<span class="hide-blog-title">The Inspector</span>By NPI, Inc.https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts7 Places Where Mold Can Hide Inside Your Homehttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1582/7-places-where-mold-can-hide-inside-your-homeCleaning Tips,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 19 Feb 2024 20:31:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">7 PLACES WHERE MOLD CAN HIDE INSIDE YOUR HOME</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 19, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/mold">mold</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/attic">attic</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/garage">garage</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/basement">basement</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/chimney">chimney</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ceiling">ceiling</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/walls">walls</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/floors">floors</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/HVAC">HVAC</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ventilation">ventilation</a></p> <p>Everyone has run into mold from time to time in their bathrooms, in their kitchens, or around leaking appliances. While mold can actually come in many different colors and varieties, the dark fuzzy spots that crop up inside homes are usually easy to take care of without much issue, especially when addressed quickly. However, when left unaddressed, mold can damage and permanently discolor materials that they’ve attached to, as well as negatively impact the health of anyone in the home. In fact, according to healthcare professionals over on Healthline, overexposure to mold can lead to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mold-in-house#complications" target="_blank">infection, lung inflammation, and other symptoms</a>.</p> <p>Mold thrives in dark, moist, and warm environments, which means that issues in certain lesser trafficked areas of the home can easily get out of hand. If you experience any of the following, schedule a mold inspection to find the root of the problem:</p> <ul> <li>Family members develop health issues such as eye irritation, persistent coughs, or asthma flare-ups</li> <li>A damp or musty smell develops in the home</li> <li>Wallpaper or paint begins to warp or bubble</li> <li>Recent flood or leaks are discovered</li> </ul> <p>Homeowners can keep mold at bay by reducing humidity in their homes, maintaining good ventilation, and cleaning spills quickly. In addition, check and clean out these areas to cover some of mold’s best hiding spots inside the home:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Inside Your Attic</strong><br /> One of the most common areas where mold develops in houses is inside attics because they are notoriously dimly lit, poorly ventilated, and prone to excess moisture. The other reason why mold often goes unaddressed in attics is simply because homeowners tend to not spend much time in them, dedicating the area mostly for storage. Roof leaks that commonly spread into attics provide even more access for rain and moisture into the household.<br /> <br /> <em>Learn more about <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-handle-mold-in-your-attic">addressing attic mold</a> right here!</em></li> <br /> <li><strong>In Your Basement</strong><br /> Moving from the very top of the house to the very bottom, basements are actually incredibly similar to attics in that they also provide ideal conditions for mold to flourish. In particular, unfinished basements tend to be dark and dedicated in part to storage, causing plenty of obstructions where pests and mold can survive unnoticed. Poor drainage and landscaping that directs water run-off towards the home’s foundation greatly increases the chance for water intrusion and mold development. Consider adding a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your basement!<br /> <br /> <em>For more information about <a class="color-secondary" href="https://sodlawn.com/drainage-and-grading-tips-from-a-professional-home-inspector/" target="_blank">drainage and grading</a>, check out this article from our friends at SodLawn!</em></li> <br /> <li><strong>Beneath Your Crawl Space</strong><br /> Homes that have crawl spaces also can see plenty of mold buildup due to these spaces being checked so infrequently and due to easy access for water. Crawl spaces can be difficult to access and maneuver in, so preventing mold to develop here in the first place is certainly the best option! Insulate piping, improve ventilation, and consider investing in a crawl space dehumidifier to reduce moisture and discourage mold development before needing to hire a mold remediation expert.</li> <br /> <li><strong>Underneath Flooring, In Walls, and Above the Ceiling</strong><br /> In the case of mold developing underneath flooring, inside walls, and in ceilings, homeowners should be able to detect a clear odor to help locate the source of the issue. Mold inspectors are equipped with special tools to locate moisture such as thermal detectors and moisture meters, but clear water intrusion issues like in poor landscaping or misdirected downspouts are more likely to tip professionals off to where mold may develop.</li> <br /> <li><strong>Around Your Fireplace and Up Your Chimney</strong><br /> Fireplaces and chimneys can get damp when not in use, and the porous nature of bricks means that when mold takes hold, it can be tough to eradicate. Keeping an eye on a home’s exterior is crucial to ongoing maintenance, so regularly review your roof and chimney for signs of leaks or mold growth to stay ahead of these problems. While mold isn’t a fire hazard, leaky chimneys can also increase flammable creosote buildup.</li> <br /> <li><strong>In Your Garage</strong><br /> Garages are known to get cluttered over time, and as vehicles introduce regular run-off, mold is sure to find its way behind boxes and under shelves. To stay ahead of garage mold, homeowners should sweep and clean regularly, reorganize their storage areas periodically, and remove standing water as quickly as possible (mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours!).</li> <br /> <li><strong>Inside Your Vents and Ductwork</strong><br /> Vents are a serious concern for mold growth because, if spores survive in these areas, they can be easily dispersed throughout the home. Vents and ductwork are tough to clean, so rely on remediation experts to remove the problem, and be sure to identify the cause of the problem. Homeowners should also check the condition of their HVAC units for mold due its similar capability of dispersing spores throughout the home. The good news is that HVAC units are much easier for homeowners to clean on their own with some regular attention.</li> </ol> <p><em>Contact your local NPI home inspector to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">schedule a mold inspection</a>!</em></p> 1582Interior Design Trends of 2024: Putting the "I" Back in Interior Designhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1581/interior-design-trends-of-2024-putting-the-i-back-in-interior-designHome DecorMon, 12 Feb 2024 20:29:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS OF 2024: PUTTING THE "I" BACK IN INTERIOR DESIGN</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 12, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/spring">spring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/painting">painting</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p>Whether you’re moving into your brand-new home or you’d like to reinvent a space sorely in need of an update, keeping up with the latest interior design trends is crucial for anyone wanting to avoid a dated feel. Just as people change every year, tastes are bound to transform with new experiences and innovations. If you want your home to catch up with you in 2024, consider incorporating some of these styles into your layouts.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Continuation of Naturalism vs. the Rise of Metal</span><br /> Heading into 2023, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/the-latest-interior-design-trends-for-2023">we noted how one interior design trend</a> was quickly rising in prominence, and naturalism certainly is having its time in the sunlight through 2024 as well! With this overarching style, warm, earthy tones incorporated into paint and furniture are meant to evoke the natural world surrounding the home for a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This idea is great because of its inherent variety based on where the homeowner lives, whether they own a home tucked away in the mountains, in a dry, arid region, or they’re surrounded by sun and the beach.</p> <p>For many homeowners, constantly reinventing their homes to follow the latest shifts in style is not necessarily a habit they want to fall into. So, the wood tones and natural rock patterns that come with a natural style can be a real boon due to their staying power and the durability that comes with investing in high quality materials. Bringing the outdoors back inside can be done in so many creative ways, and we’re expecting this trend to have a strong continuation in 2024.</p> <p>With that said, there may be signs of an early competitor to the naturalism design trend. While natural designs tend to have an inherent warmth in their color palettes, this color range can be too muted and neutral for some. To counter this, some are turning to bold colors and metals for the first time in quite a while. In interior design, silvers, steels, and other metals tend to emphasize whatever styles are already on display due to their reflective surfaces.</p> <p>Subdued, natural, and cozy, or splashy bold colors may fight it out throughout 2024 - but this is only the first front of an ongoing interior design battle!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Minimalism vs. Maximalism</span><br /> The other two competing trends that are heating up this year are <strong>minimalism</strong> and <strong>maximalism</strong>. Often paired with the natural design choices from the past year, minimalism is largely defined as limited clutter and a smaller number of decorations (though the fixtures that are featured should be more impactful). The result of this interior design philosophy is a room that feels simple but sufficient for the homeowner’s needs; also, less chaotic and maybe more relaxing.</p> <p>A direct counterpoint, maximalism embraces individuality and clutter in search of an authentic lived-in feel. The recent “cottagecore” style is one example that takes advantage of these ideas for a great, nostalgic, timeless picture that can still fuse with modern embellishments. Floral patterns and deep, rich colors make for a traditional feel that also leaves plenty of room for originality for homeowners that incorporate this style into their interiors. <em>For those looking to learn more about Cottagecore, check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.thespruce.com/cottagecore-design-style-5095952" target="_blank">this excellent article</a> from experts over at the Spruce!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Mixing and Matching for a Personal Feel</span><br /> Overall, individuality and color seem to be two of the key pillars of interior design for 2024. Perhaps strengthened by the rise of remote working and in-home offices, homeowners are finding more creative ways to wear their interests and influences on their sleeves. Decorating homes without any one definitive style in mind has risen dramatically in popularity through the tail end of 2023 and into the new year.</p> <p>Eclectic “mix-and-match” styles can be best achieved through thrifting, antiquing, and picking a bold conversation starter as a centerpiece in every room. Part of this also means being comfortable finding multiple uses for rooms and hybridizing wherever possible. For some, this movement builds off of the previously mentioned <em>maximalism</em> trend, and for others, this style can feel a bit chaotic and unfocused to even be called a trend on its own.</p> <p>Regardless, 2024 seems to be a year where homeowners are looking to bring more of their own unique style into their homes, ultimately avoiding a cookie cutter, generic design.</p> <p><em>Any home renovation can be quickly derailed when a major needed repair pops up out of nowhere. Avoid being caught unaware with a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">home inspection</a> with every home purchase! Call NPI Before You Buy!</em></p> 1581How to Build a Treehouse Without Hurting Your Treehttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1580/how-to-build-a-treehouse-without-hurting-your-treeDIY,SafetyMon, 05 Feb 2024 20:25:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO BUILD A TREEHOUSE WITHOUT HURTING YOUR TREE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 5, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kids">kids</a></p> <p>As a kid, there’s nothing like spending the summer hanging out in your own custom-made treehouse, looking out over the neighborhood like you’re on top of the world. Many homeowners have a nostalgic attachment to their own childhood treehouses or miss the treehouse experience they never had.</p> <p>For the ambitious homeowner looking to get their kids to spend some extra time outside or to give themselves a more unique hideaway, a DIY treehouse project can be an exciting endeavor. However, treehouses can have the unintended effect of harming your tree if you don’t take the right precautions. To create a memorable hideaway that doesn’t sacrifice the health of your tree, keep these points in mind.</p> <p><em>Note: Check with your local building authority, HOA, and your neighbors before getting started. Certain areas may require special permits, and it’s always a good idea to talk with your neighbors before building something that might block the view!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pick the Perfect Tree</span><br /> No matter your building practices or your comfort with larger scale projects, the success of a treehouse DIY project lives and dies by whether you’ve identified the right candidate for the foundation. A stable and safe treehouse needs a tree that’s matured, with well-established roots, and a large canopy overhead. The best options are any hardwood tree (oak, maple, or beech, for example).</p> <p>If a particular tree catches your eye, perform an informal check-up to get a better handle on its health. Trees that are in good shape shouldn’t be marred with discoloration or other damaging marks, covered in mushrooms, or losing dead branches frequently. Some pests that weaken otherwise healthy trees can be easily overlooked! Consider consulting a tree doctor or arborist if you’d like to give your tree a clean bill of health before getting started.</p> <p><em>Note: Certain treehouse designs utilize more than one tree, to spread out the expected load. Remember to also consider the view you’ll have when all is said and done - that’s half of the fun of a treehouse!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Build Your House, but Limit the Stress</span><br /> Treehouses can be very custom, or homeowners can draw closely from a design that they’ve purchased. For a treehouse that lasts the test of time, reducing stress on the tree is absolutely crucial - though this means reconsidering some of the classics. For example, ropes, cords, and wires wrapped around a tree branch can actually cut off circulation, which limits the flow of vital nutrients and water. Tire swings may be fun, but installing them in this way can lead to weakened or dead limbs.</p> <p>A tree trunk is extremely important for the overall strength and health of a tree, so try to limit any punctures or holes whenever possible. Treehouse Attachment Bolts (or TABs) are heavier duty hardware designed to handle more of the load and limit damage to tree trunks in the process. Additionally, treehouse designers recommend leaving extra space around branches and tree trunks to allow for natural growth.<em>For kits, hardware, and treehouse plans that limit damage to the tree, check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.treehousesupplies.com/" target="_blank">TreehouseSupplies.com</a>!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Precautions, and Keep the Risks in Mind</span><br /> Starting a more advanced DIY project can be exciting, but when it comes to building a treehouse, keep in mind what can go wrong if you cut a few too many corners. Trees, especially large, strong trees, offer tons of benefits for a treehouse. In the summer, the shade doesn’t just provide a cool area to beat the heat, but the coverage also increases your home’s energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of your siding.</p> <p>During storms, trees are excellent windbreakers as well, and as tree roots die, the added organic matter provides great fuel for the rest of your yard’s ecosystem (learn more about the benefits of adding trees to your lawn from experts over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/benefits-of-planting-trees-in-your-yard#:~:text=Cozy%20for%20Winter.-,Trees%20Can%20Help%20Prevent%20or%20Minimize%20Flood%20Damage,on%20the%20soil%20is%20massive." target="_blank">USNews.com</a>). Make sure your treehouse project results in the perfect club house for your kids - not a call to your local tree removal service.</p> <p><em>Did you know that tree roots can cause damage to your main sewer line? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Ask your local NPI inspector</a> about a sewer scope to learn the condition of your key systems!</em></p> 1580Unconventional Ways Your Home Is Signaling That You Have Plumbing Problemshttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1579/unconventional-ways-your-home-is-signaling-that-you-have-plumbing-problemsCleaning Tips,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 29 Jan 2024 20:20:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">4 UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS YOUR HOME IS SIGNALING THAT YOU HAVE PLUMBING PROBLEMS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 8, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ceiling">ceiling</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/walls">walls</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/mold">mold</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a></p> <p>When discovering that any of your home’s key systems aren’t functioning as they are supposed to, some signs of damage or failure are more obvious than others. With that said, homes constantly signal to their homeowners that issues are cropping up just beneath the surface. Most people, unfortunately, are unaware of these common signs and what they mean.</p> <p>Homes are designed to satisfy a large number of needs in order to function as they should, but one force that architects constantly battle while designing homes is water. Water intrusion can spread rapidly to other home systems, damaging high-ticket appliances and electronics while also potentially leading to health problems for families. Plumbing leaks are certainly a major issue for homeowners, but you may not want to wait for a pipe to burst in order to take action.</p> <p>Instead, keep an eye out for these unconventional signs that your home is having plumbing problems!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Your Lawn is Too Green, Too Thick, and Too Wet</span><br /> It may be surprising for some, but one way to discover plumbing issues within a home is actually through looking at its exterior landscaping. Healthy lawns should grow evenly, but homes can spring leaks in their drainage systems, which leads to discharged water escaping into their lawns. Excess water released along the main drain through a break or through degradation will actually send tons of nutrients that greatly enriche the lawn - but only to a limited area.</p> <p>This leads to uneven thickness, inconsistent color, and in some cases, even pooling water or sunken areas. Property inspectors or plumbing professionals can perform sewer scan inspections that help identify the cause of a break within these lines, as well as an approximate location to determine the extent of damage. Repair or replacement of these buried sewer lines requires excavation of the lawn, so confirming damage and locating the source of the break helps limit cost and duration of these repairs.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Your Wallpaper and Paint are Bubbling or Peeling</span><br /> Wallpaper and paint can peel or bubble for many reasons, including humidity and moisture accumulation. A home’s plumbing system involves an intricate network of piping and supply lines that run throughout the house. This means that sinks, toilets, and showers that have insufficient or eroded caulking can lead to water stains on the ceiling for the floor beneath, and corroded or leaking pipes can cause moisture build-up within the walls.</p> <p>Ceilings and walls can also develop brown flecks of mold due to moisture from plumbing or roofing leaks. Signs of mold can mean a major issue within the walls as well, and considering the possible health repercussions of overexposure to mold, these sorts of leaks should be addressed as quickly as possible. <em>Read more on the dangers of mold from experts over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mold-in-house" target="_blank">Healthline</a>!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. You Find Some New House Guests</span><br /> Few people want to share their spaces with unwanted rodents or insects, but animals endlessly search for shelter and food throughout the year, and if they can gain access into the home, they will take advantage of that opportunity. Broken sewage lines can draw mice and rats to a home, and these critters can have an easier time creating access points into a home if there are areas already weakened by water damage.</p> <p>When setting traps, hiring an exterminator, or otherwise dealing with home invaders, it’s important to correct the source of intrusion so that new guests don’t take their place. Learn more about countering pests <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-avoid-unwelcome-household-pests-before-they-move-in">right here</a>!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Your Wallet Is Getting Lighter</span><br /> Plumbing issues can be identified by knowing where to look and understanding how a home’s systems work overall. However, sometimes a home can have plumbing issues that are tough to spot and difficult to hear. To a homeowner, some plumbing issues can be practically invisible, until they get their water bill.</p> <p>Running toilets, leaky faucets, and appliances that aren’t functioning properly will reduce water efficiency in a home, and leaking pipes can cause a dramatic jump in costs. Homeowners that see a sudden change in their utility bills should take a closer look at all of their appliances and listen for sounds of running water to start to identify the issue.</p> <p><em>At National Property Inspections, our expert property inspectors are trained to seek out any issues with all of a home’s key systems. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Book an inspection</a> with your local NPI home inspector today!</em></p> 1579The 5 Steps for Planning a Home Additionhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1578/the-5-steps-for-planning-a-home-additionCleaning Tips,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 22 Jan 2024 20:16:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE 5 STEPS FOR PLANNING A HOME ADDITION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 22, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/office">office</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/attic">attic</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/basement">basement</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/garage">garage</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/HVAC">HVAC</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p>Everyone wants to find their dream home. Sometimes, that dream house might be out of reach because of price or location. Other times, that dream house just doesn’t exist - yet!</p> <p>If your family is expanding beyond their current space, or if changes in your lifestyle require more from your home, the answer may not necessarily be to find a new place to live. Instead, additions are a great way for homeowners to expand their homes into a space that better fits their needs. If you just love your neighborhood or you want to create your dream home without moving, here are the five steps to consider for planning a home addition.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Step 1: Ask Yourself Why You’d Like to Add On to Your Home</span><br /> While there are many great reasons to plan a home addition, the process comes with its fair share of drawbacks. First is the cost, which can vary widely depending on the type of addition and sometimes even approach the original price of the home. Additionally, the process of building a home addition can take a lot of time, some of which will include moving out temporarily or sharing space with building crews throughout the day.</p> <p>If you’re considering an addition because you need more space, maybe finishing your attic or <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-remodel-your-basement-on-a-budget">basement</a> would be a better route. Both of these spaces can make great home offices, and a basement can be easily configured into a private apartment for guests or for an additional rental income in the future.</p> <p>Another perfectly valid reason to invest in an addition is to simply improve your quality of life at home. Expand or add a garage for additional parking, build out a sunroom for extra lounging space, or build up an entirely new floor to vastly increase your liveable square footage and increase your ROI. Answering the “why” before you get started can help ensure the addition you imagine will truly satisfy your needs.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Step 2: Determine Your Available Budget</span><br /> Once you have your mind made up, take some time to determine the budget you’re willing to devote to the project. Total costs vary based on the type of addition, the scale and size, and the materials you’re planning to use, so do your due diligence to get an idea of what your desired addition might cost. When possible, compare costs with homes in your area that are around the same age as yours. Depending on your location, some materials may be harder to come by, and during times when supply chain disruptions are frequent, time delays may need to be considered.</p> <p>Some homeowners may have enough money set aside to devote to a home improvement project like a home addition, but for others, consider what kind of loans might be available to you. Remember: costs can change even during the build due to unforeseen complications. When possible, it’s best to have a sizeable buffer in case a project goes considerably over budget.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Step 3: Check with Your Local Building Authority</span><br /> Although you’ll likely check back when your build team is in place, it may be worthwhile to check in with your local build authority to confirm whether your planned addition is even possible. In many areas, building towards the road will have special restrictions, building over important utility access points can lead to major hassle down the line, and zoning laws may dictate how and where additions can be made.</p> <p>Financially, there is also a high likelihood that you will need to purchase permits based on what you discover here. Factoring in as much as possible early on will give you the best opportunity to set a reasonably accurate budget to help you determine whether an addition is for you. Learn more about how zoning laws might affect your home <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-zoning-laws-affect-your-home">right here</a>!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Step 4: Contact a Builder, Contractor, or Architect</span><br /> Finally, when you’re ready to get going it is vitally important to create a home renovation team that you trust. Often, this will mean finding a general contractor who will end up coordinating specialists fit for the job. If possible, prioritize a contractor with previous experience working on home additions - even better if they specialize in your specific type of addition!</p> <p>Finding the right contractor for you can be tough, so don’t hold back on research during this step. Listen to recommendations from friends and family, look up reviews, and find out how long they’ve been working as a contractor. More experience and a good reputation is usually a great way to establish confidence, but consider how well you might work together, too. Building a home addition is a massive collaborative effort, so if your personalities do not mesh, it could lead to some unnecessary bumps in the road down the line.</p> <p>After speaking with a couple contractors, you’ll get bids for your addition, project timelines, and opinions on whether they think your plan is feasible within your budget. If not, now is a time to rethink your options and potentially head back to the drawing board. On the other hand, if you find a contractor that seems like a fit with a great bid, you’re off to the races!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Step 5: Consider Any Oversights</span><br /> Getting started with your addition is exciting, but it’s important to take a moment for last considerations before giving the green light, starting with where you’ll be living during the renovation. Some additions that are minor may allow you and your family to continue living in the home for the entirety of construction, but for some major overhauls, staying with a friend or family member may be the way to go. According to building experts at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.thespruce.com/house-addition-deliberation-1821280" target="_blank">The Spruce</a>, new additions can sometimes take months to complete, so opting to rent during this time frame will be another expense to add to your budget.</p> <p>Prior to construction, it may also be smart to order a property inspection to get a lay of your home as it is. A home inspection is the best way to get a summary of a house’s condition and can help homeowners identify urgent repairs before a costly breakdown occurs. With a considerable amount of money dedicated towards a home addition construction, an emergency repair or replacement to the bundle at the same time would be best avoided. Additionally, your inspector can potentially refer you to an electrician or HVAC specialist to advise on whether your current setup will be able to handle the extra space.</p> <p>Lastly, most homeowners who plan an addition will likely want to stick around for a while, so checking in with the neighbors beforehand as a common courtesy is heavily recommended, especially when an addition presses toward their property. Getting those affected to sign-off on the project early on should help make your home addition plan go as smoothly as possible.</p> <p><em>Is a full home addition a bit too extreme at the moment? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-start-a-little-library">Read here</a> for some thoughts on starting a little library in your neighborhood! For your next home inspection, contact <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">your local NPI inspector</a> today.</em></p> 1578States that are Taking the Fight to Radonhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1577/states-that-are-taking-the-fight-to-radonHome Inspection,SafetyMon, 15 Jan 2024 20:09:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE STATES TAKING MEASURES TO FIGHT RADON</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 15, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/radon">radon</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/foundation">foundation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ventilation">ventilation</a></p> <p>As declared by the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-national-radon-action-month-when-radon-action-week" target="_blank">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, businesses and government organizations devote their attention every January to increasing public awareness of the very real and often overlooked dangers of radon gas. Per the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/protect-home-radon/index.html#:~:text=Radon%20is%20an%20odorless%2C%20invisible,radon%20can%20cause%20lung%20cancer." target="_blank">CDC</a>, radon is an odorless, colorless gas that finds its way into buildings through the breakdown process of natural materials within the soil. Today, radon is the second leading cause for lung cancer only behind smoking.</p> <p>The good news is that the effects of radon gas can be avoided first through effective testing and then through mitigation. Your family’s health is no joke, so if you haven’t already looked into radon levels in your home, your kids’ school, or your work, let this article be your sign to take action.</p> <p>Officials across the nation are taking notice of the dangers of radon, but most people are unaware of what their state is doing to combat radon, or how their state compares to the national average. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists offers a yearly <a class="color-secondary" href="https://aarst.org/report-card/" target="_blank">report card</a>, which dives further into things like whether radon testing professionals need to be credentialed, whether school testing is required, and what percentage of homes in the state are in Zones 2 or 1 (meaning radon testing is advised).</p> <p>Radon professionals advise that there is <strong>no</strong> safe level of radon, and homes found in Zone 3 can still have higher levels of radon than homes found in Zone 1. Regardless of how your state is doing in the battle against radon, don’t leave your home’s levels up to chance! With that said, let’s take a look at radon state by state in 2024:</p> <p><strong>Alabama</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 46% <strong>(#33)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Alabama Public Health is an annual participant in National Radon Action Month, directing residents to test their homes for radon in January. While Zones 1, 2, and 3 are all present in Alabama, counties in northern and central Alabama have the highest potential for dangerous levels of radon in homes. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/radon/index.html" target="_blank">Visit Alabama Public Health’s website</a> for more information.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Alaska</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 36% <strong>(T - #41)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Although registering some of the lower levels of radon in the country, Alaska recognizes the importance of spreading awareness. Since 2021, Alaskan students can enter the annual Alaska Radon Poster Contest to get the word out and motivate homeowners to test. Learn more about 2024’s poster contest and the state of radon in Alaska <a class="color-secondary" href="https://dggs.alaska.gov/hazards/radon.html" target="_blank">by visiting Alaska’s DNR website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Arizona</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 40% <strong>(#39)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Arizona is one of the least regulated states in the US when it comes to radon prevention, though they recommend using an NRPP/AARST certified professional. When scheduling a radon test, ask your contractor about their certifications.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Arkansas</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 44% <strong>(#36)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Radon testing professionals in Arkansas aren’t required to receive national certifications from the NRSB or the NRPP. Arkansas ranks as one of the states with the most instances of lung cancer in the nation. Per the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon#:~:text=Radon%20is%20the%20number%20one,lung%20cancer%20deaths%20every%20year." target="_blank">EPA</a>, radon exposure greatly increases the chances of lung cancer among smokers and non-smokers. Follow the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/radon-gas" target="_blank">Arkansas Department of Health</a> for any new resources or updates.</li> </ul> <p><strong>California</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 23% <strong>(#45)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> As a reaction to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s multifamily Radon policy adopted on July 1 of 2023, California’s Department of Public Health released a public bulletin regarding their state credential requirements for Radon professionals. Without the proper prerequisites, radon professionals cannot advertise their services in California, so homeowners can respond to promotions with extra confidence. For more information on radon in California, check with the California Department of Conservation’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/minerals/mineral-hazards/radon" target="_blank">info page</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Colorado</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 66% <strong>(#15)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> Effective August 7, 2023, Colorado real estate contracts are now required to include warnings about the dangers of radon and the results of previous tests performed on the property. Due to a high amount of uranium in the Rocky Mountains, the chance of high radon exposure is very high within the state. For residents looking to learn more about the 2023 Colorado Senate Bill, Erika Carroll <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.protectenvironmental.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-colorado-senate-bill-23-206/" target="_blank">with Protect Environmental</a> provides a breakdown.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Connecticut</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 58% <strong>(T - #22)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Private Certifications, State Registrations for Mitigation</li> <li>School testing required: Yes, for schools built after 2003<br /> <br /> Though there have been no new regulations or policies directed toward combating in Connecticut between 2023 and 2024, the American Lung Association continues its participation in National Radon Action Month. Read more on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/radon-in-connecticut-2024" target="_blank">their website</a> to learn about radon in Connecticut.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Delaware</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 45% <strong>(#34)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> For Radon Action Month, Delaware Public Media reports on the importance of testing and mitigation in the state. Correctly, they point out that dangerous levels of radon have been recorded in every state. At this time, while homebuyers are required to be notified on the status of radon in their new homes, the same protections aren’t in place for renters. Learn more about radon in Delaware at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.delawarepublic.org/science-health-tech/2024-01-02/the-american-lung-association-encourages-testing-during-national-radon-action-month" target="_blank">Delaware Public Media</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Florida</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 54% <strong>(T - #27)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: Yes, in designated counties<br /> <br /> This year, Florida participated in the National Radon Poster Contest as part of their Radon Outreach. For more information on participation in the future and to view winning posters from 2024, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/radon/Outreach/poster-contest.html" target="_blank">Florida Health’s website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Georgia</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 56% <strong>(#25)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> While homes in northern Georgia have been found to have dangerous levels of radon more often than in other areas, radon continues to be a serious concern throughout the state. While there were no new regulations or policies employed during 2023 and 2024, the state governor signed a formal proclamation designating January as Radon Action Month in Georgia.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Hawaii</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: <strong>N/A (no tests recorded)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Radiation and radon overall are thought to be more minor concerns in Hawaii due to both a lack of man-made sources, and unique geological features that lead to lower radon levels. With that said, experts are right to point out that dangerous levels of radon appear in every state. To learn about radon in Hawaii, read more from insiders a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.hawaiistar.com/radiation-levels-in-hawaii/" target="_blank">the Hawaii Star</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Idaho</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 68% <strong>(T - #10)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Despite a high percentage of homes in Idaho testing with dangerous levels of radon, Idaho continues to be broadly unregulated. Homeowners looking for radon testing professionals should ask whether they have certifications through NRPP or NRSB to ensure an accurate reading. Learn more about radon in Idaho and about the 2024 Northwest Radon Poster Contest by visiting the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/2024-northwest-radon-poster-contest" target="_blank">Idaho Department of Health & Welfare website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Illinois</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 68% <strong>(T - #10)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: School testing is recommended<br /> <br /> Radon is a major concern for homeowners in Illinois. As part of the Illinois Tenant Radon Protection Act which is designed to ensure renters are informed about radon levels in their buildings, new changes in 2024 mean that renters will receive more documentation and notifications about radon at the time of application, before signing their leases, and by request. Read more about this new legislation from experts at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ksnlaw.com/blog/illinois-tenant-radon-protection-act-2024-impact-illinois-landlords-rental-property-managers/" target="_blank">Kovitz, Shifrin, and Nesbit</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Indiana</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% <strong>(T - #12)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Registration</li> <li>School testing required: School testing is recommended<br /> <br /> Since radon is such a problem in Indiana, an ongoing battle to require school testing within the state continued in 2023 with a bill authored by Rep. Mike Andrade. While the bill was not passed in early 2023, the continuing conversation may result in new legislation in 2024. Learn more about radon testing in Indiana with <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.wrtv.com/news/wrtv-investigates/radon-testing-requirement-for-schools-fails-to-pass-indiana-legislature" target="_blank">WRTV’s Kara Kenney</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Iowa</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 78% <strong>(#3)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> As one of the states with the highest levels of radon in the US, Iowa requires state certifications from radon testing and mitigation professionals. While there was no new legislature passed to address radon defense in 2023, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services cite that every county in Iowa is considered high risk for radon. Learn more about radon in Iowa by checking out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/radiological-health/radon" target="_blank">Iowa’s Public Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Kansas</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 61% <strong>(T - #17)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications</li> <li>School testing required :No<br /> <br /> As of October 27, 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated their state standards to follow AARST standards. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists is one of the two main national regulatory bodies for radon in the US, and professionals that follow their standards should lead to more exact and reliable Radon testing throughout Kansas. For more on radon in Kansas, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1009/Radiation-Right-To-Know" target="_blank">Kansas Public Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Kentucky</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% <strong>(T - #12)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Registration</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> While no new legislation was put in place to combat radon in Kentucky in 2023, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services promotes Radon Action Month, a Radon Awareness poster contest, and a video contest. The Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals (KARP) is an additional group active within the state leading the fight against radon through spreading awareness, and promoting professionalism in the testing and mitigation industry. For more information on radon in Kentucky, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dphps/emb/Pages/radon.aspx" target="_blank">Team Kentucky</a> official public health website.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Louisiana</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 7% <strong>(#48, Lowest percentage in the US)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> The state with the lowest percentage of homes found with dangerous levels of radon, Louisiana remains mostly unregulated when it comes to testing and mitigation. With no new radon legislation in 2023, it is important to remember that every home is unique, and the EPA advises that there is no known safe level of radon. For more information on radon in Louisiana, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://deq.louisiana.gov/faq/category/32" target="_blank">Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Maine</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% <strong>(T - #19)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Registration</li> <li>School testing required: School testing is recommended<br /> <br /> With most Maine counties registering in Zone 3 (the average home has over 4.0 pCi/L of radon), Maine is one of the more regulated states in the US. There was no new radon-related legislation registered in 2023. For more information on the state of radon in Maine, visit their official public health website at the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/rad/radon/hp-radon.htm" target="_blank">Maine Division of Environmental and Community Health</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Maryland</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 43% <strong>(#37)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> In 2023, Maryland took a major step forward in combating dangerous radon levels by requiring testing in both multifamily and single-family rentals. While this is a big step forward, homeowners should remember that testing professionals aren’t required to be certified to perform radon testing or mitigation. Remember to ask if your radon professional is certified by NRPP or NRSB before scheduling your radon test. Read more on radon in Maryland at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/air/radon.html" target="_blank">Maryland’s Department of Environmental Protection</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Massachusetts</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 51% <strong>(#29)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> There’s been no new legislation regarding radon in 2023 in Massachusetts. With no school testing requirements and no credential requirements, homeowners should ensure they hire appropriately trained radon testing professionals for the most accurate results. Visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/radon-get-the-facts" target="_blank">Massachusetts official public health website</a>for more info on radon in the state.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Michigan</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 54% <strong>(T - #27)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> While there has been no new legislation related to radon in Michigan in 2023, officials continue to spread awareness on the dangers of radon for homeowners. Per a statement from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2024/01/01/january-2024-radon-action-month" target="_blank">Gov. Gretchen Whitmer</a>, January is Radon Action Month in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recommend testing every two years, since building foundations can develop new cracks as homes settle. Homeowners can purchase test kits themselves through the Michigan public health website, but to avoid user error and to take advantage of more reliable testing equipment, they should contact a radon testing professional. For more information on radon in Michigan, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/indoor-radon" target="_blank">Michigan’s official public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minnesota</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 72% <strong>(T - #7)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Minnesota sees some of the highest levels of radon in the country. Appropriately, professionals follow state licensing requirements, which ensures more standardized, effective testing and mitigation for homeowners. Although no new legislation regarding radon defense was passed in 2023, radon continues to be a concern on the radar of Minnesota lawmakers. For more information on radon in Minnesota, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/index.html" target="_blank">Minnesota’s Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mississippi</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: <strong>N/A (no tests recorded)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> With no credential requirements and limited testing as recorded by AARST’s radon report cards, Mississippi homeowners should take their home’s health into their own hands. Remember, the CDC advises that there is <strong>no</strong> safe level of radon, and hiring a radon testing professional with NRPP or AARST certifications is the best way to know how to act. For more information on radon in Mississippi, visit the official <a class="color-secondary" href="https://msdh.ms.gov/page/44,0,100.html" target="_blank">Mississippi State Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Missouri</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 61% <strong>(T - #17)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Missouri is another state with high radon levels, but limited legislation governing radon professionals or protecting homebuyers. With that said, the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://ephtn.dhss.mo.gov/EPHTN_Data_Portal/radon/index.php" target="_blank"> Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services</a> does offer a comprehensive county by county breakdown of average radon levels. While these should not be used to determine the state of radon in an individual home, this information may be beneficial in determining the urgency of radon testing and mitigation.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Montana</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 71% <strong>(#9)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> With some of the highest concentrations of radon gas in the country, Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality offers resources for residents to easily locate home test kits, and contact mitigation providers. Since Montana does not require specific credentials from radon professionals, be sure to ask if your contractor or inspector is certified. For more information about radon in Montana, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/radon" target="_blank">official public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Nebraska</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 81% <strong>(#2)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> With some of the most cases of dangerous radon in the US, Nebraska is only edged by one state when it comes to the percentage of homes with moderate to high radon levels. Nebraska’s Cancer Plan is designed to spread awareness, promote radon resistant construction techniques, and educate local health professionals on testing for radon (among other goals). Homeowners in Nebraska should take advantage of their resources in order to reduce the effects of radon for their families. For more info on radon in Nebraska, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Radon.aspx" target="_blank">Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Nevada</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 48% <strong>(#31)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Legislation related to radon is limited in Nevada, and testing and mitigation professionals are not required to be licensed. Dangerous levels of radon are detected in every state. For homeowners looking to stay updated on radon in Nevada, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/Radon/Radon_-_Home/" target="_blank">Nevada’s official public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>New Hampshire</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% <strong>(T - #19)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Private Certifications required for Mitigation</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Known as “The Granite State,” radon is a particular concern in New Hampshire due to the high amount of granite found in its environment, which is known to release the colorless, odorless gas into water and into the air. For more information on radon in New Hampshire, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/environmental-health-and-you/radon" target="_blank">New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>New Jersey</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 30% <strong>(#44)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Thanks to regulations adopted in 2022, New Jersey requires certifications for radon testing and mitigation, ensuring standardized, higher quality information and protection for its residents. To stay up to date on the state of radon in New Jersey, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/radon/" target="_blank">New Jersey’s public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>New Mexico</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 58% <strong>(T - #22)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Due to underlying minerals throughout New Mexico, a high amount of radon gas is present in many residential properties. There are many public awareness efforts and motions to provide access to test kits and quality testing professionals, but the state remains largely unregulated. To learn more about radon in New Mexico, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/Radon.html" target="_blank">New Mexico’s Environmental Public Health Tracking website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>New York</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 47% <strong>(#32)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: School testing is recommended<br /> <br /> In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed January as “Radon Awareness Month” in the state of New York. Rightly, their public health website points out the importance of testing and the many routes that radon can enter the home, including cracks in the foundation, loose-fitting pipes, and through drinking water. Learn more about radon in New York at their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/" target="_blank">Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>North Carolina</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 45% <strong>(T - #34)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed January National Radon Action month in 2024. Since testers and mitigators still aren’t required to be credentialed in North Carolina, homeowners should seek out NRPP and AARST certified Radon professionals. For more on radon in NC, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/health-service-regulation/north-carolina-radon-program" target="_blank">Department of Health and Human Services website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>North Dakota</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 82% <strong>(#1, Highest percentage in the US)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> As the top state in the US for homes with the most dangerous levels of radon, North Dakotans recognize the importance of testing and mitigation systems when it comes to ensuring a healthy home. Per the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/north-dakota-getting-1m-for-radon-project/article_e1fdd51a-79a8-11ee-80db-ef624f8aca74.html" target="_blank">Bismarck Tribune</a>, the US Environmental Protection Agency is aloting $1 million dollars to the ND Department of Environmental Quality to better combat these issues. To learn more about how to combat radon in North Dakota, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://deq.nd.gov/wm/radon/" target="_blank">official public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ohio</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 77% <strong>(#4)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Ohio is one of the states with the most cause for concern regarding radon. In December 2023, the Ohio legislature further revised their safety codes surrounding radon testing and mitigation certifications to ensure professionals follow an appropriate standard throughout the state. For more information on radon in Ohio, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/radon-education-and-licensing-program/about-radon" target="_blank">public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Oklahoma</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 32% <strong>(#43)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> There was no new legislation passed in Oklahoma through 2023. To keep up to date on radon in OK, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.deq.ok.gov/land-protection-division/radiation/radiation-management-radon/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Environmental Quality website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Oregon</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 49% <strong>(#30)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> For residents, the Oregon Health Authority offers free short-term radon test kits to those that qualify for the Oregon Radon Awareness Program. While DIY tests can provide some insights, homeowners should look for certified professionals for an accurate reading of radon in their home. For more information on radon in Oregon, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/HEALTHYNEIGHBORHOODS/RADONGAS/Pages/index.aspx" target="_blank">public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pennsylvania</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 59% <strong>(T - #19)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, State Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania passed no new legislation for radon in 2023. To keep up to date on radon in PA, follow their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/RadiationProtection/RadonDivision/Pages/default.aspx#.VtnnlOZWv0k" target="_blank">Department of Environmental Protection</a> for more information.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Rhode Island</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 14% <strong>(#47)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses/Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> Although Rhode Island is one of the states with the lowest average incidences of high radon levels in households, their legislature recognizes the present threat of radon for their residents. In 2023, Rhode Island’s Radon Control Program was implemented to help ensure the state's standards for testing and mitigation. To learn more about radon in Rhode Island, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=28" target="_blank">Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>South Carolina</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 42% <strong>(#38)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> At this time, radon testing and mitigation professionals are not required to be credentialed in the state of South Carolina in order to perform services. To request a free test kit and learn more about radon in South Carolina, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://scdhec.gov/environment/your-home/radon" target="_blank">SC Department of Health and Environmental Control website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>South Dakota</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 76% <strong>(#5)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Despite a high percentage of homes in South Dakota lying within Zones 2 and 1 for high levels of radon, testing and mitigation is unregulated. Order your home’s radon testing with a nationally certified professional for actionable results. Learn more about radon in South Dakota at their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/Radon/default.aspx" target="_blank">Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Tennessee</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 57% <strong>(#24)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Tennessee saw no new radon defense legislation in 2023. Learn more about radon in TN at the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.tn.gov/environment/sustainability/programs/radon.html" target="_blank">Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Texas</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 20% <strong>(#46)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Although Texas does not require radon professionals to be credentialed, Texas Tech (the body that oversees Texas’ radon program) recommends professionals become nationally certified. To follow news related to radon in Texas, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.depts.ttu.edu/ceweb/radon/" target="_blank">Texas Tech University’s website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Utah</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 67% <strong>(T - #12)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Private Certifications with State Licenses for Mitigation</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Utah saw no new radon legislation in 2023. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Waste Management & Radiation Control does oversee the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://deq.utah.gov/waste-management-and-radiation-control/radon-program" target="_blank">Radon Program</a>, which guides residents through testing, and appropriate follow-up actions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Vermont</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 37% <strong>(#39)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> While there was no new radon legislation in Vermont in 2023, state officials urge residents to get their homes tested for radon, pointing out in particular how dangerous radon gas exposure can be for smokers. Read more about radon in Vermont on their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/tracking/radon" target="_blank">Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Virginia</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 55% <strong>(#26)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> Between October 1 and April 30, Virginia’s radon defense program offers discounted testing kits to residents, though they recommend hiring a trained professional for the best results. Read more on radon in Virginia and support options on the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/testing/" target="_blank">Virginia Department of Health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Washington</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 36% <strong>(T - #41)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> Recognizing the dangers of radon, Washington joins neighboring states in promoting the 2024 Pacific Northwest Radon Poster Contest to spread awareness. The contest is open to students between the ages 9 and 14 in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Washington State Department of Health reports more on radon within the state on their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/radon" target="_blank">official website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>West Virginia</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 63% <strong>(#16)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: Yes, Private Certifications with State Licenses</li> <li>School testing required: Yes<br /> <br /> In 2023, the West Virginia state Hazard Mitigation Plan expanded to include threats related to radon which projects potential growths of dangers to its residents. To learn more about radon in West Virginia, visit their official public health website <a class="color-secondary" href="https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/2024/Pages/West-Virginia-Department-of-Health-Urges-Residents-to-Test-for-Radon-during-National-Radon-Action-Month.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Wisconsin</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 72% <strong>(T - #7)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> In March of 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families began to require licensed child care providers to test for radon. While radon is a concern throughout the US, Wisconsin is one of the states with the highest rate of dangerous radon levels within homes. For more information on radon in Wisconsin, visit their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/index.htm" target="_blank">official public health website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Wyoming</strong></p> <ul> <li>Percentage of homes in Zones 2 and 1: 74% <strong>(#6)</strong></li> <li>Credentials required: No</li> <li>School testing required: No<br /> <br /> There was no new legislation related to radon passed in Wyoming in 2023. To follow the latest information about radon within the state, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/cancer-and-chronic-disease-prevention-unit/cancer/radon/" target="_blank">Wyoming Department of Health’s website</a>.</li> </ul> <p><em>If you are unaware of the state of radon in your home, contact <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">your local NPI inspector</a> today! When hiring your radon testing professional, ask them if they use a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM), and resolve to make your home safer and your family healthier in 2024.</em></p> 1577Selecting the Right Area Rug for Your Homehttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1576/selecting-the-right-area-rug-for-your-homeHome DecorMon, 08 Jan 2024 19:57:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">SELECTING THE RIGHT AREA RUG FOR YOUR HOME</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 8, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/living-room">living room</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bedroom">bedroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/floors">floors</a></p> <p>When it comes to planning the design of your new home, there are a number of factors that have a mighty impact on the look and feel of each room. We’ve already touched on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/pet-friendly-plants-to-incorporate-into-your-space">incorporating indoor plants</a> into your home’s decor, the importance of even slightly <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/painting-perspectives-how-to-pick-the-right-shade-of-white-for-your-home">different shades of paint</a>, and how <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/interior-design-tips-finding-your-homes-feng-shui">a room's layout</a> impacts our psyches. However, there’s one more interior design feature that packs a major punch when it comes to setting the tone of a home, one that deserves its own due attention.</p> <p>Floor rugs come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, and the way that they’re incorporated into a room’s design can be the final touch that ties everything together. Considering how much of a struggle it can be to select the perfect rug (for the right price), let’s discuss how to get things right the first time.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Factors to Consider when Picking an Area Rug</span><br /> An alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs can be incorporated into nearly every room in the house, and they come in many different styles, though the top concern for most people will be cost. Depending on material and size, area rugs can be a hefty investment, and although homeowners might prefer a larger rug to cover their living room or dining room, smaller options can still leave a powerful statement without breaking the bank.</p> <p>Outside of cost, the best size for an area rug is usually dictated by the furniture in the room and the room’s dimensions. In an open floor plan, rugs can be used to create a sense of separation, creating a clear space for watching TV on one side and defining a dining room on another. Often, homeowners should try to find a rug that encompasses all of the furniture within each defined space. But when costs are a limiting factor, there are some ways to get creative with rug stacking and placement that can help you achieve that cohesive look.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pick the Material with Location and Lifestyle in Mind</span><br /> Outside of pattern and style (which mostly comes down to taste), an area rug’s material should be selected based on how the space is used. In rooms that face a ton of foot traffic or the wear and tear of pets and children, experienced interior designers know it’s best to opt for durable and stain-resistant synthetic materials. For spaces where eventual damage is expected, carpet squares might be the best choice. Carpet squares can be easily swapped out when a pesky stain won’t come out or wear and tear leaves the space looking a bit too shabby.</p> <p>On the other end of the spectrum, there are many plant-based options that vary greatly in look and comfort. Sisal, sea-grass, and jute rugs are all great choices. While they are usually less durable than synthetic material rugs, they tend to be a more cost-effective option. When picking a rug for spaces that don’t have to hold up to much strain, like the master bedroom, it’s okay to prioritize comfort over some of these other aspects with cotton, silk, or wool. Wool is one of the most popular rug materials due to its comfort, impressive durability and stain resistance. It should be noted that wool’s high price reflects these premier traits.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Recognize Different Placement Options</span><br /> Homeowners can get creative with rug placement to achieve their desired look and feel while working with their available resources. When possible, rugs should be large enough to hold all furniture legs in an area and then leave 12-18 inches of space away from the wall for the best feel, but when this isn’t possible, placing only the front legs of the couch and chairs on the rug can work just as well. In situations where homeowners are trying to be as conservative as possible with their spending, choosing a rug that encompasses only a central coffee table is also a fine option (assuming your standard living room layout).</p> <p>In the bedroom, interior designers follow a similar philosophy of trying to cover all furniture when possible, and tapering forward when space is limited. The main thing that homeowners should remember in this space is to prioritize the sides of the bed when placing the rug, rather than the foot of the bed. The master bed is the focal point of the room, and the area rug placement should ensure that your feet land on something soft when waking up in the morning. Another option in this area that some might overlook is to go for two longer rugs on the left and right side of the bed, rather than one large rug.</p> <p>Area rugs can be that final piece that ties a home’s interior design concepts together. For some extra inspiration, take a look at some <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.thespruce.com/2024-carpet-and-rug-trends-8400781" target="_blank">trends for 2024</a> by designers over at the Spruce, and let your imagination go wild!</p> <p><em>Did you <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/did-you-skip-your-buyers-inspection">forget to schedule your buyer's inspection</a> before closing on your home? Don’t worry - you can still get the benefit of a home inspection this year! Contact <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">your local NPI home inspector</a> to learn more.</em></p> 1576Does Your Home Need To Be Tested for Radon?https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1575/does-your-home-need-to-be-tested-for-radonDIY,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 01 Jan 2024 19:24:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">DOES YOUR HOME NEED TO BE TESTED FOR RADON?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 1, 2024 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/radon">radon</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/foundation">foundation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ventilation">ventilation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a></p> <p>Every year, people all around the world make resolutions to live a little more productively, pick up a healthier lifestyle, and maybe make smarter choices with their money. While many resolutions revolve around bettering their own lives in some way, most should consider whether they’ve been showing their homes the same amount of care and attention. The unfortunate truth is that many homes carry hazards that owners are completely unaware of, hazards that present a very real and persistent threat to their own health and the health of their families.</p> <p>Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that infiltrates homes through natural processes such as through miniscule cracks in the foundation or through drinking water. Homes everywhere are impacted by radon to a certain extent, but homeowners continue to be mostly unaware of the ever-present danger that this gas poses as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. According to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon" target="_blank">EPA</a>, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, and 2,900 of those deaths were people who never smoked in their lives.</p> <p>January is known as National Radon Action Month, a time to bring awareness to the increased efforts each state is taking to fight radon and to alert unaware homeowners that the time is now to learn the condition of their homes. Although the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.cdc.gov/radon/radon-facts.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20known%20safe,air%20(pCi%2FL)." target="_blank">CDC</a> rightly advises that there is no safe level of radon, knowing the levels of your home can help you determine what mitigation efforts best fit your needs. Radon testing is essential to ensure a healthy home environment for families, but not all testing is created equal.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Free Charcoal Test Kits</span><br /> One advancement that many states have been making when it comes to radon awareness and defense is the availability of free testing kits. Today, nearly every state offers a program where homeowners can order do-it-yourself test kits that are meant to give a general idea regarding the level of radon within a home. The problem is that these free tests don’t give the full picture, and they can often be misleading regarding the status of radon in a house.</p> <p>Charcoal test kits, which tend to be the free option available in most states, are based on the ability of charcoal to absorb radon gas between a few days and up to a few months, taking advantage of how these materials naturally react to one another. While these tests seem user-friendly and are certainly cost effective, they face a number of hurdles that ultimately make them unhelpful more times than not.</p> <p>For one, while charcoal is meant to absorb radon throughout its test period, radon isn’t the only element known to affect charcoal. The <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8122700/" target="_blank">National Library of Medicine</a> took a deep dive on the subject, placing the effect of humidity, time table, and temperature under consideration as influencing factors for the effectiveness of charcoal as a radon test. Put simply, charcoal test kits can be distorted by natural factors, even in controlled scenarios. With free test kits, results are also affected by inevitable mistakes untrained homeowners may potentially make.</p> <p>The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that homeowners order tests through state or nationally certified radon testing professionals for a number of reasons beyond the fact that specially trained contractors have the knowledge to aid a more accurate reading. First, licensed or certified contractors are subject to one of the two recognized radon proficiency programs: the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional#who" target="_blank">National Radon Proficiency Program</a> (sometimes also known as AARST or the Indoor Environments Association) and the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://nrsb.org/" target="_blank">National Radon Safety Board</a>. Certified professionals perform radon tests that aren’t subject to the same user error probability in DIY home tests.</p> <p>Additionally, certified professionals use labs that are regulated while consumer labs aren’t required to have any certification whatsoever. Radon is a prominent danger in homes throughout the U.S., and although more access is available for testing than ever before, homeowners who want the most accurate reading of radon levels in their home should stick with a certified professional.</p> <p><em>Every NPI home inspector’s goal is to keep their clients informed and confident about the condition of their homes. Find an NPI inspector <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">near you</a> to schedule a Radon test today!</em></p> 1575How to Have a Very Merry Christmas (and Other Holiday Home Safety Tips)https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1566/how-to-have-a-very-merry-christmas-and-other-holiday-home-safety-tipsHoliday,Home Maintenance,Just for Fun,SafetyMon, 25 Dec 2023 19:19:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS (AND OTHER HOLIDAY HOME SAFETY TIPS)</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 25, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/winter">winter</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/pets">pets</a></p> <p>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all who celebrate!</p> <p>The holiday season is a great opportunity to take some time off from work and enjoy friends and family. While these breaks can certainly have its joyful moments, there’s something about meeting up with friends and family that can lead to an air of chaos. If you’re expecting guests who have a tendency of getting caught in hairy situations, it just might be smart to take a few safety precautions along the way.</p> <p>To ensure a very merry Christmas break, here are a few home safety tips homeowners should keep in mind while weathering the holidays.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Monitor Ice and Snow</span><br /> If you’re expecting a degree of icy or snowy weather throughout the holidays, it may be wise to make some extra efforts to keep your driveway and sidewalks cleared. You may have family members in town who aren’t used to dealing with frosty conditions. Take precautions that no one gets hurt from slipping on unattended patches of ice. With that said, those that may have the impulse of piling on the sidewalk salt or other ice melt solutions should wait and rethink their options.</p> <p>While effective at melting ice, rock salt can also damage shoes and clothing, and its corrosive effects can even damage vehicles as well as your home’s masonry. According to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/snep/winter-coming-and-it-tons-salt-our-roads" target="_blank">EPA</a>, salt causes roughly five billion dollars worth of damage on an annual basis, and ice melt products can have long-reaching effects on your lawn, extending cracks in the cement and expediting erosion. Take the time to hunt for environmentally-friendly options and then use it sparingly only after shoveling for the best experience.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Anticipate Electrical Overload</span><br /> With more guests in the home than usual, it’s reasonable to expect a bit more power demand. Often, homeowners don’t realize that they’re running near their limitations of single circuit power usage until someone new comes along and plugs in an extra heater, hairdryer, or laptop charger. Rather than deal with the ensuing panic from an outage, realize that overloads are easily correctable with some reconfiguration.</p> <p>Usually outages occur when a single circuit is overloaded, so homeowners can work to utilize their circuits that are under less use by moving new devices into these other parts of the house. If you don’t already have access to your home’s circuit map, it may be useful to create your own and then make a rough calculation to determine where you may be close to exceeding a circuit’s limitation (for more information on how to create a circuit map, check out this guide from experts at the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/preventing-electrical-overloads/" target="_blank">Family Handyman</a>).</p> <p>One final point regarding electrical concerns: keep in mind that if guests bring their pets along for the trip, extra precautions may be needed to tuck cords and Christmas lights away from easy access. Cats and dogs are notorious for letting their curiosity get the better of them. In this case, it may be better to help them avoid a shocking life lesson.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Cook with Ambition (and Prepare a Backup)</span><br /> Family reunions tend to be accompanied by an anticipated feast, and as the host, it’s not out of the ordinary to try new things. Broadening your cooking horizons is a great idea! But for those that are particularly inexperienced in the kitchen, take some time to review a few basic cooking safety tips before diving head first into that new recipe.</p> <p>Start off by confirming that your emergency equipment is working properly (meaning your smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit). Then, make sure you are appropriately attired for the job - that means no dangling necklaces or loose-fitting clothing that could get tangled up in the activity. Finally, most kitchen fires occur simply due to leaving food unattended. Limit distractions and maybe recruit a cooking partner, then have at it (and review some extra cooking safety tips per the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.redcross.org/local/dc-va-md-de/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/10-Holiday-Cooking-Safety-Tips-from-Red-Cross.html" target="_blank">Red Cross</a>)!</p> <p>As a final note, although fumbling a new recipe and having to pivot to a tried-and-true backup can be disappointing, remember that the main point of the holidays is to enjoy each other’s company. Best of luck!</p> <p><em>From everyone here at National Property Inspections, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!</em></p> 1566What to Expect: How Long Does a Typical Home Inspection Take?https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1565/what-to-expect-how-long-does-a-typical-home-inspection-takeHome InspectionMon, 18 Dec 2023 19:14:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WHAT TO EXPECT: HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION TAKE?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 18, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/windows">windows</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/attic">attic</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/mold">mold</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/radon">radon</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/HVAC">HVAC</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/insulation">insulation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ventilation">ventilation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/first-time-homeowner">first-time homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p>Purchasing a home can be one of the most simultaneously exciting and stressful processes anyone will go through. Considering the sizable investment and the long-reaching impact that a closing negotiation can have on both the buyer and the seller, it is completely understandable to lose a couple winks of sleep while worrying about each odd detail of a home’s sale. In these instances, buyers (especially first-time homebuyers) who learn about the need of a home inspection can get a bit antsy through the process, viewing the inspection as a roadblock to their homeownership.</p> <p>This is where a frequently answered question comes into play: <em> How long does a home inspection take?</em></p> <p>While there may be a typical range of time to expect for a general home inspection, there are a wide array of factors that make this question tough to answer point blank. However, in the interest of easing any concerns, we will take some time today to discuss how long a home inspection takes, what can extend or shorten the process, and why a <em>good</em> home inspector needs this time. To begin, let’s review what a home inspection is and why it is a necessary part of every home’s sale.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What is a Home Inspection?</span><br /> A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential property with the intent to determine the condition of a home on a specified date (see InterNACHI’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm" target="_blank">Standards of Practice</a> for more information). To put it another way, a home inspection is when a professional home inspector tours the grounds, takes pictures, and uses what they find to develop a home inspection report. This inspection report can then be taken as a summary of a house’s condition, a starting point for needed repairs, and a potential tool to help a buyer negotiate with their seller while closing the sale.</p> <p>Without an inspection report, a homebuyer is walking into their new house blind to its potential issues and unaware of actionable steps that could avert costly breakdowns in the future. So, when buyers ask how long their home inspection will take, we’d like to start by pointing back to the whole idea of the inspection. The report is there to save them time in the future, money if the home is in need of repairs, and unneeded stress if a key system is out of working order suddenly.</p> <p>Some of the features that a home inspector examines include (but are not limited to):</p> <ul> <li>The roof</li> <li>The home’s exterior (including stairs, porches, balconies, siding, and landscape)</li> <li>The basement & foundation</li> <li>Heating & cooling systems</li> <li>Plumbing</li> <li>Electrical systems</li> <li>The attic</li> <li>Insulation & ventilation</li> <li>Doors, windows, & other interior features</li> </ul> <p>On top of these features, a home inspector can also perform additional services to add further value to their report. Some of these additional services may include:</p> <ul> <li>Radon testing (because <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.cdc.gov/radon/radon-facts.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20known%20safe,air%20(pCi%2FL)." target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>, there is no safe level of radon)</li> <li>Mold inspections and testing</li> <li>Infrared inspections (learn more about energy audits <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/what-an-energy-audit-can-do-for-you">here</a>)</li> <li>Sewer and septic system inspections</li> <li>Wood destroying organism inspections (WDO/WDI for pests like termites or carpenter ants)</li> <li>Indoor air quality testing</li> </ul> <p>For an inspector to thoroughly examine all of these features, buyers should be checking to ensure the professional they hired is spending enough time on-site, rather than anticipating speedy completion. A good home inspector is an unbiased, third-party expert that takes the appropriate time needed to produce a report that fulfills the agreed upon scale and scope of the job. Just as every home has its own unique features and quirks, every home inspection will vary. Still, to set some appropriate expectations, let’s discuss how much time you should pencil in for your own home inspection.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How Long is a Home Inspection?</span><br /> The duration of a home inspection will vary from property to property and from inspector to inspector. For the average property, buyers should expect an inspector to spend anywhere from <strong>two to four hours on-site</strong>, then plan to receive their report between <strong>one and three business days</strong> later. Of course, the best way to get an idea of how long an inspector will take to deliver an inspection report is to ask them.</p> <p>Licensed property inspectors are trained to understand a wide array of home features and defects, and an experienced inspector will be able to accurately estimate the time required to fulfill a job after gathering key facts, such as:</p> <ul> <li>The size of the home (its square footage, number of floors, and number of complex systems–larger homes can have more than one HVAC system, for example)</li> <li>The age of the home (older homes tend to have more issues or quirks that need to be pointed out within the report)</li> <li>The condition of the home (neglected homes will also have more features that need to be further examined and described within the report, which will take more time)</li> </ul> <p>A property inspection is a complex, important job, but an experienced and well-trained inspector may have unique knowledge with certain types of homes or certain specific builders prevalent in an area. A great inspector fit for the job can cut down on time due to their comfort with the process, or an inspector may be able to dive deeper on a unique home feature depending on their specialized background. This all means that just as no two homes are the same, no two home inspections are the same either.</p> <p>At the end of the day, your own home inspection is whatever you make of it! You can order any number of add-on services to expand on what you know about your home, and you can use your inspector as a go-to advisor for any number of questions along the way. To get started, you can <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">contact your local NPI inspector</a> to discuss availability today!</p> <p><em>Interested in learning more about home inspections? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Resource-Center">Visit our resource center</a>!</em></p> 1565How to be a Good Host During the Holidayshttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1564/how-to-be-a-good-host-during-the-holidaysCleaning Tips,Holiday,Home Decor,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,Just for Fun,SafetyMon, 11 Dec 2023 19:09:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO BE A GOOD HOST DURING THE HOLIDAYS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 11, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just For Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/winter">winter</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/living-room">living room</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/organization">organization</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kids">kids</a></p> <p>Hosting family and friends over the holidays can be a tough task. On one hand, it’s wonderful to reconnect with loved ones, especially those that live far away. On the other hand, getting a busy home in order can feel like an intimidating task after a year of balancing a demanding work schedule along with messy pets, and maybe kids with their own affinity for chaos. In preparation for the holidays, here are a few extra things that you can do to go above and beyond making your out-of-town guests feel welcome!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Check On Your Roof’s Stability</span><br /> One pet peeve that is so common for guests is lack of decent parking. Whatever system that’s worked for your family throughout the rest of the year likely will have to change at least a bit once a new vehicle is introduced. So, unless you’re blessed with a larger-than-average parking situation, consider thinking ahead for some alternatives that allow extra room for guests.</p> <p>The common holiday struggle of juggling cars in the driveway is exactly why some considerate guests may take it upon themselves to use some sorely underutilized parking areas - such as the space on top of your roof. What many fail to realize is roofs are left tragically unused by the majority of homeowners. Their surface area is easily large enough to house the family vehicle, whether you drive a GMC Yukon or a sleigh with eight to nine tiny reindeer.</p> <p>Of course, the one issue with this parking space is that homeowners can be neglectful of their roofs. Between loose shingles and the build up of moss and algae due to moisture, roofs can commonly see their lifespans shortened if certain issues are left unaddressed. This leaves more room for water intrusion and increasingly unstable footholds for roof pedestrians. According to home maintenance professionals over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/foundations/reviews/water-damage-statistics" target="_blank">This Old House</a>, water damage due to a leaky roof is actually one of the most costly issues homeowners face.</p> <p>Checking up on your roof’s condition through <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">a home maintenance inspection</a> with a residential inspection professional, or even conducting a few <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/tips-to-prolong-the-life-of-your-roof-and-your-home">DIY roof maintenance activities</a> on your own may be wise in preparation for your holiday guests.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Ensure Easy Chimney Access</span><br /> When it comes to welcoming your guests into your home, it’s also wise to start off with a good first impression. Entryways and mudrooms have a tendency to gather clutter over time with coats, boots, and bags all vying for their own convenient resting places. Because of this, it’s understandable that these spaces can become blindspots for home organization efforts - but this common issue doesn’t have to become a hurdle during the holiday season!</p> <p>Try to set some time aside to reorganize all of your entryways, find new <em>permanent</em> homes for any clutter or stray items, and consider developing a new system to keep these areas that way in the meantime. We’ve previously discussed the benefits of doing this <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/home-organization-tips-for-back-to-school-season">before the school year</a>, but these concepts can come in handy any time of the year if your home is in need of a bit of a reset!</p> <p>On the subject of cluttered entryways, one route that is almost universally ignored is, of course, the chimney! Climbing down the flue at late hours of the night (while often battling slippery rooftop snow and ice) is tough enough on its own <em>before</em> encountering the dust, soot, and sometimes other obstructions like twigs, bird’s nests, or even living animals. Did you know that neglected chimneys naturally fill up with flammable materials, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected every year (check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyMZU1FlxWM" target="_blank">their informational video on this subject</a>)?</p> <p>Before the holidays, take some time to clean up all of your entryways and order a chimney inspection! For more information on the importance of chimney maintenance, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/4-things-that-can-go-wrong-with-your-chimney">here are a few things</a> that can go wrong when left ignored for too long.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider Some New Home Decor</span><br /> Finally, nothing makes a guest feel welcome quite like some nice, nostalgic, cozy holiday decor. Take some time to hang stockings by the chimney, add lights to your front doorway, and wrap garland around your banister. Or go all out with the holiday decorating traditions your family enjoys! Celebrating the holidays with your guests can look very different from household to household, but those that make the effort to clearly switch things up will have a lot more luck ushering in some yuletide glee.</p> <p>Now concerning snacks, it is safe to assume that your guests will get a little peckish when you’re not around. Allowing them free reign to rummage through your cupboards can feel invasive. Instead, leave out a plate at night (preferably near the chimney) and add your choice of midnight treats (maybe a few sugar cookies and a cup of milk, for example). Ultimately, there’s no exact formula for creating a festive home. But if you’re looking for more ideas and inspiration, here are <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/10-easy-ways-to-create-a-festive-home">a few more options</a> to ensure a very Merry Christmas.</p> <p><em>Still wondering if your home is ready for the rigor of your upcoming winter shindig? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Contact your local NPI Inspector</a> to see how they can help prep your home for the holidays!</em></p> 1564Will Your Next Home Be Printed?https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1563/will-your-next-home-be-printedHome Maintenance,Just for FunMon, 04 Dec 2023 19:04:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WILL YOUR NEXT HOME BE PRINTED?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 4, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/walls">walls</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p>A more recent technology that’s been making its rounds by disrupting and inspiring innovations across industries is 3D printing. Glasses, shoes, car parts, prosthetics, and movie props are all being 3D-printed today, and the speculation of how this technology might change people’s everyday lives seems to be at an all-time high. With the speed and ease that common items can be printed, some have started to think even <em>bigger</em>.</p> <p>Enter businesses like Texas-based <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.iconbuild.com/" target="_blank">ICON</a>, Denmark's <a class="color-secondary" href="https://cobod.com/" target="_blank">COBOD</a>, and Shanghai's <a class="color-secondary" href="http://www.winsun3d.com/En/" target="_blank">Winsun</a>, who all believe that 3D printing is the future of home manufacturing. Citing shockingly quick construction times, cheaper costs, and little required human oversight, many believe that 3D-printed homes becoming the norm is less of an “if,” and more of a “when.” So, if you’re curious to find out what your future home will look like, let’s discuss the process of 3D-printed homes!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Are 3D-Printed Homes?</span><br /> 3D printing homes is actually quite similar to the process used when 3D printing other mundane items. Also known as “additive manufacturing,” 3D printing involves a machine printer containing a robotic arm dispenser, a chosen material to use in the item creation (usually plastic for most things unrelated to building construction), and a blueprint design that directs the machine’s intricate motions. Printing homes works largely the same way - just <em>bigger</em>.</p> <p>In-home 3D printers are usually around the size of a standard office printer. However, the devices used to construct residential buildings consist of a meters-long frame due to the fact that any 3D printer needs to be larger than whatever it creates. This “macro-printer” squeezes out a paste (usually cement, but sometimes plastic, metal, sand, or clay) which solidifies as walls are slowly built line-by-line and layer-by-layer. The resulting structure is made up of gray, horizontal ridges before specialists then add “second-fix installments,” like plumbing, electrical wiring, doors, and windows.</p> <p>Today, 3D-printed homes are still quite rare, but many believe that these homes could start popping up around the world in no time. Dubai, for instance, has made the most committed plan, working toward 25% of new buildings 3D-printed by 2030 (read more from journalists over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://3dprint.com/131629/uae-3d-printed-homes/" target="_blank">3DPrint</a>). Is 3D printing a passing fad, or a realistic answer to today’s housing problems? Let’s review some of the technology’s pros and cons to decide!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Are The Benefits Of 3D-Printed Homes?</span><br /> When going to one of the prominent 3D home printing company’s websites, you’ll find plenty of impressive benefits to this new technology, starting with its speed. While traditionally constructed homes can be built in under seven months, 3D printing cuts this time span to under two - with some claiming a print time of a day, or even a few hours! Printers don’t require the same amount of human oversight or the number of laborers and there is less wasted materials during 3D printing, so the prices of constructing these homes also drop.</p> <p>Quick construction times with affordability? Rightly, many have looked towards the advancements in 3D printing as a possible answer to the housing crisis not just in the United States and Canada, but across the globe. Unfortunately, as can be expected, things are rarely as perfect as they first appear.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Are The Concerns?</span><br /> The first clear limitation with 3D homes are their printers. The printers are costly, and there aren’t a lot of them available. On top of this, even the larger 3D home printers aren’t large enough to construct multi-family homes or many commercial buildings. In a world where skyscrapers are so common, this seriously reduces the current usefulness of these tools as a practical construction option. The fact is that most 3D buildings that have been shown off to date are modestly sized, modern structures with admittedly eye-catching curvilinear designs.</p> <p>On top of this, construction-scale 3D printing companies have a negative reputation of poor transparency on their projects. While they might advertise full construction in a single day, closer inspection reveals that they’re really just referring to printing the walled structure without including the time to add interior and exterior finishes, the foundation, the roof, windows, doors, and other key home systems like plumbing and electricity. Additionally, these structures are usually printed <em>off-site</em>, meaning they need to be transported and reassembled in the home’s final location later on.</p> <p>Other benefits may also be negative attributes as well, like the elimination of laborer jobs. While this technique might add new jobs managing the equipment, 3D printing seems to take away more on-site jobs than it adds. Since this technology and process is so new, learning how well these homes hold up over time is also up for debate. As many argue today (such as Jack Morley, former architect, on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/3d-printed-buildings-future-or-gimmick/" target="_blank">Archtizer</a>), 3D-printed buildings might be more sizzle than substance at the moment.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Is The Outlook For 3D Home-Printing?</span><br /> To answer the question posed in the title: no. Your next home likely will not be 3D-printed. However, the technology does offer a number of benefits that may be added to the overall toolkit of home construction over the next few decades. Further innovations like the ability to use wood and other bioplastics can also improve 3D printing’s ecological footprint, making it even more of a draw.</p> <p>In all likelihood, 3D-printed homes will likely continue to be an occasional oddity best used when the conditions are just right, or traditional construction options are limited. For instance, per <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nasa.gov/technology/manufacturing-materials-3-d-printing/nasa-looks-to-advance-3d-printing-construction-systems-for-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank">NASA</a>, there could be future bases on the Moon and Mars created with 3D printing construction.</p> <p><em>We, at NPI, love to keep up with all of the latest trends and innovations in home construction, maintenance, and design! To make sure your home is up to snuff in every weather, remember to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">schedule</a> your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Inspection-Services/Specialty-Services">annual home maintenance inspection</a> today!</em></p> 1563Setting the Stage for Your Home Sale: DIY Home-Staging Tipshttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1562/setting-the-stage-for-your-home-sale-diy-home-staging-tipsCleaning Tips,DIY,Home MaintenanceMon, 27 Nov 2023 18:53:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">SETTING THE STAGE FOR YOUR HOME SALE: DIY HOME-STAGING TIPS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 27, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/living-room">living room</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bedroom">bedroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/windows">windows</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/floors">floors</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/painting">painting</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-seller">home seller</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a></p> <p>When putting your home on the market, you obviously want to get as much out of the sale as you can. And ideally, you’d like the process to run quickly. Throughout the years, agents, interior designers, and other real estate professionals have searched for the best strategies to make residential transactions move as smoothly as possible, and what they’ve discovered is the fine art of <em>home staging</em>.</p> <p>Home staging is the act of redecorating, cleaning, and designing a home so that buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. Real estate agents are professionals at accentuating the strengths of a home while bringing any flaws into perspective, and home staging is there to reinforce these efforts through what potential buyers actually see and experience during a tour.</p> <p>According to a National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Research Group’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2023-profile-of-home-staging-03-30-2023.pdf" target="_blank">2023 Study</a>, 81% of buyers’ agents said that home staging made it easier to visualize the property as their future home. Despite this, many home sellers skip this step in order to save on costs. Since the largest investment most people will make is their home, home staging is well worth the cost and time commitment.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3 Options for Home-Staging</span><br /> Home sellers can go in a few different directions when planning to stage their homes, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses:</p> <ul> <li><strong>The Do-It-Yourself Option</strong><br /> By far the most cost-effective, albeit demanding option is going the DIY route. There are tons of things that can be done to stage a home better which sellers can easily implement quickly and at a low cost, However, due to limited experience in real estate, it is possible that these quick changes can do more harm than good without expert advice. Still, depending on comfort and home maintenance experience, sellers should always look at doing some DIY home staging.</li> <li><strong>Ask Your Agent</strong><br /> Real Estate Agents know what buyers are looking for and what might turn them away from a purchase. For staging a home, sellers should draw from their agents as much as they can and lean on their perspectives when possible. Some agents may even offer up things like alternative furniture to borrow, welcoming artwork, and other resources to help present the home in its best light.</li> <li><strong>Hire a Professional Home Stager</strong><br /> Finally, for the most hands-off approach, sellers should look into hiring a professional home stager that works in their area. Minor repairs, temporary decorations, and new interior furniture orientation all designed to ensure selling a home at its highest possible value can all be expected when working with these servicers at reasonable rates.</li> </ul> <p>All of these options will improve a seller's experience while their house is on the market, but let’s tackle some of the most effective DIY home staging tips for those looking to maximize their ROI!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Target the High Impact Areas</span><br /> The first thing to keep in mind when thinking about staging a home for sale is that you don’t have to fix every single problem you have with your property. The best thing that a homeowner can do is to focus on the “high impact” areas of their house, in other words, the places that most influence a buyer’s decision on whether to make an offer. Within the home, this means the living room, the kitchen, the master bedroom, and (to a lesser extent) the dining room. If these areas are all attractive and inviting, offers are bound to come quickly!</p> <p>In general, one change that may be worth making throughout these areas is to switch from carpet to hardwood flooring wherever possible. Carpets can get worn and stained, and it’s often replaced or removed when new homeowners move in anyway. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, have widespread appeal, and that’s what home staging is really all about. Remove aspects of the home that might turn buyers away, and replace them with neutral or commonly preferred alternatives.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Make Your Available Space Look Usable</span><br /> Next, sellers should always look to accentuate the strengths of their homes, and one way that they often miss out on this is by masking their homes' true size. Large or clunky furniture that fills up a room too much can make a home feel cramped and small. Additionally, rooms that serve more than one purpose (like a laundry room / exercise room) can make a house feel like it’s limited. Switch out that huge couch for one that shows off the floor space, and have each room focus on one purpose in particular to make it clear that potential buyers won’t struggle for breathing room.</p> <p>Next, homeowners need a lot of storage, but junk rooms do little to impress during open houses. Clear out any finished areas (including attics and basements!) and transform them into temporary offices or reading nooks to emphasize the possibilities. Even if that’s not how these spaces were used, the point of staging is to get the buyer’s mind thinking about what they could do with the home. Storage areas, unfortunately, don’t provide much inspiration.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">De-Personalize and Remove Controversy</span><br /> The best homes become a reflection of the people that live within them, but the fact is that whoever moves in next will have their own style preferences. This means that, although you might have loved your lime green wallpaper, it might be wise to take that down and repaint your living room with some neutral colors. A well-staged home should be like a blank canvas, not a finished work of art where buyers struggle to imagine different options.</p> <p>It’s for this same reason that agents recommend removing family photos, hobbyist equipment, and toys before showings. All of these are fabulous reflections of whoever lives in the house, but buyers don’t want to see someone else’s home - they want to see their potential home. Features that are distinct and remind buyers of what a home is distracts them from what the home could be in the future.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Clean! Clean! Clean!</span><br /> Finally - and this might be the most important advice to apply if you weren’t already planning on it - sellers should focus primarily on making their home as clean and fresh as possible! Bathrooms tend to become neglected overtime, windows need to be washed to let light in, and odd lingering odors should be addressed during the home staging process.</p> <p>For the exterior of the home, consider using a power washer as a quick way to vastly improve curb appeal without investing in a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, it can be a smart investment to purchase a new welcome mat and prioritize the front pathway. A successfully staged home will be fresh, inviting, and full of possibilities. Sellers who opt not to skip on the easy steps like home staging will see this small investment pay dividends after they close.</p> <p><em>If you’re looking to sell, have you considered ordering a Pre-Listing Inspection? Buyers who know a property’s condition upfront tend to reach agreements much quicker! <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Contact your local NPI home inspector</a> for a quote today.</em></p> 1562Homeownership Is A Journey. But Are Container Homes the Answer?https://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1557/homeownership-is-a-journey-but-are-container-homes-the-answerDIY,SafetyMon, 20 Nov 2023 15:24:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOMEOWNERSHIP IS A JOURNEY. BUT ARE CONTAINER HOMES THE ANSWER?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 20, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/real-estate">real estate</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/windows">windows</a></p> <p>The modern home comes in many strange and striking varieties. From the staple Mid-Century Modern to classical Queen Anne homes, the residential market never stops innovating to fit new tastes. One new trend that’s been turning heads and appealing heavily to DIYers everywhere is known as the <em>container home</em>. In other words, homes constructed fully out of shipping containers. That’s right! Although it may sound strange to those unfamiliar with the concept, many homeowners are using those same steel-based boxes used to transport goods across the ocean as bases for their own prefabricated house, or the start of an ambitious DIY project.</p> <p>So, are container homes just a quirky, trendy home alternative that’ll fade away in a few years, or can these lego houses make a practical impact that lasts? To try and answer that question, let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these homes tick.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What is a Container Home?</span><br /> Container homes are a newer trend of homebuilding that seems to be cut from the same cloth as <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/tiny-homes-a-forgotten-fad-or-a-major-movement">tiny homes</a>, appealing to individuals and families who would like to cut down on unnecessary space, while having an incredible amount of input on the construction of their homes. One way that container homes might differ from tiny homes, however, is in their creation.</p> <p>Shipping containers are designed to be extremely durable and weather-resistant to protect the materials within from the wear and tear of oceanic travels. However, due to the costs of shipping an empty container back across the ocean, most companies opt to sell their shipping containers on arrival. The result? Many large, steel containers are available across the United States for fairly low costs (in comparison to the price of a new, traditionally built home).</p> <p>Either privately or through a company that specializes in working with shipping containers, homeowners have been using either one, or multiple shipping containers stacking upon each other to create affordable, unique residential properties after a few adjustments (adding insulation, plumbing systems, doors, windows, etc.).</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Why are People Choosing to Live in Shipping Containers?</span><br /> As mentioned, container homes seem, in part, to appeal to the same sort of people interested in tiny homes. For some, having a more direct involvement in the construction of their home gives them a stronger sense of ownership and satisfaction over their property. For others, the low costs and quick construction are enough of a draw for them to opt into this style.</p> <p>Due to the high availability of shipping containers, some even believe that these homes are a natural answer to the housing crisis that much of the States are facing today (see more on the subject in <a class="color-secondary" href="https://renovated.com/can-shipping-container-homes-ease-the-housing-crisis/#:~:text=Shipping%20container%20homes%20could%20ease%20the%20housing%20crisis.,solve%20a%20current%2Dday%20problem." target="_blank">this article</a> from renovated.com). Container homes don’t just have availability going for them, though! Plenty of people love the style of these modular homes, including the modern vibe. With that said, container homes aren’t without their problems.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What are the Concerns for Container Homes?</span><br /> Many container home advocates point out the red tape that can often be a hurdle for owners looking to DIY or purchase their own shipping container house, and some areas pose unique restrictions that limit these types of properties. Detractors of these properties aren’t just against the look–their structural limitations might be hazardous.</p> <p>Obviously, shipping containers weren’t designed for residential occupancy in mind, so when doors and windows are cut into the steel structure of these containers, they become compromised, requiring new and expensive reinforcements as well as renewed sealing to protect from water intrusion. Other problems arise due to the difficulty of installing insulation and basic appliances. Most shipping containers are limited strictly to around eight feet in height, which creates further limitations for adding necessary home systems.</p> <p>On top of all of this, finding help from contractors becomes more difficult since the best professionals on traditional homes simply aren’t familiar with the nuances of container homes. While these homes have their interesting strengths, the inherent problems seem daunting enough to limit widespread popularity.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Are Container Homes Here to Stay - Or a Passing Trend?</span><br /> Problems with container homes might be resolved in time through creative innovations or new technologies but for now, most seem to think these homes will be limited in their popularity in areas where weather varies more widely, or hits extremes. That isn’t to say that Container homes don’t provide an exciting option in emergency scenarios or as temporary residences. Overall, container homes show how the real estate market is constantly evolving and is inhabited by some of the most creative minds out there!</p> <p><em>For more real estate topics and trends, stick <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog">right here</a>! NPI is the nation’s premier network of home inspection experts. To learn more about how your local home inspector can meet your needs, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">call for a quote</a> today!</em></p> 1557Mountain Home Maintenance Advice According to Home Inspectorshttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1556/mountain-home-maintenance-advice-according-to-home-inspectorsHome Inspection,Home Maintenance,SafetyMon, 13 Nov 2023 15:21:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MOUNTAIN HOME MAINTENANCE ADVICE ACCORDING TO HOME INSPECTORS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 13, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/roof">roof</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/landscaping">landscaping</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/mold">mold</a></p> <p>A home inspector’s job is to know everything about what makes a home safe, comfortable, and habitable. Modern advancements mean that families are able to live in new jaw-droppingly beautiful environments, even despite their unique challenges. As people stretch the limitations of a modern home, home inspectors are still there to ensure necessary systems function as they should.</p> <p>When it comes to living in a mountain home, owners have to adapt to their surroundings. Whether you’re a new homeowner acclimating to life a little higher above sea level, or you’re a long-time mountain dweller looking for some tips to keep your home running smoother (and to keep costs down), here are some primary maintenance concerns worth tracking.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Every Home’s Number One Enemy is Water Intrusion</span><br /> In most climates, water management easily tops the list for property concerns due to the wide range of issues it can cause. Between poor water run-off, water intrusion, pooling and standing water, the development of mold, mildew, is a primary concern. In areas that have to deal with rain and snow throughout the year, water management becomes an even more important focus.</p> <p>Homeowners can start by regularly cleaning out their gutters and keeping their downspouts free of debris. This chore can feel like a pain, but the problems that crop up from leaving this undone leads to some of the most costly home maintenance problems. Due to the extreme levels of moisture common in the mountains, homeowners will likely notice more mold developing on their driveways as well. To keep homes looking sharp and reduce destructive rot, pressure washing mold and mildew away and renewing exterior staining should keep durability up and water out.</p> <p>If water seems to be gathering in certain spots of the property, or run-off tends to push near the home, that means trouble! Consult a landscaping specialist for options on how to improve your property’s water management systems. To learn more about how water damage can cause so many problems in your home, look at InterNACHI's informative <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/waterdamage.htm" target="_blank">article</a> on the topic!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pests and Wildlife Will Try to Invade</span><br /> Part of the draw to the mountains may be the majestic creatures that you’ll now get to see on a regular basis. From elk, to bighorn sheep, to mountain owls and eagles, the wildlife alone can make a move to these heights worth the effort. With that said, homeowners who appreciate these animals probably don’t want to run a bed and breakfast for them. With colder temperatures, animals will try to find options for warmth, and if there’s a route for them to access your home, they are sure to take advantage of it.</p> <p>Start by regularly walking the grounds and searching for exterior openings. Mice in particular are known to be able to squeeze themselves through shockingly small cracks, and other animals will burrow or hide in any accessible crevice. Keeping vegetation at a fair distance from any structures should be a good start, and regularly caulking access points like windows and doors can help, too. Not only will this help keep animals outside, this should reduce energy waste and make for a more comfortable living experience.</p> <p>When it comes to wood-destroying organisms like carpenter bees, carpenter ants, or termites, clean up food quickly, watch for signs of damage, and keep contact information for a trusted pest control expert on hand. To learn more about dealing with infestations, read on right <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/spiders-silverfish-and-termites-diy-solutions-for-ridding-your-home-of-infestation">here</a>!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">High Altitudes Bring New Challenges</span><br /> Finally, there’s nothing like waking up in the mountains and admiring that unbeatable sunrise. The sights are certainly beautiful, but did you know that gorgeous view can actually mean trouble for your home? Higher altitudes mean a thinner atmosphere and, unfortunately, more UV damage, which can wear away at siding, roofs, and exterior paint over time.</p> <p><em>Keeping up with the environmental strain that mountain homes suffer takes consistent vigilance and regular repairs, but the effort can certainly be worth it! Consider incorporating an annual home maintenance inspection into your schedule with your local NPI property expert. Home inspectors have the knowledge and experience to catch maintenance issues before they become costly problems. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">Reach out</a> for a quote today!</em></p> 1556How to Start a Little Libraryhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1555/how-to-start-a-little-libraryDIY,Home Decor,Just for FunMon, 06 Nov 2023 15:18:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO START A LITTLE LIBRARY</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 6, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-decor">Home Decor</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/home-exterior">home exterior</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/garden">garden</a></p> <p>One major challenge that can come from moving into a new neighborhood involves transforming your new house into your new home. As we’ve discussed recently, a great way to become comfortable with a new city or a new area is to invest in relationships with your neighbors! Becoming familiar with (and hopefully liking) your neighbors often sounds nice in concept, but breaking through that initial comfortability barrier can be tough. The good news is this: there are many underutilized strategies that new homeowners and long-time homeowners alike can employ to make their neighborhood of strangers feel much more like a community.</p> <p>As homeowners, learning how to be a little more self-sufficient is smart. Challenging yourselves with progressively difficult DIY projects should give you an excuse to spend some more time outside and break the ice while meeting new neighbors. For a beginner-level DIY project that can be as simple or complex as your experience allows, nothing works quite as well as starting a Little Library.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What is a Little Library?</span><br /> Also known as Little Free Libraries, Library Boxes, or just Neighborhood Book Exchanges, Little Libraries have been popping up more and more in coffee shops, apartment buildings, and neighborhoods all around the world in the past few decades. While designs can vary wildly, the main concept remains consistent: small, usually creatively designed boxes displayed in public places which contain books and a simple “take a book, leave a book” policy.</p> <p>Bibliophiles everywhere tend to be big fans of these “Little Libraries” due to their access to a free, cycling source of new books as well as an outlet for their own, unsolicited recommendations, but even the literary-agnostic have found reasons to fawn over these front yard accessories. Since Little Libraries are usually built, designed, and maintained by a single homeowner, some may not immediately see the benefit of going through the effort. But for many, this minor fixture has made a major change in their own neighborhoods.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How Library Boxes Can Enrich a Neighborhood</span><br /> The first and most obvious benefit that Little Libraries offer to a neighborhood is the promotion of literacy. According to a recent <a class="color-secondary" href="https://testprepinsight.com/resources/us-book-reading-statistics/" target="_blank">PEW research poll</a>, only 64% of American adults reported having read a book in the past 12 months (as of the end of 2022). Homeowners are responsible for creating the type of neighborhood that they want to live in, and what Little Libraries can bring is an increased appreciation for books, even if it’s on a smaller scale.</p> <p>It can be smart to pick up a few outdoor hobbies or start a project in the yard when moving into a new home so that neighbors have more opportunities to introduce themselves early on. A Library Box installation just might be the best conversation starter there is, and in an ideal scenario, a neighborhood book exchange has the potential to greatly accelerate the development of community. Is there a better way to get to know somebody than to learn about some of their favorite books first hand?</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How to Start Your Own Little Library</span><br /> Building a library box isn’t very difficult. Start by deciding your strategy based on your experience and the amount of time you’d like to devote to the project. While a fully DIY library box will result in the most custom feel, there are plenty of simple designs available online for free and even full boxes available for purchase. Check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Little Free Library's website</a> to explore these options, and get your library box on their official registry!</p> <p>For some general design advice, remember to place your library box far enough away from your home so that you retain your privacy and so that your neighbors don’t feel as though they are invading your space. Library boxes are there for the neighborhood to use after all! Consider placing it strategically at the end of your property to make your open invitation clear.</p> <p>When it comes to filling your little library with boxes, have fun with adding some of your favorites, but remember to consider your audience. If your neighborhood is full of kids, try to incorporate plenty of children’s books or young adult novels. If the area is more diverse, feel free to make the initial collection more eclectic! Then, leave room for others to join in on the fun and leave their own recommendations.</p> <p>The best little libraries tend to take on a life of their own when the neighborhood embraces them. Just remember to check in from time to time, and be sure to attend to minor maintenance needs when necessary. Water intrusion and wood-destroying organisms like termites can spoil the fun if left to their own devices, but these issues can be easily resolved through regular self-inspection. Little libraries are a great way to add curb appeal and make a new house feel like home! Give it a try - you won’t regret it!</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections is dedicated to helping homeowners make wise decisions with what is likely their biggest investment. We also teach you how to keep your home in good working order for the long haul. For residential purchases and any home maintenance concerns, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">call NPI</a> to work with America’s premier home inspection experts!</em></p> 1555How to Survive a Scary Moviehttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1531/how-to-survive-a-scary-movieCleaning Tips,Holiday,Home Maintenance,Just for FunMon, 23 Oct 2023 19:37:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO SURVIVE A SCARY MOVIE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 23, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/organization">organization</a></p> <p>Since we’ve previously discussed how to confirm whether your home is active with the paranormal, we thought it might be valuable to go over some additional Halloween-time survival strategies. When watching a scary movie, it’s easy to become frustrated by the classic mistakes and gaffes that the characters make as they bungle their way into the killer’s hands. Although it’s reasonable to assume that the stress and terror of running for your life can keep you from making practical decisions, choices made by horror movie protagonists can be baffling.</p> <p>In the inevitable case that you end up cornered by a masked, knife-wielding stranger straight out of a slasher movie, you don’t want to fall for the same old slip-ups. To be better prepared, we consulted some of the best minds in home maintenance, organization, and personal fitness for their tips on surviving a scary movie.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How To Tell That You’re In A Scary Movie</span><br /> Naturally, the first step for surviving a scary movie is to confirm that you are, in fact, living in a scary movie yourself. Although it may seem painfully obvious to audience goers that the characters shouldn’t investigate that noise in the attic, or search their creepy, unfinished basement to reset the breakers, remember that these are just homeowners attempting to perform regular home maintenance tasks. </p> <p>Some easy signs that may indicate you’re in a horror film include: </p> <ol> <li>It is a dark and stormy night. </li> <li>You live in a big, old house. </li> <li>Your neighbors are strange. </li> <li>You live by or near a cemetery and/or graveyard. </li> </ol> <p>While each factor is not definitive, studies indicate that one or more of these elements appearing in conjunction exponentially increases the chances that you are, in fact, in a scary movie. For more information on identifying whether your home is haunted, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-tell-if-your-house-is-haunted">check out our previous blog</a>!</p> <p><em>On a dark and stormy night, electrical issues have a knack of popping up, plus heavy rains can lead to leaking and mold if left unaddressed. Ask your local NPI inspector about their <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Inspection-Services/Specialty-Services">thermography</a> and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Inspection-Services/Specialty-Services">mold inspections</a> to keep your home safe and repair costs down!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Not To Do While In A Scary Movie </span><br /> Once you’ve confirmed that your cozy night at home will instead be occupied by running from an odd fellow in a hockey mask, there are few things in particular worth avoiding, starting with your cell phone. A natural impulse will always be to call for help, but don’t fall for this trap! Whether your phone is dead, lost, or service is down, simply calling for help never works in a scary movie. In fact, more often not, the time spent searching for a phone is what leads someone to their demise. </p> <p>On the other end of things, every natural impulse in a survival scenario would suggest that there is strength in numbers. Despite this, if you find yourself in a scary movie you will undoubtedly suggest splitting up, or perhaps you’ll encounter a strong desire to run off and investigate that peculiar sound coming from the basement on your own. Resist this! Don’t say, “I’ll be right back.” Don’t be curious. Remember all of those times that you screamed at your television screen watching those cheap horror flicks and choose to stay with the group instead. </p> <p>Avoiding pitfalls isn't all that it takes to survive scary movie scenarios, however. Survival and safety around the home is best accomplished by thinking ahead and taking preventive measures.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Scary Movie Survival Tips</span></p> <ol> <li><strong>Start with Run-Worthy Footwear</strong><br /> While there are many strategies that homeowners can employ to assuage a horror movie scenario, filling a house with Kevin McCallister-caliber traps and tripwires are impractical for anyone wanting to live comfortably. A far more sensible start should be to secure a pair of tennis shoes that are durable enough to handle all sorts of debris and conditions.<br /> <br /> Homeowners are sure to need sensible footwear when performing regular maintenance tasks anyway, whether they are <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/getting-your-gutters-in-shape-for-spring-and-summer">cleaning their gutters</a>, or <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/the-ultimate-guide-to-lawn-care-part-1-tips-for-a-healthy-and-beautiful-yard">spending time in the garden</a>. The benefits are aplenty, so don’t catch yourself stumbling out of your flip flops from a crazed slasher’s pursuit. <br />  </li> <li><strong>Reduce Unnecessary Clutter </strong><br /> By October 31st, the school year is in full swing. Naturally, it can be hard to keep a house clean and organized while balancing work with the kids’ school schedules. With that said, homeowners will regret a cluttered, messy home when they discover that their Halloween night is going to be produced by A24.<br /> <br /> Cut down on the number of dolls in your home (they are prone to possessions), and minimize tripping hazards when maneuvering up and down any staircases. Slips and falls are always dangerous, plus a tidy home and workspace is proven to improve productivity and mental wellness! Learn more about keeping your home organized throughout the school year by exploring <a class="color-secondary" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJI42XOZQ7nvSMJkXEbrKIjOY5WAUHWnCRddkh2hHrI/edit">our recent article</a>.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Don’t Forget About Cardio </strong><br /> Finally, any preparation will be for naught if you find yourself huffing and puffing when you should be tracking down a neighbor for help, or throwing a cursed item into the fire. A healthy workout routine will help you create some extra distance during your chases down those long, dark hallways.<br /> <br /> One great way to make your exercise schedule more attainable and convenient is to remodel that spare room into a home gym! To prepare for your next big home project, contact <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">your local NPI home inspector</a> to ensure your house can handle the change, or recommend any fixes before you’re caught by surprise. Home maintenance problems that go unaddressed for too long can turn into additional damage and unwanted repair bills - talk about scary! Stick with National Property Inspections to keep your screams to a minimum this fall.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">NPI is Celebrating Halloween All October!</span><br /> Every fall, we tour North America and visit some of the most famous haunted locations. Check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/haunted-places-series-winchester-mystery-house">our most recent stop</a>, and have a happy Halloween!</p> 1531Haunted Places Series: Winchester Mystery Househttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1530/haunted-places-series-winchester-mystery-houseHoliday,Just for FunMon, 16 Oct 2023 18:42:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HAUNTED PLACES SERIES: WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 16, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entertaining">entertaining</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/haunted-places-series">Haunted Places Series</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Location:</span> San Jose, California<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Architectural Style:</span> Exterior: Queen Anne-Style Victorian; Interior: Aesthetic Movement<br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Built:</span> 1886 - 1922</p> <p>As we progress through the Halloween season, we thought there was no location more appropriate to visit than one of the most notoriously unusual architectural wonders of North America - and the tale of the woman behind it all. For our next entry, we visit the Winchester Mystery House.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Sarah Pardee</span><br /> Sarah Lockwood Pardee was born in 1839 in New Haven, Connecticut. In her upper-class New England home, Sarah had by all accounts a happy childhood with access to fantastic education, going on to learn four foreign languages (Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian). Pardee studied at Yale College’s associated female scholastic institution and became known for both her extraordinary intelligence and her beauty. Called the “Belle of New Haven,” Sarah had many admirers.</p> <p>In 1862, Sarah married William Wirt Winchester, a brother to one of her classmates and member of a wealthy New Haven family. William was an only son and, therefore, sole heir to his father’s considerable manufacturing company, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. William and Sarah Winchester were a well-off, idyllic young couple, but early on, tragedy beset the Winchesters.</p> <p>In 1866, Sarah gave birth to a daughter whom she named Annie. Unfortunately, the child did not live long, suffering from marasmus, a disease that causes severe malnutrition. Annie would be Sarah’s only child, and when William died of tuberculosis in 1881, Sarah was a widowed heiress to what had become a massive fortune, inheriting somewhere around $20 million dollars and nearly 50% of the Winchester company’s total stock.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Llanada Villa</span><br /> After being widowed, the line separating the history of Sarah Winchester from the legend blurs, but there are a few things that can be determined for certain. For one reason or another, Sarah Winchester left her lifelong home of Connecticut and moved across the country near what today is San Jose, California. There, she bought a two-story farmhouse where she decided to make her new home.</p> <p>This farmhouse, which she called <em>Llanada Villa</em>, would not remain the simple structure she bought for long, as Sarah herself began to chart and design ambitious additions. Carpenters and laborers were hired full-time and work began officially in 1886 with no end in sight. Ceaseless designs, redesigns, additions, and teardowns were ordered with results that were both beautiful and bizarre.</p> <p>By 1904, the farmhouse had become a monstrous 7-story mansion, undoubtedly a sight to behold. It is hard to say where the expansion would have stopped if an earthquake had not damaged the top three floors and caused considerable damage to the mansion’s exterior. Since then, the building continued, but instead of building up, Winchester built outwards. The estate transformed into a sprawling structure really unlike anything else anyone had seen.</p> <p>Construction continued on, in fact, until Sarah Winchester’s death on September 5, 1922. In her wake, <em>Llanada Villa</em> remained, a mystery house with seemingly endless secrets to be discovered.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Mystery House</span><br /> With Sarah Winchester’s eccentric home finally available for viewing, the public was finally able to fully take in the extravagance and the idiosyncrasies hidden inside. Each room was covered with finery and opulence clearly inspired by the aesthetic movement. In short, art for art’s sake: a co-mingling of visually stimulating design with everyday life, and an emphasis on “beauty” over practicality. The woodwork, the flooring, the wallpaper, almost everything was intricately designed with clear Victorian taste in mind. Then, beyond this design philosophy, the public found the peculiarities that helped make the mansion famous.</p> <p>Stairwells led to nowhere, guided straight to the ceiling. A doorway opened from an upper floor into the building’s exterior, and a 15-foot drop to the hedges below. Secret passageways galore, cupboards opening into entire hidden wings, and skylights built into the floor make the mansion a sort of labyrinth, easily capturing the imagination of anyone who might set foot inside. After a visit from Harry Houdini, the famed magician appropriately dubbed <em>Llanada Villa</em>, “the Mystery House,” a puzzle even he could not solve. Ever since, that was how the Winchester home became known: The Winchester Mystery House.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Folklore</span><br /> Sarah Winchester never kept a journal, and had no manifesto to explain her reasonings for her odd design choices. Due to this, the legend of her and her California home has grown wildly over the years.</p> <p>A common story has been that Sarah Winchester felt haunted by the men who’d died because of her late husband’s Winchester rifle. Advised by a medium, Sarah was convinced to “let the ghosts design her home,” performing regular séances which resulted in the rushed design plans. Others claim the designs were Sarah’s way of hiding from the ghosts, sleeping in a different one of her 40 bedrooms each night.</p> <p>In 2018, the movie <em>Winchester </em>leaned heavily into this version of the story, creating a theatrical setting consisting of malevolent ghosts and a large, haunted house. In reality, the Winchester Mystery House seems to tell the story of a woman who went through a lot.</p> <p>Sarah seemed to love gardening, with greenhouses built into her home. She was innovative, designing a complex communication system for her servants. When a safe was discovered (hidden behind two secure doors and within another larger strongbox) they found that the millionaire widow’s most prized possessions were her husband and daughter’s obituaries, and a lock of her daughter’s hair.</p> <p>The Winchester Mystery House is a uniquely beautiful work of architecture made by an extraordinary figure, and without Sarah to explain her purpose or reasoning for its peculiar features, the home will likely remain a mystery.</p> <p><em>To book your visit, visit the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/" target="_blank">Winchester Mystery House’s website</a>, and for any spooky mansion inspections, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Find-an-Inspector">find a skilled National Property Inspections expert near you</a></em></p> 1530How to Tell if Your House is Hauntedhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1529/how-to-tell-if-your-house-is-hauntedCleaning Tips,Holiday,Home Inspection,Home Maintenance,Just for Fun,SafetyMon, 09 Oct 2023 18:20:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HOUSE IS HAUNTED</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 9, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=safety">Safety</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=just-for-fun">Just for Fun</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-inspection">Home Inspection</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/fall">fall</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/attic">attic</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/basement">basement</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/walls">walls</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/appliances">appliances</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/ventilation">ventilation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/new-homeowner">new homeowner</a></p> <p>October has officially arrived and, as we march closer and closer to the spookiest day of the year, it’s natural for our minds to focus in on the strange and obscure. If this was your first year in your new home, you may have noticed some of its more interesting quirks or “features.” Some houses seem to groan when the wind hits them just right, others might creak whenever the mood is right. These are just “house noises” that you’re slowly growing accustomed to…right?</p> <p>Many odd occurrences in the home can be explained away with a little bit of investigation, but when attempts at rationality come up short, it can be difficult to brush off the unexplained. As we all know, the Halloween season is best known as one time each year that the barrier between the material world and the spiritual world is its thinnest. In other words, if you have your suspicions that your house just might be haunted, you better figure it out now.</p> <p>To aid you in your investigation, we’ve placed our best paranormal researchers on the job to identify the surefire evidence that proves your house is haunted. Reader beware: only proceed if you want to know the truth about the noise that is coming from your attic.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Truth About Cold Spots</span><br /> It’s a common sight in movies whenever ghosts are near. A shiver is sent down your spine, or a chill in the air suddenly lets you see your breath. Many paranormal enthusiasts believe that these instances are not just Hollywood run amuck, but real evidence of spirits drawing energy from their former homes. If your homes have extreme fluctuations of temperature or unexplained cold pockets within your home, you just might be dealing with a ghost.</p> <p>On the outside chance that ghosts aren’t involved with your home’s heating issues, there are a few home defects that could also influence this issue. Poor insulation, inadequate sealing around doors and windows, and inconsistent filter cleaning can all cause homes to run colder than expected. Keeping a home properly insulated and ventilated is important for anyone wanting to live comfortably, and getting it right can have a major cost-savings benefit as well!</p> <p><em>Read more about how 90% of US homes are under-insulated according to insulation experts over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://sealed.com/resources/how-does-insulation-save-energy/" target="_blank">Sealed</a>. For more information on ventilation, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-improve-your-homes-ventilation-and-why-its-important">read on here</a>!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When You Smell Something…Fishy</span><br /> The spirits that inhabit your home once had their own lives. They cooked their favorite foods, had their own pets, and they may have had their unique habits such as smoking a cigar, or wearing a particular kind of perfume. When moving into a new home, it may be unnerving to discover that strange odors only attributable to former owners seem to be lingering. In these instances, many supernatural researchers believe the spirits of those that have come before might be reaching out.</p> <p>In situations where phantom smells aren’t a result of spectral activity, there is a chance that lingering smells could be resolved from a deep cleaning of your new home! Carpet, paint, and tile floors are just a few things in homes that can hold onto unwanted scents such as cigarette smoke long after previous owners have moved out. Replacing your carpet, picking a fresh coat of paint, and then tackling any inherited appliances should be a top concern for a clean start.</p> <p><em>Note: Did you know that strange smell could be coming from your water? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/whats-that-smell-what-different-odors-in-your-water-mean">Here’s how</a> to take care of any odd scents.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Flickering Lights and Failing Electronics</span><br /> Flickering lights are a tell-tale sign of ghoulish encounters, whether it’s a spectral prankster at work or the result of a spirit’s presence drawing from a home’s electrical systems. EMF Meters are a standard tool used by ghost hunters and other paranormal investigators to detect any abnormal electromagnetic activity within an area, and many believe that these tools can be used for direct communication with paranormal presences.</p> <p>If you’re looking for any alternative answers to electrical issues, flickering lights can also be caused by things like wire corrosion or loose/poor connections. Electrical issues can be serious fire hazards and should be addressed by a licensed electrician as soon as possible. To get started, an infrared inspection from a licensed home inspector can uncover overheated and overloaded outlets and appliances with ease.</p> <p><em>Learn more about some of <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Inspection-Services/Specialty-Services">NPI’s specialty inspection services here</a>!</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Creaks, Groans, and Noises in the Night</span><br /> When sharing space with ghosts, homeowners would probably prefer their ghost to be more of a Casper the friendly ghost-type, rather than a Beetlejuice-Beetlejuice-variety. This is why those first few nights in a new home can be particularly unnerving if unexpected noises start coming from the walls, the basement, or the attic. Are those noises just “the house settling,” or did that creak seem a bit too close to a groan for comfort?</p> <p>Outside from ghouls or goblins, there are many other things that can cause a home to make distracting noises. Materials in homes naturally bloat and compress throughout the year as the weather changes, which can all cause harmless creaking and grumbling. Hissing or humming electrical outlets or piping could mean any number of problems, and suspect gas leaks should be addressed as soon as possible.</p> <p><em>If you haven’t located your water and gas shut-off valves yet, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/maintenance-minutes-how-to-locate-your-valve-shutoffs">now is the time to find them</a>. Leaks can cause compiling damage if not resolved quickly, so it’s important for homeowners to familiarize themselves with their home systems before an emergency occurs.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">You Can’t Shake the Feeling You’re Being Watched</span><br /> Finally, if after “debunking” what seemed to be a former mountain of evidence that your home is haunted still leaves you feeling unsettled, don’t discount that feeling of being watched. As we all know, ghosts have this frustrating tendency to remain imperceptible to the naked eye. Due to this fact many people claim to notice shadows or movement out of the corner of their eye on occasion, and in other instances they might experience a pesky, disquieting sensation when looking into the darker corners of their home.</p> <p>The truth is that if you feel like you’re being watched, you probably are! Though, it might not be exactly what you were expecting during the Halloween season. Many homes are haunted by rats, bats, spiders, and termites, which often go unnoticed by homeowners until long after inflicting serious damage to many of a house’s key systems. While there are many strategies that homeowners can employ to keep their homes free from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-avoid-unwelcome-household-pests-before-they-move-in">unwanted guests</a>, it may be wise to have a trusted pest control professional in mind when things get out of hand.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Do You Suspect that Your Home Might be Haunted?</span><br /> Rather than contacting your local vicar, consider starting with a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">home inspection</a> to figure out what makes your house tick!</p> 1529Tricky and Easily Overlooked Areas of the Home That You Should Clean Todayhttps://www.npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1537/tricky-and-easily-overlooked-areas-of-the-home-that-you-should-clean-todayCleaning Tips,DIY,Home MaintenanceMon, 25 Sep 2023 21:10:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">TRICKY AND EASILY OVERLOOKED AREAS OF THE HOME THAT YOU SHOULD CLEAN TODAY</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 25, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=home-maintenance">Home Maintenance</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=diy">DIY</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=cleaning-tips">Cleaning Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/kitchen">kitchen</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/living-room">living room</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/bathroom">bathroom</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/plumbing">plumbing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/electrical">electrical</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/appliances">appliances</a></p> <p>Managing to keep an entire home clean is no easy task. Between doing the laundry, vacuuming the rugs, cleaning the dishes, and taking out the trash, there are plenty of hours in the day already dedicated to housekeeping. Naturally, things fall through the cracks, and certain items in the home are naturally overlooked. The problem is that certain items that might have been easily cleaned in the past can prove a much more difficult task if neglected for too long. If you are interested in being proactive about keeping your home clean, consider taking another look at these often-ignored home items.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Spend Some Extra Time in the Kitchen</span><br /> Do people spend a lot of time cleaning their kitchen? Of course they do. Do people still overlook a few areas in their kitchen due to inconvenience or lack of awareness? Absolutely! Kitchens can become one of the grimiest, dirtiest areas in a house if homeowners aren’t consistent about their cleaning habits due to the many kinds of messes and spills that are bound to happen while cooking. It’s when only the surface areas are taken care of that problems begin to pile up.</p> <p>Starting with the dishwasher, some may think that this appliance stays clean simply by performing its function. But those who have noticed distracting smells or extra spots on their dishes are probably experiencing the effects of a dirty dishwasher. As a general practice, rinsing off plates and silverware in the sink prior to running a cycle is a great way to limit food buildup, and filters should be cleaned regularly based on how frequently the dishwasher is used. Additionally, running the washer with any dishwasher cleaner according to its instructions around once a month should correct some of those pesky problems with dirty dishes.</p> <p>Regarding other mostly out-of-sight areas of the kitchen, many homeowners tend to completely ignore the spaces beneath their dishwasher and other appliances, the cracks between the stove and the counter, and on top of their fridge. To clean underneath larger items without moving them, simply use something like a ruler or other skinny implement to knock loose any debris, then choose a flat vacuum attachment or broom to take care of the rest. Accumulating dust can cause damage to refrigerator coils over time, which means that incorporating regular cleaning into a proactive home maintenance routine should extend the life of these pricey items.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Treat Your Electronics Well</span><br /> Considering the amount of attention some family TVs and computers get, these items get very little TLC. Smudges on their screens and dust accumulation naturally add up over time and can affect these device’s performance, but cleaning electronics can make many homeowners nervous. To clean screens without causing lasting damage, start by using a dry cloth to dust, then using a screen-safe cleaner. <em>Note: Apply screen cleaners to the cloth rather than to a screen directly to avoid damage.</em></p> <p>To clean a television’s remote control, start by removing any batteries, then use a damp cloth for basic cleaning. It may be necessary to use a cotton swab or a toothpick to address any debris caught between buttons or in any other crevices. Compressed air is also a great option for getting at any vents or other difficult-to-access areas on the body of a television that are bound to gather dust over time.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Another Look At Your Faucets</span><br /> Somewhat similar to the reasons why dishwashers can be neglected, faucets and shower heads are mainly involved in cleaning other items, so it might be odd to think about them getting dirty. With that said, these items are some of the items in a home that cause the most shocking reactions once homeowners finally take notice of how bad they’ve gotten. With the build up of mold, mildew, or other debris which can lead to diminished water pressure and distorted streams, shower heads and faucets certainly benefit from regular cleaning.</p> <p>For both items, one common remedy involves using a mixture of vinegar and water to break down the debris that’s built up on faucet and shower head exteriors. Try using a plastic bag to hold the mixture, then wrap it around the faucet or shower head. This solution should be left in place anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the severity of grime that needs to be broken up. Afterwards, simply run some water for a few minutes to clean out the remaining vinegar, and viola!</p> <p>In addition to these cleaning strategies, regularly unscrewing and rinsing out a faucet’s aerator is a great habit to get into. Sometimes, appliances and systems that aren’t performing up to expectations can be vastly improved in just a few short steps.</p> <p><em>Did you know that, just like proactive cleaning, many of your home’s primary features’ lives can be considerably extended through regularly checking in on their condition? Call your locally owned NPI inspector to learn more about the benefits of a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/find-an-inspector">home maintenance inspection</a> today!</em></p> 1537