How to Increase Property Values With Regular Home Repair & Maintenance

Sometimes people let family history, childhood memories, and money get in the way of making home improvements to increase the value of their house.

But we have to remember that property is one of our biggest assets and we must take good care of it. Even though it will require some time and money in the short-term, maintaining our houses and making improvements along the way will allow us to avoid those expensive, major home repairs in the long run.

By taking good care of our real estate, should we ever decide to sell, we will have a much more valuable piece of property that isn’t wrought with numerous maintenance concerns.

In the spirit of DIY projects, here are 7 areas to focus on that will help you increase and maintain the value of your home:

1. Interior: When something gets dented or scratched such as a tile, wall, or wood floor, fix it within a reasonable amount of time. The longer you wait the more you’ll get used to the problem and may even forget about it. These problems can eventually get bigger and bigger and lead to an expensive problem that you’ll be forced to repair at some point.

2. Water Leaks: Periodically check for water leaks. A great strategy for doing this is to check the water meter, then cease all water usage for an hour and check the meter again. If it changed, you have a leak, which needs serious attention. Waiting will only increase not only the damage, but also your water bill!

3. Roofing: Check gutters to make sure they carry water away from the roof and aren’t getting backed up. The last thing you want is roof and gutter damage. Also, check the chimney flashing and shingles to make sure they are all secure and don’t need repairs. Chimneys can be expensive to fix!

4. Attic: Many of us don’t go up to the attic all winter long, but you still should check your attic for any leaks or holes after a big storm. You need to make sure that there is no moisture damaging the internal structure of your home. One sign of water damage from the attic may be peeling paint on ceilings or walls.

5. Masonry: Inspect the foundation, patios, and walkways every few months, especially after weeks of snowdrifts have been packed against the walls of your home. Moisture can easily seep into pores, freeze, and expand, causing major structural damage.

6. Yard: Keep lawns and bushes reasonably trim. Overgrown plant life against the house can be detrimental to paint jobs and shingles, especially if the shingles are wood and not treated or coated.

7. Garage: Garages can become massive storage rooms. Keep them clean and tidy and use them just for the car and maybe yard tools. Clean up oil or exhaust stains before they discolor the floor or garage door. Garages can carry major value for a house!

Remember, you can fix most common repairs around the home on your own without hiring others. And if you’re not confident about a specific job, you can always ask for a consultation from a trained professional at your local home improvement store. Your home is your castle; be a good guardian.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com, a home improvement network website where you can find more information about renovation contractors and remodeling services.

Scary Halloween legend or truth……….get the facts and then get your home tested.

Radon Myths

MYTH: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming and expensive.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems can’t be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs; check with one or more qualified mitigators. Call yourstate radon office for help in identifying qualified mitigation contractors.

MYTH: Radon affects only certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affect radon levels. However, radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor’s test result is a good indication of whether your home has a problem.

FACT: It’s not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT:  Although radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water supply that uses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radon levels are found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 800-426-4791 for information on testing your water.

MYTH: It’s difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is some times a good selling point.

MYTH: I’ve lived in my home for so long, it doesn’t make sense to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you’ve lived with a radon problem for a long time.

MYTH: Short-term tests can’t be used for making a decision about whether to fix your home.

FACT:A short-term test, followed by a second short-term test* can be used to decide whether to fix your home. However, the closer the average of your two short-term tests is to 4 pCi/L, the less certain you can be about whether your year-round average is above or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk. Radon levels can be reduced in most homes to 2 pCi/L or below.

* If the radon test is part of a real estate transaction, the result of two short-term tests can be used in deciding whether to mitigate. For more information, see EPA’s brochure “Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon”.

Vist the EPA website for further information on Radon at www.epa.gov/radon.  Contact Norcon Home Services for a full Radon Testing.

Even if you don’t see any leaks inside the house, it doesn’t mean that the roof is not leaking. Usually, a roof leak has been happening for several months before you will see water stains inside. The vast majority of roof coverings operate using the principal of gravity. This can be a big help in locating a leak source. However, horizontal roof boards can trick you. A leak may actually be eight to 10 feet sideways from where you see the wet ceiling or spot in the attic.

Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Others will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter.  Here are some tips that may help you find a pesky roof leak:

The Field of Shingles

If your roof is older, it is possible that the leak is within the roof field. This means the expanse of shingles, slate, shakes, whatever. If your roof is asphalt, then you can walk around with ease. Other materials such as slate, concrete tile or clay tile may not be so forgiving. You can crack roofing if you walk on it, so be careful. With regular shingles, look at the tops of the vertical knockouts. Look for missing colored granules. Look for cracks. Possibly a nail has backed itself out of the roof sheathing. Simply take your time and hunt.

Valleys

A valley is a line where two roof planes intersect.  Some areas use rolled roofing. Other places simply lace the shingles together. Valleys can be big problems if you do not trim the shingles correctly. When you trim a shingle for a valley you end up with a chisel point on the end of the shingle. If a second cut is not made to make this point like an arrow point, then water can travel along the top of the shingle and find its way inside your house. The shingle wrapper tells you how to make this simple second cut.

Head Wall Flashings

Some roofs stop at a vertical wall. A metal flashing must be in place to direct water streaming down the wall away from the stopping point of the shingles. This flashing may be behind wood siding or in front of a brick wall. The flashing should extend over the shingles at least three inches. If the wall is brick or other masonry, the flashing must bend and extend one inch into a mortar joint. Tar, caulk or roofing cement should never be used in conjunction with these materials. If you see them, it is a sign that someone tried to patch a leak!

Wall Step Flashing

Some roof leaks happen at step flashings. You find these flashings where a roof climbs alongside a vertical wall. As each row of shingles is laid, a step flashing is installed over the shingle next to the wall. Part of the flashing turns up on the wall and the other portion gets covered by the next row of shingles. Look for rust or holes in these flashings. In reality, if all is well, you will be able to see only the smallest portion of these flashings.

Chimneys

These devils are the source of many a leak. Chimneys contain four different types of flashing. All must be right or you will have a leak. Plus, the counterflashing that goes into the brick mortar joint must be right. A hairline crack above the flashing can allow vast amounts of water to run behind the flashings. Look for soldered corners of flashing that might have broken or have holes. Do not use caulk to repair these flashings!

Plumbing Vent Flashings

Many newer vent flashings incorporate a rubber seal with an aluminum flashing. The rubber can fail in as little as 10 to 15 years. Look for cracked rubber around the plumbing pipe. The flashing should dive up and under the shingles that extend up roof from the middle of the plumbing vent. The bottom half of the flashing should be exposed and actually cover the shingles.

Furnace or B-Vent Flashing

These flashings are basically identical to plumbing vent flashings. However, they sometimes have a metal storm collar. These simply fit tightly around the vertical pipe that exits the roof. If they become loose, the storm collars can cause leaks.

Ice Dam Leaks

Ice dam leaks plague people in the snow belt. These leaks can happen even if everything on your roof is just fine! Ice dams block the natural flow of water down a roof. The water begins to back up under flashings, shingles, tar paper, etc. Once water begins to flow into the house, it can drip for days. The only means of prevention is to install membranes under the roofing. The membranes won’t stop the ice but will stop water leaks if installed properly.

Wind Blown Rain Leaks

Wind driven rain can also be a major problem. Once again, you could actually have a good roof and wind will drive water up and under your roofing materials. The only lines of defense are tar paper and the ice dam membranes.

If you have metal valleys, you may want to hem the edges. This means that the hidden edges of the valley actual have a 180 degree bend. This creates a channel that directs wind blown rain back to the bottom of the valley.

Roofing cement under shingles on the edges of roofs that face the wind are also a good idea. Don’t underestimate the power of a 70 mph sustained wind-driven rain.

Non-Roof Leaks !

Sometimes you think you have a roof leak when in fact the roof is fine. Attic condensation is a prime example. High humidity can cause condensation and “rain” to fall in your attic. It can also make the underside of the roof sheathing look wet. You think you have a leak instead.

Winter will bring several onslaughts to your roof including snow buildup, ice dams, freezing rains, and reindeer traffic. Act now, waiting a few more months may be too late.  Even the smallest problem might turn into a disaster when you have a lot of snow covering your roof. If you’re not sure whether your roof is in good condition, arrange for a professional roof inspection through Norcon Homes.

Contact them this fall and it will be less likely that a reindeer will fall into your living room this winter.

 This is the time of year that finds families scurrying for the best deals on pencils, folders, notebooks, calculators…and all of the other back to school items on the ‘list’. In addition each student has their own idea of whats cool for school…the right backpack, the right jeans, and don’t forget the all important outfit for the first day!

 In the midst of this seasonal outlay of cash homeowners can find some ways to sqeak some extra dollars from their home that can boost the efficiency of their home and lower their costs.

 Some things you can add to your back to school shopping lists:

 1. Low-flow shower heads
Save water and save on heating costs by installing inexpensive low-flow shower heads and facucet aerators to reduce consumption by 50%. 
Price range: $12 – $200 per unit

 2. Look up and stop heat leaks through the attic
Purchasing and laying insulation in attic spaces can help retain costly heat costs during the winter months to come, reducing your utility bills. 
Price range: Usually around $50 per roll

 3. Shine a light on savings

Install compact fluroescent lights in your fixtures, replacing regular light bulbs. These bulbs last up to 10x longer than regular bulbs and will save you money. 
Price range: Starting around $2 per bulb

 4. Leave the DVR to the Kids…Determine The Right Program for your Home
Programmable thermostats are painless to install and control, and reduce heating and cooling costs to the tune of $180 per year.
Price range: $40 to $100

 All of these actions will help move your home to higher and less costly efficiency. Paving the way for bigger home improvement projects that can best be tackled during cooler autumn weater…without fear of snow in the kitchen!

Just like Norcon has all the ingredients for a stellar project…so does this salsa.

If you don’t have that new deck started yet….contact Norcon today and start planning a family fiesta this fall!

Great on the Deck Garden Salsa

5 Tomatoes

1/2 onion
1 smallish cucumber
1/2 red pepper
5 Serrano peppers
1 handful cilantro
Sprinkling of Adobo spice
Optional handful of beans
Corn sliced off an ear

Chop the beans, cukes, cilantro and peppers really small.
Chop the tomatoes smallish.
Throw it all together.

Use on chips or with cheese on a tortilla.

What can you do as a home owner to maintain a healthy home? Work to reduce some of the environmental triggers that can spark an asthma attack. In this way you can create an Asthma Healthy Home.

An Asthma Healthy Home is one that is pest free, contaminate free, well ventilated, safe, clean, well maintained and dry. As leaders in the home constuction industy in the twin cities area, Norcon Homes can help you resolve issues involving pests, mold and moisture.

Walk around the outside of your home and look for places that pests could gain access to your home or signs of disrepair. Pests can get in through cracks in foundation, buckling roof shingles, rotting trim boards, ill fit door and windows.  Look inside and out for signs of excess moisture that could be a breeding ground of mold spores.

Once you have identified some trouble spots, contact Norcon Homes to help find the best way to resolve the issues and tighten up your home.  The time put into this process today could help members of your family breathe easier tomorrow.  For more information on maintaining an asthma trigger free home visit the website http://www.coolhealthtips.com/maintain-asthma-healthy-home-free-from-asthma-triggers.html.

Radon is an odorless gas that can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation. On one hand, it is a fact that Radon is problematic in Minnesota due to the makeup of the soil. On the other hand, Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer. 

Put it together and you have more than a handful of reasons to have your home tested for radon. But first lets hear some facts from the experts:

On the MDH websit, http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/, Why radon is a problem in Minnesota and how radon enters a home is explained:

“Why is radon a common problem in Minnesota Homes?

Much of the soil in the Upper Midwest contains widespread uranium and radium. These minerals continuously break down to release radon gas. Therefore, Minnesota’s geology provides an ongoing supply of radon. In addition, a large percentage of Minnesota homes have elevated levels of radon in the indoor air because of how they are built and how they operate in our climate. One important factor is that many Minnesota homes have basements that are uses as living spaces. MDH estimates that about one in three (1/3) Minnesota homes have enough radon to pose a significant risk to the occupants’ health over many years of exposure.

How does radon enter a home?

Radon, because it is a gas, is able to move though spaces in the soil or fill material around a home’s foundation. Minnesota homes tend to operate under a negative pressure – this is especially true in the lowest portions of the home and during the heating season. This negative pressure acts as a vacuum (suction) that pulls soil gases, including radon, into the lower level of the structure. Some causes of home vacuum are:

• Heated air rising inside the home (stack effect).

• Wind blowing past a home (downwind draft effect).

• Air used by fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces (vacuum effect).

• Air vented to the outside by clothes dryers and exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, or attics (vacuum effect).

Radon can enter a home through the floor and walls — anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil. Examples of such openings include dirt floor crawl spaces, unsealed sumps, cracks in slab-on-grade floors, utility penetrations, and the tiny pore spaces in concrete block walls. A basement, of course, provides a large surface area that contacts soil material.”

The Department of Health recommends that every home in Minnesota be tested for Radon. Contact Norcon Home Services and schedule a professional test today. For the full ‘Radon: Keeping Your Home Safe from Radon’ published by the Minnesota Department of Health follow this link http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/radonconbrochure.pdf.

Call Norcon and get started on your deck plans today.

Then you too can: Frost a cake, spear sushi, mix margaritas, kiss your grandkids, play canasta, study bartending exam, bedazzle your pj’s, churn ice cream, deal cards, fill water balloons, scheme, dream, read, relax, plan, strategize, brush your hair, cut your dads hair, tie-dye your socks, make macaroni necklaces, work on your tan, laze in a wading pool, walk on the treadmill, break for breakfast, examine bugs, plant marigolds, watch fireworks, slurp a popsicle, pay bills, practice wearing high heels, shoot jarts into the lawn, train your puppy, rock in a rocking chair, rock out, share a candy bar, make paper airplanes, tweet, play connect four, hula-hoop, snuggle, talk, solve the problems of the world, contemplate fingernail colors, open the mail, sit-ups, jump rope, listen to music, check status updates on facebook, crochet an afgan, set up a football pool, shred old paperwork, drink koolaid.

I grew up In a house with 8 sisters, 1 brother, two dogs, mom and dad. I was the middle child. So it seemed that by the time I was entering high school, our home seemed to always be housing extras.

I don’t mean in the make a few extra dollars by housing movie extras, I mean the extra boyfriends camped in the family room, Johnny’s newest girlfriend in the backyard, extra friends sitting around the kitchen table after swim club/tennis club/soccer practice.

Our kitchen table was handcrafted by my Dad. Six feet square with benches on 3 sides…it held a lot of extras. There was always room for one more. This seemed to be our motto growing up.

But while it was possible to make room for more at the table, or on a quick trip up north, or around the TV for the first color screening of The Wizard of Oz….when it came to bathrooms there is a limit.

We had 3 bathrooms. One was pretty much off limits to kids. It was in the (what is now known as..) master suite.  Only in a crisis did one of us kids actually get to shower there.

The downstairs powder room was where Dad shaved. I understand now looking back, with 9 females in the house, he took as long as possible to do so every morning.

That left the main bathroom upstairs. Two sinks, 1 tub, 1 toilet….10 kids (9 of them females) getting ready for preschool/kindergarten/elementary school/junior high/high school. Along with whatever extras ended up staying the night.  I am not sure I ever used the same toothbrush twice in a row, or even by myself.  The first one up had the best chance for a healthy and regular bladder growing up. The first one out was always the best dressed. 

So the point of this post is that when contemplating improvements to your home, consider bathroom space. Provide for yourself and your children the opportunity to actually LOUNGE in a tub, practice new hairstyles in privacy, and to be able to find and store their own toothbrush with confidence.

On their website the Living Routes organization cuts through the marketing hype and defines being green as reducing your impact and living a more sustainable life not buying one. Some of the more popular green practices include: “growing a small food and herb garden, collecting rainwater and recycling grey water, making their own compost, living closer to where they work, cycling, using public transportation, practicing energy saving methods, as well as investing in or building a supplementary renewable energy resource unit for their home. All of these things help in making the individual and his or her community more sustainable.”

In order to determine ‘How green is your home?’ moveincertified.com has compiled a list of 20 questions for homeowners:

1. Do you have deciduous trees providing sun in the winter and shade in the summer?
2. If you have a pool, does it have a cover?
3. Is most of your carpeting light-colored?
4. Does your dishwasher have an energy saving cycle?
5. Would you describe your house as tall as opposed to wide?
6. Is your furnace filter clean?
7. Are most of your walls and ceilings painted with a light color?
8. Are all of your faucets drip free?
9. Does your house mostly face south?
10. Do you believe your home is free of mold?
11. Does your kitchen have a built-in recycling center?
12. Is your attic well insulated?
13. Do you have a whole house or ceiling fan?
14. Is your furnace high efficiency?
15. Do some of your light fixtures have dimmers?
16. Does your thermostat have a “fan only” option?
17. Is your thermostat programmable?
18. Are your windows double glazed?
19. Does your dryer vent to the exterior?
20. Are most of your shower heads low flow, water saving types?

Painting your house a new color isn’t enough to become green, but investing in some energy saving options just may reduce your individual imprint on the environment.