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Rochester MN Home Inspector Discussion On Adding Storm Doors To Your Home

What does your home have that can improve its first impression and it’s energy efficiency?  It’s on the front of your home and sits directly in front of your main entrance.  I’m talking about your storm doors.  Storm doors play an important role in your homes curb appeal and energy efficiency.  They can beautify and prevent drafts.

Minor issues with a broken storm door can just be something that blends into the daily noise in our lives.  Sticking, slamming,flying open in the wind are a few issues that we face with our doors.  A careful inspection of your storm door will help you to determine what may need to be fixed or replaced.

Rather than replace, sometimes storm doors can be fixed.  This is more economical that full replacement.  If your door is slamming shut, it is probably because the hydraulic closer is broken.  This is the tubular device that attaches to the door and door frame.  Its purpose is to pull the door shut in a controlled manner.  It can be adjusted to close smoothly.  If you cannot adjust the closer, it may be time to replace it.    

Latching issues will allow the door to come loose in the wind, resulting in slamming against the house.  Adjusting the catch on the door frame so that the latch assembly can engage properly should be your first effort.  If this doesn’t solve the problem, the latch assembly may need to be replaced.

If the door sticks and is hard to open, make an inspection of the door frame.  The frame could be out of square.  These thin aluminum frames are easily distorted if not properly installed or if they are damaged.  Screws can be prone to loosening over time.  Check for squareness and make sure that all screws are properly secured. 

Sometimes the problems with a door can be beyond repair.  It’s time to replace you storm door. 

Storm door prices can start under $100, but typically can cost a lot more than that. The more expensive storm doors are made from extruded aluminum and come with many great features. Some of the more popular features are the built-in or hide-away screen. Instead of having to replace the window with the screen every time the season changes, you can simply slide the glass down and the screen rolls out.

Less expensive screen doors will have options as well.  Make sure to check out all of your options before making your selection.  Choosing the least expensive storm door may not be your best choice.   A super inexpensive aluminum door will also be thin and won’t take heavy traffic well. Often the door has a wood core and a thin aluminum skin that can dent very easily. Plus, some doors are put together so cheaply they will rattle in the wind even if they fit correctly. Make the investment for a good quality door and you’ll find it will last longer and hold up to more abuse.

There are lots of options as storm doors come in many styles.  They can be special ordered in a wide range of custom colors and designs. The choices for your new storm door can be almost endless.

Now comes the question of installation.  Some of the big box retailers that sell the storm doors often have professionals that can install your door for you for $100-$200. If you have a limited budget and are confident in your Do-It –Yourself skills, put the extra money into getting a better door and do the installation yourself. It is really not that difficult.  Also note that is doesn’t hurt to have a helper for this project.

Don’t let that old storm door slam, bang, or squeek through another winter.  Add some beauty and energy efficiency to your home.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Friday, August 20th, 2010.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Staining Deck To Protect Your Investment

Since we have had a string of dreary days, now is the time to get out there and prepare your outdoor living areas for the summer outdoor entertainment season. While you want to use the sunny days for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers, etc., don’t waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other outdoor projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck to get it ready for staining.

Your Rochester MN home inspectors recommends staining your deck as one of the best ways to protect your investment from the elements, It will be easier to maintain and look better longer. However, you won’t get the best results by laying down a coat or two of stain without proper preparation of the deck surface.  Every deck staining project should start with a proper inspection, cleaning and preparation. Although you may want a perfect – sunny weekend to stain your deck, prepping can be done at any time.  Take a look at these simple steps below to help achieve great-looking results that last:

Get all of your tools and materials together. To make your project flow, and save time, have the following within reach before you start your project:
* Broom or leaf blower
* Ladder (for decks off ground)
* Rags
* Tarps
* Buckets for mixing
* Synthetic brushes (2 to 4 inches)
* Rollers
* Long handles for rollers
* Roller frames and roller grids
* Cleaning product. Your local Rochester or Southeastern MN hardware or building supplies store offers a variety of wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt and rain.

Inspect your deck surfaces to make sure they are both safe and sturdy.  Be sure to inspect for areas that may have bad wood, dry rot, loose nails, loose spindles and broken boards. Replace boards as needed and secure any loose nails and spindles.

Prepare yourself, the deck and the surrounding area. Make sure you follow all safety precautions prescribed by the cleaning product manufacturer before starting your deck cleaning project. Wear gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and old clothing – shorts are not recommended when using chemicals. Before starting, cover any areas you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet your deck surface with water.

Clean, scrub and renew your deck. Work the cleaner into the wood, starting from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep surfaces wet with water and let the wood cleaner stand for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Once you have your deck cleaned, the wood should dry for at least 48 hours before applying any stains or paint.

For the most part, cleaning the average sized deck, (300 to 500 square feet) deck will take you five to six hours. And, since Mother Nature won’t harm your work, cleaning can be done on a gloomy day. Once you have your deck properly cleaned you should stain it within 30 days. After 30 days, you may have to do a light cleaning with bleach and water before staining will do the trick. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010.
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Posted in Exterior Components, Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Rochester MN Home Inspections Shares Projects That Save You Money On Taxes

 Available Tax Credit for installing Insulated Garage Doors in 2009 and 2010

You can add style, curb appeal and energy efficiency to your home and actually save money at the same time?  The new 2009 stimulus legislation allows American homeowners can earn up to a $1,500 tax credit for buying and installing qualifying insulated garage doors. 

The recent stimulus package legislation extends and significantly increases these tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. Adding a new garage door in 2009 or 2010 will save you money by helping to lower energy costs, and by paying for itself through the tax credit incentive.

Tax credits are more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income taxed. More details on the tax credit, along with information about garage door styles and local dealer installers, can be found at  GarageWowNow.com.

If you live in a home in the Rochester, or Southeastern MN area that has an attached garage, You know that the room next to the garage can often be the coldest room in the winter. Cold air in the winter, and warm air in the summer, can enter the house through the garage, this increasing your costs for heating and cooling. Insulated garage doors can make a noticeable difference in the temperature of a home, but now can also save you money off the bottom line of your income taxes.

The new tax credits are available for qualifying garage door purchases placed in service from Jan.1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2010. The maximum tax credit that a taxpayer may claim from all qualifying improvements combined is a 30 percent of the cost of each product and $1,500 over the lifetime of the tax credit periods (2009 and 2010).

To be eligible for the tax credit:

* The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage.
* The door must have a U-factor equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains windows.
* The door perimeter must have a means to control air infiltration.
* The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
* The garage must be part of the taxpayer’s principal United States residence.

Installing a new garage door improves you home’s appearance and value, as well as saving you money and energy.  In some home designs, the garage can comprise a third or more of your home’s front appearance. A new door that is quickly, safely and correctly installed by a local professional will differentiate your home and add style, value and curb appeal.

Even in today’s tough economic times, replacing your garage door with a new upscale model can boost the resale value of your home. A recent online survey revealed that 71 percent of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it definitely increased the value of their home.

To find a professional dealer/installer in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area,  and the garage door style that’s right for you, visit GarageWowNow.com. The site’s ZIP code search function will help you find a professional in your area who can install your door in a few hours. The site also features before and after images of new garage doors that have dramatically changed the appearance of homes.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Friday, March 20th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog

Home Inspections Ensure Your “Dream Deal” Doesn’t Turn Into A Nightmare

You’ve been searching for months and have come across a sweet deal on a foreclosed home.  Now  the question is, will that sweet deal be accompanied by a higher cost to you as the potential home buyer? There is risk in buying a repossessed property, short sale, or a home offered at a bargain price.  Sometimes, because of the homes condition, you can be assuming some unforeseen risks, and potential costs.

Repossessed and short sale homes are often abandoned and neglected, leaving them with a high potential for unforeseen problems. I’ve inspected many foreclosed homes where the previous owner takes out their frustration on the home.  Fixing these woes can cost far more than the financial savings from purchasing a distressed property. There may also be hidden defects such as mold or radon that could affect your family’s health and safety.

Still, it is possible to get a dream deal on a distressed home. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to have a thorough home inspection by a professional so you can reduce these potential risks and financial costs. A home inspector can help you identify potential problems in the home you’re considering buying so you know in advance what you’re getting into — and what you should walk away from.  I like to tell my clients that we do home inspections to protect you from safety, health, and money pit issues. 

Home buyers are not the only ones who can benefit from a home inspection. If you are considering selling your home, having it inspected before you list it with a realtor may help sell your home in less time and for more money.  Having your home pre-inspected allows you to be in control.  You know what needs to be addressed, and can resolve them on your schedule, typically at a lower cost than if you had to get it done before closing.

A home inspector can be your best ally in ensuring your dream deal doesn’t turn into a nightmare. To learn more on how a home inspection can help you, and to get a free copy of our sample  inspection report, visit us at  www.homepro-inspection.com

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Friday, March 13th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspector Reveals Equity-Building DIY Projects

Taking on a few simple do-it-yourself projects to increase the value and appearance of your home can make a big difference when it comes time to sell.  A home inspection should result in fewer issues that need to be dealt with on a properly maintained home.   Not only can you make your house stand out, you can receive more money from the sale, which can be used to offset other projects on your wish list.

While do-it yourself projects can often seem like a daunting task, they really don’t have to be.  With a little planning and making sure you have the right tools, your home upgrades can be quick and affordable.

If you don’t have a tool you need for your do-it yourself project, you can rent most anything you need.  Renting tools can help to keep your costs down. Renting gives you access to equipment that is otherwise too expensive to purchase. Rental stores are also a great place for free expert advice about tools, how to use them correctly and how to best complete your project.

Employees at rental stores can provide you with valuable insight on using the tools and equipment you will need to successfully complete your projects.  They have gone through extensive training on how to use the tools, and they often can provide you with some great ideas about how to save time and money in your undertaking.

A small investment can go a long way. Use these five projects as a starting point to help build more equity in your home.

1. Power wash the exterior of your home. Give the exterior of your home a facelift and prevent long term damage. You can remove dirt, mildew, moss and other blemishes from vinyl siding with a power washer. The power washer can also be used to remove grunge from your front porch, garage, driveway, shed, fence and deck. But be sure to have someone at your rental store show you how to use the machine safely. A pressure washer is so powerful that it can damage property if used incorrectly.

2. Groom your lawn.  A beautiful lawn can dramatically improve your curb appeal and set your home apart for a great first impression.  Every lawn has different needs, but any lawn can use a little clean up. Rent a dethatcher, or power rake, to remove the undesirable debris build-up of grass clippings, leaves and stems interwoven in the grass. This allows water and fertilizer to penetrate the roots for healthier lawn. To speed up grass growth, rent an aerator.  An aerator pokes holes in the soil to allow air, nutrients and moisture into the grass’ root system. Fertilize after you aerate and the grass will quickly cover the tracks left by the aerator.

3. Revamp your bathrooms. These little rooms can make a big negative impact. And people have the impression they are expensive to fix. But replacing broken tiles can be very simple. Remove the surrounding grout and gently tap away pieces of the offending tile. Use tile nippers to shape your new tile to fit. Make sure to as the folks at the rental store how to use the nipper so that your project is a success.

4. Update your kitchen. Kitchens can be the room that takes the most wear and tear. Some simple updates can help to make your kitchen look like new. Remove dated and dirty wallpaper. With the right tools, such as a steamer, the paper often just peels off. This machine has a steam tank and a plate that emits vapor as you hold it to the wall, which usually loosens even the stickiest paper in about two or three minutes. Once you have removed the wallpaper, choosing a new color and repaint.

5. Go deeper than a surface cleaning for floors. The law of gravity implies that all dirt will eventually end up on the floor. Carpets can hide as much as 10 times their own weight in soil and dirt. Hot-water extraction using a rented portable carpet extractor is the best method to remove embedded soil to thoroughly clean the carpet to get an enhanced appearance. Hardwood floors require a bit more work and heavy duty commercial equipment.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Inspectors Blog, Monthly Home Tip

Rick was very thorough and knowledgeable.  Thank You for fitting me in on a Saturday morning.  Great Job! I will definately recommend HomePro to my friends in the future.

Rosie P. Rochester, MN

Rick, You did an excellent job on my Home Inspection!  It was good to know what I would have missed.  I would highly recommend HomePro to anyone buying or selling a house.  You are the man and a real Pro that does not miss anything.  Thanks.

Greg W. Rochester, MN.

You did way more than I was expecting in a home inspection!  I was very pleased that you were consistent in looking for every possible issue an older home could have.  Thanks again!

Matt L, Kasson, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942