Lead Based Paint
If it’s red – there’s lead! We tested this window last week. Are you buying an older home (prior to 1978)? Your real estate agent will ask you to sign a lead paint disclosure statement (An EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards) encouraging you to consider having your home tested for lead based paint.
How Secure Is Your Folding Stairway Pulldown
Normally, you’d find a string hanging from the cover of the stairway. For outside locations that might present a bit of a security issue. A quick pad lock will help secure the hatch. Done…unless there was NO string to pull!
Dryer Fires – How Safe is Your Home?
Statistics show that more than 15,000 residential house fires a year are caused by poorly maintained dryer vents. Here are some tell-tale signs of trouble ahead. The home I inspected had a vertical, schedule 40 PVC pipe installed in the wall that terminated through the roof. Peeking into the vent just behind the dryer, I noticed lent build-up.
Power Use – If you can’t measure it you can’t improve it.
What if you went to the grocery store each day or each week and at the end of the month the store sent you a bill for all the food you’d bought. No specifics details on how many gallons of milk or boxes of cereal, just a big bill and a thank you. Well, that’s how we buy electrical power. One bill, you have no idea which room or appliance used the product or if your meter has made a math error. How can you effectively manage something you don’t measure? It’s simple…you can’t.
We Want to Sell and Want to Know the Value of a Home Energy Rating
Statistics show that lowering home energy usage directly improves value. This notion is supported by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, ENERGY STAR, FHA and VA financing instruments. When you increase the value through energy savings the increase is recognized in the new loan. A potential buyer will consider cost to operate the home, but only if informed. Information and education is the key to using the homes energy consumption as a sales marketing tool.