Merry Christmas!
Tom O'Dwyer
I would like to take this time to thank all of our friends and clients for their outstanding support! 2015 has been an incredible first year!
Merry Christmas!
Thomas O'Dwyer, PE
HomePort Inspections
HomePort Blog
The HomePort Blog:
We focus on providing helpful information to the New Home Buyer and Experienced Homeowner alike. Buying a House can be an overwhelming and daunting process, you're not alone! It's also very likely that your home won't be perfect, Information and Knowledge is Empowering, follow HomePort!
Autumn Home Maintenance List
Tom O'Dwyer
Autumn is a great time to tackle annual home maintenance items. As the cold weather approaches it's imperative to get your home ready for the winter season.
Annual chimney cleaning is always recommended
Based on my experience, the following ten maintenance items should be checked prior to the winter season:
1. Service the heating system
2. Fill fuel tanks and change filters
3. Replace HVAC air filters
4. Inspect and clean chimney
5. Test fire and CO alarms
6. Clean gutters
7. Inspect roof
8. Weatherstrip windows and doors
9. Seal cracks in driveway/walkway
10. Winterize outdoor plumbing
These items aren't necessarily universal in every home, and please keep in mind that some maintenance items require the skill and experience of a professional.
The following article by Better Homes and Gardens offers some terrific information on seasonal maintenance:
http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/maintenance/weatherizing/your-homes-fall-checklist/
HomePort will be providing Home Inspection Services through the autumn and winter seasons. Please feel free to contact me in regard to any home related questions. Stay warm and don't get stuck in the cold!
Sincerely,
Thomas O'Dwyer, PE
HomePort Inspections, Inc.
The Value of Home Aesthetics
Tom O'Dwyer
As an Engineer and Home Inspector, my professional focus has always been on the "bones" of the house; the mechanical and structural entities that together form the functionality and longevity of the home.
That being said, based on my observation, many potential home buyers get very hung up on Home Aesthetics. Buyers become wide eyed for granite countertops, modern appliances, paint color, and generally well staged homes.
In most cases, the home is immediately judged based on its looks and looks alone. The majority of these buyers will inherently choose something that is modern and "ticky-tacky" over a poorly decorated yet solid home. From an engineering standpoint, this psychology can be frustrating to say the least.
The ideology of aesthetics also supports just how necessary a reputable Home Inspection actually is. Regardless of appearances, an independent third party Home Inspection should always be performed prior to purchase.
From a sellers perspective it's no secret; good home maintenance and decor will certainly increase the value of a home and decrease the time it takes to sell.
From the buyers perspective; there are many ways to improve and update the looks of an older home, but not all of these improvements need to break the bank. Improving your homes aesthetics can be achieved on a tight budget; what's needed is some creativity, inspiration, and DIY work ethic. The payoff is achieving a tastseful home with added equity.
Photo Curtosy of BuzzFeed
It goes without saying that any home improvement projects regarding structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, remediation, etc. should only be performed by a licensed professional. That being said, there are many easy DIY aesthetic improvements that can yield great results and improve the overall look of your home.
The following article posted by BuzzFeed lists 40 examples of DIY inspirational ideas:
A creative mindset backed with with a strong work ethic can transform a dated house from an eyesore to a cozy gem. These aesthetic improvements are a good thing to keep in mind if your planning to buy or sell a home.
If you have any questions in regard to Engineering or Home Inspection please let me know!
Sincerely,
Thomas O'Dwyer, PE
HomePort Inspections, Inc.