Have been FRANTICALLY busy with work these past few weeks. Haven’t had time to check all my emails, or eat properly let alone put up a blog post.

Am starting to catch up today. Here’s an article from Canada Realty News about keeping your garden free of weeds. This is particularly useful for those of you who are looking to list your home, doubly so if it’s a home that will be vacant (untended) while it’s on the market.

Ryan Coffey

How to Fight Persistent Weeds

In order to produce top-quality flowers, crops and shrubs, you’ll need to maintain a weed-free yard and pay close attention to your garden and landscape every step of the way. Weeds are every gardener’s worst enemy. No one likes pulling weeds, using noxious chemicals or using loud weed whackers.

Weeds are most likely to spread in a neglected and under-fertilized lawn, growing opportunistically between the undernourished grass that they steadily squeeze out. Your main goal should therefore be to provide the optimum growing conditions for the grass. Proper aeration of the soil is the main requirement, along with thorough watering when necessary and correct feeding. In a well-nourished lawn, both grass and weeds shoot up and can easily be cut back with the lawnmower. Since weeds are far less tolerant of regular cutting than grass, the grass will persevere while the weeds will diminish drastically, if not completely.

In addition to weeds being unattractive, they also harm the plants that you’re trying to grow by stealing nutrients and water from the soil. The best way to keep weeds out of your garden is through a combination of techniques:

1. Create a physical barrier
The best way to fight weeds is to start preventative tactics before they appear. One popular solution is to lay newspapers around your flowers. Cover the newspapers with mulch to keep the area looking good. The weeds will not receive the sunlight they need to grow, but water will still soak through to your flowers. An alternative to this is to use a black landscape fabric and lay it down over the area, but poke holes for you plants to grow. The heat from the sun on the tarp should kill any weeds.

2. Pull weeds up when they’re young
If weeds do sprout in your garden, it will save you time to pull them up when they’re young. Young weeds won’t have established root systems, and it’s crucial to pull up the roots along with the rest of the weed. Many deep-rooted weeds can grow up to 6 inches into the soil, and if not removed, those roots can grow back again. Depending on the size and number of weeds, most can be dug-up with a weeding tool, potting trowel, or a small shovel. If the ground is too hard, try soaking it a little to ease the root removal process. Some people use hot-water to pour on shallow rooted weeds to help loosen up the soil or even kill the weeds on the spot.

3. Mowing
Mowing your lawn regularly and to the proper height can help prevent weed growth. Mowing your lawn to its higher mowing range will help crowd out unwanted weeds and prevent sunlight from reaching them. Make sure you bag your clippings so you can help prevent them from spreading throughout your lawn. This is especially important when weeds are producing seeds.

4. Fertilizing
Fertilizing can also help control weeds. It is important to know your lawn and its growing season. By doing so, you can identify the best time to stimulate your grass’s growth and to fight off weeds. Additionally, many fertilizers can be mixed with a pre-emergence and weed-control to help prevent weed growth. By doing so, you can help crowd out weeds from growing and fighting for space. However, if you fertilize your lawn prior to periods of dormancy, you could actually end up feeding the weeds instead, and creating much bigger problems.

5. Solarization
You can also kill weeds by covering them with clear plastic that’s anchored at the edges. This process is called solarization. Heat will build up beneath the plastic, killing both the weeds and their seeds.

6. Herbicides
Though herbicides are effective, it’s generally best to use them only as a last resort because they contain chemicals that are released into the environment. If you use a herbicide, make sure to follow the directions carefully. You can find herbicides at garden centres and home improvement stores. Remember to check for any by-laws regarding the use of herbicides in your area as some provinces in Canada prohibit the use of herbicides.
If you follow these steps in your garden, you should have very few weeds. And remember, weeds are just plants in places where you don’t want them to be. If you try everything and a few stubborn weeds persist, try to see their virtues. After all, dandelion greens are considered a delicacy by many!

Below, he describes a service he offers which I think would be of benefit to any homeowner, whether you are buying a home or just trying to save some money on living in your existing one.

Ryan Coffey

Streamlining the Energy Usage of your Home

As a smart homebuyer you will likely have a home inspection completed before you complete your purchase so that you better know what to expect. But what about determining the amount of energy this home uses?

Within the next couple of years it is expected that the province will require all homes (new and resold) to have an energy audit completed before being sold. That way homebuyers will be able to intelligently compare the expected energy consumption of each home, just as we can do with motor vehicles.

In the meantime you can hire an energy consultant to help determine the relative energy efficiency of any given home. This can be done in a walk-about with the homebuyer, or the information can be provided in a written report. The advantage of walking through the home together is that the prospective homebuyer can see its relative strengths and weaknesses, learn what to look for, as well as discuss the various options of updating the home.

In some cases (such as installing a draft stopper in an open fireplace) a solution can be very inexpensive and very cost-effective.

The cost is $150, plus G.S.T.

A report can be given to that home buyer, or to all whom view the home. This costs only $50 extra.

The result is that the home buyer will be able to more intelligently compare homes and have a better idea what to expect.

For the serious home buyer who wishes to take advantage of up to $5,000 in government incentives toward energy upgrades (such as a heat pump, more insulation, a solar hot water system, etc.) a certified energy audit can be arranged.

Ian Gartshore of Shore Energy Solutions has been assisting homeowners in this way since 2004. His company also installs energy saving devices, solar hot water systems, and other renovations. Contact him at www.shoreenergy.ca or locally at 250-754-0698.

Shore Energy Solutions Ltd is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island, The Canadian Home Builder’s Association, the Built Green^© Program and B.C. Hydro’s PowerSmart Alliance

For many homeowners, nothing symbolizes summer quite like getting outside and grilling up some tasty treats on the barbeque. As we dust off our hamburger flippers and prepare for another grilling season, however, it’s important to remember that when used or maintained improperly, barbeques can cause serious damage to property and to people. Here are a few simple recommendations to help keep your family safe as you enjoy your barbeque this summer:

Positioning the Grill

• Position your grill a minimum of five feet away from the house and any flammable objects in your yard.
• Make sure your grill is stable and on level ground, so there is no risk of it toppling over.
• Grills or stoves should be situated far enough from the windows and doors so that smoke from cooking will not waft inside.
• Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide which is highly toxic, so never burn charcoal in any kind of enclosed area.

Proper Use & Maintenance:

• Check for grease build-up and clean your dripping pan frequently, as excessive grease can cause unexpected flare-ups.
• If you have a gas grill, remember that propane tanks require sophisticated valve equipment to keep them safe for use. To check your hoses and connections for gas leaks, spray them with soapy water and look for bubbling.
• Remember to close the tank valve when you’re finished using it.
• Check for rusted and corroded burners. These parts wear out quickly, but they are easy to replace.
• If your grill bottom has vent holes, be certain that it also has an ashcan to catch hot embers that might fall through onto the surface below.
• Embers and coals should be completely extinguished before disposal. Coals can smolder for hours and can cause fires if thrown away with flammable materials.
• Always store propane tanks outside in a well-ventilated area.

To learn more tips on how to keep your home safe this summer, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Being a Realtor I have an inside perspective on one detail of the bill which I think misleads people. It is understandable why the taxing system works the way it does and I also understand why so many people have the misconception that they do. That being that the assessed value of a property is accurate enough to be used as part of their decisions making processes of buying or selling real estate. I am not trying to blame anyone, I just want to clear up this all too common misconception.

Quite often people will tell me the assessed value (for taxes) of their property, or they will ask about the assessed value of a property on the market that they have some interest in. My answer is that although the prices are generally in the right ballpark, that they are not usually so accurate and in many cases way off the mark. Not everyone takes me for my word, and thanks to my university years I am in the habit of being able to back up what I claim. So when someone challenged me on it one day I pulled up a large sample of recently sold properties and compared the sale prices to the assessed values and created an average by use of a computer program Realtors have access to.

Not five minutes ago, I did this again for the purpose of this post. Read on if you are skeptical, curious or the sort who likes stats and numbers.

According to the program us Realtors use known as “Interface”, there were 111 properties that sold in the Nanaimo area from April 26th until May 26th this year. There were five properties that didn’t have assessed values attached to them so they were removed from the list. I averaged the numbers on all of these listings and here is the pertinent info I found:

Average List Price:                  $347,555

Average Sale Price:                 $333,170

Average Assessed Value:        $313,811

Of course, we know that the people making these assessments have not been inside the properties so they have no idea what the places are like. As I understand it, hey have a budget that needs to be payed for and they have to find ways to justify the way they collect it. Now before you start complaining, think of how much more it would cost to run the system if they went to each home and made sure it was totally accurate. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad they don’t. Again, I’m not saying the system needs to change, I just think people should know what these assessments are NOT for: pricing a property that’s to be sold.

I might be labouring the point, but here are some of the more notable differences I found in that list of recently sold properties. You’ll notice that they tend to under value the properties rather than overvalue. Not a bad thing for the home owner whose home value is inaccurately assessed.

Sold Price Assessed Value

$65,000             $108,000

$272,380           $105,000

$360,000           $340,000

$370,000           $311,000

$384,000           $440,000

$400,000           $446,000

$515,000           $207,788

$718,000           $557,000

$1,500,000        $983,000

Ryan Coffey

Ryan Coffey

TOP 3 ROOMS TO INVEST IN

Homeowners are continually exposed to the latest and greatest in remodeling and renovation trends on TV programs, in magazines, and on home improvement web sites. It seems there isn’t any place in the house that’s off-limits to improvement, expansion, or updating. If a homeowner is planning to remain in their home for many years to come, they should consider projects that genuinely suit their own needs – the custom kitchen, a fabulous master suite, a new home office. But if the plan is to sell the home in the not-too-distant future, homeowners should focus on projects that will have the best chance of getting the highest return on their investment. Let’s take a look at the 3 rooms that rise to the top of the ROI list of midrange projects (our list does not include home additions or necessary repairs):

KITCHEN Average ROI = 83% (minor remodel), 78.1% (major remodel)*

Even within a particular room, project costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the improvements. A major kitchen remodel –custom cabinetry, expensive surfaces, high-end appliances, and engaging a designer – may cost upward of $100,000 and, on average, get a return on investment of about 78%. A minor kitchen “facelift”, on the other hand, averages a similar ROI in percentage terms, but will cost far less. This more-modest project may entail cabinet refinishing, replacement of countertops and flooring, and perhaps swapping out dated appliances for new but inexpensive models that improve the room’s appearance.

BATHROOM Average ROI = 78.3%*

Bathroom remodels consistently rank at or near the top in term of return on investment. Whether it’s a powder room or a master bath, beautiful, updated surfaces, water-saving fixtures, and neutral tones are the minimal improvements that should be considered. Taking another step up, enlarging the room itself and adding luxurious “spa” elements such as a deep soaking tub, heated floors, and a double shower will obviously increase the budget and, likely, the appeal of a master bath.

ALL ROOMS – WINDOW REPLACEMENT Average ROI = 81.2% (wood), 79.3% (vinyl)*

Replacing windows may not rank high on the glamour scale, but buyers appreciate the appearance and improved energy efficiency of new windows and are willing to pay for them. Insulated windows are a smart improvement for homes in any climate, and will make the house look better both inside and out.

Here are a few more thoughts to keep in mind:

Regional differences – While the above figures are average, what’s most in demand in one geographical area may differ elsewhere. Do your homework before committing to a project. Aim for universal appeal – Avoid highly unusual designs, strong colors, and unique custom components that can be polarizing to potential buyers. Remodeled spaces should look great to the widest possible audience. Don’t over-improve – Homeowners should be careful to keep upgrades and improvements within the range of similar homes in their neighborhood. The most expensive home in the area, however attractive, is rarely the easiest to sell.

Bob Muir, RHI (250)729-0069 877-751-2973 Bob.Muir@pillartopost.com www.pillartopost.com/nanaimo

The list below is quite a good list in my opinion. It could be a lot longer yes, but considering all the things a buyer has in their head when buying a home I think it is adequate as a general guide. It doesn’t talk about the first things people usually consider when looking at a property though, like location, cost, size, number of beds, bath and etc. I would recommend that this list be a to do list for buyers once they’ve narrowed it down to a couple. Some people like to do a second viewing of a property to cover such details before putting in the offer, of course that implies the luxury of time. As I always say, “If you like a property, chances are someone else does too.” In any market, this principles applies.

Ryan Coffey

What Should You Look for When Viewing a Home?

When buying a home, it’s important to think about more than just the colour of the countertops or the flooring. It is easy to fall in love with a home’s appearance, but it’s very important to look beyond the window dressing. By playing detective yourself, you can carefully inspect each house you view and eliminate those with too many defects. Here are some things to consider when looking at a home: 1. First Impression First appearances do count. Is the home dirty and cluttered? Are the lawns uncut? Are the walls chipped and in need of paint? If the owner hasn’t bothered to keep the house looking clean and attractive, what problems are lurking below the surface? 2. Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in the house to renovate so pay close attention to the age and quality of cupboards, benches, plumbing fittings and tiling. Turn the taps on in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to check the water pressure, performance and drainage. Check for dirty water. You might like to leave the tap running for a minute and it can’t hurt to drink the water for a taste test. If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles are loose and crumbling, there is a good chance water is finding its way into the wall or under the floor. 3. Rooms and Furnishings If you are not planning to replace all of your furniture, make sure it will fit into the rooms of the new house. Bring a measuring tape as rooms can be deceptive. Are there any rooms unusually shaped that might be difficult to furnish? 4. Doors and Windows Check that doors and windows fit snugly and operate smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. Check for drafts. Do windows open and slide easily? Do they have cracking paint? This could be a sign of rot. Press your finger into the wood. If it’s soft, it is rotten. 5. Floors Floors should be smooth, even, and solid. Soft springy sections, excessive squeaking, and unevenness are all indications that expensive repairs may be needed. If you intend on renovating, check to see if there are floorboards under old carpets, and their condition. People sometimes do careless and cheap things like staple the carpet to the floor and use industrial glue for their tiles. This will add significant expense and time to floor polishing costs. Carpet should be easy to raise without many rusted nails or staples. 6. Storage Space Make sure your new house has enough storage space for all your belongings. And that means more than just your clothes. Think about all the things that need to find a home – tools, gardening equipment, old toys, sports equipment, and all those wedding presents that are still in their original boxes. Check the size of the closets, the attic, the basement, and the garage. Rule of thumb: there’s never enough storage space. 7. Basement When viewing the basement, use all of your senses. Sight, smell, and feel. Does the basement smell musty? If the basement is finished, are the walls and floor covering dry? Look for cracks in the walls and floors. The majority of concrete basements will have minor cracks in the floors and walls from settling so don’t be alarmed unless they are large enough to allow water to enter or they are considered serious structural cracks. Look for any large cracks and look for water leakage or stains from past flooding. 8. Water Leaks Water can do a lot of damage to a home. It rots wood, undermines foundations, and leads to mould and mildew. It takes an expert eye to find most water leaks (which is why we recommend you have a house inspected before you buy). If you spot stains, bulges and other signs of water damage on ceilings or walls, make a special note that there could be a problem. 9. Appliances and Fixtures Test the lights, faucets, toilets, furnace, air conditioning, and all major appliances that will be included with the home. Make sure everything is in good working order. 10. The Outside of the House Walk around the house and yard looking for areas where water might collect. Soggy areas near the foundation indicate poor drainage. Look at the condition of the roof and external walls. Are there any shingles/tiles missing or deep cracks in the walls or foundation? These can be very expensive to fix and is usually not covered by house insurance. 11. Services Make sure that all the services you need, such as power, water, phone and gas, are available and in working order. There should be at least two power circuits and one light circuit. Your nose will alert you to gas leaks. Safety switches are compulsory in houses built after 1992. Never touch old wiring. If you find exposed wiring in easy reach that is not protected by conduit, it could be a sign of illegal wiring and should be looked into. Try the hot-water taps to see how quickly you get hot water. Turn on each tap and listen for banging in the pipes. This is called water hammer and is caused by loose pipes. They may require securing or a water-hammer arrester may need to be installed by a plumber. 12. Inspection Once you narrow your search down, you should hire a trained, certified Home Inspector to perform a Professional Home Inspection to identify the not so obvious problems. Inspectors can spot problems that the average person would never find and they can usually advise you on how much it will cost to make the repairs. A home inspection can help you determine whether or not you are going to make an offer on a house, and if you decide to go ahead, just how much that offer is going to be.

January 8th:      When Should I Buy My First Home?

January 15th:    Five things You should not do before buying a Home

February 22nd: Listing Tip #1

February 26th:  Listing Tip #1 (Part 2)

April 9th:          The Basics of Buying Real Estate in B.C.

June 2nd:          Whose Side is Your Realtor On?

June 11th:         Buyer on a Budget? Read This.

October 17th:   Up Markets and Down Markets, When to Buy and Sell (Parts 1 Through 6)

I suppose you could call this my “Coles Notes” for this blog. There are of course plenty of other posts that are also worth reading but these are the ones that contain information that everyone who is buying or selling should have a grasp of.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays. And don’t forget to get some exercise in there somewhere between all the eating and drinking!

Ryan Coffey

It’s sad when I enter a home that I’m showing and smell that distinctive mould smell. I often wonder if the owners are aware of it, because after all, they live with it everyday and are certainly used to it and mould has a way of sometimes staying hidden. There are times though when I’m sure that they do though because you can see small patches of it growing either on walls at the bottom of windows (maybe on the sill maybe on or even in the window itself) and in all sorts of hidden spots too numerous to list. It’s one of those things that is hard to know the extent of without tearing things apart. Always sad too see, especially when it’s in an otherwise beautiful character home.

But, it IS preventable. Read the following article from Canada Realty News and arm yourself with some info on preventing mould from happening in your home.

Ryan Coffey

Dealing with Indoor Mould What is mould?

Mould is microscopic fungi, a group of organisms which also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Fungi is highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process.

You encounter mould every day. Foods spoil because of mould. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground rot due to mould. That fuzzy black growth on wet window sills is mould. Paper or fabrics stored in a damp place get a musty smell that is due to the action of mould.

Mould, however, can be useful to people. The drug penicillin is obtained from a specific type of mould. Some foods and beverages are made by the actions of mould. Good mould is selected and grown in a controlled fashion.

Mould is undesirable when it grows where we don?t want it to, such as in our homes. Over 270 species of mould have been identified as living in Canadian homes. Mould that grows inside may be different from mould found outside.
What makes mould grow?

Mould needs moisture and nutrients to grow. High moisture levels can be the result of water coming in from outside, through the floor, walls or roof; or from plumbing leaks; or moisture produced by the people living in the house through daily activities like bathing, washing clothes or cooking. Water enters the home when there is a weakness or failure in the structure. Moisture accumulates within a house when there is not enough ventilation to expel that moisture.

Different kinds of mould grow on different materials. Certain kinds of mould like an extremely wet environment. Other kinds of mould may be growing even if no water can be seen. Dampness inside the material can be enough to allow the mould to grow.
What are the health effects of exposure to mould?

In addition to often ruining surfaces and materials upon which it is present, certain strains of mould can also be quite damaging to our health. Indoor mould has been implicated in causing cold symptoms, headaches, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, allergic reactions and aggravated asthma symptoms. Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with respiratory problems or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to mould.

How do I know if I have mould?

Mould may be any colour: black, white, red, orange, yellow, blue or violet. Dab a drop of household bleach onto a suspected spot. If the stain loses its colour or disappears, it may be mould. If there is no change, it probably isn?t mould. Sometimes mould is hidden and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of mould. Even when you don?t notice a smell, wet spots, dampness or evidence of a water leak are indications of moisture problems and that mould may follow.

White salt marks forming on concrete might indicate that excessive moisture is moving through the foundation. Get your weeping tiles checked by a professional.
How can I prevent mould?

Keep it out. Although mould usually develops due to the conditions outlined above, it can also be brought into the home on furnishings, potted plants, stored clothing and bedding material that we might bring in from outside. It?s important that you check that items are mould-free before bringing them into your home.

Keep it clean. Old-fashioned housekeeping is the first line of defence against mould. There are no strict guidelines for how often to give your home a good scrub, but people who are more sensitive to allergens should clean more often, perhaps on a weekly basis, while others might be able to go two weeks between rigorous cleaning.

Keep it dry. You should keep humidity levels low in your home. Give your home as much ventilation as you can comfortably achieve. Opening windows when cooking or when taking a bath or shower helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and you should keep on top of any areas that are prone to condensation. Wipe down kitchen work surfaces regularly and clear up any spills or stagnant pools of water. If some materials cannot be completely dried (eg., drywall or insulation), you should replace them.

Keep it uncluttered. Don’t store boxes up against concrete walls or floors. This could lead to moisture getting into the boxes and creating a haven for mould while damaging your goods.

How do I deal with mould and moisture?

Keep an eye out for leaks by identifying small pools of water, any discolouration or wet spots. Fridges, freezers, air conditioners and leaky washing machines are all easy targets and either a visible mould patch or a musty smell is usually the giveaway.

There are various products on the market that will help, such as fungicidal products. Wipe down affected areas with a fungicidal product that carries a Health and Safety Executive ?approval number?. Dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo mouldy carpets. Where possible, remove lining paper and wallpaper where you suspect mould growth, treat the plaster and then paint or paper the area again. After treating mould-affected areas, redecorate using a good-quality fungicidal paint.

If you have problems controlling mould or a family member suffers from respiratory or other health problems that appear to be aggravated inside the home, seek a professional by contacting your local Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC). The CMHC can provide you with a list of individuals who have completed the CMHC Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigator program.

As we have wet rainy winters (do they really qualify as winter?) a lot of homes that aren’t well cared for suffer from all sorts of water damage. For example, the gutters and downspouts aren’t flowing properly (i.e. away from the house itself) and flashing is damaged or missing, or siding has cracks or gaps in it. There is of course also the roof. There are many possible examples, but these are common culprits for water getting into places where they cause things like rot and mould. Mould as you may know affects more than just houses, it can affect humans too.

If you find that you already have some water damage in your home, I recommend contacting a professional about it right away. Don’t give it time to worsen, as it will only cost you more money and headache in the long run.

Ryan Coffey

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

As the winter season approaches and the air become crisp, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your house for the season. The winter season means spending more time indoors, hence roofs need to shed rain and snow, windows and doors need to reject the cold, and the heating system needs to keep rooms comfortable. If any of these components don’t hold up, you might be faced with scrambling around in the wet, cold and dark to fix them.

By handling these important yet reasonably easy tasks now, you can avoid considerable grief later.

Outdoor Preparation

• Check the roof for cracked or missing shingles, bald spots on shingles, missing or damaged flashing, and other conditions that might allow leaks. Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged. Seal minor cracks or tears with roofing cement.
• Check the gutters. If they are clogged with leaves and debris, clean them. Gutters prevent basement and foundation flooding and water damage to siding, windows, and doors.
• Check the siding for cracks or damage and seal any leaky spots with clear caulking compound.
• Windows and doors. Make sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping and replace any damaged parts. Weather stripping prevents drafts and winter heat loss.
• Trim trees and bushes away from the house.
• Cover air conditioner and barbecue to prevent winter damage.
• Store lawn and patio furniture in a shed or basement. If space is limited, weather-resistant covers can protect outdoor furnishings.
• Close your pool before leaves start to fall, and night-time temperatures begin to drop and you risk an algae bloom.
• Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets and remove and store garden hoses.
• Store kids toys indoors or in an outdoor shed to prevent rusting and fading.
• Check and repair exterior lighting before daylight fades.
• Scrape peeling paint and apply touch up paint to your siding, trim and fences, and apply waterproofing sealer to your deck if necessary.
• Examine driveways and walkways for cracks. Larger cracks should be sealed to keep out water.

Lawn and Garden

• Prepare planting beds when the soil is relatively dry. By adding soil and mulch to your beds, you’ll be a step ahead for spring planting.
• Plant spring blooming bulbs and perennials.
• Protect roses, saplings and small trees by sheltering them with a burlap screen.
• Pull weeds to reduce the number of seedlings next spring.
• Mow grass short for the final cut of the year by reducing the cutting height gradually to 3.5 cm (from 7.4 cm) until the grass stops growing.
• Check ground grading around the house. All surfaces next to the walls  should be sloped to shed water away from the house. This is most important on warm winter days, as melting snow runs quickly across the surface of frozen ground. If the grading is incorrect, water will potentially flow into the house, causing basement leakage. Now is the time to use a shovel to re-slope the grass, or call a paving contractor to correct a negatively sloped walkway or driveway.

Indoor Preparation

• Bring container plants inside and make sure they are free of pests. Doing so may enable plants to survive the season and bloom again in spring.
• Caulk around window and door casings to keep out air and water. If your house has wood siding with window frames that stand out from the siding, caulk the top and sides of the frame. Don’t caulk under the sill as this space should be left open to allow moisture inside the wall to escape. If your house is brick or stone, with window frames that are set into the finish material, caulk all four edges of each frame where the brick mould meets the masonry.
• Clean or replace Furnace filters as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
• Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries as needed, or at least twice each year.
• Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend annual inspections.
• Have your chimney(s) inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned. Cleaning is generally recommended at least once a year for an active fireplace.
• Store plenty of salt or rock salt, snow shovels, and any other items you will need during the winter.
• Examine the basement floor and walls for cracks or leaks; seal as needed.

If you plan to reside elsewhere during the winter months, you may want to partially shutdown your home. In addition to the tips above, consider the following:

• Leave the temperature at its lowest setting, usually between 5 to 7 degrees Celsius or install a low-heat thermostat to maintain the air temperature at approximately 5 degrees Celsius
• Turn off and drain the water heater; leave a reminder to refill before restarting.
• Keep the electricity on so lights will continue to function (put lights on timers).
• Unplug the microwave, clothes dryer, televisions and other appliances not in use.
• To avoid large repair bills and the hassle associated with breakdowns, take the time now to develop an action plan for the coming months. You’ll feel secure in your warm home or while you’re away from home.

Winter can be hard on a house, following the easy steps above will help preserve your investment and prevent any unnecessary chores or repairs that might be difficult to do during winter.

Anyhow, have a look at this well laid out article.

Ryan

Buying an Old House! A Money Pit or Gold Mine?

It’s like a love affair, some old houses make your heart skip a beat! It is hard not to fall in love with the historic unique architecture, gabled roofs, hardwood floors, crown moldings, and antique light fixture – old houses definitely have their charm.

The plastered walls, leaded glass windows, original chandeliers, and oak paneling make this property as attractive as it can possibly be. If you found your love you should be aware of the following money pits of old houses. You do not want to discover that beneath the surface of your dream home lays a dilapidated wreck.

This article provides you with some valuable tips to help you identify potential problems and some renovation rules, should you decide that this love affair is going to be your Gold Mine.

Foundation
The foundation is the most important aspect of any home especially for older ones. One problem that is common for older homes is called the “sulphate attack”. This can occur as a result of a chemical reaction between the soil and the concrete, which causes the foundation to crack and crumble and that can be very problematic. Another major concern with older homes is that the centre beam of the home can begin to sink. This can result in a sagging roof, bowed walls, and sloping floors. If the old house has a bad foundation then renovating it can be very expensive where the cost can range from several thousand dollars to $50,000 depending on the size of the home. Also, in some cases, one might needs to jack up the house to replace the foundation and shore up the centre beam.

Electrical Wiring
When buying an older house, it is very important to find out if there are any problems with the state of the electrical and lighting system. Do the lights flicker? Is the current steady or do the lights fluctuate between bright and dull? Is there adequate lighting in the home? It’s important to have the wiring carefully inspected. Also, many older houses use aluminum wiring, which is cheaper than copper wiring but it is a serious fire hazard. Ensure that you factor the cost of rewiring into your offer price. Also, you should consider whether there are enough outlets in the home to suit the needs of a modern household. Install more outlets in order for you to run a number of devices at once like a television, a computer, a stove, etc.

Lead Paint
In older homes, lead paint is very common as lead was used as a white pigment in paint until the mid-1950s. If you are planning to repaint the home, call in a professional renovation firm as they know the safety precautions needed to be taken when repainting the house. Children and pregnant women should not be in the home during renovations.

Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that makes a very effective fire and heat-resistant material that was discovered to cause lung disease. When the tiny particles of this mineral are inhaled, over a period of years they begin to damage the tissue of the lungs. In old homes, asbestos was used in carpet underlay, textured paints, roofing felt, electrical wiring insulation, acoustic ceiling material, and insulation. Getting the house checked for asbestos is very critical.

Galvanized Pipe 
Galvanized pipes are known to rust very quickly. Most insurance companies now refuse to cover water damage caused by leaks in a home with galvanized pipes.

Just like people, years will eventually take a toll on homes as well! Things with years begin to sag and slope, which is why it’s very important to know about the conditions of the house your planning on purchasing. For old houses, renovations are a challenge. To determine the price you are willing to pay, add up the estimated costs to renovate the property based on a thorough assessment of the house. Then, subtract that from the home’s market value after renovation. Allow for an additional 5 percent for cost overruns and unforeseen problems plus inflation.

Preserve the Charm of Your Old House

If you have already fallen in love with this old house, then make sure you follow the golden rules in repairing your dream home and preserve it’s historic features and value.

1. The golden rule of remodeling is, “Do no harm”. As you update your older home, make sure to preserve its historic details. Reuse existing materials. Keep historic moldings and hardware. Wire gas lamps for electricity. Keep distinctive examples of craftsmanship. Restore marbling, stenciling, and carvings.
2. Don’t try to undo long-ago renovations. Most buildings change over time, and alterations to your house may have historic significance in their own right.
3. Whenever possible, repair rather than replace. Don’t throw away that old claw foot bathtub – have it re-glazed. Fix damaged doors, refinish old cabinet and  patch cracking plaster.
4. If historic feature cannot be repaired, look for a similar item at an architectural salvage center, or buy a new item that matches the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities.
5. And best of all make sure you hire a contractor that share your passion and understand your love affair with your old house.

Good luck, you may have found your Gold Mine.