Personal Branding: Tips to Build a Strong “Brand You”

Personal branding.

It’s something Realtors were doing long before social media and the internet made it hip. But being “brand you” goes deeper than your love of surfing or your wacky tie. It’s about knowing who you are and what you stand for.

It’s what you believe, and what you do.

And according to a new book titled “Shine: How To Survive And Thrive At Work,” motivational speaker Chris Baréz-Brown asserts that to stand out, you need to be “a consistent and reliable brand.”

You need to be clear about who you are and why you do what you do. And then, do exactly what you say you’re going to do, and do it when you promised.

When it comes to building your personal real estate brand around this concept, testimonials from your past clients, combined with your track record of successful transactions can speak volumes about the work you do. Effectively branding yourself takes time, but the payoff can be tremendous.

To help you get started, here are a few tips that can help get you going in the right direction:

• Live your brand through your actions. You are your brand, so make sure that everything you do is in line with your goals and objectives. Follow-up promptly. Deliver on your promises. Over-prepare for every appointment. Remember, you are your business, so every interaction you have with a person is a direct reflection of your brand. Make sure your interactions tie in tightly with your core beliefs.
• Make sure your marketing collateral reflects who you are. Your website, emails, online listings, print pieces, and even the signs you use – they’re all a representation of you and your brand – and all your stuff needs to sing from the same song sheet. Colors and logos are important – but what’s critical is that the message you deliver to the consumers you serve is clear and consistent. If you pride yourself on working with first-time buyers, or focus your efforts on the military community, make it apparent in the materials you produce. You can’t be all things to all people, so focus on what’s important to you and your business, and then beat a steady drum with messaging that supports it.
• Be consistent and predictable. People like knowing what to expect, and then having their expectations met. Consistency and predictability may be the most important thing you do to build your personal brand; think Starbucks or McDonald’s – whether it’s a location in Omaha or Washington, DC, the experience you have is going to be exactly the same. It’s one of the reasons these companies are so successful.
• Celebrate the successes of your clients more than your own. Making sure that your clients are celebrated can help ensure that you’ll get your shine as well. Focusing on their wants and needs, and then helping make their wishes come true is more powerful than any postcard or web advertisement that you create on your own. And once you’ve helped your clients, congratulate them, and get a testimonial that you can use to build your brand and story. Praise coming from people you’ve actually helped means a lot more than anything you can say about yourself. It’s genuine, real and supremely meaningful.

These are just a few quick tips that can help build your personal brand into something powerful and meaningful to the consumers you serve, and can really help create a strong “Brand You.”

Source: Deidre Woollard from Lockbox

Components to a Home Inspection: Exterior

What is the exterior component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the exterior. To identify major deficiencies in the condition of exterior components of the property, including attached structures. Inspects: Wall claddings, trim, doors and windows, attached structures, drives, walkways, patios, grading and vegetation, the garage, and retaining walls.

The certified inspector shall inspect:

A. The siding, flashing and trim.

B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias.

C. Report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.

D. A representative number of windows.

E. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure.

F. Describe the exterior wall covering.

The certified nspector is not required to:

A. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.

B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.

C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, hydrological and/or soil conditions.

D. Inspect recreational facilities.

E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.

F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

G. Inspect for safety type glass.

H. Inspect underground utilities.

I.   Inspect underground items.

J. Inspect wells or springs.

K. Inspect solar systems.

L. Inspect swimming pools or spas (without prior request to do so).

M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.

N. Inspect playground equipment.

O. Inspect sprinkler systems.

P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.

Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.

Useful Tip: Gutters

An inspection of the gutter system should be a mandatory inclusion in a homeowner’s routine home maintenance schedule. Ideally, a gutter inspection should be performed twice a year, once in the fall before the cold winter months, and again before the heavy rains of spring. The gutter system plays a very important part in managing the water run-off around the home. Poor or non-existing water run-off management systems through the use of gutters tend to be the primary cause behind water problems in the basement, as excess water is not properly shed away from the home.

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's Peace of Mind tip is on the exterior gutters of the home.  You will learn more about how to safely inspect the gutters as the agent for a buyer or seller, and proper tips for gutter maintenance.

A certified inspector will inspect the exterior gutters.

Safety Tips For Inspecting Gutters

As always remember to take caution when working on or inspecting your gutters. Unlike inspecting and maintaining other sections of your home’s exterior, 90% of gutter work is done from a ladder. Remember to:

• Always make sure that your ladder is on level ground and stable.
• Ask for help from a spouse, friend or neighbor to hold the ladder for you.
• Call a Professional Gutter Service provider if you feel uncomfortable doing the work yourself.

Tips for Inspecting Gutters

Cleaning Gutters: In order for gutters to properly do the job for which they are intended, removing debris like leaves, sticks and dirt from the gutters and downspouts should be performed twice a year along with an overall inspection. Clogged gutters can lead to overflows in heavy spring rains and ice buildup in the winter months. Either of which can lead to gutter damage or to potential water intrusion problems.

Check for pooling water: If the gutters are free from debris, and still have water pooling or otherwise not draining properly in any section, this may be a sign of damaged gutter hangers or poor installation. Check that all gutter hangers are attached correctly and are not bent. Missing gutter clips are a common occurrence and can easily be replaced. If all gutter fasteners are there, check to make sure that the length of gutter is pitched downward toward the downspout. In general, a length of gutter should fall one inch for every 15 to 20 foot span and should be adjusted accordingly.

Sagging Gutters: Sagging sections of gutter around the home are most likely caused by bent, broken or missing gutter hangers. Gutter hangers are inexpensive and fairly easy to replace. Repairing or replacing them should be done as soon as possible to help support the added weight of heavy spring rain or the snow of winter.

Gutter Apron: Is rainwater dripping down between the gutter and the fascia? If so, your gutters may not have had gutter apron installed when they were put on. Gutter Apron is an ‘L’ shaped piece of metal flashing, nailed to the roof decking just under the edge of the shingles, that drops down into the gutter. Gutter apron ensures that rainwater coming from the roof is routed appropriately directly into the gutter and not able to sneak behind it. If not installed, water that seeps behind the gutter can cause fascia damage and limit the effectiveness of the gutter system.

Holes & Cracks in Gutters: Inspect the gutters for any holes or cracks that may need to be repaired. Holes or cracks in the gutters can typically be repaired by adhering a patch of the same or similar material, to the damaged spot.

Make Sure All Connections Are Secure: When doing your gutter inspection check to make sure that all the connections, where gutter lengths are connected, gutter meets downspout, or sections of downspout, are fastened together tightly. Check for broken or missing rivets, which if found, should be drilled and replaced.

Make Sure Gutter System is Fastened to the Home Securely: Check that all downspout fasteners, where downspouts are fastened to the siding or exterior elevations home, are secure. If a section of downspout is torn off due to wind, heavy snow, or ice because of a loose or missing fastener, it may not only damage the gutter beyond repair, it may also cause unnecessary collateral damage to the siding.

For more information on peace of mind services and to view a sample home inspection report book please visit our website at www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Source: Trinity Exteriors, Inc

Happy Easter!

We hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Maintenance Tips for Spring

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
  
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
  
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
  
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
  
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
  
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
  
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
  
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
  
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
  
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Source: HGTV

Appliances: Tip for your Garbage Disposal

Homeowners that have never had an in-sink garbage disposal system might wonder what the big deal is. Those who have been using a garbage disposal for years, on the other hand, know that they are one of the handiest kitchen additions around. When preparing food or cleaning up after a meal, rinsing off plates, pots, and pans becomes a snap, as you don't have to worry about clogging the drain with bits of food.

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's Peace of Mind tip is on the topic of appliances; specifically a garbage disposal. You will learn about the following items:

• what to inspect as the agent for a buyer or seller
• how to properly use the garbage disposal
• what items to avoid sending down the garbage disposal

 
 What to inspect on the Garbage Disposal:

• To test a garbage disposal for leaks, turn it on and run water through it. The water load should be great enough so that any leaks will become apparent. A good way to do this is to close the drain and fill the sink with water before releasing the stopper. 
• Note:While testing a garbage disposal, never put anything other than water through it. Before turning it on, check to make sure there are no objects already in the disposal. 

These quick inspect tips should never be used in replacement to having Peace of Mind certified home inspector perform a professional home inspection.


How to properly use your Garbage Disposal: 
To view this informational video from Angie's List on how you should properly use your garbage disposal, please click here.

 
What to avoid sending down the drain: 

The handy kitchen garbage disposal is useful for getting rid of a variety of food scraps and waste that might otherwise create unpleasant smells in the kitchen. However, many foods can actually damage your disposal or render it useless. These tips from Angie's List can help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

1. Avoid putting fibrous foods or tough-skinned vegetables into the disposal. The strings of celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce, corn husks, carrots, onion skins and potato peels can wrap around the blades, preventing proper operation of the motor. If you feel you must put fibrous foods into your disposal, do so in very small quantities, and run the cold water while you operate the unit. 
2. Don't put extremely hard foods into the garbage disposal. Items such as bones and fruit pits can dull and even break the unit's blades. In a worst-case scenario, hard foods will jam the disposal, preventing blades from turning and causing the motor to burn out. 
3. Keep grease and greasy foods out of the disposal. Greasy foods will distribute a film over the blades, diminishing their effectiveness. Eventually, the grease will begin to decay, causing an unpleasant odor in the kitchen. Pouring grease into a garbage disposal can result in clogged drains when the grease solidifies. 
4. Contrary to popular belief, egg shells have no place in the garbage disposal. Some people claim that egg shells sharpen the blades of the unit, but this is not true. The shell's stringy membrane layer can wrap around the shredder ring, and the shell itself will be ground to a sand-like consistency capable of clogging pipes. 
5. Avoid putting expandable foods such as pasta and rice into the garbage disposal. Even small particles of these foods will swell with water and eventually clog the trap. 
6. Exercise common sense, and don't put non-food items into the garbage disposal. Avoid the example of homeowners who have placed rubber bands, twist ties, cigarette butts, pull tabs, fabric, sponges and plant clippings into their disposal units. These items cannot break down enough to wash down the drain.

The garbage disposal is a sturdy kitchen appliance; however, even the best model cannot handle unsuitable items. If you run into any problems with your unit, you should seek the help of a licensed plumber.

 

How to use your garbage disposal the right way | Angies List, Angie's List

How to use your garbage disposal the right way Angies List, Angie's List

Peace of Mind Pest Control is fumigating another home in the Central Valley with drywood termites. R.I.P Termites! http://ow.ly/i/rSWR

Components to a Home Inspection: Interior

What is the interior component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the interior living structure. The living structure would include walls, ceilings, and floors, interior stairways and balconies, counters and cabinets, doors and windows, fireplaces and woodstoves. The interior inspection tests the operation of windows and doors and reports signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.

The certified inspector shall:

A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.

B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.

C. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.

D. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.

E. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.

F. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

The certified inspector is not required to:

A. Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing.
D. Inspect security systems or components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances.
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.

J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage door.

K. Operate or evaluate security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including compliance with local, state, or federal standards.

L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations, or devices.

M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.

N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.

O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.

P. Inspect elevators.

Q. Inspect remote controls.

R. Inspect appliances.

S. Inspect items not permanently installed.

T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise nonpermanent installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.

U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.

V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.

W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Useful Tip - Interior

Buying a new home is one of the most important investments you will make, and you need to make sure there are no unexpected surprises when you move-in. As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards.

This month's tip is regarding the interior of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or you potentially should have repaired when listing a home for a seller.

Painting Touch-Ups: Paint Touch ups are probably the most frequently noted items on a walk through, which isn’t surprising as they are usually the most visible. Some new homes may require minor painting touch-ups where there are stains, scuffs or scratches. Look for uniform color and even coverage on the interior as well as the exterior.

Doors Doors should open and close easily without binding. Check to see that exterior doors shut properly with no light coming in through the seals. Make sure that doors are painted or sealed on all six sides: front, back, sides, top and bottom. This will ensure that in the future the door will not absorb moisture and warp. Make sure that the dead bolts latch easily and completely into the jamb.

Windows: Windows should open and close properly. Check for cracked or scratched glass. Scratches in glass have to be visible from 10 feet before replacement will be required.

Cabinets/Countertops: Open and close all cabinets. Check for secure installation of cabinets and knobs. Drawers should glide smoothly and doors should close squarely. Shelves should be supported at all 4 corners and at the center stile for the double wide cabinets. Make sure that cabinet doors close and touch the bump stops at top and bottom. Failure to touch at top and bottom can indicate a warped door. Look for nicks and scratches. Same goes for the countertops, check for scratches nicks or blemishes. Countertops should be securely attached to the cabinets and caulked to the walls.

Floors/Carpet: Walk the entire floor area and listen for creaks. Check hardwood floors for scuffs and scratches. On carpeted floors, be sure seams match and there are no snags. Look for rips, tears or seam gaps on vinyl or linoleum flooring. Depending on the style chosen, floor tile should have consistent color and should be level with uniform grout lines.

Condensation/Mildew: Condensation on windows indicates high humidity levels during winter months. This can sometimes lead to rot. Walls, particularly in comers and areas of dead air should be checked for evidence of condensation and mildew indicating high humidity levels within the house. Water stains on interior finishes should be noted. If the source cannot be detected, they should be monitored.

Please note this may not be complete or suitable checklist for your needs and is not meant to replace a professional inspection preformed by a certified home inspector.

One of the main reasons there is great value in get a home inspection from a Peace of Mind certified inspector is because home inspections let you prepare for the future. If you obtain an inspection report that lets you know that the home needs work that you hadn't originally anticipated and the seller refuses to remedy the situation in order to close the deal, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the home. It does, however, let you know that at some point in the future you will need to make these repairs to the property. By getting a home inspection, you can prepare yourself for any additional costs that may arise.

Source: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Final Walk Through

Real estate agent and buyers looking at the interior of a home during a walk through.

Happy Holidays from the Peace of Mind Team! http://ow.ly/i/nGqA

Useful Tip - Insulation

"The weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful" – Well, delightful until you realize the warmth is being lost due to inadequate insulation on the home. One of the most common problems Peace of Mind Home Inspection’s certified inspectors encounter during a majority of their home inspections is the lack of insulation. Today, nearly 60% of existing homes in the US are not insulated properly. A well insulated home has many benefits to the homeowner. Besides reducing energy costs, it also allows for even temperature distribution within the home, it provides better moisture control, has potential for increased resale value, and contributes to a quieter more environmentally friendly living area.

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's questions and answers are regarding the insulation of a home.

Do I need to inspect the attic insulation of this home? Although inspecting attics is rarely foremost on a buyer's mind, there are a lot of good reasons why buyers need to get into an attic or send their home inspector into the attic before completing a home inspection. Attics should not be overlooked. An attic reflects the history of a home. It can provide clues to serious problems that might not be disclosed or even known by the current occupant of the home.

How can you tell there is enough insulation in the home? No matter what kind of insulation is currently in the attic, one quick way to determine if you will need more is to look across the span of the attic. If the insulation is just level with or below the home’s floor joists (i.e., you can easily see the joists), it is recommended to add more. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, the home probably has enough and adding more may not be cost-effective.

Should certain areas of the attic be more insulated than others? Should there be high or low areas? It is important that the insulation be evenly distributed with no low spots; sometimes there is enough insulation in the middle of the attic and very little along the eaves. If the attic insulation covers the joists and is distributed evenly, the home probably has enough.

What are the signs I should look for during my walk through to know that this home needs more insulation? How do I know if my home needs insulation? You can benefit from re-insulating the home if you notice any of the following: ice dams, drafty walls, high heating/cooling bills, moisture in the attic, or if the furnace or A/C unit runs constantly.

How much insulation should there be? If more is needed, how do we know how much to add? Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

 Insulation for the home is like a hat. You wear a hat to keep warm in winter and keep the heat out in summer.

Did you know that attic insulation does for your house what a hat does for you? You wear a hat to keep warm in winter and keep the heat out in summer. Essentially, insulating your attic is one of the most energy conscious, cost-effective improvements you can make to your home. Shockingly, around half of your home's heat can escape if your home isn't insulated. Instead of turning up the thermostat, get insulating! Insulating your home will help you save hundreds on your energy bills, as well as making a massive reduction to your carbon foot print – everyone's a winner. For valuable tips and step-by-step information on how you can insulate your home’s attic/lofts, doorways, windows, floors, pipes and hot water please visit Home Serve.

Components to a Home Inspection: Insulation/Ventilation

What is the insulation/ ventilation component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the insulation and ventilation systems. This entails entering the crawl space and attic spaces whenever possible, as well as to report the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, absence of same in unfinished space at conditioned surfaces, ventilation of attics and foundation areas, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry venting systems.

The certified inspector shall inspect:

A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.
B. Ventilation of attics and foundation areas.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.

The certified inspector shall describe:

A. Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.

B. Absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.

The certified inspector is NOT required to:

A. Enter the attic or unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.

B. To move, touch, or disturb insulation.

C. To move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.

E. Identify the composition of or the exact R-value of insulation material.

F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.

G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation/wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.

H. Determine adequacy of ventilation.

Insulation/Ventilation - Home Inspection

For more information on peace of mind services and to view a sample home inspection report book please visit our website at www.peaceofmindhi.net.

What tools do you use to manage your company's social media sites? Hootsuite? Tweetdeck? SpredFast? Which are your favorite and why?

Happy Thanksgiving from Peace of Mind

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time where we all can come together, to spend time in the company of loved ones enjoying honey ham and pumpkin pie. Not only is Thanksgiving about the feast, family, friends and of course, football, but it is also an important time to look back over the past year, remembering the wonderful things in your life and being thankful for all that you are blessed with. What are you thankful for this year? This Thanksgiving, we would like to say we are thankful for YOU! We are grateful for the many years of support and this Thanksgiving, we are so very thankful for you and your continued business. www.peaceofmindhi.net

Useful Tip -- Roofing

There is a long list of items on the home that are usually referred as deal killers by realtors, and the one item closest to the top is the roofing and the condition of the roof. Missing shingles and hanging gutters broadcast a loud, scary signal to potential buyers. You want the house to look as presentable and non-problematic as possible. There's a great deal of fear when people go out to look at property. You want them to be able to focus on 'Where does my bed go?' and 'Can we live here?' rather than, 'Oh my God, there's a problem with the roof.'"

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's tip is regarding the roofing of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or have repaired when listing a home for a seller.

Make a Few Repairs:

As a listing agent, if possible request the sellers to make a few repairs to spiff up the appearance of the roof.

Find a certified, licensed, and bonded roofing company to replace any missing or broken shingles or roofing tiles. 

• Request the roofer to remove any moss or recommend someone that can. 
• Moss growing on the roof signals neglect, so it's important to get it cleaned off. 
• Remember when hiring someone to work on your roof, it's crucial to check their recommendations. Amateurs can damage your roof with the careless use of a high-pressure power washer.

How to Inspect the Roof:

As a buying agent, it is important to learn how to spot common roof problems while walking through the home with your clients. You may inspect the roof by using the following steps:  

• Walk the exterior of the house, looking for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. 
• Look for signs of prior repairs made on the roof. 
• Look for areas on the roof with moss and/or leaves, paying close attention to areas that are hidden by vegetation. 
• Look for missing, damaged, and aging shingles. 
• Get some history! Here and there we are still finding homes that are occupied. The homeowner or tenant themselves would know more about the roof than anyone else. If this is the case, then why not ask about the age of the roof and the repair history. 
• Do not climb onto the roof. The risk is too high and that is why there are certified inspectors who will do this for you, often times free as well. Roof inspectors will complete a thorough inspection, stating the condition of the roof, providing repair estimates, and if the roof is certifiable, roofing companies will often offer certifications guaranteeing the roof for a certain number of years.

Maintaining Your Roof

Replacing a roof can be the single biggest maintenance expense a homeowner will ever encounter. It’s for that reason that I strongly recommend you inspect and properly maintain your roof to get the most out of it. Because the roof on any house is exposed to heavy rains, blazing sun, high winds, and sometimes even hail, regular inspection and maintenance is essential for a long-lasting roof.

• Be alert to early signs of a roof leak. Check the condition of your roof at least once a year, and plan in advance for necessary repairs. Early signs of trouble include dark areas on ceilings, peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs, damp spots alongside fireplaces, and water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace. 
• Remove leaves from the roof. If you don’t remove them, they’ll trap moisture and gradually decompose, allowing wind-blown seeds to take root. 
• Trim overhanging branches. A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your roof, and it can also keep squirrels and other rodents from gnawing into your roof or siding. To keep critters away, remove branches within 10 feet of the roof.
• Clean the gutters. When leaves collect in the gutters, the rainwater-collection system becomes clogged and roof runoff spills over the side. That can damage your siding and cause basement flooding. Worse, the water can back up into the structure of your home, where it leads to rot, infestations of wood-destroying insects, and interior paint damage. 
• Clear the roof of moss. Moss holds moisture against the wood, speeding rot. Moss can even crack cement or ceramic tiles.

To learn more about inspecting and maintaining your roof visit HouseLogic.

Video: Lowe's Solution Center

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Components to a Home Inspection: Roofing

What is the roofing component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the roofing system. The certified inspector will inspect the roof coverings, roof drainage systems, the flashings, the chimneys, roof penetrations, water penetration and condensation. The roof inspection will determine the integrity of the roof, how long it may last, and when it will need to be replaced.

The certified inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

A. The roof covering.

B. The gutters.

C. The downspouts.

D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.

E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

The certified inspector is not required to:

A. Walk on any roof surface.

B. Predict the service life expectancy.

C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.

D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.

E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.

For more information on peace of mind services and to view a sample home inspection report book please visit our website at www.peaceofmindhi.net.

A Roof Doctors certified, licensed, and bonded roof inspector
inspecting a composition roof.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Useful Tip -- Heating

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about furnaces!

How to Inspect the Furnace:

• Locate the furnace. Is the furnace even there? Don't laugh; theft for scrap metal is pretty big these days!

• If possible, identify the manufacturer along with the make and model of the furnace. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the furnace might be. All peace of mind certified inspectors will recommend that with any unit fifteen years or older should have the heat exchange checked for any cracks or leaks of carbon monoxide, this service is typically offered for free buy your local utility company.

• Check around the furnace's location for noticeable water stains, this could potentially mean the furnace condenser is leaking.

• Check the thermostat. The thermostat should be located out of direct sunlight (i.e. hallways). The thermostat should be level and attached properly to the wall to work properly.

• Test the thermostat by turning on the furnace. Upon turning the system and listen for unusual sounds while feeling how warm the air is and how strong the air flow is from the vents. Move around the house, verifying the vents are pushing adequate air throughout the home.

• Look at the air intake located indoors to verify the filter is properly installed and the cleanliness of the filer itself. If the filter looks unclean, the filter most likely needs to be cleaned or replaced. Make note of the filter type, there are many types of filters to choose from.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Furnace:

Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. We'll walk through some of the steps in maintaining your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to monitor its safety.

• Turn Off Gas and Electricity to Furnace -- As with all home repairs, the first step is to turn off the power and in this case, the fuel. There should be a switch near the furnace, if not, check the electrical service panel and shut off the appropriate breaker. The gas line will be connected to the furnace in a black pipe and will have a shut off valve nearby. Turn the valve so it is perpendicular to the gas line to shut it off.

• Vacuum the Furnace Interior -- Open the furnace door. With a vacuum cleaner having a long snorkel attachment, vacuum out the base of the furnace and the gas burners. Get all the crevices cleaned of any loose dust or debris.

• Change the Air Filter -- The furnace filter is the one component that needs to be checked and possibly changed monthly during the heating season. Replace it as part of this seasonal maintenance.Watch the step by step video below by Liberty Home Builders!

• Check the Fanbelt -- Just as on your car, fanbelts wear and get loose. Check the fanbelt on your furnace that drives the blower. Inspect the belt for glazing, cracking or fraying. If any of those signs are evident, replace the belt. Also check the belt tension. By pushing down in the center of the belt, it should feel taut and only deflect about 1/2" - 3/4". If it deflects more than that, tighten the belt by loosening the attachment bracket. Then, move the motor assembly so the belt tightens and hold the motor assembly in place while maintaining tension on the belt. Tighten the attachment bracket.

• Lubricate Oil Bearings -- If your furnace is older or if it has a motor without permanently sealed bearings, the bearings will need to be oiled. Find the oiling caps. They may also be on the bearing shaft. Drop a few drops of lightweight household oil in the oil spout below the caps. Don't over oil.

• Replace Furnace Cover and Reconnect -- Once completed, replace the furnace cover and turn the electrical power back on along with the gas. Relight the pilot if necessary.

Source: About.com Guide

How to Change Your Furnace Filter:

To learn more about Peace of Mind Home Inspections, please visit http://www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind 

Components to a Home Inspection: Heating

What is the heating component of a home inspection?

The heating component purpose is to identify major deficiencies in the central heating system which does not require detailed heat- loss analyses. The certified inspector inspects and reports information about the heating equipment, operating and safety controls, combustion product disposal system, distribution system, heat source per room. 

The certified inspector shall:

1. Open readily openable access panels.
2. Inspect:
1. Installed heating equipment.
2. Vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
3. Describe:
1. Energy source(s).
2. Heating systems.

The certified inspector is NOT required to:

1. Inspect:
1. Interiors of flues or chimneys that is not readily accessible.
2. Heat exchangers.
3. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
4. Electronic air filters.
5. Solar space heating systems.
2. Determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance.

To learn more about Peace of Mind Home Inspections and to view a sample home inspection report, please visit http://www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Peace of Mind certified inspector inspecting one of the twelve components of a home inspection, the furnace.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind