Home Seller's Guide

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Regarding home improvement, it's easy to procrastinate on specific projects. We often prioritize other tasks or underestimate the importance of certain upgrades. However, there are some home improvement projects that you shouldn't put off.

These projects not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also improve its functionality, safety, and energy efficiency. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most crucial home improvement projects you should tackle sooner rather than later.

1. Roof Repair or Replacement:
   Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, protecting it from the elements. Ignoring roof issues, such as leaks or damaged shingles, can lead to costly consequences, such as water damage and compromised structural integrity. Regularly inspect your roof for signs of wear, and address any issues promptly. Investing in roof repair or replacement upfront is better than facing more significant problems down the line.
2. HVAC System Maintenance:
   Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is vital in maintaining a comfortable living environment. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ductwork, ensures optimal performance. Neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns. Schedule professional care at least once a year to keep your HVAC system in top shape.
3. Plumbing Repairs:
   Leaky faucets, dripping pipes, or clogged drains may seem like minor nuisances, but they can escalate into significant problems if left unattended. Plumbing issues not only waste water but can also cause water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues. Address plumbing repairs promptly to avoid more extensive damage and higher repair costs. If you're uncomfortable tackling plumbing issues, hire a professional plumber to fix them.
4. Electrical Updates:
   Outdated electrical systems or faulty wiring pose significant safety hazards. If your home has old wiring, frequent power surges, or outdated electrical panels, it's crucial to prioritize electrical updates. Faulty electrical systems can lead to electrical shocks, fires, or even electrocution. Hire a licensed electrician to assess your home's electrical system and recommend any necessary updates or repairs.
5. Insulation and Weather Stripping:
   Insufficient insulation and poor weather stripping can result in energy loss, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Inadequate insulation can make your home uncomfortable by allowing drafts and temperature fluctuations. Improve your home's energy efficiency by adding insulation in the attic, walls, and floors. Additionally, check and replace weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent air leaks.
6. Structural Repairs:
   Cracks in walls, uneven floors, or sagging roofs indicate potential structural issues that should not be ignored. These problems may stem from foundation settling, moisture damage, or other underlying issues. If left unaddressed, they can lead to severe damage and compromise the stability of your home. Consult a professional contractor or structural engineer to promptly assess and repair any structural issues.

While postponing home improvement projects is easy, specific tasks should not be neglected. Roof repairs, HVAC maintenance, plumbing fixes, electrical updates, insulation upgrades, and structural repairs are essential to maintain a safe, comfortable, and efficient home.

Addressing these projects promptly can prevent more significant problems and save money in the long run. Prioritize these improvements to enhance your home's value, functionality, and overall quality of life. Remember, caring for your home is an investment in longevity and peace of mind. 

Oct 4, 2023 - By the dedicated team of editors and writers at Newsletter Station. 

An apartment building was converted to condos decades ago, and a recently discovered problem arose: Some electrical connections serve two different owners. What now? 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – 

Question: I live in an apartment building that was converted to condominiums decades ago. Given the age of the building, many unit owners are doing extensive upgrades. During these upgrades, several unit owners discovered the electrical outlets on the shared wall to the abutting unit are connected to the electrical source in the adjoining unit.

Whose responsibility is it to correct this decades-old problem recently discovered? – Harry

Answer: As condominium buildings age and repairs begin, the unexpected will surely be encountered.

While some buildings were always owned as condominiums, many were converted from single-owner apartment buildings to satisfy people looking to own rather than rent. The shared electric lines likely occurred because your building was constructed for a single owner and then converted to individual units.

However, whatever the cause, the problem must be corrected now that it has been discovered.

When dealing with a community association issue, the first step is carefully reviewing your community’s formative documents. The answer you seek is likely contained in your condo’s declaration.

In most condominium apartment buildings, the association is responsible for issues on the exterior of the building, the grounds, and within the units adjoining walls. Examples include fixing the roof, replacing landscaping and repairing plumbing between units.

This leaves unit owners to deal with all the issues inside their units and on the interior side of their walls. However, please note that I said most condominiums are set up this way, and yours might be governed differently.

Given the problem you described, it is likely that the affected unit owners will need to fix the part of the problem within their unit while the association fixes the problem inside the walls.

As far as each neighbor wanting to true up with each other for using the other’s power, it will prove difficult or impossible to do so because there is likely no way to track how much power each neighbor paid for a few plugs in the other’s home.

Plus, since many were mixed up, the demanding neighbor might have to pay their other neighbor for the same issue, creating much fuss and bad feelings for minimal gain.

Copyright © South Florida Sun Sentinel, Gary M. Singer. All rights reserved.

Any home can have mold, but it’s a notable problem after storms like Hurricane Idalia. The EPA says mold can sometimes be present but unseen. Start with a smell test. 

MARSHALL, Texas – 

Hurricanes and other severe storms, a humid climate, leaky pipes or continuous rain can make homes susceptible to flooding and mold.

According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), molds are a natural part of the environment. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.

How can you tell if you have mold in your home? The EPA states that if the home smells moldy  or if water stains are present or if you are aware of water damage, mold could also be present. Mold may be hidden in places such as the backside of drywall, wallpaper, paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles and the underside of carpets and pads. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Water damage restoration can be as simple as vacuuming up water and drying out a room – or it can involve rebuilding entire sections of a home. Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. When contemplating the cleanup of mold or water damage, verify the extent of the problem and contact a trustworthy water damage restoration company.

The Better Business Bureau cautions people to research carefully when choosing a professional to remediate flood and water damage or clean up mold and recommends the following:

• Work with your insurance company. An insurance agent may be able to recommend a reliable and reputable water damage restoration company. Contact them first to determine what your insurance policy covers and the process for filing a claim. Inquire about policy coverage and specific filing requirements to initiate the claim process. If the home, business, and/or vehicle was damaged, document the damage by taking pictures or videos.
  
  Recognize the difference between flood insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Flood damage is typically caused by water on the ground before damaging your home. Water damage occurs when it causes damage before it comes into contact with the ground (broken pipes, a leaky roof, etc.). Homeowner’s insurance would likely cover these claims.

• Do what you can to mitigate further damage. Dry out and disinfect impacted areas immediately to help prevent mold. Start running fans and dehumidifiers if you have concerns about wet carpets or rugs. Consult an expert to see if carpets, rugs and furnishings can be salvaged.

• Check the company’s history with the Better Business Bureau. You can review the water damage restoration company’s complaint history and details to determine if they have a track record of responding to and resolving BBB complaints at BBB.org. Always do your research first.

• Verify the company’s license. Confirm the contractor is properly licensed, insured, and registered for the scope of work they will be completing. For example, simply vacuuming water and drying out a room may not need a license, but once the company starts tearing out cabinets and walls, a license may be needed.

• Make sure the business has extensive experience in cleaning up mold. Ask for references from the business and contact these references for more information. Also, ask family and friends if they have worked with a water damage restoration company or a mold remediation expert and had a favorable experience.

• Obtain at least three bids. Don’t simply hire the first business that contacts you or one that offers the lowest bid; evaluate the services and offerings of at least three businesses and then make your decision.

• Understand the Assignment of Benefits contracts. Beware of contractors who claim to be insurance claim specialists and may ask you to sign an agreement to allow them to contact your insurance company and seek approval of repairs for you.

Many unscrupulous businesses have tricked consumers into signing a work estimate without reading the fine print, which commits owners to automatically contract with their business if their insurance claim is approved.

Also be wary of contractors going door-to-door, especially if they use scare tactics. Obtain a contract that specifies the work to be done, the price breakdown for labor and materials, and an agreed-upon timeline. 

Never feel pressured into signing on the spot; always seek at least three estimates before committing. And avoid paying with cash for the entire job upfront.

Copyright © 2023 Marshall News Messenger, Marshall, TX.

• When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors.
• Buying a home means avoiding rising rents, owning a tangible and valuable asset, and growing your wealth over time.
• If you’re ready to enjoy the advantages of owning a home, connect with a local real estate expert to discuss your options.