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Weekly Maintenance (Third Week of October)

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  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for the home and its contents Update your home inventory to reflect any new acquisitions or changes Inspect the home for signs of mold and mildew and address any issues promptly Use dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and basements Clean and store outdoor furniture and cushions to protect them from the elements Secure or sture other outdoor items that could be damaged by weather Check decks and fences for any needed repairs or refinishing Consider applying a protective sealant before the winter months Review and replenish emergency supplies including non-perishable food, water, batteries, and first aid items Ensure that all family members are familiar with emergency procedures and the location of supplies If you have a septic system, schedule a professional inspection of the system and pump out the tank if needed I

Don’t Fear the Fix! Spooky Home Inspection Problems That Are Easier to Fix Than You Think

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It’s that time of year when things go bump in the night and eerie sounds seem to come from nowhere. But before you start calling ghostbusters, take a breath—your home’s spooky issues might not be supernatural, just structural! We often see homeowners spooked by problems that, while unsettling at first, they are usually easy to fix with the right approach. Here are some “haunted house” problems, we’ve uncovered, that may seem like the stuff of nightmares but are actually very manageable—and far from requiring an exorcism! 1. The Creaky Floors  Creeeeak. Every time you step on that one spot in the hallway, it sounds like a spirit is announcing your presence. While creaky floors may make your home sound like a haunted mansion, the cause is much more mundane. 🔧 The Fix: Creaky floors usually occur because of loose floorboards or joists rubbing against each other. It’s a simple matter of tightening the boards or using shims to secure the joists. In many cases, you won’t even need to replac

Why a Fall Home Inspection is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself Before the Holidays

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As the cooler weather rolls in and the holidays approach, your focus may be shifting toward family gatherings, festive decorations, and cozy nights by the fire. But before you deck the halls or plan that perfect holiday dinner, there’s one important item you should check off your list: getting a home inspection. Whether you're buying a new house, preparing to sell, or simply maintaining your current home, fall is one of the best times to schedule a home inspection. Here’s why a pre-holiday home inspection during the cooler months is a decision you'll be thankful for: 1. Cool Weather Shows Problems that Might Be Hidden in Warmer Months  Fall’s crisp temperatures bring out issues that often go unnoticed during summer’s heat. Problems like drafty windows, poor insulation, and inefficient heating systems are far more apparent when the weather cools down. A home inspection in the fall can reveal issues like: Drafts around windows and doors: If you’ve got leaks or drafts, you’ll feel

Weekly Maintenance (Second Week of October)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Check and replace any faulty bulbs in outdoor lighting fixtures Adjust timers on outdoor lighting to accommodate the earlier sunset Inspect plumbing for leaks and insulate exposed pipes if needed Detach garden hoses and drain water from outdoor faucets if needed Organize and secure tools and equipment in the garage Check the operation of the garage door and lubricate moving parts as necessary Inspect your driveways and walkways for cracks and damage and make necessary repairs Apply a sealant to protect against water damage and freezing Begin preparing the swimming pool for the offseason by reducing the frequency of cleaning and chemical treatments Cover the pool to protect it from debris if needed Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team

The Essential Role of Home Inspections for Documenting Storm Damage and Filing Insurance Claims

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In the wake of a hurricane, homeowners often find themselves grappling with the damage left behind and the daunting task of filing an insurance claim. While the visible destruction might be overwhelming, hidden damage can also wreak havoc on your home if left unchecked. We know how critical it is to get a comprehensive home inspection after a storm—not only for your safety but also for accurately documenting storm-related damage when filing insurance claims. Here’s how a thorough inspection plays an essential role in the process and why quick action is crucial. The Importance of a Professional Inspection for Storm Damage Hurricanes can leave behind a wide range of damage, some of which may not be immediately visible. Water can seep into your home’s walls, roofs can sustain subtle structural issues, and windows might have cracks that compromise their integrity. If these damages are missed or ignored, they can lead to expensive repairs in the future. What you need: Comprehensive Document