The Right Foundation for a Sale

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Spring is here in Wisconsin, and that means more rain and stress on the foundations of your clients’ homes. Nothing can kill a sale faster than to see water damage, especially in or around the foundation of a home. It can take on many forms, like rust or water crystals on walls, damp floors, cracks, or mold. Replacing the sump pump, installing a dehumidifier, and making sure all down spouts are clearing the water far enough away from the house are good starts. However, your client’s problem could be much deeper. That’s why a pre-sale home inspection is your best course.

A Pre-Sale Home Inspection will provide you and your client with the necessary items that must be fixed, in order to facilitate the sale of their home.

One of the key areas I look at is the foundation of a home. Over time, a home’s drain tiles can get clogged or poor landscaping can cause the basement walls to buckle. It is worth the time and investment for your client to know which source is the cause of their trouble and to fix it right away.

As a licensed home inspector, I recommend you seek out a independent foundation expert or qualified engineer (P.E.). They will use proper tools and techniques (i.e. laser alignment for the walls, and if necessary, drill and test for proper drainage) to determine the origin or cause of the problem. Often, it’s a simple fix and one that can save your seller thousands of dollars and prevent future claims

We Could All Use an Energy Boost Home Energy Assessments

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Energy costs continue to rise despite advances in technology. Whether you’re already settled into a home or are buying one, understanding its enenergy auditergy performance is more critical than ever. Getting an Energy Audit will improve your home’s use of energy, reduce costs, and increase your comfort and enjoyment of your home as well.

NOTE:

If you are in the market to sell a home, an Energy Audit will create a market advantage.

Why should I get an Energy Audit?

An energy audit can pinpoint where a home is losing energy, determine the efficiency of a home’s heating and cooling systems, and illustrate cost-effective improvements that will conserve electricity and improve performance.  Moreover, Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program also provides rebates and tax incentives when you make certain improvements.

NOTE:

Your auditor should be  HERS (Home Energy Rating System)certified and preferably registered with RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network.)

What to have for the auditor visit:

  • Make a list of any existing problems such as condensation, uncomfortable or drafty rooms, or ice damning etc.
  • Have copies or a summary of the home’s yearly energy bills.
  • Have a list of any repairs you’ve made to your home and contractor receipts showing the materials utilized.

What happens in an Energy Audit

The auditor will first examine the outside of the home to determine its size and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows.)

Then they’ll ask questions which are meant to analyze usage based on your residential behavior. For example:

  • Is anyone home during working hours?
  • What is the average thermostat setting for summer and winter?
  • How many people live here?
  • Is every room in use?

These answers may uncover simple ways to reduce your household’s energy consumption.  Don’t be afraid to walk through the home with the auditors as they work, and ask questions.

Areas they examine the most are:

  • Lighting (types of lights and bulb)
  • HVAC (Heating, Cooling and Ventilation)
  • Insulation or Air Seating
  • Electronics (e.g. computers, gaming systems, cable boxes, and TV)
  • Appliances (i.e. refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, over/stove, microwave, dishwasher,
  • Plumbing  (e.g. water heaters)
  • Structural Improvements

Start Saving NOW! — There is no better time than now to get an Energy Audit.