by mwonfor | Feb 20, 2023 | Community, Home Improvement, Homeowners
As the weather warms up, homeowners will be spending more time outdoors. Clean up the patio furniture and prepare the fire pit for warmer-weather entertaining. As you improve your outdoor living areas, you may notice limited storage space on the porch, patio, or deck. Here are a few ideas for patio storage to keep belongings outside while maintaining tidy outdoor spaces.
Baskets and Crates for Patio Storage
Baskets and crates are an attractive way to contain items on your porch or patio. Purchase fabric or wooden options to complement your outdoor decor. Categorize the things you need to store. Use a basket to hold small items like gardening gloves, tools, and seeds. You might use another for containing lawn games or magazines. Small crates and baskets are easy to move around, depending on where you need them.
Shelving Units
Shelving units come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that fits perfectly on your porch or patio. Use shelving units to store books, games, plants, etc. They’re also great for organizing tools and supplies you may need when working in the garden or tackling other outdoor projects.
To better organize your shelving, use small plastic bins to contain each group of items. Add labels to make everything easy to find.
Build a Deck Box for Patio Storage
Consider building or investing in a weatherproof deck box if you need more storage space for larger items like outdoor cushions or pool toys. These boxes are designed for outdoor use and are usually water-resistant or waterproof, so the contents won’t get damaged by rain or snow. They come in various styles, so you can choose one that matches your decor.
Storage Furniture
Some patio furniture is designed with storage in mind. Shop for multi-use pieces, like a storage ottoman or bench with hidden compartments beneath the seat. Keep cushions and throw blankets out of the way until you need them. Find a coffee table with shelving underneath to hold books and magazines. Some outdoor tables feature built-in coolers to help keep beverages chilled.
No matter how small your porch, patio, or deck is, there is always a way to maximize storage space using creative solutions. With some planning and a few smart purchases, you’ll make the most of your outdoor living area while keeping everything within easy reach.
American Home Inspection Services offers inspection services to customers in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to request an appointment.
by mwonfor | Jan 19, 2023 | Home Improvement, Home Maintenance
When it comes to home maintenance, having the right tools is essential. Every homeowner should have a toolbox stocked with basic supplies that can be used for routine tasks and any unexpected repairs. It’s best to be prepared for any project that could come up around the house, from minor fixes to more significant projects. Check out these ten tools that every homeowner should have.
Claw Hammer
This is the classic tool for driving nails into wood and pulling them out. The claw can remove any unwanted nails or other objects from walls. Look for a hammer with a sturdy handle that feels comfortable in your hand.
Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Have: Screwdrivers
You’ll need flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers for tightening screws and bolts. Be sure to get a variety of sizes so you have the right one for any job.
Cordless Drill
This power tool can make quick work of any task that requires drilling holes or driving fasteners, such as hanging a shelf or installing new hardware. Look for one with variable speeds and buy multiple drill bits to cover all your needs.
Pliers are Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
Pliers are indispensable when you need to twist, turn, or hold objects. Look for a good set that includes different types of pliers, like needle-nose pliers and tongue and groove pliers. Use one with insulated handles for any electrical work.
Adjustable Wrench
This is the perfect tool for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. An adjustable wrench can be used in tight spots where you need extra leverage. While a set of wrenches will give you more precise control over your work, an adjustable wrench will cover most of your basic home needs.
Level
This is a must-have tool for any home project that requires accuracy, such as hanging pictures or building shelves. A level will help ensure your work is straight and level every time. Longer levels will give you a more precise measurement than the shorter ones, and if you’re into gadgets, look into laser levels for high-tech leveling solutions.
Utility Knife
A sharp utility knife can cut through almost anything, from cardboard to carpeting. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and replaceable blades so you always have a sharp edge when needed.
Tape Measure
Accurate measurements are essential when accomplishing most home projects, from building furniture to painting walls. Get a good retractable tape measure that’s easy to read and measure in both standard and metric units.
Underrated Tools Every Homeowner Should Have: Stud Finders
This is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to tackle wall repairs or hang heavy items like mirrors and cabinets. A stud finder will help you locate the studs in your walls so you can fasten objects securely without damaging your wall.
Flashlight
Having a good flashlight around will make any job easier, especially when you need to look inside walls or find something in a dark corner. Get a lightweight flashlight that’s easy to hold and has adjustable brightness settings so you can see clearly in any situation.
These tools will help ensure you’re prepared for anything that comes up around the house. Stock up your toolbox, and you’ll be ready to tackle any home project that comes your way.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspection in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.
by mwonfor | Dec 21, 2022 | Community, Home Maintenance, Homeowners
Plumbing problems can be a major hassle for any homeowner, not to mention costly if you have to call out a professional. Fortunately, you can address many common plumbing issues with basic DIY know-how and the right tools. Check out these five DIY plumbing fixes to get you started.
DIY Plumbing Fixes: Clearing a Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing issues. If water isn’t flowing down your drain, you may have a clog caused by hair, soap scum, or other debris. To fix it, you’ll need a plunger and some elbow grease. First, ensure the tool is fully submerged in water, then push and pull the plunger in a vertical motion to create suction and pressure to clear the clog.
Repairing Leaky Faucets
Dripping faucets are a significant source of wasted water—not to mention the constant “drip, drip” driving you crazy. You’ll need basic tools like a wrench and adjustable pliers to fix a leaky faucet.
Start by turning off the water supply and opening the faucet handles to release any remaining pressure. Then, remove the faucet handle and locate the screw on the handle. Once you have access to the valve stem, replace any corroded or worn parts. Reassemble everything and turn on your water supply to test for success!
DIY Plumbing Fixes: Replacing a Toilet Flapper
A leaking toilet tank might be due to an old or worn-out flapper, the rubber stopper that prevents water from flowing from the tank to your bowl. You’ll need a replacement flapper and pliers (or an adjustable wrench) to replace it.
Start by shutting off the water supply and draining any remaining water from the tank. Then, unhook the chain connecting the handle and remove the old flapper. Install the new one and reattach the flush handle chain, ensuring it’s not too tight or loose. Turn your water supply back on and test to make sure there’s no more leaking!
Installing a New Showerhead
Replacing an old showerhead is surprisingly easy. You’ll need a pair of pliers and some pipe tape. Start by removing the old showerhead. Clean pipe threads with a wire brush and wrap them in pipe tape for extra security. Finally, attach your new showerhead and turn on the water to test it out.
Replacing a Toilet Fill Valve
If your toilet isn’t filling up correctly, you may need to replace the fill valve. You’ll need basic tools like an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, and possibly some plumber’s putty or Teflon tape.
First, shut off the water supply to the toilet and drain any remaining water in the tank. Then, remove the old fill valve and replace it with a new one. Reattach all hoses and use the plumber’s putty or Teflon tape, if necessary, to form a watertight seal. Turn your water supply back on and test for success!
These simple DIY plumbing fixes should help you tackle some of your home’s most common plumbing issues. If your problem is more than you can handle, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to make repairs.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspection in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.
by mwonfor | Nov 22, 2022 | Community, Home Improvement, Homeowners
If you’re planning to list your home on the market, make sure you can recoup any money you spend on improvements for the sale. Unfortunately, not all updates are created equal. Let’s discuss four popular home improvement projects that won’t boost property value.
1. Projects that Don’t Boost Property Value: Swimming Pools
While a swimming pool may be a great addition to your home for you and your family, it’s not necessarily a selling point for most buyers. Many potential buyers will see a swimming pool as more of a liability than an asset. Not only do pools require a lot of costly maintenance, but they can also be dangerous, especially for small children. Reconsider adding a pool to your home before putting it on the market.
2. Sunrooms
When it comes to home improvement projects, not all of them are created equal. Some updates – like adding a sunroom – are expensive and add little value to your home. Sunrooms can be pricey to build. Depending on the size and features you want, this addition can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $50,000. While they might be enjoyable for you and your family to use, a sunroom generally doesn’t offer a good return on investment.
3. Luxury Bathrooms Don’t Boost Property Value
Luxury bathrooms are popular among homeowners. However, they don’t pay for themselves in resale value. Potential buyers shop for homes based on the number of bedrooms and square footage rather than homes with high-end bathroom features. While a new bathroom might make your life more comfortable, it’s not likely to add much value to your home.
4. Custom Closets
Like luxury bathrooms, custom closets have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, they often come at a high price. In addition, custom closets can be difficult to install and may not fit seamlessly into the existing layout of your home. Potential buyers might have a different vision for the use of closet space. For these reasons, custom-designed closets are typically not a good investment when selling your home.
If you’re selling your home soon, choose your home improvement projects wisely. Some projects – like building a swimming pool or installing a sunroom – may offer little return on investment. Instead, focus on projects that appeal to many potential buyers. Paint the exterior of the home or upgrade the kitchen appliances. By making intelligent choices regarding home improvements, you can help ensure that your property sells quickly and at the right price.
American Home Inspection Services offers inspection in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.
by mwonfor | Oct 21, 2022 | Community, Homeowners, Mold Inspection, Safe and Healthy Home
A damp basement can lead to structural problems and mold growth. If you have a wet basement, your property could be at risk, and mold development might lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent moisture in your basement. Here are six tips to keep the basement dry and mold-free.
1. Clean the Gutters
Gutters help keep a basement dry by diverting water from the foundation of the house. Clean the gutters regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged and overflowing. Water seeping into the basement can lead to mold growth and structural damage.
2. Grade the Land Around the Home
When it comes to keeping a basement dry, proper grading around the home is critical. When you ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation, water flows away from the house. Good grading will help prevent moisture from seeping into the basement and causing problems.
3. Apply Waterproof Sealant to Basement Walls
While a waterproof sealant can’t guarantee to keep your basement 100% dry, it can help to reduce the amount of water that seeps in.
To apply the waterproof sealant, clean the surface of the walls to remove dirt or debris that could prevent the sealant from adhering correctly. Next, apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of chemicals.
Once the sealant is applied, you may notice a difference in the amount of water that seeps into your basement. However, the sealant may take some time to cure and reach its maximum effectiveness.
4. Seal Cracks or Gaps in the Foundation to Keep the Basement Dry
To keep the basement dry, seal foundation cracks to prevent water from seeping into the space and causing damage. There are several ways to seal foundation cracks; choose the best method for your home.
One way to seal foundation cracks is by using caulk. Choose a caulk that is specifically designed for use on concrete. Be sure to clean the crack or gap well before applying the caulk, as this will help it to adhere better. Apply the caulk in a smooth, even line and allow it to dry completely.
Another way to seal foundation cracks is by using epoxy resin. This type of resin is very strong and can provide a lasting seal. As with any product, follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
5. Use a Dehumidifier to Remove Moisture
Dehumidifiers are a great way to keep the basement dry and free of mold. Make sure there is an available electrical outlet to power the appliance. Set the humidity level to 60% or less and allow the machine to do its job. You’ll need to frequently empty the reservoir or attach a hose to the dehumidifier and allow it to drain outdoors.
6. Ventilate the Basement to Keep it Dry
If you have a basement, it is essential to ventilate the space to keep it dry. In addition to using a dehumidifier, here are a few tips.
- Use a fan to circulate the air in the basement. Good airflow promotes evaporation and reduces moisture accumulation.
- Open windows and doors when weather permits, allowing fresh air to circulate and helping keep the basement dry.
Following these tips, you can reduce moisture in your basement and keep it dry and mold-free year-round.
American Home Inspection Services provides inspections to homebuyers and sellers including mold inspections in Southeast Michigan. Contact us to request our services.
