What You Need To Know: How To Keep Wildlife Out of Your Home

By Jenni Boucher

Most people come to Florida for our beautiful beaches and tropical climate. Our entire state is a tourist destination for travelers from around the country and around the world. With all of the focus on theme parks, beaches and tourism, we often forget how close we really are to nature – until it invites itself in!

Interactions with wildlife are not uncommon for most residents, but the scenario takes a completely different turn when the interaction is inside your home. Opossums, raccoons, rats, mice, squirrels, and snakes are just some of the species routinely trapped inside Florida homes. Can you imagine going to the refrigerator in the middle of the night for a drink and being greeted by this guy?

Prevention is the best method for keeping wildlife out of your home. Don’t assume that there aren’t ways for pests to get into your home, even if you have a brand new home. Why? The Florida Building Code has tons of provisions for protecting your home from termites and other wood-destroying organisms, but very little mention of proofing for other pests. Nearly all homes have at least one access point where wildlife can enter, such as: broken or missing covers for roof vents, soffits, crawlspace accesses, or dryer vents. These holes/gaps don’t have to be large – animals can enter through holes the size of a quarter. There doesn’t even need to be an existing access – many animals can chew their own!

Once any access points have been discovered, make sure that they are closed-off immediately to keep animals out. Trim any tree branches that animals could be using for travel in and out of your home, and remove any landscaping that is within 12” of the walls of the structure. Make efforts to clean-up any vegetation, wood piles or rubbish in the yard that could provide cover for any animals already near your home. Make sure that all of your outdoor garbage cans have tight-fitting lids – animals love our leftovers! Raccoons especially love cat and dog food commonly left outside for neighborhood strays. Do not ever attempt to feed any wildlife, doing so removes their fear of humans and can make them attack humans in an attempt to get food.

What should you do if you suspect an animal is already in your home or soon-to-be-home? DO NOT TRY TO CATCH IT YOURSELF!

Most species of Florida wildlife can be vicious, especially when backed into a corner and/or protecting young, and come equipped with razor-sharp teeth and claws. In addition to the high likelihood of a hospital visit to treat the wounds they inflict, these animals often carry a host of parasites and diseases – like fleas, ticks, several worm species and rabies. 

Your best bet would be to hire a Wildlife Removal Specialist. Vastly different from a regular pest control company, these specialists have the knowledge and tools necessary to trap and relocate wildlife. Find out how the specialist intends to solve your problem. Some companies use poisons to kill the animals, but this is not the most humane method of removal and dead animals can leave a nasty odor if they die in an inaccessible location, like inside a wall. Some companies will provide a free inspection and estimate to establish the scope of your problem and what the best method of removal will be.

Got wildlife in your home? Don’t try to fix the problem yourself – this is a job for professionals.

Is Your Home Ready to be SOLD?

By Jenni Boucher

Selling a home is exciting and stressful process. By putting your home on the market, you are opening up your home for examination and evaluation by potential buyers and their real estate agents. Make selling your home an easier and less stressful experience by having a seller’s home inspection before the house goes on the market.

Why have a seller’s home inspection done? The reasons are many!

For sellers, it can often be hard to notice or evaluate the severity of defects in a home that they have lived in for years. Potential buyers will be scrutinizing nearly every detail of the home to ensure that they are making a wise investment, possibly the largest investment they will ever make. Having the inspection done prior to having the house put on the market has numerous advantages, including:

• You can choose your own inspector rather than be at the mercy of the buyer’s inspector selection.
• Seller inspections are easier to schedule since you are not working under the time constraint of a 5-10 day inspection addendum, allowing the seller to schedule the inspection around their other obligations.
• The inspector will be able to alert the seller to any immediate concerns, such as major defects or signs of an active termite infestation.
• The seller can assist the inspector during the inspection and identify any recently repaired or replaced items, or areas of concern.
• Knowing what issues are present ahead of time gives the seller the ability to repair the defects or at least get realistic estimates of the repair costs to price the home accordingly. Repair estimates obtained by buyers are often over-inflated and can dramatically affect the final price of the home. Having the repairs done prior to putting the house on the market also helps the house to show better.
• The report provides a third-party unbiased opinion that often helps relieve the concerns and unfounded suspicions of potential buyers.
• A clean inspection report is a great marketing tool to set the home apart from other competing listings and can help justify a higher price.
• The report might encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency, and help lighten negotiations and 11-th hour re-negotiations.
• The deal is less likely to fall apart, like they often do, when the buyer’s inspection report unexpectedly reveals a last-minute problem.
• The report provides full-disclosure from future legal claims, and also helps establish credibility with the buyer that the seller is being up-front and honest in their dealings.

There are several advantages for the real estate agent as well:

• Sellers can schedule their inspection at their own convenience with the inspector of their choice with little involvement from the agent.
• The seller is able to accompany the inspector during the inspection, allowing the seller to see their home through the eyes of a critical third-party, thus making sellers more realistic about their asking price.
• The agent is alerted to any immediate safety concerns prior to the home being toured by other agents or potential buyers.
• Repairs made ahead of time help the home to show better and can justify a higher asking price.
• Reports available online will entice buyers to tour the home.
• Clean reports and reports with reasonable work estimates are both great marketing tools.
• Negotiations go smoother with fewer unexpected surprises, reducing the need for 11-th hour re-negotiations, and the deal is less likely to fall through due to an unexpected surprise.
• Reports provide full disclosure protection from future legal claims.

Having a sellers’ inspection done also benefits the buyer:

• The inspection is done already and was paid for by the seller.
• The report provides an impartial third-party opinion on the condition of the home that is useful prior to making an offer on the home.
• The problems are corrected, or at least acknowledged, prior to starting negotiations.
• Negotiations go smoother and unexpected surprise defects are virtually eliminated.
• The report could assist in acquiring financing.
• The seller inspection allows the buyer to sweeten the offer without increasing the offering price by waiving the inspection contingency.

Whether you are buying, selling, or listing a home, having a sellers’ inspection done prior to the home being put on the market carries numerous advantages for all parties involved – it is truly a win-win-win situation. 

Did You Buy A Haunted House?

By Jenni Boucher

If you’re on the search for your dream home, there are many important factors to consider when evaluating properties. Most buyers look at the overall condition of the home, character/appeal, the school district and when the last renovation was done. Wouldn't you also want to know if the house is haunted?

The state of Florida does not require sellers or their agents to disclose to potential buyers whether or not a house is haunted, even though 31 other states do. That being said, Florida does require sellers to disclose anything that could materially affect the value of the property, such as a death on the premises. Let’s face it: the presence of spirits isn't something that a home inspector is going to find out for you while inspecting the property.

The good news for sellers of haunted or rumored-to-be-haunted properties is that for a growing segment of buyers, it can actually increase the value of the home! These buyers feel that the spiritual presence adds to the character of the home. According to the National Association of Realtors, in some areas with a large number of reported haunted houses, like southern California, real estate firms are now creating teams of agents that specialize in haunted or otherwise stigmatized properties.

If you believe in the paranormal and the presence of activity would make or break the sale of a particular property to you, go ahead and ask the seller if they have noticed anything unusual. When asked point-blank, most sellers will divulge the history of their home. If not, it’s time to do some research yourself.

Google provides a wealth of information about haunted houses in any particular area, especially famous ones. If you find anything interesting, visit the local library to review old newspapers and see what turns up. You can also ask neighbors if they have noticed anything unusual about the home or if there are any local legends about the property.

There are things you can look out for while touring the home that could possibly indicate the presence of spiritual activity. Cold or hot spots, flashes of light, unexplained shadows, the feeling of being watched and/or touched and orbs of light in photographs are all potential signs of activity.

If you have already bought your dream home and suspect that you’re not alone, there are things you can do to bring peace of mind to you and your family – and possibly help the spirits move on.

Start with a deep cleaning of the home. This is a good first step to cleansing the space of negative energy. Wipe down walls, clean the floors, clean all linens – clean everything! Let the energies in your home know that only positive energy is allowed in your space and negative energies aren’t welcome.

There are precedents of homes being sold without disclosure of spiritual activity where the buyer has been able to get a refund of the purchase price through court proceedings. One of the most well known cases was in 1990 when Jeffrey Stambovsky purchased a turn-of-the-century Victorian home in Nyack, NY. The seller did not disclose any paranormal activity to Stambovsky, although it was brought up later in court that she had previously sold her story to Reader’s Digest and the local press (1977 & 1982). The lower court that first heard the case ruled that the seller and agent were not required to disclose spiritual activity in the home. A NY appellate court later ruled that the house was indeed haunted and granted Stambovsky a refund of his $650,000 purchase price. Don’t feel too bad for the seller, once word got out a whole new group of buyers become interested in, and ultimately purchased the property.

No matter what side of the real estate transaction you are on, it is important to be open and forthcoming about paranormal activity at a property. The buyer may not believe in spirits, or may be more intrigued by their presence. It is important to establish dialogue early; otherwise the buyer might be left wondering “Did I buy a haunted house?”

Citizens Insurance Policy Change for Manufactured Homes

By: Jenni Boucher

At a recent networking meeting at the Manatee Association of Realtors, I was discussing insurance changes with several of the realtors and we got on the topic of manufactured homes. None of them were aware of a recent change of insurance policies regarding these homes. I explained what I knew, and I was asked to provide this information to other professionals who need to know.

Manufactured homes are a favorite residence in Florida for retirees looking for low-maintenance living. In most cases in Manatee County, these homes are found in a manufactured home community that often includes multiple amenities to help them enjoy their new retirement lifestyle. In fact, there are currently 104 manufactured home communities in Manatee County alone! It varies by community, but the majority of these homes are 20 to 30 years old, if not older. There has been a recent change to the insurance qualifications for these homes that many homeowners, buyers and realtors are yet unaware of.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is a non-profit, tax-exempt government corporation founded to provide property insurance coverage to those who might otherwise not be able to find coverage. Citizens is often the only insurance option for older manufactured homes that many insurers deem too high risk to cover.

 

On August 1, 2013; Citizens changed their policy on WHEN a manufactured home will be required to obtain a Roof Certification or Four Point Inspection to get or maintain coverage. It used to be that these inspections were only required on manufactured homes that were 25 to 30 years old or older. According to an e-mail release from Citizens and corroboration with local insurance agents, these inspections will now be required for manufactured homes 10 years old or older to obtain or renew a property insurance policy on the home.

Depending on variables specific to the home and specific policy requirements, these homeowners may need a Roof Certification Inspection AND/OR a Four Point Inspection.

A Roof Certification Inspection takes a look at the age, shape, type of covering and overall condition of the roof. A Universal Roof Certification Inspection & Update Form is then completed by the inspector for the home owner or buyer to submit to their insurance company certifying whether or not the roof is in good condition and what, if any, defects are found.

A Four Point Inspection includes all of the roof information described above, but also includes inspection and certification that the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are in good working order and gives the insurance company an estimate of their remaining life.

Some insurers are also requiring a Wind Mitigation Inspection on some manufactured homes, especially those with roof-overs. Wind Mitigation Inspections typically do not yield many benefits on manufactured homes, especially since most do not have an attic access panel and the roof structure is a major component in wind mitigation benefits.

Providing any insurance company with a copy of the full inspection report is NOT a replacement for these inspections and is NOT ADVISED. In addition to informing the insurance company of every defect in the home, the information is not contained in the format that the company, especially Citizens, requires and cannot be accepted.

If you still have questions about this change or would like to discuss your home inspection needs, please call our office at (941) 749-1152 or sales@manateehomeinspection.com.

FHA Calls on Lenders to Be Sensitive During the Government Shutdown

By: Jenni Boucher

A recent memo from the Desk of Carol Galante, Assistant Secretary for Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner, asks that all approved mortgagees and lenders be sensitive to the financial hardships faced by borrowers as a result of the recent government shutdown.

As most of you know, funding for the operations of many federal agencies and organizations expired at midnight on September 30th, causing them to partially or fully shutdown. There are hundreds of thousands of borrowers who are being subjected to furloughs, layoffs, or a reduction of income related to the shutdown. Not just federal employees, but also private sector workers whose income partially or wholly depends on the activities of these agencies and organizations. These workers have the same ongoing financial obligations, but are forced to meet them without their usual salaries through no fault of their own. Many already have stretched budgets following sequestration furloughs.

FHA expects all approved mortgagees and lenders to make every effort to communicate with borrowers and assist affected borrowers by:

• extending informal forbearance plans to borrowers facing financial hardship as a result of the shutdown, and
• fully evaluating borrowers for available loss mitigation options to avoid foreclosure whenever possible

FHA also encourages these approved mortgagees and lenders to waive late fees and suspend credit reporting for any affected borrowers. FHA is partnering with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Veteran's Administration to ensure that all of the hard won improvements in the housing market are not compromised by the government shutdown.

To read more about efforts to assist affected borrows, read this announcement from Fannie Mae.

How To: Fix Cracks in Your Driveway

By Jenni Boucher

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners is how to fix a crack(s) in their driveways. We thought this would be a great topic to kick off our new “How To:” blog series of home maintenance and repairs.

What causes cracks? More often than not, cracks are caused by the expansion and contraction of the asphalt/concrete due to temperature change. This is completely normal and not a cause for alarm, but it can be unsightly – especially if you are trying to sell your home.

Whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, the options for fixing them are nearly identical. The first step, regardless of the method of repair you choose, is to prep the cracks for repair. Start by removing any grass or plants that may be growing in the crack. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove any loose bits on the sides of the cracks, try to avoid widening the crack. Use a vacuum if you can, or use a leaf blower to clean the debris from the cracks. Clean around the cracks with warm water and a grease-fighting liquid dish detergent to remove any oils or grease, allow them to dry completely.

There are 3 main ways you can fix cracks in your driveway, depending on the size of the crack:

Driveway Sealant Caulk – effective for smaller cracks up to ½” wide. Run strips of painter’s tape along both sides of the crack. Run a bead of caulk along the crack and use a plastic putty knife to smooth out the top. Repeat as necessary depending on how deep the cracks are. Remove the tape for clean lines.

  Driveway Sealant Rope – effective for smaller cracks up to ½” wide. These products are similar to what is used on commercial roadways, but only require the use of a small handheld blow torch instead of a large melting machine. Most manufacturers suggest cutting and inserting the rope into the crack before sealing it with the torch. Many users of these products have suggested that it is easier to insert just the tip of the rope in the crack and run the torch starting at that end, melting the rope into the crack as you go.

Driveway Repair Trowel Patch/Filler – can be used on any crack, most effective for cracks ½” or more, can also be used to fill in low spots and depressions in asphalt. This black, cement-like product is applied using a masonry trowel. It typically trowels to a smooth finish and is the fastest-drying option.

No matter which repair method you choose, we recommend not walking or parking on the driveway for at least 24 hours to allow the repair to cure properly.

Need help with other home repairs? Email us your suggestions for our “How To:” series today!

Termites: How to Protect Your Home

By Jenni Boucher

There’s an old saying when it comes to termites in Florida: “There are only two types of homes in Florida – those that have termites and those that will have termites.” Termites are found in almost every state, Mexico and Canada, but Florida’s warm, humid climate provides a perfect breeding ground. The coastal and southern areas of the state have the highest occurrences of termite infestations.

What can you do to protect your home? The first thing you need to do is arm yourself with information about the different types of termites and how to spot an infestation. If you show signs of an infestation, then you should have a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection performed by a licensed pest control company to identify the type of termites present and recommend treatment. Many companies offer free WDO inspections for real estate transactions.

There are many different species of termites, however the most common termites in Florida are Subterranean Termites and Drywood Termites.

Subterranean Termites: This species builds very large colonies (up to 2 million insects) underground in moist soil. They build distinctive tunnels called mud tubes to gain access to food and water sources, including into your home through cracks in the concrete. They can vary between 1/8” and 1” in length, depending on the role (worker, soldier, breeder) of the termite, and are usually a creamy brown color. These termites swarm in the spring and are the most destructive species of termite because they can literally cause the entire structure to collapse. Many states in the southeastern U.S. have passed laws to limit the amount of cellulose-containing building materials (wood, drywall, etc.) in an effort to decrease damage caused by this species.

Subterranean Termite Nest

Drywood Termites: Unlike the subterranean termites, this species does not require contact with soil to survive. These termites infest dry wood and can often go undetected until they have caused significant structural damage. These termites occur in small colonies that develop slowly and several different colonies can infest a structure at the same time. They are ½” to 1” long and are either a creamy or reddish brown color. These termites are often confused with similar-looking flying ants. Some of the indicators that you have found a drywood termite and not a flying ant:

• ·        the termite will have a long, squared-off body with no visibly defined waist while the ant has a very defined waist and large abdomen
• ·        the four wings of the termite will be equal length to the body while the ant has two sets of wings of different sizes
• ·        the termite will have straight antennae while the ant has bent, also known as “elbowed” antennae

Comparison of Drywood Termites Vs. Flying Ants

There are several signs that either of these insects may be infesting your home. They include:

• ·        Winged insects emerging at night that are attracted to light. Flying ants will also be attracted, use the indicators listed above to determine which insect you are seeing.
• ·        Discarded wings accumulating around doors, window sills and in spider webs
• ·        Surface blisters on the wall. These blisters have a rustling paper-type sound when touched, indicating a tunnel just underneath. Areas that are infested will have a hollow sound compared to other areas when tapped with a screwdriver handle.
• ·        Wooden pellets accumulate that are six-sided and usually 1-2mm long where termites have pushed them out of the infested wood. These will be found on the floor and under furniture, another favorite food source.
• ·        The evenings of late spring and summer months are the peak times for termite swarms (mating flights).

If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, call a licensed pest control company immediately. Termite damage can be significant and occur over a very short period of time, and the only way to prevent an infestation is with an on-going termite protection program.

Damage caused by termites

Everything You Need to Know About SINKHOLES

By Jenni Boucher

During the weekend of August 10-11, 2013; the Summer Bay Resort near Disney lost an entire building to a sinkhole, raising awareness of this very important issue. Florida, especially the central part of the state, is known for having a large number of sinkholes compared to other states in the U.S.; however sinkholes occur all over the country and around the world. As fellow Floridians, we feel that you need to be prepared in the event that you ever experience one for yourself.

A sinkhole opening under a FL home

What is a sinkhole? This has been a question posed by many homeowners and their insurance companies. According to Wikipedia, a sinkhole is a natural depression or hole in the Earth’s surface which may have various causes. In most cases, sinkholes occur in areas where the ground is very moist, but they can also occur in even the driest of climates. They can vary in size from 3.3 feet to over 2,000 feet wide, and several hundred feet deep. Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties are now being known as “sinkhole alley” since 2/3 of all sinkhole cases reported in 2006 to 2010 in Florida came from these counties. How many sinkholes occur in Florida? In 2006, more than 2,300 claims were reported. In 2010, that figure jumped to almost 6,700! The total cost of damage covered by insurers during this period was $1.4 billion.

A sinkhole opening up in a FL back yard

Sinkholes are usually caused by water movement underground. This could be because of an underground stream or river, a dramatic change in the water table due to drought or heavy rain, heavy ground water pumping to preserve strawberries and citrus in cold months, a water or sewer main break, or in coastal areas due to a failing/cracked seawall. Many times in northern states, it can be caused by the collapse of an underground cave or mine. The rock underground is eroded by the movement of the water, a process called suffusion. Carbonate rocks such as limestone or salt beds are the most susceptible to suffusion when circulating ground water removes the carbonate cement that bonds these types of rocks together.

A sinkhole caused by rainwater leaking through the pavement and moving soil into a ruptured sewer line below.

Do you think you may have a sinkhole? Sinkholes are different from other holes that may occur in the ground from such things as burrowing rodents or other animals. With a sinkhole, the soil will have collapsed into the void under the surface, not be dug out such as with an animal hole. They often appear overnight when the ground is moister, and expand rapidly. If the sinkhole is occurring under the structure, the first visible signs (and sometimes audible!) will include cracks in the walls, ceiling and/or slab, movement in floor tiles, a sudden decrease in water quality (broken pipe) or visible gaps between the walls and ceiling. Most of these things can occur over time with settling in the foundation, but with a sinkhole present, these changes will occur over a period of hours to weeks. It is important to monitor changes in these types of cracks. The easiest way to do that is to draw a straight line with a pencil perpendicular (straight across) the crack. Monitor any changes to how both sides of the line come together. With proper monitoring, this will give you some idea as to how fast the crack is expanding.

If you suspect that you have a sinkhole on your property, it is imperative that you seek out the services of a geotechnical engineer to identify the hole and advise you how to proceed. It would be advisable to vacate the premises immediately and take any non-replaceable valuables with you, at least until the engineer has evaluated the hole.

Once a sinkhole has been identified, and depending on its severity, there are ways to save your home. In some cases the home is a total loss, in which case it will need to be demolished and re-built. In most cases the home can be saved if the sinkhole is caught early.

The most common method of filling in a sinkhole is pumping expandable concrete grout under the home to fill the void. However, in the opinion of many structural engineers, this is only part of the overall remediation process. Most structural engineers recommend the installation of metal rods/beams and/or concrete pilings/beams under the home to support the weight of the home on the stable bedrock below, followed by concrete grouting. There are many types of companies that can do these types of repairs, including general contractors, foundation contractors, building relocation companies, and even sinkhole specialists. Whichever type of company you choose, make sure that the company has experience working with sinkholes, holds some type of construction license, has adequate insurance in case an issue occurs, and is working in conjunction with a structural engineer.  Too many times there have been recurring issues with sinkholes that have been improperly repaired, only to cause issues for the future owners of the home.

Diagram showing typical under-pinning and filling of the sinkhole with concrete grout.

Another consideration for all Floridians is sinkhole insurance. Many property insurance policies do not cover sinkholes, leaving homeowners with no place to live and no money to repair/replace their home if they are not covered. Make sure that your property insurance includes coverage for sinkholes, since they can happen to any Floridian, at any time.

Sinkholes can be catastrophic if not caught early, and repaired somewhat easily if they are. Since we are in Florida’s summer rainy season, it is very likely that more sinkholes will appear.  If you suspect a sinkhole on your property, make sure to call a professional immediately for the safety of your home and your family. 

The Great Blue Hole near Ambergris Caye, Belize

The "Devil's Hole" near Hawthorne, FL

The entire surface of the Alapaha River near Jennings, FL flows into a sinkhole that connects directly with the Florida Aquifer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If You Rent OR Manage Rentals READ THIS!

by Jenni Boucher

Most people are aware that the State of Florida passed numerous bills this past June on a variety of topics, from tobacco regulation to the colorful fur-dyeing of rabbits and chicks. One of the most significant changes didn’t get nearly as much media attention, but affects both renters and their landlords significantly and is in effect as of July 1, 2013. These new laws do not apply to hotels, motels or other transient-type accommodations.

The addendums to Florida Statute 83.56(5a) have changed the future course for many Floridian renters who are struggling to pay their rent, in many cases due to job loss or under-employment. The new addendums allow landlords to issue a 3-day (business days) notice to pay the remaining balance of rent or have the landlord take possession of the property – even if the tenant has made a partial payment towards their rent. If a partial payment is made, the landlord can then issue another 3-day notice for the remaining balance of the rent. If the balance of the rent is not paid by then or an alternative mutually agreed-upon date, the landlord is clear to evict the tenant (under normal process) and take possession of the property.

LANDLORDS – PAY ATTENTION! This addendum requires landlords to provide a receipt with the remaining balance due at the time of the partial payment, and to indicate the date by which the balance must be paid. Should the landlord not provide this documentation, then it can be construed that the landlord is accepting the partial payment as payment-in-full for that rental term, whether it be weekly, monthly, or longer.

As you can see, the changes to this statute could impact renters and landlords significantly. The impacts from this new law will undoubtedly change many rental agreements, as well as make prospective tenants pay closer attention to how much home their budget will allow. As always, Manatee Home Inspection Services (MHIS) is bringing this information to you to assist you in making well-informed real estate transactions.

Go Green and $ave Green - 10 Easy Ways to Save Energy (and MONEY!) in Your Home

By Jenni Boucher

There are numerous ways for homeowners to save BIG on their energy costs, make their home more attractive to buyers, and help the environment. The best part is that most of them are easy and inexpensive for homeowners to do themselves.

Why make your home more energy efficient? For starters, there are a variety of state, utility and local financial incentives, such as tax breaks or rebates that are available after making upgrades to the energy efficiency of your home. It also saves money because you will be using less energy to power your home while making your home more comfortable. You would also be doing a favor for Mother Nature since energy efficient homes use less energy, therefore reducing excess energy consumption and the pollution created by producing energy that many scientists believe contributes to global warming.

Below are just a few ways that you can make your home more energy efficient, courtesy of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors - a.k.a. InterNACHI.

1.)    Make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated. Sealing and insulating your home is generally one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient.  Leaks in your home’s building envelope contribute to high energy bills and poor indoor air quality. The most common places for leakage are: around electrical receptacles & outlets, mail slots, around pipes or wires, wall or window-mounted air conditioners, attic hatches, fireplace dampers, doors, baseboards, window frames and switch plates. These areas can be sealed inexpensively with caulking, spray-foam insulation or weather stripping. Also make sure that all pipes and duct work are insulated to minimize energy loss while cold air and hot water move through your home.

2.)    Pay attention to your heating and cooling systems. Make sure to change your air filter regularly (most systems recommend monthly) to avoid excess strain on your air handler from having to push air through a dirty filter, which also increases your indoor air quality and reduces allergens. Set thermostats to an appropriate temperature, such as turning it up to 78 – 80 degrees during the day when no one is home. In most homes, about 2% of the energy bill will be saved for each degree the thermostat is increased for at least 8 hours each day. You can even install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperature settings based on the time of day. Use ceiling fans in place of the air conditioner as much as possible since they use a lot less electricity, or use the “fan-only” option on your thermostat.

3.)    Install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, save energy by only heating water when it is needed. Traditional tanked water heaters heat water 24 hours a day, and much of that heat is lost in storage or traveling through the plumbing system. Tankless systems are extremely compact compared to traditional tanked models, and are great for homes that are tight on space. They are also great at eliminating one of the biggest annoyances for larger families – you will never run out of hot water again! The best part is that tankless models are very comparable in price to traditional tanked models and there is minimal work involved to transition your existing system.

4.)    Install efficient plumbing fixtures. Low-flow showerheads are available in different flow rates and have been proven to dramatically reduce water usage while showering. Aerators are an inexpensive addition to kitchen and bath faucets to increase water flow while minimizing water usage. Upgrading your toilet from the standard 3.5 gallon (or more) flush model to a low-flow 1.6 gallon flush model could save as much as 12,000 gallons per year in most households. Dual-flush toilets can reduce water consumption by an additional 30% by providing a 1 gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste and a 1.6 gallon flush for solid waste. Vacuum-assist toilets use a vacuum chamber to suck air from beneath the bowl to quickly, efficiently, and quietly clear waste while using a minimal amount of water.

5.)    Use appliances and electronics responsibly. Appliances and electronics account for around 20% of the average home’s annual energy consumption. Shut computers down when not in use, or at least turn the monitor off if the computer cannot be turned off. According to home studies, computers average around 3% of all energy consumption in the United States. Make sure that chargers for phones and laptops are unplugged when not in use. Replacing your electronics and appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models will also lower energy costs. According to the EPA, if just 10% of homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.7 million acres of trees.

6.)    Use smarter lighting. Daylight is free, and it is a great way to brighten the interior of your home. Aside from opening your curtains or blinds, you can also introduce more natural light into your home by installing skylights or light tubes. Just make sure that they are sealed and flashed properly to avoid leaks. Another way to light smarter is to replace your home’s incandescent light bulbs with much more efficient CFL (compact fluorescent) or LED (light-emitting diode) versions, which could reduce your energy requirements for lighting by 50% to 75%. CFL’s use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last on average 10 times longer. LED’s last even longer and use less energy than CFL’s and unlike CFL’s, they do not contain mercury. Putting lighting on motion sensors and converting at least some of your exterior lighting to solar power also helps to reduce energy costs.

7.)    Cook smarter. An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking, something that most of us do every day. Replacing your existing oven with a convection oven, which uses a fan to distribute heat evenly, could reduce energy consumption while cooking by as much as 20%. Microwave ovens use approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens. Using pots & pans with lids that are the correct size for the stove element or flame you are using will help food cook more quickly and evenly while using less energy.

8.)    Change how you do laundry. Instead of doing small loads, wait until you have a full load to maximize your energy and water usage. Avoid using high-temperature settings if the clothes are not very soiled. Water that is 140 degrees (hot setting) uses a lot more energy than water that is 103 degrees (warm setting), but isn’t that much more effective at getting clothes clean. Using cold water whenever possible also helps to reduce energy costs. Using the spin-dry cycle on your washer or wringing the clothes out before putting them in the dryer helps to reduce the time it takes for them to dry. Make sure to clean out the lint trap on your dryer before every use and clean your dryer vent hose quarterly. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will increase the amount of time it takes for your clothes to dry. You could also go a step further and dry your clothes using lines and racks when possible.

9.)    Use smart landscaping. Deciduous trees (like oak or maple) are great at providing shade during the summer to keep your home cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioner. Using plants that are native to Florida and are drought-tolerant helps to reduce water consumption during months with little rain.

10.)  Decorate with light colors. Homes with light-colored paint (interior & exterior), roofing materials and/or flooring do not get as hot during the day and require less energy to cool.

Taking the initiative to implement these changes in your home is more than worth the effort. These small changes could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars every year on energy and water costs, while also making your home more comfortable and more desirable when it comes time to sell it.

Renovate Wisely: Always Hire A Licensed Contractor

By Jenni Boucher

   At some point during the course of home ownership, most people will want or need to renovate or add-on to their existing home. The causes of renovations are many, such as updating for more modern features or adding space for new family members, just to name a few. Whatever your reason for renovating, make sure that you hire professionals to do the job so that it doesn’t cost you BIG.

   The most obvious reason to hire professional, licensed contractors is the quality of work. Licensed contractors are required to attend numerous courses prior to being licensed and continuing education courses after licensing, understand the Florida Building Code and pass a test before their license is issued, as well as carry liability insurance in the event of a mistake. A licensed contractor can only have so many complaints before the state will step-in and take their license. This is extra motivation for the contractor to do the job right, the first time.

   I have heard from numerous homeowners in my 10 years of working in the construction industry that price is often the issue determining whether they will hire a licensed contractor or “someone else”. I have always told these same people that 9 times out of 10 they will get exactly what they paid for, i.e. cheap and/or unprofessional work, and a lot of headaches.

   What kind of headaches am I talking about? MANY! To start with, many homeowners end up paying for their renovation twice (or more) due to bad work being done and having to pay a licensed contractor to fix it. This same bad work is most often not up to building code standards and will have to be partially or completely removed WHEN (NOT IF) the government finds out. Numerous local municipalities require two – to –three times the original permit fees if a homeowner has been busted with un-permitted work, or any work done by an unlicensed contractor who cannot pull permits. Code Enforcement can also (in addition) fine you up to $250 per day for un-permitted work from the date the work was caught until a permit is pulled or the work is torn down. Homeowners also need to consider the consequences of what could happen to their home and family because un-permitted work has not been verified by a licensed inspector to meet code or safety standards.

   Even if Code Enforcement doesn’t catch you right away, the Property Appraiser will when you go to sell the home. Too many times I have seen real estate transactions be halted temporarily or indefinitely because of un-permitted work. The types of un-permitted work that the Property Appraiser is most likely to catch are changes in the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, changes to the square footage of the home, or homes that are in flood zones that have illegally closed in the open lower floor of the home, creating a non-conforming space.

   Remodeling or adding on to your home is something that most homeowners will do at some point in time. Protect yourself and your real estate investment by hiring a licensed contractor the first time.

Hurricane Shutters: Build Them or Buy Them?

By Jenni Boucher

   Most Florida homeowners have some type of protection for the windows and doors of their home in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane. Any home that was permitted after February 28, 2002 is required to have some type of opening protection per the Florida Building Code. Many homeowners have opted for impact-resistant windows and doors to help protect their home, but this can be a very expensive upgrade for older homes. The most budget-friendly way to protect your doors and windows is with hurricane shutters.

  The least expensive shutters to install are made from plywood. These shutters can easily be made and ready to install over a weekend. While they are inexpensive, they are also the least attractive way to protect your openings. When the shutters aren’t in use, they must be stored on-site and the bolts around the windows and doors used to secure the shutters will be visible year-round. They are also heavy, and can be a challenge for many people to install with a storm on the way. Per the Florida Building Code, plywood shutters can only be used for openings less than 8'-0" wide. According to Florida’s Foundation, a state-run non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeowners protect their home in the event of a storm, these shutters can get you up to a 35% discount on your property insurance premiums.

   If you don’t want to build plywood shutters, there are a variety of other shutter options on the market to fit your needs. Prices range from inexpensive to very expensive, and there are a large range of style, material, and color choices to choose from. Some styles of shutters, like composite panels, must be stored on-site and installed like plywood shutters, but are many times lighter and stronger. Other types, like roll-down cloth or metal shutters, are left up all year long and are typically very easy to engage in the event of a storm. Depending on the model, these can look like a big box over all of your openings or they can blend seamlessly into the architecture of your home. These shutters can get you up to a 44% discount on your property insurance premiums.

    Whether you build your shutters or buy them, it is critically important to have some type of protection for your openings in the event of a storm. Most hurricane damage is caused by wind and water intrusion after the windows & doors of a home have been compromised. Once this happens, forces called “uplift” could literally lift the roof off of your home, causing a catastrophic structural failure. Don’t let that happen to you; make sure your openings are protected!

Why Wind Mitigation Matters

by Jenni Boucher

   

   Have you ever considered what you could do to make your home safer in the event of a hurricane? Did you know that these upgrades could significantly lower your property insurance premiums? Manatee Home Inspection Services owners Ken & Sharri Miller saved $788 on their 2013-2014 insurance premiums by installing hurricane clips to anchor the roof framing to the walls of their 1955 home.

  Wind Mitigation is the process of securing your home to make it better able to withstand wind and water intrusion during a tropical storm or hurricane. Many homeowners are unaware that there are many small (and large) upgrades that can be made to their home to make it safer during a storm, many of which may already be installed in their home!

  These types of upgrades can be very inexpensive, such as installing plywood shutters to protect windows & glass doors, or hurricane clips to fasten the roof framing to the walls. Larger upgrades, such as metal or vinyl hurricane-rated shutters and replacing existing doors & windows with impact-resistant models are more expensive, but generally add to the appearance of the home. Homes permitted after February 28, 2002 are required to have many of these upgrades installed per the Florida Building Code.

   According to Florida’s Foundation, a state-run non-profit organization dedicated to Wind Mitigation, homes built to Florida Building Code standards qualify for a minimum 68% discount on their property insurance premiums. Any home can qualify for discounts with a few upgrades, such as an 11% discount for hurricane-rated shingles, a 35% discount for plywood shutters, a 44% discount for hurricane-rated shutters, 35% discount for hurricane clips or straps in the attic, or an 82% discount for having a poured-solid concrete roof. Altogether, homes can qualify for a maximum 88% discount on their property insurance premiums with these upgrades. In order to find out how much you can save, you must have a Universal Mitigation Verification Form filled out by a licensed home inspector to submit to your insurance company.

   These same upgrades can also save your home in the event of a major storm. Most damage is caused by wind or water intrusion due to broken windows & doors or improperly installed vents and soffits. Once wind enters the home, forces called “uplift” literally could lift the roof from the structure. When water intrudes, it can begin to cause mold and mildew in a matter of days with Florida’s hot and humid climate.

   Why does Wind Mitigation matter? A few small upgrades to your home can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars every year on property insurance premiums, protect your real estate investment and make your home a safer place to live.