HOME INSPECTIONS:Things to eye before the buy
Kathleen Kuhn, president and chief executive officer of HouseMaster Home Inspection, offered this advice to first-time home buyers:
Consider location and condition. Visit the area where you’re considering buying and “have a meal, do some shopping, visit the library.” Consider the home’s condition and factor in the cost to maintain the home.
Check for decay on wooden surfaces, using a screwdriver to probe suspected areas for moisture or rot.
Check the home’s foundation for evidence of termites or carpenter ants. Termites will build tunnels on the foundation.
Be sure tree branches and bushes are trimmed so they don’t provide an insect bridge to the house or trap moisture around the house.
Check the slope of the ground adjacent to the home’s foundation. It’s best to have a slight slope to direct water away from the house.
Check the roof for cracked, loose or damaged roofing, using binoculars. Also check the attic for signs of leaks.
DETER BURGLARS
Rest easy when away on vacation
There’s no need to worry about your home while you’re away vacationing if you’ve taken steps to deter burglars, says Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man.”
Reinforce entry doors with a dead bolt; use special locks for patio doors or insert a metal piece into the door tracks; and display a decal announcing an alarm or dog.
Lock and seal windows shut before leaving or add bars for security.
Invest in an alarm system. Newer models detect intruders opening doors or windows by releasing a loud noise.
Use programmable timers to make it appear someone is at home by activating televisions, stereos and lamps.
Install motion sensors or out-of-reach lighting systems in the yard. Use bright lighting along a pathway or entry door. Trim shrubs and hedges so burglars don’t have places to hide.
PET DECORATING
Keeping home stylish with pets
The HGTV Newsletter offered these tips for coping with messy pets:
Forgo carpet for hard surface flooring, such as hardwood or ceramic tile.
Avoid using flat-finish paint, which is hard to clean when pets leave smudges. Instead, opt for satin or eggshell finishes.
Choose colors that match your pet. Cover a sofa with a honey microfiber to hide hair left by a golden retriever.
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