One of the most important steps you’ll take as a homebuyer is having a potential purchase inspected. Usually, a home inspection is performed after you have a contract with the seller. Once a price has been agreed to and the contract executed, the period known as “due diligence” begins. The length of the due diligence period varies from state to state, but is often around two weeks. During the due diligence period, you must apply for a loan and you have the right to have the home inspected.

It’s important to adhere to your due diligence period. If you complete the home inspection during the period, you can void the contract if a problem is found that you find unacceptable.

Your home inspector will look for structural and electrical problems, as well as inspect all the major systems in the home, such as heating and air conditioning. Then the inspector will prepare a report for you detailing all the problems. Customarily, you and your realtor will then prepare an addendum to the contract asking the seller to repair problems found during the inspection. The seller is not required to fix such items, but you will have the option to back out of the contract if the seller refuses.

In some cases, your home inspector may find such a major problem that you don’t even want to ask the seller to repair the home. In this case, you may opt out of your contract.

Getting a home inspection is critical to ensuring that you know what you’re getting into as a homebuyer. Many serious problems may not be visible to you as you’re touring a home. And, remembering to have that inspection performed during the due diligence period is just as important as the inspection itself.

Doggie doors are ingenious devices. They can save homeowners thousands of dollars in cleanup each year as well as eliminating a lot of steps! They also make life more comfortable and enjoyable for our pets. They are easy to install and very cost effective too.

But, before you install that doggie door, give careful consideration to where you put it. Many homeowners place doggie doors at the door from their home to their garage and then from the garage to the outdoors. This is great for your pet, since they can get rid of dirty feet in the garage before coming into the house.

But, there are a few things you should know before you install that doggie door.

1. You may be creating a security breach to your home. Particularly if you have a large doggie door, you may be creating a hole that a human can use to break into your house.
2. Doggie doors between the house and garage breach your firewall. That door that allows Fido in and out of the garage could also allow a fire that starts in your garage to easily spread into your home.
3. Doggie doors between the garage and the home can let carbon monoxide into your home. If you do decide to install a doggie door between your home and garage, never let the car run with the garage door closed.

Out of town guests can be a lot of fun. But, they can create some stress, too. During the days and hours just before they arrive, you’ll no doubt be busy buying last minute groceries and ensuring that the guest room is ready. So, it’s a good idea to take some steps to ready your home for guests early in advance, so that you’re not worried about these items at the last minute.

Many of us take lots of time preparing our home to ensure that it’s comfortable and beautiful, but we may not take the time to ensure that it’s safe. This is especially true if our guest quarters are located in an area of our home that we don’t use regularly. So, before those guests arrive for Thanksgiving, be sure to check out the following items in your home.

1. Handrails. Wobbly handrails on staircases can be dangerous, especially when Grandma and Grandpa come to visit. Ensure that bannisters are tight and safe.
2. Smoke Alarms. We may forget to ensure that smoke alarms are in working order and have fresh batteries, particularly if they’re located in an area of our home we seldom use. But you definitely want to have a working smoke alarm near your guest room.
3. Proper lighting. Remember that your guests are not accustomed to your home. They will need proper lighting, both inside and outside your home. Ensure that there’s a nightlight in the bathroom they’ll use, and good lighting to get them from the guestroom to the bathroom during the night. Outdoor areas like walkways should be well lighted for their safety, as well.

Take care of these safety items now, and you can be stress free when guests arrive. Well…..maybe.

If you have a big home renovation coming up, you may be wondering whether you should move out of your home for the duration of the project or attempt to stay while the work is being completed. It’s a decision that many homeowners struggle with during a renovation project. Here are some pros and cons of living in your home during renovation.

The first question you should ask is whether or not your home will even be safe to live in during renovation, especially if you have children. Even small projects like new roofing can mean a garden littered with roofing nails, which is not the best playground for little ones. If your home will be safe, you can consider the pros and cons to make your decision

Pros

You’ll save money – In most cases, if you move out of your home, you’ll have to pay rent somewhere for the duration of your project. This can get expensive, and since you’re already spending quite a bit of money to complete the renovation itself, renting may not be in the budget.

You can oversee the project – You’ll be privy to every detail of your renovation if you’re living in the home during the project. You can keep a close eye on progress and point out any problems immediately.

Cons

You’ll be subjected to plenty of loud noise, work that begins at early hours and loads of dust.

Your workers may favor loud music while they work and you may find yourself very aggravated by having people constantly in and out of your home.

You’ll have very little privacy or quiet for the duration of the project. This is fine for some homeowners who are rarely at home during the business week anyway. It proves to be a bit of a nightmare for those who work from home.

Halloween is right around the corner, and most of us are excited to have the little goblins coming to our door. But, while you’re busy carving jack-o-lanterns and buying candy, don’t forget to take some basic precautions around the house to ensure the safety of your trick-or-treaters. Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Spooky should not mean pitch black. We all like to have a little Halloween ambience at the front door. But, our pathways and porch steps need to be well lighted to prevent trips and falls.
2. Handrails are helpful. Those little Disney princesses in their plastic high heels will appreciate the steadiness a handrail can provide as they’re climbing your porch steps. If you already have a handrail, now is a good time to ensure that it’s sturdy. You don’t want a nine-year-old Incredible Hulk to be able to knock it over.
3. Don’t get too creepy. Let’s face it; some of us just love Halloween more than others. But, if you have little ones trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, it’s a good idea to avoid over the top, scary decorations. If you completely terrify a neighborhood child, you may be ensuring that you’ll have no trick-or-treaters at all next year. But, you may also have some serious repercussions from the neighbors, too.

Preparing for Halloween is one of fall’s most enjoyable rituals. Just be sure you’re prepared to keep all your little goblins safe while they’re having fun.