​We are currently dealing with some very difficult times and maybe we are especially worried about our elderly neighbors and loved ones.  Naturally, we want to do everything we can to assist them so it might be a good time, if we are still able, to have a check through their homes and assess whether there are any safety hazards.  Here are a few of the high-risk areas of the home that we would want to check for safety:
 
An elderly person with limited mobility is at a greater risk of slipping and falling so look for areas where this is most likely to happen.  The bathroom is one such area.  Make sure the bathroom is fitted with grab bars and anti-slip mats, both inside and outside of the shower or tub.
 
If the home has a staircase it’s important to check that handrails are sturdy and not wobbling in any way, it is also advisable to fit them to either side of the stairs for added support.  Check that lighting is good both on and around the staircase and ensure that carpeting is not becoming loose anywhere.
 
The risk of tripping over corded electrical appliances is very high for those with limited mobility so check high traffic areas of the home and make sure there are no cords stretching across them.  If they are, fix them up against a wall to keep them out of the way and check that no cords are covered by rugs, etc. which would pose a fire risk.  You may even want to consider rearranging furniture so that any electrical appliances are located close to electrical outlets.
 
Yes, with so much time being spent at home at the moment, we want to do all we can to ensure the safety of those most vulnerable among us.

​Did you know that the state of the kitchen can give you a glimpse as to the condition of the rest of the home? This is why, we as home inspectors, spend a lot of time performing a detailed check of this room.  So, if you are currently searching for a home to buy, here are some of the areas of a kitchen you should check:
 
The kitchens sink. Turn on the faucet and observe how good the water pressure is.  If it seems too low, try to find the reason why.  How fast does the water drain from the sink? You should also look underneath the sink and in the surrounding cabinets for any signs of water damage that would indicate a leak.
 
The dishwasher.  If a dishwasher is leaking in any way it may have caused all kinds of damage, some very serious such as rotting of the sub floor or mold so you will want to inspect this as well as you can.  For example, are the connecting hoses and seals in good shape or do they look damaged or cracked?
 
Electrical outlets.  Check that all the electrical outlets in the kitchen are in good working order.
 
Gas ovens.  If the kitchen comes with a gas oven, see if you smell any gas odors around it.  If you do, this may be another area for concern, and you will want to know why it is happening.
 
Kitchen countertops.  Damaged countertops or deteriorating grout will harbor all sorts of bacteria and you may feel it’s better just to replace them.
However, make sure you think about this when making up your budget.
 
As you can see, when looking around potential new homes, you don’t need to have years of experience to observe some basic warning signs that the kitchen may be hiding some bigger problems with the home.

​Many people would love to have a fireplace in their homes but, if the home was not built with one, is it still possible? The answer is yes. A factory-built fireplace may be the answer and installing one might not be as hard as you thought. Let’s discuss the benefits of a factory-built fireplace.
 
While factory-built fireplaces are commonly used in new construction, they can also be easily installed into a pre-existing home. Comprising a firebox encased in a steel cabinet and connected to a steel chimney or flue, ready-made fireplaces are lightweight, easy to install and very efficient.  Another advantage is their small safe-clearance requirements, meaning they can be installed close to wooden framing. It is important to highlight, however, that these requirements will vary depending on the manufacturer so be sure to check this before you begin to fit your fireplace.  With this kind of fireplace, it's also possible to install one on most levels of the home.
 
Although there are numerous advantages to a factory-built fireplace and they are known to have an excellent safety record, it’s important to remember that, just like a traditional fireplace, care must be taken around one as they could become dangerous if not used properly. You will also want to carry out a regular inspection of the chimney to ensure creosote has not started to build up.  Yes, a fireplace may well be an option for your home, even if it wasn’t built with one but, as always, do your research first to make sure it is right for you.

​You may be familiar with the important role a home inspection plays when purchasing a property but, did you know that there are many other reasons for having a home inspection done? A pre-listing inspection is one of those reasons and is an essential tool if you want to sell your home successfully. Then there is an annual inspection designed to help keep your home in tip-top shape. A home inspection is also important even with new construction or during the building process. Yes, there are many reasons to have a home inspection carried out on your property. But, how can you find the right home inspector to fit all your needs?
 
The following video will help you with your decision and let you know why we are a good fit for you. We are ready to assist you in any way we can so please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer any home inspection query.

​Mold is a problem in many homes today and can cause many health problems.  This means identifying and resolving the issue is very important. Tests that a home inspector carries out to diagnose a mold problem are generally a visual inspection and surface sampling. Along with those tests, air sampling is another method of mold detection. How does this work?
 
Mold spores cannot be seen with the naked eye, so air samples are a good way to discover a mold source yet to be detected. Air samples are sent to a laboratory to be analyzed and results reveal if mold is present in the home, they will also reveal the severity of the problem.
 
Where will air samples normally be taken? Some of the more obvious places would include areas of visible mold and areas where there has been water damage or moisture intrusion. It is also a good idea to take air samples in places that have a musty odor which can suggest mold growth.
 
Several things can affect air sample readings. For example, if there are extremely high winds or severe thunderstorms, this may affect the test's accuracy. Changes in air pressure also play a role and can alter mold spore levels, giving you an inaccurate reading. It is also best to close windows and doors during the test and switch off any indoor-outdoor air exchangers.  Air sampling will be done both before and after mold remediation to check that it has been completely removed.
 
Yes, when used in conjunction with other tests for mold, air sampling can be a good way to determine mold spore levels in a home.

​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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