The snow has melted, no more snow removal service to worry about, baseball season has started, and you are already making plans for long days in the sun. But, don’t get ahead of yourself… Before you get too comfortable dreaming about that lawn chair, there are a few things you might want to take care of first.

Just like we check our home and prepare in anticipation of winter, there are some things around your house you will want to check now that the winter is over. Let’s walk through a spring home maintenance guide that will help you make sure that your home is beautiful, well-maintained, and just as ready for spring as you are.

Exterior Maintenance
It’s a good idea to walk around the exterior of your home to check for any possible damage that may have occurred over the winter and general wear and tear. Here are some things you should look for:

• Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
• Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all the eroding caulk and re-caulk the needed area.
• Window Sills, Door Sills, and Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
• Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and check for holes. Holes bigger than a quarter leave plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames that are allowed to flap and move, so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Drain Waste and Vent System: Flush out system.
• Hot Water Heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
• Evaporative Air Conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
• Furnace: Lubricate blower motor.
• Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a professional. If you can slide a nickel into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation, call a professional immediately.
• Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Decks and Porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every four to six years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should, or water has turned some of the wood a dark gray, hire a professional to treat your deck and fence.
• Landscape: Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes that are touching structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint, requiring that side of the house to be repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
• Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.

Interior Maintenance
Now, let’s move on to the interior of your home:

• Basement: Check the moisture level in your basement. High moisture levels can mean inadequate ventilation and the need for a dehumidifier. You should also check for any visible signs of water damage.
• Attic: Check your attic for any possible areas of water leakage. You will also want to check that you have proper insulation and good ventilation in the attic. Check the coverage of your insulation, that there are no bare spots. You should also make sure that your insulation is not obstructing any vents. Another thing to check for is signs of any pests that may have moved in during the winter.
• Pipes: Check all faucets, drains and pipes. You will want to make sure that there are no signs of leaking or sweat (condensation) on any of your pipes of plumbing fixtures. You should also check to make sure that all pipe and hose connections are properly sealed.
• Dryer Vent: Lint from dryers can cause a fire.  Detach the corrugated dryer vent from behind the dryer and either clean or replace.  Hire a professional that has tools to clean the dryer vents that are inside the walls.  If your living room walls look as though they are sweating, chances are this is because your dryer vents are clogged.
• Foundation Walls: Look for openings/gaps/holes and seal with the appropriate sealing compound.
• Smoke Detector: Good idea to retest again.

By using these few maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy a worry-free spring and summer knowing that your house is in good condition for the year ahead.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?  Send us an email at  scot.mclean3@gmail.com

Proper Expectations for Electrical Set-Up

With today’s growth in home-based businesses and telecommuting, having a home office has become almost essential to modern home owners. But what if your home is older and wasn’t designed with a home office space? Thinking of converting a spare bedroom into a home office or work space? Great idea! But before you get started, there are a few things you should think about.

Several factors go into creating a functional home office; good lighting, storage, a desk, and so on. However, if your home is older, you will want to think about more than the design of your home office. Today’s home office requires a lot more. You will have to plan for phone lines, fax machine, photocopier, printer, broadband, networking, high-speed Internet access, and even video/television technologies. Will the electrical set-up in your spare bedroom be able to handle the extra load needed for a home office? Let’s find out.

What’s Your Current Set-Up?

Most bedrooms in homes that are 10-30 years old have 110-volt, 100-amp electrical service. The room itself usually has three two-receptacle, 15-amp wall outlets. One of the outlets is normally controlled by a wall switch at the entry door. Does this set-up sound familiar? If the answer is yes, then you will want to properly prepare your space with an electrical set-up that will save you days of frustration and aggravation in the future.

Modifying an Existing System

Modifying an existing electrical system can be expensive, so finding a way to better manage power consumption is cheaper than adding capacity. Home-office receptacles can be increased by using a ganged receptacle box (four or six receptacles) with its own circuit breaker. The metal or plastic box is plugged into the existing outlet and the house circuit is protected by the receptacle’s breaker. These boxes can be purchased at any home center.

Two independent circuits are recommended, with one dedicated to sensitive equipment. Done at the stud-stage of construction, the cost is about $75. Waiting will cost $400-$500.

Maximum Power Requirements

Record the watts or amperes of each piece of equipment (located on the power-rating label). For incandescent lighting, read the wattage rating on the bulb; for fluorescent lighting, read the label on the fixture.

Convert all power requirements to amperes by dividing the number of watts by 110 and compare the calculated ampere to the circuit-breaker handle at the electrical panel. The more the potential load exceeds the circuit-breaker’s range, the greater the possibility of overloading the circuit.

If you plan ahead, you can make sure your home office is set-up correctly from the start. In the long run, the right electrical set-up will ensure that you can spend more time working and less time waiting or dealing with frustrating electrical problems. Your home office should be just as functional and ready for a work load as you are.

Replacing a roof can seem daunting, but it is not nearly as problematic as some people make it seem.
We’ve created this short guide to help you navigate your next roof repair or replacement.

Roof Age and Condition
Weather, namely the sun, heat and UV light are the leading factors in aging and causing roof damage. This is especially true in Milwaukee’s climate. Knowing the impact that both factors have on a home contractors have found the average life span for a roof is 20 years. If your roof is approaching this milestone, it is wise to have it professionally inspected to head off any unwanted household damage. A hot attic, poorly ventilated and/or the roof sheathing being insulated will bake out the roofing material and shorten the useful life.

Choosing a Contractor
The contractor will provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, which will vary based on the size of the roof, height of the house and timeframe of the project.

Depending on the contractors recommendations, you will be advised to either roof over the existing shingles or tear the roof down to the wood and install a completely new roof. Roof Over is often recommended to homeowners that only have one, flat existing root. When multiple layers already exist or if the damage is so severe, the only approved option would be stripping all shingles off and applying new shingles. Typically a warranty only applies a single layer.

• Get a full name and street address.
• Check on insurance: comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
• Google if the contractor licensed by the state or the local municipality if required?
• How long has the company been in business?
• Ask for references from local jobs. Take the time to call a few references and ask about appearance, cost, quality, promptness, cleanup, and problems.
• Ask about a performance guarantee, and verify on Yelp.
• Will the contractor walk the roof and inspect the attic when preparing the quote to give an accurate quote and address existing conditions?
• Will the contractor provide on-site supervision during the job and complete a walk-through with you before final payment?
• How will the contractor protect your property during the project?
• The contractor should be a member of a professional group of builders or remodeling contractors.

The Contract
Before you hire a contractor be sure you understand the scope and details of the agreement or contract to ensure the work and your expectations will be properly met.

• Material selections, described in detail; type of shingle and the specific name, color and manufacturer; valley, rake edge, and vent materials; and underlayment (tar paper) for the shingles. (The manufacturer’s installation instructions must be followed). And a statement that all materials will be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Details on initial deposit and progress payments. The contractor may want a partial payment when the job is started or materials are delivered. Some contractors ask for a small down payment when the contract is signed. Final payment should be made after the job is completed and inspected. A contractor should never be paid before work is completed and should never be given a substantial down payment.
• Construction start and finish date.
• Lien waiver requirements. When bills are submitted, the contractor should submit a form that removes the ability of the contractor and suppliers to place a lien on your property.
• Specifications on the following: Will the shingles be removed? How will the home be protected from damage and debris? Site clean up
• Information on how any damage to your property or your neighbors’ property will be handled.
• Details on how your property will be protected if weather problems develop during the project.
• Delivery and on site storage of materials does not constitute start of work.Specifications on how materials will be delivered and stored.
• Add a clause stating that deviations from the contract require a written change order before the work is done.
• A description of insurance covering the job. The contract should also state that you will receive a certificate of insurance before work begins.
• Description of building permit requirements and a statement that the contractor will obtain the permit, pay for it, and ensure that a final inspection is completed.
• Are subcontractors are to be used?
• Warranties and guarantees from the contractor and the material manufacturer.

Final Words of Advice
Repairing a roof is no easy feat. Be patient, friendly, and openly communicate with your contractor to establish construction milestones. This will expedite the project and help make the process go more smoothly.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home? Contact Milwaukee’s top home inspector today! 

For most kids school is back in session. If you’re like most homeowners, you have “little home inhabitants” (aka your kids) that can help get your house in tip top shape as the new school year is underway.

TIP: Have them focus on these 12 areas we so often forget and that continue to collect dirt, dust and debris week after week.

1. Underneath and Behind Furniture
Clearly vacuuming is a common part of weekend cleaning, but it ins’t just the high traffic areas that need attention. Behind couches, under coffee tables, and even the nooks and crannies of your favorite La-Z-Boy. It’s easy to tackle these tasks. Simply breakout the attachments that came with your vacuum, and get to it.

2. Refrigerator Gaskets
Pretty much all appliances have rubber gaskets around the doors. These gaskets collect dirt, food, grease, and spilled liquids. Spray it with vinegar and water, and follow up with a wipe of with a simple cloth. Finish by wiping it off with clean water.

3. Tops of Doors and Windows
Door and window frames easily accumulate large amounts of dust. Wiping them down regularly with a simple microfiber cloth will cut down on the amount of dust that builds up. Every now and then wipe them with a simple vinegar water solution to remove all grime.

4. Infrequently Used Pots and Pans
Pot racks are a life saver when it comes to keeping infrequently used pots and pans out of the way. However they easily attract airborne grease. This makes dust stick to the pots and pans. A few times a year make sure to remove all the pots and pans, clean them in hot soapy water and rehang them.

5. Inside Heating Vents
Most homes have vents in the floor or in the baseboards. These vents collect dust, hair and dirt. Intern the heat blows the dust through your home often causing allergy irritation. Regularly cleaning these vents can cut down on airborne irritation.

6. Telephones and Call Phones
Phones are a magnet for bacteria. However, these devices can’t be cleaned with average household cleaner without risking damage to sensors and buttons. Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth moistened with vinegar water solution should do the trick. Follow with a wipe of regular water to eliminate the smell.

7. Inside the Closet
Surprisingly the fibers from clothing play a large part can the dry in household dust. Whoever you vacuum your home make sure to vacuum the floors of your closet as well. Once or twice a year remove everything from the closet and wipe down all the surfaces inside of it.

8. Computer Keyboards
Computer keyboards attract dirt, dust, and bacteria. Every now and then pick the keyboard up, turn it upside down and shake out all the debris that has built up. Use compressed air spray to clean everything out of the nooks and crannies. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

9. Inside the Dryer Vent
Dryer vents collect lint buildup which can keep the dryer from working properly and can become a fire hazard. Unplug the dryer and detach the vent by unscrewing clamp that secures it to the dryer. Use a clean toilet bowl brush to clear the dust from the inside from the vent. Use a vacuum to remove the remainder of the dust.

10. Door Knobs and Handles
Even if your doorknob doesn’t look dirty it is. A quick wipe can eliminate the dirt and germs. Use an antibacterial wipe to clean off the knobs and handles all over your home.

11. Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator and freezer coils can attract quite a bit of dirt and dust. Keep your appliances operating at peak performance and save energy by vacuuming the coils once a month. Once or twice a year wipe the coils off with a vinegar water solution. It will also reduce the need for appliance repairs in Milwaukee.

12. Remote Controls
Remote controls can sticky with germs, grease and grime. The easiest way to clean is with cotton swabs and antibacterial wipes. Remove the batteries and go over the entire remote with an antibacterial wipe. Then take a cotton swab and go around each button. Dry with a soft cloth, replaced the batteries and you’re all set.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?

Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com