WNC Homeowners Resource Guide Fall/Winter 2022-23

LOOK INSIDE FOR Fall/Winter 2022-23 WNCHomeowners.com Kitchen Cabinets • Tree Removal • Plumbing • Security Systems Propane Sales & Service • Indoor Air Quality • Electrical Generators Landscaping • Hardware • Water, Fire & Mold Restoration Remodeling Environmental Due Diligence • Homeowner's Insurance... and MORE! See inside page 9 for more information on Green Home Solutions of Asheville.

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Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my first partition wall inside a house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the Oncejob.the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sent to my professor's house to start the job. I had painted the outside of

That said, you need to proceed slowly when buying raw land or a developed vacant building lot. I maintain there are no fewer than 20, and maybe as many as 30, important things you need to consider. In the limited space I have here, I’m going to share some of the major dealbreakers that would make me walk away from what appears to be a dream lot.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as the floor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under roughityourMyyouopeningstandardSixteenyouDon'tat measurements

minimizecenterspacedpipesHVACIt's of drywall so

You might be one of the millions like my son-in-law and my own son who now can work from anywhere there’s an internet connection. The paradigm of commuting to work has shifted farther than the ground does in an 8.0 earthquake. That dream you’ve nurtured for decades of living in the countryside is within your grasp.

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re you one of many who are thinking of fleeing bigger cities to get away from crime, pollution, higher taxes, never-ending traffic jams and a laundry list of other pesky problems? You’re not alone.

A

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor. Once all the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

o you want to build a new wall inside your home? Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

By Tim Carter

BUYING LAND TO BUILD ON? YOU NEED A CHECKLIST

The first thing you need to do when considering a building lot is to make your own personal list of deal-breakers.

Measure of theframemuchofmeasurement.theattachedwherethedoor.yourdoor.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

The first thing you need to do when considering a building lot is to make your own personal list of deal-breakers. In my daughter’s case, she wanted privacy and quiet. This means you don’t want your lot to be on a main road where giant trucks with diesel engines pass by every three minutes. The same goes for tourist

locations like Mount Desert Island that are overrun in good weather with tourists riding loud motorcycles. The wet-behind-the-ears realtor should have never even considered five of the lots she took us to.

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the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count yourBuildingblessings!anew

Wetlands you say? Imagine looking at my daughter’s lot in the dead of winter when you can’t even see them because they’re frozen and under a foot or two

of snow! You’d hope all the wetlands are clearly marked on the plat map; however, you should only hope for things you can’t control like good weather or international peace. What about something as simple as compass direction? You might not think it matters much. Are you excited about the prospect of installing solar panels on your roof? Will the largest part of your roof that you can’t see from the road face south? That’s what you want to happen if you live in the northernConsiderhemisphere.myhouse for example. I happen to thoroughly enjoy sunrises. I wanted the rear of my home to face east so I could enjoy them sitting out on my deck. The other advantage of this orientation is when I’m on the deck on a hot summer’s day, my deck is in theWhatshade.about city or town services? When I moved to rural New Hampshire 13 years ago I didn’t much think about trash pickup. After all, for five decades I just rolled my cans to the curb and the refuse magically disappeared. You can pay extra for that service in my town or you can drive your own stinking and leaking plastic trash bags to the town dump yourself. It’s a good thing I can hose out my pickup truck bed each time I get back home in the summer.

Just a few years ago I helped my daughter make a decision about buying a vacant lot in a small subdivision on Mt. Desert Island, Maine. My daughter unknowingly enlisted a realtor who had virtually no clue about the pros and cons of vacant land. Don’t ever do this. We looked at no fewer than 15 lots. At least five hours and gallons of gasoline were wasted looking at lots that should have never been considered.

The size of a lot is much more important than you might think. If you’ve never built before, you may not be aware of zoning laws that create an unbuildable border of land within your lot. This no-build zone is created by the front, rear and side-yard setback lines. They differ widely from town to town and neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, a vacant urban lot may have setback distances of just a few feet. A rural lot may have a front and rear-yard setback of 60 or more feet. In my daughter’s case, the modest home she ended up building had to be shoehorned into the leftover buildable area within her lot. The house had to be built at an angle to the road – and even then two small wetland areas were dangerously close to the house.

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4 MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR HOMEBUYERS

What does it mean for you? There will continue to be a shortage of homes to buy and they’re going to be even less affordable than they are now. What can you do if buying a home is on your bucket list?

As we ended 2021, the U.S. was short between 5.5 million and 6.8 million housing units, according to the National Association of Realtors. That includes single-family detached homes, townhomes, condos and rentals, of all stripes and price points. With the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement that it will raise the federal funds rate three times in 2022, that means mortgage interest rates are likely to rise above the current historic lows.

Breathe with conﬁdence in your 828-332-3087home.info.wnc@greenhomesolutions.com

these two lists will help you understand what tradeoffs you’re willing to make in order to get most of what you want. Think through these lists carefully, because each choice and the prioritization you afford it, has real-world consequences. In the book, Ilyce recounts how we traded off a parking space for a wood-burning fireplace – and what a mistake that was when we got our first car.

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Given that almost all residential real estate markets will stay tilted toward sellers for the foreseeable future, you’ll need to be as smart as you can in order to find a home you can love.

Get preapproved for your mortgage. When you get preapproved, your lender agrees in writing to fund your loan, provided the home you choose appraises out in value. Getting preapproved allows you to know precisely how much mortgage you can carry because the lender will take into account your debt payments, income and credit score. Once you have this number, you’ll add the amount you have available for a down payment to come up with the approximate purchase price. (Don’t forget to set aside the few months of cash reserves the lender will require.)

Decide what tradeoffs you’re willing to make. Of course, you won’t be able to afford everything on your wish list. So, make two lists: everything you want in a home and everything you can’t live without. In her book, “100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask,” Ilyce calls this the “Reality BuildingCheck.”

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Once you have a handle on these four components, it’s time to get preapproved for your loan.

Start with the four key components of affordability: How much you have saved for a down payment; how much your household earns; what debt you carry; and, your credit score. Your credit score will directly affect the interest rate on the loan, which has a multiplier effect on how much you can borrow. Your debt service (how much you pay each month) will be subtracted from the total amount you can spend on your mortgage, taxes and homeowners insurance.

There’s nothing wrong with that vision, other than you may not be able to afford it. And, with interest rates likely rising in 2022, it’s more important than ever to know exactly what you can afford to spend on your dream home.

the lender has from you, the lender believes you are qualified for a certain loan amount. Some lenders will give you a preapproval letter, but it includes so many qualifications, it really doesn’t amount to a true preapproval.)

Get smart about the process. Put together your homebuying team, including an experienced traditional real estate agent or exclusive buyer agent, professional home inspector, mortgage lender, if you’re buying investment property, tax expert, and a real estate attorney, where real estate attorneys are customarily used. All of these professionals should willingly and kindly share their knowledge and expertise. If not, find someone else.

Know what you can afford. The problem with viewing beautiful homes for sale online or on television, is that it shapes what you want in a home. You can imagine yourself sitting on a beautiful white couch in front of a roaring fireplace, your marble-topped kitchen island in the background.

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To that end, be sure to educate yourself: Read, ask questions, and challenge your own assumptions. And remember, the homes you tour probably won’t look as good as the ones you see on TV, so don’t be discouraged.

One thing to remember is that a preapproval letter is not the same thing as getting prequalified for your loan. A true preapproval letter from a lender means a lender has reviewed your credit, undertaken a review of your file and decided they will fund your loan. A prequalification letter is when a lender lets you know that, based on the unverified information

Once you close on a home, you can spend the rest of your life redecorating it to your heart’s content.

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Though hardware and faucet finishes are one way to try this trend, you can also go with deep-hued vanities, black accent walls and even plumbing fixtures.

As homeowners seek to create a calming space, subtle natural hues are on the rise. In addition, natural materials like wood and marble blend beautifully with a wide range of color palettes. Whether you prefer a minimalist Scandinavian look, a rustic farmhouse vibe or a traditional feel, natural tones and textures work well with a variety of design styles. To help modernize the space, incorporate a small dose of black to ground the look.

5. DOUBLE VANITIES

As the average house size increases, bigger master bathrooms mean more opportunities to incorporate convenient design elements like double vanities. Although double sinks can reduce the amount of usable counter space, many manufacturers are now addressing that issue with creative storage solutions. Vanities outfitted with power outlets, full-extension drawers and custom holders for grooming tools can help minimize clutter and make the most of limited space. Side-by-side vanities are another stylish choice with numerous customization options.

If you decide to add an accent wall to your bathroom, carefully choose which wall to showcase. Look to the features around or on the wall to help you decide. If you’re still not sure which wall is best, select the one most visible from the doorway.

Homeowners and designers are increasingly using accent walls to amp up interest in the bathroom. These can be used to liven up a neutral palette or help draw focus to a show-stopping feature, such as a soaking tub or custom vanity.

Updating your vanity is one of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom without undertaking an entire remodel. To customize your freestanding vanity even further, swap out the hardware with pulls in your favorite metallic finish, then accessorize the countertop with a pretty tray or vase.

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3. BLACK ACCENTS

Personalization continues to be a top priority for homeowners, and freestanding vanities (with their furniture-like appeal) present a great opportunity to add a custom look. Plus, freestanding vanities generally offer the same design and storage options as built-ins, but at a less expensive price point.

6. LARGE SHOWERS

When space allows, homeowners are ditching the shower-bath combo and opting for a walk-in shower and equally luxurious tub. A larger shower area presents ample opportunity for introducing customization and spa-like extras. Add an element of luxury with built-in storage niches or a teak bench lined with pampering products.

GREATTRENDSBATHROOMTOTRY

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Bathrooms aren’t just utilitarian spaces anymore; they’re becoming personalized, spa-like retreats. If you’re ready to hit refresh on your bathroom, these eight ideas will inspire you to turn this everyday space into a calming sanctuary.

2. FREESTANDING VANITIES

1. ACCENT WALLS

HOME RENOVATIONS

Used sparingly, black accents can provide a pop of contrast in a traditional white bathroom. When applied liberally, black accents help foster a glamorous vibe.

4. NATURAL TONES AND TEXTURES

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SAVING MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

With a conventional water heater, the hot water is stored inside the tank. In theory, this keeps a ready supply of hot water on hand for immediate use, but in fact the hot water just sits around when not being used. After some time, the heat will dissipate, and the water heater will need to reheat the water all over again. And guess where this waste of energy shows up? On your utility bill.

Top benefits of taking the tankless plunge include:

YOU WON’T RUN OUT OF HOT WATER

A tankless water heater doesn’t store hot water for later use. Instead, a tankless water heater only produces as much hot water as a person needs. In other words, when the hot water faucet is turned on, the tankless unit provides the exact amount of hot water dispensed until the faucet is turned off. You can leave the hot water faucet on for hours and the tankless water heater will continue providing hot water. So, you’ll never need to worry about running out during a shower or conserving so someone else in your home can take a hot shower after you.

SMALLER FOOTPRINT

You might think the old water heater in the garage is fine – after all, you’re able to take hot showers and those things are expensive to replace. But as is the case with most appliances and electronics, modern technology can create massive improvements. This goes for tankless water heaters. They take up less space, are leak-free and can save you money on your water bill.

One of the best things about a tankless water heater is how little space they take up. A tank water heater can take up an entire utility closet or feet of space in your garage. On the other hand, standard tankless water heaters are generally no larger than a computer tower.

BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A TANKLESS WATER HEATER

NO LEAKAGE

If you’re going to shell out money for a new water heater, you better be getting some back, right? Well, a tankless heater will save you from constantly heating and reheating water.

Leakage is one of the biggest problems with conventional water heaters. No matter the model, they will begin to leak eventually, as they are being constantly filled and drained of water every day for years. Because the tankless heater doesn’t store water, it won’t have any to leak.

When it comes time to replace your water heater, tankless ones are your best option. If you’re tired of running out of hot water, having higher bills and dealing with messes, contact your plumber to install one today.

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Now that fall has rolled around, the desire to be outside working on your yard is probably long gone. There are leaves on the ground and football on the TV. But if you can muster up the energy to take on a few more tasks can be well worth your time, as the yardwork you complete now can make a big difference when the ﬁrst signs of spring emerge next year.

Lawn Care Tasks to Complete Now for a Spring Payoff Lawn Care Tasks to Complete Now for a Spring Payoff Lawn Care Tasks to Complete Now for a Spring Payoff

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Fertilize. If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, make sure it’s in the fall. Applying fertilizer now will deliver essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots, while storing some for a healthy start in the spring. In the mid-to-late fall, completely cover your lawn with a dry lawn fertilizer using a broadcast spreader or drop spreader. Again, if you’re lawn is larger, or you have a hilly or tough terrain, you can bring in the professionals.

Mow regularly. Just because you’re not spending as much time hanging out in your yard doesn’t mean your grass can go without mowing. Grass that’s too high may attract field mice, whereas shorter grass is more resistant to disease and traps fewer falling leaves. Cutting the grass low also allows more sun to reach below the grass, so less will turn brown in the winter. That said, cutting off too much at one time can be damaging, so never trim more than a third of the grass blades off in a single cutting. Put mower blades on the lowest setting for the last two cuts of the season.

Knock out these fall lawn projects now to reap the benefits in the spring. The mowing part is easy, but it’s possible to get other projects taken care of all at once by a landscaping professional if you don’t feel like doing it yourself. This will allow you more time to enjoy fall activities.

Fall gardening and lawn projects involve more than planting bulbs or fertilizing. Other important tasks include mowing, mulching, aerating, trimming and patching bald spots in your yard. With that in mind, put the following tasks on your fall lawn to-do list:

Fill in bald spots. Finally, if you have bald spots in your lawn, now is the time to fix them using an all-in-one lawn repair mixture that includes grass seed, mulch and fertilizers. Water every day until the unsightly spot is filled. Aerate. Compressed soil can have a negative impact on your grass, so be sure to aerate your lawn, which punches holes into the soil, paving the way for a free flow of oxygen, water and nutrients. Try using a walk-behind aerator (you can rent them), or better yet, get an attachment to pull behind a riding mower. If you have a larger yard (more than three acres), and don’t feel like you can do it all yourself, you might want to consider hiring a landscaper.

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W hile we all might have visions of our dream kitchen dancing in our head or multiple images pinned to a Pinterest board, doing a full-scale renovation might not be in the budget at the moment. But that doesn't mean that there's nothing you can do. Here are a few easy ways to update your kitchen – no remodeling necessary.

If you've got a massive blank wall to fill, you might want to consider adding some shelves. They're a great way to show off your beautiful glassware, a collection of serving ware, or gorgeous cookbooks – and they'll give the room even more storage space. Add sculptural or minimal brackets for that extra touch of elegance.

5. PAINT THE WALLS.

If the main reason you're wishing for a reno is to gain more storage in your current space, reconsider the cabinets you currently have. Double your cabinet space by purchasing graduated shelving inserts, dividers or a turntable. Just assess your storage needs before going nuts at The Container Store.

Unfortunately, we don't all have the countertops of our dreams. A quick way to refresh is by covering a section of your counter with an oversized cutting board or a slab of marble. This idea works especially well if you'd like to camouflage a damaged spot until you're ready to redo the entire countertop.

Maybe you love your cabinet color, but the rest of the kitchen is feeling a little blah. Punch it up with a new color on the walls. Whether you opt for a bright white or a darker hue, just make sure to pick a color that complements your cabinets.

7. COVER YOUR COUNTERTOPS.

3. SWAP OUT THE HARDWARE.

1. INTRODUCE OPEN SHELVING.

You won't believe how quick and easy it is to give your old, outdated hardware a refresh. Warm up your finishes with a brass option in a sleek, modern shape. This will instantly make your kitchen look on-trend, but it won't cost a fortune to achieve.

Give this space some drama while showing off pretty display pieces. You can find a bunch of options, including LED battery-operated versions that just stick on. It's a softer lighting option than overhead lighting – and it creates a warm ambiance at night.

LITTLE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN WITHOUT RENOVATING

Yes, painting your cabinets is quite a bit of work, but it's incredibly affordable! It's the cost of a can or two of paint (plus primer!) and some elbow grease if you're doing it yourself. Whether you opt for a dramatic black or a soft dove gray, a couple of coats of paint will completely transform the look of the entire space.

2. PAINT THE CABINETS.

4. ADD UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

6. RETHINK YOUR CABINET SPACE.

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Buying and moving into a new home is exciting, but it also requires a lot of attention to detail, from closing the deal to figuring out the logistics of getting all your belongings from point A to point B. Amid all the excitement, planning and unpacking, many new homeowners overlook one essential factor: the security of their new house.

SECURITY TIPS FOR YOUR NEW HOME

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Remind Your Kids to Be Cautious. Moving to a new neighborhood means a lot of unfamiliar faces for you and your family. Make sure your children are aware that they should never let a stranger into the house, leave the garage door up when they come in or go exploring too far until you’re more familiar with the area.

Keep Your Outside Area in Excellent Condition. Did you know burglars see the exterior of your property as a bullseye? If your lawn is unkempt or you have large shrubbery, burglars will see that as an invitation to break in.

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Change the Locks. You never know who lived in your property before you moved in. Do yourself a favor and change the locks regardless of the situation.

Talk With the Neighbors.

Keep Your Outside Area in Excellent Condition. Did you know burglars see the exterior of your property as a bullseye? If your lawn is unkempt or you have large shrubbery, burglars will see that as an invitation to break in.

Talk With the Neighbors.

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Install Indoor and Outdoor Lighting. Don’t stand out as the “new neighbor” by being the only dim house on the street at night. Keep your family protected by making your house look occupied at all times using light automation.

If you’re moving, consider these six tips from the home security experts at ADT to help keep your family and your property safe and secure:

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By taking care of these security measures when moving, you can turn your focus to truly enjoying your new, safe home.

Having trusted neighbors can immediately make living in a new place much safer. They may be able to help keep your house look occupied while you’re away by simply picking up the newspaper, shoveling your walkway, etc.

Change the Locks. You never know who lived in your property before you moved in. Do yourself a favor and change the locks regardless of the situation.

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Remind Your Kids to Be Cautious. Moving to a new neighborhood means a lot of unfamiliar faces for you and your family. Make sure your children are aware that they should never let a stranger into the house, leave the garage door up when they come in or go exploring too far until you’re more familiar with the area.

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Install Indoor and Outdoor Lighting. Don’t stand out as the “new neighbor” by being the only dim house on the street at night. Keep your family protected by making your house look occupied at all times using light automation.

Transfer or Invest in a Security System. There’s no better way to ensure your home is secure 24/7 than installing a home security system. Burglarproof your house by adding video surveillance and motion sensors for complete security. If there’s already a security system in the house, have it properly looked over and reactivated. If you’d like to bring the security system that you’re currently using to your new house, consider relocation services.

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Transfer or Invest in a Security System. There’s no better way to ensure your home is secure 24/7 than installing a home security system. Burglarproof your house by adding video surveillance and motion sensors for complete security. If there’s already a security system in the house, have it properly looked over and reactivated. If you’d like to bring the security system that you’re currently using to your new house, consider relocation services.

By taking care of these security measures when moving, you can turn your focus to truly enjoying your new, safe home.

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If you’re moving, consider these six tips from the home security experts at ADT to help keep your family and your property safe and secure:

Having trusted neighbors can immediately make living in a new place much safer. They may be able to help keep your house look occupied while you’re away by simply picking up the newspaper, shoveling your walkway, etc.

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Lead-Based Paint

More than likely, the home inspector will find problems that need to be fixed before closing. Major foundation issues and significant water damage are at the top of the list of signs to walk away from.

ARE THESE DEAL BREAKERS?

Whenbreaker.problems

Mold is something that no one ever wants to see in a home you put an offer on, but a little bit of mold by the shower doesn’t mean you need to back out of your offer—at least not immediately. If mold is found during the home inspection, have a qualified mold inspector look at it to determine if it is a deal

Inspections:Inspections:HomeHome

Cracks in a concrete basement floor may seem like a structural problem, but this is natural and not indicative of significant damage. Small cracks occur in concrete because it’s a porous substance. These cracks can be fixed at a relatively low cost and shouldn’t be a reason for you to back out of a contract. Cracks in concrete walls, however, should give pause for concern.

On the other hand, there are some home defects found during an inspection that don’t have to be deal-breakers. Many of them can be fixed, and they can be used to negotiate with the seller for a lower price point or additional help with the closing costs.

arise during home inspections, it doesn’t always mean you have to back out of your contract. Home inspectors will often find problems outside of their scope of expertise, so always get a second opinion from a specialist before making a final decision. In many instances, these problems are opportunities to negotiate with the seller. You can request that the seller do the repairs or ask for money to put towards repairs. Either way, hiring a licensed home inspector will put your mind at ease and help you make your final decision on a home.

Cracks in a concrete basement floor may seem like a structural problem, but this is natural and not indicative of significant damage. Small cracks occur in concrete because it’s a porous substance. These cracks can be fixed at a relatively low cost and shouldn’t be a reason for you to back out of a contract. Cracks in concrete walls, however, should give pause for concern.

After making an offer on a home, you’ll enter a contract, part of which should always include getting a home inspection from a licensed professional. It is recommended that any homebuyer make an offer to purchase contingent upon a home inspection that allows you to withdraw your offer if there are any major issues discovered during an inspection.

final decision on a home.

On the other hand, there are some home defects found during an inspection that don’t have to be deal-breakers. Many of them can be fixed, and they can be used to negotiate with the seller for a lower price point or additional help with the closing costs.

Lead-Based Paint

Concrete Floor Cracks

Whenbreaker.problems

Cracks in a concrete basement floor may seem like a structural problem, but this is natural and not indicative of significant damage. Small cracks occur in concrete because it’s a porous substance. These cracks can be fixed at a relatively low cost and shouldn’t be a reason for you to back out of a contract. Cracks in concrete walls, however, should give pause for concern.

Mold

Creative Living 62 Digest.indd 3 1/24/20 11:00 AM

Mold is something that no one ever wants to see in a home you put an offer on, but a little bit of mold by the shower doesn’t mean you need to back out of your offer—at least not immediately. If mold is found during the home inspection, have a qualified mold inspector look at it to determine if it is a deal

Mold

After making an offer on a home, you’ll enter a contract, part of which should always include getting a home inspection from a licensed professional. It is recommended that any homebuyer make an offer to purchase contingent upon a home inspection that allows you to withdraw your offer if there are any major issues discovered during an inspection.

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but it’s still possible that you could purchase a home that contains it if it was built before the ban. The sellers should disclose this, but the home inspector may find it, as well. It doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker: you can hire a contractor who is certified to remove lead-based paint, and the home will be completely safe.

Mold is something that no one ever wants to see in a home you put an offer on, but a little bit of mold by the shower doesn’t mean you need to back out of your offer—at least not immediately. If mold is found during the home inspection, have a qualified mold inspector look at it to determine if it is a deal

arise during home inspections, it doesn’t always mean you have to back out of your contract. Home inspectors will often find problems outside of their scope of expertise, so always get a second opinion from a specialist before making a final decision. In many instances, these problems are opportunities to negotiate with the seller. You can request that the seller do the repairs or ask for money to put towards repairs. Either way, hiring a licensed home inspector will put your mind at ease and help you make your

arise during home inspections, it doesn’t always mean you have to back out of your contract. Home inspectors will often find problems outside of their scope of expertise, so always get a second opinion from a specialist before making a final decision. In many instances, these problems are opportunities to negotiate with the seller. You can request that the seller do the repairs or ask for money to put towards repairs. Either way, hiring a licensed home inspector will put your mind at ease and help you make your final decision on a home.

Concrete Floor Cracks

Whenbreaker.problems

Concrete Floor Cracks

Lead-Based Paint

On the other hand, there are some home defects found during an inspection that don’t have to be deal-breakers. Many of them can be fixed, and they can be used to negotiate with the seller for a lower price point or additional help with the closing costs.

After making an offer on a home, you’ll enter a contract, part of which should always include getting a home inspection from a licensed professional. It is recommended that any homebuyer make an offer to purchase contingent upon a home inspection that allows you to withdraw your offer if there are any major issues discovered during an inspection.

More than likely, the home inspector will find problems that need to be fixed before closing. Major foundation issues and significant water damage are at the top of the list of signs to walk away from.

INSPECTIONSHOME

More than likely, the home inspector will find problems that need to be fixed before closing. Major foundation issues and significant water damage are at the top of the list of signs to walk away from.

Mold

ARE THESE BREAKERS?DEAL

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but it’s still possible that you could purchase a home that contains it if it was built before the ban. The sellers should disclose this, but the home inspector may find it, as well. It doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker: you can hire a contractor who is certified to remove lead-based paint, and the home will be completely safe.

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION 828-595-4PRO(4776) | WarrenRestoration.comHelp@WarrenRestoration.com Remember, memories are fireproof. IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY. 24/7 SERVICE • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

The water heater is one of the more common big-ticket repairs that can arise from a home inspection. If the water heater is on the older side, a buyer may request it be serviced and ﬂushed, if not replaced entirely, as a condition of going through with the home purchase.

If the home has a crawl space, it can be relatively easy to check for leaky plumbing. If there are leaky pipes, that could be a red ﬂag for the seller. Depending on the age and material of the pipes, ﬁxes may range from a patch to whole replacement.

One point of a home inspection is to check the water pressure. If the pressure comes back high, that can be indicative of a larger (and costlier) problem.

WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR

TYPE OF PIPING USED

Before listing your home, reach out to your local, trusted plumber for a full inspection of your plumbing and water heating systems. They can help recommend what improvements to make now, and what can wait for the new owner. Talking to a plumber will also give you peace of mind before your home’s inspection.

WATER HEATER

If you’re selling your home, your to-do list is likely stacked: ﬁnd a REALTOR®, get an inspection, make needed improvements, up your curb appeal, and the list goes on. Another important facet to keep in mind before listing is to make sure your plumbing is up-to-date.

Some older homes are plumbed with piping and/or ﬁttings that have been recalled or had class-action lawsuits ﬁled against the manufacturer. If your home has these materials in them, there is a good chance a potential buyer will want it replaced.

SELLING A HOME? CHECK PLUMBINGYOUR

“When selling a home, you’re going to ﬁnd each buyer’s home inspector will examine some of the same items,” says Max Rose, owner of Four Seasons Plumbing. “It can be a worthwhile investment to make some repairs to strengthen a home’s appeal to potential buyers and give sellers more negotiating power.”

“Each buyer has their own deal breakers, but if you’re ﬁnding that the water heater is coming up as a common strike point on a requested repairs list, it might be worth it to install a new one,” Rose says. “Having these issues come up on a buyer’s home inspection is only going to add to the stress of selling your home.”

Rose recommends sellers evaluate the state of the following items:

LEAKING PIPES

Serving WNC with a full range of quality professional residential and commercial plumbing services Family Owned & Operated for over 40 years Hendersonville’s Oldest & Most Trusted Plumbing Company • Commercial construction / plumbing service • Residential construction / plumbing service • Water Heaters • Water Filters • Gas Piping • Fixture Installation • Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling 828.693.1007 925 Greenville Highway Hendersonville NC 28792 www.summeyplumbing.com Ready To Respond To Your Plumbing Needs

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