Photo: mugley

If you do no protect your home or your business establishment, then chances are costly damage from rot, and possibly termite infestation, can occur. A moisture meter is an indispensable tool in every homes and industries.

In order to diminish moisture damage, an inspection of the establishment is very much necessary. This will also help you come up with solutions to allow the flow of fresh air under structures to keep the moisture level low. Moisture meters are designed to determine the moisture level of various building materials like roofing, siding, insulation, plaster, wood, drywall, tile and fiberglass.

Molds, rot and decay are all considered as structural and safety hazards but they can be controlled with weather proofing materials or an indoor humidifier. Home and industrial inspection with a moisture meter can help locate moisture that would not otherwise be apparent.

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Photo: Massachusetts Dept of Environmental Protection

Just as the heating season started in earnest I noticed an odor that seemed to be coming from the basement. I ignored it for a day or two, thinking it would pass, as many smells do. By the third day I couldn’t ignore it any more. I went down to the basement and noticed a little oil around the fittings on the hose from the oil tanks to the furnace. The drip pan was full. I emptied the drip pan, wiped up the oil, and spread kitty little to absorb any oil that night have spilled onto the floor.

The odor seemed to go away, or at least lessen, but then it got worse. I took my flashlight and headed down to the basement again, where I found a slow but continuous drip of oil. I did not know how to stop the leak and I knew any oil spill is serious, so I called for help.
I realized just how serious a problem this was when the service technician appeared at my doorstep within an hour after my call. He diagnosed and fixed the problem without great difficulty.

My House the Hazardous Waste Site

What really scared me was what did not happen, but almost happened. If the technician was trying to scare me, he sure succeeded. In addition to telling me my oil tanks were not up to code, he told me that he might have to report the spill to the environmental protection office.

Do you know what that means? It means the government could declare my house a hazardous waste site and require me to do extensive cleanup. It means I, my house, could be the cause of oil leaking into the ground and contaminating the water supply.

Fortunately, the technician decided the spill was minimal and he did not have to report it. But by then I was pretty shook up and feeling bad that I had let this happen.

How Did This Happen?

I went into incident investigation mode to figure out what I did or didn’t do that allowed this serious problem with disastrous potential to develop. I needed to know what to do in the future to make sure nothing like this happens again.

The deck storage bench on my patio is my best thinking spot, so that’s where I went to think this over. It did not take me long to find what you might call the root cause of the incident: I hadn’t called in the service company to do the annual furnace inspection and maintenance. Not only did I not call them, when they called me I told them I was going to skip it this year.

Why, I asked myself, did I decide to skip it? As I sat on my Kingsley furniture I knew it was because I thought I could save a few bucks. The furnace ran perfectly last winter, why couldn’t I just postpone servicing until next year?

Close Call

I knew this close call was a wakeup call and I was a fool if I didn’t get the message. So, now the furnace gets inspected every year and all the other important preventive maintenance projects get done on time. I learned my lesson once and for all – I hope!

About the Author

Stan Horst runs a family cabin rental business in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. When he’s not doing maintenance on his house and cabins he enjoys exploring nature with his wife and two teenage children and their dog. Stan uses his knowledge of woodworking to publish a website to help people find the perfect bench (www.betterbenches.com).

Find a contractor with good experienced one and no sooner will you find your dream nice home fully constructed to the design your have imagined. Make sure that the materials used in your new home construction have standards and high quality. You can check all products from the shop where they came from or visit the houses that has been built by your contractor as well.

Lastly, always give time for testing the materials. It is a good practice to help recheck the builders work before using it. Therefore, you should find more information about home construction by take a look in construction book, for example: Architecture Books, 2009 international building code , and more.

Photo: zoetnet

• You must then determine how much ‘property’ your dollars will get you. Look in local newspapers and do some research into investment property in the suburbs in which you are looking to buy. If you cannot meet the cost of the home you want in a particular suburb then you either need to reconsider, or save some more money before you commit to a purchase.

• The next hurdle is hunting for a good loan. Consider your means and the variable interest rates to find the best deal for your circumstances. It is important to consider the ‘deals’ that you are being offered by mortgage companies. Some deals will look good on the surface but will really just increase the amount that you have to pay back.
• It is important to shop for a good mortgage. Make sure you are educated in the mortgage market so you can negotiate a better deal on your mortgage. You do not need to settle for a particular loan just because it is advertised well on the radio or television. Lenders will be willing to negotiate and doing so will save you large sums of money if you play your position well.
• Part three of getting the correct loan is to see how much the lender really wants your business. Consider the obstacles you will have to negotiate around before committing to anything. Different lenders will require different evidence and documentation to approve your application. Make sure you are being treated reasonably and if you consider the requirements too harsh, then find another lender to borrow from.
• After getting your loan approved it is time to consider the property you wish to buy. Utilise property valuation software to find the true value of the home you wish to buy and find a good agent to carry your cause forward. You will need to work with a conveyancer to approve the contract and you need to be sure there are no limitations on the land usage or potential for expansion.
• Once all of the above is completed, it is time to buy. Whilst the previous seven steps may seem like an over-complication, it is wise to have it all completed before finding the property of your dreams. Once you have found the building you want, it is important to move quickly because the seller may choose another buyer if you aren’t ready for when they wish to move.
• When your bid for the property has been approved and you have ensured that the contract is suitable, place a deposit on the property so that it cannot be sold to another buyer. Once you have placed a deposit both parties will be bound by law to the sale and purchase, meaning you are very close to home ownership.
• Once deposit has changed hands, it is time to wait. The process from deposit to finalisation of the contract takes an average of six weeks but you will not have to do the work. At this point surveys of the property will be carried out and all of the legal hurdles will be dealt with by your conveyancer.
• The day of reckoning comes at last when the final payments and contract change hands. This is the day that you meet with the seller to finalise the process and become a home owner. It is a moment to be savoured after a long and strenuous process but at the end of the day you will own a property.

Security doors and screens
Adding security doors and security screens to your home might be something that you overlook in terms of adding significant value to your home.  But it really is of more benefit than you realise.  People like to feel secure in their homes and know that when they go out or go away that their home and belongings remain safe.  A security door means you can answer your door and not open the security door, yet still speak to the person on the other side.  Security screens give you the ability to make your windows completely safe from any forced entry.

Paved areas
Having paved areas around your back garden not only adds value to your home it also makes it look much neater.  Paving an area outside your back or side door gives you the option to put in a barbecue and create a workable entertainment area.  Having paving through your garden means that you aren’t traipsing through mud, and it also means you won’t wear a path across the grass on the areas that have the most traffic, for example on the route towards the clothesline.  A paved area underneath the clothesline is handy so you aren’t putting your washing basket in the dirt.

Air conditioning
If you home doesn’t already have air conditioning it can be a great way to not only improve your comfort during summer but add value to your home.  Homes that are listed for sale both online and in the newspapers always state if they have air conditioning.  With our hot summers being able to keep cool at the flick of a switch is extremely appealing and people would be willing to pay that bit extra if your home has air conditioning installed.

Photo: propertysnaps

Pool
An in ground pool will add value to your property, and with our climate it is something you will get a lot of use out of in the mean time.  Learn how to care for your pool properly to always keep it in good condition.  Understand how to test the water and balance the right chemicals.  Buy all the right equipment to help effectively clean your pool as it will make your life much easier.  You might want to think about installing heating while you are at it as this will mean you can use your pool for a longer period of time throughout the year.

Veranda or patio
Putting in a veranda or patio is a great way to add value to your home as you are creating a wonderful space outside for people to entertain and if you do it right you could also create a whole extra living area on your house.  It is lovely to be able to sit outside and enjoy your garden, but unless you have some shade it’s not pleasurable in the heat of the summer at all.  A veranda will also cast significant shade over your house keeping it cooler in summer.

Photo: Suman Chakrabarti

When it comes to entertaining outdoors, the time of day becomes very important.  If you entertain during the day, you will want to highlight the home in one manner.  At night, the effects are completely different.  The following are ways you can showcase your home from the outside in both the day and the night.

Use Creative Lighting (night)

There are a number of options when it comes to lighting your yard for an outdoor gathering after dark. Here are a few ideas:

• Brown paper sacks with tea candles
• Tiki torches
• Citronella candles
• Strings of lights
• Mason jars with sand and candles
• Landscape lighting, especially spotlights focused on the house

Colorful Landscaping (day)

The landscaping around your home can help accent the overall aesthetic appeal of your house.  When houses are for sale, buyers often judge the inside of the home based on what they see outside.  The same can be said about your outdoor party.  If the guests see a well kept garden with bright flowers in the landscaping, and tastefully placed accents, they will assume that the inside is just as pleasant and orderly.  Make sure all of the weeds have been pulled, and the grass has been mowed.

Highlight personal style with furniture (day and night)

If you have a defining style within your home, there is no reason you can’t bring that personality into your backyard and onto your patio.  Check out the Kingsley Bate outdoor furniture collections and choose furniture that fits both your style and your seating needs.  If you purchase furniture that features cushions, you may also want to utilize deck storage benches.  These benches can act as extra seats, but they are also good places to store the cushions during colder times or when they are not in use.  Since the cushions will likely be in use during the party, you can use the storage space for guest’s bags and other personal items that they may want to keep close, but out of the way.

Just because you are hosting an outdoor party, you do not have to give up the idea of showcasing your home.  There are plenty of things you can do to enjoy the party and show off your house at the same time.

About the Author

Stan Horst is a former cabinet/furniture maker who now enjoys sharing his knowledge on that topic and many others with the masses.  He also enjoys all things outdoors including activities he can share with his wife and two teenagers.

Photo: *Kid*Doc*One*

1. Know what you want
Before considering the purchase of any houses it is important to sit down and create a list of what exactly it is that you want. When it boils down to making a list you will find that there is more opportunity for compromise without sacrificing the ideals of your dream home. Be sure to involve your family in the process to ensure that they will be happy in the new environment and consider all aspects of your time in the area.

2. Know what you need
Knowing what you need is very different from knowing what you want. It is important to consider the possibility of an expanding family and the inevitability of the ageing process for all members of your family. As your children grow up they will have different needs and more space will be required. If you are likely to need to relocate jobs at some point in the future then it is important to be in a location which will enable you to commute to both the old and the new work location.

Knowing what you need should be a plan which involves as many years as you intend to stay in your dream home. Whilst circumstances will change beyond your control, investing in a dream home which will not suit your lives in two years time is an unwise move.

3. Find the right agent
Finding the right agent can be a difficult task. Your real estate agent needs to be able to offer you time, patience, and ultimately good negotiation skills. Make sure you arrive to see your prospective agent with the two lists of what you want and need so that you can offer a realistic outline of what it is that you expect of them. Many agents will ask you for a list of elements comprising your dream home as part of the process so it is always better to be prepared.

4. Be pragmatic
When you start looking for properties it is important to be pragmatic. Consider your budget and create two thresholds: a sensible investment and an absolute maximum investment. Once you have these limits, be sure to stick to them and aim for a manageable and realistic investment. Overspending on your dream home will make it a burden and could cripple you financially, limiting the things you are able to do once in your dream home. It is also essential not to get emotionally attached to a property before purchase. If you enter an auction committed to buying the property then you could find yourself overreaching your means because of a split second decision.

5. Purchase
When you are sure about the house you want, and are sure you can afford it, the time comes to buy it. Before buying, make sure you have the building surveyed to be sure it is in good enough condition to buy and is not sat on a flood plain. Once you are sure the home is right for you and is in a good condition, it is time to live the dream.

Photo: brendan.wood

Curtains or roller blinds
By having curtains or roller blinds on your windows you can make a big difference to the temperature inside your home.  On a hot day shut your curtains or blinds earlier in the day so you keep the interior of your home cooler for longer without having to rely on your air conditioner.  Your curtains will also help keep your home warm in winter by trapping the heat and your heater will not have to be turned up so high, yet your home will still be warm enough.

Solar panels
Investing in solar panels will help you save money on your power bills in the long run.  They will cost to install but the money spent will be well worth it as you see your electricity bills drop significantly.  You can use your solar power to run your hot water system or even take care of all the power in your home.  With the continuing rising cost of electricity you will be glad you made the investment.

Carpets
If you have floorboards or tiles throughout your house you will notice that your home is a lot colder than other homes that have carpet.  Carpet is not only warmer underfoot but it creates another layer of insulation keeping your home warmer.

Maintenance
Before winter sets in make sure you go around your home, both inside and out and look for any gaps where a breeze could get in.  Check there are no cracks in the walls and that home is fully insulated.  There are plenty of little things you can do to help keep your home warmer in winter without having to crank up the heater.  You can make a difference to the temperature within your home by simply putting draft excluder’s at the foot of your doors.

Photo: Mr.Thomas

Verandas
Putting a veranda around your home will certainly improve the look of your property but it will also help reduce your power bills.  A veranda will keep your home cool because it will stop the sun from coming in through the windows and it will also keep the sun off the bricks, which can heat up significantly in summer and increase the temperature within your home.  Whether you choose to have a veranda on one side of your house, build one to cover your entertainment area or have it running right around your home will depend on whether you have the space or the budget, but it is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Photo: CaptPiper

Gift Hamper
A gift hamper makes a great house warming gift.  You can buy them already made up and can choose from hampers with chocolates, coffee, teas, wine, cheeses, beer, biscuits and a whole range of different foods.  You could also make one up yourself with the all the new home owner’s favourite food items.

Bed Linen
Having a change of bed linen is handy so that when one set needs to be washed you have a changed of sheets.  Buy a fairly plain set rather than something with a big bold print because it is hard to know someone else’s taste and when choosing for a bedroom the choice is very personal.

Towels
It is nice to have plenty of towels in a household so you have a clean set when all the others are in the wash but you may have guests over and need additional towels.

Kitchen Items
You could put together a gift basket with different kitchen items like tea towels, wooden spoons, a soup ladle, a good kitchen knife, a chopping board and anything else that is handy in the kitchen.

Rug
A large rug makes a lovely house warming present, particularly if they have timber floors.  It might be a good idea to find out what sort of colours and style they like so that you can get the right one.  You can also get long rugs or hall runners for hallways.

Candles
Candles look lovely around the home and there are plenty of different shapes, sizes, styles, colours and those with scents to choose from.  Buy a nice candle holder or votive for it to stand in.

Vases and Flowers
Buy a large vase or a series of different shaped vases and when you give the new home owners their gift also present them with some bunches of different flowers so they can use them straight away.

Pantry Items
Don’t underestimate how much new home owners will appreciate simple gifts like items for their pantry.  It is expensive setting up a new home and if you are new to living on your own you can suddenly find yourself having to dash out to the supermarket or ordering take out for a while.  Set them up with staples like tomato sauce, olive oil, flour, sugar, salt, spices, bread, milk and anything else you think they might need.

Gardening Tools
A set of gardening tools makes a great house warming gift along with some gardening gloves, a knee pad to kneel on when gardening and even throw in some plants or packets of seeds.

Barbecue Items
You might want to join friends and pitch in and buy a barbecue and then deck them out with barbecue utensils and some bottles of marinade.