• Keep exterior improvements in proportion to your home and neighborhood. Avoid improvements that would make your exterior seem over-the-top compared to your neighbor’s home.

• If repainting your home, choose a color that won’t draw attention in the wrong way. Choose a contrasting accent color for your shutters and doors and a lighter color for the windows and trim.

• Choose a mix of plants that will create an attention-grabbing landscape year round.

• If there is a mature tree in your front yard that’s blocking the front of your home, hire a professional to trim it instead of cutting it down.

• Don’t overlook the small improvements. Updating light fixtures and adding potted plants can be inexpensive ways to improve the look of an entry.

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Windows and doors in a commercial or residential property are important for aesthetics, safety and energy efficiency. Understanding the type, function and condition of the windows and doors can help determine future maintenance projects.

A National Property Inspections professional will assess the condition and safety of doors and windows on the exterior and interior of the home. The inspector will determine the type of front door. The NPI professional will observe the door’s condition to see if it is warped, split or scratched. The inspector will also perform a visual inspection of the condition of the windows. The most common problems for windows are cracked, missing or broken panes.

Inside, the NPI professional will check the window and door operation. The inspector will also look for the presence of screens or storm windows and breaks or cracks in the window panes.

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• Sump Pump Discharge Line – clear the exit area and check for no snow/ice blockage (especially if discharging into downspouts which also may be frozen).
• Pump Electrical outlet – check if fuse may have blown due to pump overheating because the discharge was blocked.  Simply plug in portable lamp to test.
• Outside Basement Door Drains – remove snow/ice blockage which allows water entry under door and causes rotting.  If drain is still blocked – call an outside Waterproofing specialist.
• Base of house – clear and Trench drainage for roof melting/heavy rain run off.  Use caution when working under hanging ice.  Large hanging ice may indicate attic ventilation concerns.
• Window Wells – clear out any snow build up as House heat can cause a fishbowl effect which collects water causing window leaks.  Plastic covers can help prevent this.
• Sill Plate leakage – clear away high snow which allows water to spill over the Sill Plate.  The 3 inch termite barrier (visible wall) should be visible under the siding.
• Brick Veneer Walls – clear high snow blocking the low drainage ports which allows water to drop down on the inside sill plate when heavy winds blow the water into the higher ports.
• Internal Sump Pump – if existing, check to see if operational by manually lifting float device.  Sump Pumps help relieve upward hydrostatic water pressure from flooding the floor.
• Battery Backup systems – should be considered depending on content risk and especially if a finished basement in an area having power outages.  A good system will also increase your existing pump’s normal capacity.
• Consult your Realtor – for any professional help.  They know reliable, state registered, Home Improvement Contractors and it always pays to stay in touch with them.

Bill & Sean Worthington, Brandywine/Springfield Waterproofing – 610-280-7775

www.RealWaterproofer.com

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• If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply to the water heater and call for service. If you don’t smell gas, and feel comfortable doing so, you may attempt to re-light the pilot by following the instructions on the water heater.

• Check to make sure the gas supply is on. Check other gas appliances in your home or ask neighbors if their gas supply is working.

• If you have an electric water heater, check the circuit breaker or fuse. Reset the breaker/fuse once if there is no visible damage at the water heater or the electrical panel.

• Electric water heaters have a high-limit switch under the top cover. If you feel comfortable, remove the cover and reset this switch once by pushing the button.

If you don’t feel comfortable attempting to reset or re-light your water heater, it is important to call for service.

Article courtesy of John Benson of National Property Inspections

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• Reduce your hot water use by repairing leaks in fixtures and installing new low-flow fixtures on showerheads and faucets. When replacing dishwashers or clothes washers, purchase energy-efficient appliances with an Energy Star® label.
• Lower the thermostat setting on your water heater. You can save between 3 to 5 percent for each 10 degree reduction in your water temperature. Consult your water heater owner’s manual first.
• If you have an electric water heater, install a timer that will shut off the water heater at night when you don’t use hot water and during your utility’s peak demand times. This could save an additional 5 to 12 percent of energy.
• Insulate your water heater tank and hot water pipes..

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Q: How do I check if my fireplace is in good condition?

Fireplaces are considered very inefficient heat sources, but they are a feature homeowners look for in their homes. There are two types of fireplaces: brick (or sometimes rock) and mortar fireplaces and a prefab unit with masonry surrounding it.

Fireplaces and chimneys are part of a general inspection. A home inspector will check for major cracks in the masonry surrounding the firebox. The inspector will then look into the flue and operate the damper to verify that it works.

Because the inspection is a visual inspection, the inspector cannot see if there are any internal problems within the chimney, but they can inspect the exterior of the chimney by observing the condition of the masonry.

The inspector will then look for creosote stains leaking out from the mortar joints, which would indicate that there is a break in the flue liner.

For more information, visit my preferred home inspector’s website, at npiweb.com/benson

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