Author's Posts

four-point inspection

A four-point home inspection is often needed if your homeowners insurance policy is up for renewal and you own an older house. Your insurance company will sometimes ask that you get this type of inspection completed as they work through their underwriting procedures.

What is a Four-Point Home Inspection?

Here is what your inspector will look at while conducting this type of inspection:

  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): This is checked out when you have a central air conditioning and heating system. The inspector wants to look at the overall condition of your HVAC system and to see whether there are signs of damage. HVACs are expensive to replace.
  • Electrical Wiring System: The inspector will look at the wiring in your home. It’s possible you’ll be denied coverage if your home has aluminum wiring. Insurance companies take electrical problems seriously because old or faulty wiring can cause house fires. You’ll need to upgrade your electrical system if your home is deemed uninsurable because of the wiring.
  • Plumbing System: The four-point home inspection looks at the home’s plumbing to determine if the pipes may leak or burst. Polybutylene plumbing has a high likelihood to fail. You may be denied coverage if your home has this type of plumbing. Another possibility is that you get insurance without water damage coverage.
  • Roof: An inspector looks at the roof’s material, age, and overall condition. If your roof is damaged or nearing the end of its lifespan, it may not get insured. Other issues that may cause non-coverage are water leaks inside the attic.

If you need help with roofing, you can visit sites like https://kanga-roof.com/service-areas/troy/ or https://www.brownboysroofing.com/springdale/.

When Might You Need This Type of Inspection?

A four-point home inspection is generally ordered when you need to qualify for homeowners insurance and does not take as long as a full home inspection.

A four-point inspection is used to inspect areas of the home that typically cause insurance claims. It’s often required in coastal areas where severe weather can cause widespread devastation.

Differences When Compared to a Full Home Inspection

A four-point home inspection is limited to the four components of a home mentioned above. A full home inspection is far more comprehensive and includes, but is not limited to, items such as:

  • Garage
  • Structural integrity
  • Kitchen fixtures
  • Bathroom fixtures
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Interior and exterior areas
  • Windows and doors
  • Attic and insulation
  • Siding and stucco
  • Patios, porches, and balconies

Once your four-point home inspection has been completed, your inspector will inform you of any repairs that need to be made. The insurance provider will review the report to determine your homeowners insurance plan.

Affordable Remediation and Emergency Services
Phone: (732) 540-7900
Url:
1415 Hooper Ave
Toms River, NJ 08753

Read more

best moving tips

Moving as a family is challenging, from telling the kids that you’re moving to packing everything up. By following the best moving tips, families will better navigate these challenges and make the entire process as efficient as possible.

The Best Moving Tips for Families

Don’t let the stress of your impending move overwhelm you or the rest of your family. Keep the following tips in mind as you get ready for the big day:

1. Understand Where Moving Stress Comes From

When moving, most stress comes from the physical burden of having to pack and organize everything. This includes personal belongings and furniture such as entertainment and occasional tables, wherein you may need to hire movers. Other sources of stress are pending responsibilities, deadlines, budgets, and having to start a life in a new location.

While some stress is inevitable, don’t let this anxiety follow you through the whole process. Remember to focus on all the benefits of moving. With a new home and different opportunities, moving can be an exciting time for the whole family.

2. Plan Well in Advance of the Big Day

The best moving tips suggest planning and organizing well in advance of your move. By planning weeks or months in advance, you’ll be better prepared for the responsibilities that come with moving. 

Let everyone in the family know about the move as early as possible to reduce some of the stress. This way, you can work on organizing and packing more gradually rather than being rushed.

3. Write Down the Important Details

It’s easy to forget the small details when getting ready for a big move. Letting things fall through the cracks will only make the upcoming move more stressful.

The best moving tips suggest writing down all the pertinent details and must-do tasks in a checklist that you can refer to throughout the moving process. This list should include everything from changing your contact information with the post office to setting up utilities for your new home.

The best way to make sure everything gets done is to steadily work your way through the checklist over the weeks leading up to your move. Instead of waiting until the last minute to handle all moving-related tasks, you’ll have everything ready to go before the big day arrives.

Follow the Best Moving Tips

While it will take a team effort on everyone’s part, relocating with your family can be a smooth process. With the best moving tips and a solid plan, you and your family will easily navigate the move to your new home.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a garage storage lift that offers maximum storage, safety, convenience, and a strikingly attractive design, consider the auxx lift 1600, a 600-pound capacity motorized garage storage lift. The garage storage lift makes it simple to store and reach items in your garage.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Read more

expect as a new homeowner

Congratulations, you have successfully purchased your first home! While you’re likely breathing a sigh of relief, get ready for all the new responsibilities and situations that come with being a homeowner. Here are 6 things you can expect as a new homeowner.

1. Mail Solicitations are Something to Expect as a New Homeowner

One thing to expect as a new homeowner is a lot of mail. Much of it will be solicitations and junk mail. Some of it will be from other mortgage lenders, claiming that they can offer you a better interest rate. Other companies will also solicit your business by mailing you special offers. For the most part, this is junk mail that you can simply recycle.

2. Paper Work From Title and Escrow

If you see mailings that look like they’re from your lender or bank, don’t throw them away. They might be important documents from your escrow company. At closing, ask the escrow officer what communications you should expect to see from them in the future.

3. New Utility Bills

Before you closed on the home, you may have inquired about the cost of the utilities. After you move in, you may find that the bills are more than your previous home. Perhaps you have air conditioning now and didn’t have it in your old house. Ask about the utilities before closing, but know that they are only an estimate and not a guarantee.

4. Expect an Insurance Inspection As a New Homeowner

After closing, your homeowners insurance company may send someone by for a visual inspection. They are looking for safety issues that could hurt someone or compromise the property. For instance, if it needs HVAC repairs, you may need to contact experts like https://chilltexllc.com/ or https://www.sharplong.com/. Also, consider that the HVAC system is well-functioning and make a heat pump repair if needed. The insurance company will contact you ahead of time to schedule an inspection.

5. Increase in Property Tax

The tax on your property is one payment that will fluctuate. The county appraiser will assess the value of your property and your taxes may change as a result. As your home gains value, the taxes on it will rise. Since these are usually combined with your monthly mortgage payment, you may find yourself paying more or less per month over time.

6. A New Lender

After closing, your lender may sell your loan. Banks can bundle together home loans and sell them. The two largest purchases of mortgages are made by the government agencies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

These agencies were created to buy mortgage loans from banks and other financial institutions so that they can offer to finance more homebuyers. If your bank had to carry all the loans it originated, it would eventually run out of money.

Freddie and Fannie make it possible for credit unions and banks to continue to originate loans. If you are in a fixed-rate mortgage, the conditions of your loan must always remain the same, but who gets the payment might change over the course of the loan.

When you get a notice that your mortgage lender will be changing, call your original lender to confirm its authenticity, and then make arrangements to send your monthly payment to the new owner.

If you intend to have a rental home as an investment and a source of extra income, as a property owner, you have the option of managing the property yourself or hiring a property manager to handle it for you. Above all, it is the obligation of the property manager to keep the property profitable. Property Management London takes pride in treating your investment with the highest care and respect.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services. Contact us if you are buying a home in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area.

Read more

healthy lawn during summer

Soaring temperatures are an expected part of summer weather that can stress a lawn, turning the grass brown and dry. Have you ever seen a green, lush property and wondered how they did it? With the right steps, your yard can also look great this season. Here are four ways to maintain a healthy lawn during summer.

Mow on a High Setting for a Healthy Lawn During Summer

Did you know cutting your grass a little higher has some benefits? If the grass is too short, it is more difficult for rain and moisture to sink down to the roots because the water evaporates too quickly. This small step makes a big difference in maintaining a healthy lawn during summer.

Consistent Watering

The scorching sun can damage your yard. At a minimum, you should provide your yard with one inch of water every week during the summer. Deep watering will keep your grass green and strong, but it doesn’t need to be watered every day. Water in the early morning a few times every week for the best results.

Clean Up the Yard for  Healthy Lawn

Your yard may be a venue for children’s birthday parties, cookouts, or other family get-togethers. Leaving toys, the grill, lawn chairs, or other furniture on your yard creates dead spots of grass, so don’t forget to clean up after your summer activities. This tip will help maintain a healthy lawn during summer.

Maintain A Healthy Lawn During Summer: Hire An Expert

It can be a difficult task to keep your yard vibrant and green all summer long. If you are uncertain about where to begin, consider hiring a yard care company. Many lawn services provide weekly maintenance at a reasonable cost. You won’t need to worry about seeding, sharpening lawn mower blades, or pest treatment.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to the Murrells Inlet area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Read more

grilling safety tips

Grilling Safety Tips to Protect Your Property and Guests

Summer is just around the corner and many of us will have cookouts throughout the season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 16,600 emergency visits and 9,600 fires are related to grilling each year. Practice these grilling safety tips to avoid injuries and prevent fires.

Use Your Grill in a Safe Spot

Grills should only be used outdoors. Before lighting your grill, make certain it is away from your home and deck railing. A grill should not be used under eaves, near low hanging tree branches, or on a porch.

Keep a Close Eye on Pets and Children

When homeowners think about grilling safety tips, they often don’t realize the grill is also a risk to children and pets. About one-third of grill burns happen to children under age five, according to NFPA statistics.

Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill. Charcoal lighter fluid should be stored in a safe place out of the reach of children.

Check Your Propane Grill for Leaks

Before your first cookout of the season, inspect your propane grill for leaks. Check the entire length of the hose and both of its connection points.

You can easily find leaks by mixing dishwashing liquid with a little water. While the gas is off, run the soap solution on the entire hose and both connections. Turn on the gas. If bubbles begin to form, you have a leak. Turn off the gas. Tighten the connections as needed or replace the hose before you grill.

Operate Your Propane Grill the Right Way

These grilling safety tips are specific to propane grills. To prevent a fire, turn on a propane grill in the following order:

  1. Open the grill.
  2. Turn on the gas tank.
  3. Turn on the burner knobs.
  4. Push the ignitor button.

If the grill fails to ignite or if the flame goes out, turn off the gas. Then wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate before you try to turn the grill back on. When you are finished cooking, turn off the gas tank first. Then turn off the knobs for the burners.

Grilling Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills

Some grilling safety tips only apply to charcoal grills. No flammable liquid, including charcoal lighter fluid, should be added to the fire when it is burning. Store lighter fluid away from heat sources. Allow coals to cool completely before you throw them away in a metal container.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Read more

types of decking materials

Which Types of Decking Materials Are Best For Your Home?

Adding a deck onto your home is a great way to increase your outdoor living space and the value of your home. Let’s look at some of the different types of decking materials that you can choose from.

1. Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure treated lumber is one of the most popular types of decking material. Most often the wood is pine but can be other types as well. The wood is chemically treated to make it durable enough for an outside deck.

Pros:

  • It’s the most affordable options for decking materials.
  • Pressure treated lumber is one of the easiest types of decking materials to install. It’s easy to cut and easy to secure with screws or nails.

Cons:

  • The wood will deteriorate over time, causing cracks and warping.
  • Wood decking may splinter.
  • Pressure treated lumber requires maintenance. Pressure washing will keep it clean. The wood will need to be painted or sealed every few years.

2. Cedar and Redwood are Attractive Types of Decking Materials

Cedar and redwood aren’t chemically treated like pressure-treated lumber. The tannins and natural oils in the wood help protect it from the elements. These types of wood are sold by grades, with the center cut of the tree being the highest grade.

Pros:

  • The natural beauty of the wood grain makes cedar and redwood aesthetically appealing types of decking materials.
  • Cedar and redwood will last longer than pressure-treated wood.

Cons:

  • The deck will need to be power washed once a year.
  • A fresh coat of sealer will need to be applied every couple of years, depending on where the deck is located.
  • The wood decking will need to be stained to keep its color.

3. Composites

Fabricated plastic or composites are also common types of decking materials. They can be manufactured using wood scraps and recycled materials, or constructed entirely out of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride plastics.

Pros:

  • This decking material won’t splinter.
  • Easy to maintain: there’s no need to paint, stain, or seal composite decking.

Cons:

  • Composites made with wood scraps will decay over time.
  • The plastic materials can collect water, causing mold and mildew to grow.

4. Aluminum

If you are looking for a clean-cut looking deck with a bit of an industrial edge, aluminum may be the choice for you. The biggest advantage is that it will practically take care of itself, requiring almost no maintenance on your part.

Pros:

  • Aluminum won’t rust, splinter, or crack.
  • The finish won’t fade or peel.
  • It’s resistant to mold and mildew.

Cons:

  • The cost is higher than some other options.
  • It can be noisy when people walk on it.
  • It can be more slippery when wet than other decking materials.

5. Tropical Hardwoods

If you are looking for unique types of decking materials, tropical hardwoods are strong and durable and could be an ideal choice.

Pros:

  • You can select tropical hardwoods from sustainable sources, making it less impactful on the environment.
  • Hardwood decking can last up to fifty years.

Cons:

  • Tropical hardwoods are the most expensive of these types of decking materials.
  • They are difficult to install.
  • The hardness of the wood makes it resistant to stains and sealers.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule our services.

Read more

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Breathing toxins in your home can cause health problems. To actively work on improving indoor air quality at home, consider these tips.

1. Open the windows every day.

Indoor air quality is often more polluted than the air outdoors because the air is trapped inside. While it’s important for improving indoor air quality to let your home ventilate, you don’t want to let outdoor pollutants inside or make your home less energy-efficient.

Whether it’s first thing in the morning or in the evening, open your windows for just fifteen minutes to let some fresh air in and if you need new windows in your home you should check the aluminium doors and windows companies to find great deals for you. It’s also smart to open a window and turn the ventilation fan on when cooking.

2. Add a few indoor plants.

Plants are nature’s answer to air purification. They purify the air while filtering out toxins. Peace lilies and spider plants are great options for your home. However, be diligent about plant care. If you don’t take care of your plants, they can grow mold and worsen your indoor air.

3. Purchase an air purifier for improving indoor air quality.

If you have an air purifier in your home, you’re already decreasing the number of toxins and allergens your home holds. Air purifiers are especially helpful in homes with pets.

4. Get rid of the carpet.

No matter how often you shampoo or vacuum the carpet, it will hold on to allergens. When your budget allows, it’s best to replace carpet with hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring. There are plenty of options for different budgets. It’s a transition you should consider if you want to work on improving air quality at home.

5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Many common cleaners contain volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to breathe. Instead, consider purchasing eco-friendly options. If you’d like to DIY the process, make your own cleaning products.

Through combinations of essential oils, citric acids, baking soda, and vinegar, you can clean everything from countertops to toilet bowls.

6. Change your air filters.

According to experts like these HVAC services in Leander, TX, you should always change your HVAC air filters on a consistent basis. If your air filter is filled with dust, that dust is circulating through the air, and that’s where a reliable southern california ac repair service can help you. Plus when your air filter is clogged, your heating and cooling system has to work harder. As a result, you’ll end up spending more money on utility bills. To avoid this, you should replace your air filters promptly and then schedule a portland furnace repair home service to boost your hvac system’s efficiency. For additional guidance, you can visit sites like https://premierhvacservicesllc.com/ or https://ampmheatingandcooling.net/furnace-repair-portland-or/.

Read more

declutter your home

Whether you’re trying to downsize or just simplify your life, decluttering your home is a great idea. But where do you start? Instead of tearing apart your home, it’s best to declutter your home in stages. Here is a guide you can follow to make the process easier.

Prepare a Few Bins

You don’t need fancy tools to get rid of all the clutter in your home. All you’ll need is four bins, each with its own set purpose.

  • Put away – One of the bins can be for items you are keeping that need to be put back in their dedicated storage spot.
  • Recycle – You can use a bin for items that can be recycled such as glass, plastic, or paper.
  • Trash – Designate one bin for items that can go in the trash immediately.
  • Donate – Place items that you no longer need in this bin and donate them to a thrift store or charity.

Decluttering Every Room

Decluttering every single room can take quite a while and will be inefficient if you don’t focus on small areas at a time.

Here’s how to declutter your home, room by room:

Bathroom

Begin by going through your medicine cabinet. Empty every item out of it and go through them. Discard any outdated medication, skincare products, and makeup.

Afterward, immediately put any items you intend to keep back where they belong and store the ones you use most in an accessible place.

Bedroom

Before anything, make your bed. It’ll be hard to concentrate on decluttering your bedroom while having an unmade bed. After that, start going through each of your nightstands and put any item that doesn’t belong there in one of your bins to discard or put away.

This can include books you’ve finished reading, broken eyeglasses, and mail. Throw out or recycle anything that you no longer need like dried up pens, broken chargers, and empty tissue boxes.

Living Room

One of the hardest rooms to keep tidy on a daily basis is the living room. This is because the living room sees a lot of traffic and doesn’t have many storage features. You may have a bookshelf and a TV set or even a small closet, but they won’t hide much. Keeping your living room organized is essential when you’re trying to declutter your home.

To properly declutter your living room, you have to:

  • Choose a permanent storage space for frequently used items such as remote controls and coasters.
  • Clean out the bookshelves, side tables, and entertainment centers and only keep the things you use frequently.

Decluttering can be tedious, but it’s well worth it when your home is simple, clean, and organized. Don’t be afraid to get rid of  many of your belongings when you declutter your home.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to book an appointment.

Read more

Keep your home safe during the holidays

Many people are away from their homes this time of year for holiday gatherings, extended shopping trips, and out-of-town travel. At the same time, homes are filled with expensive items that are already boxed up and ready to haul out the door.

For these reasons, burglaries are common in December when homes are empty, so it’s important to know how to keep your home safe during the holidays.

Ways to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Home security is a year-round concern for everyone. Regardless of where you live, your home may be targeted at any time. The holiday season is a time when your home may be particularly vulnerable, and the reward to criminals is greater because of the holiday gifts inside.

By taking these steps to keep your home safe during the holidays, you can enjoy a carefree season with family and friends.

1. Avoid Making It Obvious

Many people place their tree in a front-facing window of the home to add a festive look to the home’s exterior. However, this also directly advertises that you likely have gifts inside. It also tells criminals exactly where the gifts are and that they’re easily accessible.

Move your holiday tree away from the front of the house and put valuable items, wrapped or unwrapped, out of sight from the windows.

2. Take Advantage of Lights

Most of us turn lights off when we’re not at home. You may also keep lights off in all rooms except the one you’re in to be more energy-efficient. Criminals look for darkened homes because the shadows hide their presence. It is less likely to be seen entering or leaving a dark home versus a well-lit home.

To save energy, use solar-powered exterior lights and motion-activated spotlights. You can also use a timer to turn lights on and off as needed so it looks like you are home.

3. Let a Trusted Neighbor Know

A trusted neighbor can easily observe anything unusual and collect your newspapers and mail while you are out of town. The next time they go out of town, you can return the favor by keeping an eye on their home. This is a great way to keep your home safe during the holidays when you are traveling.

4. Secure Your Home With Technology

If your home is not secured by a monitored home alarm system, now may be the time to set up this service. An alternative is to use smartphone technology. Cameras and motion sensors can be placed inside and outside that will send an alert to your smartphone if they are triggered.

Now that you understand why your home is vulnerable during this season and throughout the year, you can follow these tips to keep your home safe during the holidays.

Walton Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding communities. Contact us to request an inspection.

Read more

pre-listing home inspection

In order to avoid any surprises that a buyer’s home inspection may bring, sellers should have a pre-listing home inspection after looking at sites like https://landmark24.com/. The inspection report will give the homeowner more information about the house before it is listed for sale. Read on to understand the benefits of pre-listing home inspections.

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Hiring a licensed home inspector before listing your home for sale is important so you will know of any issues prior to the buyer’s inspection. If there are problems that could potentially sour the deal, you will have the chance to make repairs before you even list the house.

If you know about an issue and you decide not to fix it, price the home accordingly and disclose the problem to the buyer up front. Sharing an inspection report with the purchaser builds trust because it shows you have nothing to hide.

1. Homeowners Can Value The House Accurately

Using the information from a pre-listing inspection, homeowners can consider flaws and damages when pricing the home. Along with considering the market value, homeowners must be aware of what certain and repairs will cost the buyer.

With this in mind, homeowners can reduce their selling price to allow for the projects that the buyer will have to invest in. Sellers can also make the updates and repairs themselves and include that cost in the final asking price.

2. Pre-Listing Home Inspections Give Sellers an Upper Hand during Negotiations

Once the pre-listing home inspection report is in hand, it helps sellers get the best value out of the transaction. If the buyer finds out the home needs extensive repairs, they will likely try to negotiate a lower price for the property.

When the seller discloses any concerns up front, the homebuyer’s offer may be closer to the asking price and there will be fewer negotiations to slow down the process.

3. Reduces Roadblocks

A major roadblock for homebuyers is the undiscovered problems that might be revealed during the buyer’s home inspection. Because of this, a pre-listing home inspection becomes more attractive from the outset.

When a potential buyer sees what he or she is purchasing from the beginning, he or she will feel more confident and comfortable in making an offer.

Walton Inspection Services offers pre-listing home inspections for sellers and other inspection services to Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Read more