Several Common Processes for Insulation And Draft Proofing To Save Money
Posted in: Home Maintenance | Comments (2)
Structures and buildings around the globe that are used for various different aspects and needs are often filled with an incredible number of costs and complications. Many of these costs and complications are considered rather high when added up over time which makes them somewhat challenging to maintain and reduce for any given budgetary concerns one may have. This is usually why anyone that owns a structure of any kind should know the effective steps of home and office insulation and draught proofing to save money.
Insulation and other factors that are known to be energy drainers can be challenging and complex to deal with. These issues are often very costly when present and provide a complex set of challenges in many cases when dealing with them. Those that have taken actions and steps to reduce these issues have found an incredible number of cost savings and comfort factors in general.
Going through this type of process has truly never been easier than it is today. There are quite a few easy steps any business or house owner can take to help provide the overall energy cost reductions they need. Knowing what these easy steps are often helps provide the cost savings that people are often looking for.
Windows all throughout the house are a significant percentage of monthly energy costs and consumption. Having them upgraded to reflect a much more efficient mode of operation is usually considered an amazing source of savings. They are also known to provide an incredible protection from the outside elements.
Installing various window treatments and screens are also an effective process for those that own a house. There are many different inexpensive tints and screens one can purchase that allow the prevention of drafts and temperature issues from entering the house. These provide incredibly monthly energy savings.
Businesses that use door guards of various types are usually able to see an incredible cost reduction in draftiness surrounding the doors. These are usually the areas of the structures where wind and drafts are much more commonly present. These items are easy to install and very affordable to purchase.
Also, an effective step of home and office insulation and draft proofing to save money is often seen with keeping doors closed at all times with businesses. This is often accomplished by installing hydraulic systems to open and close doors. There are also electronic systems that control the opening and closing of doors rather effectively.
You can lower utility costs when you use sash window draft proofing service in your residence.
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Damian Hounslow @ January 16, 2012
Buying A Home – Warranty Facts That May Surprise You
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
As you get ready to finalize the process of buying your home, the last thing on your agenda will be the option of buying a home warranty. The purpose of these warranties is to repair and replace covered items in your home that malfunction. If you think your home could use the protection of a warranty, make sure you apply for one before the close of escrow.
Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 15, 2012
Energy Tips For Your Home Renovation
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
Originally posted 2010-03-30 02:27:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Frequently, we link renovation with our existing budgets, or on a larger scale, on the current economic state. However there may be some renovations for your home that you should not postpone. In fact a lot of home renovations when dealt earlier can actually help you save in the long run. Renovate your home not just for aesthetics purposes but also to make your home eco-friendly. Here are some home renovation tips:
1. Add a small extra insulation to your attic. This will help cut energy consumption and thus be more frugal in the long run. Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10%.
2. Renovate your windows by upgrading old single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified windows. These window types can save you a lot when it comes to energy bills. Energy Star qualified windows normally more than a couple panes of glass, warm edge spacers between the window panes and better framing materials
3. <a href="http://www.orilliahomeinspector.com/cottage“target=”_blank”rel=”external”title=”Cottage Inspections” >Water heater is another of most home’s top energy expenses. Not only that, it accounts a big chunk of the household’s monthly energy bill. It’s time to renovate your heater if your present one is more than 10 years old. Why? If your water heater is old, it is most likely working at a less effective rate, with an efficiency level of 50 per cent or lower. However, you can still save some money by insulating the water heater with a water heater jacket. You can purchase water heater jackets at most hardware stores or by lowering the temperature setting on the water heater.
There are many savings available by making energy saving renovations to your home. These renovations can trim your energy consumption and thus save you money in the long run. Energy-saving renovations can improve your indoor air quality, and your overall comfort level.
Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 14, 2012
Inspecting Commercial Buildings and Their Power Supply
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
Electrical Power
In electrical engineering, single-phase electric power refers to the distribution of alternating current electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply vary in unison. Single-phase distribution is used when loads are mostly lighting and heating, with few large electric motors. A single-phase supply connected to an alternating current electric motor does not produce a revolving magnetic field; single-phase motors need additional circuits for starting, and such motors are uncommon above 10 or 20 kW in rating.
In contrast, in a three-phase system, the currents in each conductor reach their peak instantaneous values sequentially, not simultaneously; in each cycle of the power frequency, first one, then the second, then the third current reaches its maximum value. The waveforms of the three supply conductors are offset from one another in time (delayed in phase) by one-third of their period.
Defining the Terms
Amps vs. Volts:
Think of electricity as water flowing through a pipe. The amperage is analogous to the amount of water flowing through the pipe. Amperage is also called current. Larger diameter wires can handle more current, just as larger pipes can handle more flow.
Voltage is analogous to pressure, the force which moves the water through the pipe. A small pump (low voltage) would produce less pressure than a big pump (high voltage).
In most buildings the voltage will either be 208 volt (low voltage) or 600 volt (high voltage). The critical question is how much voltage and amperage the system is rated at, or in other words, how much equipment can I use in the building?
208 Volt vs. 600 Volt:
Most modern buildings are equipped with 600 volt services. Equipment such as air conditioning units (over 5 tons), larger exhaust fans, electric heaters, and some lighting will utilize 600 volts. However, standard outlets and most lighting operate at 208 volts.
In North America, individual residences and small commercial buildings with services up to about 100 kV·A (417 amperes at 240 volts) will usually have three-wire single-phase distribution, often with only one customer per distribution transformer. In exceptional cases larger single-phase three-wire services can be provided, usually only in remote areas where poly-phase distribution is not available. In rural areas farmers who wish to use three-phase motors may install a phase converter if only a single-phase supply is available. Larger consumers such as large buildings, shopping centers, factories, office blocks, and multiple-unit apartment blocks will have three-phase service. In densely populated areas of cities, network power distribution is used with many customers and many supply transformers connected to provide hundreds or thousands of kV·A, a load concentrated over a few hundred square meters.
Buildings equipped with 600 volt services will always have a transformer to reduce the 600 volts to 208 volts for the main building panels. These transformers are generally located near the main electrical service entrance.
When comparing the amount of power available for different voltages, a 200 amp, 600 volt service has nearly three times the power of a 200 amp, 208 volt service.
This is of less importance. All 208 volt and 600 volt services are three phase. This means there are three power wires coming into the building.
Single phase services may be found in older, smaller buildings and are found exclusively in houses.
In some older buildings you can find a single phase and a three phase service. This is usually identifiable, on the outside, by two separate services leading to the building.
Determining Amperage of Service
When you are inspecting the electrical room, the two items of information you are looking for; the are amperage and voltage. The presence of a transformer in the electrical room is usually indicative that it is 600 volts. They do make transformers that can used to step up a 208 volt service to 600 volts, for a specific piece of equipment.
What you should typically see is a small conduit (high voltage, low current) going into the transformer and a larger conduit (low voltage, high current) coming out and leading to a breaker panel or a splitter panel.
The ratings on the switches and splitter panel are not to be relied on; they only tell you the maximum amount of current or voltage the equipment can handle. Do not rely on the rating of the hydro meter(s), for the same reason.
The best way to verify the amperage is to open the door of the main power switch and read the rating of the main fuses. This is sometimes impossible to do without turning the power off, but is always dangerous, unless you know what you are doing. Even with the power off, half the box is live. You can end your real estate career, right there in somebody’s electrical room.
Reading the gauge (size) of the main power wires (in the meter cabinet or main splitter panel) can also help to determine the amperage of the service. The gauge number is typically printed on the wire sheathing. Common wire gauge sizes, for copper conductors and the allowable amperages are as follows:
Wire Gauge Allowable Amperage
3 100 amps
000 200 amps
350MCM 300 amps
500MCM 400 amps
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Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 14, 2012
Floor Drains – Primer Lines
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
Originally posted 2008-09-21 07:47:00. Republished by Blog Post PromoterFloor Drain Primer Line — What is this?? Have you ever just been casually looking around in your basement, typically around your furnace area, and thought: what is this? Well the “what is this?” is infact a priming line for your floor drain. Let’s start at the [...]
Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 13, 2012
Smoke Detectors Save Lifes
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
Originally posted 2010-01-14 12:42:45. Working smoke alarms save lives. Don’t be foolish enough to think a barking dog will awaken you or that you will smell smoke – don’t bet your life on it! SMOKE KILLS: Toxic smoke and fumes kill. In a house fire, it is the flames that do the structural damage, but [...]
Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 13, 2012
Making a Real Estate Investment
Posted in: Real Estate | Comments (0)
Beyond any doubt, the first and foremost priority of a human is to have his own house. A place where when he enters, he finds all the peace of the world. It is a heaven for him it. The thought of the word home or the word houses creates an image of a safe haven that protects you from everything and blesses your life with happiness and joy. And the residents of Murray and Sandy City experience this beautiful feeling with every sun rise.
One may notice that there are countless similarities in the history and traditions of both of these cities. The reason behind this is the geographical proximity which means that their architectural designs are also somewhat similar. The two most important physical features of these cities are the protective Mountains of Wasatch and the Salt Lake. They highlight the beauty of this area. The providence of complete facilities with modern era houses is the symbol of harmony and serenity in Sandy City and Murray.
Every human has his own different way of looking at life. They have their own theory about it. Similarly, the thought of word ‘Home’ is related to one’s views about life. Your house is the irreplaceable sanctuary that will always be the place where you find peace. And county of Utah also has many attractive natural features that add peace and beauty to the environment. Top quality constructors and engineers are hired to build houses in Utah County.
The beautiful landscape and greenery adds more charms to the houses that are already built in a very stylish yet exclusive way. Utah is full of natural foliages. You should know that living in Utah itself is very lucky let alone have a house of your dream in Utah County. The houses that are built in Murray and Sandy are constructed to ensure the uniqueness yet affordability by common man. All you have got to do is see which house fulfils your needs.
Houses constructed in sandy and Murray cities with best quality construction material and finest ceramics. Light arrangements are made special in almost all homes available in Utah county property. In some of the available houses, you can even get solar energy system. Large gardens are the identification of these houses. Each and every house have some unique features and is designed according to modern techniques.
All types of residential places can be found in the Sandy City and Murray Homes. You can own a small house or a big condominium. There even are apartments from people who prefer to live in them. Houses with multiple bedrooms and joined bathrooms can be bought at good prices. Just go for yourself and see what home is of your type. Take help from real estate agents and agencies to get better deals. Also take some help from internet to do your side of research on better houses.
Looking for new Utah condos in a beautiful area? At Carson Real Estate, we specialize in Utah condos, townhomes and other real estate all along Utah’s Wasatch Front and beyond. Our sites provides you with easy access to real estate listings for the entire state of Utah!
Jeff Windham @ January 12, 2012
Preparing for your Home Inspection
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Originally posted 2009-01-02 12:01:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
This first section will deal with home owners who are still living in their homes and will be having a home inspection to have condition removed from Real Estate Offer.
Ensure your annual maintenance items have been done, which are not limited but can include the following:
- Check all eaves troughs to ensure not blocked, splash pads are installed correctly, downspout supports are intact, no low areas in area of discharge, gutters are well supported and not sagging.
- Basement window wells are debris free, drains are filled with clean stone or covered with screen, screens are intact and correctly installed.
- Exterior siding is secured. Re-secure any loose pieces of siding, this can sometimes be as simple as snapping back into place or sliding siding into neutral position to cover gaps from expansion or contraction.
- Re-caulk any exposed holes on doors, windows, exterior electrical fixture, flashing and any area where water entry may be a concern.
- Re-level any patio stones that have heaved from frost.
- Replace any rotted boards on wood decks and porches. Ensure all hand rails are secure with all guards being secured.
- Check your attic to see if any problems have occurred from last inspection or if any work was done, that insulation was properly replaced.
- Test your GFCI outlets and ensure they trip and reset. These will be located on exterior outlets and all bathrooms in newer homes. Newer homes will have arc fault protected devices in bedroom and kitchen, which should also be tested.
- Open and close all your doors and windows to ensure proper latching and operation. Check for door stops and any holes created by door knobs hitting drywall. Repair and Replace as required. Most problems can be fixed with minor adjustments.
- Check all your lighting fixtures to ensure proper operation.
- Check your sump pump to ensure it has a proper fitting cover and will operate when tested.
- Check your furnace filter and replace if dirty or ripped.
- Check all your visible wiring in basements to ensure cables are not touching any hot air ducts. There is no issue with wires touching cold air returns.
- Make sure your electrical panel and attic hatch will be both accessible by home inspector. Most professional inspectors will definitely inspect both.
- You might want to have mason or siding installer repair any visible cracks, missing, chipped, damaged or loose brick or siding. This cost will be taken into account by any prospective buyer and having done prior to selling only improves your homes look and value.
This section will list some of the more common issues usually found.
Water and Moisture Problems
Most new home purchasers in the Barrie area place water and moisture damage high on their list of items they want identified. It would only make sense to look for any visible concerns and have them repaired prior to listing your home. Covering sump holes and removing any source of water and moisture will usually also eliminate the unpleasant odour associated with moisture problems.
Remove any old stains that might be present from past leaks or renovation projects. Installing new drywall and painting is preferable to leaving water marked material or rotted drywall material exposed to view.
Inspect your bathrooms and look for any mildew or water staining. Check caulking around bathtubs, showers, sinks and floor joints. If your bathroom window is in your shower area, inspect for rotted wood and missing caulking. Replace and repaint as necessary.
Garage Inspection
Two items that pop up during inspections is the fume barrier and door closure in the garage. Newer homes are required to have fume barrier between shared walls separating living area and garage. Most homes have drywall which is required to be taped but not painted. Check your walls and ceiling as patch any holes or gaps that have occurred. The other item that is required when newer homes are built is the automatic door closure on the interior door. This is required at construction but can be removed by home owners at their own discretion. This item will be noted at time of inspection.
Attic Inspection
The attic will be checked for adequate insulation and proper ventilation. Many home owners will enter their attic to install pot lights or ceiling fans etc and fail to replace insulation when finished. Even some in-experienced home inspectors will tramp around the attic and compress or move insulation without replacing.
Soffit baffles should be installed in any attic where the insulation can block soffit ventilation area between sheathing and installed insulation. This can lead to ice dams and premature shingle replacement.
Furnace
Check furnace filter and replace if dirty. Look at flame on gas furnace and if there is a lot of visible orange and yellow flame during operation have serviced by qualified technician. Look for signs of leaking water in furnace cabinet or excessive rust on exterior or interior of cabinet. If you have a humidifier installed on duct work, check to ensure it is working and the filter is in good condition. If humidifier is not in working condition I would recommend replacing or removing.
Electrical Panel
Check your panel for neatness. No visible open holes in panel, wires neatly stapled and circuits clearly identified. If you are un-sure about any of these items I would recommend having a certified electrician inspect and make any necessary repairs.
Renovations
Have any inspection and building permits that were taken out for renovations. If any work, maintenance, service or upgrades were performed on any of your homes systems; it is a good idea to have these items available for prospective buyers. This will allay any fears that your home had work performed by un-qualified personnel.
Real Estate Agent
Your listing real estate agent can be one of your best resources for identifying items that will cause concern and affect the sale value of your home. Take the time to thoroughly inspect every part of your home with your agent and repair all questionable items prior to listing.
In-Complete List of Items
This list is not a complete list of items that can or should be checked. The average home can have countless more items that could and should be repaired prior to listing your home, this is just a brief overview that lists some items found during an average home inspection. My Pre-delivery inspections of new homes would probably average out at thirty items per inspection, with most items being found in most homes but some items unique to that one particular home.
Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware Experience and training can not be accomplished over-night, always verify who your hiring.
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Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 12, 2012
Proper Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
Posted in: Home Inspection, Real Estate | Comments (0)
Originally posted 2009-07-16 03:12:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
When we talk about lawn mower, we refer fundamentally to two available models in the market, known to most homeowners: one is called the rotary and the other is the engine model.
Rotary Model Maintenance
The rotary is a manual model very common in many households. This model has the advantage of having very simple maintenance. The secret of the rotary model maintenance is to keep the blades clean and sharp. When you mow your lawn, the blades come into contact not only with grass but with organic matter, dirt, eventually garbage or stones. Check the blades after every mowing, find if they are too dirty, or damaged. Proceed to clean them before storing the lawn mower and if there is a damage, repair or replace.
The rotary mechanism has to be maintained and checked frequently, especially in spring and summer. Oiling the rotary mechanism is important, don’t disregard this point in lawn care mower maintenance routine. Try to avoid any possible trouble to your lawn mower, like dust, rust, dirt in excess and stone, the last can seriously damage the mechanism and maybe calls for a replacement.
Engine Type Lawn Mower Maintenance
Engine type lawn mower has its rule and have to be followed to extend the life span of your lawn mower. Basically, check out if you are using the type of fuel or gas that is recommended for your lawn mower. Check it in the owner’s manual and make sure you are using it. Remember that using something cheaper could look nice but can hurt your mower after a time. Check out air filter and spark control. These may need renewal every now and then, and specially when the heat months require frequent mowing.
Remember to sharpen your blades according to the necessity. Grass has to be well cut, not ripped off, so the blades should be in contrition. If you cannot sharpen the blades, call a professional.
Be it your equipment manual rotary or engine type, remember to tighten the nut and bolts, otherwise the blades come loose and it is dangerous.
Safe work is part of your lawn tractor maintenance routine. Never risk your hands, eyes or any part of your body when repairing or maintaining your lawn tractor. Don’t underrate risk.
Now you have the basic lawn mower maintenance tips, and you see the simplicity to maintain the lawn mower and extend its practical life are really your allies. Benefit from it without delaying.
Read full articles about simplicity lawn mower
Barrie Residential Inspector @ January 11, 2012
Moving Company Quotes – Making Your House Stand Out In A Tough Market
Posted in: Real Estate | Comments (0)
As the real estate industry persists its downward trend, it is becoming increasingly tough to sell your house. Prices have decreased, there are more listings than ever to choose from and sellers are giving incredible deals to buyers. Here are a couple of tips to make your home stand out.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first approach to draw attention to your house. Since it’s the first thing that anyone sees, you need the “WOW” factor. I know people that have purchased houses simply due to the spectacular landscaping. I also know people who haven’t even bothered looking inside of a house due to the condition of the exterior. Make certain the exterior of the house is in tip-top shape so the potential buyer instantly wants to see the inside.
The following is your list of items to maintain curb appeal:
* Cut grass
* Trim all hedges and bushes
* Add mulch to beds
* Have flowering plants or potted flowers on the porch
* Keep toys out of sight and put in the backyard or in a shed
* Clean all cluttering debris such as sticks, garbage, old newspapers, and so on.
* Replace all of the light bulbs surrounding the house You want the inside of your house to wow potential buyers equally as much as the outside.
The following checklist provides supreme interior appeal. Make sure all items are completed prior to the first showing of your house is scheduled.
* Clean! Every floor, window, closet and cupboard!
* Get rid of unwanted clutter, toys, paperwork and knick-knacks. Clutter makes counter tops and rooms seem small compared to they are really.
* Paint the walls in dirty rooms or where a room requires brightening. Bright rooms give the appearance that they are more spacious.
* Make repairs to anything needed – hinges, doorknobs, plaster, steps, plumbing, etc.
* Replace all burned out light bulbs.
* Wash all window coverings. Open all the curtains and blinds before a showing. Natural light makes a room appear bigger.
* Open the doors and windows before a showing to fill the home with fresh air.
When the inside and outside are clean and neat, you might have to provide a bigger incentive to your potential buyers. If the house has repairs which you did not have the time or cash to repair, you can offer credit towards the purchase price. This way, you acknowledge the repairs and give the buyer a discount for accepting the home as is.
Another option is to offer an allotment if your house needs new carpeting or flooring. Buyers like allotments simply because they get the item new, plus they get to pick out their colors. A win-win situation for everyone.
The time spent cleaning, making minor repairs, and offering incentives for major repairs, will make your home stand out above the competition. Even though these little fixes may need some time and effort, selling fast in a tough market will be worth the effort in the long run!
Don’t let movers get more of their fair share! Reduce your moving cost by requesting competitive moving quotes from residential moving companies. Compare rates & service. Save up to 35%.
John Summerlake @ January 11, 2012
