3 more home winterization tips [Video]

Ensuring your home is ready for the upcoming winter should be a number one priority in the next few weeks. By winterizing the home, homeowners can cut down on utility costs and increase energy efficiency. 

 Fireplaces are used for warmth and holiday cheeriness during the colder months. Before its first use, have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure it’s in working order. 

Use ceiling fans to your advantage all year round by setting each to rotate clockwise, forcing the warm air that is rising to move back toward the floor. This will keep the heat where it will do the most good, closest to the occupants of the home.

Finally, block drafts around the doors and windows with weatherstripping or window film to control heat loss.

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Give yourself peace of mind with an efficient, thorough and reliable home inspection conducted by Alban Inspections. If you’re about to list your home on the market, there are a few things to keep in mind while you prepare.

Before a home inspection, take a walk through each room. If anything stands out to you in terms of safety, bring it up during the actual inspector visit. 

Be sure there are clear access paths to all parts of the home including the attic, basement, crawlspaces and heating system. An inspector must be able to properly check all these areas. 

Never attempt to do a quick fix or cheap repair on your own before an inspection, as this can do more harm than good.

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Winter home sales can be just as successful as other seasons with the right tips in mind. Although the winter can make homes appear dark, dreary and cold, you can take control of its curb appeal.

Before temperatures plummet, take some time to do some landscaping. Be sure flower beds are free of dead plants, walkways are clear and the front door has a fresh coat of paint. Be aware of the number of leaves in your yard too, as too many cause the property to seem unkempt.

Make the home look more open by stowing away trash cans and tools, and pruning trees and bushes.

Finally, although the holiday season is here, keep the decorations to a minimum.

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The home inspection process may seem simple, but it can be easy to forget important parts if not conducted by an experienced professional. Keep the following tips in mind for a safe, thorough inspection.

Never choose an inspector who isn’t experienced or accredited in the field. This can leave your new home and family open to serious health or injury risks if something is missed during the inspection.

Don’t pass on the opportunity to follow along with the inspection. Ask questions and observe issues that may arise firsthand.

Finally, be sure to follow up on the inspector’s recommendations, as this can save time and prevent future problems. 

Contact an Alban inspector to learn more.

A home inspection is a crucial piece of the purchasing process. Without a thorough home inspection, new owners may be left with a host of issues that could have been addressed or prevented before move-in day.

According to The American Society of Home Inspectors there are three key benefits for having a home inspection. An inspection can be justification for a purchase price. With all underlying issues out in the open, price cuts can be made.

Trust is also a big factor as a certified proof of home safety or report of minimal issues can create a better deal between buyers and sellers.

 With a full home inspection disclosure, risk can be minimized for all parties involved.

Contact an Alban inspector today to learn more.

The drinking water your family consumes daily is a large part of your lives, and should be treated as such. Whether your drinking water is from the kitchen sink or a private well in the backyard, it’s imperative to ensure it’s always safe for consumption.

Drinking contaminated or dirty water can have serious health effects.

Alban inspectors are qualified to collect water in all local states, and all associated laboratories are nationally accredited. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that property owners conduct annual water testing for bacteria, as well as nitrite and nitrate chemical contamination. Every three years water should also be tested for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese and lead, in addition to the overall corrosion index.

Contact an Alban inspector to learn more.

Lead can be found in every part of the environment including the air, soil, water and even inside of homes. Although it does have some valuable uses, lead can be toxic to humans and animals, causing severe health effects if left undetected. 

 Maryland law requires all multi-family and single family homes built before 1978 to be tested for lead paint. In addition, federal law requires the disclosure of lead-based paint in all sold or leased properties. 

 Accredited Alban inspectors can provide lead risk assessments, lead-free certification, visual compliance inspections, lead dust pre-occupancy testing and clearing house information.

If you would like to learn more about the risks of lead paint or the status of your home, contact us today.

Investing in a home energy audit is one of the best ways homeowners can save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

 Reducing home energy consumption doesn’t sacrifice comfort, but rather, it enables homeowners to better understand lighting, heating and insulation. 

By examining home heating and cooling systems, scanning for leaks and un-insulated areas using an infrared camera, and checking building tightness, energy losses can be eliminated easily. 

 The results of an Alban audit are compiled, prioritizing improvements that should be made right away. Whether the changes are minor or major, optimizing energy efficiency can make a difference.

Schedule your own energy audit today to learn more.

When was the last time a home inspection was conducted in your residence? If you’re having trouble remembering, it may be time to schedule one. 

Alban Inspections delivers comprehensive home probes including energy usage, radon and mold testing, as well as water and septic system evaluations. We also offer lead-based paint detection and HVAC testing. If even one of these systems is compromised, homeowners may be wasting hundreds of dollars each month in utility costs. 

A home inspection often includes a noninvasive analysis of the septic system, mold testing to determine the likelihood of an infestation, and an evaluation of spaces that are susceptible to water damage.

By targeting these areas before they become major problems, homeowners can sleep well at night knowing their home is as efficient and safe to live in as possible.