging your belongings. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, consider budgeting for a storage space to boost elbow room. As an example, you can rent a 10’x10′ self-storage unit for just $20 at Affordable Family Storage on L Street in Omaha. It’s a smart and inexpensive option for preventing both injuries and broken belongings, so include that when crafting your project budget.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Timelines and Limitations</span><br /> When it comes to home repairs, having a good understanding of your personal skills and abilities gives you a good starting point. Make an honest evaluation of what sort of projects you have experience with, as well as how much time you can dedicate to your tasks. As an example, Interiors Addict explains a full bathroom remodel can take a builder as much as seven weeks to accomplish, barring complications such as asbestos removal. That’s with having tools and supplies handy, as well as professional expertise. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $25,000 for the work, depending the size of the room, materials, your location, and what work is involved.</p> <p>When it comes to tackling it yourself, some experts suggest a timeline of several weeks just for re-tiling a shower if you’re working nights and weekends. That’s a long time to do without your bathroom, and that’s just one component in a remodel. If you elect to re-tile a shower yourself, materials can cost as little as $50 to over $1,500. To hire someone to re-tile your shower, expect to pay anywhere from $800 to more than $2,500.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Rules and Restrictions</span><br /> In addition to projects that are involved or time-consuming, some jobs are simply too dangerous or complex for the average homeowner to consider. As a starting point, Liberty Mutual points out, any home repairs requiring a special permit or license to accomplish should be considered off-limits to homeowners. Bear in mind building permits and codes are meant to protect you, your family, and your home, since they ensure minimum safety standards.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Taboo Undertakings</span><br /> There are many aspects that can make a project too dangerous for a DIY, such as height, materials, and potential consequences. For instance, removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, is not for amateurs, and the average cost for an inspection and test is $1,000. Roof repairs and tree removal are inherently dangerous and should be left to professionals. Fixing your roof costs anywhere from $150 for a minor repair to $3,000 for a major repair. The average cost for tree removal is estimated to fall between $500 and $1,500. Rerouting plumbing requires the expertise of a professional; if done incorrectly, you can flood your home. You can use an online calculator to give you an idea of costs, depending on what is involved and where you live, but expect to pay upwards of $600.</p> <p>In a world of DIY channels, instructions, and videos galore, knowing when to draw the line on your home repairs can be tough. Keep your personal skills in mind, think about how much time you can put toward projects, and if something is beyond your abilities, hire a professional. When it comes to home repairs, stick to a policy of better safe than sorry.</p> <p><em>Bret Engle created <a class="color-secondary" href="https://diyguys.net/" target="_blank">DIYGuys.net</a> and co-authored the book <strong>How to DIY Damn Near Everything</strong> to help give others the courage and confidence to pursue their own DIY projects.</em></p> 68Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom in 6 Easy Stepshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/69/mildew-proof-your-bathroom-in-6-easy-stepsCleaning Tips,DIY,Home MaintenanceFri, 01 Mar 2019 14:36:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MILDEW-PROOF YOUR BATHROOM IN 6 EASY STEPS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 1, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/painting">painting</a></p> <p>Whether your bathroom is old or new, big or small, mildew can set in and make it a less pleasant place to be. Here’s what you can do to mildew-proof your bathroom so the stuff doesn’t have a chance to take over.</p> <p class="emphasis-primary">First, here’s a quick rundown of the top causes for mildew:</p> <p><strong>Leaks.</strong> Moisture can seep into a bathroom from sources we can’t see, like pipes behind drywall or cracks in grout. Since mildew loves darkness and dampness, it’ll continue to thrive in these places, making it even more difficult to get rid of once you discover it.</p> <p><strong>A shower that doesn't get cleaned regularly.</strong> It’s a pain to scrub your shower, but it’s worth keeping up with the chore if you want to extend the life of your entire bathroom. Tiles can collect soap and body oil after every use, and over time, these residues can combine with humidity to lead to mold and mildew.</p> <p><strong>Clogged drains.</strong> Soap, hair and other debris naturally lead to a clogged drain from time to time. If you notice your shower draining more slowly than usual, it’s important to grab the Drano right away. Clogs that aren’t attended to quickly will lead to mildew since the yucky stuff the clog is made of (aforementioned soap and hair, plus body oil and dirt) is an ideal space for it to grow.</p> <p><strong>Inadequate ventilation.</strong> Ventilation is incredibly important for any bathroom, and nowadays, there are certain regulations in place to ensure adequate airflow. But if you have an older home, you might be dealing with a space that’s not quite up to code. Inefficient ventilation is a number one cause of mold and mildew since moisture and humidity can get trapped.</p> <p><strong>Drippy faucets.</strong> A drippy faucet means the area underneath will never have a chance to dry out. The constant moisture will inevitably lead to mold and mildew growth.</p> <p class="emphasis-primary">Now that you know what actually causes mildew, here’s how you can prevent it:</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Use Mildew-Proof Paint</span><br /> Repainting your bathroom is an inexpensive way to prevent long-term mildew growth. Make sure to choose a mildew-resistant paint or to mix in a mildew-resistant additive.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Open Your Window Shades Occasionally</span><br /> Many bathrooms unfortunately won’t have a window, but if they do, your space will definitely benefit from a little light—mildew hates it! Keep those blinds open for at least an hour or so every day, especially directly after showering. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, you’re not completely out of luck, your fix just won’t be quite so simple. You’ll need to either leave the light on and remember to switch it off after a period of time so as not to waste energy, or install a timer on your lights so they automatically switch off.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Clean Up Spilled Water Immediately</span><br /> With all the showering, bathing and handwashing going on, water is going to get around your bathroom. This is especially true if you have kids. That’s perfectly fine, as long as you pay attention to any puddles and clean them up quickly. Standing water will turn into mildew city if left unattended all the time.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep Your Bathroom Clean</span><br /> Experts say you should wipe down your bathroom at least once a week. This goes for fixtures, sinks and the like. Toilets should be cleaned once a week, and your bath and/or shower area should be scrubbed every two weeks. Don’t forget to lift up shower items like shampoo bottles so you can scrub underneath them. Regularly switch out your shower curtain liner and launder any decorative shower curtains once a month or so. Bathroom mold and mildew can be stubborn, so simply keeping up with cleaning will save you so much work in the long-run.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Reseal Your Grout Annually</span><br /> Grout is pretty porous in the first place, and with constant exposure to water, you can imagine just how susceptible it is to mold and mildew. Scrubbing your grout well during your bi-monthly shower- and bath-cleaning sessions and remembering to reseal it annually will help it stand up better to water.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call NPI today to schedule your home inspection.</span><br /> National Property Inspections has the expertise to provide a full report on the condition of your home. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-An-Inspector">Find an inspector near you</a> today to invest with confidence.</p> 69The 9 Best Household Uses for Bleachhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/70/the-9-best-household-uses-for-bleachCleaning Tips,DIYFri, 22 Feb 2019 14:45:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE 9 BEST HOUSEHOLD USES FOR BLEACH</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 22, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/laundry">laundry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kids">kids</a></p> <p>Bleach is a classic solution for taking care of myriad cleaning projects around the house. It’s so ubiquitous, in fact, that we’re betting there are some uses that you don’t even know about yet. Check out these nine ways to use bleach for your toughest household tasks.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Clean your cutting boards.</span><br /> Butcher block countertops and cutting boards can start harboring lots of bacteria over time. Combine one teaspoon bleach with two quarts of water, dip in a brush and use small circles to scrub boards and counters. Wipe with a damp paper towel and then dry immediately.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Get rid of mold and mildew</span><br /> Bleach is notorious for its ability to eradicate mold and mildew, but it’s all about doing it right. Follow the following ratios to get rid of mold and mildew in these tough places:</p> <p><strong>Painted surfaces and siding:</strong> Mix one quarter bleach with two cups water and apply with a brush to any areas showing mold or mildew. Allow to set for 15 minutes and then rinse. You may need to repeat.</p> <p><strong>Shower curtains:</strong> Wash in warm water with half a cup of bleach and a quarter cup of detergent. Let the washer run for a few minutes and then dry at the lowest setting for ten minutes.</p> <p><strong>Cement or stucco:</strong> Mix one cup of bleach with two gallons of water. Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Kill weeds in sidewalk cracks.</span><br /> Stop sidewalk weeds in their tracks. While you can’t just go dumping bleach into your garden, you can use it to get rid of stubborn weeds that tend to appear in walkway and sidewalk cracks. Carefully pour undiluted bleach into cracks, being sure not to get any on surrounding grass or plants. The weeds should be gone in no time.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Put sparkle back in glass dishes.</span><br /> Stubborn water stains on your glass dishware? Bleach can be used to remove them and brighten up glass. Add a teaspoon to hot, soapy dishwater and wash, rinse and dry as usual. Your glass should be sparkling.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Make a DIY disinfectant spray.</span><br /> When it comes to stocking your cleaning supply arsenal, nothing beats a good all-purpose disinfectant spray. Mix one tablespoon of bleach per one gallon of hot water, place the mixture in a plastic spray bottle and use it on a paper towel or rag to clean a variety of surfaces. Just be sure not to mix it with ammonia—the number one rule of using bleach around the house.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">6. Brighten white linens.</span><br /> The most popular use for bleach will long be for intensifying white fabrics. But just because you don’t have to wear an item doesn’t mean it shouldn’t get the brightening treatment. Bleach can be used to breathe new life into white duvets, sheets and even curtains. Use the hottest water setting on your washing machine, add a cup of bleach and allow the linens to soak for five minutes. Then add half a cup more bleach and your regular detergent and run a regular cycle.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">7. Keep flowers fresher longer.</span><br /> This one is a little strange and counter-intuitive, but hear us out. Bleach can actually extend the life of fresh cut flowers when you add a little to the vase water. Just make sure you get the ratio right: think about three drops of bleach per liter of water, plus a teaspoon of sugar. The recipe works because it helps inhibit the growth of bacteria!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">8. Whiten dingy tile grout.</span><br /> Tile grout can get pretty dull and dingy after awhile, giving your bathroom a tired look. Bleach can help restore grout to its original luster. Just mix a little bleach into a spray bottle of water and spray directly on grout. Let it penetrate the grout for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a small bristle brush or old toothbrush. In a pinch, you can also use a bleach gel pen intended for treating small clothing stains.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">9. Sanitize plastic toys.</span><br /> If you have kids, you probably have hundreds of small plastic toys in your home, from Legos to figurines to doll accessories. Bleach is perfect for sanitizing all those little pieces, especially after a bout of illness has made its rounds in your household. Just add half a cup of bleach to a bucket with a gallon or so of warm water and allow the toys to soak for five to ten minutes. Then strain them, rinse them and allow them to dry completely.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections for a report on your home today.</span><br /> Our NPI inspectors can assess your roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing and more and prepare a full report on their condition. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-An-Inspector">Find an inspector near you</a> today!</p> 70Find the Best Painter's Tape for Your Projectshttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/71/find-the-best-painters-tape-for-your-projectsDIYTue, 19 Feb 2019 14:46:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">FIND THE BEST PAINTER'S TAPE FOR YOUR PROJECTS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 19, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/painting">painting</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a></p> <p>Painter’s tape. It’s such a small, insignificant item, especially when you’re caught up in choosing primers, paint colors and rollers. But when you stop and think about it, painter’s tape could mean the difference between a sloppy DIY job and a professional-quality look. Maybe it’s finally about time we paid it more attention. Here’s all you need to know about choosing the best variety of tape for your next project.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">What is Painter's Tape Anyway?</span></p> <p>While painter’s tape looks similar to regular masking tape, it’s really quite different. For one, it’s a bit thicker than your run-of-the-mill masking tape. That means it tears less easily and won’t leave pesky remnants on surfaces. High-quality painter’s tape also absorbs moisture to prevent any color bleeding onto surfaces you don’t want to paint.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">How to Choose the Best Painter's Tape for the Job</span></p> <p>There are a few key things to consider when choosing the best painter’s tape:</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Job Duration</span><br /> This may be the single most important thing to take into account when choosing the right painter’s tape for your project. No matter which type of tape you use, the adhesion won’t last forever. In fact, adhesion usually lasts between seven and sixty days. You’ll also need to take into account how delicate your surfaces are and the exposure they might have to heat, sunlight and humidity. For delicate surfaces and highly detailed jobs, you’ll want a longer-lasting tape, and for more basic jobs, tape that lasts somewhere in the seven-day to fourteen-day range should work just fine.</p> <p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Never procrastinate when it comes to peeling off your painter’s tape! You risk it getting stuck there and potentially damaging surfaces.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Adhesion</span><br /> You’ll want to choose a painter’s tape with a level of adhesion that suits your job and the surfaces you’re working with. Here’s how the different levels of stickiness stack up:</p> <p><strong>Low:</strong> If you’re working with fragile surfaces, like wallpaper, faux finishes or patterned paint jobs, you’ll want the stickiness to be at a minimum to avoid damage. Low adhesive tape can last up to two months.</p> <p><strong>Medium:</strong> A medium adhesive tape works perfectly for drywall and plaster. It’s also great for glass, stone, unpainted wood and metal surfaces. A medium adhesive tape will stay in place for around two weeks.</p> <p><strong>Heavy:</strong> You might see heavy-duty tape labeled for exteriors, as they work best for outdoor use. Heavy-duty tapes can hold drop cloths in place and adhere to surfaces like stucco, brick, concrete and lacquer. These tapes should be removed within seven days.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Width</span><br /> The ideal width for painter’s tape is anywhere from one and a half inches and about two inches. These widths create the best edge without giving you too much trimming to do. If you’re painting a corner or area with a lot of detail, try an even smaller one-inch width. For taping floors and ceilings, try an extra wide two- to three-inch tape.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Color</span><br /> Color doesn’t have too much of an impact on overall quality or type of painter’s tape. Blue painter’s tape, however, is UV resistant, making it a good option for outdoor use or rooms that get a lot of sunlight. Excessive sunlight can cause tape adhesion to melt and stick too much, so be sure to follow instructions closely.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Call National Property Inspections today to schedule your home inspection.</span><br /> Our expert inspectors have the knowledge and experience to assess all your home’s major systems and provide a full report. <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-An-Inspector">Find an inspector near you</a> today!</p> 71The 5 Best Housewarming Gifts to Give a New Homeownerhttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/73/the-5-best-housewarming-gifts-to-give-a-new-homeownerJust for FunFri, 15 Feb 2019 19:02:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE 5 BEST HOUSEWARMING GIFTS TO GIVE A NEW HOMEOWNER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 15, 2019 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/first-time-homeowner">first-time homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/moving">moving</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/living-room">living room</a></p> <p>Nothing says “welcome to the neighborhood” or “congratulations on your new home” like a housewarming gift. Whether you want to drop by and introduce yourself to new neighbors or you’ve received a formal invitation to a housewarming party, this list will ensure you don’t arrive empty-handed.</p> <div><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Housewarming Gifts/food-storage-container-e1550260439571.jpg?ver=2019-04-04-131532-003" width="100%" /> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Glass food storage containers </span><br /> This one is a little unconventional, but let us explain. Think of your own storage container collection. Unless you’ve culled it recently using some tried and true decluttering tricks, you’ve probably got a mismatched pile of lids and containers. Some are glass, some are plastic, some are long gone, but their lids remain. Wouldn’t YOU love a brand new set so you can start from scratch in your brand new home? We know we would!</p> <div><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Housewarming Gifts/pizza-e1550260474554.jpg" width="100%" /> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. A gift card to a nearby pizza restaurant </span><br /> Moving is an exhausting process and unpacking can be drawn out for weeks. Who has time to cook? A gift card to a local pizza restaurant that delivers to the neighborhood will never go amiss. Bonus idea: gather menus from your favorite local takeout restaurants, decorate a fun folder and present it along with the gift card. You’ll get to bond over great food and they’ll never be at a loss when it comes to picking the best their new area has to offer.</p> <div><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Housewarming Gifts/throw-blanket-e1550260513784.jpg" width="100%" /> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. A throw blanket </span><br /> Throw blankets are one of those things you can never have too many of, especially in a family with multiple children and pets. Opt for a blanket made of a super-soft material, like fleece, polyester or cotton. It also doesn’t hurt to choose a neutral color that will complement just about any decorating scheme. Think shades like oatmeal, gray, ivory, olive or navy.</p> <div><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Housewarming Gifts/cookbook-e1550260550127.jpg" width="100%" /> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. A great cookbook </span><br /> The gift recipient might already have classic cookbook staples in their collection, like The Joy of Cooking and the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. This is your chance to offer a more fresh, modern or personalized recommendation. Do you have a favorite tried and true cookbook that has never steered you wrong? Grab a copy, and go a step further by marking your favorite recipes with sticky notes. We promise they’ll appreciate it.</p> <div><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Housewarming Gifts/olive-oil-2-e1550260633843.jpg" width="100%" /> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. A bottle of high-quality olive oil </span><br /> Most people opt for a bottle of wine or bubbly for new homeowners—it’s classic and the majority of the time, appreciated. But if the homeowner doesn’t prefer your selection, the bottle could collect dust on the shelf. Opting for a bottle of high-quality olive oil will drastically reduce the chance of your gift going unused. Plus, the whole family can enjoy it, and it’s just plain healthier.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> 737 Houseplants that Thrive in Low Lighthttps://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/75/7-houseplants-that-thrive-in-low-lightHome Decor,Just for FunWed, 13 Feb 2019 20:54:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">7 HOUSEPLANTS THAT THRIVE IN LOW LIGHT</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 7, 2020 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="/Blog/Posts/Tag/lighting">lighting</a>, <a href="/Blog/Posts/Tag/pets">pets</a>, <a href="/Blog/Posts/Tag/garden">garden</a></p> <p>Just because your home doesn’t have a perfectly sunny spot for plants, doesn’t mean you can’t keep any. Adding greenery to your space is doable no matter how low your lighting is—it’s all about choosing the right plants for the space you have.</p> <p>Make no mistake: having plants is still a responsibility, even with low-key species. You’ll have to put in a little effort to make it work, like watering and rotating plants and keeping the lights on for a certain amount of time each day. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, the good news is that artificial plants have come a long way, and you’ll still be able to enjoy the look if you want to—without the accountability.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/snakeplant new-08.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Snake Plant</span><br /> Snake plants have a reputation for being one of the most tolerant species. In fact, you can neglect them for weeks at a time without much visible change or permanent damage (not that we’d recommend doing that). Snake plants survive well in low lighting, only need watered every two to six weeks and they can even improve your home’s indoor air quality by removing toxins.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/ivy-houseplant-e1550090096837.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Ivy</span><br /> Like snake plants, ivy is highly forgiving. This no-fuss houseplant can go weeks without any watering. Ivy is also extremely versatile if you’re all about appearances. It comes in a wide variety of looks and can be planted in hanging baskets, used for topiaries or made into centerpieces.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/pothos-houseplant-e1550090165279.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Pothos</span><br /> Pothos are undemanding and easy to care for, making them one of the best plants for busy folks or beginners. They’re capable of thriving in a variety of environments, including low light, and they can grow in a vase of water or dry soil. Note, though, that pothos are considered poisonous. While not fatally dangerous, children, dogs and cats could become ill from ingesting even a small amount.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/dieffenbachia-houseplant-e1550090236774.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Dieffenbachia</span><br /> Also known as dumb cane plants, Dieffenbachia are eye-catching houseplants with bright, hard-to-miss speckled leaves. Dieffenbachia are highly adaptable, performing best in filtered sunlight with little watering needed. Note that the dumb cane gets its name because when its leaves are chewed or eaten, temporary swelling of the tongue and throat can occur and make speech and breathing difficult. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/philodendron-houseplant-e1550090314419.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Philodendron</span><br /> Philodendrons are a staple in the houseplant world. Just about every indoor gardening enthusiast has one in their collection. The nice thing about philodendrons is that if you know what to look for, you’ll start to pick up on the fact that they’ll tell you exactly what they need using their leaves. Yellowed leaves mean the plant is getting too much light, whereas long stems with several inches between leaves mean it isn’t getting enough light. Philodendrons need bright, indirect sunlight and a moderate amount of water (just look for wilted leaves to know when it’s time) to flourish.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/anthurium-houseplant-e1550090393348.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">6. Anthurium</span><br /> The anthurium plant and its hardy red flowers give you the look of a fresh bouquet, only with staying power. These plants only need to be watered once a week in winter and twice a week in summer, and while they do prefer light, they don’t require direct sunlight. Once you find a great location and a proper watering schedule for the anthurium, it should stay perfectly healthy for years to come.</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://npiweb.com/Portals/0/Blog/Article Images/Houseplants/rex-begonia-houseplant-e1550090464437.jpg" width="100%" /></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">7. Rex Begonia</span><br /> The first thing people think of when they think of the rex begonia plant is its gorgeous leaves. Though this plant also blooms small flowers, it’s the richly hued, patterned leaves that really steal the show. The rex begonia hates to be overwatered and performs the best in shade. If this sounds like you and your space, this plant will do just fine.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Schedule your NPI home inspection today.</span><br /> <a class="color-secondary" href="/Find-an-Inspector" target="_blank">Find an NPI inspector near you</a> to schedule your full home inspection. Our inspectors are professionally trained to identify any issues or needed repairs on thousands of components of your home, including the roof, foundation, electrical system and more.</p> 75