U.S. Inspect Blog

5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

U.S. Inspect — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:18:29 +0000

This weekend the United States will be celebrating Memorial Day. It's a day that many Americans view as the official beginning of summer, marked by picnics, BBQs, and relaxing with friends and family. But Memorial Day is a very important holiday established to give us a time to honor and remember the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America.

So in addition to our picnics and BBQs, here are five great ideas for things we can do around our homes and towns to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend:

Attend A Parade. Many towns have parades on Memorial Day and some events even conclude with a memorial service. So take some time out from prepping for BBQs or relaxing with friends and family and take advantage of what your town has to offer on this important day.
Decorate with Flags. Break out the red, white and blue! For many, many years it has been a tradition to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flags on Memorial Day. So why not bring that tradition home and decorate your house and lawn with the stars and stripes! Another tradition is to fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. So if you have a flag pole, consider joining the tradition this year.
Buy A Poppy. During the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars take donations for poppies. The poppy's significance to Memorial Day is the result of the John McCrae poem "In Flanders Fields." Disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals have been assembling Buddy Poppies since 1924. Purchase one, and your donation assists in maintaining state and national rehabilitation and service programs for veterans.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. In an effort to restore Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be, the National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.
Thank A Veteran. While Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring our fallen soldiers, it's also a wonderful time to thank those soldiers past and present who are right here in our midst today! Thank them for all they have done to protect our country and our freedoms. Don't know a veteran or want to do more? You can write a letter to a veteran or soldier! Check out: OperationGratitude.com for more information about writing letters or sending care packages to soldiers currently deployed.

Should I Worry About Sloping Floors?

U.S. Inspect — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:21:17 +0000

If you are buying, selling, or living in a home with sloping floors, you may be wondering--should I worry? While homes with original details and "quirks" offer extra charm at no additional expense, homes with sloping floors could have structural concerns. (Learn how a U.S. Inspect inspector inspects all types of floors.)

Sloped floors are common in older homes, and even in homes as new as 15 to 30 years. Sloping floors are most often caused by normal and acceptable deflection (bend) in the wood joists, which comprise the floor structure. In some cases, the slope is caused or aggravated by similar deflection in the girder (main bearing beam) that supports one end of the joist sets. But, even in this scenario, there is usually not a problem that needs repair.

Why does it happen? As an organic material, wood joists are prone to deflection under load. However, the amount of bend or deflection allowed by most building codes (typically, joist length divided by 360) does not address the nature of lumber to "creep." Creep, in this sense, means to normally bend over a prolonged period of time.

A new floor design that satisfies code requirements for bearing capacity and rigidity (resistance to bend) may still be appreciably sloped after many years of service. The likelihood a given floor has for bending is affected by many factors, but the most common primary cause is simply old age. Pronounced floor slopes can, however, be an indication of a structural problem that needs attention.

Here are four things you need to know to better understand your sloped floors:

Age of the Home. Expect to find more slopes in an older home. Even a slope as great as an eighth-inch per foot in an 80-year-old home may be no problem, while any readily discernible slope in a 5-year-old house would be reason for concern.
Direction and Shape of the Slope. Floors that dip in the middle are usually caused by non-structurally significant joist deflection, but sloped or tilted floors that are straight (i.e. slope in one direction) may indicate a more serious foundation or bearing wall problem.
Joist Sizes, Spans and Spacing. Assessing the design of a floor system usually requires a professional engineer, but as a gross general guide, joists that are 2 inches by 8 inches, and are set 16 inches apart (standard), are suitable for spans of up to about 12 feet. Joists that are 2 inches by 10 inches at the same spacing are suitable for spans of up to about 16 feet. If the floors are sloped floors with 2-inch by 10-inch joists that run 18 feet between the end supports, you probably have, or will have, a problem.
The species and grading of the lumber also impacts its span ability. The Western Wood Products Association has an easy-to-use online span table, which can be accessed at www.wwpa.org/techguide/pdf/floor.pdf. (Adobe reader is needed to view this table).
Wall Crack Patterns. Some wall cracks can indicate evidence of an ongoing problem. Look carefully at the interior door frames set in partition walls parallel to the joist runs. Look for diagonal crack patterns extending from the top corners of the doorway. Hairline cracks, or cracks that have been sealed, indicate stability (assuming the house has not recently been painted). Larger, newer cracks indicate a possible problem.
If the house has a bathroom next to the sloped floor room(s), look at the wall tiles. Ceramic tiles are non-resilient and will crack readily, so they are often good indicators of movement. For example, in a 100-year-old house moderate floor slopes may not be a concern, but if the same house has a new bathroom with large cracks in the wall tiles, we know that the movement has recurred or worsened since the new bathroom installation. This may be a problem.

When in doubt, consult an experienced home inspector or engineer. While most sloped floors are simply "charming," such slopes may also indicate a serious problem.

Backyard Playground Safety: Pressure Treated Wood, Play Sand, Swings and More

U.S. Inspect — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:15:38 +0000

Many families this time of year think about adding playground equipment, or or other kid-friendly play and seating structures around their properties. Whenever there are children in the household, or children who visit often, it is especially important to think about the following safety tips.

Tips for Background Playground Safety

Plan Ahead. One of the best ways to stay safe is to start with some careful planning. Think about the space where you'll place the play equipment, your child's age, even where the sun will be shining. An article on the naturalhandyman.com suggests, "Make sure toddler swing sets are at least 2 feet above ground (so kids can't use it on their own), at least 6 feet away from any building or fences, and in a shaded area, so that surfaces won't get too hot to the touch."
Avoid Pressure Treated Wood. Never construct or buy playground equipment made with pressure-treated wood containing chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA. Why? The Consumer Product Safety Commission explains why CCA is dangerous here. You'll know pressure treated wood by its greenish tint. There are other chemicals that can be used to treat wood, but they are still rare and more expensive, so CCA has been the principal chemical used to pressure treat wood. Generally, if the play equipment has not been constructed with redwood or cedar, then most likely it is CCA pressure treated wood. Good alternatives include untreated woods like cedar or redwood, and non-wood alternatives such as plastics, metal, and composite materials (like Trex).
Inspect Your Equipment. Always check the play equipment for any sharp points or edges (screws that stick out, rough wood etc.). Check the equipment often as conditions can change. Make sure equipment is firmly anchored in the ground.
Bigger is not always better. While we may be dreaming of a large play-scape to really wow our kids, remember the higher the equipment the harder the fall. Research shows equipment taller than 6 feet doubles the possibility of injury.
Avoid Dangerous Sand. OK, I had never heard this before, but apparently, not all play sand is safe. In fact, the soft, fine sand that is marketed as "play sand," is one some say we should avoid. According to safemama.com, many times, play sand is made of crushed rock instead of beach or river sand. This crushed rock or crystalline silica is already a known carcinogen according to the EPA and OSHA. Some brands of sand even contain asbestos tremloite which can put you and kids at risk of lung cancer. Now I'm sure exposure levels have to be super high, but just knowing this, now I can't in good conscience use it. So avoid play sand that creates airborne dust that can be easily breathed by kids. Read up on Sandtasktic or SafeSand as possible alternatives (I'm still researching myself), but they seem to be the only brands that are silica and quartz-free.
Create a Cushion. Falls account for more than 70 percent of playground injuries. During my research, again and again I was told the importance of the right ground cover for under play equipment to
prevent this. The recommendation each time? Sand, pea gravel, rubber,
or wood chips. Donna Thompson, Ph.D., and Director of the National Program for Playground Safety cautioned though that the cushion needs to be 9–12 inches deep in order to be effective. “Many people use the right materials, but not enough to truly cushion a fall,” she says.
Practice Basic Safety. Children under 3 should be in toddler swings with support on all sides and safety straps and children under 6 should never play unattended (those older should be checked on frequently).

Playground Rules To Teach Your Children
From: swingsetsource.com

Never stand or kneel in the swing, and hold tightly with both hands.
Always stop swinging before getting off the swing.
Only one person should be in one swing at a time.
Do not push anyone else in the swing or let others push you (that's a job for grown-ups).
Don't swing empty swings, and never twist swing chains.

More Resources from the National Program for Playground Safety
http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/index.htm
CPSC Handbook for Outdoor Home Playground Safety

Copy and paste the following code to use this article on your website:
<h2>Backyard Playground Safety: Pressure Treated Wood, Play Sand, Swings and More</h2> My daughter is now 17 months old and suddenly, quite the little toddler, literally. So recently we've been thinking about getting some play things for our backyard like swings, a playhouse or a sandbox. This definitely got me thinking about and researching backyard playground safety. Here are a few tips I found that I thought were extremely important.<img src="http://www.usinspect.com/sites/default/files/images/Playground-Safety2.jpg" mce_src="http://www.usinspect.com/sites/default/files/images/Playground-Safety2.jpg" alt="girl playing on swing" width="296" height="405" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" mce_style="margin: 10px; float: right;" />Tips for Background Playground Safety<ol><li>Plan Ahead. One of the best ways to stay safe is to start with some careful planning. Think about the space where you'll place the play equipment, your child's age, even where the sun will be shining. An article on the <a href="http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infsafety/infplaygroundsafety.html" mce_href="http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infsafety/infplaygroundsafety.html" target="_blank">naturalhandyman.com</a> suggests, "Make sure toddler swing sets are at least 2 feet above ground (so kids can't use it on their own), at least 6 feet away from any building or fences, and in a shaded area, so that surfaces won't get too hot to the touch."</li><li>Avoid Pressure Treated Wood. Never construct or buy playground equipment made with pressure-treated wood containing chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA. Why? The Consumer Product Safety Commission explains why CCA is dangerous <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/phth/ccafact.html" mce_href="http://www.cpsc.gov/phth/ccafact.html" target="_blank">here</a>. You'll know pressure treated wood by its greenish tint. There are other chemicals that can be used to treat wood, but they are still rare and more expensive, so CCA has been the principal chemical used to pressure treat wood. Generally, if the play equipment has not been constructed with redwood or cedar, then most likely it is CCA pressure treated wood. Good alternatives include untreated woods like cedar or redwood, and non-wood alternatives such as plastics, metal, and composite materials (like <a href="http://www.trex.com/decking/default.aspx?gclid=CP2cj9Kd-qICFcRM5QodVkz4iw" mce_href="http://www.trex.com/decking/default.aspx?gclid=CP2cj9Kd-qICFcRM5QodVkz4iw" target="_blank">Trex</a>).</li><li>Inspect Your Equipment. Always check the play equipment for any sharp points or edges (screws that stick out, rough wood etc.). Check the equipment often as conditions can change. Make sure equipment is firmly anchored in the ground.</li><li>Bigger is not always better. While we may be dreaming of a large play-scape to really wow our kids, remember the higher the equipment the harder the fall. Research shows equipment taller than 6 feet doubles the possibility of injury. </li><li>Avoid Dangerous Sand. OK, I had never heard this before, but apparently, not all play sand is safe. In fact, the soft, fine sand that is marketed as "play sand," is one some say we should avoid. According to <a href="http://safemama.com/2009/05/18/faq-whats-the-deal-with-play-sand/" mce_href="http://safemama.com/2009/05/18/faq-whats-the-deal-with-play-sand/" target="_blank">safemama.com</a>, many times, play sand is made of crushed rock instead of beach or river sand. This crushed rock or crystalline silica is already a known carcinogen according to the <a href="http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=12999" mce_href="http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=12999" target="_blank">EPA </a>and <a href="http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html" mce_href="http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html" target="_blank">OSHA</a>. Some brands of sand even contain asbestos tremloite which can put you and kids at risk of lung cancer. Now I'm sure exposure levels have to be super high, but just knowing this, now I can't in good conscience use it. So avoid play sand that creates airborne dust that can be easily breathed by kids. Read up on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SANDTASTIK-WHITE-PLAY-SAND-25LB/dp/B001AZ0CGG%3FSubscriptionId%3D02E5W5871AJF7PMMMS82%26tag%3Dsafemama-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB001AZ0CGG" mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/SANDTASTIK-WHITE-PLAY-SAND-25LB/dp/B001AZ0CGG%3FSubscriptionId%3D02E5W5871AJF7PMMMS82%26tag%3Dsafemama-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB001AZ0CGG" target="_blank">Sandtasktic </a>or <a href="http://safesand.stores.yahoo.net/ornatplaysan.html" mce_href="http://safesand.stores.yahoo.net/ornatplaysan.html" target="_blank">SafeSand</a> as possible alternatives (I'm still researching myself), but they seem to be the only brands that are silica and quartz-free. </li><li>Create a Cushion. Falls account for more than 70 percent of playground injuries. During my research, again and again I was told the importance of the right ground cover for under play equipment to prevent this. The recommendation each time? Sand, pea gravel, rubber, or wood chips. Donna Thompson, Ph.D., and Director of the <a href="http://www.playgroundsafety.org/" mce_href="http://www.playgroundsafety.org/" target="_blank">National Program for Playground Safety</a> cautioned though that the cushion needs to be 9–12 inches deep in order to be effective. "Many people use the right materials, but not enough to truly cushion a fall," she says.</li><li>Practice Basic Safety. Children under 3 should be in toddler swings with support on all sides and safety straps and children under 6 should never play unattended (those older should be checked on frequently).</li></ol>Playground Rules To Teach Your Children From: <a href="http://www.swingsetsource.com/residential-swing-sets/swingsetsafetyarticle.cfm" mce_href="http://www.swingsetsource.com/residential-swing-sets/swingsetsafetyarticle.cfm" target="_blank">swingsetsource.com</a> <ul><li>Never stand or kneel in the swing, and hold tightly with both hands.</li><li>Always stop swinging before getting off the swing.</li><li>Only one person should be in one swing at a time. </li><li>Do not push anyone else in the swing or let others push you (that's a job for grown-ups).</li><li>Don't swing empty swings, and never twist swing chains.</li></ul>More Resources from the National Program for Playground Safety <a href="http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/index.htm" mce_href="http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/index.htm</a> <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/324.pdf" mce_href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/324.pdf" target="_blank">CPSC Handbook for Outdoor Home Playground Safety</a>Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.usinspect.com" mce_href="http://www.usinspect.com">U.S. Inspect</a>.

5 Home Maintenance Shortcuts You Should Never Take!

U.S. Inspect — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:22:03 +0000

When it comes to home maintenance, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sometimes being thrifty or delaying home maintenance tasks can really backfire. Here are some homeowner shortcuts you should never take.

Painting over mold or water stains on walls or ceilings. Making a cosmetic repair when more comprehensive remedies are in order is a big no-no. Painting over mold will NOT make it go away--and you are actually inviting more extensive future issues by deferring maintenance. You should always first identify why there is a stain. Is there a water penetration issue or a leak? Only after you have identified and remedied the cause of the stain, is it time to address the stain itself. For mold, you'll want to wash the area with a bleach and water solution or treat with a fungicide spray before painting. Then you can use a heavy duty paint primer like Zinnser before repainting with your wall/ceiling color.
Landscaping without addressing grading. Without vegetation, the grade at your house should slope downward and away from the home at a minimum of 1 inch per foot up to 6 feet. With vegetation, over time, this standard is frequently compromised as the vegetation tends to change the soil composition encouraging water retention and pooling. It's important to maintain the 1 inch per foot rule. It's also extremely important to consider How Close is Too Close when landscaping around your home.
Allowing paint to crack and peal before repainting it in order to extend periods in between applications of paint on the exterior of your home is never a good idea. Paint is not only a cosmetic element of your home, it also serves an important role in protecting it by providing a temporary physical shield between building materials and the elements and pests. Because one of the main causes of wood deterioration is moisture penetration, a primary purpose for painting wood is to exclude such moisture, and slow deterioration of not only of a building's exterior siding and decorative features but, ultimately, its underlying structural elements. Delaying a paint application could be an invitation for cracks, rot, pests, and more.
Ignoring leaks or "bucketing-and forgetting" them. Whether it be a roof leak or a plumbing leak, ignoring the problem is never a good idea. Leaks can lead to rot, mold and even termite infestations. Leaks left untreated can result in damages far more complex and expensive as time goes by. Any leak discovered should be remedied immediately to prevent escalation of the problem.
Skipping changing air/furnace filters. This is one we see many, many times--filters that are dirty or even missing completely. A clogged filter can create the potential for fire, mold growth, and also puts increased stress on the system's components. The cost of a filter is FAR cheaper than the damage that can be caused by failing to do so. Learn how to change your filter by watching this quick informational video.

Suffering from Allergies? Here Are Some Ways To Breathe Easy At Home

U.S. Inspect — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:45:11 +0000

If you are an allergy sufferer, you are currently painfully aware that it is in fact allergy season. Or, for many indoor allergy sufferers, there is no allergy "season" at all--bothersome allergens like dustmites and mold can plague individuals 365 days a year.

Now before we start feeling miserable about the whole situation, there is something that we can do about it. Here are some tips for breathing easier at home (at least then you'll be able to take refuge from your outdoor allergies).

Click on the image below to link to the American College for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology for more resources. What ideas do you have for minimizing allergens at home?

The carpet's gotta go! Everybody loves wood floors anyway, don't they?But seriously, carpets are just little dust mite ecosystems. Especially in the bedroom of your allergy sufferer, consider changing out the carpet in favor of laminate or wood floors. Then, as necessary, use smaller area rugs that can be laundered frequently.
Eeek heavy curtains! Here's another dust mite condo complex if there ever was one! Try blinds or anything that is easily laundered. Sunlight also tends to slow down mold growth.
Try dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses. These can be very helpful for those with dust mite allergies and are among the first suggestions of doctors for reducing exposure. The covers can take a wee-bit of getting used to when they are new (as they tend to feel a little crinkly under the sheets), but soon they won't be noticed at all.
Consider upgrading your vacuum. Many vacuums now come with really great filters. There's a (quite expensive) Miele brand one that we learned about recently that actually vents air that is cleaner than the air it takes in!
Go for smooth or non-porous surfaces. Couches, pillows and chairs in living spaces can harbor allergens. When possible, try leather-type materials instead.
Change any filters on your HVAC equipment regularly according to manufacturer instructions. This will not only help reduce allergens in the air but extend the life of the system!
Get tested. The last piece of advice is to have anyone in the house who suffers from allergies properly tested. Don't assume you know what the allergies are and self-treat, you might be surprised. Once properly identified, allergens can be avoided when possible, or appropriate medications or injections can be used to help allergy sufferers breath easier.

Springtime Maintenance: Your Air Conditioning System

U.S. Inspect — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:26:59 +0000

To achieve the best performance and longest life out of your air conditioning system, continual maintenance is extremely important. Below is a checklist of maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system healthy.

Change the filter. The filter should be changed on monthly bases. If it hasn't been changed in a long time, change it today!
Clear the exterior unit of debris and insure 6 inches clearance from vegetation.
Avoid starting your air conditioning system until the outside temperature is above 65 degrees. Below 65 degrees, the oil in the coils may be hardened and could damage the system.
When you first start the air conditioner, set your thermostat 5 degrees above room temperature. This will cause the system to run for a while, helping the unit circulate the oil in the system, which lubricates the compressor. After the initial run of the system, reset your thermostat to your ideal temperature.
If you have a humidifier, be sure it’s shut down for the duration of the time you’re running the air conditioner. Circulating cool, damp air throughout your house is conducive to the growth of mold.

Suggested Services to be Performed by Your Professional Technician:

Check the air handler condensate drain, drain pump, and/or drain pan to insure they are working properly and are free of clogs.
Check and clean the air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils.
Check the Freon level.

Most problems with air conditioning systems occur at the first start-up of the season, or during the first two to three months of the season. Freon isn't simply "used up." Low Freon levels are caused by either leaking or intentional discharge. Low levels of Freon force your air conditioning system to work harder, which shortens the life of the system. Leaks cannot always be detected when the system is first started up in the spring, so a mid-summer service check can help catch problems early to prevent more costly repairs. Service checks become more important as your system ages.

Preparing Ceiling Fans for Spring and Summer Is a Breeze

U.S. Inspect — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:23:06 +0000

If you have ceiling fans in your home, chances are they have been rarely used (if at all) over the long winter. But with the weather growing more and more mild, now is the perfect time to get yours ready for use again.

First, it's probably time to clean your fans. This task is usually not very popular because it seems like a real pain. It can be difficult to properly clean them without uncomfortably dusting over your own head and getting dust and debris all over you and in the air. So here's a quick tip:

Cleaning Fans - A Quick Tip
Simply take an old pillowcase, slide it on the blade, and slide it off--all the debris goes right into the case! Dust that hasn't been touched in a while can be stubborn, so we recommend spritzing a few sprays of furniture cleaner inside the case first. You can throw the whole case in the laundry when you're done. (If you use dust clothes and haven't cleaned them in a while, you might as well do a whole load of cleaning clothes, that way you'll have fresh ones to use and won't be spreading allergens around during your spring cleaning).

Proper Winter/Summer Fan Settings
Next, it is time to change the direction that your fan spins. Yes, you can change the direction! There is a toggle switch on the base. One direction is for summer and one is for winter--yes, I said winter! Did you know that you could have used your fan in the winter to make a room feel warmer? It's true! In the winter, the blades should turn clockwise. Because warm air rises and gets trapped near the ceiling, the ceiling fan in this direction circulates the warm air from the ceiling to the floor helping take the chill out of the air. A ceiling fan’s direction in the summer should be rotating counter clockwise or forward, which produces a chilling effect by the downward airflow.

How to Reduce Energy Consumption
Did you know you can actually decrease your energy consumption in the summer by using a ceiling fan? The correct ceiling fan, operating in conjunction with your air conditioning system, and following a few simple to remember tips, will result in lower energy use overall.

For example, many air conditioning systems run roughly at 3500 watts. A typical ceiling fan runs at 60 watts. By adjusting your thermostat and operating your ceiling fan blades in the appropriate direction, you’ll keep air moving, feel cooler, and the air conditioning will run less often.

This 2 minute video provides some simple tips about effective ceiling fan usage.

(Refresh your browser if no video appears below).

And that's it! Now your fan is clean, properly set, and ready to use. Stay cool and refreshed all season long!

Creative Ways to Document Your Home Projects

U.S. Inspect — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:54 +0000

Have you ever thought about documenting your home improvement projects, memorializing your first home-ownership experience, or just want to find a way to remember your home life and the transformations your home makes over the years?

Here are some creative ways to document your home grown adventures!

Photograph It. A photo album can be a great way to document anything, but especially your DIY projects. Always remember to take pictures before, during, and after your projects. Take them from the same angle so that they can be viewed side-by-side to get the full impact of your work!
Tell A Story. Take it a step further and tell your story in a pictorial book. Websites like Shutterfly.com make it easy to transform your collection of images into a keepsake that tells your story. You'll have the added benefit of adding captions and titles to your album.
Journal Your Journey. Another great way to memorialize your next big project, or document your home life for family and posterity, is to journal or blog about it. It can be a private journal, something that you share with a select few, or maybe even the whole world. It's up to you! One of our all time favorite "celebrating home ownership" blogs just happens to have gotten its start in exactly such a way--www.YoungHouseLove.com.
Scrapbook It. Scrapbooking is a medium used by many people to document weddings, family life, pregnancy, babies and children, special events, and more. Memory-keeping expert, Becky Higgins of BeckyHiggins.com has created the scrapbook of all scrapbook experiences with her "Project Life" products. Either digitally or the "old fashioned way," you can document the next 365 days of your home life--this is great for first time homeowners, or those embarking on large renovations projects. It combines, pictures, telling a story, and journaling all in one.
Take Time-Lapse Images. With the advent of YouTube, especially, the creative uses for the art of video are growing every day (yes there is some junk out there too). But something that has popped up lately is artful time-lapse videos. And we saw it used to document home renovations and projects, which is a really neat idea! Check out a professional example here. For those advanced keepsake-makers, it might be worth some experimenting!

So go ahead and get your DIY on this season! But don't forget to document it! Looking back on your journey and all the memories you created along the way can be the best part of all.

Knock, Knock - What is your front door saying to buyers?

U.S. Inspect — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:21:54 +0000

The front door is the first impression buyers will get of your home. So, what is yours saying to potential buyers? Here are five things it should be saying.

I am safe. The exterior-grade door is strong, sturdy and functions properly. It has a heavy-duty dead-bolt with a 1” throw bolt (never just privacy knobs or other interior grade handle sets).
I am strong. The door is heavy-duty and free of deterioration, water damage, evidence of previous forced entry, or rot.
I am working. Handles and hinges are fastened properly and the door closes easily and securely. It doesn’t creak, squeak or rub the frame. It requires only normal pressure and operation to close tightly. The doorbell is fully intact and functions.
I am beautiful. The overall curb appeal at the front door is high. The door is freshly painted, neat and clean and plants, mats, and overhead lighting welcome approaching guests.
I am energy efficient. The door has intact and properly-installed weatherstripping and it fits properly in the frame, without gaps.

Watch and Learn - What the Rain Can Teach You About Your Home

Chrissy Doremus — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:09:12 +0000

The other day, it was raining. I stopped and just stood in my upstairs hall window to watch the latest spring storm. But after a few minutes, I frowned as I noticed something...

The rain was pouring down hard and the storm water was flowing from the street, straight into and to the back of my driveway, and then blasting through a flower bed and beyond until a large pool formed at a low spot in the yard. In addition to the pool, I now also had dozens of little mulch chips strewn all over the place that marked the water's recent path like Hansel and Gretel breadcrumbs.

The Tip
In that moment, I suddenly remembered a tip one of our inspectors had shared with me when I first started working for U.S. Inspect that would be great to share here on our blog. During a heavy rain, he had said, is actually the perfect time to observe your property's drainage and gutter function--and you can identify problem areas almost immediately.

If you've never done this type of "Watch and Learn" before, I highly recommend it. See my "Watch and Learn" Guide at the right, if you'd like to give it a try.

What I learned
While I frowned at the sight in my yard, I was able to immediately begin planning in my head how I would remedy the problem on the weekend. For the most part, the only real impact of my particular drainage issue was, at best, some unsightly wood-chip confetti in my lawn, and at worst, some slight flooding of nearby flowers. But it could have been much, much worse.

What is the Worst-Case Scenario exactly?
Well, water, if not properly controlled, can lead to water penetration and result in damage to a home's structure, interior surfaces, and your personal belongings as well.

But taking a few moments to Watch and Learn is a great way to see how your property "handles" water and identify issues now that could be much bigger headaches down the line if they are allowed to continue.

How To Watch and Learn
Use the quick guide above to do your own observation; and be sure to come back and share with us how it went!