The True Home Inspection Expert

Put a gloomy, dreary day to good use

2010-08-23T10:23:00.001-04:00

Put a gloomy, dreary day to good use: prep your deck

(ARA) - Now is the time to get outside and prepare outdoor living spaces for the entertainment season. While sunny days are perfect for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers and laying mulch, don't waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other DIY projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck for upcoming barbecues and get-togethers.

Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect your investment from the elements, keep it looking nice and make it easier to maintain. However, professional results don't rely simply on laying down a coat or two of stain - any deck project should start with proper cleaning and preparation. And, while you may want a perfectly sunny weekend to stain your deck, prepping can be done at any time. Below are simple steps to help achieve great-looking results that last:

Gather your tools and materials. Plan to have the following within reach as you prep your deck:

* Broom or leaf blower

* Ladder (for decks off ground)

* Rags

* Tarps

* Buckets for mixing

* Synthetic brushes (2 to 4 inches)

* Rollers

* Long handles for rollers

* Roller frames and roller grids

* Cleaning product. Flood wood care offers wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt and rain.

Check your surfaces. To ensure your deck is both safe and beautiful, be sure to inspect the area for bad wood, dry rot, loose nails, loose spindles and broken boards. Replace boards as needed and secure any loose nails and spindles.

Prepare yourself, the deck and the surrounding area. Make sure you take all safety precautions before embarking on your deck cleaning project. Wear gloves, safety glasses and old clothing - shorts are not recommended. Before starting, cover any areas you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet your deck surface with water.

Clean, scrub and renew. Work the cleaner into the wood, working from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep the surface wet with water and let the wood cleaner stand for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Once cleaned, wood should dry for at least 48 hours before applying stain.

The cleaning process for an average-sized (300 to 500 square feet) deck should take approximately five to six hours. And, since Mother Nature won't harm your work, cleaning can be done on a gloomy day. A properly cleaned deck should be stained within 30 days. After 30 days, a light cleaning with bleach and water before staining will do the trick. For more information on wood care products, visit www.flood.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Choosing the best water heater for your lifestyle

2010-08-11T08:48:00.001-04:00

Choosing the best water heater for your lifestyle

(ARA) - When ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at Number 2.

"Monthly energy costs have become an important factor in the decision-making process for homeowners looking for a new water heater," says Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmentalist. "That's why manufacturers are introducing new technologies that increase the energy efficiency of their products." In order to find the right water heater for your lifestyle, Begley points out that you need to consider both the performance of the machine and the monthly energy costs associated with it.

Your first option is a conventional water heater. These models typically include a glass-lined tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A 40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two or three people, while a larger family may need a 50- to 80-gallon tank.

A tank-type water heater can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. A natural gas model is generally the least expensive in terms of monthly energy costs, with an electric model costing up to three times as much to heat the same amount of water. Most homeowners simply select the type of water heater that matches their current fuel source.

A conventional tank-type water heater can operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 percent efficiency, depending on the brand. In other words, 75 cents of your heating dollar goes into heating the water, and the other 25 cents is lost.

Within the past 10 years, manufacturers have begun promoting another option - the tankless water heater. These models typically deliver about 82 percent energy efficiency. Compared to a conventional water heater, your savings will typically range from $30 to $75 per year.

A tankless water heater uses a very large burner to heat the water as it passes through a copper pipe on its way to your sink, washing machine or shower. These models are measured in gallons per minute.

If you don't use a lot of hot water, it can run almost indefinitely without running out. However, if you exceed the capacity of the machine, you will notice a drop in either temperature or water pressure.

A drawback to a tankless model is the initial cost. The unit typically has a price tag between $800 to $2,000, plus another $1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Compare that to a conventional water heater, which usually runs about $300 to $500 for the unit and another $300 to $500 for installation. That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 difference.

The third option is a hybrid unit. As the name implies, the hybrid combines the technologies of a conventional and tankless water heater. The result is a product that performs better than both technologies with energy efficiency at 90 percent or above.

A hybrid allows you to have back-to-back showers or simultaneous showers because of the stored hot water in the hybrid design. The installation of a hybrid water heater is the same as a conventional model, however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to $1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option available today, homeowners should consider a solar thermal water heating system," Begley says. "These units include a solar thermal collector that goes on the roof of the home in order to supply up to 70 percent of the total energy needed to run the unit." A solar thermal system is typically more expensive, but right now they are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total installed cost in addition to other state and local utility rebates.

Homeowners looking for a conventional electric model have a new "hybrid" option to consider. "These water heaters include a heat pump that literally pulls heat out of the surrounding air, like an air conditioner in reverse," Begley says. "As a result, they are more than twice as energy efficient as a traditional electric model." This efficiency can translate to savings over $360 each year. These hybrid electric models qualify for the federal tax credit and there are also additional state and local utility rebate programs to encourage the adoption of these products.

If your current model is more than eight years old, you may even consider proactively replacing the older, less efficient model for one of the newer, more energy-efficient models and start saving right away. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Honest-Easy-Thorough

…the words you want to hear

when it comes to the process of buying and selling a home.

These are the words that describe Above All Home Inspecting.

www.AAinspecting.com

Tim Beavers
941.587.0717
www.blogtalkradio.com/aahi
www.twitter.com/aainspecting
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S'mores- A great summer weekend treat!

2010-08-06T10:59:00.001-04:00

S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping

(ARA) - Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out?

S'mores have been helping families create memories since the delicious campfire recipe was first published in the Girl Scouts handbook in 1927. According to recent research, 79 percent of consumers polled believe S'mores are as much fun to make as they are to eat.

To help families make everyday S'mores moments this summer, Hershey's and Kraft Foods offer the following S'mores "snacktivity" ideas.

* S'mores time, any time - S'mores are the perfect summer campfire companion, and they offer a great "snacktivity" for after school, a ball game or family dinner. Incorporating S'mores into your regular summer activities allows you to create a memorable Monday or tasty Tuesday that the family will all enjoy.

* Turn your backyard into a fun get-together - Get the family, friends or neighbors together for an impromptu backyard party at the fire pit. Tell them all they need to bring is their appetite - you'll be serving S'mores.

* Grilling up sweet treats - Sweeten your next backyard barbecue by adding S'mores to the menu. As an alternative to toasting a marshmallow on a skewer, simply preheat the grill to medium-hot. Build the S'mores to your liking and wrap in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped S'mores on the grill and cook one to two minutes on each side or until the marshmallow is gooey and the chocolate is slightly melted between the graham crackers. In other words, build it, wrap it and grill it. Grilled S'mores are also always a win at tailgate parties.

* Tasty play for a rainy day - When bad weather strikes, keep the fun going by making S'mores in the microwave. Top each of four graham squares with one chocolate piece and one marshmallow. Place on microwaveable plate. Microwave on high 15 to 20 seconds or until marshmallows puff and chocolate begins to melt. Carefully remove plate from the microwave and then cover each S'mores with a remaining graham cracker square. Microwaved S'mores are also perfect for family game nights, sleepovers and afterschool treats.

You can visit www.smoressmiles.com to create more S'mores and more smiles and for a chance to win one of more than 1,000 family fun prizes including fire pits, indoor S'mores kits, backyard game sets and much more. No purchase necessary, game ends Sept. 7. See the website for official rules.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How To Interconnect Battery Operated Smoke Detectors

2010-07-27T14:55:00.001-04:00

How do smoke detectors intercommunicate?

Modern smoke detectors are wired to intercommunicate.

Battery-powered smoke detectors are stand-alone units. But if you have AC-powered smoke detectors in your home and your home has been built in the last 10 years in the U.S., chances are they are wired together to intercommunicate. This sort of wiring guarantees that if one alarm in the house goes off, they all go off. Even if the fire starts and is detected in the basement, people asleep upstairs will hear the alarm because of this safety feature -- every alarm in the house goes off.

If you buy an AC-powered smoke detector today, it will have three wires -- black, white and red. Black accepts 120 volts AC, white is neutral, and red is the intercommunication wire. All of the alarms operate off the same circuit from the fuse box and are normally connected using normal wire for three-way switches (see How Three-Way Switches Work for details -- this wiring contains black, white and red wires in a Romex casing). The electrician runs the red wire from alarm to alarm to interconnect them.

When any alarm detects a fire, it sends a 9-volt signal on the red wire. Any alarm that detects a 9-volt signal on the red wire will begin sounding its alarm immediately. Most alarms can handle about a dozen units intercommunicating on the same red wire. It's a very simple and a very effective system.

Here is a link you can check out the different battery operated interconnecting smoke alarms that work wireless if you have an older home and are not capable of interconnecting your detectors to common standards they use today. Click Here to check them out or copy and past this link in your browser: http://budurl.com/smokedetectors

Honest-Easy-Thorough

…the words you and your clients want to hear

when it comes to the process of buying and selling a home.

These are the words that describe Above All Home Inspecting.

www.AAinspecting.com

Tim Beavers
941.587.0717
www.blogtalkradio.com/aahi
www.twitter.com/aainspecting
www.facebook.com/aainspecting

Browse the article How do smoke detectors intercommunicate?

Cut potential exposure to cancer-causing agents by filtering your water at home

2010-07-26T12:14:00.005-04:00

(ARA) - Home water filtration is no longer just about taste. People increasingly rely on it for healthy home benefits.

In fact, home water filtering devices should be used to decrease exposure to potential health hazards according to the President's Cancer Panel (PCP). This panel reports to the president of the United States and is charged with developing and executing strategies to reduce the "unacceptable burden of cancer" on Americans.

Specifically, the report states: "Individuals and families have many opportunities to reduce or eliminate chemical exposures. For example, filtering home tap or well water can decrease exposure to numerous known or suspected carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals." Further, the panel asserts, "unless the home water source is known to be contaminated, it is preferable to use filtered tap water instead of commercially bottled water."

While the PCP acknowledges that further study is needed to determine the full range of cancer risk associated with environmental exposure, Water Quality Association Executive Director Peter J. Censky says that home water treatment is a proven final barrier against many harmful chemicals.

"Filtration is a simple step toward better health for you and your family that can provide proven results. Many filters undergo rigorous third-party testing to prove their abilities to effectively remove contaminants," says Keith Brown, senior technology advisor with leading filtration manufacturer Kinetico.

Some common filtration options, however, do not provide adequate defense against contaminants that may lead to cancer. While many water carafes and faucet mounts are effective at removing common water impurities, often these types of filters only employ a carbon filter that is not proven to trap many of the complex organic compounds like the endocrine disrupters mentioned in the PCP's report.

"Some of these compounds require more sophisticated filtration options because of their unique chemical properties," Brown says. These systems filter water at the point of use for drinking and cooking. They are generally placed under the kitchen sink but can be installed in basements, garages or wherever else is convenient.

"Homeowners concerned about what could be in their water should first research their water source and have it tested. If those investigations or the test results determine a need for water treatment, they should consider using a reverse osmosis drinking water system," says Brown. "It forces water through a membrane with pores about 50,000 times smaller than a human hair. The contaminants get rejected by the filter and you're left with water that is nearly free from all impurities."

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency, recommends reverse osmosis (RO) systems to most effectively remove a larger number of contaminants that may be in water. RO systems have also been proven by the American Water Works Association and many university studies to effectively remove endocrine disruptors.

"The filtration system best suited to any particular home is determined by assessing the quality of the home's tap water and the level of concern it presents," Brown says. "Water filtration system dealers will have the resources to help ascertain what concerns are present."

With a thorough water quality evaluation and the proper filtration system, a tall glass of water can be virtually contaminant free. "And homeowners can rest easy knowing they have taken an important step in creating a healthier environment in their home," says Brown.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you have any questions contact our office at 941.587.0717 or visit us on the web at:

www.AAinspecting.com

How To Efficiently Cut Costs & Green Your Home

2010-07-24T21:13:00.001-04:00

How to efficiently cut costs and green your home

(ARA) - With the arrival of warmer weather, it can be a challenge to keep your home cool and comfortable, yet keep your energy bills in check. By taking steps now to make your home more environmentally friendly, you'll not only help save natural resources, but you'll save money, too.

With air conditioners and appliances running throughout the summer, it's easy to burn up energy and raise costs. In fact, the energy used in the average house is responsible for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions than the average car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To help you get started in "greening" your home, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers these tips.

Pre-set indoor temperatures. One of the easiest and simplest things you can do is install a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to cut cooling costs up to 6 percent for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. Some models allow you to pre-set temperatures for every day of the week to match your family's comings and goings.

Reduce energy, increase home comfort. For efficient air conditioning, make sure your system meets the newest government energy standards. For example, you can save up to 47 percent on heating and air conditioning costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the American Standard Allegiance (R) 15 Air Conditioner. It surpasses current government efficiency standards when installed as part of a complete system, and cools with an environmentally-friendly ozone-safe refrigerant to help keep costs to a minimum, even on the hottest days.*

Many energy-efficient air conditioner models meet efficiency requirements for a federal energy tax credit when installed as part of a complete system. Thanks to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems by Dec. 31. For more information, visit americanstandardair.com/HomeOwner/LatestUpdates/Tax_Stimulus_2009.aspx.

Lights out, costs down. Increasing your lighting efficiency is one of the fastest ways to decrease your electricity bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Turn lights off when you leave the room or add in a dimmer to see instant energy savings. Installing an occupancy sensor that automatically turns lights on and off when someone enters and leaves the room will also save energy and money. For example, you can save up to 50 percent energy when replacing a standard light switch with a Maestro Occupancy Sensor with eco-dim Dimmer from Lutron Electronics.

Shut out high energy bills. Your exterior door may be contributing to your home's overall energy usage. Newer models often fit and insulate better than older models and replacing your old door often reaps both energy- and money-saving benefits. The ENERGY STAR (R)-qualified Fiber-Classic (R) Mahogany Collection (TM) from Therma-Tru (R) creates the tightest seal possible, stabilizing interior temperatures and therefore decreasing your home's energy consumption.

Other simple savers. Even small acts of green can make a difference. The DOE recommends simple savers such as turning off your computer and monitor when not in use; lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; taking short showers instead of baths and washing only full loads of dishes and clothes. Visit www.energy.gov for more ideas.

* Potential energy savings may vary depending on your lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance, local climate, home construction and installation of equipment and duct system. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit us on our website www.AAinspecting.com if you have any questions.

Safety Tips for Your 4th of July Celebration

2010-07-03T10:02:00.005-04:00

A few very important,yet simple, steps to ensure safety makes a big difference when it comes to summer fun, especially in and around pools and spas. Incorporating these safety tips into your routine, will enhance your ability to enjoy friends and family this July 4th and throughout the summer.

For additional safety tips and inspection information, please contact Above All Home Inspecting.

We look forward to working with you!

POOL SAFETY

Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
Add alarms to all doors and windows that exit to any pool area, including garage doors.
Keep children away from pool openings such as drains and pipes to avoid entrapment.
Ensure pool/spa has compliant drain covers.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
Be aware that inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties" are not a substitute for approved life vests.
Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
Learn CPR for children and adults;continually update these skills.
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arms length, providing "touch supervision".
Learn how to swim.(Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning).

Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
Source: http://www.poolsafety.gov

Contact your local building official or Above All for more details and additional codes
concerning pool safety.

Honest-Easy-Thorough

…the words you and your clients want to hear

when it comes to the process of buying and selling a home.

These are the words that describe Above All Home Inspecting.

Above All Home Inspecting, LLC
941.587.0717
www.AAinspecting.com
www.blogtalkradio.com/aahi
www.twitter.com/aainspecting
www.facebook.com/aainspecting

January - Maintenance Month!

2009-01-06T18:54:00.011-05:00

January begins a new year and for many people it is a month to evaluate things such as lifestyle and budget. For homeowners, it is a popular month to inspect properties for repairs, safety conditions and energy efficiency. It is important to attend to both exterior and interior areas. Typically a homeowner will spend 1-3 % of their home value on maintenance & repairs annually. Routine maintenance is essential in avoiding property neglect, often resulting in costly repairs.

The following are some helpful hints for the inspection and maintenance process. Likewise, you will find tips that can save your household hundreds, if not thousands of dollars annually. (Some of the mechanical items may require a professional serviceman).

Evaluating your home’s true condition:

Exterior
Note* The exterior of the building includes; siding, trim, gutters and downspouts, windows, roof, garage, stoops, decks, patios, grounds and related items. A thorough inspection includes each item’s condition and how it relates to the dwelling. Defects in exterior components such as the siding, windows, roof ETC can greatly affect other components of the home. The exterior of the building is designed to protect the interior components. Inspect the complete exterior of your home looking for:

deteriorated materials
mold
cracks greater then industry standards (commonly 1/8 of an inch)
chipped paint
separated materials that may require caulking
wood siding in contact with soil
ground elevation relevant to the foundation. Any ground water within six feet of the foundation should flow away from the home at ¼ of an inch per foot.
Trim any bushes or tree’s that come into contact with the building or roof area. Clean any debris out of gutters and down spouts.
Check ventilation openings around the home for nests or blockage.

The roof is part of the exterior, which typically requires individual attention. There are many roof styles and finishing materials. Each style and material should be inspected carefully for wear, leaks, defects and other deficiencies. Roofing problems that go undetected can cause serious harm to other components of the building. Styles and types of roofs are dictated by location, age, and preference. Make sure the roof is free of debris, mold, loose, missing or damaged roofing materials. Check condition of chimneys and vents and take note of roofing type (asphalt shingles, clay tile ETC).Do not walk on clay tile, concrete tile or slate type roofs. Walking on these roof types is a safety hazard and may cause damage to the roofing materials! Do your inspecting from a ladder or with binoculars for these roof types.

The type and condition of a home’s windows can determine its comfort level. Properly sealed and operating windows can save a bundle in all seasons. There are many types of windows, and materials used to make them. Most windows are made out of wood, steel and aluminum. Newer windows are vinyl covered with thermo pane glass. Thermo pane glass is two or more panes of glass with a sealed air space between panes and provides a good resistance to heat and cold. The most popular window types are double and single hung, casement, sliding and awning windows. Older windows can be drafty, leaky and difficult to operate. Check all windows, doors and sliding glass doors to make sure they close properly and seal into their jams as designed. Check putty or glazing and caulking around windows and doors. A few tubes of caulking could save hundreds of dollars annually!

For questions and comments please contact Above All Home Inspecting at info@aainspecting.com. We will gladly answer your home maintenance questions free of charge. Services are available for those who require professional assistance. Above All offers a variety of services and packages for your needs.

Check back next week to find helpful hints to inspecting the interior of your home!