Your water heater is one of those important household appliances you rely on the most, especially during the chilly winter months. Unfortunately, most people do not give their water heaters much thought until something goes wrong. Just like any other piece of equipment, it needs your attention occasionally to save energy and prolong its life.

When harsh winter weather arrives, you want to make sure your water heater is working efficiently. With these maintenance tips, you can increase your water heater’s efficiency and longevity, saving the hassle and expense of a premature replacement.

Insulate your water heater tank

A water heater tank that is warm to the touch needs additional insulation. Go ahead and touch your tank. Insulating your water heater tank is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. It can improve its efficiency by up to 40% and reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%.

Install a heavy insulation blanket if your water heater is located in an unconditioned space such as the attic, garage or basement. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes as well.

Flush the tank

Over time, sediment and sludge can collect and settle at the bottom of your water heater. This will prevent your water heater from running efficiently and may even rack up your energy bills.

Flushing out these deposits will ensure that your water is in top shape and prevent malfunctions. The frequency with which to flush a water heater depends on the amount of water used and the size of the tank.

Check for leaks and drips

Water heater leak is something you shouldn’t ignore. If you do not act fast, it can morph into a major flooding disaster that can cause significant damage to your property.

Look for signs of a water heater leak. If you notice a pool of water beneath the tank, a leak inside the tank could be the culprit. Sometimes, a water leak can be hard to determine, especially if the leak is slow. Let your senses guide you. Turn off external sources of sounds, stand beside your water heater, and listen for the sounds of water rushing or dripping. Follow the sound and search for visual signs of a leak. If you hear water, but no apparent signs of a leak, there may be a break inside the tank.

A pre-listing inspection is done before the house is listed on the market. Some sellers think it’s an unnecessary expense. After all, the buyer will have to get an inspection later on. So, why bother?

There are a few ways that a pre-listing inspection can benefit home sellers. Here are some of them.

Ensures a smoother, more efficient transaction

Selling a house can be stressful. Not knowing if there is something wrong with the house can add to your stress. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like surprises, then we highly recommend that you have the house inspected before selling.

Getting ahead of the game and understanding your home’s condition is a big boon to your peace of mind. Your inspector will provide you with a thorough report that may help avoid the unpleasant surprises a home inspection may bring to light later on.

There will be less issues for your agent and the buyer’s agent to hash through, and prevent you from becoming entangled in long negotiations. 

Allows seller to make repairs before listing the house

Majority of home buyers are looking for a house that is in pristine, move-in ready condition. They aren’t keen on tackling repairs or renovations after moving in on their new house. By getting a pre-listing inspection, you’ll have a good idea about the overall condition on the house.

You have the option to make repairs before listing the house. Not only will it improve your chances of selling, it can also help you sell for top dollar. Since you have enough time to make repairs, you can still shop around and get the best deals from contractors; thus, helping you save a lot of money in the process.

Helps the seller and agent to price the house more accurately

If you want to sell your house fast, it is important to price it appropriately. The problem is that, most sellers have an inflated view of what their home is worth.

In order to price your home right, you need to look at the selling price of similar houses in the area. Also, you should consider the condition of your home. A pre-listing inspection will help you get a clear picture about the state of your house. This will make pricing the home accurately much easier.

While mold can grow any time of the year, it is in winter when mold tends to become even more of an issue.

Mold is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only is it unsightly, it can also pose a threat to your home and family’s health. Once it starts to grow, it is difficult to get rid of. That said, you need to take some preventive measures to prevent them from growing in the first place.

Use these tips to prevent mold and mildew growth in your house during the winter months.

Keep all surfaces clean and dry

Condensation and dampness becomes increasingly common in winter. Many of you probably notice some water droplets on the windows or mirrors. This may not seem like a big deal. But if left unchecked, it may encourage mold growth. Dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating. This can also prevent it from becoming potential focus points for mold growth.

Bathroom carry the most moisture in the home. As we all know, mold requires moisture to grow. Keep an eye out on moisture in the bathroom and keep all surfaces clean and dry. 

Use exhaust fans

Taking hot showers and cooking can provide your home with plenty of moisture. Since you can’t open the windows during the cold winter months, having an exhaust fan can be of great help. Turn on the exhaust fan every time you cook or bathe. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes after cooking or showering to vent out excess moisture. 

Keep humidity levels below 40%

As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Winter air is dry and can dry out your skin and mucous membrane. Often, humidifiers are used to combat dryness and add water vapor into the indoor air. Although beneficial, humidifiers can create extra moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.                    

The ideal humidity level for your home is somewhere between 30 to 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level inside your home. Keep humidity levels below 40% to prevent mold growth.

The roof is an important component of your Denver home. Despite the important role the roof plays, Colorado homeowners do not pay attention to their roofs. If your roof were to grab your attention, it means you have a leak or it may be in bad shape.

Despite regular maintenance and taking proper care of your Denver roof, there will come a time when you will need to replace your roof or perform some serious repairs. Roof replacement or repairs can be a costly ordeal, but it’s an important part of maintaining and owning a home.

Several warning signs herald the end of a roof’s life. Here are some of them.

Aged roof

The average roof will typically last for about 20 to 25 years. If your roof is over 20 years of age, then it may be time to consider roof replacement. Even if the roof still looks good from the ground, it is likely that there is a problem.

Sagging roof

A sagging roof can mean several things. It may be supporting too much weight, it may not have been installed properly or it could be weak and deteriorating. No matter what the reason is, this is a clear sign that your roof needs replacement. Ignoring this sign will not only lead to costly repairs, it may also put the safety of your family at risk.

Damaged flashing

Flashing is a layer of sheet metal, which prevents the passage of water in your roof. If you discover a wet stain or a wet insulation in the attic, this is a clear indication that the roof might not be in good shape.

Missing or loose shingles

Shingles must all be intact in order for them to protect your home completely. When shingles become loose or fall off, your roof won’t be able to do a great job of protecting your home. Missing shingles allow snow or rain to enter your home; thus, causing damage to the property. Don’t wait for this to happen. Replace loose or missing shingles as soon as possible to prevent damage.

Buying a house in Denver Colorado will cost you a fortune. As you probably already know, the expenses don’t stop after moving into your new house. This is especially true if the house have some issues that need to be fixed right away. To be sure that the house you’re buying is in good condition, make sure that you have it inspected before signing on the dotted.

Here are 4 home inspection mistakes you should avoid.

Hiring the wrong inspector

The inspection is only as good as the inspector. In order to make the most out of the inspection, it is important that you hire a professional.

Certifications and licensing vary by state. When hiring a home home inspector, be sure to ask about their credentials - training, experience, and education. Never hire an inspector without doing any research.

Not inspecting new constructions

Building a house is a complex process. With so many people working on different aspects of the house, it is nearly impossible to build one without any flaws. Skipping inspection on a new house is a big mistake.

If you are planning to buy a new house, it is best to have it inspected twice - during the early phase of construction and when it is completed. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new home is in good condition and won’t require repairs anytime soon.

Skipping the home inspection

A Denver home inspection provides a great way to learn more about the house you’re interested in. Rather than simply waiting for the inspection report, I recommend that you attend the inspection.

Although you’re not really required to attend the inspection, you shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity. Here, you can walk with the inspector as he goes examines different parts of the house. He will point out some areas of concern and may even give you some tips on how to address these issues and how to best care for the house. You may also ask some questions to the inspector.

Not reading the report carefully

Home inspectors provide a written report after the home inspection. This includes a list of all the issues that are present in the house.

Go through the home inspection report carefully. You may find a long list of issues. Many of them may be minor issues that do not warrant immediate repair. Lookout for major issues like structural damage, mold infestation, water damage, electrical issues, and plumbing issues. From here, you can decide your next step in the homebuying process. You can negotiate a lower price, ask the seller to tackle repair or back out of the home sale.

You have reached a point in your life when you need to move to a bigger house to accommodate the needs of your growing Colorado family. How you prepare your home for sale will determine how quickly your home sells.

No matter how lovely your house is, majority of Colorado home buyers will walk back out of the door if they find some icky issues in your home.

Here are some of the biggest turnoffs for potential Denver home buyers.

Poor curb appeal

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your home when viewed from across the street. It is important to improve curb appeal because most buyers would drive by the house before they decide to book your house for viewing.

Often, sellers are too busy beautifying the interior of the house that they end up forgetting about the exterior. If they find that the house looks messy and unkempt from the outside, they may assume that the house hasn’t been maintained and cared for. As a result, they may lose interest in viewing the house. 

Dirt and grime

Nothing will scare off a potential home buyer than a dirty, filthy house. As a seller, your goal is to help buyers envision themselves living in your home. It would be impossible to do that in a house with crusty kitchen counters, grimy floors, and dirt everywhere.

Before selling, you want to make sure that the house is in the best possible condition. As such, we highly recommend that you deep clean the house. Clean and scrub every part of the house. Make it sparkle.

Odors from pets or smoking

While you consider your pet a part of your family, some people don’t like dogs, especially pet odors. House odors from pets take top billing on the uh-oh list. A house that smells like cigarettes may also turn off potential buyers. Many of them will turn around and walk back out of your door once they notice the odor.

Since you lived in that house for years, you may be immune to the smell. While preparing your home for sale, we suggest that you invite a friend or a colleague over to your home to help you determine if your house smells. If it does, take the necessary steps to get rid of the odor. Perfume isn’t enough to cover up the odor.

Buying a house in Colorado is a big financial obligation. If you’re not careful, it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. As such, it is best to have the Denver Colorado property professionally inspected prior to closing.

A Denver home inspection helps potential buyers determine the overall condition of the house and identify any major issues. This is designed to help potential buyers make a more informed decision and prevent them from being scammed.

What type of home inspection do you need to have when buying a house? Here are some of them.

General home inspection

A general home inspection will give you a good idea about the overall condition of the property. The house may look nice, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in great shape. By hiring a professional inspector, you’ll be able to determine the issues that are present in the house, as well as some potential problems that you may have to deal with in the long run.

By knowing the actual condition of the property you’re interested in, you can make a more informed decision and decide whether or not it is a worthy investment.

Radon gas

Radon gas is a colorless, odorless gas. Long-term exposure to radon gas can potentially cause health problems. In some cases, it can even be fatal. Since it is invisible odorless, most people aren’t even aware about the presence of this toxic gas in their home. The only way to find out is through testing.

Our house is our safe haven. It is where we feel safe and relaxed. When looking for your dream home, you should look beyond the physical appearance and consider the safety of your family. This is especially important if you have young kids. Don’t skip this step.

Mold testing

Mold is also a potential health threat. Young kids and older adults are more susceptible to the negative health effects of mold. It can cause allergy symptoms, trigger asthma attacks, and even aggravate existing health conditions. If left unaddressed, mold problems may also cause structural problems. It literally eats at materials like floorboards, ceiling tiles, drywall, and wall paper.

Mold can start growing and multiply very easily. This is why it’s important to address the issue as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is spread in different parts of the house.

Molds are difficult to get rid of, and remediation is costly. In fact, the average cost of mold remediation is $2,000 to $6,000. Make sure that you do this type of inspection before signing on the dotted line. The last thing you want is to find out about the mold problems after moving in to your new house.

If you are buying a home in Denver Colorado or surrounding areas and need a home inspection, call Steel- Rhino. We can give you a solid, honest inspection of the home you are considering to purchase. 

Most people are aware of the dangers of mold to our health. Aside from being a health hazard, it can also negatively affect the value of your Denver Colorado home. The problem is that most people aren’t even aware that mold is present in their Denver home.

Here are 4 signs there is mold in your Denver Colorado house.

There’s a musty odor

Just because there are no visible signs of mold, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your Denver home is mold-free. Sometimes, you can’t see it but you can smell it. Often, a musty, moldy odor is the only clue that mold is present in your home.

Your allergies never subside

Exposure to mold can trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms often include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat, puffy eyes, and skin irritation. If you usually experience allergic symptoms every time you’re at home, and the symptoms seem to go away when you leave the house, mold exposure may be the cause of the problem.

You notice dark spots on your wall

If you notice some dark spots on your wall, then you know you have a problem. The question is, how much. Just because you only see few spots on the wall, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the mold growth is limited to that area. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Address the problem immediately as soon as you find out there is mold in your house. The last thing you want is for molds to spread in different parts of your home. Not only is it costly, it can also pose a threat to the health of your family.

There is a leak in your home

Most people assume the leaks are a minor problem. Some people would just ignore that dripping sound, thinking it’s not that big of a deal. But if left unaddressed, it can lead to bigger, more complicated problems.

According to the U.S. EPA, a leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. It can also lead to mold growth. Damp and wet environment provide the perfect condition for mold to thrive. If you failed to address leak problems, chances are there is mold present in your home.  

You’ve spent most of your weekends looking at houses. You have finally found the house of your dreams. Unfortunately, something came up in the midst of the homebuying process. Now, you’re wondering whether or not you should push through with the transaction.

Here are 3 signs it’s time to walk away from a home purchase.

Not everyone is on board

If you’re buying a house with your spouse or partner, then both parties should be on the same page. Before you start looking at houses, we suggest that you make a list of the features you want and need in a house.

Even if you think you have found the perfect house, if your partner doesn’t think it’s the one, then you shouldn’t push through with the transaction. Since both of your names are on the mortgage, both parties should walk away happy.

Even if you have already sent the contract to the seller’s agent, you are free to withdraw the offer. Let the agent know that you changed your mind. This is acceptable, provided that the seller hasn’t signed yet.

There are serious inspection issues

If the home inspection report comes back with some major issues, you may want to think twice about buying the house. Major issues such as structural damage, water damage, roof problems or faulty electrical systems are not only costly to fix; they can also pose a threat to the health and safety of your family.

If you find any of these issues on the home inspection report, it may be time to hit the brakes on your home purchase.

You can’t afford it

Some people fall in love with a house because of its appealing features or because it has character. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a house, and then find out later on that you can’t afford it.

Before you start house hunting, sit down with your partner and crunch some numbers. It is also a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Not only will it give you a good idea about how much you can afford, it can also prevent disappointment down the road.

If you can’t afford the house, it is best to back out of the real estate deal. There is no point in buying the most attractive house in the neighborhood if you’ll end up living like a peasant in the coming years.

Most sellers will be upfront about the issues present in the house. Other sellers, however, will try to hide some issues in the hopes of selling their house fast.

If you are planning to buy a house, beware. The house may have some issues the seller don’t want you find out.

Here are some of the most common problems home sellers try to hide.

Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common problems in the house. It can be from plumbing fixtures, pipes or roof leak. Sellers will try every quick fix possible to temporarily plug that drip.

A leak may seem like a minor problem, but if not addressed immediately, this can lead to bigger, more complicated problems. Water damage, mold growth, and structural problems are just some of them. These issues are not only costly to address, they can also pose a threat to your family’s health and safety.

Water damage

Signs of water damage can be hard to miss. It often manifests as a stain or blotch on the walls and ceiling. Peeling paint is also a common sign of water damage.

Most sellers would paint the walls before putting their home on the market. Not only will it help freshen up the look of the house, it also helps conceal the stains on the walls and ceiling.

HVAC systems

HVAC systems usually last for a very long time. In fact, the average lifespan of an HVAC equipment is between 15 to 20 years. But once it reaches the 10-year mark, it tends to break down and becomes costly to operate. Replacing older units with newer, energy-efficient models will help you save money and stress down the road.

It is easy to tell whether the HVAC unit is ancient or not, but some sellers try to hide the age of their HVAC system with 3 words – I don’t know. When in doubt, ask your home inspector about it. They can find out that information very quickly.

A haunted past

According to the National Association of Realtors, violent crimes, murder or suicide that took place in the house doesn’t have to be disclosed during the selling process. Don’t expect the seller to offer that information to you during the home selling process.

If you’re squeamish about it, sites like DiedinHouse.com can clue you in on a property’s unsavory past.