February 2017 - albaninspect

4 tips for preparing your lawn for spring [Video]

Even though Old Man Winter maintains his icy grip across the much of the country, spring isn’t too far away! And it’s never too early to begin getting your lawn ready for the new season. We’ve compiled a list of four helpful tips for getting your lawn looking it’s very best for the warmer weather ahead:

Make the most of that mid-winter thaw by getting out there and raking your lawn and removing any dead leaves and other debris that you can find. Raking can also help stimulate the grass and begin the post-winter growing process.

Start spreading fertilizer on your grass, which can help your grass to begin growing again. Just be sure to wait until the snow and ice thaw! It can also help to use pre-emergent, which stops the growth of crabgrass.

Take a close look at your trees and see if you can see any dead branches. If you do observe dead branches, consider starting the trimming process, ideally with the help of a professional. Dead branches can pose a threat to your safety and property, so it is important to take action before the leaves start growing again.

The best way to deal with weeds is to take steps to stop them from growing in the first place! Spread herbicides around after the final winter thaw and remove any weeds that you already see growing.

Thanks for watching! Enjoy gardening!

Reducing risk: 7 important fire safety and prevention tips

Home fires are a significant threat to life and property. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, there were 365,500 house fires across the U.S. in the year 2015, causing an estimated $7 billion in total damage. More troubling still is the fact that around 2,650 people as a consequence of house fires in the same year. While the figures are concerning, house fires are easily preventable, and there are a number of strategies that you can implement to protect your family from injury or even death in a house fire. Read on to learn more:

Common causes of house fires
Before an examination of prevention and safety tips, it is helpful to take a closer look at the kinds of things that can cause house fires. According to Reader's Digest, they include:

Heaters
Space heaters present a notable risk of fire if they are left on to overheat or if they come into close contact with items that could catch alight – think curtains or clothes. Furthermore, faulty furnaces can increase fire risk. Be sure to keep space heaters away from other items and run them in a well ventilated room.
Electronics
Basically anything that uses electricity poses a risk of fire in the home. For example, items such as microwaves or toasters pose a threat if the wiring in the cord is damaged and frayed. Overusing extensive cords with multiple cords can also increase fire risk. If you observe any of these issues, take steps to remedy them.
Candles
Candles can become a threat if they are left unattended and near flammable objects – curtains, for example.
Poor wiring
Home wiring that has become faulty or ineffective is a common problem in older abodes. This presents a risk not only for fire, but also electric shocks. If you suspect that your home has a wiring problem – maybe your sockets have issues working – be sure to contact a professional.
Cigarettes
Unattended cigarettes and other smoking materials are a major cause of house fires nationwide. Fire can occur, for example, if a homeowner falls asleep and drops their cigarette on a flammable surface, or disposes of a lit cigarette in a trash can filled with flammable items.

Installing smoke alarms throughout your home is an important fire safety strategy.

Effective fire safety and prevention tips
The list above is by no means exhaustive. House fires can be caused by any number of things. So what are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of a fire at home and stay safe? Some of the best approaches include:

1. Develop an evacuation plan
It is important to have a plan of action in place, should a fire occur, HGTV explained. An evacuation plan will take into account all viable exits from the home, and will include safe (or safe as possible) ways to escape from each part of the house. It's not effective, however, to have just one escape plan – for example, jumping from the second floor window. An effective evacuation plan will take into account how to exit the building safely in various scenarios. The evacuation plan should also incorporate common sense measures, such as dialing 911 and leaving property behind.

2. Hold regular drills
Having a fire drill with your family can help to ensure that you and your family are as well-versed as possible on how to respond to a fire emergency. The American Red Cross advised that the drill should be conducted every year, at least two times.

3. Test smoke alarms regularly
The American Red Cross advised fitting as many smoke alarms as possible, particularly in areas vulnerable to fire such as the kitchen, as well as in bedrooms. Indeed fire alarms are perhaps the most effective tool available when it comes to saving lives in house fires. Certainly, the National Safety Council reported that, thanks to working smoke alarms, your risk of perishing in a house fire can be reduced significantly – by as much as 50 percent.

"Working fire alarms can reduce risk of death by as much as 50%."

Ensuring that you have smoke alarms is just the first step, however. It is important to ensure that the smoke alarms are in working order. This means conducting routine smoke alarm tests. The source noted that this should be done at least once every month, although it can't hurt to check more than that. When it comes to safety, it is worth the small amount of effort. Most fire alarms cease working when they run out of battery power. If changing the batteries doesn't help, then it's time to buy new smoke alarms.

4. Invest in fire extinguishers
Another line of defense against fire are extinguishers. HGTV noted that it's wise to have more than one fire extinguisher, keeping multiple throughout your home, in places such as bedrooms and hallways. They are especially vital in the kitchen. The source elaborated that, as with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers need to be inspected routinely to ensure that they are in working order.

5. Don't leave flammable items unattended
As detailed above, house fires are often caused by flammable items, such as candles or cigarettes, being left unattended. If you do opt to burn a candle inside, for example, ensure that you keep an eye on it at all times, keep it on a level surface and away from flammable object and blow it out if you leave the house, Reader's Digest advised. When it comes to smoking, it is better for your safety, and the health of your family, to do so outside. If you must smoke inside, however, it is important to take sensible precautions such as using ashtrays and keeping your cigarettes away from flammable items and surfaces, such as the furniture, Reader's Digest explained.

Consider Alban Inspections
Alban Inspections provide an array of services, including general home inspections, radon testing, home energy efficiency inspections and more. If you're looking to learn more about the safety of your home or are looking to get more information about your property before moving, contact Alban Inspections today. To learn more, click here.

3 cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value [Video]

Hi there! Are you looking for way’s to increase your home’s value on a limited budget? Look no further, as we’ve got three surefire strategies that can help you sell your home for more money, without breaking the bank.

Homes that look better on the inside tend to sell for more, so start decorating! Paint typically starts at around $20, and it can make all the difference. What are you waiting for? Break out the brushes and get painting!

Bathrooms and kitchens are important when it comes to making a sale, and if your bathroom and kitchen spaces are a little outdated, it can be a big issue. A great way to make more money on your home is to give these spaces a facelift. If your budget is really tight, even small changes like painting cupboards and installing more modern fixtures can help.

Take a look at your lawn. Is it dull and uninspiring? If the answer is yes, it could be eroding your home’s value. Simple ways to spruce up your lawn include planting flowers or trees, ensuring that the grass remains mowed, and adding furniture such as tables and chairs.

And there you go! Three tips for boosting home value that won’t break the bank. Thanks for watching!

7 ways to make your home more secure

Home break-ins are unfortunately very common: According to the Burglary Prevention Council, across the country, a burglary will occur roughly every 15 seconds. This kind of crime can happen in any neighborhood, so it's important for individuals to keep the risk in mind. And while it perhaps isn't possible to eliminate the risk of a break-in entirely, there are a number of strategies that can be implemented by homeowners to lower the chances of a burglary occurring.

If you are keen to learn more about the ways you can make your home more secure, read on. We've compiled a list of seven effective tips:

1. Don't hide a key
It is easy to become secure and complacent, particularly if your neighborhood experiences little crime. The age old tactic of hiding a spare key – under the mat or a potted plant, for example – is actually a risky one, Consumer Reports noted. This is for the obvious reason that burglars will often look in those places first, in a bid to secure easy entry to your home. Don't take the risk by hiding the key – give it to a friend or family member instead.

2. Install a security system
This may seem like obvious advice, but it is surprising how few homes have working alarms and/or security systems. As detailed by Money Supermarket, alarms are one of the best defenses your home can have. They range in price and scope, from basic to sophisticated, so you should be able to find something that suits your budget.

3. Use more secure locks
Home improvement store chain Lowes advised investing in deadbolt locks for your front and back doors to strengthen the protections already in place. Given that standard locks are at risk of being tampered with, deadbolt locks can serve as another line of defense against burglars, giving you peace of mind in the process.

4. Maintain your yard
While trees, bushes and shrubbery can improve your home's curb appeal, if you let it grow out of control you are providing more spaces for intruders to hide, Bankrate argued. Consequently, it helps to keep your plants trim and tidy, as well as trying your hardest to remove areas where a burglar could potentially hide.

There are many ways to make your home more secure.

5. Always keep entry points locked
According to an article from Safewise, a surprising amount of burglaries occur – some 30 percent– after a criminal accesses the home via an unlocked door or window. That's why simply ensuring that all door and windows are locked before you leave your home is so important. Indeed, don't become complacent – you may live in a safe neighborhood, and you may be tempted to leave that window open to let in a spring breeze while you run to the store, but that's a mistake, as the risk of a break in remains. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

6. Post signs
Having signage from a security company around your property can definitely help deter criminals. This is an effective strategy, even if you don't necessarily have a security system in place!

7. Don't publicize your absence
As advised by Money Supermarket, it is important not to advertise your travel plans. Very often burglars will live close by, and they may be attuned to your absence – whether it's for a long vacation or business trip – so it's wise to be discreet as possible. Ask trusted or neighbors or friends to check in your home while you're gone, and try not to tell too many people that you will be leaving. As the source noted, this means refraining from publicizing your travel plans in detail on social media.

10 simple ways to make your home more eco-friendly

When it comes to helping protect the environment, the maxim "every little bit helps" is certainly apt: There are so many small yet effective ways that you can contribute to environmental protection. From recycling to careful water use to energy consumption reduction – the fight to save the environment starts at home!

Better still, homes that are more eco-friendly are growing in demand from buyers, with green features in particular being a considerable draw, a New York Times article reported. Interest in green-friendly homes is especially notable among younger buyers, a Long Island realtor, Jolie Powell, told the publication.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to make your home as eco-friendly as possible. We've compiled a list of 10 easy to implement strategies that can help. Check them out:

1. Insulate your attic
Leading British newspaper, The Telegraph, interviewed DIY expert and television host George Clarke, who stressed the importance of proper attic insulation to prevent energy loss – especially in the winter months, as the heat from your HVAC system rises into the attic. Without adequate insulation the heat will escape, driving up your energy bills. Clarke advised that making the insulation even more eco-friendly by ensuring that the material is recycled. In addition to reducing your overall energy use, you'll notice that your heating bills begin to drop considerably.

2. Prevent leaks
Energy is easily lost through cracks in walls, window frames and door frames. A cost-effective way to prevent this from happening, preserving energy, is to use caulking around windows and sealant in any place that you can find a crack, the U.S. Green Building Council explained.

"Without adequate insulation heat will escape, driving up your energy bills."

3. Use a composting pail
According to Real Simple magazine, composting buckets can be used in your kitchen. Simply discard food waste in the pail, and once it begins to break down, move it outside to another compost bin. Once enough has accumulated it can be used in your yard! Not only are you doing something good for the environment, you are saving money on compost that you might otherwise buy at your local home goods store.

4. Switch to LED lighting
Simple, yet effective, making the switch to LED lighting is a great way to save on energy, the source Energy Informative explained. Florescent lights are also similarly effective. The bulbs last longer and can reduce your use of electricity by up to 80 percent in some cases. Most leading home goods stores stock LED and florescent bulbs, so there's no reason why you can't make the switch to this green-friendly option.

5. Use a thermostat timer
It can be tempting to leave the heat running at home while you're at work during the winter months, so that you have a nice cozy home to return to. This is a bad idea, however, for the environment and your wallet. According to House Beautiful, an effective way around this is by using a thermostat timer. With this device you can have your heat turn off while you're at work, and then turn on again shortly before you arrive home. This way you can return to a warm home and still save on energy.

6. Consider a water aerator
According to Real Simple magazine, water aerators can help reduce the amount of water you use. Better still, they are highly cost effective and can be easily attached to your faucet. The source noted that water aerators can cost as little as $3.

Installing solar panels is an effective strategy.

7. Use green-friendly furniture
If you're moving home or redecorating, one notable way to reduce your carbon footprint is to use green-friendly furniture, the Telegraph advised. This essentially means furniture that is constructed from materials that have been recycled. The source noted that while this kind of furniture is still relatively rare, demand will likely grow as environmental awareness becomes even more commonplace.

8. Install solar panels
A less cost-effective option, although more impactful in terms of going green, is to install solar panels The Telegraph advised. The strategy is particularly effective if you live in a climate where sunshine is plentiful.

9. Keep an eye on electricity use
Perhaps one of the most simple ways to help reduce energy use to pay attention to how electricity you are consuming. This means switching off lights when leaving the room, and unplugging electronic devices if you plan to be away from home for an extensive period of time. The Telegraph reported that certain products are now available to buy that can actually provide you with accurate readings of how much electricity you are using, and wasting, on a daily basis.

10. Reduce air conditioning use
If at all possible, try to find ways to limit your use of air conditioning in the summer. An effective strategy, particularly at night time, is to use your ceiling fan. Pulling your curtain or shades during the daytime can also help keep the room cooler.