COVID-19 Notice

During COVID-19 we are doing everything we can to keep you safe. We have implemented a no-contact inspection order which means we will do inspections as normal but instead of meeting at the property, our inspector(s) will be the only ones on site. Thank you for your patience and stay safe.

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Spring Has Sprung: The Snow is Finally Melting Outside, but What is Happening in Your Attic?

Spring
Spring

There is no better sight after a long New England winter than the first blade of grass growing up out of the last patches of snow in your yard.  We welcome the littlest signs of spring, but with the spring can come a great deal of moisture. You definitely want to make sure that your attic is moisture free come April showers, because any wetness in your attic can cause a lot of stress and costly repairs throughout your house.  There are many possible reasons why your attic may have moisture and many of them may be hidden. Even if your ceiling isn’t leaking and you see no water seeping into your home from above, don’t be fooled into thinking that there are no issues in your attic. Make sure to check for all possible culprits in your attic that could cause damage now or down the road.   You always want to protect yourself from costly repairs and major damage.

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With April Showers Comes Basement Flooding? Why You Need a Good Sump Pump

flooding
flooding

There is no worse feeling than stepping down into your basement and hearing, “swish, swish” under your feet. With New England’s ever quickly changing seasons, mountains or snow melt and furious April showers, it is absolutely essential to have a sump pump in your basement. No one wants to have to deal with the costly repairs and headaches of cleaning up a wet basement. Although there are some houses that will never experience moisture problems, they are the lucky few and far between. So, whether you have lived in your house for 20 years or are just buying a house there are a few things that you should look for that are signs that you need a sump pump:Signs That You Need a Sump Pump

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The Iris’ Are Poking Through the Snow: It’s Time To Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

spring-cleaning
spring-cleaning

I know that there is nothing more exciting than seeing the first iris or daffodil poke through the snow or the first patch of green grass after a long winter covered in snow. The muck and the mud that follow are even welcome because they mean an end to the freezing temperatures, snow shovels and winter winds. Spring is one of the most magical times of year, especially in New England after the long winter’s hibernation. The air seems cleaner, the breeze gentle, the birds come back and sing their melodious song, the grass begins to grow and flowers bloom. In the midst of all of this wonder there is also a lot of work to be done.

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What You Can Do When Jack Frost Comes and Freezes Your Pipes

frozen-pipe
frozen-pipe

There are some misconceptions about frozen pipes.  The leading misconception is that pipes only freeze in cold climates.  In fact, pipes are more likely to freeze in warm climates where houses do not have adequate insulation to protect the pipes.  I found this out the hard way.

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How to Avoid Buying a Money Pit: What to Look for When Buying an Old House

Money-Pit
Money-Pit

One of New England’s greatest assets is its quaint small towns and the beautiful antique and historical homes in these towns.  I grew up in a small New Hampshire town, whose main street was littered with homes that dated back to the 1800’s. The homes ranged from Victorian mansions to saltbox and cape style farm houses, each with its own unique architecture and charm.  In fact, the house that I grew up in was a quaint little white farmhouse that was built in the 1800’s, well at least the original part of the house. Although, this house was full of charm it was also full of issues!

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Is Radon Seeping into Your Home? The Silent Killer You Need to Know About.

gas-mask
gas-mask

I have bought and sold several houses in my lifetime, in several states and I never once remember having a radon test when I moved in or moved out. You may be in the same situation. Maybe you have never even heard of this radon and are wondering what the big deal is. Why would you need to worry about this? Quite simply, radon exposure can kill you and you may never know you have been exposed until it is too late. Radon exposure causes the second most cases of lung cancer in this country, second only to cigarette smoking. The difference is you may never even know that you have been inhaling small levels of radon for years, unless you take precautions and have your house tested and cleared of this gas.

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Stop the Mold Monster In Its Tracks: How to Keep Your Vacation Home Mold Free During the Off Season

Boat-House
Boat-House

Growing up in the Lakes Region, in a small town whose population grew from 2,500 people in the winter to more than 40, 000 people in the summer, I had quite a few friends that were “summer people”.  Most of these “summer people” had houses on or near the lake and I can distinctively remember the musty odor that would greet you at the door of their houses. Over the summer this odor would fade and be replaced by the smells of suntan lotion and barbecue chicken, but those first few weeks it was very distinct.   At the time I had no idea what caused this odor that stung my nose when I visited my friends’ lake houses, but I now realize it was probably mold that had built up over their long absent winter.

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Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck- Renovate Your Kitchen and Bathroom!

Renovation
Renovation

Maybe you have just purchased that diamond in the rough, the house with the good bones and beautiful architecture, but the bathroom tile resembles Pepto bismal and your kitchen has army green linoleum that matches the ancient appliances. Or perhaps, you have lived in your home for years and now that abundance of oak in your kitchen has gotten old or the once glorious jet tub ceased to sooth your aching muscles long ago or you plan to sell your house soon, it is probably time to make some changes to your home. There are many things to consider when you approach either of these type of renovations. Perhaps, after careful consideration you may decide you want to renovate both of these spaces.

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The Consultant in Your Corner: What is Required to Become a 203k Consultant and Why You Need One!

Fifteen years ago I built a house in Gilmanton, NH.  We were young and had a limited budget, so we decided to be the general contractors and often the construction workers as well.  We cleared the land, mapped out the foundation, hired all of the contractors, filled out all of the paperwork and the list goes on.  We used word of mouth and our own limited vetting skills to hire contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.  I am sad to report that more than one of the “professionals” that we hired did not complete their work, didn’t show up on the days they were scheduled and requested payments that far exceeded their initial bids.  Our lack of experience and knowledge cost us lots of time and money!  In hindsight, I would definitely hire a general contractor, I wish I had, had someone to guide me through the complex process.  

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How Can You Buy That Diamond in the Rough Property and Make it Your Palace?

Residential-home

One of the best parts about New England are all the quaint and historic properties that pepper its small towns and cities alike. As you drive along any New England highway or dirt covered back road you are bound to see several beautiful cape cod style houses, old Victorians, or classic salt boxes. Who hasn’t wondered what it might be like to live in one of these gems?

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