Crawl Space and Attic

After many, many years in the real estate business; and many, many, many (did we say many) home inspection processes... two areas we find are the biggest surprise for homeowners is a bad response regarding a crawl space or an attic!

Organic growth, moisture, poor insulation levels etc are just a few items that can be costly items and most homeowners are unaware of these issues until they sell and a buyer has a home inspection performed.

So, what can you as a homeowner do?  Get in that crawl space!  Twice a year!  At least!  Get down there, take a look around!  Do you see standing water?  Is it damp? Does it smell damp? Do you see organic growth?  Is the sump pump working?  Do you have a sump pump?  Do you need a sump pump?  A tiny bit of organic growth left unchecked can become an expensive repair!  It can also deter a buyer and send them packing even if you are willing to mitigate after the inspection!

What can you do?  Get in that attic?  Even if you can't walk the entire area; at least climb up (if possible), use a flash light and take a look around.  Does the insulation seem adequate?  If not, it's a relatively inexpensive fix to add more. You can even do it yourself if you are handy!  It's not a fun task, but it can be done (we did these last spring), and it can save you money on your heating and cooling bills.  Is the attic properly ventilated? If not, it could prove to be a breeding ground for organic growth.

Besides getting down in your crawl space  (and attic) a couple times a year (Spring and Fall are perfect times as you are getting the exterior of your home ready for summer, or putting it to bed for winter); make sure you have proper run off for your down spouts.  Many times the biggest culprit of a wet crawl space is the downspout not being extended.  Water pouring into the ground right at the foundation.

Improper run off can be a big culprit for crawl space issues

There are many downspout solutions out there; both DIY and professional!  But an easy fix is proper splash blocks and extenders.  Keep the rain from running directly into the ground or back into the crawl.  (or basement)

If you take a look at your crawl or attic and determine there might be a problem, give us a call, we can refer a reputable company to come out and evaluate the issue and determine if there is treatment needed.

It's worth the few times a year to get into the crawl!  You don't want any surprises after your home has an accepted offer! 

Dandelions....

It's that time of year!  When those pretty, little yellow flowers weeds are popping up!  Some areas are littered with them!  And after the pretty yellow flowers weeds mature they turn to a fluffy white!  As kids we would pick them, make a wish and blow!  Scattering the fluffy white seeds to the ground. And those fluffy white seeds become little yellow flowers weeds. The cycle would continue! 

The dreaded "dandelion"!  Yards and grassy areas are riddled with them.  Usually it's the neighbor's yard, and the neighbor, courtesy of bad grass cutting and the wind share them with you and your yard! 
 
Don't get us wrong... we know the dandelion receives a bad rap.  There are plenty of uses for dandelions... the leaves can be eaten in salads; they are high in vitamins; dandelions can be used to make root beer, tea etc etc.  But let's get real... How many of us are truly harvesting and eating the dandelions from our yards?  How many of us are making our own root beer?  How many of us are brewing our own tea? Not too many we would guess!  For most, the dandelion is a weed that takes over our yard.

So... how can a homeowner control dandelions and have a healthy lawn at the same time?  There are many Homemade "treatments" we see shared on Facebook and other Social Media Outlets.  Some sound great, but have mostly proven ineffective and kill the surrounding grass.  Dandelions are stubborn and have deep tap roots, so picking them doesn't work.  And a dandelion digger might not get the entire tap root and is a time consumer!  There are plenty of chemicals out there as well as lawn care companies that can help provide seasonal maintenance.  Chemicals and lawn care companies can be costly, and many homeowners do not like adding chemicals to their lawns.   Honestly, we feel the most effective and least expensive way to keep dandelions & weeds under control... let your grass/lawn grow to 3.5 inches!  Yes, the grass will help smother out weeds.  It might take some time, but within a year, your lawn will look much more lush, and have fewer weeds.  While it might be impossible to eradicate each and every pretty yellow flower weed, your lawn will be healthier and happier!!! We've noticed many of neighbors cut their lawn once a week and each time scalp it to almost the ground.  Leaving a bed of opportunity for not only those pretty yellow flowers weeds, but a plethora of other weeds.

You can see here how a lawn cut short becomes a breeding ground for dandelions

While it might seem like a time saver to cut the lawn short, once a week... you aren't doing your lawn any favors.  You are just creating an area for weeds, not grass, to grow!  It can be as simple and raising the lawn mower blade and taking the time to cut twice a week during the spring and maybe once a week when the rains aren't as plentiful in the summer.  And if the lawn doesn't need cut... don't cut it!  3.5 inches of lush green lawn is much better than a yard of weeds!

Taking care of your lawn is not only good for your investment, but will give you great curb appeal when/if you decide to sell!  The first impression of a weed ridden lawn can give the appearance and expectation of an unkempt home as well!  Even if your home is tidy, updated and fabulous inside... that first impression is so important!  Do yourself and your lawn a favor!  Raise the mower blade!