Category Archives: Home Care & Safety

Spring Home Maintenance

Start your spring exterior maintenance plan by grabbing a pen and paper and taking a walk around the full perimeter of your home. Compile a list of any necessary repairs you discover. Breaking these tasks down later into categories and prioritizing them will make the list more manageable.

Trim Trees & Bushes

You need relatively clear access to your home’s exterior to complete most maintenance tasks. A good place to start is to trim back any trees and bushes from the side of the house and hanging over the roof, gutters, and power lines. Remember to give the same attention to any outbuildings, such as a detached garage or storage shed.

Roof, Gutters & Downspouts 

Inspect the roof of your home and outbuildings for any signs of leaks or damage including buckling, curling, or missing shingles. Shingles and metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and in valleys should be firmly adhered. Consult with a roofing specialist if you suspect repairs are necessary. Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected.

How to Clean Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Pressure Wash

Carefully pressure wash the siding, porch, deck, patio, walkways, and driveway, wherever there are stubborn dirt stains, fungus, mold, or mildew. If you plan to use detergents or bleach solutions, be sure to use safe, biodegradable products recommended for the specific surfaces you are cleaning.

Chimney & Fireplace

Inspect the chimney for any mortar or brick damage. Cracked or crumbling mortar should be removed and replaced, known as repointing. Significantly damaged or missing stones should be replaced. Some minor masonry jobs can be done yourself. If you find significant mortar or brick damage it is generally best to consult with a professional.

Once the heating season has passed, have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly during winter. Doing this in spring or summer will avoid the fall rush and you may even get a break on the price.

Siding, Doors & Windows

Inspect for gaps where air and moisture can get inside. Remove old caulk and thoroughly clean areas in need of repair. Allow to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior grade caulk.

Foundation, Driveway, Walkway & Patio

Inspect the concrete for cracks or pits. Minor defects can often be repaired on your own but larger jobs may require a professional. Keep in mind it can be difficult to match a patch to existing concrete. Carefully consider repairs in high visibility locations.  If you notice significant cracks or damage to the foundation you should have it professionally inspected.

Decks & Porches

Examine decks and porches for any damage or rot. Replace any deck boards in poor condition and secure loose boards or railings. Apply stain or sealer to wood decks to prevent decay. Resurface waterproof decking as recommended by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Lawn Maintenance

Remove all fallen branches, leaves, and other debris from the lawn. De-thatch the lawn with a good raking prior to the first mowing. Mow lawn down to two inches, being careful not to ‘scalp’ the grass with the first mowing. Lightly apply a quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer.

Spotlight on Edmonds Real Estate

Thank you Wayne Purser of Coldwell Banker Bain in Edmonds and My Edmonds News for the opportunity to be a guest on Spotlight on Edmonds Real Estate. Tune in to Wayne’s monthly real estate weather reports for valuable real estate sales data and important factors affecting the local Edmonds economy and the greater Puget Sound.

 

 

Seasonal Safety Tips

Place candles away from combustible materials and out of reach from pets and children. Before going to bed, turn off all the lights and walk through each room to check for any candles that might still be burning.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Discard any damaged holiday lights or extension cords.

Water the Christmas tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Never leave tree lights burning when away from home or sleeping.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned. On average, your chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned.

Use caution when using portable heaters. They should be placed on level, non-flammable surfaces at least three feet from combustible materials. Never leave them unattended.

Purchase a portable fire extinguisher and keep it accessible and fully charged.

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries annually or sooner if needed.

Lil Buddy sized for webMake sure pets always have a warm and safe place out of the cold. Keep potentially harmful items like mistletoe, holly, and holiday ornaments and gift wrapping items out of pets reach.

2016 Home Improvement Trends

What is hot in home improvement in 2016?

Lifestyle and energy efficiency are behind many popular home improvement and remodeling trends. Smart homes are on the rise as new technology helps homeowners monitor and control everything from access and security, to lighting, heating and cooling, and the sprinkler system. According to Imagineer Remodeling master baths that resemble spas, kitchens with spacious, open floor plans, and even customized spaces to bathe and feed our 4-legged family members, are on the rise.

Following are a few trends we see gaining popularity locally and among our customers.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

The idea of replacing water thirsty lawns with native, drought tolerant plants, is gaining a lot of momentum in the Pacific Northwest. The challenge is to find plants that tolerate minimal water during the summer and will survive long, cold, and wet winters. Doing your homework and consulting with a local landscape company that specializes in drought tolerant gardening will help to ensure a successful transition.

Incorporating features such as a stone pathway, concrete or block stairs to access terraced levels, or a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor, add interest and contrast.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Accessory Dwelling Units

Many modern families are returning to more traditional, multi-generational households. The concept isn’t anything new. Aging parents in need of more care often move into their children’s homes. But aging parents are not the only folks to influence the evolution of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s).

Baby boomers are often caught in the squeeze of economic stresses, sometimes faced with three or four generations living in the same home. In addition to senior parents, many adult children have returned to their parent’s home, often bringing younger children with them too.

Immigrants also influence the demand on housing. Multi-generational living is often favored by different cultural groups.

Depending on specific circumstances, finishing a basement or attic, or converting a garage, may provide adequate living space. Other times, adding an in-law suite may be more suitable. Ideally, the additional living space will have a private entrance, bedroom, bathroom, living area, and some type of kitchen.

Incorporating Universal Design into the improvement will ensure the home is safe, functional, and meets the needs each generation requires. It can be as simple as improved lighting and grab bars. Wider halls and doorways, roll-in showers, and lower countertops address more specific needs.

ADU’s can also be an income generating asset. As the families needs change, what might be practical today for the in-laws may later turn into a source of rental income or an attractive resale feature.

Outdoor Living Spaces

As summers seem to grow longer and warmer, bridging the inside of the home to an outdoor living space is gaining popularity.

Patios or decks fully or partially covered with a roof extension provide protection from both sun and rain showers, and take advantage of naturally cooling breezes. More elaborate designs allow year round use by converting from an open air concept to a closed room during cooler months of the year.

Energy Efficiency

There are so many ways to improve a home’s efficiency. Some require a considerable financial investment and thus take longer to reap the savings. High efficiency heating and cooling systems are gaining interest. Solar power and water heating systems can save money in energy costs and increase property value.

But even a modest investment can have a real impact on reducing your homes carbon footprint. Since the federal energy bill was passed a number of better performing lighting options have become available. More options are popping up in the holiday lighting aisle as well.

Tube skylights, or sun tubes, are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have installed. Depending on the location of the tube, the average do-it-yourself type who is comfortable working on the roof can install them on their own. A 10-inch tube can light approximately 200 square feet of floor area, or the equivalent of roughly three 100-watt bulbs. Larger tubes provide even more light.

Whole house fans can be an efficient way to cool many different types of homes. Proper installation is key and best left to a professional.

Home Energy Audit – Should You Have One?

Home Energy Audit – Should You Have One?

Home energy audits help you understand how much energy your home uses and identify ways to improve its efficiency. There are many things you can do on your own such as caulk and weather strip around doors and windows or wrap exposed water pipes. But many homes are so inefficient that even after completing the more obvious improvements, there are still many ways to further reduce your home’s energy consumption and increase comfort.

A professional audit can cost upwards of $400 or more but when used wisely can pay for itself in a short amount of time. If this is out of your budget, there are do-it-yourself alternatives. For starters, there are easy online surveys such as Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick. The survey compares your home’s efficiency to similar homes in your area. Another, more comprehensive self-study is the Home Energy Saver. Snohomish County PUD also offers a free online energy audit called the Home EnergyAdvisor.

While an online audit can be a good starting point, it is no substitute for a home inspection by a professional energy auditor. A Home Energy Audit is an investment to help you determine the best steps to increase your homes efficiency.

The many benefits to a Home Energy Audit and related improvements include:

  • Improved comfort & safety
  • Enhanced appearance
  • Increased salability
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Assists in tenant retention of investment properties

Many home improvements such as adding insulation or replacing the furnace are not inexpensive. Having an audit conducted before making these improvements will help prioritize the best approach for long term value. It doesn’t do much good to install a new heating system if the air leaks have not been addressed. Planning a remodel? Having an audit completed before starting a remodel will help you plan and incorporate energy saving upgrades into your project.

The following are questions to consider when determining if your home is operating as efficiently as it could.

  • Is your home comfortable during hot and cold seasons?
  • Are your energy bills excessive?
  • Does your heating/cooling system run constantly to maintain a comfortable temperature?
  • Are there drafty rooms or variable temperatures throughout the house?
  • Do you have cold floors in the winter?
  • Is moisture on the windows?
  • Do you have excessive dust?

A thorough inspection will determine what components are negatively affecting the comfort and efficiency of your home. Based on the inspection results, you should have a good understanding of recommended repairs and improvements, along with an idea of estimated costs and potential annual savings in energy bills.

A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of your home. A thorough audit will include:

  • Blower Door Test (used to de-pressurize the home and expose air leaks)
  • Infrared Camera Scan (used to reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation)
  • Combustion Safety Testing (detects carbon monoxide leaks)
  • Complete Basement to Attic Inspection
  • Survey of Appliances & Lighting Systems

The following video Energy 101: Home Energy Assessment provided by the Department of Energy explains each of these steps in detail.

Home Energy Audits alone won’t save energy. You need to implement the recommended improvements. The results of the audit will help prioritize repairs and put a short or long term plan in place, depending on the extent of improvements needed and your budget.

A Home Energy Auditor should be certified through either the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Both BPI and RESNET have set standards for home energy professionals and are recognized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. View a list of certified BPI accredited contractors near you.

Currently Seattle City Light customers can obtain a Home Energy Audit for $125. Rebate programs are available and in some cases, free weatherization services for those who meet income qualifications. For more information visit the Energy Conservation page of their website or call an Energy Advisor at 206-684-3800.

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers their electric and natural gas customers a free HomePrint Assessment of their home’s energy use. It includes a customized summary of recommended energy efficiency upgrades, information about equipment rebates, contractor referrals, and helpful tips on how to save energy. For more details, contact a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.

Snohomish County PUD customers with electric heat may qualify for cash incentives toward energy-saving home improvements. The Weatherization & Heating program includes eligible upgrades toward floor, wall & ceiling insulation, insulated windows, heat pumps, duct sealing & insulation, and Energy Smart loans. Contact the Energy Hotline with questions at 425-783-1700.

Beware – Energy Saving Scams! Snohomish County PUD warns of scams committed by phone, mail, text, and even in-person visits to homes and businesses. If you received a notice in the mail, someone visited your home or business, or you received a text or phone message demanding payment of an unpaid bill, please beware. Visit Snohomish County PUD or call 425-783-1000 for more details to report or avoid becoming a victim of an energy saving scam.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Ready to get a jump on your spring home maintenance projects? The following checklist will help you get started.

Inspect home’s exterior for winter storm damage and needed repairs

Flush and inspect gutters & downspouts

Power wash siding, porch, deck, patio, walkways, and driveway

Trim trees/bushes near buildings & power lines; remove dead/damaged branches once new growth is apparent

De-thatch lawn with a good raking prior to first mowing; mow lawn down to 2 inches before grass is over 2 ½ inches tall, leaving no less than ½ inch of growth; lightly apply quality fertilizer with weed killer

Clean carpeting

Wash windows inside & out (check for mold around windows and moisture between panes); remove storm windows and install screens

Organize garage or storage areas

Replace furnace filters monthly, or as recommended by manufacturer during heating season

Test smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors monthly

Structural Repairs and Basement & Crawlspace Waterproofing

Structural repair and basement and crawlspace waterproofing services are available for both our residential and commercial customers.

Foundation Repairs

If you have a foundation problem such as cracks in the foundation wall, buckling walls, or sagging floors, we have the right people to help inspect and evaluate the best approach to permanently repair and restore your home’s structure back to its original position. We can help with foundation wall stabilization and straightening, foundation crack repairs, leveling floors, crawl space repair, and installing foundation piers.

Retaining Wall Repairs

Tilting or leaning retaining walls, cracked retaining walls, retaining walls separating from adjacent walls, and crumbling or deteriorating retaining walls are common problems. In many cases the retaining wall can be restored to its original appearance and structural integrity with the use of wall anchors and helical tiebacks. Removing and rebuilding the wall is expensive and often not necessary unless it is showing extensive deterioration.

Concrete Leveling & Lifting

Concrete driveways, patios, walkways, and concrete slabs that are cracked or tilting are often caused by erosion or a weak or shifting soil base. Neglecting to repair these problem areas can result in safety hazards and will only get worse with time. Concrete lifting and leveling uses structural foam injection PolyLEVEL; a unique expanding polyurethane foam. This approach is less destructive than many other products and techniques, and a cost effective and permanent solution compared to removing and replacement.

Basement and Crawl Space Waterproofing

Wet, humid, and musty basements or crawl spaces are all too common in the northwest. Water will find its way through any opening, including foundation walls, floors, and the joints between them. A complete Basement System can solve water damage problems including flooding, mold, and poor air quality.

Please let us know if we can help with any of your structural repairs or waterproofing needs.

Basement & Crawl Space Waterproofing
Crawl Space Support Repairs
Concrete Leveling & Lifting
Drainage Repair
Foundation Repair
Helical Tiebacks
Helical Piles
Hillside Stabilization
Micropiles / Soil Nails
Pin Piling
Push Piers
Slab Piers
Retaining Wall Repair & Stabilization
Structural Engineering
Structural Repairs / Framing / Concrete Seismic Retrofitting

Seasonal Safety Tips

1. Place candles away from combustible materials and out of reach from pets and children. Before going to bed, turn off all the lights and walk through each room to check for any candles that might still be burning.

2. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Discard any damaged holiday lights or extension cords.

3. Water the Christmas tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Never leave tree lights burning when away from home or sleeping.

4. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned. On average, your chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned.

5. Use caution when using portable heaters. They should be placed on level, non-flammable surfaces at least three feet from combustible materials. Never leave them unattended.

6. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries annually or sooner if needed.

7. Purchase a portable fire extinguisher and keep it accessible and fully charged.

8. Make sure pets always have a warm and safe place out of the cold. Keep potentially harmful items like mistletoe, holly, and holiday ornaments and gift wrapping items out of pets reach.

Aging In Place, Safe Solutions for Senior Homeowners

For many senior homeowners, finding a home improvement contractor they can trust can be challenging.

America’s senior population is growing and many are living longer and more active lives. As a result, there is an increasing demand for reliable resources to help seniors connect with trustworthy home service professionals. Whether it is a small job such as installing stability bars in the bathroom or more extensive modifications, senior homeowners need a resource to locate contractors they can trust and who understand their specific needs.

To help meet the increasing needs of our senior population, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Association of Retired People (AARP) developed the Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) program. The program provides training for contractors to address the needs of home safety and independence for seniors. It teaches contractors Universal Design skills to make functional modifications that blend seamlessly with your current home design and décor.

Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, which was first introduced to make public buildings and facilities more accessible for people with disabilities. Universal Design has broadened the approach by helping make personal residences more functional and user-friendly for everyone. Certified Aging in Place Specialists will work with you to assess both your current and potential future needs and help you make these important and life-enhancing modifications.

Safety is the primary reason for making home modifications for seniors. Planning ahead and making the appropriate improvements now can help prevent accidents in the future and ensure a more secure and accessible home.

Stability bars in the bathroom; improved lighting in hallways, work areas, and outdoors; and continuous handrails on each side of stairways are simple and relatively inexpensive updates. Specific needs can be met through more extensive modifications to the kitchen, bathroom, or other living spaces. Thoughtful planning and consideration can result in attractive modifications and increase resale value by appealing to a broader market.

It is never too soon to make improvements to increase your home’s safety and functionality. If you are planning a home remodel or even minor improvements, consider incorporating some well thought out modifications to help make your home safer and more functional. Some relatively minor adjustments can make a big difference for a lot of people. This may include friends or family members with disabilities, children, or even senior relatives that visit and may eventually move into the household. Many simple features will make your home more ‘visitable’ and the transition of merging households an easier process.

An alternative to modifying your existing home is to sell and purchase a home that is already more suitable for your needs. However, it is often less expensive to modify your existing home and save on real estate commissions, closing costs, moving costs, and decorating. Depending on your particular situation, a home equity loan or reverse mortgage may be an option to finance a more extensive remodel. Some long-term care or private insurance policies cover special equipment such as ramps and stability bars.

Consulting with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist is the first step in helping you determine your specific needs and the many options and related benefits available to you. We are pleased to be able to recommend professional contractors that are not only CAPS certified, but also part of our network of dependable, pre-screened home improvement professionals.

If you or a loved one are interested in consulting with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, we can help you make that connection. We will be available for you throughout the entire process from the initial consultation appointment throughout completion of your project and beyond. To get started, simply call Cari at 425-775-9085 or submit a work request.

Water Leak Detection

Leak detection device

Leak detection device

Water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home and potential health risks.  In a matter of minutes, a burst pipe or hose can flood a room with several gallons of water. Slow and undetected leaks can also cause significant damage and oftentimes harmful mold and bacteria growth.

We hear regularly from folks who have had the unfortunate event of failed plumbing or hot water heaters. The process to demo, dry out, clean, and reconstruct a home as a result of water damage is messy, time consuming, and costly.

Ask any home insurance provider and they will tell you how expensive these kinds of home repairs can be. Unless it’s a sudden and unexpected occurrence, often homeowner’s insurance will not cover the cost of repairs. Slow leaks in hidden areas like crawl spaces, attics, and closets can go undetected for a long time.

Detecting a leak quickly is key to minimizing damages. One of the simplest and inexpensive ways to help avoid this kind of problem is to have a leak detection alarm. These inexpensive devises can be placed in many locations where a leak is likely to happen including under sinks and near hot water tanks and washing machines. It won’t help if the problem is somewhere in the walls or difficult to access, but many times damages are caused by a failed water line to the refrigerator, a burst washing machine hose, or leaking hot water tank.

After receiving an unusually high number of calls this fall from customers needing water damage related repairs, it really got me thinking about looking into something to help protect my own home. I live in an upper level condo. If I have a water leak I am not only responsible for my home, but if it causes damage to the unit below me, I am responsible for their repairs too. My hot water tank is hidden behind a panel in a closet in the spare bedroom and has always been a worry. If this fails, it could easily cause significant damage to my unit and the unit below.

Purchasing the Watchdog Water Alarm at Home Depot has got to be the best $10 I have spent in a long time and could potentially save thousands of dollars in home repairs. I decided to purchase two and placed one by the washing machine (also in another out of sight location) and the other in the pan where the hot water tank sits. It may not help if I’m not home or some other plumbing fixture or piping fails, but these two locations have the highest risk of failing in my home. I feel much better knowing I have increased my chances measurably of detecting a leak quickly and before it becomes an expensive home repair.

I wanted to share this with all of you too. Do yourself a favor and play it safe!

If you need the services of a contractor who specializes in water, smoke, and sewage damage, we can help. We have trusted emergency responders in our network who specialize in restoring your home from damage caused by water, fire, and sewage.