Wet or Soggy Basement=Possible Mold Problem

Something that should be  a major concern for both Home buyers or home sellers is Household Mold.  This is particularly true in areas that have a high volume of rain such as in the Vancouver Washington Neighborhoods. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that 60 % of U.S. homes that have basements, have wet basements and 38% of those homes run the risk of severe basement mold. Most often, the water comes from rainfall or melting snow.

A 1500 square foot roof sheds 1000 gallons of water for every inch of falling rain! There also could be rising groundwater which may be fed by an underground spring. Once the water starts accumulates around the foundation, it will start working its way inside through cracks, joints, and porous materials. Condensation can also add to the problem. It’s also possible that your gutters are not carrying water far enough away from the walls of the house. Whatever is causing the problem, and whether you call in a professional or try to solve it yourself, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Obviously water and moisture can cause damage to the house and its contents and can cause a serious mold problem which can be a real health threat for your family.

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Return on Home Improvement Investments

When we are getting ready to sell our Portland home, or even if we are just wanting to update our homes we need to know which improvement has the best return in value. Obviously some updates will bring in a better return in value than others. First and foremost is kitchen remodels which is always 100%. Doing high end kitchen remodeling is not always the best way to go either. Mid range or minor remodels of kitchens most often brings in best return in value according to Remodeling Magazine. Most potential buyers don’t care if the new refrigerator is a built in Sub Zero type or something less. The same is true with having the 8 burner stoves, under-mount sink or travertine floors. Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don’t want leaky faucets or stained sinks. With regards to the cabinets; resurfacing is the best option and replacing the doors and/or hardware is the best way to go.

The national average of recouped cost is more than 100% for bathrooms. New floors, fixtures and lights payoff. Buyers will shy away from buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced. Some other suggestions: Patch cement cracks in the sidewalks, resurface asphalt driveways, plant some flowers, caulk the windows and doors, replace doorknobs and locks, repair and paint broken fences. Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has no deferred maintenance, newer appliances, updated plumbing, electrical and heating (including a/c), modern conveniences and is ready to occupy.

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Central Park Homes: Basement Water Problems

Sometimes finding water or moisture in the basement can be traced to small cracks and splits in your driveway.  This is particularly true in older neighborhoods such as Vancouver’s  Central Park.

A seal-coat protects the driveway from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and helps prevent water from seeping through cracks, where it can contribute to freezing/thawing damage or undermining of the driveway, and keep the water and moisture from traveling down into your basement. The appearance of fine cracks in the driveway is a clue that it is time to apply a seal coat. The graying of a driveway’s surface is another indication the asphalt is drying out. Adding a protective coating to the driveway usually is only required about every 3 years or so. It is good insurance for helping to keep your basement dryer.

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Portland Homes: Tree Maintenance

We all spend much time checking the overall condition of our  Portland homes, garages, patios and just about everything around our property to be sure everything remains in good shape. Now with winter almost upon us, how many of us have really checked out the condition of the large trees in our yards? We check our roofs and gutters, the siding and the windows, doors and driveway but we also should check the condition of the trees and their limbs. Many accidents happen in the winter when heavy rains and snow begins falling putting extra weight on the limbs and branches causing them to break under the stress. Even the main trunk should be checked regularly for problems that might cause the tree to fall over easily, even though it may look sturdy enough. Pests and disease can eat away at a large tree and weaken it over time.  If you are not familiar with the different diseases and pests that can harm a live tree, seek some professional advise and you might save yourself many problems later on when the tree finally gives way to heavy winds and rain, or snow.

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Using Accessories to Decorate Your Vancouver Home

No amount of decorating of your Vancouver home can make a house feel like a home without using the right accessories. The correct accessories can be the icing on the cake – the touches that transform a space into a unique and personal reflection of its inhabitants.

Good planning and some basic knowledge about decorating is essential when adding any accessories, for any occasion. You can also make your own accessories. This is a fun way and a cheap way to add some style to your home. For example, things like curtains, pillows and other items made up from any fabrics will soften a room and add comfort to a home.

Many good books on the subject are available and are recommended whether you are new at this or an old pro. Books that cover floors, furniture, doors, windows, furniture arrangement, using flowers and bouquets, painting ideas, tools required, tips and many other ideas are available, as well as the going labor costs if you have to hire outside help.

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