Thursday, September 27, 2018

Understanding Building Codes


If you’re looking into purchasing new construction you may have heard the term “building code” come up in your search.  What does this really mean and how does it apply to you?  Building codes are requirements builders must follow in order to protect public health, safety and general welfare.  This includes construction categories such as building materials, design, fire safety, heating and cooling and energy conservation as examples.
The federal government does not mandate building codes across the country, rather local governments oversee building codes. Codes may vary by location depending on weather, land type and state regulation.
Codes are developed or adopted at the local level and enforced by local authorities.  Multiple parties are involved in code development including public and private sectors of the construction industry, government, consumers and professional trade organizations.
If you have questions about building codes in your area contact your local home building association or code enforcement arm of your local government.
More information can also be found at:

Friday, September 21, 2018

Overlooked Home Maintenance Items


Owning a home is an investment of money and time.  Even new homes require regular maintenance in order to keep up them looking and functioning at their best.  Staying on top of home maintenance now will prevent costly repairs in the future.
Here are a few often overlooked home maintenance items that will prolong the health of your new home.
-        Every three to four months clean the aerator at the end of your faucet

-        Clean out the dryer vent that leads to the outside of the home regularly. Lint can build up and lead to safety hazards as well as problems with the dryer.


-        Change your air filters every month to three months as the filters specify

-        Check under sinks to ensure there are no small leaks


-        Dust fan blades and window blinds

-        Clean refrigerator coils to keep this major appliance working properly

Leading up to fall home maintenance items are important to keep in mind as the weather will be turning cooler. Prepare your home by checking the weather stripping around doors and windows, trim any tree limbs that may be too close to the house and have your fireplace checked before first use.
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Friday, September 7, 2018

Hurricane and Storm Preparedness


Hurricane season is underway and it’s important to make sure your home and family are prepared for times of inclement weather.
Keep your family safe by having a storm kit including:
-        A list of contacts – family, public safety, hospitals, utilities and insurance
-        Bottled water – one gallon per person per day
-        A three day supply of non-perishable food
-        Flashlight
-        First aid kit
-        Batteries
-        Garbage bags
-        Moist towelettes
-        Manual can opener
-        Cell phone chargers
-        Cash
-        Matches and candles
Develop a plan by asking yourself the following questions:
-        Where should family go in case of an emergency?
-        What will you do if utilities are shut off?
-        What are the local evacuation routes?
Sample plans can be downloaded by visiting www.nhc.noaa.gov
Protect your home by taking the following steps:
-        If necessary protect windows with plywood boards.
-        Trim back any tree branches that may be too close to your home
-        Confirm your insurance policies
-        Understand how to manually shut off water and gas
It’s important to always heed the warnings of those in the public safety and weather departments. Prevention can go a long way to avoiding disaster.  It’s better to be over prepared then caught off guard when bad weather strikes.
How do you prepare for hurricane season?