Posts made in December, 2014


Bathroom Exhaust Fan Before / After

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Before / After

Does your bathroom deep cleaning routine include your ventilation fan? If not, it should. When used and maintained properly, your ventilation fan helps reduce mold and mildew. When it’s neglected, it can host all kinds of airborne particles that can accumulate on the blades and the vent. Follow these six simple steps to keep your bathroom fan functioning properly.

  1. Flip the circuit breaker for the room.
  2. Remove the vent cover and soak it in warm water and dish soap.
  3. Vacuum the fan blades to remove any dust and particles.
  4. Wipe the blades with a damp cloth.
  5. Remove dust from the motor and around the motor with a stiff, clean paintbrush and vacuum up any debris.
  6. Replace the cover when it’s completely dry.

It’s important to run your ventilation fan during every shower and for 30 minutes afterward to reduce moisture in your bathroom and the potential build up of mold and mildew.

If you suspect mold may be an issue in your home or when you need a home inspection, call the Florida Inspector from Buy Your Side Home Inspections. 407.780.0911.

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Is Your Garage Free of Fire Hazards?

Is Your Garage Free of Fire Hazards?

Most homes built today have attached garages intended primarily for the shelter of automotive vehicles. However, their use has expanded over years to not only include vehicle storage but an extra space used for storing household items, repairing vehicles and as the ultimate “man cave.” Fires in garages are not just dangerous because of their contents but also because of its location in relation to the home.  You can reduce the threat of garage fires by addressing eight of these common hazards:

  1. Propane tanks, under the right conditions, can explode. Propane tanks are sturdy and should be stored outside on a flat surface away from flammable liquids and spark-producing machines.
  2. Power tools plugged in while not in use can cause sparking from overloaded electrical outlets. Power tools should be unplugged when not in use, and outlets should be up to code and properly grounded with breakers.
  3. Improperly stored cleaning products and flammable chemical liquids such as paint, oil, gasoline, brake fluid, varnish, paint thinner and  lighter fluid can be highly combustible when exposed to a spark. Store your flammable liquids in clearly labeled, self-closing containers and only in small amounts away from direct sunlight, heaters, spark-producing machines and appliances.
  4. Pesticides, garden fertilizers and lawn care materials can become combustible especially as they age if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
  5. Fuel and oil leaks from vehicles, motorcycles and gas powered machines such as lawnmowers could spark fires very quickly. Cars and tools should be stored with care and floors kept free of oil and gasoline.
  6. Lightbulbs that exceed recommended wattage can spark a fire. Do not exceed the limit.
  7. Non-functioning smoke detector and no fire extinguisher in the garage.
  8. Cluttered garages with loose papers, oily rags, discarded household items and boxes are extremely dangerous. Install shelving units for items you wish to keep, simply throw things away or have a “Garage Sale!”

Buy Your Side Home Inspections wants you and your family to be safe in your home.  If you’re unsure if your garage walls, ceiling and interior doors are fire-rated, give us a call. We’re here for you. 407.780.0911.

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"Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire"

“Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire”

Before you roast those chestnuts in your fireplace, chimney maintenance should be a top priority for safety in your home every year.

Don’t skip the chimney sweep and fireplace maintenance. A chimney sweep uses large, stiff brushes and other tools to dislodge creosote and soot from the interior of the chimney which build up with each use of your fireplace.

Depending on how frequently you use your fireplace, as a rule, experts say if you use your fireplace regularly (averaging twice a week through the cold months), you should have your chimney cleaned at least once every two years by a qualified and trained professional. The Chimney Safety Institute of America at http://www.csia.org is the go-to authority for finding a qualified sweep. Simply use their easy search feature.

And, when you need a home inspection, call Buy Your Side Home Inspections. We have been inspecting homes and businesses in Central Florida, and specifically Osceola County, for many years. 407.780.0911.

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New Home Inspection

New Home Inspection

Many buyers make the mistake of not getting a newly-constructed home inspected wondering why an inspection would be necessary on a brand new house. If you’re a new home buyer, don’t assume your builder did everything properly just because the home passed code.  Sometimes shortcuts are taken to save time and money which can cost you money in the long run.  Follow these four steps to safeguard your investment:

  1. Have new construction inspected. A home inspector will look deeper into the home looking at different things than the local building inspector will.
  2. Choose an inspector for the right reasons. Get referrals and check credentials.
  3. Go along on the inspection and ask questions.
  4. Follow up on the inspector’s recommendations.

Have your newly constructed home inspected by Central Florida’s most-respected Home Inspector – Buy Your Side Home Inspections before you sign on the dotted line. 407.780.0911

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DIY Projects That Won't Break the Bank

DIY Projects That Won’t Break the Bank

You don’t need to tap into your life savings or spend the kids’ college fund to increase the appeal of your home. If you’re considering selling your home or just want to increase the enjoyment of your investment, there are several projects you can do yourself that are relatively inexpensive and are a great return-on-investment. Your local home improvement store offers free advice if you have questions.

Here are just a few suggestions.

In Your Kitchen:

  • Add or update the hardware on cabinets and drawers.  Shop your local hardware and home improvement stores  and stick with styles that have wide appeal.
  • Install a tile backsplash or paint it with an accent color. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update your kitchen.
  • Show off the inside of your glass door cabinets by painting the back inside wall with an accent color.
  • Shed some light on your meal prep with battery-powered LED undercabinet puck lighting.
  • Update an old fridge with a faux stainless-steel painted finish.
  • Make your cabinets feel like royalty with crown molding at the top.

In Your Bathroom:

  • Remove dated fixtures and swap out lighting fixtures, faucets and handles.
  • Lean a painted wood ladder against a bathroom wall to use as a towel rack and increase the space.

In Your Interior:

  • Paint your interior walls with neutral colors that give the room the appearance of being larger. Start with the most visible areas of your home first and then expand your project till your entire home is painted.
  • Update generic white globe ceiling mounted light covers.
  • Install ceiling fans and save on your energy bill.
  • Clear clutter on shelves and counters with inexpensive organization systems.

And, if you want to make sure your home is in tip top shape or you’re ready to put it on the market, call Buy Your Side Home Inspections – Central Florida’s most respected Home Inspections service. 407.780.0911.

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