3 tips for better energy efficiency savings this fall [Video]

Fall and spring are best known as “swing months,” filled with mornings that call for heated homes and afternoons with open windows and cooler breezes. With days and nights like these, how can homeowners control their energy use?

Always watch the weather. Knowing what will occur later in the day can better help prepare for changes in both temperature and visible conditions.

Don’t forget about daylight savings either. Although it’s already begun, keeping the sun in mind will help heating and cooling as well.

Ensure vents and radiators remain unblocked. Although furniture and rugs may have been moved during the cooler months, be sure to move them back before the heat is turned on.

Check back here for more tips from Alban Inspections!

3 tips to keep in mind as a first-time buyer [Video]

Purchasing your first home should be an exciting, fulfilling experience. Although it may be easy to become stressed or feel unprepared, with the right information, worrying should be the last thing on your mind.

Be ready for monthly payments, as well as closing costs and other monetary commitments. Take the time to evaluate your credit history and score and ensure there are no mistakes or missing information.

Be sure to have extra money saved up, as unexpected expenses can occur as well. 

Finally, invest in a home inspection no matter how new or old the structure may be. By investing in a trusted inspector, you can rest assured your property will be move-in ready when you are.

Contact an Alban inspector today to learn more.

Understanding mold in your home [Video]

Alban inspectors are trained to perform mold investigations and tests in your home. Why is mold an issue in the first place though?

One drawback of recently constructed energy efficient homes is that they don’t have as much airflow as a regular house. If a leak in the bathroom or basement occurs, the wet area is unable to dry out as quickly, supporting mold growth.

Although mold can be prevalent in new homes, it can also happen in older homes due to faulty water systems, closed-in spaces and aged home features such as wallpaper and flooring.

Mold may not seem like the worst thing to happen in a home, however it is extremely dangerous and can be deadly if left untreated. Mold can cause a range of health issues including respiratory problems, skin irritation, sore throat, nasal congestion and nervous system problems.

If these symptoms occur and there is no visible mold, it may be hidden, but its presence can be checked with a simple air test. 

With the right help, a mold infestation can often be remedied. Consult an Alban inspector today for more information. 

3 radon myths debunked

One of the most important parts of a home inspection is radon testing.

Radon is an colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can seep into the home through cracks in the foundation, pipes and construction joints. The only way to know if a home has been compromised by radon is to specifically test for it.

Radon is dangerous, and a home left untreated can result in serious health issues and even death. Keep the following three myths in mind when handling radon in your home.

Myth 1: Radon testing is difficult, expensive and time consuming. Radon testing is inexpensive when compared to the numerous health costs and home damage that can occur if left untreated. Although it can be tested by homeowners, calling in a professional is the best choice.

Myth 2: Radon only affects older homes. Radon can seep into any home, drafty, sealed, old or new. Local geology, construction materials and home type are only a few factors that may cause radon.

Myth 3: If your neighbor doesn't have radon, you won't either. Radon varies home to home and can happen in your home without affecting those around you.

The Alban Home Inspection Service [Video]

What can an Alban Home Inspection Service do for you?

Alban adheres to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI is the largest national home inspection organization of its kind. 

We follow the ASHI experience, providing personalized, expert knowledge during the home buying process. During our inspection process, buyers can expect their personal inspection to be our number one priority. In addition to our detailed, technical process we ensure educational opportunities for buyers as well. 

Alban inspects many components of the home including the gutters, foundation, heating system, outbuildings, electrical system and the majority of appliances in the kitchen, among many others.

We also use digital cameras to record conditions for buyer records and a better understanding of any issues that arise.

In addition, Alban tests for proper operating temperatures including excess moisture in lumber, drywall, masonry and concrete.

At the end of the inspection, buyers will be provided with an in-depth report that includes a list of home strengths, areas of concern and maintenance tips. 

Contact an Alban inspector to learn more, or visit our website. 

The importance of home water testing [Video]

Why do homeowners or those who are selling their property decide to invest in water testing? 

The answer can depend on several factors including proximity of the water to a septic system, composition of plumbing materials, as well as any issues with color, taste, smell or staining properties.

Two major reasons to definitely invest in water testing is the possibility of lead and a consideration for a home water treatment unit.

At Alban, we believe that water quality is an important part of your family’s overall safety in the home. In addition to their health, other water factors such as a private well or an older home are also issues to consider.

Over time, a private well can become defective and should be inspected. Common testing on wells include bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead. 

The EPA, University of Maryland Water Experts and the American Ground Water Trust recommend annual testing of private wells. 

Alban inspectors are accredited to collect water in all local states and our laboratories are nationally accredited. 

3 ways to prepare your home for sale [Video]

Preparing your home for a sale may seem like a daunting process, but with the right information in mind, it doesn’t have to be.

One of the most difficult aspects often associated with selling a home is viewing it through the eyes of potential buyers. 

Keep these three simple tips in mind when developing your sales plan.

For starters, do a deep clean. Be sure to get into all the corners, behind appliances and inside closets. In addition, keep up with cleaning throughout the selling process, especially if the home is on the market for an extended amount of time.

Make minor repairs, such as a leaking faucet or cracks in the paint. These smaller issues may cause the buyer to think the home is hiding even bigger problems elsewhere. 

Finally, spend some time on the outside of the home. Consider planting shrubbery, painting over visible marks or decorating the front door. Curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of the sale.

To learn more, or to schedule a home inspection, visit our website.

Is there lead paint in your home?

Ninety-five percent of housing units built in Maryland before 1978 contain lead paint, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Is your home one of the many?

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

Lead cannot be seen or smelt. Despite this, it can create a range of serious health issues if left untreated in the home including lethargy, frequent headaches, delayed mental and physical developments, and abdominal pain.

Lead paint is most hazardous when it is deteriorating, such as chipping, flaking or chalking. It can also be dangerous when maintenance or remodeling causes lead dust or debris to surface.

Alban Inspections is lead paint inspection qualified, accredited in lead dust pre-occupancy testing, visual compliance inspections and lead risk assessments.

Schedule an assessment today to learn more.

3 end-of-summer home improvement projects to tackle this August

Although many wish it wouldn’t come to a close, the last weeks of August signify a shift from the dog days of summer into back-to-school mode for parents and kids.

Before the weekly activities, meetings and other commitments begin to pile up again, there are a few summer home projects to do before fall rolls around.

Landscaping is a great end-of-the-summer routine to begin. Cleaning out the garden or pulling weeds and dried-out plants signifies a shift to fall foliage and warmer-toned arrangements of fall and winter-ready flowers. Getting a head start never hurts.

Although most landscaping jobs can be done by a homeowner, be sure to leave pruning and ladder-work to experienced professionals.

Before you seal your home up against the cool weather to come, keep all pests such as termites and spiders outside as well. Check windows, doors and other entryways for small passageways that can be used by critters.

Finally, check out the energy efficiency of your home. Scheduling an energy audit with Alban Inspections is a great way to reduce heating and other bills that accompany autumn.

3 home maintenance tips for the summer

The summer is a great opportunity to get outside and spend some carefree time in the sunshine. Although seasonal adventures can be tempting, make sure your home is in great shape to not only leave alone for a few days, but to entertain guests as well.

Keep the following three tips in mind for optimal summer maintenance.

Before opening the windows, be sure their screens have no rips or tears. In addition, before turning on the air conditioner confirm that all the windows are able to shut tightly to conserve energy and save money.

Check out the roof for any potential signs of leaks or damage. As the summer months can bring rain, this can help prevent issues before they begin.

Inspect the patio for any pests, major damage or excess sloping before having guests over. Something as simple as a power wash can make a big difference.

Check back here for weekly summer tips from your friendly Alban inspectors this summer.