Entries by Charles McGuckin

20 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill and Save Money

Replace light bulbs with LED bulbs Use energy-efficient appliances Insulate your home Replace shower head Shade your house Install programmable thermostat Wash clothes in in cold water Install energy efficient windows Turn off the lights Turn down the water heater temperature to 110-120 Replace or clean air filters Dry clothes on clothesline Fix leaky faucets […]

HOME INSPECTION FAQS

IS A HOME INSPECTION AND AN APPRAISAL THE SAME THING? No, they are not. A home inspection is completed by a licensed home inspector and provides insight to issues in the home. An appraisal is typically done to determine the value of the home for a loan. IS A HOME INSPECTION REQUIRED? A home inspection […]

Why You Need A Home Inspection

A home inspection offers an unbiased visual inspection of your home by a trained professional. Home inspections are a necessary part of a real estate transaction because for most, this is the largest investment you will make in a lifetime. It is important to ensure your investment is secure and you are aware of what […]

How to clean your AC unit

Air conditioning maintenance and cleaning is required to keep everything running efficiently and safely; and should occur at a minimum, once a year before the summer season. Although some AC maintenance can be done by the handy homeowner, it is still important to have a professional technician check the system periodically. Leave duct cleaning, servicing […]

MOLD: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WHAT IS MOLD? Mold is a natural part of environment that can be found almost anywhere, including inside your home. It is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. Some molds are common in the household and present no danger to the structure or its occupants. Others can cause severe damage to your home and […]

10 Easy Spring Maintenance Tips

General preventative maintenance extends the life of your home and catches minor issues before they become major issues or health hazards.   Check the gutters to ensure they are still affixed to the side of that house -snow, ice, and water can cause them to pull away from the home. Clean the leaves out of […]

4 Common Areas of the Home Where Mold and Moisture Occur

Bathrooms             Ensuring proper caulking around showers and tubs is one of the easiest and simplest ways to prevent water from leaking around surrounding areas. Any areas of cracked or damaged caulking should be removed and new caulking applied. The P-trap under your sink should be checked often, this is common area for a slow […]

What Is Radon and Why You Need To Test

“Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution” (epa.gov)   Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.   Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that forms from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. […]