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First 4 Things You Should Repair on That Fixer-Upper Home

first-4-things-you-should-repair-on-that-fixer-upper-home

There are all kinds of reasons for buying a fixer upper home. Maybe the structure is going to be restored into your dream home. Maybe you just want to live in it for a few years while fixing it up to sell for a profit. Maybe it is all your budget will allow at the moment. Regardless, there are some things that need to be fixed first on fixer-upper residential homes. Here are the top four renovations you should consider early in the restoration of your bargain home purchase.

Replace the Roof

This is the part of the exterior of your home that gets pounded with everything from the hot sun to driving winds and rain. All of your interior upgrades and renovations that are next on your list can be ruined by even small leaks from a roof that is in poor condition.

You need to make sure that the roof over your head is keeping out the elements before upgrading any insulation, especially attic insulation. A qualified roof inspector can let you know if your roof is leaking even a little bit. Plus, because of how large a roof on a house is means that fixing it will make a dramatic difference in its visual curb appeal.

Update the HVAC System

Chances are the furnace and air conditioning system in the home is very old. The house obviously did not get into its fixer-upper status by a former owner who went all out with upgrades and renovations.

HVAC companies like Pacific Aire, Inc. offer expert advice for HVAC systems and advocate repair where possible and replacement when necessary. They typically advise us to keep in mind the statistic published by Energystar.gov, which indicates almost half of HVAC systems are incorrectly installed and correcting installation issues may be all that is necessary for an efficiently functioning system.

Replace Flooring

The floors are the first thing people notice when they come into your home. One of the first things you should do is to look underneath wall-to-wall carpeting in every room and hallway where it is installed. Owners of fixer-upper homes often find hardwood flooring that only needs refinishing. That nice shiny oak hardwood flooring that is so popular in new homes today may have been preserved under carpeting for decades.

Do not judge it by its current looks. Check it to make sure no holes have been cut and replaced with plywood and look for other serious damage. If the planks are intact, they can be sanded and refinished to shine like diamonds at far less cost than installing a new floor. For areas that do not have hardwood subflooring, clearance laminates, vinyl and ceramics are available at less than a dollar per square foot. Also, many flooring types are available for easy DIY installs.

Upgrade the Electrical Service

Even if you cannot get into the wiring in the walls that feed every outlet and ceiling fixture in your fixer-upper, you should install a new service panel including the main service entrance power cable and electrical meter box. Most building codes require a 200 amp breaker panel for a regular residential home. Some older fixer-upper homes have a 50 amp fuse box. This is completely inadequate for today’s families and their electricity needs.

If you have ungrounded, non-polarized outlets, that wiring should be replaced immediately too. You should never use an adapter to plug in your three-prong appliances. Upgrading the main service entrance, breaker box and household wiring is one of the wisest and safest things you can do first for your new bargain home.

Unless your fixer-upper home is really old, the plumbing is likely to use copper supply lines and PVC drains. If you suspect a terracotta sewer line underground, have it inspected by camera for tree root intrusion and broken pipes. Simply put, work on the infrastructure of your home first. Your renovations will go smoother as you go along if you have a sound infrastructure to work with.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

It’s Never Too Late With Emergency Plumbing Services

A clogged toilet is surely a big inconvenience for the people; however, matters tend to get worse when it happens at 3am on a weekend which makes the situation just a tad more chaotic. This results in a complete meltdown for the individual and, since it is the early hours of the morning, finding a plumber difficulties a difficult affair. The problem of emergency plumbing is not something that tends to bother a lot of people, be it residential or even a commercial business which has a lot of emphasis on plumbing. Any type of emergency can arise any time and this is when a plumber is required. A proper professional can now be availed at any time of the day and night with the emergency plumbing services.

emergency plumbing services

Service at any Time

There are now many agencies that provide emergency plumbing services for commercial businesses and residences at odd hours in different cities. These services are a life saver for the emergency situations such as clogged piping to even faulty valves, the professionals are luckily at hand to address the problem and help in fixing it permanently.

Making a right Decision

Although, there are a lot of services available, there are also agencies out there that often tend to overcharge and such companies have the exuberantly high costs that they charge the customers to arrive at an odd time or emergency situation. To avoid being overcharged, it is best to check with the local agencies providing the service and choose the one with the best quote.

Checking Their Services

In terms of the services that are provided, the list is comprehensive and includes every possible specialist based on what the customer chooses while he/she is calling for an emergency service. The customer will be given a rough quote when they select the required service and can be observed as follows:-

  • Drain specialists
  • Checking, fixing of underground water, sewage and gas lines
  • Garbage disposal from piping
  • Observation of piping through video cameras
  • Trenching services
  • Backhoe services
  • Fixing of backflows

Services like the ones mentioned earlier are something that happens in an emergency situation and these are difficult for customers to handle on their own and compulsorily requires the need of emergency plumbing services. The customer needs to be aware of the different services in the area and keep a track on the agency they wish to call for any kind of emergency situations if they arise.

  • The best way is to go through customer feedback on various consumer report sites which help the customers in finding out what their experience was with a particular company and this helps them in better understanding the quality of the services being offered as well as the company’s pricing policy and the way they treat their customers.
  • This helps in discovering any forms of hidden costs which some companies tend to charge in order to inflate the bill even further and can be extremely inconvenient to the customer and having a good feedback with a detailed list of pricing can do wonders for the company and help it in attracting more customers as well.
  • When it comes to the corporate based services and even jetting services, the emergency plumbing services are one of the most critical services that are in need. Businesses that often rely on a lot of plumbing can face troubles at odd times which can range from simple backflows to even problems with their gas lines which need fixing.

An emergency plumber in this situation can help them in easily identifying the problem and fix it before any damage is done.

Home Repair Guide – Where to Start and Where to End

Home Repair Guide

Any homeowner knows that repairing and maintaining your home is a job that will never be completely done. However, in the real world the time you have to devote to home repair may be very limited. If you have to decide which repairs to tackle and which to postpone over the course of a period of time such as a vacation or visit, here are some tips on how to prioritize your project list.

Start at the Top

A sound roof allows your home to protect and shield its inhabitants. Climb up and take a good look. Seal around flashing and chimneys as needed, replace any loose or damaged shingles, and check for soft spots. While you are up there, clean out the gutters and reattach or replace any loose or damaged sections.

Plug the Leaks

Few things can do more damage more quickly than water. Carefully check for damp spots or old water stains on ceilings, walls, floors, and around windows and doors. If water infiltration is coming from the outside, find the source and replace, patch, or seal as necessary to stop the leak. Equally critical are interior leaks. Few things are more important to a home’s longevity and comfort than a reliable plumbing system. If the water is coming from a plumbing leak, try to find the source. Some companies, like, Bishop Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, know that a slow leak can quickly become a major problem. Bad faucets and constantly running toilets may be safe for do-it-yourselfers, but most other jobs require extra help.

Head for the Basement

If you dread going into your basement, it probably needs some attention. Check for standing water or evidence of past floods. Walls should be made watertight through the application of sealant and the repair of cracks. If you have large cracks or exterior walls that lean, you will likely need a professional. While you are in the basement, do routine annual maintenance on your appliances.

Look for Weak Spots

Next, take a perimeter walk and look for soft or rotted areas. Pay special attention to areas around windows and doors. Repaint and replace caulk as needed. Replace any damaged wood. Inside, check exposed floor joists and beams for damage and look for soft spots in floors. Pay special attention to areas around sinks, tubs, and appliances. Replace weak areas in your subfloor and replace the flooring or piece in new flooring to match the old.

If you’ve done a good job, when your next vacation rolls around you should be able to concentrate on repairs that are more aesthetic. In the meantime, though, your home should be safe, dry, and comfortable thanks to your hard work.

Amateur at Home: What You Can Do about a Stinky Sink

kitchen sink

Whether you have soft water or hard water, garbage disposal or traditional sink, chances are you will have to deal with sink odors at some time or another. Sink odors most commonly happen when food particles build up in the drain and decompose. It’s a natural process, but the smell is not something you want infiltrating your kitchen. A stinky sink is also a sign you might have blockage or further plumbing problems so it’s good to keep a sharp eye out and stop problems when you see them.

Home Remedies
There are actually several around-the-house, non-chemical products that can be helpful in destroying odors in your sink. Despite what you may have heard, they can actually be extremely effective in most cases and will save you money. If you have a garbage disposal, try cutting a lemon in half and putting it in the disposal. Not only will it get rid of the odor, but it will leave a fresh and natural lemon scent whenever you use it. For sinks with or without a garbage disposal, you can try a combination of 1 cup baking soda, 2 cups vinegar, and boiling hot water. First, pour the cup of baking soda into the drain. Next, pour the vinegar on top (this will cause bubbling). Flush it with hot water. This will kill the bacteria that builds up from decomposing food. The benefits of using these products are that these items are all pretty cheap, versatile, and you might already have them at home.

Store-Bought Products
A little hot water, lemon, baking soda, and vinegar go a long way in destroying sink odors. However, if these do not work, there are several products you can buy at the store that are made to take care of drain clogs and/or odors. Since these products can contain potentially harmful chemicals, it’s recommended to only use them as a last resort.

Call a Plumber
If none of the above methods seem to help and/or you don’t want to use store-bought products, you can always call plumber. Sometimes the decomposing food gets so stuck in the drain, and the only way to get it out is to disassemble the drain. In this case, it’s best to call someone who knows what they are doing. Places like Rooter Pro Plumbing can do emergency repairs and help get your kitchen back in working order more quickly.

There are many solutions to sink odors. If the first methods you try don’t work, don’t get discouraged. Sink odors may be inconvenient and gross, but they can always be remedied.

From Hut to House: A 5-Step Guide to Home Renovation

home renovation

Without a doubt, home renovation is an exciting and potentially enjoyable experience whether your abode is 20 years old or a hundred. The big problem is that the typical homeowner often doesn’t know where to focus their energy to achieve the best outcomes. If you’re embarking down the renovation path, you can’t go wrong with these surefire remodeling ideas.

Repair & Revamp the Pipes

Even seemingly minor plumbing problems can result in major fiascoes down the road. Have a qualified plumber assess the health of your home’s plumbing and recommend long-term fixes to any problems that are found. While you’re at it, you might want to install a tank-less heating setup or a recirculating water pump.

Have Your HVAC Modernized

At a minimum, any home renovation should include a thorough overhaul of the existing HVAC infrastructure. Professionals, like those at HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, know that even if your HVAC engine is up to snuff, a little restorative maintenance and duct cleaning is highly recommended. If you have an older house, switching from an inefficient boiler to a natural gas furnace is worth consideration.

Give the Floors a Refresh

Few interior improvements turn a house into a home as fast as a floor makeover. The most popular flooring renovation is switching to hardwood. Even DIY amateurs can slap down some oak or maple in place of vinyl and achieve a stellar look. Likewise, installing tile doesn’t take much effort and delivers unbelievable ROI.

Improve Thermal Efficiency

From Arizona to the frozen north of Maine, it’s important to create a nearly impermeable barrier between the inside and the outside. Putting better insulation into exterior walls and underneath rafters in the attic is a good way to start. Installing highly efficient double-paned windows will seriously cut down on HVAC-related energy bills immediately.

Upgrade Roofing & Siding

Making your home’s outer skin be all that it can be is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it might make sense to consider a durable metal roof instead. Rather than PVC siding, you might want to switch to stained red cedar for a classier look and better pest repulsion.

Most home improvement neophytes succumb to what’s known as “option paralysis” when planning out their renovations. Obviously, you’ll have to make some hard choices when it comes to what you should work on and how much you should spend. Regardless of the circumstances, these renovations will work with any remodeling scheme.

4 Home Health Hazards You’re Probably Not Aware Of

plumbing

Water and indoor air quality at home can be affected by more than a contaminated water supply or stray pollen finding its way inside. Misinformation about some of the unseen health risks is a major hazard. Here are four home health risks you may want to check your home for.

  1. Hidden Mold and Fungus Spores

Old carpet and rugs exposed to water are breeding grounds for mold and fungus colonies. Dry rugs not cleaned often can harbor the tell-tale musty odor of these respiratory irritants. Rubber or vinyl bath mats are another place mold and fungus will grow underneath virtually undetected without consistent cleaning. Clean and disinfect on top and underneath regularly.

  1. Toxic Gases

Radon is an odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. This natural substance is found in soil and rock underneath the home, in some building materials and ground water wells. When the harmful gas is discharged, it can seep inside homes through cracks in the foundation and small openings in walls. Homes that are tightly constructed or have poor ventilation are especially vulnerable. The only way to detect it is through testing. Having your indoor air tested for radon and mitigated, if necessary, may benefit your health.

  1. Bad Pipes

Experiencing low water pressure? Older homes built before the 1900’s, and some as late as the 1950’s, may be serviced by bad pipes that are corroding and crumbling. A Bailey Plumbing recommends making leaky pipes a priority in order to avoid unnecessarily high water bills. Waiting until a faulty pipe bursts–and it eventually will–could rain double trouble including your financial health.

  1. Damaged Flue Pipes or Chimneys

Most masonry chimneys used to vent woodstoves, furnaces or fireplaces have sections of clay flue tile stacked to form the flue liner. Gaps and cracks formed over time can let poisonous gases and compounds escape into your home, and make you sick. Creosote build-up outside the flue increases risk in the event of fire. Have your chimney and flue inspected regularly, and perform maintenance as needed to avoid health hazards and minimize loss of heat efficiency.

Much of your home maintenance can be done yourself. However, unless you are trained for maintaining more complicated elements, hire licensed professionals to perform complicated procedures. By giving your home the attention it deserves you may see an improvement in your own health.

4 Home Improvement Projects to Do This Spring

4 Home Improvement Projects to Do This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to perform any home improvement projects you have been planning. The cold weather and snow of the winter can be very damaging to your home, and the summer heat can be too unbearable to complete any project in a timely manner. The beautiful spring weather creates ideal working conditions, so make sure to finish these four home improvement projects before summer gets here.

Replace Shingles on Roof

Winter is extremely tough on your roof, especially if you get a lot of snow or ice. The hot summer sun can also do a lot of damage to shingles, so spring is the perfect time to get them replaced. If any shingle is cracked, loose, or missing any pieces, it needs to be replaced to maintain the integrity of your roof for the next year. If you do not replace your shingles in a timely manner, then you will have a leaky roof during the next heavy rainstorm.

Check Plumbing for Leaks

The freezing temperatures of winter are notorious for damaging plumbing pipes, which can cause leaking water throughout the house. Getting your pipes checked this spring is the only way to ensure that you do not get any water damage caused by leaky pipes. If the pipes are leaking, then they will need to be completely replaced by a local plumber. If you’re not sure what to think about your piping, contact a professional at a company like Clean Plumbers by Phillip Maurici Plumbing Inc.

Upgrade the Gutters

Gutters are designed to drain water and melted snow away from the foundation of your house. Old, clogged or leaky gutters are unable to successfully drain all of this water away from the house, which can potentially cause ruts to form around the house. If this happens, water will start to leak into the basement or lower level every time it rains. Replacing the gutters is an extremely easy and cheap home improvement, so you have no excuse to avoid it this spring.

Paint the Walls

Paint starts to fade and look outdated after a year or two. Spring provides the perfect weather conditions to paint the interior of your house. You can open up all of the windows for a few days to eliminate any paint fumes without being too hot or cold.

Putting off vital home improvement projects will only lead to more problems in the future. If you take on these four projects this spring, then you will have a great looking and safe home that is ready to make it through the rough temperatures of the summer and winter seasons.

Which Home Improvement Projects Require a Permit?

home improvement projects

So you have decided to remodel your house and have so many ideas on your mind. However, there are so many things to consider, other than money and material. One of those issues is whether or not you will need a permit for your remodeling projects? It seems difficult for homeowners to wrap their heads around the fact that even some smaller home improvement project will require some sort of permit, but in most of the cases that is true. Of course, the requirements for a permit will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but there is some common ground for all the localities.

Projects that Definitely Require a Permit

Regardless of your locality, some projects are so demanding and are changing your home so much, that you will surely need to acquire a permit, should you decide to remodel.

  • Demolishing a load-bearing wall: Because a load-bearing wall supports the weight of trusses for the roof or the weight of the floor above, demolishing it would imply that you need to provide some alternate method of supporting that weight.
  • Plumbing and electrical work: Installing or replacing electrical wiring or plumbing always requires a permit, except when it comes to smaller alterations, such as light fixture installations or some repairs.

home improvement plumbing

  • Window installations: If you are installing windows that are bigger than the ones you previously had, you will need to get a permit for cutting holes for them. This also applies to skylights and new doors. New windows (especially energy-efficient ones) make a great upgrade if you are expecting a larger income from your investment home.
  • Heating systems: Replacing the water heater and altering ventilation system, ducts and fireplaces almost always requires a permit. You will not need the municipality approval for motor lubrication, equipment cleaning and changing the filters.
  • Roofing: Pulling a permit for roofing is always necessary, especially when you are repairing an area greater than 500 square feet. If you ever decide to sell, you will need to give that permit to the buyer along with the other documents to make the eventual wholesaling the real estate much easier.
  • Building an addition: When your house seem too small for you and you decide to build an additional bathroom, extra storage space, a laundry room, etc. before you start with the works, you should always pull a permit.
  • Garage conversion: When the conversion requires some significant changes, such as wiring, plumbing, heating, cooling and replacing the door, you should check for the permit requirements.
  • Other structural changes: Other structural renovations for which you should obtain a permit are changes to the porches, balconies, decks and foundation flooring.

Projects that Might Require a Permit

Now, there are some other projects that might require a permit, depending on the location and on their specifics.

home improvement

  • Fencing installation or repair: You might need a permit for this project if there are height restrictions in the city. In New York City, for instance, fences over 6 feet high are regulated by the rules of the Department of Buildings.
  • Demolishing a non-load bearing wall: Even though this project will not make any kind of structural changes, you should check for additional information with your contractor or at your local permitting office.
  • Cutting down a tree: Although it makes little sense for the city to forbids you from cutting down a tree in your own backyard, but if you property is located at environmentally fragile place (woodlands, wetlands, etc.), you should definitely check for the needed permits.
  • Other projects that might require a permit are moving a sink, laying in a new roof, putting hard wood flooring, etc.

Sure, with most of these projects, you can ignore the needed permits and hope you will not get caught, but be aware that, if you do get caught, you can end up struggling with fines and penalties.

 

 

Furnace Facts: How to Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace

Furnace Facts How to Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace

There’s a very specific reason all manufactured home furnaces are shipped with a “User’s Manual.” Unfortunately, among the most common furnace facts is that few homeowners take the time or trouble to read this manual. By ignoring the user’s manual, home furnace owners miss some of the most crucial details they need to know should repairs become necessary. Read your home furnace user’s manual to discover:

  • How many major parts your furnace actually has
  • What materials furnace parts are manufactured from
  • Which size furnace filters are best
  • Frequency furnace filters should be replaced
  • How often the furnace should be inspected and tuned up

Once you understand the major parts of a furnace, it is easier to choose the best repair service for specific repairs like the fan or heat exchanger. If you study the user’s manual, you have a better idea of the nature of the cost of repairs and the allocation of furnace parts.

What Other Furnace Facts: Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace?

In addition to having some knowledge of the furnace parts, it is also important to understand the general operation of the furnace. In this way, unusual furnace noises can be more easily located so that when you contact your furnace repair service, the service takes less time.

Treat Your Home Furnace to Regular Care and Maintenance

A furnace is really not much different than a human body. It functions according to design. Just like a human body, a furnace needs regular care and maintenance. A licensed furnace repair service provides annual inspections and tune ups to keep furnaces in top condition to provide longer wear and avoid costly repairs.

Just like a regular physical exam at a physician’s office, Doctor Fix-It and similar companies will provide a general analysis of the condition of a furnace. A malfunctioning furnace can be as debilitating as a lingering flu and why repairs should be done as soon as they are discovered. There are also sources where suggestions for repairs and replacements to troubleshoot your home furnace can be of assistance.

Once you have studied the manufacturer’s recommended size and type of furnace filter and how often this need to be changed, the next important troubleshooting tip is to maintain a regular schedule of professional inspections and tune-ups. Your furnace expert can provide these services for a relatively inexpensive annual fee. Report any unusual changes in the operation of your home furnace and keep records of furnace maintenance.

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

 

Step-by-Step Guide for Five Easy Faucet Fixes

Your sink faucets may never be a cause for concern, that is, until they start to leak. With a little extra knowledge, you may be able to diagnose and fix the faucet’s problems on your own, or, you can call an experienced plumber for more assistance if the issue is beyond your abilities to repair. Try these five steps to fix a leaky faucet before you call for help this time around.

faucet

Turn the Water Off
That leaking faucet can turn into a gushing river if you try to fix it while the water is on. Turn off all sink handles, as well as the knobs or switches under the sink that control the main water line’s connection to the sink. This will ensure that water can’t come gushing out while you attempt a repair.

Unscrew Decorations and Take the Faucet off the Stem
Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove any decorations from the handles. You’ll find a screw that fixes the handle to the stem underneath each knob. Unscrew that screw, and then you will need to use that screwdriver to remove the handle. You can use a penetration oil to help loosen the screw if necessary.

Check Stem for Damage
Use a wrench to remove the packing nut after loosening it. Now you can remove the stem. Your stem will either twist off or pop off. Inspect it for any damage to see if that is causing the leak.

Inspect O-ring and Washer
If the stem looks fine, you may need to replace the washer that goes in the seat of the valve. Inspect the O-ring to see if it is causing water to drip out of the faucet. Replace the O-ring if necessary to strengthen the faucet and allow it to work properly. Make sure the replacement washers and O-rings fit correctly.

All Done
It’s time to put the faucet back together. Tightly secure everything before turning on the water. If your faucet still leaks, there’s nothing else you can do on your own and you will need to enlist the help of a professional. Experts like Rakeman Plumbing can figure out the real problem with your faucet and fix it quickly.

Fixing a faucet can be easy as long as there isn’t a more serious problem. Try your best to fix it on your own with these simple steps. And remember, a plumber could make all the difference in difficult situations.

 

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