MAY 10, 2017 Volume 12 • Issue 19
RE WEEKLY STORY COUNTY
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DEAR MONTY
Frequent questions for home inspectors RICHARD MONTGOMERY
R
eader question: I am a home inspector. Customers tell me I am a good inspector. I always want to improve my methods when I can. Your answer to this question may help focus my efforts. What are the main questions you get from consumers about home inspectors? Monty’s answer: Incorporating the continuous improvement philosophy into your operation is one of the main traits of a successful business. Answering your question may inspire consumers looking for inspection information to ask the right questions. 1. What does a home inspection cover? The major components of the home will be visually inspected. Sometimes, the inspector will recommend a specific type of contractor be engaged to examine a component. You will receive a written report outlining details about the home and the inspection results, including photographs. Components inspected include the roof, heating and cooling units, plumbing, electrical system, structure, foundation,
major appliances, the attic and crawlspace (if accessible) and more. 2. Do I need an inspector on an “as is” purchase? One must remember that the main reason for an inspection is to discover “material defects” that adversely affect a property’s value. A teardown is a rare example where a home inspection will not be helpful. No buyer wants to find an expensive defect they were not aware of after closing. In most states, the seller is still required to complete a condition report. 3. Our inspector missed (issue). What can we do? The main reasons this can happen is because a home seller conceals the defect or because it is not visible. Inspectors will often recommend additional investigation when they are uncertain about cracks in unusual places, water stains, uneven floors, and other clues, such as 100-plus year-old homes, that raise suspicions, but sometimes, there are no clues. Email Richard Montgomery at DearMonty.com.
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Sitting pretty Benches make gardens feel more inviting By Betty Montgomery More Content Now
B
enches and places to sit in a garden are an important feature to include. It is a place to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the garden. It is true gardeners often do not think of sitting and do not provide a place for people to sit. They seldom stop to take time to relax and reflect on their creation. They are too busy seeing all the things that need to be done. The weeds that need to be pulled, the shrubs that need to be pruned or the leaves that need to be raked. They are constantly working. Garden benches are welcoming. They are a sign that you want visitors to come into the garden and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Benches can be used for sitting as well as a focal point. Our garden has benches, inviting people to sit, and yet it is an important visual aspect that is needed to complete the setting. Garden seats are meant to make you stop and look at a vista and see the details; listen to the birds sing and the rustling of leaves or the humming of bees. The bench needs to be sturdy and the proper height so visitors are comfortable. Another consideration is location of the sitting area. With the thoughtful placement of a bench, you can
How to care for outdoor benches Wood: Most lumber used for outdoor furnishings are either naturally resistant to decay or treated. Use a sealant to preserve the color of a wood bench, and reapply it every couple of years. Metal: Most metals, except for aluminum, are subject to rust and are finished with clear varnish, paint or a powder coating. Deep clean using a mild soap solution, and maintain by applying auto wax with a lint-free cloth.
Source: MarthaStewart.com create a memorable place to relax and reflect on the day. In placing a bench in our garden, I had to move it several times before I decided it was the right location for my husband and I to sit and enjoy the late afternoon. I wanted it to be located near a small stream where we could hear the water falling over some rocks. I also wanted it to look like it belonged there. Then we had to move the angle of the bench slightly to avoid the sun in our eyes during the late summer. After placing a seat, consider the plantings close by. Can you add a shrub or vine that adds fragrance to the garden? Think about what joy you would get as you sit
by an oriental lily with its wonderful fragrance. Or if it is in a sunny place, you might want to plant some old timey petunias that are quite aromatic. They will add a pleasing aroma in the night air. Daphne is another plant that has a great fragrance, as are many of the native azaleas, like “My Mary.” “Sweet Autumn” Clematis is a vine that fills the air with a delightful scent. A place to sit does not have to be fancy. However, if you want someone to join you, you need to make sure that two can sit comfortably together. It might be fine for two young lovers to sit in a small space, but you might want more room if you are seated with someone else. Your bench will be determined to some extent by the style of your garden. If you have a very formal garden, a rustic bench might not be the best choice. And if you have a very rustic garden, an antique marble bench might not be what you want. Think about your garden style. Be careful about the color. White benches look good in some settings, but in others they stand out and are out of place. Email Betty Montgomery at bmontgomery40@gmail.com.
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