If you are concerned about the price of electricity and fuel going up then look at these energy saving tips from the Atlanta Home Inspector. When the price of heating fuel or electricity goes up, it means higher bills at home to keep temperatures comfortable. If you’re concerned with these issues then don’t just sit around your Alpharetta or Roswell home and look at the thermostat. You need to check and see if your home is sealed and insulated properly.

All openings in the walls, including windows and doors, can bring warm or hot air into the home and pull cool air out, causing your air conditioner to work over time. Sealing these areas with caulk or weather stripping can help prevent this problem. To test for weak areas, visually inspect the exterior of windows and doors. Focus on the area between the window trim and the exterior siding of the home. Any cracked or missing sealant should be repaired.

Inside, you can use a candle to check for drafty windows and doors. Hold a lit candle close to the window and door seams. If the flame bends, flickers or goes out it could be a sign of a draft. When caulking either the exterior or the interior of the windows, remember to move slow enough with the tube or caulking gun to fill in all the gaps completely. Always clean out the old caulking before adding new. I gave these same tips out while on a Roswell Home Inspection.

We are a certified Home Energy Audit technician through Home Energy Tune Up a CMC Energy Services company.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.  Be sure to visit us at www.AskYourGeorgiaHomeInspector.com

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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If you’re like most home owners and have a busy family and a crazy household schedule, there’s isn’t a “good” time to reseal tubs, showers, sinks and countertops.Waiting 24 hours for traditional caulk to dry before using their tubs, showers, sinks and counters, is not a luxury most people have. Because of this they simply overlook this inexpensive home maintenance project. Overlooking this can turn a small maintenance task into a major repair project.Here is a couple of signs that will give you a clue that it is now time to reseal:

1. If the caulking around the tub, shower doorframe, shower handles, stall base, toilet, countertop or sink is cracked, shrunken, missing or moldy, it’s time to recaulk.

2. Current caulk has mold, mildew or soap scum on it. Old or severely discolored caulking should be completely removed and the area properly cleaned and dried before new caulk is applied. Knowing when to recaulk can help busy homeowners quickly and easily update the seal around bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The key is to keep a well-maintained, clean and tight seal around water-prone areas to prevent big repair bills down the road. And to help homeowners and remodelers do this, Polyseamseal has introduced a new, fast-dry silicone system. Polyseamseal EST Speed Seal creates a durable, flexible and watertight seal that will withstand water contact only two hours after application, allowing you to shower in two hours, which is 12 times faster than traditional sealants.

Here is two benefits that I really liked:Fast-Dry Silicone System withstands shower and water contact in two hours so you can “Shower in 2 Hours”Cured Sealant is Mold & Mildew ResistantFor more information on caulking the kitchen and bathroom, or for product information, visit www.polyseamseal.com.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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As an Atlanta Home Inspector I have seen alot of things, and I have always been amazed at someone who could tear something apart and put it back together again without having any parts left over. My brother in law who lives right here in Canton is someone who can take any piece of equipment apart and put it back together in working order without any trouble at all. But for those of us who seem to be left scratching our heads and wondering why we have pieces left over here is a great idea to help solve the problem.

Use your digital camera to take pictures of the process while taking the item apart. This way if time lapses or you can’t remember exactly which order things go in, you have your digital pictures as your memory.

I did this with a barn that was located in Cumming, GA that we decided to tear down and rebuild on our property up in Canton. Needless to say, without the pictures, there is no telling what my barn would have looked like. It took me quite a while to rebuild it and there is a shed area that I still need to get back on. It’s a good thing I have the pictures.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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Here is a question that we received form a home owner:

We have double key deadbolt locks on our doors. Are these safe or should we replace the double key deadbolt locks with single key deadbolt locks?

Answer:
Double key deadbolt locks present a serious safety issue to household occupants in the event of a fire. First, in the event of a fire you won’t be able to find the key. And secondly, in a fire the clear air is no more than eighteen inches above the floor but the lock is typically installed about forty two inches above the floor so you won’t be able to insert the key to open the door.

I would replace all double key deadbolt locks. If your concerned about home security, I recommend that you get a home security system from our partner Brinks Home Security.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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As an Alpharetta Home Inspector I see things all the time that could be done to help the Sellers with the home inspection process. Sellers can speed up their home inspection by following these suggestions.

The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns that may delay their closing.

1. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2. Remove any items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
3. Unlock areas the inspector must access – fence gates, attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, and crawl spaces.
4. Make sure pets won’t hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises. Tell your agent about any pets at your home.
5. Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a “Light is inoperable” report that may suggest an electrical problem.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
7. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
8. Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.
9. Lower the grade 6″ all the way around the home.
10. Trim tree limbs to 10′ from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

Alpharetta Home Inspector, Canton Home Inspection, certified home inspector, Ask your Georgia home inspector, home tips

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David Lelak, an Atlanta Georgia Home Inspector protects himself and your investment by wearing protective gear into the attic. You might ask “How does wearing protective gear in the attic protect my home.” He protects your investment by not tracking insulation all over your home. If he tracked insulation out of the attic and down into your home, it is now in the air and settling onto your valuables. He wears a protective suit also to protect himself from getting the fibers into his skin. He goes to each and every corner of the home to look for things that would decrease the value of your home.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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David Lelak, an Atlanta Georgia Home Inspector reveals different issues that are found in the process of doing home inspections. In this case he finds where the ac units have settled and need to be leveled. This is an issue that you will want to check around your own home periodically. When the builder grades and finishes the grading around a home, often times it is fill dirt instead of original ground and the fill dirt will tend to settle. Also if you have a wash area this can cause an area around the units to wash away and this will let the unit become unlevel. If the unit is not sitting level it can cause the bushings and bearings on the fan on the inside of your unit to wear out prematurely and need replacing quicker.

IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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David Lelak with IHI Home Inspections, an Atlanta Home Inspection company reaveals issues that is found with a furnace and a water heater in this home. There is three different issues to worry about in this one video.

IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. You can schedule your own home inspection today at www.ihihomeinspections.com
Be sure to visit us often at www.AskYourGeorgiaHomeInspector.com

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David Lelak, an Atlanta home inspector helps to improve your comfort today and lower your energy costs while increasing the value of your home with a home energy tune-up.

Why every homeowner wants a home energy tune-up?

When buying the older home, upgrading the energy features of the home with a home energy tune-up is a source of revenue. The cost of the improvements can be rolled into your mortgage and can be paid for each month from your energy savings. TUNE-UP is the only energy audit that identifies the group of improvements, whose monthly energy savings exceed the monthly cost when financed. What does to you to provide information on which improvements are best for your home-based on an inspection by Certified Energy Inspector. Investment grade savings and cost estimates for each improvement – calculated with the home energy tune-up software. Also included in the report is a list of maintenance tasks tailored to your home.

A home energy tune-up will help you put your home in top operating condition and make your home more comfortable – warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Reduce your energy caused by an average of 25%. Increase the value of your home. Improve the environment.

David Lelak, an Atlanta home inspector, is providing home energy tune-ups in the following cities: Alpharetta, Canton, Woodstock, Cumming, Roswell and all of North Metro Atlanta. Call today at 404-788-2581, for more information and to schedule your home energy tune-up today. Ask about our special deal when you and your neighbors schedule on the same day.

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Prepare Your House for Sale from the Ground Up
(ARA) – The housing sales slump continues. From Sacramento to Detroit to Atlanta, housing sales have taken a dive. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts that a soft market for existing home sales will continue through the first half of the year.

Although home sales remain weak, some homeowners are willing — or are compelled — to roll the dice and plant the “for sale” sign on the front lawn. Whether you’re selling now or decide to settle in while waiting for the housing market downturn to end, a few interior updates can do much to enhance your home’s appeal in either situation.

If you’re planning to put your house on the market, some sprucing up can make your house stand out from the other homes for sale in the neighborhood. By spending a minimal amount on a few easy-to-do updates, your house can take on a new, refreshed look and have greater appeal. Or, if you’ve decided to wait out the housing slump storm, these simple home makeovers can make your current home far more habitable.

New Style at Your Feet

Nothing dates a house more than old, cracking linoleum or an outdated floor pattern. Starting from the ground up, a new floor can lend fresh vitality to a room. With so many choices in flooring available today — from authentic looking wood-grained laminates to nature-inspired vinyl styles such as stone and tile — a homeowner can turn any room into an attractive and comfortable oasis.

“With the new flooring options being offered today, a floor not only can look good, but it can offer added comfort beneath your feet,” says Lise LeBreton, creative director of Tarkett Residential, a leading international hard surface flooring manufacturer. “Today’s flooring offers high performance while being stylish at the same time. If you’re looking to make an easy update while adding value to your home, a new floor can be a quick and affordable option.”

Less expensive than ceramic tile, vinyl — also known as “resilient” flooring — offers an attractive option for a high-end appearance. The newest vinyl styles and patterns feature a wide array of colors, designs and textures while providing added beauty to any room.

In addition to good looks, vinyl’s durability makes it a smart flooring choice. As an example, Tarkett’s FiberFloor resilient flooring provides what consumers desire most – overall warmth and comfort; repels water and moisture; is scratch, scuff, stain and indentation resistant; and is easy to clean.

Other Quick and Easy Updates to Give Your Home Added Appeal

Freshen up with a coat of paint — Once the old flooring has gone, removing that faded wall paper or covering up marred walls is important to make that great first-impression. Consider painting every room in the house to infuse a new freshness into your home’s interior, but first and foremost, be sure to paint the kitchen. A high-traffic area, the kitchen is the one room where the walls usually take an added beating. Use a good quality paint that will cover with one coat and stand up to fingerprints and the occasional food splatters.

Don’t get sunk by the old sink — Old-fashioned kitchen and bath fixtures can attach an expensive price-tag to your house — giving the potential buyer thoughts of impending pricey remodeling jobs. Adding a new sink and faucet to a kitchen or bath can be a do-it-yourself weekend project or a simple and fairly inexpensive half-day job for the local plumber.

Facelift for your cabinets — Re-facing existing cabinets or simply repainting them with a high gloss finish will give your kitchen a sleek new appearance. Add new knobs and drawer pulls and you have an entirely new look overall.

Whether you decide to stay or go, it’s easy to update your current home so it can become an attractive and comfortable dwelling that you come to love and potential buyers just can’t resist.

For more information on Tarkett Residential’s FiberFloor resilient flooring, visit www.tarkett.com.

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

You can also schedule your own home inspection online today!
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time.

Also download our free report “How To Avoid The Blind Home Inspector” and a sample of our inspection report.

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