What a season it is! Building a new home or a seasoned home? In the Des Moines area alone, housing sales in January of this year were up over 20% according to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors, and homes sold in an average of 44 days. That’s compared to an average of 64 […]
Spring cleaning – it’s a “dirty word” around our home. Well, not really, but my wife remembers spending several weekends every year doing spring cleaning; and it’s something we still do! Wash the windows and screens. (Lots of windows? Might we suggest hiring it out since an average size home costs minimal. I can do […]
My wife and I recently have had the opportunity to spend a few weeks in warmer weather. It’s always fascinating to see the difference in homes in the Southwest. It’s a construction hazard – no matter where I go yes, I go over everything in the homes we’re staying with a fine tooth comb! My […]
It’s no surprise. Nearly everything has changed in this COVID-19 world. I’ve learned how to use Zoom with our financial planner, a family meeting with my daughter who lives overseas, and how to watch our worship services online. I’ve not been asked if I would perform a home inspection via Zoom. anything may be possible in […]
Don’t you love your wood burning fireplace on a cold blustery winter day? But are you aware that it may need some TLC? Before you settle in to using it while everyone’s home for Christmas vacation, here are a few tips: When using a wood burning fireplace, make sure the wood you’re using is cured […]
What comes after Fall? Winter and colder temperatures. I don’t know about you but sweaters are out, warm fuzzy throws are everywhere (at least where my wife sits) and now with an elderly parent living with us, our thermostat is bumped up about 8 degrees! You can’t wrap your house in a parka or a […]
There’s a crack in my driveway and it can be a trip hazard and can lead to other problems with your home. Guess what comes after Fall? Winter! Yikes, here in Des Moines we’ve already had an early taste of it with the “squall” in mid October. 2020 seems to be the year of new […]
Gas fireplace safety is important as getting your furnace checked. With cooler weather comes the urge to cozy up to the fireplace with hot chocolate and a good movie. But sometimes you settle in, turn on the fireplace and notice a strange smell coming from the fireplace. Now what? If you have a natural gas […]
We’ve been in this business since 2013 and the number of requests for radon has gone up significantly. Some people call and immediately request radon. While others ask the question: “What is radon and why should I do it?” Home safety is important. Radon is an inert gas, colorless and odorless, that has been known […]
As the days get shorter and nights are cooler, you know fall is coming. So my question to you is this. Is your home ready for fall? Here are a few things fall home maintenance tips to help you get ready. Gutters: Be sure they’re clear of leaves and debris to prevent ice expansion to […]