Real Estate Inspections

Do-It-Yourself: Guide to Interior Decorating

(ARA) - How do you feel about your home décor? If you're tired of it, and know it needs some updating, but are afraid to act, you're not alone. Fear of change is the number one reason people live in spaces they don't really like.

With the summer holiday season just beginning, now is the perfect time to try something different. A good place to start is by deciding which look you like best. Among the most popular: Traditional, Contemporary, Mission, French Country, Asian and Retro.

Here's a crash course for you on what each of the looks entail:

• Traditional décor is known for its balanced symmetry, classic lines and darker woods combined with subdued colors and tones.
• Contemporary offers subtle sophistication with its simplicity, texture, clean lines and contrasting colors.
• Mission adds timeless and classic appeal with its simple, clean lines, dark stained oak and earthy colors.
• French Country features distressed wood, ceramic accessories and colors you'd find in nature, like sunny yellow, fiery red and bright grass green.
• Asian features neutral backgrounds, layered wood tones and intricately detailed accessories.
• Retro features furniture and décor reminiscent of things past.

Not sure which look would best suit your style? Turn to the Web for help making a decision. Some of the best home decorating sites out there right now are www.charleskeath.com, www.homevisions.com and www.wards.com. All three sites are filled with color pictures that pair furniture with complementary accessories in each of the popular styles. Additionally, HomeVisions offers a "Shop by Style" option, which groups products by style including furniture, bedding, accessories, lighting, rugs and more.

Log on to the various Web sites for decorating ideas. If you'd prefer paper catalogs, call (888) 918-4000 to request one from Charles Keath Home; (800) 227-7598 for one from Montgomery Ward. The HomeVisions store is available online at www.homevisions.com.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Designing a Bathroom with Form and Function

(ARA) - In bath design, function has always come before form. But today's homeowners expect their hardworking bathrooms to go beyond hygienic and practical functions. For some, a bathroom should be wired to 21st-century technology for ready access to information and entertainment. For others, the dream bath is a home spa for a welcome spiritual and physical retreat. Other homeowners want their bathroom to do double duty as a personal gym or dressing area. The good news about designing a bathroom: anything is possible. Whether you're building from the ground up or renovating your existing space, you have lots of products and storage options at your fingertips. You can also find practical conveniences that give a stylish, new twist to form and function. Functional Faucets Go High-Tech More manufacturers are incorporating the latest gadgetry into faucets to make them even handier - and smarter. JADO recently introduced a collection of lavatory, tub and shower faucets designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who is making a splash in the United States with his minimalist building designs. Nouvel incorporated electronics into the faucets for temperature control and touch-sensitive operation. The chrome-finished faucets have thermostatic valves that deliver the water at just the right temperature, and you can program them to save your favorite volume and temperature settings. Small Conveniences, Big Luxury Manufacturers are also working at warp speed to create new bathroom luxuries and conveniences. Recent tubs, for example, tend to be larger and deeper. Some tubs help keep themselves clean and/or are bacteria resistant so you can spend more time enjoying them and less time cleaning them. Others offer heated walls and ergonomic backrests. Even the traditional bubble bath has gotten more sophisticated with manufacturers providing built-in aromatherapy, chromatherapy or hydrotherapy features. In the shower, you'll find products with multiple heads at multiple heights in multiple positions, body sprays, preset individual temperature controls, built-in seats, and steam and tanning units. Even floors and towel bars may be heated. Stylish Storage Solutions Homeowners who want to relax in peace - away from everyday gadgetry - can find low-tech yet high-impact designs. When it comes to storage solutions, new designs feature moveable parts to make the most of any space. For example, Porcher added a mirrored storage cabinet and vanity to its L'Expression Suite of Zen-inspired products and furniture. Like a revolving door, the suite's Totem Mirror System turns on a pivot to give you a full-length mirror on one side and storage compartments on the other. There's a central drawer for cosmetics (or whatever you like to keep handy and hidden), adjustable glass shelves, a side hook to hang a bathrobe, and a bottom drawer that opens to more storage. A wood-finished, matching vanity offers storage beneath the sink basin, along with a chrome towel bar. No matter how functional you want your bathroom - from high-tech to low-maintenance and relaxing to fully-wired - there's a design to fit your needs and style.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Home Decorating Ideas: Laminate Floors Offer Beauty As Well As Durability

(ARA) - You might not give your floors much thought -- until it comes time to replace them. Then you realize that there are many options out there. For busy families whose floors need to stand up to kids and pets, laminate flooring is an excellent choice.

Laminate flooring has been a fashionable option in Europe for more than 20 years, and it's rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. The most common designs have a wood grain appearance; some are made to look like stone or marble. Laminates are designed to look good for many years with a minimum amount of maintenance.

Laminate flooring consists of four main components that are bonded together. A wear-resistant decorative surface made of resin-based melamine/aluminum oxide is bonded to a moisture resistant wood composition-based core. A balancing backing is bonded to the underside of the core. On the top is a clear cap sheet of aluminum oxide, which provides the protection and stain resistance. Since the resin-filled wear layer is so dense, it becomes extremely difficult to stain, scratch or burn.

Ease of installation is one factor that contributes to the popularity of laminate flooring. It uses a tongue and groove interlocking system, which can be installed over the top of an existing substrate. Plywood, concrete slab, sheet vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring or virtually any other basically flat hard surface is a suitable base for laminate.

Most brands of laminate flooring require that the joints be glued with specially formulated, water-resistant glue placed between the tongue and grooves of every plank. However, Alloc, Inc., located in Racine, Wis., has a patented glueless interlocking system that provides strong, tight joints without messy glue or special tools.

Because installation is so simple, and because you can walk on your new floor immediately (no waiting for glue to dry), beautifying your home with new laminate flooring is truly a project you can do in a weekend. "Installing a laminate floor, especially with our glueless system, is a lot easier than people think," says company president Claes Wennerth.

No matter what your décor or your lifestyle, you can find a laminate floor to fit your needs. Alloc's laminate flooring can be used in virtually any area of your home, such as kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and bathrooms.

Taking care of a laminate floor is even easier than installing it. To keep your floor looking like new and avoid scratches, simply vacuum or dust mop regularly to remove loose dirt or grit. Glides or cushioned bottom protectors under chairs and table legs also help prevent possible scratching, and floor mats at all outside doorways keep dirt from coming inside.

Alloc products are backed by the best warranties in the industry, covering five areas: joint integrity, stain resistance, fade resistance, wear resistance and water resistance.

To find an Alloc dealer in your area, or to get more information on available patterns and installation procedures, call (877) DO-ALLOC or visit the company's Web site, www.alloc.com.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Tying Styles Together in the Kitchen

(ARA) - Though an eclectic design looks easy to accomplish - a little bit of this and little bit of that, it's actually one of the most difficult looks to successfully achieve.

What is eclectic? It is a vibrant, individual style that doesn't adhere to any one major style or rule. It is a comfortable mix-and-match attitude; it's the yin and yang of design style that must be met with balance. It is not a jumble of whatever catches your eye.

Typically, eclectic is a combination of two major design styles such as contemporary, traditional, casual or Asian. It takes a lot of careful planning, good taste and an eye for stylish design to make it work. A great start in identifying your favorite styles is to clip magazine pictures and keep them in your wish file. Consult a certified kitchen designer to help you tie your favorite styles together.

One of the most effective ways to achieve the eclectic look is with custom cabinetry. Because custom cabinetry is made specifically to your specifications, you can control the look and feel of each piece. A custom manufacturer, such as Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, which has been crafting custom cabinetry for over 35 years, can craft cabinetry in just about any style imaginable. They do not carry any inventory; each kitchen is built to the homeowner's specifications.

"Everyone has their own style. We're seeing a mix of styles in one design," said Vince Achey, VP of sales and marketing for Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. "With custom cabinetry, unlike stock cabinetry, you can have several different doorstyles, colors and wood species all in one kitchen space. It's all about what you want."

Once you identify your styles, you must have a working knowledge of the five basic design principles: line, color, texture, mass and form. Understanding the principles is the key to making an eclectic design fabulous.

Line. Line creates movement and directs the eye. Lines can be straight, curvy, horizontal, diagonal or vertical. All of the elements in a room may offer line: the architecture, fabrics, furniture, appliances and especially cabinetry. Cabinetry lines can be used to move the eye towards the work area, the eating area or even into another room. Be careful, too many lines can make the space feel busy and confusing but too few lines can leave it feeling empty and unfinished.

A balance of high and low base cabinetry can direct the eye to an architectural feature such as a skylight or even a fabulous piece of art. For example, use a low bump out cabinet with a wooden block top for cutting veggies to complement a higher marble top cabinet used for making candy. Different cabinet depths can also move the eye around the room with a balance of in and out.

Color. Eclectic design works best when the elements relate in some fashion. Try combining different shades of the same color on different pieces of cabinetry. Use a base color of creamy vanilla with a coffee piping detail on very traditional wall units, but balance it on a sleek contemporary island done in the same tone of cream but with a coffee glaze. Though the pieces differ in style, they relate to each other through color. Mixing wood species and tones is another way to connect elements. Use grandmother's antique maple sideboard with your contemporary wenge cabinets.

"A custom cabinetry shop will be able mix and match finishes and wood species for your desired effect," said Achey. "At Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry we have a department specifically dedicated to custom colors. About 25 percent of the finishes we do each year are custom colors."

Texture. Texture can be used to create balance and connection. Texture adds visual interest. The texture of a rustic antique armoire juxtaposed to refined, smooth enameled cabinetry is quite striking. This typifies the yin and yang aspect of eclectic design.

Mass. Mass refers to the amount of visual weight or space an object appears to have. A balance of visual weight creates balance and harmony of proportion. For example, a large island with many drawers and solid doors has a lot of visual weight whereas a taller one with glass fronted doors appears visually lighter. An easy way to create a difference in visual weight is to adjust the height and shape of the toe kicks. If some cabinets go flush to the floor, add a four inch toe kick with an apron to one of them. This will make the piece look as if it is an individual piece.

Form. This refers to the actual shape of the elements of the room. The walls, furniture, doorways, accessories and appliances all have form. If the room is tall and slender, then the best choice for cabinetry should be tall and slender. The elements' form should echo the form of the room's architecture - no matter what the decorating style.

Taking the five principles into account, today's sense of style, desire for personal expression and the need for functionality all create the perfect foil for an eclectic kitchen. Use old with new, mix tones and colors, combine rough natural elements such as stone with smooth marble or primitive art with contemporary cabinetry. Remember, eclectic is about balance that creates character, beauty and fun.

To inquire about Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, call (800) 447-9006 or visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Home Improvement Tips to Save You Time and Money

(ARA) - A little preparation and pre-project know-how can help save the average do-it-yourselfer time and money, both of which can be used to enjoy more time with family and friends and less time working around the house.

Dean Johnson, co-host of the nationally syndicated home improvement TV series "Hometime," offers up the following home improvement tips that will help you work smarter, not harder:

Make Maintenance Routine

By far, the easiest way to save yourself time and keep expenses down is by keeping your house in good working order to begin with. This requires some planning and skill, but in the long run could help you avoid spending lengthy hours making repairs, not to mention the costs involved.

"Naturally, most people tend to focus on the exterior of their homes during the summer, but it's important not to forget about the interior," says Johnson. "There are some simple monthly jobs that should be completed to keep appliances and mechanicals in working order."

For example, start in the kitchen and inspect the dishwasher for leaks. A leak that isn't caught in time could ruin your flooring, and possibly your sub-floor, as well. Then, move to the kitchen range hood and clean the fan filters to prevent clogging -- a potential fire hazard. Also, be sure to wash out the refrigerator frost-free drain pan to keep it in proper working order.

In the bathroom, inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads to prevent build-up and potential clogging. If you notice build-up on fixtures, tubs or shower doors, you may have a hard water problem. But, don't worry, 85 percent of homes do. Hard water contains significant levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium that can cause scale and lime build-up on sinks, faucets and water-using appliances, decreasing their life and making them less efficient. And don't forget the time it will take you to scrub things clean -- time that could be spent outdoors enjoying the weather.

Johnson goes on to say, "To combat hard water have a professional test your water to determine its hardness. If you do have hard water, consider purchasing a water softener, such as the 2040c from Kinetico. It's a compact unit that possesses superior water softening capabilities for very hard water applications. And unlike other bulky, unattractive water softeners, there's no need to hide it thanks to its fashionable, modern appearance. Just remember, in the long run, not treating hard water could prove more difficult for your pocket book to tolerate than installing a water softener."

Remodel the Right Way

According to Census Bureau statistics, home improvement projects account for almost 75 percent of the $198.6 billion American homeowners spent in 2004 on their homes. However, starting a remodelling job, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, can be a frightening prospect for a homeowner. To ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, a well-thought-out, detailed plan is the first step in any large remodelling project.

One of the most popular home renovation projects is updating the kitchen. When formulating your plan for the kitchen, take into consideration two thoughts: form and function. Typically, kitchens are designed in U-shaped, L-shaped and galley configurations, but a remodel is your chance to start from scratch and truly create the kitchen of your dreams. Carefully analyze how you currently use the kitchen and what design changes would make it more convenient and practical for your individual needs.

"Think about the space in terms of several work centers or stations that allow multiple people to complete tasks simultaneously," said Johnson. "Work centers are a little less formal than the traditional U-, L- and galley-shaped designs but have been growing in popularity in recent years. Adding an island, for example, creates an additional two to four small work stations along its perimeter."

In addition to pre-project planning, also take some time to think about post-project goals. Consider investing in some items that will protect your new kitchen investment and ensure your water-using appliances will last for years to come. This could be preventing hard water build-up with the use of a water softener, or simply purchasing cleaning products specifically designed for those appliances.

No matter what projects you might be tackling this summer, remember it's always better to work smarter, rather than harder. Routine maintenance and pre-project know-how can be the key to saving your summer.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

One of the Easiest Ways to Spruce up A Bathroom: Taking a Look at the On Demand 905 Power Steamer

(ARA) - The holiday season will be here before you know it and guess what that means... time to get the house ready for all the guests who will soon descend upon you, and there's a lot to do.

In addition to sweeping the floors, vacuuming, dusting and changing the linens, this is the time of year a lot of people give their guest bathroom a facelift. It is, after all, a room that will soon be getting a lot of use.

One of the easiest ways to transform a bathroom from drab to fab is by removing the old, ugly wallpaper, so why don't more people do it? "A lot of people put off projects involving wallpaper removal because they dread the idea of working with harsh chemicals. What they don't realize is that good old fashioned steam works just as well if not better, and it's a lot more environmentally friendly," says Denis Tierney, product manager at Wagner Spray Tech, makers of the new On-Demand 905 Power Steamer.

In addition to being extremely effective at wallpaper removal, as it softens glue for easy removal almost instantly, the On-Demand 905 Power Steamer comes with a dozen attachments that make it a versatile cleaning tool.

The machine's jet nozzle with fingertip control allows the user to choose between a continuous and intermittent stream of steam - so they can get as much or as little steam as they need for a particular job. It is useful in the bathroom for cleaning mold, mildew and water stains off shower stalls, tubs, floors and sinks; in the kitchen for cleaning grease and grime off cook tops and ovens; and for removing grime from barbeque grills.

Also included is a squeegee that can be used to clean windows and tile; and an attachment specifically for cleaning dirty floors. In bedrooms, living and family rooms, steam cleaning is an effective and environmentally friendly way of killing mites and reducing allergen levels in carpets. The machine also comes with two extension tubes that make it easy to use in hard to reach places.

The On Demand 905 Power Steamer is available in hardware stores and home improvement centers nationwide. For more information, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com or call (800) 328-8251 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

 

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Worried About High Energy Costs? Check Your Home’s Insulation.

Half of all homes in the U.S. are currently under-insulated resulting in heat loss and higher than necessary energy costs. To help control the amount of energy your home is losing on a regular basis, it is best to make sure that you home’s insulation is to code and is in good condition.

This is a simple process allowing many homeowners to take care of this process themselves. As many homeowners may not wish to put small holes in the walls in order to see or are unable to accurately measure the amount of insulation present, a home inspector can be helpful; performing specific tests to ensure your home’s excellent health.

By making use of infrared technology, an inspector is able to perform a thermal insulation inspection scan, an air infiltration/heat loss scan, as well as other tests able to quickly and accurately report what is happening behind the scenes (in this case: the walls). Infrared technology has proven to be invaluable in saving time and costs typically required in identifying and correcting issues related to the issues of heat loss, energy efficiency, moisture intrusion and more.

A Quick Run Through

As mentioned above, a quick scan of your home’s current insulation levels can be done fairly easily.

The most popular step is to check behind the home’s electrical outlets. STOP: make sure to turn OFF your home’s electricity before you begin!

Once the electricity in your home has been turned off, remove the cover plate to an outlet and gently probe into the wall with a stick or screw driver. If there is some slight resistance, insulation is present.

Another option available is to create a small hole within a closet, behind a sofa, or another location that is not easily seen when entering a room, and to peer inside.

Of course, both options will tell you if insulation is present or not; however, both do not let you know if there are sufficient amounts of insulation or if all locations / walls are insulated. This is where a home inspector can be of help.

In addition to checking within the walls, it is important to check the attic and the basement / crawlspace. These areas of your home can create a large amount of energy loss if under-insulated.

A basement should have all walls insulated, at least the top of the foundation wall and first floor perimeter. Ideally, the insulation for this area should be an R-value of 19 or greater.

Within the attic, weather stripping should be present around the attic door, making sure that the door closes tightly and does not allow for any drafts to pass through the opening. In addition, all openings such as around pipes, ductwork and the chimney, should be sealed with insulation and a vapor barrier should be covering the entire insulated floor. Make sure that all attic vents are not blocked by insulation.

The video here provides an excellent visual for checking your home’s insulation. Thanks to How Stuff Works Videos for sharing their expertise.

 

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To schedule an inspection of your home’s insulation within Sacramento or the San Francisco Bay Area please call 800.411.0840 today.

For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

Play It Safe With Windows and Doors...

(ARA) - If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then a repair a week, the homeowner should seek. Taking good care of your home is important, just as is taking care of your own health. Evaluate your home and ask yourself if it meets your expectations in terms of functionality and energy efficiency. All elements of your home should work together and function properly for best performance.   Universal design is a good first step. "Universal design takes into consideration the need for a home to keep pace with changing lifestyles and needs as occupants grow older," said Gary Mathes, manager, Residential Architectural Support Services at Pella Corporation. Take a critical look at your windows and doors today with an eye to the future. "As you replace, remodel or start building, your goal should be to select products that will meet your needs for years down the road," said Mathes. According to the National Centers for Disease Control, one-third of home accidents can be prevented with modifications and repairs. Pella recommends these window and door universal design elements: * Doorways and hallways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide. * Place doors to allow for 18 to 24 inches clearance on the door handle side to easily open and close doors. * Door thresholds should be no more than 1/2 inch high above the adjacent floor. If you prefer, install mini-ramps or transition wedges. * Door locks should be sturdy yet easy to operate. Consider keyless locking systems for maximum convenience. * Install a pocket door if you don't have the floor space necessary for a hinged door. * Select front doors with a view panel to make it easy to see who's arrived at your door. * For added privacy on sidelights and patio doors, consider options like the cordless between-the-glass blinds and shades on Pella's Designer Series sidelight collection so that you can enjoy a view and still conveniently cover the opening at desired times. * Make sure windows are easy to unlock, open, close and lock, and require minimal maintenance. * For greater safety and convenience, select double-hung windows that tilt in for easy cleaning, or casement units that open with the maximum clearance to allow easy access to both the exterior and interior glass surfaces from inside the building.   Fire safety at home Your home should be the first place where safety starts in design and function. Windows and doors protect you and your family from outside weather elements and serve as potential escape routes in the case of fire. Pella reminds everyone that it's essential to practice a family fire drill and develop a home escape plan. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Fire Protection Association found that only 25 percent of respondents with escape plans actually practiced them. Note these important home fire safety suggestions from Pella: * Identify two exits - Designate two exits from every room in your home - a door and a window. Make sure doors and windows operate properly to ensure a quick exit; if not, consider replacing them. * Use smoke alarms - Install smoke alarms in or near every bedroom and on every level of your home. Test alarms monthly, change batteries regularly, and replace alarms every 10 years for greater safety. * Make a quick exit - Keep rooms neat and furniture and clutter away from windows and doors so you can get out quickly if necessary and to prevent falls. * Give yourself an out - In the event of fire, choose the closest and safest exit route to get out quickly and stay out. Avoid going through smoke or flames. * Stay low and go - To escape from a burning home, crawl out quickly on your hands and knees to help avoid smoke and fumes near the floor. * Once you're out, stay out - Never go back into a burning building. Stay safe. Go to your safe meeting place outside your home and call for help.   For more helpful fire safety tips, call (866) 829-9050 for a free brochure. To download a fire escape planning grid or get additional fire safety information, visit www.pella.com .

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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.

For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

How To Turn An Average Garage Into A Great Home Workshop

(ARA) - Today, a garage is no longer just four walls and a roof in which to park the car and store seasonal items. A garage workshop often becomes a second home for the enthusiast. It's prime space to house tools and workstations. While most people need a basic workbench for routine maintenance, the enthusiast turns the garage into a fully equipped workshop. So it's little wonder that garages are getting serious makeovers.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware (www.rockler.com) has developed a modular system that will transform a typical garage bay into a fully equipped workshop that can still easily accommodate the cars. The Adjustable Multi-Function Shop Stand was designed to use common building materials for the surfaces and sides, but the genius of the design is that it's economical and versatile. Using a set of stand legs, a set of stretchers, and the included hardware, a variety of workbenches, power tool cabinets, storage cabinets, assembly tables and more can be built -- up to 15 different sized workstations. Add on locking casters to each modular unit and the stations can be easily rolled out for optimum use and then tucked against the wall to make room for the vehicles.

All the stands and stretchers come pre-drilled, so customizing the cabinetry by adding doors, drawers, backs and sides is easily managed. Assembly is a breeze with square holes for carriage bolts and nuts, which are included. For garages with less than perfect floors, heavy-duty adjustable levelers will keep the workstation stable and wobble-free.

Vertical storage is another way to maximize a fully equipped workshop. Two wall systems fit the budget and provide versatility. The traditional pegboard is the most economical solution, and Rockler's Talon pegboard tool holders stay in their designated spots without falling out.

Another wall system is the Slatwall Kit. Resin strips lock together to form a 4' x 4' section. A small tray, wire shelf, and a tool rack designed to fit the slats will help you organize regularly used tools and supplies.

Storing lumber, pipes or other long items can be organized on the Triton Lumber Rack system. With six levels of storage, there will be plenty of room to store lumber and materials for future projects.

The organization of the garage wouldn't be complete without someplace to put the nuts, screws and bolts. Clear Tilt bins let you see what's stored inside and are readily accessible with the tilt-out feature.

You don't need to break the budget with Rockler's storage and organization solutions to turn your garage into a great home workshop. To find the Rockler store nearest you, or to view their online catalog, log on to www.rockler.com.

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To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.

For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

 

What's Wrong With My Windows?

 

(ARA) - Did you know that a family of four can generate up to 18 gallons of water in the form of humidity inside a home in a week? All that water stemming from cooking, showering, washing and drying clothes, and even breathing, has to go somewhere.

One of the more visible indicators of high humidity in a home is the windows. If your home contains excessive moisture and its cold outside, the first place you'll see it is on your windows. This does not mean there's a problem with your windows, according to the Window & Door Manufacturers Association and manufacturer Peachtree Doors & Windows. The majority of window condensation simply indicates that your home needs increased ventilation to lower the amount of moisture in the air or you need to reduce the sources of the humidity.

"Older homes tend to have more cracks in their construction which allow natural air into the home and help reduce moisture," said Jeff Kibler, brand manager for Peachtree. "Newer homes, however, are much tighter and therefore trap moisture in. While helpful from an energy efficiency standpoint, this contributes to condensation and creates the potential for condensation on surfaces that are cooler than the dew point."

Humidity is generated by cooking food, running the dishwasher, filling the sink with hot water, showers, hot tubs, washers and indoor-vented dryers, basements and crawl spaces that channel dampness from the ground into the home, breathing and perspiration.

In addition to these perpetual sources of moisture, wood, plaster and other building materials in a new home absorb moisture during humid summers and gradually release it after the first few weeks of heating your home in the fall.

 

Is it Damaging my Windows?

Occasional beads of moisture on the glass after a hot shower or steaming food on the stove usually aren't a problem. However, if your windows are "sweating" without cause or for long periods of time, your windows could become damaged. Wood frames and sash can warp and become difficult to operate. Paint or other finishes may peel or become discolored. Other areas of the home could also be damaged, such as insulation, exterior siding and drywall.

 

What Can I Do?

"The best way to combat condensation on your windows is to decrease the amount of moisture in the air," Kibler said. "This may involve adding ventilation, eliminating sources of humidity or removing humidity from the air after it's been generated."

To lower the humidity in your home, you need to increase ventilation and decrease the sources of moisture.

* Run exhaust fans in the bathroom during a shower, or in the kitchen while cooking

* Take shorter showers and install water-restricting faucets - you'll lower your humidity and your water bill

* Use the microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill more frequently

* Check and reroute drainage away from your home to minimize the moisture in and around the basement and foundation

* Run a dehumidifier in basements and other damp areas

* Turn off your furnace humidifier or other home humidifier

* Open drapes and blinds to allow warm house air to circulate across the windows

 

Are All Windows Affected by Condensation?

Condensation will appear on any type of window, if a home has high humidity. Vinyl, wood or aluminum windows, regardless of manufacturer, will have some condensation if the air is humid.

One component in standard dual-pane glass, or insulated glass, can help minimize condensation. The 1/8-inch thick, 3/8-inch wide adhesive spacer that bonds together the two panes can help reduce condensation if it is comprised of a non-metal material. Traditionally these spacers have been made of stainless steel or aluminum, both of which conduct heat and cold readily. A non-metal spacer minimizes conductivity and, in turn, reduces condensation. Peachtree Doors & Windows uses a warm-edge, non-metallic spacing system.

"The non-metal, warm-edge spacer system also improves the energy efficiency of windows while reducing condensation," Kibler said. "The less metal a window has, the less it will conduct heat and cold, the less condensation will appear on the glass, and the more energy efficient it will be."

 

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 To schedule a Sacramento mold test or San Francisco Bay Area mold inspection please call 800.411.0840 today.

For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com 

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.