Home Inspection Sacramento CA

Home Inspection Sacramento CA

There is no doubt when buying a home in Sacramento CA it’s a trying time, it’s stressful and it’s confusing.  There are things that you do have complete control of when buying a home like location and price.  And that’s all well and good, but sometimes just looking at a home doesn’t tell you the whole story.

If you would have the Sacramento CA home inspected before you buy it, it may save you a lot of headaches and money.  When things go wrong with the house that you are not ready for usually they cost you a lot more than you would ever have thought.

Getting your home inspected by a qualified home inspector can alleviate a lot of your stress and worries about the condition of the home you’re about to buy.

The Sacramento home inspector should give you an un-biased assessment of the home you’re about to buy.  This assessment will be his expert opinion followed up with a professional report about the condition of the home you’re about to buy.

Doesn’t it make sense to find out if there’s anything wrong with the home that could cost you a lot of money in the long run before you buy?

Home Inspection Sacramento

Buying a Sacramento CA home is a very exciting time and it’s probably the largest purchase that you will ever make.  Doesn’t it make sense to hire a home inspector? Wouldn’t you feel a lot better to know what condition the home is in that you’re about to buy before you by?

A good inspector will want you to be there when they are doing the inspection. This is a great time to ask your home inspector any questions that you may have about the home.

A good question to ask the home inspector is where is the main water shutoff valve and where are the electrical panels. These are good things to know. But I’m sure you have a lot of other questions you could also ask.

Your home inspector would answer your questions in a way that you will be able to understand.

Here are some of the items that your home inspector will be looking at typically.

The plumbing system including all bathrooms

The heating and air conditioning system

He will check the kitchen and all major appliances

The roof and attic will be inspected inside and out

The complete electrical system will be checked

The framing and foundation walls will also be inspected

This is just a few of the items that they will be checking for you.

The home inspector will give you a detailed report with pictures and will discuss any problems that he may have found. The findings will help you to make your assessment on what you need to do or who to talk to about the house.

These findings may give you some leverage with the seller to re-negotiate the price of the home.

Having your home inspected by a qualified Sacramento home inspector will be the best investment that you could possibly make. Finding problems out before they happen will save you thousands of dollars.

A typical home inspection Sacramento CA costs between $400 to $800 in some areas. You’re investing thousands of dollars into your new home – isn’t it worth spending a few hundred dollars to make sure that you’re investing in a good home?

When hiring a Sacramento home inspector don’t be afraid to ask questions like are you certified and can you prove it.  Just like any business that’s out there you have good and you have bad inspectors.

Your Sacramento home inspector should have more than just a flashlight and a ladder.

Need Home Inspection Sacramento? Visit or Call Today! 1-877-424-8289

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

We highly recommend…

“James Budrow came highly recommended by our real estate agent, and he did not disappoint.  We were excited about our soon-to-be new home, but it was 50 years old and had some wear and tear.  James quickly and thoroughly identified issues with the house – many of which we would not have realized on our own.  He is professional, prompt, honest and affordable.  We highly recommend James Budrow to any one in need of a home inspection.”

Kim Kodl and Murphy Dysart

If you prefer to schedule your Sacramento home inspection by phone, feel free to call us at 1-877-IB4-UBuy (424-8289) or click here to schedule on line.

Real Estate Inspection Sacramento

 

Real Estate Inspection Sacramento

Do you know how safe the home that you are about to buy is?  If you have not asked yourself this, you should.  Especially if you’re a parent because you want to know how safe the Sacramento house is before you move your family in.

Some people buy Real Estate in Sacramento and say that they will do the entire remodel themselves.  The problem with that is they might not know what dangers are actually hiding in the Sacramento home itself.  The husband and wife may have good intentions about fixing the house up and that’s all well and good.

Real Estate Inspection Sacramento

But when you buy Sacramento real estate you may not know what to look for as far as safety or hazards that may be lingering in the home and may be a hazard to your family.

The last thing you want to worry about when raising children in a home is to wonder if there are any hidden dangers that could show up after you move into it.

The husband may be a very good repair man or even a decent carpenter and he can do a lot of the fix up stuff himself.  But did your husband crawl around the crawlspaces or go up into the attic and see if there are any hidden dangers like black mold, loose wiring or improperly vented ducts?

Most of the time people that are looking for real estate in Sacramento do not get in to looking at the home completely. They usually walk around the home and check out the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms and even check the neighborhood out to see what kind of schools there are for their kids.

But there are not too many people that will crawl around the crawlspaces and attics to see if there are any problems.

A certified real estate home inspector will. Their job is to check out the Sacramento home completely. They will check out the foundation, the electrical system, the plumbing system, check out crawlspaces, attics, roofs and anything else that has to do with the safety of the home.

The real estate inspectors in Sacramento are not there to kill the deal. The real estate inspector is there to protect you, the buyer, and your family.

Do not buy Sacramento real estate without getting the home inspected first because when you do that you’re setting yourself up for a major let down later.

If you move into your Sacramento home without having the home inspected it could cost you thousands of dollars later to have whatever you missed repaired after you move in.

Your home is a huge investment.  Don’t you think your family deserves the same? Get your real estate inspected before you buy. Your family should always come first.

Your real estate inspection Sacramento will give you a complete report with pictures of the home that you’re buying.  He will also explain to you anything you would like to know about the home or the report.

You should accompany the real estate inspector as he inspects the home. He will be glad to explain to you any questions that you may have about the Sacramento home.  This is a very good time to ask him things like where are the main control panels and where is the main water supply valve.

Believe it or not a real estate inspector is on your side. He wants the best for you and he wants to look out for you and your family.

I hope this article has helped you to understand why getting your real estate inspection Sacramento so important.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

Sacramento Cabinet Re-Facing

The Quick Kitchen Facelift

Kitchens have a major effect on our living experience.  Most families in Sacramento spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen – cooking, eating, cleaning up, hanging out.  Many Sacramento families also spend a significant amount of their home improvement budget in the kitchen.  While a kitchen renovation can be one of the most costly home improvements, there are some smaller updates that you can complete on a conservative budget.  One of the most dramatic ways to give your Sacramento kitchen a new look is to change your cabinets. The most expensive choice would be to replace the cabinets entirely.  But, if your cabinets are well made and in good condition, another more cost-effective route is cabinet re-facing.

Consider the scope of the work to decide if you will tackle the project yourself or hire a Sacramento professional.  The project will involve removing all current pieces, preparing the surfaces, staining or painting, hanging doors and drawer fronts, and installing new hardware. The labor will be more intensive to refinish your current doors and drawer fronts, but that option can also be less expensive.  The quicker yet more costly option is to replace them with new models. There are a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, including solid woods, laminates, and veneers.

Before you reface your cabinets, you will need to clean the doors and drawer fronts (if you are reusing them) and the bases thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and food residue.  Strip wood surfaces that were stained or painted.  Formica and vinyl generally cannot be stripped, but can be prepared for finishing by sanding the entire surface to rough it up slightly.  (If Formica or vinyl were covered with a latex paint you can gently scrape the paint off with a butter knife wrapped in a thin rag.)  Once you have exposed the raw material, patch holes, seal cracks, and sand to smooth all areas.  Apply a primer or sealer before putting on the finish or paint.

When you are starting with a decent wood base you can keep that look by staining the cabinets in a wood grain.  Paint can lend either a traditional or a more modern look depending on your use of color.  An advantage of using paint is that you can easily touch-up any nicks or worn areas over time.  Whatever finishing option you choose for your Sacramento kitchen cabinet renovation, use your imagination and think about what you will enjoy looking at every day.  Add the final touch with matching hardware to give the room a completely new look.

Even if you are planning a more extensive Sacramento kitchen renovation, re-facing may be a good idea. New appliances, fixtures, countertops, and flooring can add up to a hefty bill.  A well-done re-facing job can improve cabinet durability as well as give new life to the room for only a fraction of the cost of a complete cabinetry overhaul.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

Keep Your Cool

Maintaining Your Sacramento Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners have become a mainstay of modern life to help us stay cool in hot and humid climates.  Newer Sacramento homes are usually outfitted with central air conditioning systems, while some homeowners in older Sacramento area houses opt for less expensive window units.  Any cooling system is an investment with both the initial cost and its significant contribution to the monthly utility bills.  It is critical that the system work well so that you reap the benefit of a comfortable environment.  Monitoring its use and maintaining it regularly will help you reduce your costs.  Keeping both central and window units running effectively and efficiently will not only ensure that your family stays cool throughout the summer, but also that your costs stay in line.

Air conditioners are expensive appliances, and periodic servicing by a Sacramento professional is required.  Central air conditioners should be inspected and adjusted annually before the warm season begins and you start running it.  However, you can do your part to avert expensive repairs with some simple maintenance.  Over time regular wear will affect the system – debris can become caught in the exterior condensing unit and dust can clog or cover the filters.  Keeping your air conditioning unit clean will go a long way to guarantee that it is operating at peak efficiency.

Prepare by gathering the required information and tools.  Review the owner’s manual for your specific unit and carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and for appropriate products to use for cleaning.  Most tasks can be completed with regular household products such as a screwdriver, dust brush, vacuum, garden hose, liquid soap, and bleach.

Before you begin any maintenance turn off all power to the unit.  If you are working on a window unit, remove it from the opening and place it on a firm surface such as wood or concrete.  Routine cleaning will involve many components including the condenser, condenser coils, drain pan, filter, and air ducts.  You should install a new filter and freshen the fan motor oil as necessary.  Inspect all mechanisms including the thermostat, fuses, and breakers to check that all connections are in place. Allow a window unit to dry completely before reinstalling it.  After finishing a thorough cleaning routine you should notice a difference in output.  Monitor the thermostat so that you know how well the unit is working.

Even the most avid do-it-yourself Sacramento homeowner will need to bring in an expert for certain tasks.  Hire a Sacramento professional to replace the refrigerant and prevent harmful gases from leaking into the atmosphere during the process.  Most repairs will also require a Sacramento HVAC professional.

As the weather turns cooler and you are ready to stop using the system for another year, repeat the cleaning process.

Light Up Your Sacramento Life

Light Up Your Sacramento Life
Lighting Styles for Every Need

Nothing can change the mood in a room more quickly than the light.  The way you use light in your home continually affects your everyday living.  Proper lighting allows you to perform tasks more easily and makes you feel comfortable.  The right lighting scheme can make a small room seem open and airy and an oversized space seem intimate and inviting.  If you are looking to update your décor without breaking the bank, consider some new light fixtures for your home.  And with a broader lighting redesign you can recreate whole rooms without changing any structure or furnishings.

A comprehensive lighting plan will consider the most effective lighting style depending on how the space is used and the capabilities of your electrical system.  Use different styles placed at varying heights within the room – the ceiling, floor, table – to add depth and interest.   Once you have established the optimum style of lighting for a space there are a wide variety of fixtures to choose from in a range of finishes and designs.

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and an appropriate level of brightness for general activity.  In the living or family room recessed fixtures are an effective source for expansive lighting and you can litter them throughout the space without heavily impacting the décor.  Recessed lights and decorative fluorescent fixtures also work well over cooking and other kitchen workspaces.

Task lighting focuses on a specific area for an activity such as reading or drawing.  It is functional while bringing a cozy feeling to the space.  Floor and table lamps are the most common task fixtures.  Carefully placed wall sconces also provide a nice aesthetic touch.

Accent lighting creates a mood by highlighting certain objects or spots such as artwork or collectibles.  To create a focused yet subtle effect, think about a combination of light sources that are versatile and allow movement.  Many of these fixtures have multiple smaller light sources that can be rearranged to meet different needs.  Recessed fixtures with rotating cans are a good choice.  Track lighting and dimmer switches give you the option to create a medley of lighting schemes.

Decorative fixtures, like chandeliers, become part of the room’s décor with their ornate and detailed designs.  Such fixtures work well in spaces where you entertain such as a dining room or a music room.  Layer with light and use dimmer switches so that you can have brighter light while you are making preparations and then change to mood lighting when guests arrive.

With all things considered, the key to an interesting and effective lighting scheme is to mix and match.  Have fun – playing with light is one of the simplest ways to reflect your personal style and make easy updates to your home.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

Keep the Grass Greener

Keep the Grass Greener
Maintaining a Healthy Sacramento Lawn

Spring is almost here, and with the promise of warmer weather comes thoughts of being outdoors more often.  Now is the time to outline new landscaping plans.  Because the landscaping is visible to everyone, you want to make sure that the overall design is something you will be happy to look at, and have others look at, year after blooming year.  For the best landscaping results start with a healthy stretch of ground cover.  Think of the grass as the blank canvas you will splash with color.  If you work with a ragged canvas, the end product will always have that undertone.

With patchy grass, seeding the area is often sufficient.  Many homeowners have foregone the effort to have the perfectly homogenous lawn (for environmental and financial reasons) and supplement what grows naturally.  Grass seed is often best planted in early spring or fall, in more moderate temperatures. Like any flower or plant, different grass varieties are suited for different climates and situations.  Your local nursery will be able to advise on the right grasses for your area.  And consult your neighbors to find out what has grown well for them.  Consider your specific landscaping plan to decide where you should have sun, shade, or a sun/shade combination grass.  Measure the square footage of your planting area and look at the seed packaging to determine how much to buy.  Follow the planting and watering directions to ensure the fullest growth.  And while you might be itching to mow that new grass, it is helpful to let it grow to seed occasionally (you will see the seed heads at the top of the stalks) to naturally re-seed itself.

If there is very little or no grass in your yard, laying new sod is a good option. The appeal of using new sod is that you instantly have a growing green area where nothing was the day before.   Sodding is not complicated, just physically demanding, and can be a do-it-yourself project if you have the stamina.  Measure the area you want to cover and order the sod from a local nursery, landscaping company or sod farm.  Prepare your soil to accept the sod – thoroughly till the area, then give it one final leveling with a rake.  Lay the first sections of sod against an edge such as a driveway or flowerbed wall and work outward from there.  Laying sod is like putting together a big puzzle.  The tighter the pieces fit together, the better the final picture will look.   Once all the sections have been laid you will need to compact the sod with a roller, which you can rent from many home centers.  New sod will need daily watering for the first week and regular watering throughout the growing season to ensure that the roots grow downward toward the moisture.  Mow the new lawn about one month after planting.

Whether you start with seed or sod, with the proper care you should see a healthy grass cover year after year.

Spring Maintenance

 

Spring Maintenance
A Check-up for the House

With Spring around the corner it is a good time to think about giving your house a thorough check-up.  A regular maintenance plan will go far in helping you identify problems early on and mitigate costly damage and repairs.  And by keeping your house in good repair and good order you will enhance your everyday living.

Inspect and repair exteriors suffering the effects of winter weather.  Start a thorough cleaning room by room and check all house systems. Think through each area of your property to make a comprehensive checklist of basic tasks, such as the following:

Home Exterior

• Inspect the roof for leaks and damaged tiles or shingles

• Check siding for loose pieces and check trim for cracked paint

• Clean gutters, repair holes and weak joints, and replace damaged sections

• Replace exterior caulking that is peeling

• Inspect the foundation for cracks or other signs of weakening.

• Repair cracked or uneven driveways, stairs, and sidewalks to prevent injuries

• Remove and store storm windows and doors

• Wash windows and repair any damaged frames; clean and reinstall screens

• Clean up yard debris such as dead foliage and weeds; begin spring landscaping projects

• Clean and repair outdoor patio furniture

• Check sprinkler system for leaky or loose valves

• Inspect decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose pieces and deterioration

Home Interior

• Service the water heater pump and motor

• Clean the air conditioning unit and replace the belt when necessary; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for professional maintenance

• Replace the furnace filter

• Make sure the electrical system is adequate to support any new appliances, technology, or increased wattage use; upgrade as necessary

• Clear slow-moving drains and ensure that plumbing shutoff valves function properly

• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter

• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper

• Ensure that fire extinguishers are operable and accessible

• Clean smoke alarm covers and install new batteries

• Replace older light bulbs with energy-efficient models

• Sort through closets and other storage and pull out things that are no longer used, then make a plan to donate or sell them

With an established routine you will also become better acquainted with the nuances of your home systems and better equipped to deal with problems when they do arise.  It is a good idea to supplement your efforts by making a professional home inspection part of the routine.  While most homebuyers have an inspection as part of their due diligence when considering a new home, most homeowners don’t think to schedule an inspection once they are living in the house.  Yet, a professional home inspector can help you identify problems in your home before they become huge strains on your lifestyle and your wallet.  Once you have gone through your home to note things that concern you, an inspector can give you insight into necessary repairs and upgrades.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

New Windows and Doors

New Windows and Doors
The Home Improvement that Pays for Itself

As another winter comes to a close, are you thinking that your house feels draftier each year?  Do you notice air seeping through your windows and doors?  Older, leaky windows and doors account for a large percentage of home heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.  Replacing old ones with new energy-efficient models can be one of the most beneficial things you do to maintain your home and your budget.  And there has never been a better time to update your windows and doors.  The American Recovery and Investment Act, commonly referred to as the Stimulus, offers a tax incentive that gives 30% of the cost, up to $1500, back to those who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.  Taxpayers have until the end of 2010 to take advantage of the credit.  And the tax break is only a fraction of the financial benefits you will see from installing energy-efficient products.  You may quickly see a reduction in your heating and cooling bills.  In time the windows and doors will pay for themselves with the savings in energy costs.

There are several choices in windows and doors, and a professional can be a valued resource in making the right choice.  Even with the tax credit, it is a large investment that calls for thoughtful planning.  Begin by researching window and door companies in your area.  Most local home centers also offer installation services.  There are a multitude of styles in a range of price points for you to consider, including the overall shape, the opening and closing mechanisms, the quality of the glass, the construction material, and the design features. Newer windows and doors also offer improved operation – opening and closing more smoothly and making cleaning and upkeep easier.  To qualify for the tax credit the products must meet specific guidelines that a professional can outline for you.

Most window dealers will bring samples and materials to your home for a consultation.  Make appointments with a few dealers so you can compare cost estimates and installation processes.  Draw up a list of questions to ask each dealer:
•    Do they manufacture their own materials and assemble their own products?
•    What is the guarantee on the product and the labor?
•    How long after signing a contract will installation be scheduled?
•    How long will installation take, with how many people on the crew?
•    Will installation be done from inside or outside of the house?
•    How much cleanup will the crew do?
•    Do they subcontract the labor for installation?  Who is responsible if there is a problem with installation?
•    What is the process to replace a damaged window or door at a later date?
•    Which products meet the standards to qualify for the tax credit?
•    What are the financing options?

Once you have done the research and gathered all the information you can choose the right product that will make your family and your wallet happy for years to come.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter Cleaning
The Essential Dirty Job

It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.  Whether you take care of it yourself or hire someone, it is essential that you keep your gutters clean and working well.

When someone has let their gutters go too long without a cleaning it is obvious.

However, even tiny debris like particles from the roofing material or plant seeds can cause drainage problems.  Over time any organic materials will compost and create a fertile breeding ground for all manner of plant life that will clog your gutters.  The job of the gutter is basic – to drain water away from your home.  Considering the potential consequences of not cleaning the gutters such as water damage to the home exterior, leaks, and foundation problems, it’s critical to clean and repair your gutters regularly.

The first step in keeping a clear and clean gutter is to prevent blockages as much as possible.  If you have trees near the gutters, cut them back and monitor their growth to ensure that they are not touching the gutters or arching directly over them.  Shrubs should also be contained so they do not interfere with the downspouts.

Most roofers offer gutter cleaning services.  Gutter cleaning is messy, but fairly simple with the right equipment, and some people opt to tackle the job on their own.  To do it yourself you will need a ladder, gloves, trash bags, a bucket, and a hose.  Use an articulating (fixed) ladder if possible.  An extension ladder will rest on the gutters and might cause damage.

Fasten the bucket to the top of the ladder.  Gloves will protect your hands from sharp edges, and with your hands covered you can transfer the debris and leaves from the gutter to the bucket.  If you’re not keen on immersing your hands in the muck, use a scoop or small shovel.  Empty each full bucket load into a trash bag or compost bin.  This cuts down on the cleanup that would be necessary if you simply threw the debris to the ground.

With the gutter mostly clear, flush out remaining debris with the hose.  The downspouts should now flush easily, but occasionally you will find a separate blockage there.  Use the hose to dislodge the clog.  Be careful not to use excessive water pressure that could damage the spouts.  You can try a plumbing snake on particularly tenacious clogs.  If you need to remove an angled section to clean it, scrub off the old caulk then reattach the cleaned piece with new caulk.

The water running through the gutters and spouts will highlight any holes or cracks that need repair.  Replace worn or damaged pieces promptly and seal small holes and leaks.  Repeat the process twice a year to keep repairs to a minimum – best in the spring after winter damage and in the fall after the leaves have fallen.  With regular maintenance your gutters will work properly for years.

Sacramento Inspection LLC

James Budrow

Next Page »