Freezing temperatures, howling winds, and ice dams the size of Samurai swords…

Spring is finally here! The birds are singing, daffodils are pushing through the soil, and your house is groaning like it just woke up from a three-month bender.

Truth is, winter is incredibly tough on your home. Between freezing temperatures, howling winds, and ice dams the size of Samurai swords, your beloved abode has been working overtime just to keep you from turning into a human popsicle. 

Now that spring has sprung, your house has a massive “winter hangover.” It’s creaky, it’s leaky, and there’s a distinct possibility it’s hiding some regrettable decisions in the basement.

Here at Peter Young Home Inspections, we know what winter can do! Think of us as the metaphorical aspirin and strong cup of black coffee your home desperately needs right now. To help you nurse your property back to health, we’ve put together this nifty spring recovery guide.

Roofs and Gutters: Curing the Hangover

Your roof took the brunt of winter’s wrath. It wore a heavy bonnet of snow and ice without complaining, but now it’s feeling the aftereffects.

• The Shingle Check: Grab a pair of binoculars (so you don’t actually have to climb a ladder right now) and scan your roof from the yard.
• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Winter winds love to rip these off, leaving your roof exposed to spring showers.
  • The Remedy: If you spot damage, call a local roofing professional to patch in new shingles. Unless you have excellent balance or a death wish, leave steep roof repairs to the pros.
• The Gutter Cleanse: Your gutters are currently stuffed with wet leaves, twigs, and whatever treasures the neighborhood squirrels decided to hoard. Have you heard about the lady who found Elvis in her gutters?
  • The Remedy: Grab a sturdy ladder, a pair of thick gloves, and a bucket. Scoop out the muck, then flush the gutters with a garden hose to make sure the downspouts are clear. Reattach any gutters that are pulling away from the fascia board.

• The Gutter Cleanse: Your gutters are currently stuffed with wet leaves, twigs, and whatever treasures the neighborhood squirrels decided to hoard. Have you heard about the lady who found Elvis in her gutters?
  • The Remedy: Grab a sturdy ladder, a pair of thick gloves, and a bucket. Scoop out the muck, then flush the gutters with a garden hose to make sure the downspouts are clear. Reattach any gutters that are pulling away from the fascia board.

Foundation & Exterior: Treating Dry, Cracked Skin

When the ground freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts. This phenomenon, known as frost heave, can do a number on your foundation and exterior.

• Hunt for Cracks: Take a slow walk around the perimeter of your house. Look for new cracks in the foundation, brickwork, or stucco.
  • The Remedy: Small, hairline cracks can easily be sealed with a polyurethane masonry caulk to keep moisture and bugs out. However, if the crack is wider than a penny or looks like a jagged staircase, skip the DIY and call a structural engineer.
• Check the Grading: The dirt around your house should slope away from your foundation. Winter has a sneaky way of eroding this soil.
  • The Remedy: Grab a shovel and pack some dense topsoil (not mulch, which retains water) around the foundation. Tamp it down so it creates a gentle downward slope away from your house, redirecting rainwater into the yard and out of your basement.

Attic & Basement: Evicting Uninvited Guests

When the temperature dropped last winter, every critter in the neighborhood started looking for a warm place to crash. 

Unfortunately, your attic and basement were the hottest clubs in town.

Check the Grading: The dirt around your house should slope away from your foundation. Winter has a sneaky way of eroding this soil.

• The Basement Sweep:  Go downstairs with a good flashlight. You are looking for moisture, efflorescence (that powdery white stuff on concrete), or a musty smell that screams “mold.”
  • The Remedy: If the air feels damp, invest in a good dehumidifier and let it run continuously. If you find active puddles, trace the source and seal the interior concrete walls with waterproofing paint.
• The Attic Inspection: Pop your head into the attic. Look for shredded insulation, droppings, or daylight peeking through the roof boards.
  • The Remedy: If you find evidence of a rodent rave, you need to evict them. Seal off entry points from the outside using steel wool and caulk (mice can’t chew through steel wool). Set traps inside, or better yet, call a pest control service to play bouncer and clear the room.

Windows & Doors: Fixing Creaky, Leaky Joints

Grab a caulking gun and run a fresh bead of exterior-grade silicone caulk around the window frames.

Winter is notorious for ruining weatherstripping. Expanding ice and shrinking wood can leave your windows and doors feeling woozy and off-balance.

• The Breeze Test: On a windy spring day, run your hand around the edges of your closed windows and doors. If you feel a breeze, your weatherstripping has given up the ghost.
• The Remedy: Peel off the old, cracked weatherstripping and wipe the door jamb or window frame clean. Apply new self-adhesive foam or rubber stripping. For the exterior, grab a caulking gun and run a fresh bead of exterior-grade silicone caulk around the window frames to seal out the spring rain.

Need a Professional Diagnosis?

Nursing a house through a winter hangover takes time, effort, and a keen eye. While this DIY checklist is a great place to start, sometimes you need a professional to give it the real hairy eyeball!

If you notice something concerning, or if you just want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is in top shape for the year ahead, we’re here to help. We’ll comb through your home from the chimney to the basement floor, giving you a comprehensive breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and what needs a little TLC.

Don’t let your house suffer through spring. Give us a call today , and let’s get your home ready to enjoy the sunshine!

Buying or selling a home in WNC?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Winter Home Hangover: A Guide to Spring Detox appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Ah, home ownership. The American Dream. Visions of picket fences, manicured lawns, and warm summer weekends grilling on the backyard deck. What they don’t show you in glossy real estate brochures is the epic battle you’re about to wage against leaky faucets, rogue termite militias, and the terrifying threat of your HVAC going belly up in the middle of a record heat wave. 

Welcome, brave homeowner, to the glorious and always expensive world of home maintenance. But fear not, for we are here to arm you with the ultimate weapon: a budget! Because nothing says “adulting” like meticulously planning for things to break!

You Need a “Fun”d (It’s Not Fun, But We Can Pretend!)

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to think about their roof springing a leak during a deluge of biblical proportions or their water heater turning their basement into a scuba training center.

A dedicated home maintenance budget isn’t just smart; it’s your personal financial superhero, swooping in to save the day when disaster strikes (and it will, eventually).

Think of it as pre-emptive retail therapy for your house.

The Crystal Ball of Costs: Debunking Myths (and Embracing Rules)

Forecasting home maintenance costs can feel a bit like fortune telling. But take heart! Here are some sensible rules of thumb for your home maintenance budget that aren’t based on lunar cycles or planetary alignment.

The 1% to 4% Rule: This gem suggests you squirrel away 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year. So, if your humble abode is worth a cool $400,000, you’re looking at budgeting anywhere from $4,000 to $16,000 annually. Why the wide range? Because a brand-new build might just need a pat on the back and a fresh coat of paint, while a charming, century-old Victorian might demand a small fortune and an exorcist (for the moaning pipes, of course).

The Dollar-Per-Square-Foot Rule: Another crowd-pleaser suggests setting aside $1 to $5 per square foot. So, for a 2,500-square-footer, that’s $2,500 to $12,500. This rule acknowledges that more square footage often means more stuff to maintain, more walls to paint, and more nooks and crannies for critters to stake a claim.

Our best advice? Use both. It’s like having two slightly different magic eight balls; combine their wisdom for a surprisingly accurate (and less stressful) prediction. Aim for the higher end if your home is older, prone to dramatic tantrums, or located in a climate that finds “extreme weather events” entertaining.

What’s Eating Away At Your Home Maintenance Budget?

To truly master the maintenance beast, you need to understand its habits. Home maintenance costs generally fall into these aptly named categories:

Predictable Pests (Routine Maintenance): Minor annoyances, if ignored, become major headaches. Think of them as the tiny gremlins that demand attention. HVAC filter changes (unless you enjoy colonies of dust ogres populating your lungs), gutter cleaning (because nobody needs an unplanned waterfall), lawn care (unless you’re about to film a Tarzan movie), and pest control (because your home is for you, not a termite convention). These are usually manageable, but they can add up.

Unexpected Tantrums (Minor Repairs): Your toilet running like a marathoner? A leaky faucet dripping away your sanity and water bill? A mysterious crack in the drywall threatening to turn into a portal to another dimension? These are sudden, inconvenient, but generally fixable dramas. Keep a small stash of cash for these, because they willhappen. It’s like your house is a toddler, constantly surprising you with new ways to break stuff.

Budget-Busting Blockbusters (Major Replacements/Repairs): Ah, the big ones. The ones that make you gasp and check your retirement fund. A new roof, an HVAC system replacement, a hot water heater that kicks the bucket mid-shower. These are not a question of if, but of when. These blockbusters require a significant financial investment, usually at the most inopportune moment. Start saving for these yesterday.

“Holy Guacamole!” Moments (Emergency Fund Allocation): Despite your best intentions, sometimes your house decides to go rogue. A tree falls on your garage, a pipe bursts during a blizzard, or a stray meteorite redecorates your living room. This is where your dedicated emergency fund shines. It’s the ultimate “break glass in case of absolute chaos” fund, preventing you from needing to sell a kidney on the black market.

How to Tame the Beast: Chaos to Cash Flow

Become a Home Detective:Before you even think about budgeting, grab a flashlight and inspect your home from top to bottom. Are there suspicious stains on the ceiling? A strange hum from the furnace? 

Set Up a “Needy House Account”: Seriously, give it a fun name. “The Fund for Fixing Stuff That Breaks,” “My Home’s Therapy Fund,” “The Great Money Suck,” or whatever motivates you. Then, set up automated transfers. Out of sight, out of mind, until you really need it.

Prioritize Like a Pro: A leaky roof is urgent. A slightly chipped paint job, not so much. First fix what can cause further damage or pose safety risks. You can always tackle the cosmetic stuff when your budget cup is fat with extra cash.

Embrace Your Inner DIYer, but Use Caution: YouTube is your friend! Learn to change an air filter, re-caulk a leaky tub, or fix a running toilet. You’d be amazed at how much money you can save. But know your limits. Electrical work, major plumbing, or anything involving structural integrity? Call a professional, unless you want to star in an episode of “America’s Funniest Homeowner Fails!” 

Track Your Spending: Keep a running tab of every penny you spend on home maintenance. This isn’t just for masochists; it’s crucial data. It shows you where your money is really going and helps you refine your budget for next year. You might be surprised to find out how much that “small” garden project really cost you.

Annual Budget Re-enactments (Review and Adjust): Your home, like a teenager, is constantly evolving. What worked this year might not work next year. Review your budget annually. Did you spend more on HVAC this year than expected? Did you have to replace ancient kitchen appliances? Adjust accordingly. It’s an ongoing, ever-evolving saga.

The Take-Away

Your home maintenance budget isn’t a glamorous topic, and budgeting for it isn’t exactly a thrilling pastime. However, by facing it head-on with a solid financial plan, you transform what could be a source of stress into a plan for proud home ownership. So go forth, brave homeowner, conquer those leaks, battle those termite legions, and enjoy your beautifully maintained and financially secure abode. Your wallet and your sanity will thank you!

Buying or selling a home in WNC?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Home Maintenance: How to Budget for the Inevitable (and Expensive) appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Curb appeal is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s the first impression your home makes on potential buyers or guests. A well-maintained exterior can significantly increase your property value and make your home feel more inviting. 

The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to achieve an impressive upgrade. 

Here are six affordable DIY projects to boost your home’s curb appeal.

1) Rent a pressure washer

Nothing beats a good pressure washing to remove dirt, grime, and stains. It makes your home look cleaner and more welcoming. 

Don’t have a pressure washer? No problem! You can rent one from most hardware stores.

• Rent a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings. For concrete, a medium to high setting is usually sufficient.
• Before starting, sweep away loose debris and cover any delicate plants near the cleaning area.
• Use a wide-angle nozzle for even cleaning and hold the wand at a consistent distance from the surface.
• For stubborn stains, consider using a specialized concrete cleaner or degreaser. 
• Pay attention to the grout lines in paved driveways or walkways, as these areas tend to accumulate dirt.
• Safety first: wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. The powerful stream can shoot debris right up into your eyes, and the force of the water can cut through skin.

2) Paint your front door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can instantly transform your home’s appearance. Choose a color that complements your home’s exterior and adds a touch of personality.

• Choose a high-quality exterior paint that is designed for doors. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are durable and easy to clean.
• Thoroughly clean the door and sand lightly to create a smooth surface for the new paint.
• Remove the door knob and hardware, or tape them off with low stick painter’s tape.
• Paint on a day with moderate temperatures and low humidity for optimal drying.
• Consider your home’s architectural style and existing color scheme when choosing a paint color. A bold color can create a focal point, while a more subtle shade can enhance existing features.

3) Upgrade your landscaping

Add some colorful flowers or shrubs to your front yard or flower beds. 

Trim hedges and bushes, and remove any weeds. 

Mulch around trees and shrubs to add a finished look. Start by assessing your existing landscaping. 

Remove dead plants or weeds, and trim overgrown bushes.

• Choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions. Consider native plants that require less maintenance.
• Create a balanced design by varying plant heights, textures, and colors.
• Use landscape fabric and mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add a polished look to your flower beds.
• Edge the flower beds to create clean lines.
• Consider adding a small water feature or decorative rocks for visual interest.
• Add some potted plants near the front door.

4) Windows to the soul

Sparkling clean windows let in more light and make your home look brighter and more inviting. You can wash them yourself or hire a professional window cleaning service.

• Use a mild detergent or a specialized window cleaning solution.
• For exterior windows, use a squeegee for streak-free results.
• Clean on a cloudy day or in the shade to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks.
• Don’t overlook the window frames and sills, as they tend to accumulate dirt and grime.
• If you have second story windows, and you’re not experienced on ladders, consider using an extended reach window cleaning tool, or hire a professional.
• Clean the screens, too!

5) Add outdoor lighting

Install solar-powered lights along your walkway or porch to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at night. 

You can also add string lights to trees or around your front door for a festive touch.

• Solar-powered lights are easy to install and require no wiring. Choose lights with adjustable brightness and automatic on/off sensors.
• Don’t cheap out on solar-powered lights. The really cheap ones won’t last very long.
• Place lights along walkways, driveways, and around the perimeter of your house for safety and security.
• Highlight architectural features, such as your front door or porch, with strategically placed lighting.
• Use warm-toned lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Roll out the welcome mat!

Add a new welcome mat or a decorative door knocker to enhance your front entryway. A well-maintained mailbox can also make a big difference.

• Choose a durable and weather-resistant welcome mat that complements your home’s style.
• Add potted plants with colorful flowers or foliage to frame your front door.
• Consider adding a decorative door knocker, wreath, or other seasonal decorations.
• Ensure your mailbox is clean and in good condition. Replace it with a new one if it’s old, faded, or damaged.
• If you have a porch, add some seating.
• Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible.

Improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. By focusing on these six affordable DIY projects, you can make a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of your property. These projects will enhance your home’s value and create a lasting positive impression. 

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and start creating the curb appeal you’ve always dreamed of. Your home, and your neighbors, will thank you!

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post 6 do-it yourself projects to give your home curb appeal appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Our recent weeks of frigid temps delivered power bill sticker shock for many local residents!

Whether you’re battling a polar vortex or sweltering in a heatwave, extreme temperatures can send your power bills soaring. Keeping your home comfortable shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. 

Here are five practical tips to help you save energy and money, no matter how extreme the temperature gets.

1) Seal the deal (and the drafts, too)

Air leaks are a major culprit for energy waste. In cold weather, they let precious heat escape, forcing your heating system to work harder. In hot weather, they allow cool air to leak out, making your air conditioner struggle.

This means your HVAC system runs longer, consuming more energy and driving up your bills. Think of it like trying to heat or cool a house with the windows open – inefficient and expensive!

Don’t forget about checking the attic access hatch and any other less obvious areas. A little effort in sealing can make a big difference in your energy bill.

Pay close attention to these common problem areas:

• Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around the frames.
• Pipes and Wiring: Look where pipes and wires enter your home.
• Attic Access Hatch or Retractable Ladder: This can be a major source of air leakage.
• Fireplace Damper: Ensure it’s closed tightly when not in use.
• Baseboards and Trim: Gaps can exist along these areas.
• Outlets and Switches: Believe it or not, air can leak through these!

Do you have a retractable attic ladder? These can suck the heat right out of the room! Click here to check out an economical, zip-up attic ladder cover. 

Here’s the fix:

• Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows to create a seal.
• Caulk: Use caulk to fill gaps and cracks around windows, pipes, and other openings. Choose a caulk appropriate for the material (e.g., silicone for bathrooms).
• Expanding Foam: For larger gaps where pipes enter the home, expanding foam can be very effective. Be careful not to over-apply as it can swell alarmingly!
• Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to prevent drafts.
• Electrical outlet and Switch Sealers: These inexpensive foam gaskets can be placed behind outlet and switch covers to reduce airflow.

Pro Tip: Do a “home energy audit” by checking for drafts on a windy day. Hold a lit candle or a piece of tissue paper near windows, doors, and other openings. If the flame flickers or the tissue moves, you have an air leak. 

WARNING: Be sure not to set your curtains on fire if you’re using the candle method.

2) Smart thermostat, smarter savings!

A programmable or smart thermostat is a game-changer for energy efficiency. It allows you to set temperature schedules based on your daily routine, automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re away at work or asleep. This prevents your heating or cooling system from running unnecessarily, saving you energy and money.

Here’s how to keep your cool (or your warmth):

• Programmable Thermostats: These allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day. For example, you can set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re at work and a comfortable temperature for when you’re home.
• Smart Thermostats: These take it a step further by learning your preferences over time. They can even adjust the temperature based on weather forecasts and your location. Some models have apps for smartphone connectivity, giving you even more flexibility.

Choosing the right thermostat: Consider features like Wi-Fi connectivity, learning capabilities, and compatibility with your HVAC system. For most homeowners, your best bet would be to make an appointment with your HVAC company to choose the right model and perform the installation.

Click here for a Consumer Reports comparison of smart and programmable thermostats.

3) Layer up (or down) for energy savings

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: personal comfort adjustments can significantly impact your energy usage.

• Cold Weather: Embrace layers of clothing to stay warm without relying solely on your heating system. Think cozy sweaters, warm socks, thermal underwear, and even a blanket while watching TV. Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees and layering up can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill.
• Hot Weather: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Use fans to circulate air, making the room feel cooler and allowing you to set your AC a few degrees higher. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners.

4) Window wisdom: Harness (or block) the sun

Your windows can be a major source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Managing sunlight effectively is crucial for energy savings. Hear are a few tips:

• Winter: Maximize natural light during the colder months. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. When the sun goes down, close them to insulate your windows and prevent heat from escaping.
• Summer: Do the opposite. Close curtains and blinds, especially on south- and west-facing windows, during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler.
• Window Treatments: Consider investing in thermal curtains or window films for added insulation. These can significantly reduce heat transfer through your windows.
• Planting Trees: Planting trees around your home can provide shade in the summer and reduce wind exposure in the winter, further improving energy efficiency.

5) HVAC Checkup: An ounce of prevention

Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system is crucial for efficiency and longevity. Trying to save pennies on regular maintenance can cost you mega bucks if your system fails. Here’s how to keep your HVAC system humming:

• Annual Check-ups: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified HVAC technician. They can identify potential problems, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure proper airflow. Preventative maintenance can catch small issues before they become major (and expensive) repairs.
• Filter Changes: Don’t forget to change your air filters regularly! A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Check your filters monthly and replace them as needed (usually every 1-3 months).
• DIY Maintenance: In addition to professional check-ups, there are some things you can do yourself. Keep vents and registers clear of obstructions, and occasionally check your exterior HVAC unit, making sure it is free of encroaching shrubs, or other obstructions.

By implementing these five tips, you can exercise some control over your energy consumption and significantly reduce your power bills, no matter how extreme the weather outside. A little planning and effort can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Five ways to save on your power bills in extreme weather appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Start with your outdoor tasks, before it gets really chilly, then work your way indoors. Complete these chores now, and you’ll have more time to be warm and cozy this winter.

What will help you get ready? Let’s take a look.

Winterize your outdoor power equipment

Soon the grass will go dormant and mowing season will end. Once mowing is done for the year, this is a great time to schedule your mower for service. During the spring and summer months, small engine repair shops are swamped with customers. Fall and winter not so much.

Take your mower to the shop or have it picked up for service. While it’s in the shop get them to sharpen the blades, change the oil, and if a few seasons have passed, change the spark plugs.

When your mower is returned, winterize the fuel by adding Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer according to directions. This helps keep fuel viable during the cold, dormant months, and it helps protect your carburetor.

Finally, remove the battery and store it indoors during the cold winter months. Before you put it back in (if possible) give it a trickle charge to bring it up to speed before starting it again in the spring.

NOTE: You can use Sta-Bil products in two-stroke weed eaters, as well. Be sure to follow directions carefully.

Your mind is in the gutter!

“The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold…” 
– Autumn Leaves, sung by Nat King Cole, composed by Joseph Kosma, John Mercer and Jacques Prevert

Those autumn leaves are so beautiful. They are the best part of the fall season. But everything beautiful has a flip side, and those leaves can clog up your gutters and downspouts, leaving your home susceptible to rotting soffits and roof leaks.

Keep a watchful eye. If you have a lot of trees around your property, you may have to clean the gutters and downspouts more than once before winter. You’ll need a good sense of balance and a strong, steady ladder. Let common sense prevail; if you’re not confident on ladders, hire someone to do the job.

Water features and hose bibs

If you have an unheated pool, fountain, waterfall, or other water feature, get it tucked in for winter before the fall slips away.

For pools, you’ll need to drain them down a bit, toss them a pillow (!), and cover with a tarp. Actually, it’s a bit more involved than this. Click here for instructions on winterizing your pool.

For small fountains, it’s probably best to drain them and shut off the water. If the lines are underground, they are not likely to freeze, but leaving water in the basin can cause cracking and damage during freezes. Dry them out and cover with a tarp for the winter.

Ponds and waterfalls can be tricky in the winter. If your pond is deep enough, the fish will dive to the bottom in the colder months. If a waterfall feeds the pond, some users shut it down for the winter to keep cold water from recirculating to the bottom. But don’t shut down your filtration system. For best advice, contact your system’s installer.

Don’t forget your hose bibs. Leaving them exposed to frigid temps can cause the pipe to burst in the wall, resulting in costly repairs. There’s a quick fix. Polar Cap makes a hard plastic, Styrofoam-lined cover that fits over and secures to your hose bib. It’s available at most big box home stores for less than six dollars.

Conduct an outdoor home inspection

Way before the cold sets in, take a leisurely stroll around your house to take stock of what needs winterizing. If you’re not very handy, or if you’re a newbie to home maintenance, this would be a good time to hire a professional home inspector. 

Here’s what you need to do:

• Check windows and doors for broken seals and damaged caulk. Make repairs to stay warm and save energy when the cold arrives. NOTE: While you’re dealing with your windows, get them clean before those cold winter days. Clean them outside and inside for a storybook view of those winter wonderland days. On the inside, clean and dust your blinds, and wipe down your window sills.
• Inspect your foundation for cracks, and call a pro to make repairs if you find them.
• Check out the roof for loose or cracked shingles, and do the fixes long before your roof gets covered with snow.
• Be sure to seal up any opening where mice and insects could invade your home seeking warmth. Mice can get in through holes no bigger than a dime!
• Call your HVAC company for a maintenance check on your heating system. You don’t need unpleasant surprises on really cold nights.
• And speaking of HVAC, change or wash your filters before the cold weather puts a high demand on your system.

Call Bert (the chimney sweep)!

Your chimney or stove pipe needs cleaning and inspection yearly. FEMA reports about 25,000 chimney fires each year in the United States. 

Most of these are due to buildup of creosote in the chimney or flue, all preventable by regular cleaning.

And don’t overlook your gas log heating. It needs to be cleaned and inspected annually, as well.

Here are some fast facts from the EPA about fireplace and stove safety.

Where there’s smoke

Each fall and spring are perfect times to replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Don’t put it off! Your life may depend upon it.

About face!

Turn off your ceiling fans, clean the blades, and then reverse the direction with the little switch. For the winter, you want the blades rotating clockwise to pull air in an upward direction to move the heated air all around the room.

It’s so much easier to prepare for winter when you start in the fall! Follow these tips, and enjoy the beauty of the coming seasons.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Fall projects prepare your home for winter appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

As your home ages, it can lose much of its former glory. Bathroom tiles get grimy, kitchen cabinets seem shabby, and the living room walls look… well… lived in.

It’s tempting to want to do a whole house renovation, but that’s like letting an army of Vikings ransack your savings. There are ways to upgrade your home and add value that don’t cost the proverbial pound of flesh.

With some willingness to roll up your sleeves and invest some old-fashioned elbow grease, you can add some real value to your home, especially if you’re looking to sell any time soon. But even if you’re not, you can reap the rewards of living in a more beautiful house.

Home experts say you’ll get a decent return with cosmetic improvements, such as deep cleaning, painting, updating fixtures and hardware, and landscaping. These updates can spiff up your home’s curb appeal, as well as bumping up your home’s value.

Let’s take a look at some economical, high-value home improvement projects.

Get fresh with the walls

Are your walls dirty and scratchy? Or that avocado green color that seemed like such a good idea a few decades ago – how’s that working out for you now? 

It’s amazing what freshening up your home’s paint inside and outside can do for home value. It sends a signal to potential buyers that the home is cared for and well-maintained.

A quick fixture-upper

Small things can make a real difference in your home’s appeal to buyers. Don’t overlook those grimy old switch plates and outlet covers. Fancy brass jobs can cost less than $10 each, but they add a lot of class to the place.

Resist the urge to install those purple switch plates and covers. Choose colors and finishes that appeal to a wide audience.

New light fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom can be a bit pricey, but the wow factor they bring can really pay off in the realm of buyer satisfaction. More on this below.

Dear John

Out of all the fixes you can make, bathroom improvements give you the best bang for your buck. The average return on bathroom renovations is around 70%, and you don’t have to rip the whole room apart to get these benefits.

A dull, outdated bathroom can be a real turn-off for buyers. Here are some modest projects to increase your home’s value by way of the bathroom.

Update the bathroom floor. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can save a lot of money on labor and splurge for some higher-end floor materials. Be sure to aim for neutral colors to add the most value.

Really be honest with yourself. Just because you sat through a floor tiling class at your local home improvement store or watched a few videos on YouTube, that doesn’t mean you’re cut out for the job. If you’re not the handy type, hire an expert to do it.

Upgrade outdated fixtures. For less than $100, you can replace a tarnished vanity fixture or ceiling light with something more elegant and eye-catching. They’re easy to install, or if you’re not confident, it won’t break the bank to get a handyman to install them for you.

Switch out old faucets, shower heads and towel bars. A luxurious spa-style shower head costs about $80. New towel bars cost between $20 and $30, and they’ll look great!

Next, the kitchen

An old saying goes, “No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best.”

The kitchen looms large for house hunters, but (surprisingly) not as much as the bathroom. 

While a full kitchen remodel may be tempting, experts say the ROI for a mid-range kitchen makeover is around 53%.

This means if you put $25,000 into a kitchen remake, you’ll recoup about $13,250. So, focus instead on smaller changes, such as painting the cabinets, installing a new tile backsplash, upgrading lighting, and (if necessary) swapping out Grandma’s old appliances.

Zillow points out that “tuxedo” kitchens (contrasting upper and lower cabinets) are popular and can increase home value more than $1,000 dollars. A very popular contrast is white and dark blue or charcoal gray.

Speaking of Grandma, if her quaint wallpaper still adorns your kitchen walls, replace it with some bright, neutral paint.

Don’t curb your buyers’ enthusiasm; go for curb appeal instead

When potential buyers pull up to your home, the exterior is the first thing they see. That includes your landscaping. 

Experts say landscaping has an ROI of about 15 to 20%.

That means don’t go crazy with huge, expensive projects. The idea is to make the path to your front door look elegant and clean.

Flowers and shrubs are a tried-and-true way to spruce up your home’s exterior. Low growing greenery and mulch along walkways can draw visitors’ eyes to your front door, which should be clean and welcoming. Give it a fresh coat of paint if it’s starting to look dull and dreary.

Speaking of plants, choose perennials, rather than annuals. Perennials come back every spring, saving you the trouble of constant replanting. Some gardeners like to add a bit of spice with a few strategically placed annuals for extra color, but they will die at the first frost in the fall.

Don’t leave bald spots in your yard. Add fresh sod or grass seed to fill those rough patches. And be sure to keep trees and bushes neatly trimmed. This gives the impression that your home is well-maintained.

Think small

Avoid taking on huge projects, such as installing a pond and waterfall or a shaded pergola. You will not see enough ROI to justify the expense, and potential new owners may not even desire these additions.

As you can see, there are strong advantages to upgrading some features in your home to prepare it for sale. The key is to take a sensible approach, and focus on small improvements that add visual appeal without breaking the bank.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Smart updates and improvements to increase your home’s value before listing appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

“They” say that one of the few absolutes in life is aging. Nobody really wants to do it, but everyone does it, regardless. Another absolute is that aging will bring challenges to many seniors wanting to stay in their homes, also known as aging in place. 

CBS News reports that 2024 is a record-breaking year for retirement in America, with an average of 11,000 people a day turning 65 years old between now and December. The youngest Baby Boomers recently turned 55. So, if you are feeling the effects of aging, and you do want to stay in your home, the time to start preparing is now, before you actually need it. 

Don’t underestimate the necessity of planning today for tomorrow’s challenges. AARP reported recently that more than three-quarters of adults 50 and older want to age in place, while a third of those say their homes need modifications in order for them to stay there safely and independently. Click here to see the report.

Are you hunting for the perfect age-in-place home or looking to do what takes to modify the home you’re in? Let’s take a look at what needs to be done to get your home ready for aging in place.

Stairway to heaven?

While those stairs in your house seemed like a great way to keep in better shape, they will become more hazardous and challenging as you age. 

If you live in a home with stairs, they can become a falling hazard. In fact, more than 90% of serious hip fractures are caused by falling, and many of those involve stairs.

If you must age in place in a home with stairs, adding rails to both sides makes them easier and safer.

If you are in the market for a new home in which to age in place, your best option is to find one without stairs or front steps.

Mobility aids

Bathrooms can be tough places for aging seniors. First, you don’t want to have to climb in and out of bathtubs. A walk-in shower is a better option, and there are even walk-in tubs available with special doors. 

Fix up the bathroom with safety grab bars. These can be used next to the toilet, or attached to the walls in tub and shower areas. These bars are one type of mobility aids, which also may include:

• Tub and shower seats
• Raised toilet seats
• Motorized lift chairs 
• Stair lifts
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Outside ramps
• Elevators (yes, some two-story homes have elevators for seniors)

Ease of maintenance

While you may enjoy home maintenance chores now, these chores become more challenging as you age, and they may even become risky. Do you want to be hopping up and down a ladder to clean out your gutters in your 70s or 80s? How about shoveling snow? 

For these reasons, many seniors downsize their homes and move into condos or townhomes. 

Home Owners Associations (HOAs) will handle most maintenance needs. There are 55+ HOA communities with the added benefit of peace and quiet.

If you’re looking for HOAs in your area that handle maintenance, your realtor can help your find just what you’re looking for.

One important consideration for seniors is a walkable neighborhood or proximity to transportation services. Statistics show that people live at least 7 – 10 years past their ability to drive. Many senior communities are dedicated to creating walkable neighborhoods. Walkscore.com rates neighborhoods by walkability, and it’s a great tool when shopping for HOA living. Look for a walk score of 70 or higher and nearby supermarkets and restaurants within walking distance.

Are HOAs worth the cost? Click here to learn more.

Playing it smart

Remember the commercial? Clap on, clap off, the Clapper!

For the younger folks, controlling your lights with a clap of your hands is a novelty (or a sign of laziness), but to an octogenarian, it makes life easier. While the Clapper is quite low-tech, there is a growing field of smart tech that can help seniors age more gracefully at home.

For starters, how about a stove that can ring your phone when dinner is ready so you don’t forget about it, or if your hearing is too compromised to hear the buzzer?

Here some other smart ideas:

• Smart door locks that can open with voice activation, fingerprint, or even retinal scan, depending upon how much you want to pay. Forgetful seniors won’t get locked out by leaving their keys inside.
• Voice controlled washing machines
• Dishwashers that alert your phone when dishes are done or if the unit is leaking
• Motion sensor lighting that turns lights on and off when you enter and leave a room

A slippery slope

Don’t overlook floors when planning for aging in place. Tile or smooth wood floors become slippery when wet, and a fall on these surfaces can lead to serious injury. Replacing tile or wood floors can be very costly, but there’s a simple, safe way to prevent slips, using a slip-resistant floor treatment.

Slip Doctors has products for marble, tile, wood, and more. An easily applied treatment creates and “invisible tread” to make any floor safer for seniors.

Now even floors are smart!

Even with the best prevention, we can’t always prevent falls. Satech, Inc. makes SmartCells® cushioning solutions, which lessen the impact force of falls and preventing serious injuries. SmartCells® flooring can be installed throughout the house on top of existing flooring. Click to learn more.

The time is now

If you are entering your senior years, you may decide you want to stay in your home and age in place. As mentioned earlier, the time to prepare is now, not when you’ll need modifications in a hurry.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post As Seniors prepare for their “golden years,” many consider staying in their own homes appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

The holidays are nearly upon us. Does it seem like the year just flew by? As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Families reunite in the joy of the season. Little ones make a joyful noise. But it’s also a time for household accidents and injuries.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cites approximately 160 accidents a day related just to home decorating. Nearly half of those involve falls, broken bones, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries. Let’s explore why more accidents happen during holidays.

Connecting the dots

Holiday accidents are influenced by several factors, such as:

• Increased activity. Holidays mean more cooking, baking, decorating, and entertaining, all of which can increase accident risks.
• Distraction. Stress, shopping, trips to the airport, meal planning and more make people distracted. This can lead to mishaps, such as forgetting to turn off burners or tripping over electrical cords.
• Decoration hazards. Holiday decorations (lights, candles, and ornaments) can be safety hazards. Frayed cords can cause fires, and small decorations can be choking hazards for toddlers.

Deck the halls

Since decorations play a big role in holiday entertaining, let’s take a look at some safety precautions.

Here are some tips for safer holiday decorating.

• Let kids help with decorating, but only with non-breakable items within their reach. Adults should hang breakable decorations, ornaments, light bulbs, and tinsel out of kids’ reach. 
• Watch out for decorative plants that can be toxic to children when eaten. Some examples are mistletoe, holly, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis. Keep these away from children and pets.
• Beware of bubble lights, which contain a chemical that’s harmful if swallowed and irritating to skin. 
• Keep cans of snow spray out of children’s reach. The powder is hazardous when swallowed or sprayed into your eyes or on your skin.

Just to be on the safe side, keep the number handy for the National Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222.

Don’t play with fire

The best advice for fire safety is to prevent fires from happening at all. Here are some tips:

• Be sure to test smoke alarms and change their batteries before starting holiday decorating.
• Never leave holiday lights on when you’re sleeping or if you are leaving the house.
• Don’t overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
• When hanging lights, check wires for fraying or damage. If damage is evident, discard the lights.
• If you’ll have a living Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered. Dry trees are more likely to go up in flames. Keep the tree in a sturdy stand that won’t tip over. Most importantly, keep the tree away from all heat sources, such as outlets, candles, radiators, and space heaters.
• If you prefer artificial trees, be sure to purchase one that’s “fire-retardant.”
• Take candles seriously! Stay in the room when candles are burning, don’t leave unsupervised children alone with candles, and be sure to blow them out before going to bed.
• Have your fireplace inspected by a professional before lighting the season’s first fire. Always use a sturdy fireplace screen, or if you’re using a wood stove, keep flammable materials away from it.
• Be sure to have an emergency evacuation plan in case of fire.

Eat, drink, and be safe!

Holidays always have a whole lot of cooking going on, so take these steps to prevent burns:

• Cook on back burners whenever possible, and turn pot handles away from the front of the stove.
• Never leave the oven door open
• Don’t let kids play near the oven.
• Keep kitchen appliances clean to prevent grease fires.
• Here are some other food and drink tips:
• Nuts and small candies can be a choking hazard for toddlers. Keep these out of reach.
• Avoid alcohol poisoning by keeping drink cups out of reach. Even a small amount of alcohol can injure children.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe during the holiday season.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Keep holiday season safe for kids, family, and YOU! appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Autumn is here again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and soon the first signs of winter will appear. 

Don’t wait until the first snow or frost to make sure your home is ready for winter. Here are some things to do right now.

1. Get your HVAC system checked

Don’t wait for an emergency. A heating system check is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter. Get a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your furnace, boiler, or heat pump to ensure it’s in good working order. Have them clean and tune up the system to help it run more efficiently and save you money on bills.

If you heat with wood, keep this in mind: Fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys, and are some of the biggest causes of home fires. Get yours inspected and serviced annually. If you burned more than five fires the previous year, get the chimney or pipe cleaned thoroughly.

Don’t neglect to inspect the chimney cap or pipe cap, which keeps heat-seeking birds and varmints out.

2. Protect indoor pipes

Burst pipes are common occurrences in winter, especially in unheated areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces and pipes along exterior walls. More than a third of burst pipes happen in cold basements. Fixing burst pipes can cost $500 or more to repair, and can cause thousands of dollars more in additional damage to your home.

A good solution is pipe insulation, which you can install yourself without any special skills. It comes pre-slit along its length, and it costs as little as 50 cents per linear foot at most home supply stores. Just cut it to size and snuggle it around exposed pipes. Put it under sinks and all the areas mentioned above.

Click here to read about how to keep pipes from freezing.

3. Protect outside water sources

Drain and store your garden hoses and sprinklers before the first frost to keep them from freezing and bursting. Drain your hose bibs by shutting off the water supply and opening the spigot to drain out any water. Turn the water supply back on when you’re done.

Also, it’s good idea is to put an insulating cover on hose bibs. You can buy these for just a few dollars at home supply stores.

4. Insulate your home and seal air leaks

Insulation is a necessity for keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your home is not insulated properly, you can expect high heating and cooling bills. 

Be sure to add insulation to your attic and basement, too. It’s a good investment.

How much insulation you require depends upon your regional temperatures. Insulating your attic keeps heat in your living quarters and out of the attic. An additional advantage is that a cooler attic in winter might prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your roof.

Check out this Energy Star guide to insulation to find out more about what you need in your area.

Another way to stay warm in winter is to seal air leaks that let warm air out and cold air in. Hold a candle near doors, windows, and baseboards. If the candle flickers, air is leaking. You can seal these leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

5. Keep your mind in the gutter!

Clogged gutters can be hazardous in the winter. Water can back up and freeze when temperatures drop. You need to be sure that snow melt can run off your roof and into downspouts. Clean your gutters well ahead of the first frost or snowfall to avoid water damage to your roof and foundation. Do it yourself if you’re steady on a ladder. Or call a handyman to do the job. Just be sure to get it done!

6. Stock up on supplies

A winter storm might trap you in your house for many days. Keep an emergency supply of non-perishable canned foods, bottled water, a well-stocked first aid kit, and plenty of blankets to keep you warm.

7. Be ready for power outages

Power outages can occur after snowstorms, so be prepared. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered weather radio on hand.

Another solution is to invest in a generator. These can range from small units that can power your refrigerator and a few lights to large, whole-house systems. These must be installed by a qualified electrician.

8. Look out below!

Overgrown trees and shrubs can damage your home during a winter storm. Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your house or power lines. Snow-laden branches can snap and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your roof. If you see branches hanging over your house, call a tree service or arborist NOW to get them cut back. The closer you get to winter, the busier these professionals will be.

If overhanging limbs are small and easy to reach, and if you’re steady on a ladder and handy with a chainsaw, you might do it yourself. However, if they’re high up, or if you’ve never done this kind of work before, it’s better to hire a pro. Some folks call trees “widow makers,” and not without good reasons.

Follow these tips to be sure you and your home are ready for winter.

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post 8 ways to prepare for winter NOW appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

“Spring has sprung, the grass is riz
I wonder where the flowers is” – Anonymous (for obvious reasons)

Many people say spring is their favorite season. Is it yours? The greenery has returned in all its glory. Flowers are popping up, honeybees and bumblebees are making their rounds, and after a chilly winter, what could beat the return of t-shirt weather?

Spring’s arrival heralds a variety of home maintenance tasks to keep your home in great shape and ready for guests. Let’s look at some things every homeowner should consider in springtime to help maintain the value of their homes.

Clear debris from your roof and gutters

Leaves and debris from late fall may have made your roof and gutters their home for the winter. Since leaves hold water, this can be harmful to your roof. Get up there and blow them to the ground with a leaf blower. Don’t sweep them; that’s not too good for asphalt shingles.

While you’re up there, inspect your gutters for blockages, corrosion, holes, gaps, or damaged sections. Clear out leaves and twigs, and make sure they’re ready for heavy spring rains. You can use a hose to test their effectiveness. Call a gutter specialist if you are unsure how to make repairs.

Refresh exterior paint or stain

Spring is the perfect time to renew the stain on your decks, railing, and fences, or to spruce up the paint on your house. If you wait until summer, you may find it too hot to do the job comfortably. If you’re looking to move or to downsize, springtime is a great time to put your home on the market. Great-looking walls and decks go a long way toward increasing your home’s value.

Keep your cool!

Summer heat is right around the corner. As AC systems start cranking in summertime, the demand for AC repair technicians increases exponentially. 

Don’t wait until paint starts melting off your walls to have your HVAC system serviced. Do it while the weather is still relatively cool. Soon service rates will be higher and wait times longer.

Get a tune-up now, including cleaning condenser coils, changing dirty filters, checking coolant levels, swapping out malfunctioning parts, and more. Many companies have a yearly maintenance “club,” in which you can pay a small amount monthly for two service visits each year – in spring and fall. Ask your HVAC service provider about it.

Do you have a room with a window-unit AC? Check out this handy guide on keeping it humming along this summer.

Update exterior lighting

Winter can be rough on exterior lights. Check all the fixtures outside your home, and replace defective bulbs and solar lights that don’t charge any more. Test your motion-sensing lights for proper function, and be sure the lights along garden paths, steps, and driveways are doing their job. If your landscape lights are looking worn or not functioning properly, replace them with low-voltage lighting. 

Click here to see our recent blog post about installing low-voltage lighting systems.

Fix your screens

We all love the great outdoors, but we prefer it to stay outside. Screens help us keep insects and debris from entering our homes when we open the windows to let in fresh air. Now is the time to check out your screens and repair holes or damage from pets and long use. Most local hardware stores have screen repair service, where you can drop off damaged screens and pick them up good as new. Doing that now means a much shorter wait.

Do you have a covered porch area that you’ve been thinking about screening in? Check out this video to see how easy that can be. 

Spruce up outdoor landscaping

Weeds are already sprouting up; don’t let them take over. Have your perennial gardens started to bloom? Maybe you’ve noticed some holes in your garden that are crying out for some colorful annuals. Now’s the time for a visit to your local garden center to give your garden a spring makeover. 

We prefer neighborhood garden centers to the big box stores. While you may pay a bit more, there’s peace of mind in knowing the plants you’re buying are free of bee-killing pesticides. If you’re not sure, ask. Renew your mulch beds to keep weeds at bay, and sprinkle some grass seed if you find bare patches in your lawn.

Water, water everywhere!

Springtime means watering lawns and flowerbeds. If you had your outdoor water system turned off for the winter, it’s time to turn it back on. Winter is hard on hoses, so check them for leaks and replace if cracked. Check rubber gaskets in hoses and replace them if they are brittle or cracked.

If you have sprinklers, check for water leaks from pipes that may have burst during a winter freeze. Inspect your sprinkler heads and be sure they’re all standing up straight and are functioning well. Lastly, check the auto timers that activate your sprinklers. If all looks good, you’re ready for spring and summer.

Our list of springtime homeowner chores may take a bit of time, but it’s worth it for maintaining the value and beauty of your home.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Springtime homeowner projects appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.