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Showing posts from January, 2025

Maintenance (Fifth Week of January)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:   Replace the filter on your HVAC System. Have a professional HVAC contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer to make sure it is ready for the upcoming summer. Begin prepping your lawn and garden areas for spring planting and growth. Take a look at your roof for any damage from winter storms, and make sure your gutters are clean and in good condition to handle the upcoming spring rains. We have high humidity here. Look around your home for mold and mildew growth in areas like bathrooms, kitchen, and basements.  Take a look around the exterior of your home for any damage or repairs that are needed. Pay particular attention to siding, paint, and sealants especially around windows and doors. Generally Helpful Guidelines: We are including the information below to help as you work through maintenance and repairs on your home. Remember that the life e...

Attic Problems to Watch for When Buying a Home in Florida

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When purchasing a home in Florida, the attic might not be the first area you think of looking at. However, it can reveal a lot about the home’s condition and help you avoid costly surprises down the road. We’ve seen firsthand the kinds of attic issues that can arise, particularly in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Here are the key attic problems to look out for when considering purchasing a home. We hope you find these informative and useful. Poor Ventilation In Florida’s warm climate, proper attic ventilation is critical to maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Signs of poor ventilation include: Excessive heat buildup: Attics can reach dangerously high temperatures if not properly ventilated, driving up cooling costs. Moisture accumulation: Inadequate airflow can lead to trapped moisture, promoting mold and mildew growth. Warped or damaged roofing materials: Prolonged heat exposure can warp roof shingles or sheathing. Tip: Check for soffit vents, ridge vents, and other...

Fire Hazards to Watch for When Buying a Home

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When buying a home, you’re not just purchasing a property; you’re investing in your family’s safety and comfort. While the charm of an older home can be undeniable, it’s essential to ensure that it doesn’t come with hidden fire hazards. We’ve identified common fire risks that you should be aware of when evaluating a potential purchase and have included them below. We hope you find these informative and useful for items to put on your checklist of things to consider. Outdated Electrical Systems Older homes may have electrical systems that were not designed to handle the power demands of modern living. Look out for: Knob-and-tube wiring: Common in homes built before the 1950s, this outdated system lacks grounding, increasing fire risks. Overloaded circuits: Older electrical panels may not support today’s appliances and can overheat. Aluminum wiring: Found in homes from the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring is more prone to overheating compared to copper. Improperly Maintained Fireplace...

Maintenance (Fourth Week of January)

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  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:   Review your home insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage, particularly for flood and hurricane damage. Take a look at your Water Heater. Look for signs of leaks, rust, or other damages, and check to make sure it is functioning properly. If your home has a septic system, look at it for signs of problems or necessary maintenance. Vacuum out your Dryer Vent to avoid prevent clothes dryer fires. Generally Helpful Guidelines: We are including the information below to help as you work through maintenance and repairs on your home. Remember that the life expectancy of cabinets and shelving will depend on how much use they receive and their maintenance. This chart will help give an idea of what to expect for these different parts of your home and approximately how long you can expect each to last. We hope you find them helpful. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyon...

What Homebuyers Should Know About Flipped Homes: Insights from a Home Inspection Company

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Buying a home that has been flipped can be exciting. These properties often boast modern finishes, updated layouts, and the promise of a move-in-ready experience. However, we’ve seen many cases where beneath the shiny surface, flipped homes may conceal issues that can turn into costly surprises for buyers. If you’re considering purchasing a flipped home, here are the key problems to watch out for and why a thorough inspection is essential. Cosmetic Fixes Covering Underlying Issues Flippers often focus on cosmetic upgrades to make the home more appealing. Fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures can mask significant underlying problems such as: Structural Issues: Cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, or poorly executed renovations. Moisture Damage: Mold, water stains, or rotting wood that has been painted over or hidden. Old Electrical or Plumbing Systems: Outdated or faulty systems left untouched beneath new walls or finishes. Poor-Quality Workmanship Some flippers priorit...