3 New Year’s resolutions for homeowners

We all want to maintain our homes as best we can, but sometimes home maintenance can get forgotten amidst all our other activities and responsibilities. This year, bring your home maintenance goals to the forefront of your mind with these 3 smart resolutions for homeowners:

  • Clear the air. If your home suffers from a lack of good ventilation, this could cause all kinds of problems, from moisture accumulation to health problems due to poor air quality. Make sure your home is well-ventilated going into the new year. And while we're on the subject of clean air, regularly testing your home for deadly radon gas and carbon monoxide is just good common sense.
  • Create a home improvement budget. For many people, home improvements are difficult to schedule because they can be relatively expensive compared to other purchases, so oftentimes there just isn't enough room in the monthly budget to accommodate necessary repairs. Creating a budget for anticipated repairs and improvements throughout the year, rather than scrambling to find the money as problems arise, will ensure you have a stress-free year in your home.
  • Get efficient. As we have often emphasized on this blog, replacing your home appliances with energy- and water-efficient devices can help you save substantially on bills while making your home more eco-friendly. Look for the EPA-certified ENERGY STAR and WaterSense labels on any products you plan to install to ensure they meet national guidelines for energy and water efficiency. 

Going into the new year is a great time to schedule a home inspection with Alban Inspections. Let us help you make sure that your home is safe, functioning and ready for the year to come. 

3 reasons other than energy savings to use green appliances

If you've been following this blog, you probably know that replacing old appliances in your home with more energy efficient models can save you a substantial amount of money. However, the focus on saving money can overwhelm the many other tangible benefits that come with energy-efficient appliances. Here are three ways living in a green home can improve your life that go beyond the energy and financial savings:

  • Increased comfort. If you're trying to skimp on your energy use for economic reasons, you're probably keeping your home slightly too cold in the winter and slightly too hot in the summer. Switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will allow you to easily keep your home at a comfortable temperature no matter the season.
  • Increased home value. Buyers these days are extremely positive about energy-efficient technologies, so having them in your home will prove to be an advantage if you're considering putting it up for sale. You can often access rebates through various energy-savings programs, so you don't even have to invest much at the beginning to reap the rewards later.
  • More control over your utilities. Sometimes your utility bill can surprise you, jumping dramatically for reasons you don't understand. Green technologies like smart thermostats allow you to keep track of your energy use from your devices, and if you install solar, wind or geothermal systems, you will actually have complete control over the production and use of energy and water in your home.

If you're thinking about making the switch to green appliances in your home, contact Alban for a home energy audit today. Our experienced home inspectors will evaluate your home for potential energy improvements, then walk you through the steps of installing green appliances and accessing rebates through the programs we partner with.

4 top green building trends for 2015

At the end of 2014, the outlook for green building is brighter than ever. New extremely energy-efficient home designs are cropping up one after another, and customers are willing to pay a premium for green building techniques if it means they'll save money on energy later. According to a report by McGraw Hill Construction, 19 percent of home builders currently devote themselves completely to green construction, and that number is expected to double by 2016. Here are some of the things to watch for in green building in 2015:

  • Living roofs or walls: Growing plants on the roof or walls of a home helps save energy and control water runoff. With several "living house" designs on the market, expect a wave of Chia pet-like homes cropping up in the new year.
  • Passive houses: The passive method of home construction uses intense insulation and innovative airflow design to minimize the need for heating and cooling, which are the biggest energy wasters in the average American home. 
  • Net-zero or energy-plus houses: Similar to the passive house but different in its energy-saving strategies, the net-zero or energy-positive house (which has a net zero energy expenditure or actually produces more energy than it consumes, respectively) is constructed with renewable energy in mind, drawing its power from sources like solar panels and geothermal water heaters. With the increasing affordability of solar power for individual consumers, this type of home is likely to explode in popularity over the next year.
  • Urban farming: People are beginning to reject the idea that farming is necessarily a rural pursuit, with rooftop gardens and backyard chicken coops in cities standing as a testament to this new movement. Green home builders will begin to incorporate urban farming elements into their designs in 2015.

To test your own home's energy use, contact Alban Inspections for an energy audit today.

5 signs of faulty wiring

Wiring is one of the most potentially dangerous components of a house, but unfortunately, many homeowners believe they can fix problems without the help of a professional. If your electrical system has been tampered with by previous owners or landlords, you may be in danger of fire or electrocution. If you notice any of these signs, you should have your home checked for wiring problems:

  • Flickering lights: If only one light fixture or lamp is flickering, it might just be that the bulb or the fixture itself is faulty. However, if multiple lights flicker consistently, it could be a sign that your electrical system is being overtaxed, or that some of the connections are loose. This is a common problem in older houses that were originally only wired for a a few electrical devices.
  • Switches or outlets working unreliably: If certain light switches or outlets work one day, then stop working the next, it could be a sign of loose wiring or damage to the switch or outlet.
  • Circuit breaker tripping frequently: It's normal for a circuit breaker to trip occasionally, but if it does so on a regular basis, it could mean that the wiring is being overloaded, or that there is a short in the system. 
  • Hot or noisy fixtures: If your electrical system is working properly, it should produce neither sound nor heat. If electrical fixtures are hot to the touch or make a buzzing sound when used, it may be a danger sign that could lead to electrical shocks.
  • Burning or sparks: This may seem obvious, but if you smell a burning odor or see sparks coming from an electrical fixture, turn it off and contact an electrician immediately to avoid an electrical fire.

Do you have concerns about your home's wiring? Schedule a home inspection with Alban to ensure your electrical system is safe.

Make your home more energy efficient this summer by starting in the kitchen

Summer is right around the corner, and while you're home heating bills were probably weighing heavy on your wallet during the winter, it's your impact on the power grid that you have to worry about during the warmer months. Now that the weather is agreeable, there is no better time to take on a renovation project that will help give you a more energy efficient home. Open up the windows so that your house is properly ventilated and start tackling those areas where you are wasting the most energy.

One room in particular to focus on is your property's main bathroom. It's not only the lighting fixtures that suck up a lot of energy, but even your appliances take their toll. For example, the showerhead in your bath, believe it or not, could be contributing to your electric costs because of the hot water that it is wasting. Older, high-flow showerheads actually use an unnecessary amount of hot water during the average 10-minute shower, which causes your home's water heater to work harder than it should be. If your house has an electric water heater, by lowering the amount of water you use when you bathe, you could save significant money every year on power costs thanks to the reduced strain put on this appliance.

According to the Department of Energy, by switching to a low-flow 2.5-gallon water heater, you could save almost $150 a year on your electric bill. To determine what other steps could be taken to increase your house's energy efficiency, have a home inspection contractor visit your property this May.

Don’t overlook these simple and effective energy-saving strategies

There are plenty of people who may be interested in converting to energy-efficient homes, but are intimidated by the potential costs or amount of work that may be required to implement such changes. But, the good news is, while you may not be able to afford buying new Energy Star-rated appliances or installing solar panels on your roof, there are some simple, cost-effective upgrades you make to reduce not only your carbon footprint but also the amount of money you spend on your utility bills each month. 

A recent article from Business Insider presents some suggestions for homeowners hoping to save energy: 

Eliminate "vampire" power – Did you know that power is still consumed when your electronics are in standby mode – or even when they are turned off entirely but still plugged in? The source suggests that this can account for 10 percent of a home's electricity use each year, so by adjusting the power-saving mode on your computer, Xbox, or other device, you can save money. 

Get an energy audit – A professional home inspection contractor can examine your home and help you determine different ways to cut costs and reduce the amount of electricity you consume on a monthly basis. 

Invest in a programmable thermostat – According to Energy Star, these devices – which cost a couple hundred dollars – can save you approximately $180 each year. There are even thermostats that allow you to change the settings remotely from your smartphone or laptop. 

Maryland residents hoping to convert to a more energy-efficient lifestyle will be happy to hear that there are many rebates and incentives to take advantage of, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison. 

Forget DIY and turn to the professionals for these home improvement projects

If you do a quick internet search for “DIY projects gone wrong,” you’ll probably be flabbergasted by some of the results and feel fortunate that you haven’t ever had to deal with the aftermath of such a disaster. But, for those of you currently looking for a new home, it’s important to keep in mind that there can be serious problems within a property that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. 

According to a recent article from the Seattle Post Intelligencer, many homeowners have opted to go the do-it-yourself route over the past few years to save money during these tough economic times. Ultimately, however, it can end up costing them – or the people who purchase their property – a significant amount of money in repairs. 

Here are some home improvement projects for which it’s a good idea to turn to a professional:

Roof repair – Climbing up onto a roof is dangerous, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can lead to serious injuries. Additionally, those who aren’t skilled at roof repair shouldn’t be installing and replacing shingles, as this can damage the home’s structure. 

Plumbing repair – Not only can doing this yourself become messy really fast, but if they aren’t fixed properly in the first place, pipes, toilets and drains can continue to wreak havoc for years to come. 

Window repair – Chances are, you probably don’t have the right tools required to install or repair windows. This means they most likely won’t be well-insulated and secure, which can lead to added energy costs. 

When you purchase a home, you really don’t know what you’re getting until you have a professional take a look at it. Thankfully, there are home inspection contractors who know what to keep an eye out for and can help you determine if a property is really worth the price or if there are hidden problems that could wind up costing a small fortune to fix.

Green home improvements that can make a real difference in home value

(BPT) – What your home is worth to you is one thing;  what it’s worth to someone else may be totally different.  If you want to boost the value of your home for yourself and in the eyes of others, one of the best ways to do that in today’s real estate market is to make green home improvements. Going green can mean a lot of things, and it’s easy to start with small changes like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.  Not only will you be doing good for the environment, you might end up saving on utility bills and, ultimately, increasing your home’s value when the time comes to sell. Green projects aren’t all necessarily in the do-it-yourself category, and making an investment to have the bigger jobs done right will pay off in the long run. “It’s important for homeowners to consider cost-saving efficiency projects as part of their overall home renovation plans, says RE/MAX/CEO Margaret Kelly.  “And a trained real estate agent will be able to identify the projects that cut current expenses and pay potential dividends when you’re ready to sell.” Getting started now – even if that just means planning – is a good idea, particularly if you’re thinking about selling in a few months’ time.  Talk to a real estate agent about what improvements are popular among potential home buyers, and consider these ideas: *Insulation: Regulating the hot air your home lets in during the summer and lets out in the winter can have a short-term impact on your heating and cooling bills.  To find out whether you need additional insulation in your attic or walls, order an energy audit.  Perhaps you could benefit from adding blown-in insulation to your walls.  If your attic is unfinished, it’s particularly important to make sure that it’s appropriately insulated to avoid wasting energy. *Windows:  Caulking and putting up energy-saving window film is a great start, but a more dramatic change might make a world of difference if you want to make a sale.  Replacing your existing windows with high-efficiency versions can be an expensive proposition, but the return on your investment can be dramatic, particularly if you’re hoping to attract buyers. *Landscaping: While planting isn’t always possible in the coldest months of the year, putting together a plan for energy-conscious plantings is a great idea.  Consider adding trees that will bring shade to the sunniest spots, like the west side of your home, to cut summertime electric bills.  Trees that lose their leaves in the fall will let light in during the winter, as opposed to evergreens which will block it throughout the year. *Water: Take the first step by turning down the temperature setting on your water heater.  For more savings consider replacing older heaters with energy-efficient models or even solar water heaters.  Adding insulation to your pipes can also make a difference in how much energy is used to heat water. Most homeowners put a lot of effort into making their homes attractive, welcoming spaces.  With green updates, you can make your home not only more comfortable and more energy-efficient, but also more appealing to buyers.  Add the potential energy savings and the possible boost in home value and you have even more reasons to bring your home into the green age. For recommendations about making your home green, talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent.  

Solar-energy home for sale in Northern Virginia

A new home has hit the market in Northern Virginia that is set to be one of the states most energy-efficient properties once occupied, utilizing the latest advances in solar panel technology.

The home is located in the Sunny View neighborhood of Mount Vernon and was constructed through a collaboration with Daffan Builders and First Home Realty, two local companies that specialize in green structures.

The property is Platinum Earthcraft Certified, a designation given to houses that are inspected by the Earthcraft Organization, which grades homes based upon how friendly a residence is to the environment and its impact on global climate change.

Along with the Earthcraft endorsement, this home also received a rating of 38 from the Residential Energy Services Network. The average existing home gets a rating of 100, with lower numbers signifying significant energy savings.

The home uses solar technology to not only provide power but heat and hot water. On the roof is a 2.5 kilowatt photoelectric system that produces electricity and solar-heated tubing for water transport that controls temperature.

Builders made the pad extremely well-insulated using environmentally friendly materials. Aside from the solar panels on the roof, the house looks no different than other homes in the area, as many of the energy-efficient technologies are hidden within the residence's walls.

For Virginia residents looking to make green adjustments to their properties, contact a home inspections contractor to conduct an energy audit to detail were adjustments can be made

Simple steps to care for granite, marble and other natural stone

(ARA) – Natural stone is one of the most sought-after upgrades in a home.  Providing both versatility and timeless beauty.  It’s no surprise that granite is the most popular natural stone option.  Though very durable, the composition of stone can make it sensitive to damage through daily use.  By understanding a few important do’s and don’ts, you can easily keep your home’s natural stone looking as good as the day it was installed. Natural stone like granite, marble, travertine and slate is commonly used for countertops and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms, two of the most-used rooms in a home.  With the daily activity associated with these spaces, it’s important to keep in mind some important stone maintenance tips. Tip 1: Don’t use all-purpose, ammonia or bleach cleaners Whether you have granite countertops in your kitchen or travertine tile in your bathroom, there is a correct way to clean the natural stone in your home.  Many homeowners are tempted to use all-purpose cleaners or bleach to keep stone surfaces clean, but these types of cleaners may actually damage your stone.  Cleaning products that contain vinegar, lemon or other acidic ingredients can dull the surface, reducing the stone’s luster and eating away at the sealer.  Ammonia-based cleaners should also be avoided as they can cause the stone’s surface layers to wear off over time. Tip 2: Do use safe stone cleaners Do you want to know what cleaners are safe for granite and other natural stones? Smart homeowners only use specially formulated cleaners.  For example, Zep Commercial’s CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Polish is pH balanced to safely clean stone, making it ideal for countertops and tiles.  It quickly removes dust and fingerprints while leaving a polish that acts as an extra barrier against moisture penetration.  The CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Degreaser is a good water-based option for dirty backsplashes or sink areas as well as high traffic floor areas to remove scuffs and heel marks. Tip 3: Do clean up spills immediately Because natural stone is porous, spills can be absorbed, even if the stone has been sealed.  That’s why it’s important to clean up food and liquid as quickly as possible.  Acidic spills such as orange juice, tomato sauce and sodas are examples of kitchen spills that should be cleaned up immediately.  In the bathroom, shaving cream, body soap and perfume spills are concerning.  These types of spills have a higher potential for damage and cleaning them up quickly will help to prevent staining and etching. Tip 4: Don’t use scouring pads for tough spills Always use a soft cloth or dishtowel to wipe surfaces.  As tempting as it may be, avoid scouring pads or rough sponges, even if the spill has hardened.  Rough materials are not safe for natural stone and can scratch or dull the surface, leaving it vulnerable.  For tough spills or hardened food, spray a kitchen countertop cleaner first and let it soak for a few minutes.  The cleaning agent will safely do the work for you and be much more effective than abrasive scrubbing. Tip 5: Do seal your stone surfaces Granite and other types of stone can be professionally sealed during the installation process, providing an extra protective shield.  But sealing is something that needs to happen regularly to sustain this barrier.  Maintaining the sealant is easy by using a cleaner with sealant built in, such as CleanStone Plus Cleaner + Protectant that rejuvenates stone and grout seals without leaving residue. Whether you plan to upgrade to natural stone or it was one of the reasons you decided to purchase your current home, it’s important to protect your investment so it looks great for many years to come.  These simple steps will help the stone retain its durability while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.