Category: Home Defects

Mold can be a serious issue in homes. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Mold can also cause some structural damage to your home, which can be expensive to fix. The key to preventing mold is to keep your home clean and dry. Here are some tips on how to prevent mold in your home:

Ventilate your home

Ventilation helps to remove moisture from the air. This is especially important in areas of your home that are prone to dampness, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Ensure you have exhaust fans installed in these areas and that they are vented to the outside of your home.

Use a dehumidifier

If you live in a humid climate or if your home is prone to dampness, you may want to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers help clear moisture from the air, which can prevent mold from growing.

Keep your home clean

Mold can grow on any dirty and damp surface. It’s important to keep your home clean and free of clutter so that there is less opportunity for mold to grow. Wipe down surfaces regularly, and vacuum and dust often. Regular carpet cleaning is also important for preventing mold. 

Clean up spills right away

If you spill something on the floor, clean it up right away. Don’t let the liquid sit there because it will only create a breeding ground for mold. If your carpet becomes wet, replace it immediately. Wet carpets are a prime breeding ground for mold.

Fix leaks immediately

If you have a leak in your home, fix it immediately. A leaky roof or window can allow water to seep into your home, leading to mold growth. Leaky pipes and fixtures can also cause water damage, which can lead to mold growth. Be sure to take care of such issues in your home as soon as possible.

Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for mold to grow. This is because they are often humid and damp. Ensure you clean your bathroom regularly with a mold-killing product. This will help prevent mold from growing in this area of your home.

Take care of wet fabrics immediately

If you have wet fabrics in your home, such as wet clothing or towels, be sure to take care of them immediately. Don’t let them sit in a pile because this will only create a breeding ground for mold. Be sure to wash and dry them as soon as possible.

These are just a few tips on preventing mold in your home. By following them, you can help keep your home healthy and mold-free. If you find mold in your home, be sure to take immediate action to remove it. Mold can be dangerous if left untreated, so it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible. If the mold is severe, you may need to call a professional for assistance.

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you’re probably asking, ‘What factors influence property value?’ Although you are already aware that variables such as location, land size, and the state of the real estate market have a significant effect on property prices, you might be stunned to learn that certain minor details will raise or decrease your home’s value by thousands of dollars.

Here are six factors that will reduce your property’s value.

No garage or a single garage
Homeowners love their garages just as much as they love the vehicles that go in them. Garages have changed from being practical places to park and secure vehicles to being necessary excess storage for sporting equipment, motorcycles, lawn equipment, and holiday decorations. Houses with no garage are less appealing.

Swimming Pool
Though swimming pools are an essential luxury in many parts of the country, they can also reduce the value of your house in other areas. In-ground pools necessitate regular upkeep, which is unappealing to retirees or those trying to ease their lives. Similarly, when pool equipment fails or has to be replaced, the resulting costs may be overwhelming.

The prospect of another recurrent liability will put off prospective buyers who are still squeezing their finances to purchase the house of their dreams. Another significant pool-related problem is safety. Many households of small children despise the “what-ifs” that swimming pools reflect and may avoid properties that have this additional monitoring requirement.

Subpar Educational Institutions
For various causes, being in a top-tier school district is a primary concern to most homebuyers. Staying close to a low-performing school will lower house prices and restrict the market to buyers who do not have school-aged kids or who can afford the additional cost of private education.

Proximity to interstate, airport, or train
Although there is a case to be made for convenient access to commuter trains, freeways, and other modes of public transportation, it can be difficult to sell. Buyers appreciate a convenient venue, but not at the cost of their quiet time or air quality. Houses too close to freeways, trains, and airports are avoided mainly by homebuyers who are put off by gas emissions and the relentless hum of traffic.

Sloping Lot
Homes on sloped lots can be difficult to sell for a variety of reasons. For starters, lawn maintenance becomes a problem, particularly on steep slopes. Mowing lawn and raking leaves, in particular, take on a whole new dimension when you’re trying to keep your balance.

Second, based on where the house is located, sloped lots will often cause runoff or drainage problems from higher elevations. Ultimately, apart from skiing and sledding, lots with a dramatic slope can restrict outdoor entertainment options, which is a downer for families with young children.

Flooring Issues

The first thing people notice when they enter a home is the appearance of the floors. If there are cracked tiles or scratched hardwood floors it can convey that the home has not been well cared for and lower the value to a potential buyer. Dirty or worn carpeting can also be a big indicator. Be sure that floors are clean and in good repair before putting your home on the market. Clean carpets will enhance the appearance that a home is well maintained.

If you’re a seller dealing with one or more of these property marketing issues, it’s normal to feel helpless to change the odds to your advantage. Improve the situation by recruiting a real estate agent with an established track record in advertising and selling properties of all kinds.

Mold is a type of fungus with a woolly texture and varies in color. Mold develops in damp areas that are not well-lit, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. It is essential to prevent mold growth because it can damage your home’s structural integrity, which can be costly to fix. Living in a moldy home causes health issues, such as sinus congestion, headache, throat irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic symptoms.

Below are ways to prevent mold growth at home.

Moisture control

Moisture control is the most effective method of curbing mold growth. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels gives a mold-free environment. Mold thrives in humid environments, and thus it is vital to ensure you maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.

Humidity levels are influenced by daily activities like cooking and drying clothes, making it necessary to monitor indoor humidity levels as they keep changing frequently. Installing a dehumidifier helps to reduce moisture from the air making your home less susceptible to mold. In addition, using an AC unit helps to achieve low humidity levels.

Proper ventilation

Ventilation keeps air moving and prevents moisture build-up in the house. Areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms have high moisture levels making them prone to mold development. It is important to open windows to aid moisture flow when cooking or having a shower.

Air vents can be fitted into windows to enhance ventilation. Besides that, it is advisable to keep doors shut to confine moisture to these rooms when in use. Open doors allow steam to travel to other rooms, which can cause mold problems.

Cleaning carpets

A moldy carpet is likely to have an unpleasant odor and ugly stains. A spill on the carpet should be attended to immediately. Carpets should always be kept dry free of moisture or water to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. It is important to frequently vacuum carpets to ensure they are mold-free.

A moldy carpet can be cleaned using white vinegar. Spray vinegar on the carpet and scrub it with a brush. Avoid diluting vinegar with water as it will lose its effectiveness. Let the applied vinegar sit for at least an hour then wipe with water. Finally, use a dehumidifier to get rid of moisture.

Regular professional carpet cleaning can also ensure that your home remains free of allergens. Consult with a  carpet cleaning service.

Avoid dampness

Mold can’t grow without moisture. After taking a shower, it is necessary to wipe dry the walls and floor of the bathroom. Moisture settles on these areas creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.

After doing laundry, do not leave clothes in the washing machine. Also, do not dry clothes indoors because the water evaporates and creates a damp atmosphere in your home.

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The electrical wiring in your home is something you might not have thought about, but it’s something to concern yourself with. Wiring and electrical components age and are frequently overlooked. These issues are safety concerns especially if your home was built during the 1960s and 70’s when aluminum wire was used instead of copper due to supply issues. Aluminum is no longer used or code compliant due to expansion and contraction that are significant fire hazards. Here are a few of the signs that indicate you might need to update your wiring system.

1. Blown Fuse or Tripped Breakers

It’s normal for a breaker to trip or a fuse to blow every once in a while and isn’t a cause for concern. If it’s a frequent occurrence, it indicates that there is a bigger problem to deal with. An outdated electrical system might not be able to handle the high energy demands of today’s modern electronics.

2. Dim or Flickering Lights

Lights can flicker for a number of different reasons such as a bad bulb or malfunctioning socket, and a flickering light doesn’t always indicate an electrical problem. If you experience dimming or flickering in lights all over the home, you might have a larger problem on your hands. Another sign to look for is if lights flicker when you use high demand appliances such as a microwave or air conditioner. This is an indicator that the system is overloaded and needs to be updated.

3. Warm or Sparking Outlets

Outlets shouldn’t have a burning smell, be warm to the touch, or spark at any point. Burning signifies something is broken inside and could cause an electrical fire. Sparking or being warm to the touch means you could have a short circuit or wires are beginning to get loose.

4. Ungrounded Outlets

Two-prong outlets are a thing of the past. Electronics today run at higher voltages and need additional protection from a grounded three-prong outlet. If you plug in something that draws more power than the outlet can provide, you might start a fire.

5. Lack of No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets

It is imperative that outlets located near moisture such as in the kitchen or bathroom are GFCI. They have built-in protection to trip if the outlet short circuits or becomes overloaded. You can spot them by the test and reset buttons. They’re required to be in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and anywhere else near water.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your electrical system, it’s definitely time to check your wiring and be prepared to upgrade for your safety and security. Hire an electrician in your area to inspect your home. 

Here is the list of defects that have been found in homes inspection.

• Severe Notching Weakens Main Beam
• Large Hole for Pipe Weakens Main Beam
• Collapsing Floor Under Bathroom (Due to Leaks)
• Re-Support in Crawl Space Still (NOT OK!)
• Fire Damage to Wood Supports
• Foundation Wall Cracks are Severe
• Inadequate Beam Support in Crawl Space
• Rotted Wood Sheathing found in Crawl Space
• Collapsing Brick Chimney (and Roof Leaks)
• Stains Indicate Roof Leakage
• Roof Leakage at Chimney Penetration
• When Pipes Leak Damage is Severe
• Leaking Steam Pipe
• Corroded Brass Water Pipe is Leaking
• Sink Drain Pipe is Leaking
• Car Radiator Hose for House Drain Pipe (Not OK)
• PVC Drain Pipes Not Installed Correctly
• That’s Mold on the Damaged Basement Wall
• Leaking Water Heater Inlet Pipe
• Serious Sewer Pipe Problems
• Old Corroded Boiler
• Old 30 Amp Electrical Service feeding 100 Amp Panel
• Active Knob-&-Tube Electrical Wiring
• Hazardous Electrical Connections
• More Hazardous Electrical Connections
• Asbestos Pipe Insulation (Deteriorated)
• Dangerous Gas Connector
• Damaged Asbestos Shingle Siding
• Steps Need Maintenance