Massachusetts Smoke Detector Laws- Keeping Your Family Safe

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors- Keeping Your Home Safe in Massachusetts

It is important your home is equipped with properly working Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Doing so provides a level of safety to the members of your household from fire and equipment malfunctions.

Many states like Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island require a certificate of compliance prior to a home sale.  The certificate of compliance is to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are of the right type, placed correctly and are working.

Other states, like New Hampshire, currently have no compliance laws that require smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be installed.

Either way, statistics show that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives.  75 percent of fire-related deaths could be prevented by having smoke detectors properly installed and/or working. 

Massachusetts Certificate of Compliance for Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is important to check on your state and city laws regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Most cities and towns default to the state’s guidelines, but some cities or towns may have more stringent requirements than the state.

Massachusetts requires a certificate of compliance prior to the closing of a home.  Without the certificate of compliance, your closing is not going to happen.  You will find many terms thrown around like smoke cert, smoke detector permit, smoke certificate, and certificate of compliance, but they are all the same thing.

Massachusetts Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws are ever-changing.  If you sold a home a few years ago brush up on the new laws if you are selling another home, significant changes to the law could have been made.

Massachusetts Smoke Detector Laws  |  Massachusetts CO Law

1M.G.L. c 148 s. 26F – The Law Massachusetts General Law, chapter 148 section 26F mandates that upon the sale or transfer of certain homes, the seller must install approved smoke alarms. These requirements apply to residences that were built or modified prior to creation of the Massachusetts State Building Code (January 1, 1975). If a building was built or has undergone renovation, addition or modification after Jan. 1, 1975, the date the building permit was issued determines the smoke alarms requirements of the building code.

Massachusetts General Law, chapter 148 section 26F½ and 527 CMR 1.00:13.7.6 mandates that upon the sale or transfer of any residence, the local fire department must inspect the residence for carbon monoxide alarm compliance. After a successful inspection, the local fire department will issue a Certificate of Compliance indicating that the residence meets the carbon monoxide alarm requirements. Smoke alarm and CO alarm inspections can be conducted in the same visit.

Massachusetts Smoke Detector Laws | Massachusetts certificate of compliance

What Do I Need To Do To Get A “Smoke Certificate” in Massachusetts?

An inspection needs to be scheduled with your local fire department prior to the sale of your home.  The local fire department will test both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in compliance with current local and state smoke detector laws.

If your home’s smoke and carbons are in compliance, a certificate of compliance will be issued on the spot.  Put that away and make sure you bring the original to your closing.

What Does A Massachusetts Smoke Detector Certificate Of Compliance Cost?

Most cities and towns charge between $25 and $75 dollars to do the inspection and issue the certificate of compliance. 

Preparing For A Massachusetts Smoke and CO Detector Inspection

  • Start preparing as soon as you have an accepted offer on your house.  If you should fail your first inspection you will have time to make any adjustments and reschedule a new inspection prior to closing.
  • Determine the age of your home and follow the Massachusetts guidelines for smoke detector and CO detector compliance given the age of your home.
    • A home built in 1974 will have very different requirements for a home built in 2011.  Read the Massachusetts pamphlet correctly.
  • Determine the proper location of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.  Add the appropriate detectors as needed.
  • Replace any detectors that are more than 10 years old.
  • Test to ensure the detectors are all working properly and if they are hardwired they are speaking to each other.
  • When you believe your home is in compliance schedule call your town’s fire safety office for the soonest appointment they have available.
  • Again, leave extra time in case you don’t pass your first inspection.
  • If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask your fire department.

Some Basics To Know About Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Here are some basics to know about smoke detectors.  But to ensure you are preparing properly download the smoke detector pamphlet from your state and town. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your fire safety officer.   The newer the home the more complex it is.  At the end of the day, if the task to prepare your home for your certificate of compliance is daunting, hire a licensed electrician.

Smoke Detectors

  • If a home was built prior to 1975 it is not required that smoke detectors be hardwired.  The smoke detectors are required to have a sealed battery.
  • After 1975 all smoke detectors must be hardwired.
  • If one detector in the home is hardwired they all must be hardwired.
  • A smoke detector must be installed on each habitable level of a home covering up to 1200 square feet.
  • Depending on the age of the home you will need on working smoke detector outside each sleeping area.  After 1997 you are required to have a smoke alarm in each bedroom as well
  • Any smoke detector that is within 20 feet of a bathroom or kitchen should be photoelectric only.
  • Each level should have at least one smoke detector placed at the bottom of each staircase on the ceiling.
  • Detectors should be no more than 10 years old.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors can be plug-in with battery backup until 2008.  After 2008 they must be hardwired.
  • Combination alarms should be voice-activated stating whether the emergency is a fire or high carbon monoxide levels.
  • Carbon Monoxide detectors should be on every inhabitable level as well as the basement. 
  • Carbon Monoxide detectors should be with-in 10 feet of a bedroom.
  • Detectors should be no more than 10 years old.

Top 5 Reasons You May Fail Your Massachusetts Smoke Detector Inspection

  • Your equipment is more than 10 years old.
  • You have the wrong type of detector.
    • Ionization or combo detectors are not allowed near a kitchen or bath.
    • Combo detectors must now be voice-activated
    • Battery only smoke detectors do not have a sealed battery
  • Improper placement of either your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Batteries backup is not working.  Test before the fire department shows up for the inspection!
  • Detectors have been removed because they were a nuisance and were not reinstalled prior to the inspection.

What is Carbon Monoxide And How Does It Get In My Home?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is created from fossil fuels burning.  A gas or oil furnace, a wood stove or fireplace, a running car engine, etc…. are all examples of equipment that can produce CO. 

When you use the equipment properly and it is functioning correctly it is will not produce dangerous levels of CO in a home. Carbon monoxide gas, like radon gas in a home, is it is undetectable to the human senses. 

If the equipment is malfunctioning or being used improperly it could produce dangerously high levels of Carbon Monoxide.  CO poisoning can cause death very quickly.

A few simple low-cost detectors in a home can prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

The importance of Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in a home

Common Questions About Smoke Detectors

Do Smoke Detectors Have to Be Hardwired in Massachusetts?

Any home built after 1975 must have hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors in Massachusetts.  Also if significant remodeling has been done in an older home it may be required you upgrade the smoke detection system to be hardwired.

How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need?

By Massachusetts Law, at a minimum, you need one smoke detector for every1200 square feet of living area and outside each bedroom area.  Ideally, you should have one in each bedroom as well.  Consult the Guide to Massachusetts Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detectors to discover the minimum requirements for the age of your home.

How Often Should I Test My Smoke Alarms?

Your smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.  The alarms have a test button to make testing easy.

Who Pays For The Smoke Detector Permit In Massachusetts?

Generally speaking, it is the seller’s responsibility to ensure that all smoke and co are properly installed.  It is the seller’s responsibility to obtain the certificate of compliance as well. 

In some circumstances, by agreement, the buyer will handle the certificate of compliance.

Where Do I Get The Massachusetts Smoke Detector Pamphlet?

You can download the Guide to Massachusetts Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Requirements here.

Where Can I Buy Smoke Detectors in Massachusetts?

You can purchase smoke detectors at any hardware store, big box home improvement store like Home Depot or an electrical supply house.

Summary

Regardless of whether your state requires a smoke detector certificate of compliance to ensure proper installation and working of a home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, it is a good idea to have your home properly equipped.

Guarantee your family’s safety with a few simple detectors in your home.

If your state requires a certificate of compliance read the rules prior to an inspection to make sure you get in right the first time.

Other Real Estate Resources:

Find A Home Depot Near Me

Find the Home Depot Near MeDid you know that Home Depot is a chain of big-box home improvement stores?

Did you also know that it’s one of the largest home-improvement retail chains in the world?

Did you also know that it’s headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and has more than 2,200 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico?

Did you also know that its primary competitors are Lowe’s and Target? And did you know that there is probably a store located near you?

Locating the nearest Home Depot to you should be a simple task.

What Is Home Depot?

The Home Depot is a chain of big-box home improvement stores that was founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia

The company’s first store was opened in 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia. As of 2018, the company has more than 350 stores in Canada and more than 2,000 stores in the United States.

It is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with a strong focus on tools, appliances, and lawn and garden products; it also sells construction materials. In the fiscal year 2018, The Home Depot had annual revenue of $89.9 billion.

Home Depot is the first store many homeowners turn to for a home renovation project or repair because of its varied home improvement products. And with so many locations there should be a Home Depot near you.

A Home Depot Near You

There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a home repair late in the evening and finding out you don’t have the right part or your project.

You should be able to find a nearby store and with hours that go late into the evening.  Get the supplies you need when you need them

How To Find a Home Depot Near Me?

If you are wondering how to find a Home Depot near me, you first need to figure out where you want to shop.

The quickest way to find the nearest Home Depot is to google “Home Depot near me”. Google will promptly return the result in order of proximity for you on a map.

You can also go directly to the navigation and type Home Depot into the search and it will return the closest stores to you.

Finally, don’t forget a voice search.  Just say find a Home Depot near me to get the closest stores to your location.

Home Depot Store Locator

Alternatively, you can use the store locator tool on the company website.

Not only can you find the closest “home depot near me”, but you can also search for what you may be looking for to complete your project.

Use The Store App To Find A Home Depot Near Me

If you are frequently involved in home improvement projects download the Home Depot App to your Android or Apple phone.

Not only can you find the location nearest you, but there are also many other functions the app can help you with when shopping for a home repair or home improvement.

Store Locator

Of course, you can find the “Home Depot near me” no matter where you are located using the company app. You can also set the store nearest your home as your base store.

Shop On Your App

You can also shop on your app and see if what you are looking for is in stock. If it isn’t in stock at the store you usually shop at maybe another local store will have what you need.

Image Search

Not sure what item you are trying to replace? The app has an image search that can help you find just the right part to finish your repair.

Just take a picture of the part and let the app do the rest.

Find The Item

Once you are in your local store, the app will give you the location of the item you are looking for and how many are in stock.

Bar Scanner

The Home Depot app also has a barcode scanner that will use the UPC code or QR code to bring you the price, details and review on any item. 

In-Store Specials

The company app will also highlight company-wide specials as well as specials specific to the store you are visiting.

Home Depot App with store locator

Home Depot Hours

Not only will the app help locate the store near you it will also give you the most updated hours for the store you are looking to visit. Your local store will have extended operating hours.  They open early and stay open late to help you get the home improvement items you need to complete your projects at any time!

The stores located closest to me, Methuen MA, Plaistow NH and Salem NH all open at 6 am and are open until 10 pm Monday through Saturday and until 6 pm on Sunday.

 

Other Services You Can Find At Home Depot

Not only can you find lumber, plumbing supplies, paint, electrical supplies, etc… you also have other services available.

Tool Rental

Need a tool for one project or want to reseed your lawn?  Home Depot has an array of tools that can help you complete your weekend project.  From lawn equipment to tile cutters you can probably rent it at a store near you.

Truck Rental

Have a big project coming up and your vehicle is too small to get the supplies home?  Don’t worry, your local store will have flatbed and panel trucks available to rent to get your supplies home in one shot.

Design Services

Your local store should have bathroom and kitchen designers on site to help you design the perfect space.

Services

Need replacement windows, a new furnace, a tankless hot water heater, or maybe new windows or ?  Not only are project supplies available to purchase you can line up a contractor to complete the work for you.

Home Depot has an array of services to help you complete any home improvement project.

Financing

Your nearby store can also provide you with several ways to finance a home renovation project.  You can open a store credit card or look into their project loan financing to help fund larger projects around the home.

Alternatives To Home Depot

A big box store like Home Depot or Lowes can have a wide array of products.  But don’t overlook your local hardware store or lumber yard. Even local plumbing supply, electrical stores or lighting stores may provide a better selection than you can find at Home Depot.

You may have a store closer to you that will carry the product you need as well.  Many local hardware stores and lumber yards can be locally owned as well and you will be supporting your community.

Here in Massachusetts, many communities may have hardware stores like Ace, Aubuchon and True Value, Using a local store could save you time over finding the nearest Home Depot.

Conclusion

The Home Depot is a chain of big-box home improvement stores. It is one of the largest home-improvement retail chains in the world, with more than 2,200 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

Rest assured, whether you are doing a plumbing repair or renovating a kitchen in your 1920s bungalow, you will find what you need at your local Home Depot.

Most likely you can find a store conveniently located near you with the product you need.

Other Real Estate Resources

  • Unfortunately, not every home renovation or addition provides resale value.  Paul Sian discusses 7 home improvements that don’t add value and may also reduce the value of your home.
  • If you have never bought or sold a house before you may wonder about the real estate commission.  Bill Gassett explains how real estate commissions work.
  • Whether you need extra storage space for your home, need to store items in between locations, have items you don’t use but don’t want to part with yet, self-storage rental can provide you with a solution.

Find A Home Depot Near Me is provided by Kevin Vitali of EXIT Realty. If you would like to sell or buy a home, give me a call at 978-360-0422 and let’s get the process started.

Real Estate Services in the following areas: Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, Northshore and Metrowest. Including the following communities and the surrounding areas- Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groveland, Haverhill, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Wilmington, Westford

10 Tips To Prevent Ice Damming

10 Tips to Prevent Ice dams on the edge of your roofNow that winter is upon us in New England, many homeowners have to worry about destructive ice dams forming at the edge of their roof.

Ice dams can be a minor nuisance to being a fll blown issue that can injure your family and damage your home.

Ice damming often comes with icicles.  Icicles and even chunks of ice can fall from your home and can cause injury. 

It can also cause water to penetrate slowly into your home.  The slow penetration of water can create the perfect environment for dangerous mold to grow undetected for long periods of time.

An ice dam may cause water staining on your ceilings and walls.  Or, worse, it can actually create bowing, sagging and collapse of drywall and plaster. 

It is important to monitor and maintain your home’s roof in the winter to keep ice dams from  at the edge of your roof.

The best way to avoid damage to your home from ice damming is to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

What Is An Ice Dam?

An ice dam is ice that has formed a ridge at the edge of your roof. 

The ridge of ice as it gets larger and creates a “dam”.  The dam prevents the water runoff from the melting snow to drain off the edge of the roof into a gutter or to the ground.  The water pools behind the ice dam and can eventually penetrate underneath the shingles into the home.

As pretty as icicles are on the edge of a roofline, they also may be an indication that ice damming is occurring at the edge of the roof.

What Causes Ice Dams?

What Causes Ice Damming On The Roof?

Ice damming happens as the snow melts, sitting on top of your roof. 

Some snow on your roof melts naturally, much of the melting snow is caused by  the heat transfer from your home’s interior to exterior.

Think about it.

You heat the living area of your home.  And, we all know, heat rises.  33% of a homes heat loss is through the ceiling/roof.

So where does that heat go?

It goes up!! Meaning your attic space and heats the underside of your roof than melts the snow accumulation on your roof from underneath.

The problem lies in as the snow melts and drains off the roof it will hit the edge of the roof, that is either partially or fully protected from the heat loss in your home. The water goes from an area of your roof that is above 32° to an area of the roof that is below 32°.  As it travels into the sub freezing area of your roof toward the edge it starts to freeze and form a ridge or dam. 

Eventually, that dam grows.  As it gets larger, water pools behind the ice dam.  Shingles are meant to protect from water shedding downward.  But as that pool grows and sits on the roof it work its way upward under the shingles.

 

Factors Contributing To Ice Dams On Your Roof

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the build up of ice at your roof’s edge.  Some factors you may have control over, while others you may not.

Poor Attic Insulation

Poor attic insulation and attic ventilation are two major factors.  Let’s start with attic insulation.

Heat rises.  As you heat your house, the heated air is going to want to work its way up into the attic through every crack and crevice.  It’s the heat transfer that contributes greatly to the melting of snow on your home’s roof.

The better insulation you have in your attic, the more you can slow down the transfer of heat.

Inadequate Ventilation

Ventilation serves two purposes.  One is to keep moisture out of the attic. And, two, to allow the hot air to escape.

There is no way to completely insulate your attic and eliminate the  heat transfer.   By ventilating your attic properly, it allows the escape of hot air while drawing in cool air.  This passively cools the attic space and slows the transfer of heat.  Proper ventilation in many homes in New England include  adequate soffit vents under the eaves of a roof to draw in the cool air and a ridge vent along the entire peak to allow hot air to escape.

Roof Design

There are several design aspects that contribute to whether ice dams will form or not.

First is the pitch.  The steeper the pitch, the less likely a big ice dam will form and cause water to back up under the shingles.  Plus, water will shed faster on a steeper roof than a flatter roof, giving the water time to drain off the building before freezing.

Second, the complexity of the roof plays into the formation of ice dams.  Roofs with lots of different peaks and valleys give an opportunity for water to ice up.  Every valley is an opportunity for snow and ice to build up and those valleys are often poorly ventilated and often difficult to insulate.

Last, we already talked about ventilation.  A newer home is more likely to have better ventilation than an older home as building codes become more stringent and make homes more energy efficient.

Tip-  Poor insulation and ventilation is an area of your home that home inspectors will point out as a deficiency when it come time to sell  your home.

The Amount of Snow

Ice damming will be more likely to arise when there is a heavy snow fall.  Believe it or not, snow is a pretty decent insulator.  Every inch of snow is equivalent to 1 R-Value.  So 15 inches of snow on your roof creates an R-Value of 15.  

Considering some older home barely have that for insulation in the attic making snow a so-so insulator.

As the heat rises and transfers through your roofing system, the snow helps hold in the heat and melts the snow accumulation from the bottom up.

Ice dams can occur along your roof’s edge even in small amounts, but it is more likely to occur during or after heavy snow storms.

The Weather

Extreme thaws and freezes can definitely be a contributing factor to ice dams.  Those days that heat up and cause the snow to melt quickly, and then the evening plunges into sub-zero temperatures, create a perfect environment for ice dams.

10 Tips To Avoid Ice Damming Along The Edge of Your Roof

1- Insulate

Look at the insulation in your attic floor or roof.  Here in Massachusetts, you want an R-Value of 49-60 in your attic.  Older homes, especially pre-1980 can have very poor attic insulation.   I go in plenty of older homes and home prior to 1950 that can have attic or attic flooring insulation that is almost non-existent.

Consider bringing in a professional if you feel you have poor insulation and you are constantly battling ice dams on your roof.   While upgrading your home’s insulation is not a glamorous remodeling project, it is certainly one that can have a big pay-off.

The beloved cape home is a New England classic that is notirious for ice dams because second floors are often built right under the roof line with improper insulation (and ventilation)

2- Ventilate

Again, the older the home, the less ventilation it will have.  Work on creating as much air flow along the underside of the roof sheathing as possible. 

When it’s time to replace your roof, it is also a good time to maximize your roof’s ventilation.  Whenever possible, install a ridge vent with plenty of under soffit vents.

Talk to your roofing professional about how to effectively ventilate your attic.

3- Unclog Gutters

Clogged gutters, that prevent the flow of melting snow, will quickly back up and most certainly cause ice dams.  Keep your gutters free from debris.

Cleaning your gutters should be a must for your fall maintenance list.

4- Cover Your Attic Access

Many homes have pull downstairs or hatches that can be accessed with a ladder.  There are handy attic pull down insulating covers you can use not only for pull downs but hatches as well.  

The covers can range in cost between about $40 to $200.  A cover can have an insulation R-Value of around 38 but, it also prevents the cold air from rising into the attic.

Even if you have a walk-up attic with a regular door, treat it like it is an entrance to the outside.  Often walk up attics use regular interior doors. Use an insulated door and weather seal around the door.

5- Seal And Insulate Duct Work

Many newer homes have split heating systems and/or ductwork for forced hot air heating systems in the attic.  Make sure all duct work is properly sealed and insulated to prevent any unnecessary heat from leaking into the attic space and adding to the heat already escaping into the space.

6- Do Not Vent Bathrooms And Kitchens Directly Into The Attic

Any vents in your home should be vented to the outside of the house.  This includes the overhead bathroom fans, exhaust hoods for kitchens and dryer vents. It is not uncommon for many homes to have bathroom vents just ending in the attic and not fully exhausted to the exterior.

Check and make sure any vents in your home are properly ventilating to the exterior of your home and not dumping warm moist air into your attic.

7- Use Ice and Water Shield

Whenever you install shingles or replace shingles, a membrane called ice and water shield should be applied to the bottom three or four feet from the roof’s edge.

Shingles are meant to for water to flow down and will fully protect a roof when the flow is headed down.  When water backs up, because of an ice dam, the water can get under the shingles and penetrate other parts of the roofing system.

Ice and water shield protect the sub-surface of your roof if ice damming should happen.

8- Seal Attic Air Leaks

Anything that is cut into your sealing from the living area to the attic is a potential for an air leak.  It is actually amazing how even a small hole or crack can send warm air quickly flowing into your attic.

Recessed light cans, junction boxes, stack pipes, chimneys, electric wires and conduits, etc…. can all be a source of a significant amount of warm air rising into the attic.

Effectively seal any gaps with expanding foam.  For electrical equipment that could generate heat, use fire retardant foam.  Older recessed light fixtures should be replaced with airtight insulated cans. 

9- Remove The Snow

Removing the accumulation of snow from the roof by either shoveling or using a roof rake.  Often removing the bottom three or four feet at the foofs adge will certainly help and can be accomplished with a roof rake.

Removing the snow from your roof can be a dangerous task that can also cause signifcant damage to your roof.  Consider hiring a professional to prevent injury and minimize damage.

Removing snow from a roof to prevent ice damming
Broom to brush snow off to prevent damage to roof and ice dams

10- Heat Cables

When all else fails consider using heat cable at your roofs edge and problematic valleys.  The cables melts the ice in the dams and creates channels for the water to flow freely.

Heat cables are expensive to run and should be a last resort in preventing ice dams.

Removing An Ice Dam

If you happen to get an ice dam what do you do?

Before having to remove an ice dam try to prevent an ice dam from forming in the first place.  But if you get an ice dam how do you remove it?

Consider hiring a professional for ice dam removal.  Working on a ladder or on the roof in general is dangerous, but now add slippery snow and ice and you could have a disaster on your hands.

Don’t just go hacking at it and pulling off the ice chunks you will damage your roof very quickly.

There are several things you can do though.

Remove as much snow from the roof as possible.  Remember thick snow loads holds in the heat plus you will lesson the flow of water.

Carefully chisel channels through the ice to allow the water to flow of the edge of the roof.

Break Out The Pantyhose and Bust Up That Ice Dam!!

Did I just say break out the pantyhose?

I did!  The legs of panyhose can be used to make a tub filled with calcium cloride that is laid across the ice to melt the ice and create channels for the water to flow off the roof into your gutter or to the ground.

Make sure you use calcium chloride to prevent damage to your roof and minimize damage to your foundation plantings.

Many of the tips preventing ice dams, also have the added benefit of making your home more energy efficient and are upgrade projects that can increase your homes value. Protect your home and save money!!

Other Real Estate Resources

  • What are HOA special assessments? A special assessment is a charge levied against condominium owners to help fullfill a budget and commonly occurs when their are large capitol impovement to be made or unexpected repairs.
  • When it comes time to buy a home you certainly want to make sure you get a fair deal.  So how do you identify an overpriced home?  First start by hiring a REALTOR that will give you an opinion of value and provide the data to back it up.
  • In this crazy seller’s market, its possible the home you put undagreement may fall short in its appraisal.  Learn why this happens and how to work around an appraisal gap.
  • When we talk about staging a home, don’t forget the closets.  Especially the master closet.  Get tips on staging a bedroom closet.

10 Tips To Prevent Ice Damming is provided by Kevin Vitali of EXIT Realty. If you would like to sell or buy a home, give me a call at 978-360-0422 and let’s get the process started.

Real Estate Services in the following areas: Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Metrowest. Including the following communities and the surrounding areas- Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groveland, Haverhill, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Wilmington, Westford

 

How to Revive Your Backyard After a Long Winter

revive your backyard after winter- Tewksbury MA Real EstateWinter season leaves everything barren and looking sad and empty – your backyard probably looks just like that after the last snow has finally melted down. And you probably can’t wait for it to look alive and colorful again.

The backyard is an important element of every house, especially if there’s a chance that you will be selling your house at some point. The backyard should always look pristine and attractive because it impacts the impression potential clients will have. A combination of greenery, appealing landscape, and entertainment/seating areas in the right zone will make a great backyard. Now is the time to start introducing changes and preparing the soil – before the warm, spring days start.

1. Revive the lawn

The lawn is a must in many backyards, so if you have it, here’s how to revive it to have a lovely green carpet.

  • Dry up snow mold – mold is a cold-season fungus that creates grey patches in areas where the snow had been. If you notice it, rake the lawn to loosen the grass and help it dry out. You may have to overseed the spot to fill it in with grass.
  • Remove leftover deicing salt – if the winter was cold, the grass near driveways and sidewalks may be damaged from deicing salt. Apply a thin layer of granular or pelletized gypsum to replace the salt with sulphur and calcium, then water thoroughly. To avoid future damage, use cat litter or sand instead of salt.
  • Remove thatch and aerate – remove the dead layer of debris from the base of the grass, then aerate, whether by hand with a manual core aerator or rent a gas-powered unit. 
  • Overseed – after aeration, spread a layer of compost and rake it in the grass, then overseed. There will probably be sufficient rain in the spring but if not, water the new lawn every day until it’s filled in (about 6 weeks).

beautiful green lawns sell houses- Tewksbury REALTOR

2. Tend the garden/the greenhouse

In case you have a garden or a greenhouse in the backyard, it’s time to check on your vegetables. First, you should protect the vegetable pat and help it recover after the winter.

  1. Use black polythene to cover the beds and speed up soil warming.
  2. Apply chicken pellets or organic matter and know that a worm population is a sign of a healthy veg patch.
  3. Get a cloche to create a microclimate, which will warm up the plants and protect them from the elements.

It’s also important to control the appearance of pests but to do it in an eco-conscious way. Pests will resurface after the winter, eating out veggies instead of other food sources. Plus, there will be no natural predators at that time of the year.

  1. Use soapy water to fight aphids
  2. Use a natural ingredient bug killer to fight infestations
  3. Put up yellow sticky straps to attract bugs.

3. Create focal points with pathways

Every backyard should have a focal point, especially a small one. When people take a look at a small backyard, their eyes will focus on that point instead of scanning the area and realizing how small it is.

So, why not introduce some changes by making a pathway through the backyard using pavers or stones. They will create a sense of movement through the area. If you have more than one area in the backyard, pathways are even more necessary to lead to each of the areas.

Stepping stones are a simple and cheap way of creating paths – just distance them one from another and you’ll need fewer of them than you think.

4. Introduce vertical landscaping

If you haven’t tried it so far, now’s the time to start working on vertical landscaping in the backyard. It will add more greenery to the area without taking up much space, plus, it will appeal to potential buyers.

Make sure you use a variety of plants of different sizes that will add to the visual interest. Stoic perennials, shady trees, and ivy are great tall plants for this project but you should also include shorter plants – stack them up in planters and flower beds placed at different heights.

5. Use mulch or its alternatives

Mulch saves you time and water, and it also prevents weeds from spreading. And it gives a nice visual touch to the yard that lost its colors during the winter. However, mulch can be expensive, so here are some cheaper alternatives:

  • Grass clippings – the next time you mow, rake up the clippings and savings and spread them onto the flower beds. You may have to wait a bit before the grass grows enough for mowing but it’s cheap.
  • Leaves – there are probably leaves remaining on the ground during the winter season, so rake them up and shred them – they are great nutrients for the plants.
  • Pine needles – if you have them in your backyard or close by, use them instead mulch.
  • Compost– if you have a compost bin already prepared, use that for the plants; just make sure you don’t layer it too thickly.

6. Plant flowers and plants and choose them carefully

Period before the spring is the time to decide which new plants and flowers you will introduce to your backyard. By making a logical plan, you will fill your backyard with useful and thriving plants and flowers that will amaze anyone who sees it.

  • Useful plants – first of all, it’s smart to cut grocery costs by planting vegetables and herbs. There are even certain herbs that repel bugs, making your backyard both lovely and functional.
  • Fight weeds with perennials – you won’t need chemicals for killing weeds if you opt for dense perennial ground covers instead of having grass everywhere. Weed killers that you would have to use for protecting grass are costly and harmful to your health, while perennials are a safe and aesthetically pleasing choice.
  • Bonsai tree for spiritual well-being and aesthetics – few plants are so elegant and artistic in its form like a bonsai tree. I would be a new, interesting element to your backyard that would be appreciated both by visitors and prospective buyers. Taking care of bonsai tree outdoors is easier than you think, and the effort will pay off – you will breathe in a new life into your barren backyard.

7. Add bold colors

To revive the backyard as soon as possible, add pops of colors around it. Flowers are not the only way you can do that. Use cushions and throw pillows to decorate the sitting area, add a bright-colored coffee table or hang a few red or bright yellow decorative items on the trees.

Of course, flowers in bloom are an excellent way to introduce color in a grey backyard. Try to create a theme by sticking to 2 or 3 colors and make a harmonious balance with them in the yard. 

8. Build an outdoor fire pit

Building an outdoor fire pit is a great way to bring the family together and to convince future buyers that they will, too, have a wonderful time in the backyard with their closest ones.

You can make it a DIY project by popping to the home improvement store and build your fire pit in just a couple of minutes. If you have spare rocks from another project, you can put them to good use here. Here are a few suggestions:

  • mixing stone and brick can be used together to create a fire pit that looks expensive but was cheap to build.
  • you can outline the area where you want the fire pit to be, dig a hole and fill it with gravel, then build the fire pit by using landscaping stones or the fire-safe materials.

9. Install lighting

Nothing is as magical and romantic as a string of outdoor lights hung on the trees or framing the seating area. They will inspire you to start spending your evenings in the backyard by spreading warm, twinkling light and creating a cozy atmosphere. There are many creative and cheap ways in which you can use outdoor lights for enriching your landscape:

  • run lights from your house to a tree using an insulated cable and an eye bolt
  • edge the flowerbeds with rope lights, so that the blooms are visible at night, too
  • wrap strands around outdoor pillars to create stunning columns covered with light
  • drape the trees with lights for a charming atmosphere

outdoor lighting can extend the use of your outdoor areas

10. Build a patio

If you don’t have a deck or a patio, now is the right time to build one and create a perfect place to entertain guests and to spend relaxing afternoons with your family. Once you have it, you can equip it any way you want – you can stick to a table and a few comfy chairs only, or you can add a sofa, a barbecue or even basic elements for the outdoor kitchen.

You just have to lay down a concrete slab or build a wooden deck, then add any elements you choose.

11. Improve the fence

Some of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve the looks of your backyard after a cold, harsh winter is to deal with the fence. It may have gone shabby or weary, and a few tricks will make it pop and serve as a decorative item to the yard.

The quickest way is to repaint it in a color that matches the facade or gives a lovely contrast to the greenery. You can also hang signs onto it, as well as flowers and planters, and even string lights.

a fresh coat of paint can go along way when selling a home

 

12. Declutter your backyard

We all tend to pile up things we don’t need inside our homes and in the yard. The backyard serves as an open shed for a lot of things we don’t need during the winter, both inside the house and outside. So, when winter approaches its end, we suddenly realize our backyard is filled with broken things, appliances we rarely use or simply some old things we can’t bear to say goodbye to.

That’s why you should book a weekend for getting rid of that stuff from the backyard. be honest with yourself and keep the things that you are sure you will use soon. The rest of it should go either on the landfill, to a recycling facility or to be given to a charity. After you’re done decluttering, the backyard will seem much bigger, allowing you to get a better insight into how you can use the space.

13. Recreation area

For those days when you entertain guests, it’s a great idea to create a recreation area now, when it’s still not possible to spend time outside. You can get rid of some grass, dig up a patch there and install, for example, a post to play horseshoes. It’s great fun for everybody, but, of course, you can use the recreation area for any other outdoor game, such as a human-sized board for chess or checkers.

14. Outdoor pizza oven

You’ll probably host a few barbecues when the spring comes, so why not make a nice surprise for the guest by building an outdoor pizza oven? Everybody loves pizza, and being able to prepare one in the yard and eat it while it’s still hot – there’s no better addition to a backyard.

Final words

This transitional period between winter and spring is the perfect time for changes. As you will spend more time outside as the weather gets warmer, it’s only natural you should focus on your backyard now and the ways of improving its looks and functionality.

Other Outdoor Real Estate Resources:

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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

How to Perform a Cracked Foundation Repair

woman cringing at a cracked foundation - Tewksbury MA Buyer's Agent

 


Often, foundation cracks are found when a home buyer performs their home inspection just before purchasing a home.  This is one of the great reasons why you should not forgo your home inspection.  A cracked foundation can be just a simple settlement crack or it can call out a bigger problem.

Assessing A Cracked Foundation

More often than not you are probably not looking at a very serious problem when you come across a foundation with cracks.  It is very common for even new homes to get small settlement cracks shortly after being built. 

How to assess and perform a cracked foundation repair

What Direction Is The Crack Running?

Small foundation cracks that run vertically or diagonally are generally just settlement cracks. It is typical for concrete to shrink during the curing process.  Settlement cracks are normal and are generally not a cause for concern.

Cracks that run horizontally are typically signs of a bigger issue and should be assessed by a foundation specialist or structural engineer.  If horizontal cracks are accompanied by bulging and deflection, it is telltale of a problem you should take care of immediately.

Horizontal cracks are usually a sign of a bigger problem.

Where Is The Foundation Crack?

Foundation cracks in the middle of the foundation wall, again, are very typical of a home settling.  But if they are close to the corners you may want to have someone look at them to determine if there is a larger problem at hand.

The Size Of The Crack

Typically crack under an 1/8 to a 1/4 are not a big deal if they are running vertically or diagonally.

There is one other thing to look for though.  Has the foundation wall on either side of the crack shifted either forward or back?  Or, is the foundation bulging?

If there has been some deflection or bulging of the cracked foundation you may want to have someone look to see if the cracked foundation is a structural issue that needs to be addressed.

When Should I Have A Foundation Crack Professionally Repaired?

Anything other than simple hairline cracks up to 1/8 to a 1/4 of an inch that run vertically or less than 45 degrees diagonally is usually not a cause for concern.

Cracks that are larger or if there is deflection or bulging with the cracks are a cause for concern.  Any horizontal cracks or cracks close to corners should be assessed as well.

If the problem is beyond some settlement cracking, you may need to look at what may be causing the cracking and solve that issue before repairing the foundation.  Poor foundation drainage with the build-up of hydrostatic pressure is one problem that can cause an issue with the foundation.

Remember a foundation carries the whole weight of the house.  If you have any questions about whether your foundation needs to be repaired or not, consult a professional.

Conducting Foundation Crack Repairs

Even if there are no serious issues created by a foundation crack you should consider filling your crack for a couple of reasons.

  1. Cracks that go all the way through the foundation can give radon a chance to find its way into the basement.
  2. Sealing a crack properly will help prevent earth, water or even insects from penetrating your home.  It will also prevent radon gas from seeping through the cracks and building up in your home.
  3. Prevent any damage from water getting into the crack and freezing.

Two simple, inexpensive foundation crack repairs can include using hydraulic cement or a masonry caulk.  These repairs tend to less permanent and will probably have to be done every couple of years.

Epoxy or Urethane Cracked Foundation Repair

An Epoxy or Urethane foundation repair is more costly and more involved but are definitely more permanent.

Epoxy is a good choice as it also adheres the concrete and can fix an minor movement of the concrete.  An urethane repair will fill the crack but offers no structural fix.

If you are looking for a structural repair epoxy is the way to go. Consider cracks over an 1/8th of an inch or cracks that go all the way thru the foundation to be repaired with epoxy rather than urethane  It is actually stronger than the concrete around it.  If you are looking to fill a crack only to prevent penetration of the foundation than use urethane.

The cost of DIY foundation crack repair can run from a hundred to several hundred dollars depending on the product and the amount you need.  Applied Technologies offers several different kits to fill and repair foundation cracks.

DIY Cracked Foundation Repair Process

The epoxy or urethane process is very similar to repair a cracked foundation.

  1. Clean the crack and about two inches behind.  Make sure you are down to bare concrete.  Use a wire brush and compressed air.
  2. Affix application ports with the epoxy at recommended intervals.
  3. Seal the outside of the crack with epoxy.
  4. Let epoxy cure.
  5. If the outside of the crack is exposed, seal the outside as well.
  6. Fill the crack with epoxy or urethane thru the ports.  It can take up to five minutes at each port and go slow so it penetrates fully into the crack.
  7. After the epoxy cures cut off the ports.

Professional Foundation Crack Repair

If the process of filling and repairing a cracked foundation seems overwhelming or you are just unsure about what route to go hire a professional company like Crack-X to repair your foundation cracks.

A professional repair can cost between $300 to $1500.  Most professional crack repairs will come with some sort of warranty that may be transferable to a new owner.

Cracks In A Concrete Floor

Just like foundation walls it is typical to get cracks in your basement floor.  Your basement floor is a concrete slab and does not offer any structural integrity to your home.

Most concrete slab cracks are not an issue at all.  Yet home buyers who are not understanding of a homes structure can be quite concerned.

While a crack in the concrete floor of your basement is really a non issue, you may consider sealing them to cut down on radon gas from seeping into the home.   If your home has been tested and there is no concern than leaving the crack as is is fine.

Bottom Line

If you are viewing a home or having a home inspection done, cracks in a foundation wall and or floor does not immediately cause for concern.   Your home inspector should tell you if further evaluation is necessary or if the crack is not an issue.

Almost 100% of all foundation walls or basement floors will have some minor cracking issues.  If they are hairline cracks, monitor and see if they are worsening.  If there is some gappingvto the crack consider a DIY repair or professional repair to prevent any water penetration.

If you are uncertain about the foundation crack and if it is more indicative of a bigger issue consider bringing in a professional.

Other Home Resources:

Kevin Vitali of EXIT Group One Real Estate has provided How to Perform a Cracked Foundation Repair.  Kevin services Essex County and Northern Middlesex County in Massachusetts.  Do you want the best buyer representation in Massachusetts you can get?  Call Kevin at 978-360-0422.

 

9 Common Mistakes When Building A Deck

9 Common deck building mistakesMany homeowners love to tackle their own home improvement projects. The potential of saving money and the pride of accomplishment are two of the driving forces for a homeowner to take on a home improvement project themselves.  One common project a homeowner may be tempted to tackle is a deck. 

Before tackling any home improvement project it is important to do your research. 

  • Do you need a building permit? 
  • What are the proper building techniques
  • Do you know how to build a deck? Do you have the skills and abilities to complete building your deck properly?

A deck can greatly enhance your home’s outdoor living space.  A beautiful deck certainly adds value to the home as well.

As a real estate agent, I certainly see many of the common mistakes a homeowner and sometimes a professional will make when building a deck.

Common Mistakes When Building A Deck

Decks have a high cost in building materials. When it comes time to sell there is nothing worse than a home inspector pointing out all the issues with shoddy workmanship.  You have spent all the money on materials but if your deck is improperly constructed many buyers will be concerned with the safety of the home’s deck.  They may not want to take on the cost of repairing or replacing an expensive deck.

Many issues revolve around the proper sizing of the lumber and the deck framing techniques you use.  A beautiful deck is worthless if the deck framing is inadequate.

Don’t make these common mistakes when building a deck.

Not Pulling A Building Permit

I know in my neck of the woods every community requires you to pull a building permit when building a deck.  A building permit and subsequent inspections will ensure your deck was built to code and there are no safety concerns in the construction of your deck. 

  • Building codes for you area will cover:
  • Framing techniques for your deck
  • Footing depth and size
  • Size of the framing including deck joists,  deck post size and spacing, etc…
  • Joist spacing
  • How the deck is to be attached to the house
  • and more….

If a home buyer makes an offer a savvy buyer’s agent will check for permits.  No buyer wants to pay for a deck that needs immediate repairs or a rebuild because of safety concerns and shoddy workmanship, even if it is brand new.  By pulling a building permit it shows certain standards were adhered to when building the deck.

Not Installing Proper Footings and Piers

Different parts of the country will have different requirements.  Here in New England deck footings are supposed to go down at least 4 feet.  This ensures the footing is below the frost line and will prevent any significant heaving of the deck structure.

Installing deck posts directly on the ground, cement pad, or cinder block does not create a stable base for your deck. A proper footing and pier would be a 12″ concrete pad on top of a pier with the concrete mushroomed out at the bottom and the pier extending above ground level.

A deck with improper footings can quickly lean, sag or your new deck could fall over.

Also, consider your deck support post and the spacing in between.  The space in between depends on the sizing of your support posts and rim joists as well as the hight of the deck.  Leaving to much space will lead to sagging and potential failure.

Improperly Attaching The Deck To The House

The ledger board is the point where the deck is attached to the house.  It is one of the main structural components of your deck.  It affixes the joist on one end and offers much of your deck’s stability. 

Improperly affixing the ledger board to your house can significantly impact the safety of the structure.

Often an inexperienced weekend warrior will nail the ledger to the home when it should be lag bolted.  Worse yet some homeowners will attach right over the siding. The lag bolts will ensure the deck ledger will not pull away from the house.

Massachusetts building code for decks requires a strong tie to attach the deck to inside joists of a house as well as being properly lag bolted to the house.

Not Flashing The Ledger Board

If flashing is not installed under the last course of siding and then over the ledger board, water can penetrate behind the ledger board.

Long term water penetration will attract insects like carpenter ants as well as rot the sheathing rim joist and potentially the sill of your home. 

Not flashing the ledger board is probably one of the most common mistakes when building a deck.  While one of the more common mistakes, it can also lead to a real headache down the road.

Using The Wrong Materials

There are many decking materials to choose from…. natural hardwoods, composites, vinyl railings, etc…. Whatever you choose make sure you are choosing the proper materials.  Decks take a beating from the sun and element and can deteriorate quickly. 

Typically the framing used for most decks is pressure-treated lumber.  It is treated to be rot resistant and last many years.  Decking and railings should be pressure treated or a hardwood that is know to be rot and insect resistant.  Some softwoods like cedar or redwood can be used as decking as well. 

Manmade composite materials have become very popular for decking and railing systems.  If you are looking for less maintenance over the years consider using composite deck materials.

Untreated pine is one of the cheapest materials a homeowner can find, but has no place on any of your deck’s structural components.  It rots way to quickly to be used for the framing, railings or decking.

9 Common deck building mistakes

Improperly Sized Materials

Improperly sized framing and joist spans are common mistake when building a deck.  The proper sizing ensures a safe and stable deck.  Framing joists need to be a certain width based on the span and when undersized cause the deck to sag. 

The spacing of the joists can also be dependent on the decking used.  Some decking requires only a 12 inch spacing of the joists versus the typical 16 inch spacing.

Improperly spaced spindles could lead to a child falling through.  Improper railing height will increase the chances of someone falling over the railing.

Your local building codes will specify minimum requirements for a safe structure.

Not Using Joist Hangers

Joist hangers are a must to attach your joists to the ledger board and rim joist.  They securely attach the joist and prevent them from dropping over time.  Nailing from the end does not provide the same support a joist hanger does.  When using joist hangers also make sure you are using the proper hangers for the type of materials used as well as the proper nails.

Also when using joist hangers make sure they are properly nailed in place per the manufacturer’s instructions.  Often nailing is not completed properly on the joist hangers.

Not Resting The Rim Joist On The Deck Posts

Often a novice will lag the rim joist to the deck posts on the outside of the posts.  Maximum stability is achieved by resting the rim joist on top of the deck posts and using the proper brackets to affix the joist to the posts.

Not Realizing Your In Over Your Head

Like many things in life, you don’t know what you don’t know.  And, the same goes for a homeowner building their own deck.  If much of what I laid out here is foreign to you, it may be time to hire a professional to build your deck.

Of any structure in the home, the deck causes the most injuries and death.  It is important to build a safe structure and know when it is beyond your abilities.

Final Thoughts

We have covered some of the common deck building mistakes a home owner can make.  There are certainly others.  Consider your deck railings and stairs as well to ensure your deck is safe.

Adding a deck or replacing the decking and railings of a deck will certainly add value to your home…. if done properly. 

With any renovation or rehab on your home if done improperly it becomes a liability rather than an enhancement to the value of your home. 

If you decide to build your own deck with some friends take the time to understand the proper building codes and construction techniques that are involved.

A properly built and maintained deck will provide you with enjoyment for many years to come.

Other Remodel and Renovation Resources:

9 Common Mistakes When Building A Deck was provided by Kevin Vitali of EXIT Group One Real Estate of Tewksbury MA.

Give Your Home A Pedigree- Document Your Homes Maintenance and Improvements

give your home a pedigree- document your homes maintenance and improvementsOne thing a home buyer loves is a well maintained home.  A great habit of any homeowner is to document the work you have done on the home.  It helps give your home a pedigree.

So what is the definition of a pedigree?  “The background or history of a person or thing, especially as conferring distinction or quality.”

Doesn’t that sound great?  Of course it does and what home buyer wouldn’t love that.

Over the years I have had homeowners that have saved and organized everything they have ever done to their house.  Boy, it is awesome and it impresses buyers.  And it certainly helps in the process of selling your home.

On the other hand I have had sellers save nothing and in some cases they don’t even know if permits were pulled, when certain work was done, etc… and that can sometimes work against a seller.

As a home buyer, would you rather buy the house that is a pig with lipstick slapped on it or the pedigreed show home where everything is documented?

How To Give Your Home A Pedigree

When it comes time to give your home a pedigree, document every major repair or home renovation you have done with paperwork and neatly organize it.  A great way is to get a big 3 ring binder with clear sheet protectors to organize your home’s information.

Don’t put in every little receipt in your book.  Replacing a washer in a faucet it not something I would document.  Use the book for significant repairs and improvement that give your home value.

Remember buyers want to know everything about your house.  By creating a binder of home maintenance and improvements you help give buyers confidence.

What Types of Paperwork Gives Your Home a Pedigree

Plans-  Save any house plans, plot plans and land survey.  It helps a buyer give a perspective on what they are buying.

Receipts of work completed-  Whether it is a roof replacement, major furnace repair, a home renovation etc…. A receipt does a few things.

It gives value as they see the receipts and the money you spent.

A receipt also reinforces the work was properly done by the appropriate, licensed professional.

Even if you did the work yourself show the receipt for the materials you used.  Materials on a DIY job can be significant cost of any home improvement project.

The receipt will also give an accurate date of when the work was completed.

Permits-  You pulled the permit, you got it signed off by the town, throw it in your home binder.  Permits give a home buyer confidence that the work was done to code in a safe manner.

No home buyer wants to get stuck with inferior work on home improvements that should have been permitted but wasn’t.  It can cost them dearly down the road.

Warranties-  A lot of warranties can be passed on in part or full to a new home owner.  Others might need to be transferred by the new home owner.  Warranties can certainly help give a buyer peace of mind when buying your home.

If a repair or product has a warranty that can be transferred make sure you get it into your book.

Many warranties are predicated on registering the product in the first place. So don’t forget to register them.

Certifications- Work such as lead paint removal and asbestos removal provide a certification from a licensed professional that the work was done according to certain standards and was disposed of properly. 

Lead paint and asbestos can very harmful and the fact you had it removed is a big deal.  Ont op of it you can show you do it safely and properly.

Test Results- Sometimes a homeowner runs into issues that might require the home to be tested.  Issues like radon in a home, arsenic in the water and mold will have an final test done showing the corrective measures have resolved the problem.

Homes have problems that need to be taken care of, it just happens.  A home buyer wants to see the problem has been taken car of properly.

Product sheets of materials used- The product sheets describe the materials used and the benefit of the product.  If it’s an upscale product even better. Many times a buyer might not know the full benefit of a particular product or brand and the product sheet gives value.

Look at our culture you can buy a sweatshirt for 15 bucks but if you slap a logo that says Ralph Lauren on it and the price jumps drastically.

Instruction Manuals-  Instruction manuals provide valuable information for the owner and wouldn’t it be great to have it all organized in one area.  Instruction manuals can show a new homeowner something as simple as how to replace a filter in a furnace.  Or, the best way to clean a laminate floor.

give your home a pdeigree by documenting its reapairs and improvements

Benefits of Giving Your Home a Pedigree When It Comes Time to Sell

When it comes time to sell your home, taking that little bit of extra time can give your home a pedigree over the years can have many benefits.

Gives value- Money you spent on repairs and renovations can give your home actual value or perceived value to a home buyer. 

Take two home in the same neighborhood and all things relatively equal.  One spent 10k on the roof and one is looking at an expensive roof repair with in the year which would you choose?

Fully informs the buyer- Imagine leaving this book at the house for showings.  A home buyer can peruse it and see the care you have put into your home.  But not only that, if you have upgraded your home with a high velocity ac or a tankless water heater it informs the buyer on the benefits of the upgraded product.

Highlights Low Visibility, Big Impact Repairs and Renovations-  There are just some repairs and improvements that have very low “eye candy” appeal but have a major, positive impact on a home.  For example, a perimeter drain in the the basement is a prime example.  You don’t really see it, but if installed correctly with back up sump pump and battery backup it guarantees you will never have water in your basement again.

Gives confidence- If a home seller had been meticulous about organizing their maintenance and projects it is going to give a home buyer confidence they are buying a good house.

Save time and decreases stress-  Imagine having the answer to all your buyers questions at your finger tips, instead of sorting thru tons of paperwork trying to find an answer.  Because, guess what, they are going to want details.

Better Offers-  The less that is left to question about a home certainly boosts home buyer confidence.  When a home buyer is confident that your home is a good one, that leads to better offers.

What buyers want is to know they are not going to experience major problems shortly after buying a home.  They have sunk all their money into a down payment and closing costs.  And, they certainly don’t want to face major repairs.  

Home buyers also want to know the work on their new home is properly and safely performed so that when they pay for that recent kitchen remodel they will enjoy it for years to come.

Compiling your homes paper work over the years will definitely help in telling the story your house has to tell.

Other Home Improvement and Maintenance Resources:

Give Your Home A Pedigree- Document Your Homes Maintenance and Improvements is provided by Kevin Vitali a Massachusetts REALTOR located in Tewksbury MA. If you would like to sell your home or buy a new home give me a call at 978-360-0422 and let’s get the process started.

Real Estate Services in the following areas: Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Metrowest. Including the following communities and the surrounding area- Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groveland, Haverhill, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Wilmington, Westford

11 Common Mistakes When Installing Laminate Floors

11 Common Mistakes When Installing laminate floors

Laminate flooring has grown in popularity over the past decade or so.  Simulation of exotic woods and patterns combined with its cost effectiveness make an options for some homeowners over hardwoods.

Because of the ease of installation, laminate floors can be the DIY’ers flooring of choice.   It also makes it a great choice to do a quick flooring makeover when it comes time to prepare your home for sale.  A new laminate floor installation can capture a buyer’s attention.

As a real estate agent, I see a lot of DIY’ers installing laminate floors.  Unfortunately, if you don’t learn how to install laminate flooring properly, problems arise pretty quickly, if not immediately.

In this article, we are common laminate flooring installation mistakes that can turn your new flooring installation into an unsightly mess.

There is nothing worse than a home seller boasting newer laminate floors, only to arrive  to find soft spots, buckling, large gaps, bubbling or poor or unfinished transitions in the installation.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic image laminated to a wood substrate, with a laminate protective coating over the top.  It’s essentially a photograph on a synthetic material.  It can simulate wood, stone, ceramic, painted tiles and more….. Modern laminate flooring will even add texture giving a very realistic look to your floor

The laminate flooring planks just sit on the subfloor and interlock.  In most cases, they are meant to float on the subfloor and are not attached to the subfloor at all.

Common Laminate Flooring Installation Mistakes

Installing laminate floors are certainly with in most DIY’ers skill set.  But, take the time to learn the common laminate flooring mistakes for a great long lasting installation of your new floor.

#1 Choosing to Use Laminate Floors in the Wrong Areas

The one thing to remember is laminate flooring is not great when it comes to moisture. To avoid some common laminate floor installation mistakes is to choose your location wisely.  Kitchens, baths, entry ways can all be problematic with bucking and bubbling when the underlying wood substrate has absorbed water.

While there are some products coming out saying they are water-resistant or you can seal laminate floor edges with a sealant you may find better flooring choices for high moisture areas.  Lately, manufactures have a premium product with a waterproof substrate. While laminate floors may seem a less expensive option upfront, it will cost you more in the long run as it will need to be replaced more often.

#2 Not Sealing The Laminate Against Moisture

People use laminate in kitchens and baths all the time.  There are many people torn on whether laminate is a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.  Primarlily the substrate for laminate floors is highly susceptible to water penetration.

If you do choose to use laminate in high moisture areas take the time to learn how to seal the joints.

There are several options to prevent water penetration, though I don’t think most manufactures would recommend it.  Sealing as mention above.  Gluing with waterproof glue is another, though the floor is meant to expand and contract.  Or, using a silicon caulk between each seem as your are installing the floor is another option

Remember the substrate is usually a compressed board product and once there has been water penetration it could lead to trouble. Even the littlest spill from over watering a plant, a fish tank, water bowls for you pets etc… can be problematic if left unattended to.

#3 Not Letting Your Laminate Floor Planks Acclimate

This is important with any product susceptible to humidity as well as expansion and contraction.  Get your materials into the area your installing so it can acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the work area.  Follow your manufacturers recommendations but a good rule of thumb should be 48-72 hours.

Not doing so may cause buckling or unsightly gaps in your laminate flooring if it is not acclimated properly. Such a simple step in the laminate floor installation process can save you from a poor finished product.

#4 Not Making Sure Your Floor Is Level

A huge pet peeve of mine is walking across a laminate floor that looks like stone and wood and having soft spots. Your sub floor needs to be perfectly level to prevent the soft spots.  Soft spots can also lead to the edges receiving more wear an tear than they should.

Whether you are applying over concrete, plywood or composite, make sure your floor is level.  There should be no more than 1/8 of an inch tolerance (see #4).  A combination of grinding, sanding, and using a self leveling material will get your floor level for proper installation of your laminate floor planks.

#5 Not Using Underlayment When Installing Laminate Floors

Because laminate flooring is so thin and the substrate offers no structural integrity, it bends and flexes easily. Underlayment is a thin layer of foam that absorbs any small deviations in the subfloor below.  It will take care of any dips or high spots in the 1/8 of an inch tolerance we talked about in problem #4.

It is critical to choose the right underlayment  for your laminate floor installation, taking into consideration the location and the subfloor below.

#6 Not Using A Vapor Barrier When Necessary

When there is any chance of moisture coming from underneath, a moisture barrier is a must.  So it should go without saying that concrete floors in your basement family room addition will need a vapor barrier.  Consider vapor barriers that also act as underlayment as well.

If you’re laying your laminate floor over wood subfloor on a first or second floor, skip the vapor barrier, as wood is a natural product that is meant to breathe.

#7 Not Leaving Room for Edge Expansion

As I mentioned earlier a laminate floor is meant to float, it interlocks and moves together.  Do not cut your laminate floors tight to baseboards or a wall.  When fitting your laminate floor, you must provide a gap for most installations of laminate floors of 3/8’s of an inch.  This is the most common reason for buckling! 

Also a separate problem but falls in this category is nailing your quarter round into the floor through the laminate rather than into the baseboard.  It doesn’t give your floor a chance to expand and contract.

#8 Not Allowing for Appropriate Expansion Joints

This problem occurs in extremely large rooms or where you are doing one entire level of a house. Any run with anything over an appox. 24 foot width or 36 foot length will require an expansion joint or a transition that allow for expansion between each room.

Your floating floor is going to expand and contract.  To prevent buckling you need to give your laminate floor room to expand.

#9 Read the Instructions For Your Laminate Floor Installation

Your manufacturers instructions will cover the proper installation of your floors.  Proper installation of your new floor is no secret.

Read the instructions first!

#10 Finish the Job

A  lot of DIY’ers just don’t finish the job.  Transitions are left undone, laminate flooring fit under an undercut door jamb,

mouldings not properly put back into place, quarter round not installed to cover the gap, etc…  Take the time to finish your laminate floor installation correctly.

#11 Taking Care of Your Laminate Floor Properly

Cleaning your laminate floor properly is critical to many year of enjoyment.  Avoid wet mopping your floor or even using a steam cleaner.  Using a laminate floor cleaner you spray on to a cloth or pad is best.

Lastly clean up an spills immediately!!

Final Thoughts on Properly Installing a Laminate Floor

Installing a laminate floor as an upgrade in your home is certainly easy enough for a beginner to intermediate DIY’er.  But, take the time to read the instructions there is a little more to it than just laying laminate floors down.

Also don’t think laminate floors will replace or have the value of real hardwood floors.  For most areas of the home, hardwoods reign supreme. 

With any improvement project around the home, think carefully about your investment and how it plays into the resale of your home.  While a laminate floor can certainly spruce up an area with outdated floor an improperly installed laminate floor will cost you in the end.  No home buyer wants to pay for poorly completed renovation projects that need to be finished or worse yet…. completely redone.

 

Video- Preparation Tips For Laminate Floor Installation

Opens in YouTube Video- 1:50

Like almost any project around the house a quality job starts with the proper preparation of the area. This video covers the preparation steps to take before you install laminate floors in your home.

  • Remove old flooring
  • Remove nails, staples residue, etc…
  • Remove baseboards and number to reuse later.
  • Scrape off caulking off the wall.
  • Secure any loose spots in the sub floor.
  • Undercut door jambs.
  • Sand high spots and fill low spots.
  • Thoroughly clean.
  • Lay a QUALITY under layment.

Other Real Estate Resources:

11 Common Mistakes When Installing Laminate Floors is provided by Kevin Vitali a Massachusetts REALTOR located in Tewksbury MA. If you would like to sell your home or buy a new home give me a call at 978-360-0422 and let’s get the process started.

Real Estate Services in the following areas: Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Metrowest. Including the following communities and the surrounding area- Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groveland, Haverhill, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Wilmington, Westford

5 Wood Siding Care and Maintenance Tips

Wood siding care and maintenance tips

When it comes time to sell your home having your homes siding in tip top shape goes a long way in increasing curb appeal.  Wood siding is certainly a very desirable finish for many home buyers if you show it off looking its best.

Allura, a manufacturer of fiber cement products for your home has written a guest post on how to care for your natural wood siding.  Regular care and maintenance will go a long way in maintaining the beautiful look of your wood siding.

5 Wood Siding Care and Maintenance Tips

One of the most beautiful siding choices for your home exterior is wood siding. It offers a classic warm feeling that works well in a variety of regions and on various styles of homes. With the rise in popularity of vinyl and various composites, wood siding has become less common in new home construction as many homeowners are hesitant about maintenance involved.

The upkeep of wood siding isn’t as intense or time-consuming as many believe, especially if you take actions to prevent potential issues before they become a real problem. For the most part wood siding will last anywhere from 20 to 40 years if cared for properly.

Here are 5 tips to ensure your wood siding remains beautiful and effective for many years to come.

Restain and Apply Weatherproof Treatment Every Few Years

One of the most important aspects of wood siding maintenance is ensuring you restain and weatherproof it on a regular basis. How often you need to do this depends on the type of wood siding (species of tree) and your region, but you can typically expect to do this every 3 to 5 years.

There are a couple options for re-weatherproofing the wood siding on your home. Using a complementing colored stain is a popular choice for wood siding that has lost its original natural wood hue. For example, redwood or cedar siding will gray over time so restaining with a color similar to its original reddish tinge is common.

After restaining you’ll also need to clear coat the wood as a final protective layer against the elements. If you have new wood siding you might go straight to a clear coat so you can allow the wood to really show off its natural beauty. Painting is another choice that works well for some, though it obviously covers the wood color and grain.

Replace Broken Siding Boards Quickly

If a board or panel becomes damaged to the point that you can’t repair it, you should contact a siding contractor immediately for its replacement. Severe damage can happen to wood siding fairly easily, perhaps a broken tree limb fell against it during a windstorm or a child lobbed a baseball at the side. Hailstorms can also wreak havoc and break siding.

If a storm or simple accident happened, don’t put off replacing the boards. It is far better to pay a professional now to replace a panel than hire a professional later to find that you now need multiple panels replaced since water got under the boards via the broken one.

Until a professional can come out and assess the situation, carefully cover the broken panel with some waterproof sheet or tarp so water can’t get under the siding.

Clean Stains and Dirt Off Siding Yearly

Many homeowners are guilty of only restaining every few years but don’t actually clean their siding until this happens. The issue with this is that stains will form and be much more difficult to remove, if not impossible, if you wait. Instead you should be cleaning your wood siding on an annual basis.

Wood siding will stain, with majority of common stains coming from dirt settling into the wood. You may also find staining from rusting nails and other hardware in the siding, which can leave odd colored streaks down the wood. Areas of the home that are just beginning to experience moisture damage will show black dots in the form of mildew. These spots need to be cleaned off immediately before real damage takes place.

All you need to clean stains is warm, soapy water (use a gentle detergent) and a long-armed soft bristled brush. You can also find wood siding cleaning products in stores for more difficult to remove stains or to get rid of rust streaks. Make sure you clean siding top to bottom and rinse with a hose to ensure all soap is removed.

Repair Holes and Cracks as You Find Them

Similarl to replacing broken boards it is incredibly important to repair any small damage as soon as you discover them. Water-damage aside, insect and wildlife can infiltrate wood siding and quickly damage entire panels. Insects can be particularly bad as you may not even know they are there until it is too late.

It is worth it to look over your home’s siding annually or twice a year. If you find a crack or hole you can fill them with wood siding filler or a weatherproof caulk. Keep in mind that if you’re battling with woodpecker damage it is a sign that there could be an insect problem in the walls. You may need to call out a professional for a proper inspection if you’re suddenly finding many small holes in your siding.

Take Proactive Steps to Reduce Moisture Damage

The natural enemy of wood siding is moisture. Wood siding can handle a lot of damage and can certainly take on heavy rainstorms, or even be used in humid regions, but problems arise when water becomes trapped or stagnant on the siding. You must take proper steps to ensure your home is protected from moisture damage to ensure longevity and reduce the chances of expensive repair work.

Be particularly careful checking and waterproofing seams around windows, doors and other trim with a waterproof caulk. Even if you already have caulking in these areas be sure to check them regularly as it can become cracked and brittle with age. It is also important to keeps plant away from your home’s exterior. At no point should shrubs or tree branches touch the side of your home. Even a small shrub planted too closely to the house will trap moisture on its leaves against the wood, eventually leading to a rotted spot.

Wood siding might require more maintenance than other home exterior finishing but many homeowners find that the time put in is well worth it. Wood siding can last an incredibly long time and, if you plan on selling eventually, can help increase value for prospective buyers that want that welcoming, rustic look.

Other Home Siding Resources:

5 Wood Siding Care and Maintenance Tips was provided as a guest post by Allura Fiber Cement Products for Kevin Vitali of EXIT Group One Real Estate of Tewksbury MA. If you would like to sell your home give me a call at 978-360-0422 and let’s get the process started.

Real Estate Services in the following areas: Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Metrowest. Including the following communities and the surrounding area- Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groveland, Haverhill, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Wilmington, Westford

CONTACT ME

Kevin Vitali- Massachusetts Realtor Serving Essex County and Northern Middlesex County Massachusetts

KEVIN VITALI

978-360-0422
kevin@kevinvitali.com

Kevin Vitali- Massachusetts REALTOR
Real Broker MA, LLC
90 Canal Street
Boston, MA 02114
cell phone: (978) 360-0422
office phone: (855) 450-0442

My Office

Massachusetts Real Estate

 

Real Estate Services in the following areas:
Northeast Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley, North Shore and Metrowest including the following communities and the surrounding area including
Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Dracut. Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Salisbury, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, West Newbury, Westford

Disclaimer

No information on this website is to be construed as legal advice.  The information is either generalized or state-specific. If you are seeking information for legal purposes please consult an attorney.