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Showing posts from July, 2024

Challenges with Having Compost Piles Near Your Home

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We often come across various aspects of home maintenance and gardening that impact the well-being and comfort of homeowners. One common feature is the compost pile, which, while beneficial in many ways, can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Here are some stories of homeowners who have shared some challenges they have had with them. The Rodent Invasion A couple were wanting to buy a home from the sellers who were enthusiastic gardeners and had decided to start a compost pile to manage their kitchen waste and yard clippings. Initially, everything seemed fine, but after a few months, they started noticing small holes around their yard and strange noises at night. It turned out that their compost pile had attracted a family of rodents. The compost pile wasn’t  properly managed, which made it an attractive nesting site for rodents. The pile included food scraps that were not adequately covered, providing an easy food source. The sellers took several steps here. First, they invest...

Understanding Compost Piles: A Guide for Florida Homeowners

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As a home inspection company, we often encounter various aspects of home and garden maintenance that impact property value and homeowner satisfaction. One topic that frequently comes up is compost piles. Composting is an environmentally friendly way to manage organic waste, but it's important to understand the pros and cons, especially if you live in Florida. This guide will explain what a compost pile is and the benefits and drawbacks of having one near your home. What Is a Compost Pile? A compost pile is a designated area where organic waste, such as kitchen scraps, yard clippings, and other biodegradable materials, is collected and allowed to decompose. Over time, the organic matter breaks down into nutrient-rich soil, known as compost, which can be used to enrich garden soil and improve plant health. Composting relies on the natural process of decomposition, aided by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms thrive in a balanced mix of "green" mater...

Weekly Maintenance (Fourth Week of July)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Check your fences, sheds, and other outdoor structures for stability and repair if needed Inspect for cracks or damage in your driveway and walkway Take the time to replenish your emergency supplies such as bottled water, canned food, batteries, and first aid items Hurricane Preparation: Focus on your windows Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

The Consequences of Ignoring Foggy or Damaged Double-Paned Windows

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We've had some homeowners who either underestimated the significance of repairing or replacing foggy or damaged double-paned windows and some that thought these damaged windows would not significantly impact their decision to either purchase a home or not. These seemingly minor issues can lead to serious problems over time. Here are some detailed true stories showing the potential consequences of neglecting these window issues. The Mold Invasion A homeowner lived in a suburban home and took pride in its upkeep. However, she noticed that several double-paned windows had become foggy over the years. Assuming it was a cosmetic issue, she decided to postpone any repairs. Little did she know, the compromised seals were allowing moisture to seep into the walls. One day, she noticed a musty smell in her living room. Concerned, she called a mold remediation specialist, who found significant mold growth within the walls. The mold had spread extensively, hidden behind the wallpaper and baseb...

Understanding Double-Paned Windows: A Helpful Guide

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When it comes to home improvements, upgrading your windows can be one of the most impactful changes you can make. As a home inspection company, we often encounter various window types during our inspections, and one of the most popular choices among homeowners today is double-paned windows. But what exactly are double-paned windows, and what are the pros and cons of installing them in your home? We have had some questions about this and thought we would explain a little. What Are Double-Paned Windows? Double-paned windows, also known as double-glazed windows, consist of two panes of glass separated by a space filled with air or an inert gas like argon. This space acts as an insulating barrier, significantly enhancing the window's thermal efficiency. The edges of the panes are sealed to prevent air and moisture from entering the space between the panes, creating a more energy-efficient window compared to traditional single-pane windows. Pros of Double-Paned Windows Energy Efficiency...

Weekly Maintenance (Third Week of July)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Keep an eye out for mold and mildew in humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, and use dehumidifiers if necessary. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for storm, flood, and other potential damages. Inspect your water heater for signs of corrosion or leaks and consider setting the water heater to a lower temperature to save energy. Take a look at your garage door and its safety features. Secure items that may shift or fall during a storm. Ensure that outdoor lighting is functioning properly, focusing on safety and security lighting around entryways and walkways. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

The Cost of Skipping Thermal Imaging: Real-Life Stories of Homebuyers' Regrets

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When it comes to purchasing a home, thorough inspections are crucial to uncovering potential issues. However, some homebuyers opt to skip advanced inspection methods like thermal imaging, only to face unexpected problems later. In this blog post, we’ll share some real-life stories of homebuyers who didn’t get thermal imaging done during their inspection and later regretted it, highlighting why this advanced technology is a must.. The Hidden Water Damage John and Lisa were thrilled to find their dream home in a picturesque neighborhood. The traditional home inspection revealed no major issues, so they decided to proceed without thermal imaging. A few months after moving in, they noticed a musty smell. Upon further investigation, they discovered extensive water damage behind the walls, which had led to mold growth. The Regret Had they opted for thermal imaging, the inspector may have detected the moisture intrusion behind the wall helping to eliminate those costly repairs that followed. ...