​Do you have a greenhouse on your property? For many keen gardeners, a greenhouse is an essential way to protect delicate plants during the cold months. But, like any structure, a greenhouse requires maintenance, otherwise, it can easily become an unsafe environment. What are some ways you can keep a greenhouse well maintained?
 
The purpose of a greenhouse is to retain light and heat, providing the right conditions for plants to grow. However, ventilation is also very important. If air becomes too stagnant and humid, this creates an environment for harmful fungi to grow. The right amount of ventilation will also prevent a greenhouse from becoming too hot which is also bad for plants.
 
Greenhouses can sometimes start to leak. If you notice any areas where this is happening, try to fix them as soon as possible to prevent moisture accumulation, fungi or other harmful pathogens. This will also help to prevent insects.
 
During very cold months an electric heater is often needed in a greenhouse. To ensure it does not become a fire risk, only use heaters intended for greenhouses. Any other electrical items you will be using should be suitable for outside use and have a waterproof cover. Keep all electrical items unplugged and safely stored when not in use.
 
We often store different items in a greenhouse such as garden tools and pesticides, etc. These would be very dangerous if children were to get their hands on them. If small children are in the home or frequently visit, make sure the greenhouse has a lock on it so that they cannot access these items.
 
While there are many more ways to keep a greenhouse safe and well maintained, these few suggestions will help to keep it a pleasant environment for both plants and humans.

​Asbestos is something most people nowadays associate with being hazardous.  While many know it is harmful to one’s health, they may not be aware of the reasons why.  This is worth finding out about, especially if you are thinking about taking on an old fixer upper so, let’s consider briefly why asbestos is such a problem.  
 
Up until the 1970’s asbestos, which is a mineral fiber, was a material commonly used in various aspects of construction.  For example, it was used in products to give them added strength and was also an effective material for fire resistance and heat insulation.  We can easily see why it was such a popular product to use before the dangers of using it came to light.
 
So, what should you know about the health risks connected to asbestos?  Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers which are very small can cause some extremely serious health problems such as mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer and asbestosis which is a scarring of the lungs.  A person will become exposed to asbestos fibers if materials which contain asbestos are disturbed.  This is easily done when fixing up a home simply by the general handling of it, sanding it or scraping of it etc.  These fibers are then released into the air and can be breathed in, staying in the lungs for a long time.  Having these facts in mind, it’s not hard to see why, if asbestos is found in our old home, it would need to be removed.
 
Should you remove asbestos yourself?  Do not try to remove asbestos yourself but consult a company who specialize in asbestos removal and are trained to do so.  

​A thought you may well have when you discover mold in your home is should you clean it up yourself? This does depend on a variety of factors but, if mold is not covering more that a 10 square foot area, you can most likely take care of it yourself.  Here are a few reminders to keep in mind before you start:
 
Find out what is causing the mold to develop.  This is important because mold will not grow without a moisture source.  You may have an undetected leak or other type of water related problem which needs to be diagnosed and fixed, if not, you will find the mold keeps coming back.
 
Mold produces dangerous spores.  We receive a lot of information about the dangers of mold and how this can affect a person’s health.  If you tackle the job of cleaning up the mold yourself, be sure to wear the proper protective clothing and use a respirator mask.
 
Mold can be cleaned up with water and detergent, however, if you are planning on repainting the area, scrub it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dry before doing so.  Mold can be a big issue in bathrooms.  If you are thinking of using caulk in an area like this, be careful not to do it if any mold is still present or starting to form.
 
Carpets may have to be replaced.  It is very difficult to remove mold from a carpet and it is generally better to just replace it.  Soft furnishings are also tricky when it comes to mold removal as it tends to leave behind a stain on the fabric.  If you really want to keep an item ask the advice of a professional furniture restorer.
 
So, as we see, in small areas mold can usually be cleaned up by the homeowner but, if you are concerned that mold is a problem in your home, it would be best to consult with a mold remediation specialist for advice on what to do.  

​During the hot summer months, we usually spend a lot of extra money just to keep our homes cool.  So, are there any ways to reduce those extra costs?  One way is landscape shading.  This involves the strategic planting of trees and shrubs so that they provide shade to a home, reducing the amount of heat that enters.  This method is known to lower indoor temperatures by as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit.  Before you decide on landscape shading on your property, here are a few things to think about:
 
Its very important that you plan everything out well ahead of time.  There are many factors to take into consideration.  One of the main factors is which trees to use.  How big will the tree become and how much shadow will be cast?  The denser the tree or shrub, the more continuous shade you will get.  Another thing to think about is whether you want shade all year round or just for the summer months.  If you want the sun to heat the home in the winter, then choose deciduous trees that will lose their leaves in the winter but provide full shade in the summer. 
 
If you want something that will grow fast and provide shade, then vines are a good option.  They can be grown to wrap around a trellis or be placed in a planter box and, as well as providing shade, they also allow for a much-needed breeze to come through.  What if you are looking to shade driveways or pathways? Shrubs are a good choice for this.
 
As we mentioned, before you start planting extra trees and shrubs, take into consideration your property and its surrounding area and check that you won’t be creating moisture related problems by doing so.  Another thing to think about is that, with the cost of trees etc. it might be a while before the energy savings outweigh their cost.

​Have you been told you should have your home tested for radon? Although you may agree that testing for it would be a good idea, perhaps you are not sure what radon is exactly.  To help provide the answer we have a short video.  It will help you to have a better idea of what it is, why it could be present in a home and why, depending on the level of radon found, it is dangerous.
 
Radon is not detectable with sight or smell which means high levels of it could be in your home without you even knowing.  This is why a test for it is so important.  When scheduling your next home inspection, why not include a test for radon? It is always better to be well informed. 
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​While it’s true that solar energy has many benefits and is a great source of renewable energy, it’s also important to be prepared for some of the downsides to installing solar panels.  Research is needed to make sure it will be a good choice for your home so, to help you, here are a few of the drawbacks you might find with solar power:
 
Although much depends on the size of your home, it’s good to be aware that you will not be able to power your entire home with just one or two solar panels.  To do this requires a much larger system and the space to keep it.  And, while the progression of technology means that solar paneling is becoming less expensive, you will still need to spend a substantial amount to install as well as maintain them.
 
As is the case with most materials exposed to the elements, solar paneling will start to deteriorate with time.  Even the suns ultraviolet radiation will eventually cause damage. 
 
In order for solar power to be a reliable source of energy, it needs a constant supply of sunlight.  There are many factors, beyond our control, which affect this such as clouds and bad weather, the degree of latitude and nighttime.
 
Solar paneling is often installed on the roof of a building.  One of the drawbacks to this is that repairing the roof they are fitted to can become difficult. 
 
Solar paneling as well as the batteries they need are made using know pollutants which could harm the environment.
 
Being aware of the downsides to solar paneling as well as the advantages will help you make an informed decision on whether solar power is right for your home.

​With the many natural disasters we have experienced in this country in recent years, it’s not hard to understand why being prepared in advance for one is so important.  So, how can we be as prepared as possible for any type of disaster? Here are a few basic reminders:
 
One of the best ways we can be prepared ahead of time is to have an emergency go kit.  This kind of kit should contain all the essential items we might need to survive for a few days.  It will also need to be small enough that you can grab it and go quickly.  This is important because there is not always a lot of warning when a disaster strikes.
 
Discussing as a household what to do in an emergency situation is another good way to prepare in advance.  Knowing evacuation routes and meeting points etc. are among some of the things that the entire household should be aware of.
 
Depending on the type of natural disaster, a home can incur a lot of damage but, are there any ways we can prepare the home in advance and minimize the amount of damage that might happen? Keeping tree limbs and branches well-trimmed can help prevent them falling on roofs and power lines which will cause a lot of damage.  It’s also good to repair any loose shingles on the roof, clear guttering and downspouts of dirt and debris and secure any items that would easily become projectiles in the event of high winds.  Familiarize yourself with the location of shut off valves for utilities such as gas, electric and water.  If your area is affected by a disaster, returning to the home will be less hazardous if these things have been turned off beforehand.
 
We hope that nobody has to cope with the effects of a natural disaster, however, being well prepared in advance will go a long way to keeping you and your household safe should one occur.

​We are very well aware of what a complicated and stressful experience buying a home can be.  However, its vital that any complications or problems you find with the property are issues that can be resolved and are not something you will end up having trouble with for years to come.  For example, what if you find a house you love but it has a history of flood damage?  Will it automatically be a bad investment?
 
This month, we have a video that will help answer that question.  It highlights the various reasons a home could flood and will help you to determine whether the home you’re considering is a wise choice.  Yes, its so important that the property you buy is the right one, that’s why we provide such a thorough and comprehensive home inspection.  We want the home buying process to be a happy one for you.  If you have any concerns or worries about the home you are looking to buy, please feel free to contact us.  We will be happy to assist you with all your home inspection needs.
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​When we think of condensation we don’t automatically think of it doing any major damage to our property, however, with time, condensation can start to become a problem.  Continuously dripping water from condensation could start to damage and rot flooring, even creating a mold problem if its not taken care of.  If water is falling on electrical items, it will become a fire hazard.  So then, what can be done to reduce condensation in the home?
 
There are a few things you can try.  To begin with, you want to try to reduce humidity levels.  A good way to do this is with a dehumidifier or even an air conditioner.  A dehumidifier will draw water vapor into a tank instead of allowing it to accumulate on surfaces. 
 
If you love to have many plants in your home, this will contribute to greater humidity levels.  Having less plants will reduce the humidity.  Opening windows and doors to air out the home is another simple option, keep in mind though, that this will only work if the outside air is not as humid as the indoor air.
 
An effective way to reduce condensation is to insulate pipes.  Remember, though, that if you are relying on these pipes to provide heat for the home, insulating them will stop this.
 
If you have tried different methods of reducing condensation and still find water accumulation, you should have a professional check it out for you.  It may not be condensation but instead could be a water leak, which will cause even greater issues if left unchecked.

​Sinkholes are something we have come to be more familiar with these days.  For whatever reason they are formed, whether naturally or by human means, the destruction they cause is clear to see.  However, by being aware of the warning signs that indicate a sinkhole is forming, we can do a lot to keep our household safe.  Let’s look at some of those warning indicators:
 
Some big warning signs to look out for are rapid ground subsidence, openings in the ground and cracks that start to appear in circular patterns in the ground.  Some of the subtler warning signs of a sinkhole forming are trees and fence posts that are starting to lean over or becoming exposed in places that are usually under the soil.  Water might start to pool in places that have never previously had this problem.  Plant life could be dying off in certain areas.  This would be due to the run off of water into a sinkhole which would mean it was no longer reaching the plants.
 
What warning signs might you see inside the home?  some indicators would be cracks starting to form in the floors or walls of the home.  You might observe door and windows no longer closing properly.  If you have well water, it might look cloudy or muddy.
 
As you can see, there are various warning signs to look out for on and around your property that would indicate a sinkhole.  It should be mentioned, though, that some of these warning signs could also be indicators of a different problem.  If you have noticed some of these issues on your property, why not have it inspected? It’s always better to err on the side of caution and stay safe.