Responsible Landscaping Is Xeriscaping

The New Trend in Responsible Landscaping is Called Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping, Responsible Landscaping

Modern homeowners are continually improving their homes while also trying to make responsible landscaping choices that are healthy for family and environment.  Unfortunately, what has become a glowing symbol of homeownership in America is also a huge drain on the environment – the robust and homogenous lawn.  As the idea of the lawn gained widespread popularity in the early 20^th century, homeowners spent countless hours and dollars to grow and maintain the perfect lawn. To keep a lawn full, green, and weed-free requires regular seeding, watering, tending, and mowing.  But today, with increasing awareness about the environmental impact of everyday activities, many homeowners have begun to cut down on using up water and energy resources and spreading chemical fertilizers and weed-killers.  A new trend is gaining popularity as a solution to the environmental issues and economic costs associated with lawn care: xeriscaping or responsible landscaping.

Responsible landscaping or xeriscaping, with the “x” pronounced as a “z,” stems from the Greek “xeros” meaning dry.  Xeriscaping is simply a responsible landscaping design that is tailored to thrive with little maintenance.  It generally requires less water, pest control, and fertilizer than traditional landscaping, therefore saving money, time, and natural resources.  The principal goal of xeriscaping or responsible landscaping is to utilize the land’s natural properties and not to force something foreign into the plan.  That means a good xeriscaping design will take account of the shape and slope of the land, the soil content, and plants and flowers that are native to the region and climate.

There are many choices a homeowner can make when switching to a xeriscaping or a responsible landscaping plan.

• If you just love having an expanse of lawn, let the native grasses grow in, including mosses and weeds.  In other words, keep anything that is green!  Those varieties will need less water, as they are naturally suited to the climate.
• If you’re willing to reduce your lawn size, keep smaller swatches of lawn between groupings of plants or as edges to walkways.
• Incorporate native plants and flowers throughout the space.  Research plants that are native to other areas but that are hardy and will work in your region with little maintenance.  When deciding on plant placement, group plants that have similar watering needs together to maximize watering efficiency.
• Use walls and edging on sloping terrain so that water will pool and soak into the soil and roots well.  Supplement soil with compost and mulch to help retain moisture and regulate temperature.
• A rock garden is a good way to utilize naturally occurring stones and an area that does not easily support green growth.
• Patios, walkways, decks, and other responsible landscaping hardscap features add another element to reduce landscaping care.

Because xeriscaping is essentially about practicing regionally responsible landscaping, it can be quite easy to make the changes.  Look at your current landscaping plan and see what can be adapted to lower maintenance costs and save resources.  There are a wide range of beautiful and interesting plants and elements that can be incorporated into a xeriscaping or responsible landscaping design.

Home Maintenance

Simple Home Maintenance Tips

Home Maintenance Efforts

Home Maintenance

Now that we are well into the spring season, many homeowners may have begun spring cleaning home maintenance efforts and preparations for summer renovations.  And it’s also a good time to do a little preventative care around the house to make sure that things are working as they should be.  Simple, routine home maintenance can minimize the need for costly, disruptive, and time-consuming repairs in the future. Here are some quick home maintenance tips for a few household items that can help you keep things running smoothly.
Air Conditioner Home Maintenance
Before the heat of summer kicks in, make sure that the air conditioning unit is ready to work.  Change or clean the filter monthly as part of regular home maintenance.  Remove any obstructions or debris from around the condensing unit – it needs to draw on outdoor air to cool for the inside.  Check for Freon leaks and make sure levels are adequate for maximum efficiency.

Refrigerator Home Maintenance

One of the biggest priorities of home maintenance with a refrigerator is ensuring that cold air stays in, keeping your food fresh and your energy bills in line.  Make sure that the unit is level so that doors are sealing tightly.  Clean the gaskets on the doors every few months and replace cracked or damaged ones so that the doors shut properly.  Check that the small tube running refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator isn’t kinked or leaking.  Regularly removing dust build-up from the coils can help the refrigerator work efficiently.

Washing Machine Home Maintenance

It may seem odd that you should wash your washing machine, but you can increase the life of the machine by keeping it clean and in good repair. Clean the tub according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and wipe drippings off of the exterior (some stain removers or other chemicals might corrode the exterior). Check for dripping water coming from cracked hoses or loose fittings, and replace parts as necessary.  If your machine bangs around during a cycle, adjust the feet to level it and prevent damage. Ensure that the drain hose is secured properly so that pressure does not cause it to loosen and spill water onto your floor.

Toilet Home Maintenance

A disabled toilet is one of the biggest inconveniences a family can encounter.  Some easy investigation can identify leaks early and keep the fix simple.  Add a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later. If the water has turned red, water is seeping through from the tank, and you may need to replace some parts.

Plumbing Home Maintenance

A plumbing backup generally brings a halt to everything else until the issue is fixed.  Take basic measures to keep pipes clear and prevent clogs.  Fit all tub, shower, and sink drains with strainers to catch hair and other debris.  Clean old strainers and replace loose or broken ones.  It’s also wise to have the entire family review the location of the inside and outside water shut-off valves in case of emergency.

Sacramento Home Inspection Service recommends having a yearly home maintenance inspection to help protect your investment.

Power Up

Keeping Electrical Outlets and Switches Updated

Electrical upgrade

New houses are getting bigger – research has shown that over the past sixty years the average new house size has more than doubled from approximately 1000 to 2300 square feet.   These days there is more space to heat and cool and more space for appliances and equipment.  Older homes must also support increased electricity usage.  Cooking, heating, lighting, technology, and air conditioning all contribute to rising household electricity consumption.  And some appliances have switched from gas to electric power over the years (such as heat pumps and water heaters), adding to that load.  The end result is that most homes are powered up with outlets full of plugs and power strips.

As the family habits change over time (video game consoles, additional computers) it’s important to ensure that the electrical system can support those needs. Replacing electrical outlets and switches can be a do-it-yourself project. However, if you are not reasonably familiar with or comfortable working with electrical components, don’t hesitate to have an expert do the work.  Either way, it helps to have a professional inspect the house and advise on what is required. Make a yearly home inspection part of your routine and update electrical components as needed to protect your family, belongings, and home from power shortages, electric shocks, and fire hazards.

Outlets

With outlets, it’s helpful to know what type to use in different situations. GFI or GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets provide extra protection from power surges.  Kitchen, bathroom, and exterior outlets should be protected by a GFCI to guard against electrocution.  GFCI outlets should also be installed in locations that supply power to expensive or delicate appliances like the family computer.  For less power-intensive equipment, like table lamps, a regular 120-volt receptacle might do.  If you are replacing the outlets throughout the house, consider grounding them all to be safe.

Switches

If you’re replacing light switches, you may want to consider upgrading them. In recent years, the range of options in light switches has grown to offer a variety of features including full-range dimming; a delayed fade from full light to off; dimmers that can be programmed with several different settings; switches that automatically turn lights on when a person enters the room and off when they leave; and central lighting controls that operate lights anywhere in the house.  Tailoring the switches from room to room to suit different needs will serve a twofold purpose.  Having specified light will create an ambiance that relates to the use of the space.  And having smart switches that turn off when a person leaves a room or dimmers that can cast less than full light when appropriate will also make your lighting and therefore your electricity use more efficient and less costly.

James Budrow at Sacramento Inspection recommends homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

All Hands on Deck

Keeping the Deck in Good Repair

Remove and Repair Damaged Areas

Dry rot is a fungus that spreads through wet wood, and is a particular problem for decks. Test for dry rot by using a prodding tool like a screwdriver or an awl to determine if the wood is soft.  Any wood that is soft should be replaced so that other timber does not become infected. Also, identify the source of the problem, such as nearby clogged drainage pipes, and fix that issue promptly as well. Otherwise, you will find yourself making the same repairs over again until the boards are beyond repair. Beams, posts, and joists that are on or are very close to the ground are especially vulnerable to damage from mud and pooled water and will need more frequent attention.

Boards that have suffered weather damage can also twist out of shape, creating an uneven and potentially hazardous walking surface. These boards can often be fixed rather than replaced. Remove nails or screws from the twisted boards. Cut a notch out of a 2×4 so that it can be fitted over the end of a twisted board to move the board back into place. Once the board is set, nail or screw it down firmly. For particularly difficult boards, use a counterweight (such as someone standing on it) to flatten it out while you reattach it.  There are a few advantages to fixing a board rather than replacing it.  First, you will not have the added cost for new materials, and second, you will not have a strip of new lumber that does not match the rest of the deck.  If you do need to install new boards to replace irreversibly damaged sections, thoroughly clean the older portions of the deck so that the new and old parts of the deck more closely match.

Fix Loosened Nails

Wood contracts and expands with the changing weather, causing nails to pop out of the boards. Pull these nails out and replace them with longer, thicker nails or with galvanized deck screws. You can also countersink the nails into the wood – setting them slightly below the surface – with a nail set tool.  Some nail varieties, such as brad nails, are designed for this purpose.  Countersinking will give a better hold and a more finished appearance.

Prevent Future Damage

A sealer should be used to finish off the deck and guard against moisture. Because a sealer will slow down the rate at which the wood absorbs water, it can reduce the expansion and contraction that causes much of the warping, cracking, and nail popping that destroys decks.

James Budrow at Sacramento Inspection recommends homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

Basement Remodeling

Increase Your Living Space

The basement was traditionally a dark and dank place to store holiday decorations and old toys.  But the modern family uses more space per person than in the past, and many homeowners are looking for more livable space. Turning the basement into usable quarters is a logical choice.  Whether you have a full or partial basement, follow some basic steps to create a cozy and appealing retreat: prepare the space for safe living, consider how you and your family will use the space, and thoughtfully design the plan to meet those needs.

Prepare the Space for Safe Living

Subterranean spaces are always vulnerable to dampness and flooding.  Even if you rarely have water problems, address even small issues and take proactive measures to prevent larger problems before doing any other work. One bout of leaking or flooding can ruin any finish work.  Start by consulting a professional home inspector who specializes in waterproofing basements.

Air that circulates well helps prevent condensation and mold problems.  But most basements in older homes have few if any vents and return air ducts. During the remodeling process add these openings where they will be the most effective. If your basement houses the furnace and other major appliances install a carbon monoxide detector to ensure that dangerous fumes are not being sucked through the vents and into the rest of the house.

Decide How the Space Will be Used

A finished basement will add a significant amount of livable space to your home.  Consider your family’s changing needs and how you will use the space. Popular and practical uses include a recreation room for the kids, a music practice area, or a home theater. Utility components such as water lines and heating and cooling ducts are usually available, so it is generally easy to add a bathroom and other comforts to turn the space into a guest suite as well.

Design Thoughtfully

Make practical decorating choices.  Install surfaces that don’t easily absorb moisture instead of plush carpets and curtains.  If you want to carpet, consider a hardy indoor/outdoor variety or use area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.  And plan for electronics or technology needs by adding adequate wiring and outlets on each wall.
Maximize natural light – if the basement partially extends above ground level add windows or enlarge existing ones; you can dig window wells for completely underground spaces.  If you are concerned about security, install glass bricks rather than actual windows to allow light into the room. Keep the layout open so that light will move throughout the space. Creative use of artificial light can also help to open up the space and dispel that “cave feeling” of many basements.  Direct the light upwards to give the allusion of greater ceiling height. Strategically placed mirrors will also amplify the lighting effects.

You might be starting out from a rough space, but with the right design you’ll have a great addition that will increase your living comfort and your home’s value.

This article was brought to by SacramentoInspection.com

Sacramento Inspection recommends homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

Basic Appliance Care

Cleanliness Keeps Appliances Going

Modern appliances have evolved into some of the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, and convenient household products on the market. Accordingly, they have also become a significant investment with steeper price tags and more bells and whistles.  Proper maintenance is a necessity to keep the highly valuable items running effectively and efficiently for as long as possible. Large repairs on major appliances will warrant a professional service call.  But keeping the appliances clean and in good condition will go a long way to prevent problems.

Refrigerator and Freezer: Clean the coils underneath the refrigerator to ensure that the compressor fan can circulate fresh air. Unplug the machine, pull out the vent plate that covers the coils, and use a vacuum hose to clean them. Keep the door gasket clean and free from sticky residue that can cause the gasket to weaken and compromise the closing seal.  Defrost the freezer when frost builds up.

Dishwasher: Take out the racks and baskets – clean them and then clean the inside surfaces, corners, and linings. Put the pieces back inside and run the machine while empty with a little detergent.

Stove: Clean burners with a wet rag and dish soap or with a stove-cleaning solvent.  If you have a gas stove, learn how to safely relight the pilot; blue flames indicate that the stove is working at full efficiency.  Burners for electric stoves can usually be easily and inexpensively replaced.

Washing Machine: Cleaning the washing machine may seem redundant, but it is an important part of maintaining the unit.  Drops of detergent can splash onto the control panel and seep under the knobs and buttons.  Wipe the outer surface of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any build-up. If your washing machine rattles when it runs, it may need leveling.

Dryer: Lint and debris that accumulate in the lint trap and around or under the dryer can become a fire hazard.  Clean the lint trap after each use and keep the area around the dryer clear. Clean the outside vent once a year and make sure it opens when the dryer is on and closes properly when the dryer is off.

Air conditioner: Like the refrigerator, the air conditioning coils need to be cleaned periodically by running the vacuum brush over them. At the same time, clean or replace the filter if necessary.

Water Heater: Heating water costs money and energy.  You can help the heater run more efficiently and lower utility bills by wrapping it in insulation to keep the heat concentrated in the unit and prevent it from radiating out.

For all appliances, take the time to read through the owner’s manual and review the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.  Acquaint yourself with all appliance features, even those functions you may rarely or never use.  Each component has an effect on the overall efficiency of the unit, and it helps to know how to properly care for every aspect of your appliances.

This article was brought to you by SacramentoInspection.com

Sacramento inspection recommends  homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

Clearing a Drain Blockage

Keep the Plumbing Lines Open

Some of the smallest household contraptions contribute in large part to the convenience of our modern living.  The drain is given little thought – until it doesn’t do its job properly. A blocked drain can disrupt a home more quickly than many other problems. Thankfully, unclogging a drain can be relatively easy with the right tools.  By learning a bit about drain cleaning you can save yourself time, money, and inconvenience.

Prevention is the best medicine, and it’s wise to use drain screens to catch hair and debris before they can run down into the pipes and cause a clog.  But over time it’s inevitable that your pipes will accumulate enough things like food particles, grease, and soap to cause even a minor clog. A blockage is easy to detect – water is slow to leave the sink or tub.  When you are faced with this situation there is no choice but to clear the line.  There are simple ways to clear a clog using items often found around your house.

Begin by removing the drain stopper (it should pull up or unscrew).  Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for fifteen minutes.  This will soften many clogs enough to move them through the pipes.  Repeat this step once or twice if it does not work the first time. A homemade solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar (1/2 cup each) can also be used to dissolve mucky substances.  Pour the solution into the drain, allow it to work for about fifteen minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.  Repeat if necessary.  At this point a plunger may bring up the rest of the clog: fill the basin with some water, block the overflow with a rag, and push the plunger down and up about a dozen times.

If the clog still persists try to dislodge it with a plumber’s snake (you can buy or rent one) or a straightened wire hanger.  Work the tool up and down until you have cleared much of the clog.  The length of the professional plumber’s snake, a flexible steel cable over a dozen feet long, will be necessary for deep clogs.

At times, you may encounter a more difficult clog, one that has moved further from the local drain site, causing problems with several or all drains in the house.  To deal with this problem you will have to work out the clog at the main drain. Ensure that no one in the house is using any of the plumbing facilities, then find the access point and position a bucket to catch overflow before you remove the cap.  Feed a plumbing snake through the pipes until you hit the blockage then work the snake back and forth to dislodge the clog.

If your best efforts still cannot solve the problem it’s time to call in a professional.  Plumbing blockages should be dealt with promptly to prevent water damage to the home.

Sacramento Mold Inspector

Sacramento Mold Inspector

It may have happened to someone you know or even in your own home.  Water damage or some other work required you to open up the wall, the floor, the ceiling – and there it was…mold.  Time to call the Sacramento mold inspector. The thought of having a mold problem can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner.  Mold is formed by microscopic spores and attaches to moist surfaces.  In nature mold has the important function to help decompose substances such as leaves and plant debris.  But when that mold has settled into your drywall, carpet, or other house material it becomes a significant problem. We would like to point out that if you suspect you may have a mold issue in your home, we recommend you contact a certified Sacramento mold inspector to conduct a thorough indoor air and surface quality review as soon as possible.

Any issue that creates humid or wet conditions, including leaks or poor ventilation, will increase the chances of mold breeding in the area.  There are telltale signs of a mold problems that trigger a Sacramento mold Inspector to be called. Stale, musty odors, especially in the bathroom, laundry room, basement, and attic, are strong indicators that mold is growing. You may also see small black or white specks along damp areas.  This is a sign that you need to call a Sacramento mold inspector. Mold may be hidden behind walls or tiles, and even dry mold can still cause problems. This means that if you fixed a leak that caused mold and then cleaned up the mold, mold colonies of spores may be dormant but not entirely dead.  Just as grass and plants are rejuvenated after a cold winter by the sun and rain of spring, dormant mold can begin to spread anew if conditions become optimal again from additional leakage or humidity.  Untreated mold will continue to grow and damage the house, calling for an invasive and expensive repair effort.

Contact a Sacramento Mold Inspector

Having mold colonize your home is an issue, but many people are equally concerned about the health risks to the family exposed to mold.  A Sacramento mold inspector can test for many different types of spores. People that have allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions may be especially sensitive to mold. Those with more serious health issues may be at increased risk for infection.  Symptoms of mild exposure may include runny noses, congestion, or cough. A small number of molds, such as “black mold,” will produce very harmful toxins that can induce more persistent affects such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Because mold is a double threat, to both the house structure and the family health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Deal with leaks promptly and dry out affected building components and furniture.  Keep areas of high humidity, such as the laundry room, ventilated properly.  If you do suspect that you have a mold problem, act quickly call a Sacramento mold inspector at 877-424-8289. The State of California suggests that some smaller mold issues can be cleaned using common household chemicals.  We strongly encourage any non-professional to review the information and related links on the State Dept of Health Services website before attempting to clean up even the smallest amount of mold or suspected mold. After educating yourself on the issue, if you feel comfortable, clean up the mold you can see – specially formulated solutions are available to deal with mold and mildew.  However, you may find that symptoms persist even after the cleaning.  At that point it’s time to call in a Sacramento Mold Inspector who is skilled in testing, removal and/or treatment.  A thorough testing, treatment and or removal will prevent the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas, kill and remove the mold, and protect the cleaned out area against future infestations.  With proper testing by a Sacramento mold inspector, vigilance, treatment in preventing mold growth and prompt attention when a problem arises you can avert a potential disaster.

Contact A Sacramento Mold Inspector

If you are interested in speaking to a Sacramento mold inspector or would like to set up a indoor air and surface quality monitoring program in your home please feel free to contact us at 1-877-424-8289.

Indoor Air Issues

Every Breath You Take

Indoor Air Issues

For many people, the home is a sanctuary.  However, the air there may not be as clean as we think.  Several aspects of modern living can actually spoil the air in the home.  And because houses are being built and remodeled in ways that tightly seal the shell, drastically reducing air movement between the indoors and outdoors, pollutants in the house will largely remain there. The better informed you are about any air issues affecting the family home and health, the better equipped you will be to control and prevent them.

Indoor air problems stem from many substances including biological pollutants, combustion by-products, hazardous building materials, and household products.

Biological pollutants come from living matter.  The most widespread examples include mold, animal dander, and dust mites.  Excess condensation and poorly maintained HVAC systems can promote mold growth. Therefore it’s critical to have appliances with condensing units cleaned and serviced regularly.  Minimize the impact of animal dander and dust mites with regular dusting and cleaning.

Fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and kerosene, produce harmful by-products. Any heating appliance that burns fuel can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or excess water vapor.  Ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is well maintained, properly vented, and inspected regularly for safety.

Remodeling projects give your home new sparkle, but the process can create unhealthy air.  Home renovations often disturb areas containing old hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, and can release particles into the air.  Rather than try to remove them, which often creates more of a health hazard, it is better to carefully cover them up. A professional inspector can help you determine what hazardous materials you will uncover and how best to contain and clean them up.  Paints, adhesives, and stripping and finishing solvents can also create indoor air pollution. Some of these products are volatile and flammable.  Read all labels thoroughly and use them strictly as recommended.

The very chemicals we use to clean and disinfect our homes can also cause air pollution.  Follow manufacturers’ instructions for amounts and usage.  Use the least strong product that will do the job with the smallest amount necessary.  Ventilate the area that you are cleaning so that fumes do not linger.  Keep household chemicals tightly sealed in their original containers.

Be aware of the signs that you may have an indoor air quality problem.  You may notice stale and musty odors.  Dirty or faulty HVAC equipment will most likely affect the air quality.  Excessive condensation and humidity often correlate to the presence of molds.  And take note of any changes to the family’s health inside the home, such as irritated eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and fatigue. If you suspect a problem with the air in your home, take action promptly.  A professional air quality inspector can do a comprehensive review of your home’s environment and help you address issues effectively.  Once you have fixed existing problems, schedule annual inspections and service calls to prevent recurring damage.

Spring Cleaning

Giving the House a Good Once Over

For many homeowners springtime brings thoughts of making home improvements and upgrades.  When you are putting together a list of potential projects, think about adding a thorough spring cleaning at the top of that list.  Even the most ardent housekeepers do not get to all the nooks and crannies regularly.  Giving the house a good once over has many benefits.  Dust and allergens settle in upholstery and carpets; deep cleaning those items will improve your home’s air quality.  Freshening up décor such as light fixtures and blinds keep them in good repair and brighten up the house.  Cleaning the inside of closet and pantry spaces will help you to inventory what you have and to purge old, unused items.

An effective spring cleaning will take several days – decide when you can dedicate the time and effort, and then mark it on your calendar.  Scheduling the cleaning alongside your other events and appointments will give it that importance and help you stick to your plan.  Your to-do list will include those bigger tasks that do not make every routine cleaning, such as:

• Baseboards
• Walls and Ceilings – vacuum dust and clean surface grime
• Light fixtures
• Window frames and doorjambs
• Window coverings – take down and clean draperies, curtains, and blinds
• Hardware including door knobs and hinges
• Closets – shoe racks, shelves, and floors
• Pantries – clean shelves and inventory food items
• Cabinets – interiors and doors of kitchen and bath cabinets
• Refrigerator and Stove – remove and clean all parts including crisper drawers, knobs, racks, and burners
• Floors – move large furniture and vacuum or mop all surfaces
• Carpets – have carpets professionally cleaned
• Furniture – wax wooden furniture and have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned

And last but not least, take the opportunity to organize.  During an in-depth spring cleaning you will be going through things that you might not have looked at in a long time, like items shoved under the bed or hidden on the floor of your closet under the hanging clothes.  Begin by sorting through the clutter that is in your way as you are cleaning an area.  Put things into three groups: to be used, to be stored, to be purged (donate or sell items that can be reused).  Set up a storage system that will work for you by keeping the basics of smart storage in mind:

• Group similar items together.  Keep tools in the toolbox, hang dress shirts together.
• Define where things are stored.  Give specific uses to closets, cabinets, and shelves.  Labels storage bins and boxes.
• Be sensible.  Use your space in a way that fits your needs and that you can maintain over time.  If it makes sense to store a frequently used tool kit in the food pantry, then do it!
• Think ahead.  Storage needs change over time as people part with and accumulate things.  Maintain some free space for future needs and regularly clear out old, unused items during the annual spring cleaning.

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