Experts recommend a home inspection when purchasing a new property

Realty professionals all recommend that buyers make a checklist of things to inspect before making an offer on the house. However, unless you are a licensed home inspection contractor, you may still overlook some vital deficiencies in the quality of the house.

Benny Kass writes the Housing Counsel column for the Chicago Tribune, and recommends that buyers hire a professional to perform several vital inspections before moving into a new residence.

Mold testing is one procedure that Kass says must be conducted. This is especially true if the property is near a waterway, as it may be scenic, but it also might cause unwanted moisture to develop in the attics and basements of the house.

As well, home inspectors will know to look for potential structural deficiencies that won't be obvious to the untrained eye. This includes potential roofing issues, which are common in older houses, especially in climates that experience harsh winters.

A home may also have issues with energy efficiency, and the utility bills in the future might themselves be a heavy investment that buyers may not be willing to undertake. An energy audit will help give buyers a solid estimate on how environmentally friendly the home is, what they will be paying monthly for utilities on the property as well as how much potential renovations will cost the buyer.

This advice is especially important this year, as strange weather patterns across the nation have taken a toll on older homes.

Virginia town highlights greener lifestyle through home tours

On September 16, residents in the town of Vienna, Virginia opened up their doors and welcomed neighbors onto their properties to show off their energy efficient homes.

For the second year in a row, the Vienna Sustainability Home & Garden Tour went off without a hitch, as 11 families throughout the town welcomed visitors.

The majority of the homes featured on the tour were located in the Ayr Hill district of town, though larger properties on the outskirts of Vienna also took part in the event. Visitors were invited by the Vienna Township Parks and Recreation Department to visit as many homes as they'd like between noon and 4 p.m.

Many of the residences featured had extensive gardens that were filled with native flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Visitors told the Vienna/Oakton Connection, a local online news source, that they were most curious about tips and tricks garden owners used to prevent deer and local fauna from destroying their plants.

The featured properties also showcased innovations that increased energy efficiency inside and outside of the home. The Guerres, whose garden was a popular destination throughout the tour, had a rainwater retention system in place that they use to hydrate the garden and for domestic cleaning.

Several of the gardens are so plentiful that their owners have been able to sell their produce to local markets, with some even donating food to area schools. Aside from profiting from their green lifestyles, many homeowners save significantly on their monthly bills by living a more energy efficient lifestyle.

A home inspection can be the first step for homeowners aspiring to follow the example of these Vienna residents. By conducting an energy audit, residents can learn ways to save on their monthly utility payments.

Thermal imaging highlights deficiencies in the homes of one Massachusetts community

In Needham, Massachusetts, residents have been given a glimpse into how energy inefficient their homes are thanks to thermal imaging requested by town officials.

Sagewell Inc. took images of residences throughout Needham at the request of local officials to encourage citizens to take part in Green Needham, a local initiative to have townspeople give their properties energy audits.

The town chose Sagewell Inc. because of the company's experience as a referral business, which identifies problem areas in a home and then recommends the most qualified professionals to repair them.

As of September, the Green Needham program has been successful in having 377 houses undergo an energy assessment, with 103 residents subsequently upgrading their homes with better insulation and weatherization modifications.

The main focus of the program is to not only instill greater energy efficiency throughout the community, but to also make properties more durable against the inclement weather known to accompany New England winters.

The thermal images were taken using drive-by camera technology similar to the kind Google employed in making their street-view maps, according to the Needham Patch.

"We wanted to go into communities where there’s kind of an ecosystem we can work with. We’ve done this in about 25 communities around Boston, so we we’re kind of spiraling out from the city," said Brad Harkavey, Sagewell Inc.'s chief operating officer.

If you are a homeowner worried that your property may not be ready for the coming winter, a home inspection will help to highlight your house's weakness and educate you on what can be done to prepare your home. 

Public works departments making the switch to LED lights nationwide

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have become increasingly popular in homes and businesses over the past few years to help owners lower their utility costs. Now, municipalities across the nation are looking into using LED lights to illuminate roadways.

These kinds of bulbs produce purer light than traditional incandescents, and also have a longer lifespan, roughly 23 years, than even compact fluorescent lighting (CFL bulbs). Employing LED lights to illuminate roadways can lessen a cities burden on the power grid while also lowering the need for frequent maintenance.

In Minnesota, the state transit department incorporated advanced energy efficient technologies into the construction of a new bridge following the original structures collapse in August of 2011. The redesign of the I-35 bridge not only included a bevy of top-of-the-line structural features, but also was among the first new roadways in the country to use all LED lights.

In Nova Scotia, Canada, the entire province has committed to converting all of its street lights to LEDs, making it the first jurisdiction in North America to mandate the use of energy efficient lighting on all roadways. Officials in the province estimate that all roadways will be illuminated using LEDs by 2023.

Similar initiatives have been floated throughout the U.S., and incremental LED conversions have taken place in cities like Boston, Seattle and Pittsburgh. In Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, town officials have spoken with numerous local and national media outlets about their intention to pursue a complete switch to LED technology as soon as funding can be raised.

Home or business owners who would like to do their part to conserve electricity, and save on monthly utility costs, should look into an energy audit from a home inspection contractor.

Federal funding to help Pennsylvania seniors go green

For the elderly, upgrading their homes to be in line with more energy efficient practices may be a hard task to undertake. Especially for those who have retired and may not be able to readily afford a complete home renovation, greener living is generally not a priority.

However, an elderly living residence in Philadelphia is set to receive federal funding to make the facilities more environmentally friendly, as well as more hospitable for its inhabitants.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has teamed up with Pennsylvania state officials to give $3 million, as well as numerous tax credits, to a the developer of these units.

The management company, 1260 Housing Corporation, told Philadelphia news source WHYY that they intend to use the money to install devices that monitor energy consumption in the 100 homes that it operates.

"The tenants will be able to keep track of how much energy they are using at any particular time. We will do some training on how to use that and how to monitor that and through that training they will be able to use their utilities more intelligently," Walter Kubiak, executive director of 1260 Housing Corporation, told the source.

The goal of the initiative is to make day-to-day living less expensive for elderly homeowners and to help curb habits that may be making home utility bills more costly. The management company hopes to reduce the energy consumption in each unit by 20 percent once all of the upgrades have been made.

For homeowners looking to reduce their monthly utility payments, an energy audit from a home inspection contractor is a good starting point.

Prefabricated homes a green option for new buyers

For buyers looking for the ultimate in energy efficiency in a prospective residence, an increasingly popular option is one that involves constructing new homes in a factory as opposed to on-site.

According to Sherri Koones, the author of four books about prefabricated homes, the average factory-made model is significantly more environmentally friendly than a house constructed in the field because it reduces waste. Instead of materials being thrown into a dumpster, the prefabrication method promotes the recycling of discarded items to use in other factory made residences, Koones told the Associated Press.

The author also claimed that the quality of the final product is much higher in comparison when a home is built using the assembly-line model that manufacturers of appliances and automobiles have revolutionized.

"Would you want your car to be built in your driveway? Of course you wouldn't. You want your car made in a climate-controlled factory by skilled professionals on an assembly line. Wouldn't you want the same thing for your home?" said Koones in the story.

Many companies have sprouted up over the past few year that are in the market to specifically design environmentally friendly houses that earn the governments coveted Learders in Energy Efficiency Design (LEED) certification. Seattle-based Greenfab, for example, lets buyers play an active role in every part of the design process to make sure their homes are comfortable as well as green.

Whether moving into one of these factory built homes or looking to make your current residence more energy efficient, an energy audit from and a home inspection should be your first step.

As markets recover, more Americans are making energy efficient renovations to their homes

According to the Home Trend Design Survey from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the number of homes being remodeled nationwide have reached levels not seen since 2007. However, the types of renovations being applied to houses are starkly different compared to those that were done before the recession.

"We are far removed from the days when there was strong demand for home theaters and saunas. Instead, the last several years have seen consumer priorities based more on practicality, ease, and affordability over luxury,"  said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker in a press release.

According to the survey, the AIA is noticing that the highest number of home renovations pertain largely to increasing a properties energy efficiency. The most popular upgrades involve creating more patio, deck and porch space in houses as installation of centrail air conditioning systems have taken a large dip.

The survey is conducted quarterly and comprises input from 500 architectural firms across the country that focus their efforts on residential design.

The increase in the number of energy efficient renovations coincides with other major rebounds throughout the residential markets. Home sales have been up throughout the year compared to 2011 according to numerous real estate analysts, and there has been a large uptick in the mortgage refinance industry, which has also seen activity reach levels not seen since 2007.

For homeowners considering an upgrade to their property to make it more environmentally friendly, an energy audit from a home inspection contractor should be the first step in the process to highlight where renovations are needed most.

Simple steps to care for granite, marble and other natural stone

(ARA) – Natural stone is one of the most sought-after upgrades in a home.  Providing both versatility and timeless beauty.  It’s no surprise that granite is the most popular natural stone option.  Though very durable, the composition of stone can make it sensitive to damage through daily use.  By understanding a few important do’s and don’ts, you can easily keep your home’s natural stone looking as good as the day it was installed. Natural stone like granite, marble, travertine and slate is commonly used for countertops and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms, two of the most-used rooms in a home.  With the daily activity associated with these spaces, it’s important to keep in mind some important stone maintenance tips. Tip 1: Don’t use all-purpose, ammonia or bleach cleaners Whether you have granite countertops in your kitchen or travertine tile in your bathroom, there is a correct way to clean the natural stone in your home.  Many homeowners are tempted to use all-purpose cleaners or bleach to keep stone surfaces clean, but these types of cleaners may actually damage your stone.  Cleaning products that contain vinegar, lemon or other acidic ingredients can dull the surface, reducing the stone’s luster and eating away at the sealer.  Ammonia-based cleaners should also be avoided as they can cause the stone’s surface layers to wear off over time. Tip 2: Do use safe stone cleaners Do you want to know what cleaners are safe for granite and other natural stones? Smart homeowners only use specially formulated cleaners.  For example, Zep Commercial’s CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Polish is pH balanced to safely clean stone, making it ideal for countertops and tiles.  It quickly removes dust and fingerprints while leaving a polish that acts as an extra barrier against moisture penetration.  The CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Degreaser is a good water-based option for dirty backsplashes or sink areas as well as high traffic floor areas to remove scuffs and heel marks. Tip 3: Do clean up spills immediately Because natural stone is porous, spills can be absorbed, even if the stone has been sealed.  That’s why it’s important to clean up food and liquid as quickly as possible.  Acidic spills such as orange juice, tomato sauce and sodas are examples of kitchen spills that should be cleaned up immediately.  In the bathroom, shaving cream, body soap and perfume spills are concerning.  These types of spills have a higher potential for damage and cleaning them up quickly will help to prevent staining and etching. Tip 4: Don’t use scouring pads for tough spills Always use a soft cloth or dishtowel to wipe surfaces.  As tempting as it may be, avoid scouring pads or rough sponges, even if the spill has hardened.  Rough materials are not safe for natural stone and can scratch or dull the surface, leaving it vulnerable.  For tough spills or hardened food, spray a kitchen countertop cleaner first and let it soak for a few minutes.  The cleaning agent will safely do the work for you and be much more effective than abrasive scrubbing. Tip 5: Do seal your stone surfaces Granite and other types of stone can be professionally sealed during the installation process, providing an extra protective shield.  But sealing is something that needs to happen regularly to sustain this barrier.  Maintaining the sealant is easy by using a cleaner with sealant built in, such as CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Protectant that rejuvenates stone and grout seals without leaving residue. Whether you plan to upgrade to natural stone or it was one of the reasons you decided to purchase your current home, it’s important to protect your investment so it looks great for many years to come.  These simple steps will help the stone retain its durability while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.    

Maryland housing development earns green certification

Towson Greens, a new development of townhouses outside of Baltimore, Maryland, is set to receive a grade of silver from the National Green Building Standards Certification program.

In order to receive silver, a development must consume at least 30 percent less energy than the average American household. These developments achieve the distinction by using Energy Star certified appliances and other green technologies.

"Creating a community that is holistically sustainable – from construction to day-to-day energy use – was our first priority," said Thomas Baum, president of Bozzuto Homes, the projects developer, in a press release.

The community is comprised of 121 luxury townhouses that were built on a previously developed lot, making it so that no green space was sacrificed for the new neighborhood. Towson Greens was constructed as part of widespread revitalization efforts throughout the area, and was given tax credits from the local government for making a previously derelict property useful again.

Available in four different floor plans, each unit comes with an energy efficient HVAC system and low-flow plumbing, allowing residents to conserve 40 percent more water than the average homeowner. As well, the Bozzuto group plans to start a green council among residents to further energy efficiency among the neighborhood as more buyers move in.

For Maryland residents who would like to lower their average monthly utility costs, an energy audit from a home inspection contractor can help them reach their goals. You don't have to move into a new home, but simply make upgrades to your current residence to be more environmentally friendly.

Got deer? Freeze them out this winter

(ARA) – Deer are beautiful, graceful animals, we cannot deny it.  But when it comes to where deer decide to dine, most of us just don’t want them outside our windows foraging through our foliage.  Their beauty and grace comes with the destruction – even devastation – of our well-cared-for and often expensive landscaped yards and gardens.  If you think your yard is out of the woods since summer’s over, think again.  Deer damage can actually get worse in fall and winter, We know deer can do extensive damage to landscapes in any season, but during winter, when their food sources are scare, they can be more aggressive and bold, wreaking havoc on trees and shrubs they never touched in warmer weather.  A single deer eats about 12 pounds of foliage a day, and in winter they’ll turn to any source of vegetation to satisfy their appetites. Bucks can travel 100 miles or more, but does don’t migrate.  They usually stay within the same three to four square miles for their entire lives.  That means once a doe finds an easy food source in your yard, she’ll be back again and again, season to season, and you can bet she’ll bring her friends and babies with her. During winter months, a deer’s diet changes.  Instead of the grass and leaves they favor during summer, deer turn to woody plants in winter.  That means your evergreens are at risk.  Although a deer’s mouth is usually about 28 inches above the ground, when one stands on its back legs, it can reach as high as 6 feet off the ground.  That reach allows them to create a broad swath of damage to even tall trees. Even before the weather turns really cold, deer can cause damage to trees. Fall is mating season.  Bucks become aggressive and the new antlers they’ve grown over the summer itch.  They scratch by rubbing their antlers on tree trunks – even those they don’t like to eat – and can cause serious damage to trees. The best approach to preventing deer damage is a proactive one  Don’t wait until you see deer or deer damage in your yard to deal with the problem.  So what do you do to keep the deer out?  There are loads of “home remedies, human hair, soap, pepper spray, even coyote urine.  These remedies might work sporadically, but they are not reliable deterrents for deer. Then there’s fencing.  Properly built and maintained fencing can be an effective method for preventing deer damage. But, deer can jump up to and clear an 8-foot fence on level ground, and they can easily push and remove plastic netting.  Installing a 6- to 8-foot fence can be an effective solution to some extent, but fencing is costly and can be quite unsightly. One of the most effective and easiest methods to deter deer is repellents.  Repellents rely on deer’s strong sense of smell.  Many are available in the marketplace but few have credible third-party testing for efficacy, and some rely on chemicals that are unfriendly to the environment, and can be injurious to certain trees, shrubs, and especially to new growth. Bobbex Deer Repellent is a topical, natural, proven effective foliar spray used to deter and prevent deer, moose and elk from browsing and causing other damage to ornamental plantings, shrubs and forest trees.  Bobbex’s blend of ingredients deters deer with taste and smell, and is actually beneficial to plan development.  The active ingredients are a series of proteins, making the product extremely safe for use on the most sensitive plantings.  Tested by the Connecticut Department of Forestry against 10 known top competitors (Liquid Fence, Deer Off and Plantskydd among them), Bobbex was found to be 93 percent effective, second only to a physical barrier for efficacy.  Good in any climate, the repellent will not wash off after heavy rain.  For more info on Bobbex visit www.bobbex.com. Repellents should be used in fall and winter months even though plants are no longer at their peak.  If applications of repellents are interrupted, deer may lose their conditioning to avoid previously treated plants.  Regular spraying trains deer to seek nourishment elsewhere. This winter, protect your plants and shrubs proactively and the only guests in your yard will be the ones you invited.