WHAT CAUSES CRACKS IN A DRIVEWAY?
Everyone notices cracks in their driveway. Weeds pop up and anthill mounds spill out of the crevices. Most driveway cracks are small and considered non-structural, but cracks with wider openings and heaved edges can be trip hazards and should be repaired. A driveway or walkway can crack for several reasons: •Tree roots can…
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Curb Appeal
For decades, realtors have talked about “curb appeal” when rating a house’s attractiveness to buyers when they first drive up to it. It’s a quality that can be seen from the street, and can either captivate potential buyers or discourage them from even setting foot in the house. Curb appeal is important not just for…
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A Green Home Checklist
Make Your Existing or Future Home a Greener Place to Live THE RIGHT SITE A site with smart landscaping is important to help make your home comfortable, affordable and attractive. Water-efficient bermuda or buffalo grass is planted in sunny areas. Plants, shrubs and trees that grow successfully in Northern California. Gutters and downspouts direct water…
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Making Your Home Green
You can live in a home that is healthier, more comfortable, less expensive and lasts longer—basically, a happier home! It’s a choice and a smart way to make a positive difference in the world. “Greening” your home is also a strong selling attribute of homes in Marin. So, want to do something simple, cheap and…
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Home & Property Owners: Property Check Up
The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) advises homeowners and home sellers to consider a “physical home check up” to ensure that they are fully informed on the current conditions and components of their home. A home that has not been recently inspected may have undiscovered, minor or major maintenance items that could lead to…
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Preparing for a Home Inspection
“Seller shall make the property available for all buyer investigations. Seller shall have water, gas, electricity and all operable pilot lights on for Buyer’s investigations and through the date possession is made available to Buyer.” (Excerpt from: Paragraph 9B of the California Association of Realtors® California Residential Purchase Agreement) Having everything ready for the inspection…
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Defeat Termites : How to deter them, detect them and kill them
Termites are sneaky. They can feast on a home for years and do enormous damage before anyone notices.But there are ways to make your home less inviting, recognize an infestation and wipe them out. Eliminate easy access to food and water. Termites get water from wet wood or damp soil. Their food source is anything…
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Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection
Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips. Your home inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Confirm that that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights). Make sure your pets won’t hinder your home inspection. Ideally, they should be…
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Dealing With Two-Pin Ungrounded Systems In Older Homes
Home constructed prior to 1965 in the United States may still be equipped with the original style two pin ungrounded outlets. Ungrounded receptacles are less safe than modern grounded system three-pin receptacles. If current leaks to metal, unintended current paths in appliances, or the house systems, the energized component or appliance can increase the risk…
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Garage Vehicle Door Maintenance
Garage vehicle doors are a large moving object and it is essential that they be well maintained and in good working condition. Regular maintenance of your garage doors not only extends the life of the garage door but also ensures reliable, quiet, and safe operation of the door. Many homeowners opt for regular inspection and…
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