Category: Home Maintenance

Maintenance Minutes: How to Check for Window Leaks

June 13, 2022

The most common issues that you will encounter with your property’s windows are problems stemming from water intrusion, difficulty opening and closing windows, and air leaks. If proper repairs are made following the inspection provided by your NPI inspector, you may save a substantial amount of money in heating and cooling costs. If you suspect that you may have any of these issues with your windows, there are ways to check for these problems ahead of receiving the inspection of your property from NPI. Water Damage Checking for the presence of water damage around your windows is relatively easy using a few simple NPI tips. If you suspect water damage to the interior of your windows, first visually examine the condition of each window. You’ll want to take note of signs of a water leak such as peeling paint, mold buildup, and the discoloration of the area surrounding the window. If any of these are prevalent, you will want to further inspect the area around your windows by touching bordering sides with a dry hand. If you detect any moisture or dew drops that have formed on the windowsill, this is an indicator of a window leak. Difficulty Opening &

Maintenance Minutes: How to Change Your Furnace Filter

June 6, 2022

In this Maintenance Minute video, we are going to take a moment to learn how to change the filter on your furnace. The only equipment you will need is a new filter. The information on what size is needed for the new filter should be located on the side of the unit. For this project, there’s no assembly or tools required–anyone can change out an old filter. Plus, it’s a good life skill to know as there will come a time when you need to utilize this expertise. Reasons to Change Your Air FilterThere are a few major reasons why changing your air filter is so important. The first of which being that changing out the filter on your system keeps the HVAC working at an optimal level. Also, replacing the filter improves air quality by keeping the oxygen in your home clean. This is especially important for people with seasonal allergies. Last but not least, swapping out your old air filter for a new one helps to prevent damage to the entire HVAC system. How to Change Your FilterBefore you get started, you’ll want to turn off your furnace. This can be done in one of two ways. In

Maintenance Minutes: How to Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

May 31, 2022

Did you know you can cut risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards in half by following just a few helpful tips? The best part is that these recommendations can be completed on your own without the need to pay for additional services from a contractor. All you need is a foot stool or ladder and possibly a few batteries. Before we dive into carbon monoxide and fire prevention, let’s examine reasons why prevention is so important. The Importance of CO SafetyCarbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it’s an” invisible gas,” meaning that it’s odorless, colorless, and is unseen to the naked eye. It prevents the oxygen in your body from circulating throughout your system properly, disrupting your respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of the fumes produced by fuel sources such as gasoline, coal, kerosene, and wood. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes come from unventilated space heaters, improperly connected water heaters, unclean fireplaces, vehicles that have been unintentionally left running in garages, and household appliances that are incorrectly connected. The onset of carbon monoxide poisoning happens very quickly. According to John Hopkins Medicine, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in as little

Getting Rid of Your Bad-Tasting Tap Water for Good

May 23, 2022

If you think you have bad-tasting or smelling water in your home, it may not be in your head. In some areas of the United States, tap water includes additives that you may have certain sensitivities or allergies to. While a few of these added chemicals serve a purpose, such as the addition of fluoride to help protect the enamel on your teeth, there is also unwanted waste that can sometimes end up in the water supply. Blended PipingAnother reason your current water system may be producing a bad taste or foul odor is the piping. For many newer homes, it can be an issue, as the piping leading to the tap is not a pure metal as was once used in older homes built prior to 1950. Today, it is standard practice to use piping that is a blend of metals and plastic such as polybutylene or polyethylene. This type of piping has the potential to cause an assortment of issues. These plastics can lead to problems, specifically for those with latex allergies. An additional issue with the usage of blended pipes is the addition of mold buildup. If mold builds up in the pipes it can not only

How to Storm-Proof Your Home from Inclement Weather

May 16, 2022

A bad storm can bring about so many repairs. From broken windows to downed powerlines and trees. All together, these things can quickly add up to be very costly. The best method of defense is to prepare for disaster before it occurs. Prior to storm-proofing your home, you’ll want to consider the types of inclement weather common to the area where you reside (i.e., blizzards in the Midwest versus hurricanes and floods in southern states). Based on that information, it’s easier to prepare for and prevent future issues that are most likely to occur. Warm Weather Problems In warmer climates, it’s more common to have issues resulting from high-wind storms and possible flooding (depending on how far south you live). To help weatherproof your home in these situations, it’s best to start by ensuring the solidity of your roof. Loose shingles are a frequent issue in areas where high windstorms are common. Making sure that you have a roof with a solid foundation is key. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. The best practice is to use a double layer of shingles that are no more than six inches apart, as this will prevent holes from forming

How to Properly Tend to Trees

May 9, 2022

Trees are a great addition to any yard. They provide shade, a home for local wildlife, and even delicious fruits. But you do need to give your trees the right care to avoid them becoming a giant pain. Here’s what you can do to keep those saplings strong and healthy. Know your tree species better. There are close to 1,000 species of trees throughout North America, each one requiring different care instructions. If you haven’t had to care for trees before, it may seem a bit overwhelming. The good news is that a little bit of research can give you a better idea of how to care for the ones at your home. The internet, books, and even local lawn care professionals are great resources to reach out to. You’ll be able to find the best information on what to do and what not to do to keep your trees growing strong. Care for the ground around. Poor soil conditions can impact a tree’s root system and its ability to get the nutrients it needs. Avoid compacting the dirt at the base of the tree too much. This is common when people frequently park their cars underneath. Move your car

The Best Advice For Buying A Fixer-Upper Home

April 18, 2022

By Patrick Young of the blog, AbleUSA.info Buying a home is a big, exciting milestone. However, it can be a pricey undertaking. That’s why many first-time homebuyers consider an “as-is” fixer-upper home to renovate and repair themselves. If you’re thinking about following this path, National Property Inspections invites you to consider the following before you sign your name on the dotted line. Prepare Fixer-uppers can quickly become money pits no matter how inexpensive they appear to be at first. If you plan to pay for renovations out-of-pocket, you still need a mortgage to purchase the house. For any mortgage loan, fixer-upper or otherwise, a lender will examine your credit. If you have had any hiccups in the past, you should clear them up ahead of time. Then you will need a down payment for your home, cash for renovations, and if you need to live elsewhere while making repairs, budget for that as well. If you need to roll your renovations into the mortgage, there are loans especially designed for this purpose, but detailed cost estimates must be included. These estimates should consider all foreseeable expenses, including fees, inspections, and permits. Know Your Zone If you’re not sure where to

Real Estate Investing Trends for 2022

April 11, 2022

The past two years have been anything but “normal” for real estate investors, and many have learned to adapt or fear missing out. Several factors converged to create the “perfect storm” for a competitive real estate market leading into 2022. Low interest rates made homeownership more attractive to more buyers, and the low inventory helped elevate prices. The pandemic continued to impact markets in several ways, including an increase in working from home, an eviction moratorium, and a supply shortage. So, what will 2022 look like for real estate investors? It’s impossible to predict with pinpoint accuracy, but these top real estate investors and educators identify which trends they believe will emerge in 2022, and how to better position yourself for success. Predictions for Real Estate Investing in 2022Inching toward “normal”The economy and housing market are showing signs of returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to Lee Arnold, an international speaker, trainer, author and licensed broker, and CEO of Secured Investment Corp. “Many real estate investors and construction companies are breathing a sigh of relief and hoping that the period of multiple offers, contingency waivers, and record-high prices are finally in their rearview mirror,” he said. “The entire industry is looking

10 Items to Add to Your Home Toolbox

March 21, 2022

If you’ve been a homeowner for some time, chances are you already have a well-put-together toolkit. In fact, you may have already used it a few times on your own renovations and repairs. If you’re wanting to expand your tool stockpile, here are 10 items that will make any future projects a breeze. Headlamp or Magnetic Tool Light Trying to juggle a flashlight and your tools is a hassle and can even be dangerous. With a headlamp, you don’t have to worry about fumbling for the right tool while you’re working. You just slide it on and voila! You’re free to move about and illuminate your workspace. You can also get a magnetic tool light. These tend to be a bit brighter than a headlamp, so they’re really useful in the darkest parts of your home. Telescoping Mirror Can’t quite see around or underneath what you’re fixing? A telescoping mirror will give you the angle you need. You’ll be able to see if there are any nails or wires before sticking your hand in. Mirrors like this are usually cheap, so they’re definitely a great investment. OrganizersAs you add to your toolkit, things may become a bit cluttered. Searching for

What an Energy Audit Can Do for You

March 7, 2022

The average household spends over $2,000 a year on energy expenses. If you fall into the average, or even find yourself surpassing it), you’re ready to start saving money. One way that you can decrease your usage and spending is by having an energy audit performed. Benefits of an Energy Audit You probably already know the biggest benefit of an energy audit– saving yourself money. But there are other positives you may not have thought of. You’ll also be able to save your appliances, mainly your HVAC system, from wearing out as quickly. You may even find yourself living more comfortably without having to constantly fight your HVAC. What Kinds of Homes Should Get an Audit? It’s a given that most older homes don’t hold up as well as when they were first built, so it’s no surprise they can eventually become an energy sinkhole. Older frames tend to split, and this can allow for a higher amount of intrusion from the outside air. Even if your house is brand new or recently remodeled, there can still be defects within the construction that hinder its efficiency. That’s why it pays to have an energy audit so that you can catch