Termites are found in every region of the United States, and certainly in Hackensack Bergen County, NJ where we are based. Several species of termites exist, each feeding on wood for their survival. While termites may serve some beneficial purposes in nature, the pests become a serious problem when they access and then begin destroying your home to find their meals. More than $5 billion is spent by homeowners every year to repair the damage left behind by termites. Be a proactive homeowner and learn the signs of a termite infestation with a qualified WDI inspection before you have to pay thousands to treat the problem.

Hollow or Damaged Wood In The Home

Most NJ homeowners notice the signs of a termite infestation, yet often allow the problem to linger, unaware that it is actually an indication of the pest. One of the most common and obvious signs of an infestation is hollow or damaged wood. Termites make their home deep within the cavities of your home’s structure and eat the cellulose from the inside out. If you notice damaged wood or if it sounds hollow inside when tapped, it may be a termite infestation.

Wood Floor Blistering

When a wooden floor is blistering it can be a sign that subterranean termites are underneath the floor. The termite damages both the subfloor and actual wood floor and is often mistaken for water damage. If the termite infestation that is affecting the floors is not addressed, the floor will eventually fall through.

Termite Wings and Frass

If you find piles of discarded wings around your home, this is a sign of an established termite infestation because it means some of them have swarmed to reproduce and start a new colony. Termites also leave behind frass, which are their droppings that look like tiny coffee beans or sand. If you notice either of these physical signs, do not ignore them and call a termite inspector.

Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes to travel from one part of your home to another with protection. This structural evidence of a termite infestation is usually found on foundations or wood structures. They look like tiny brown tunnels, about the width of a pencil.

What To Do If You Spot Signs of Termites

If you notice any of the signs of a termite infestation in your NJ home listed above, it is important to contact a professional termite inspector and treatment company to help resolve the issue before the termites cause further damage. Even without seeing the signs of termites listed above, schedule an annual termite inspection to prevent this common, costly problem.

Rest assured that the cost of a professional termite inspection is worth the expense since it prevents future damage that will cost far more than the inspection. The many available treatments for termites offer the solution that every homeowner seeks, regardless of the severity of the infestation.

Veriguard Home Inspections serves Bergen County and Northern New Jersey with home inspection services including termite inspections. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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How to Determine The Best Places for Smoke Detectors In The Home

Consider the location as you choose placement of smoke detectors in your NJ home. The location of these units will determine how quickly they’ll not only detect the smoke, but how easily you can hear the resulting alarm. Fires are more likely to start in some areas of the home, like the kitchen, and so you’ll want to be sure that alarms alert you to the danger.

Where Smoke Rises

Smoke naturally rises, so it will accumulate near the ceiling before it begins filling the lower parts of any room. Smoke detectors will detect smoke faster when they are installed overhead. Air vents push smoke away from the detectors, so best to avoid placing these detectors directly in the path of air from HVAC vents.

In Or Near The Kitchen

Cooking fires on the stove and in the oven are actually common. While some of these fires break out when you are nearby, others may begin when you have stepped out of the room or left a burner on unintentionally.

And by linking the smoke detectors together, everyone in the home can receive a notification about a fire at the same time, regardless of where they are. The best placement of a smoke detector in the kitchen is going to be several feet away from the primary cooking areas, this to prevent false alarms.

Near A Clothes Dryer

Dryer-related fires happen because of the heat that the dryer generates. This heat is removed through a ventilation duct, but the lint trap in the dryer and the duct can become clogged with lint. When this happens, the dryer gets superheated and the lint can easily catch fire. When considering the best placement for detectors in the home, be sure to include a smoke detector install near the clothing dryer.

Placement Of Smoke Detectors In The Home Includes Where You Sleep

Bedroom doors are often closed at night and fires can break out on either side of the door. The door slows the passage of smoke, so installing detectors on both sides of a bedroom door is a smart idea too. You may be particularly vulnerable in this area of the home because you are not as alert while relaxing, reading a book, watching TV, or sleeping.

Prepare for a potential fire by knowing the best placement of smoke detectors in your NJ home.

Veriguard Home Inspections, based in Hackensack Bergen County, NJ, provides home inspection services to Northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an inspection.

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The modern emphasis on home energy efficiency has created an environment in Bergen County, NJ and beyond where the air doesn’t flow nearly as well as it does in older houses. Moisture mixed with poor ventilation and stagnant air can easily encourage the growth of mold and mildew. So, it’s worth reviewing methods to prevent mold in the home.

Mold not only causes structural damage, but it’s also a health hazard in the home. People with lung conditions, certain allergies, or asthma can suffer from the presence of mold. Mold spores will float in the air, land on objects and spread all around a home. Read on to learn more on how to spot mold and then also what can be done to prevent it.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus and it needs moisture to thrive. It can grow on just about anything, including from food to cloth, from wood to wallpaper, and from furnishings to cardboard. Mold colors range from deep blue to brown to yellow and black. The good news is that there are reliable methods for the prevention of mold and possibly its’ natural removal.

The Areas Of A Home To Check for Mold

Look for Excess Moisture

As discussed, mold needs moisture to grow. The methods used to prevent mold in a home include checking for leaky windows, looking for any excess moisture, which can stem from air conditioning vents, and/or excess moisture in the home’s bathrooms. Mold can easily grow on window frames, then spread down a wall, settle into baseboards, and on to hardwood floors or carpeting.

Excess moisture after a shower in the bathroom can seep into drywall and insulation. And because the bathroom is an obvious place for mold growth,they should be well-ventilated. Maybe leave a door or a window open to vent the steam during and after a shower. Remember to wipe down walls, to wipe down window frames, and to wipe doors of any moisture. And check for leaks beneath the bathroom cabinets too!

The Ways to Prevent Mold in the Home

Dehumidifiers

Ideally, the humidity inside a home is maximum 20 to 40 percent. In fact, mold actually needs 60+ percent humidity to establish itself and grow. A dehumidifier will pass air over coils, removing humidity from the air and passing it back along as dry air. Removing the moisture from the air is a standard and effective method for preventing mold in the home. Using fans will also increase ventilation and  serve to supplement a dehumidifier.

Keep it Clean

Thorogh cleaning can rid a home of any existing mold, so it doesn’t have the chance to spread. Throwing away mildewed drapes, shower curtains and carpets will certainly help. If you see mold growing anywhere on surfaces or walls, clean it using bleach and water or a borax solution. Be concerned that there may be a more deep-seated mold issue, and that it may not be safe to try and clean it up. If so, contact this mold inspector to inspect and to follow our recommendations. And we have no conflict of interest, we are a mold inspector AND NOT a mold remediator.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers mold inspections and other home inspection services to Northern New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Union, and Morris counties.. Contact us to book an appointment.

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1. Install Glass Doors to Remodel Your Fireplace

Many new fireplaces come with doors installed, and this can be a helpful safety feature to keep sparks and embers from coming out of the fireplace onto the nearby rugs or furniture. If your fireplace wasn’t fitted with doors, it’s easy to add them now. Fireplace doors come in various standard sizes to fit almost all firebox. Because the fireplace can be a focal point of the room it sits in, choose doors that are most attractive and that complement the room’s décor – like glass!

2. Refinish the Brick On The Old Fireplace

If the hearth is brick, there are many different related options to update fireplaces. A limewash will finish brick with a pale, chalky look. An antiqued finish can be achieved by painting over with a gray paint, followed by some stain. Another popular option for refinishing the brick is called a ‘German smear.’ It requires applying some mortar, then removing some before it dries. There are also various other options for different types of brick finish online.

3. Remodel The Fireplace by Updating Its’ Mantle

The mantle can be the most eye-catching part of a fireplace. It can be a large, bold wooden piece or a smaller ledge built from crown molding. The mantle is usually pretty easy to replace, or can simply add elements around the piece to customize the fireplace. Replacing the mantle usually takes less than a day and some homeowners may find they are able to tackle the project on their own.

4. Creative Firewood Storage Around The Fireplace

On a chilly evening, no one looks forward to going outside for the firewood. So why not design a way to store firewood near the fireplace, making it easy to access when the temperatures drop. If there are bookshelves or cabinets near the fireplace, use the bottom shelves to store wood. Remove a door from the cabinet and stack the wood on the shelves inside. A large metal tub can be another way to store firewood indoors. It’s easy to purchase one at a local hardware store that will fit on or near your hearth. You may be able to find a vintage bucket or metal basket at an antique store that will suit your needs. Alternatively, you can purchase an indoor firewood rack. Some are built like narrow metal shelves; others are semicircular in shape, but both will keep the firewood within reach.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides inspections to customers in Hackensack, Bergen County and northern New Jersey, including for fireplaces. Contact us to request our services.

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Don’t Attempt to Repair Any Electrical Problem in Your Home

Electricity is very dangerous. This post will help you identify relevant issues, but don’t ever attempt to make repairs on your own – electical wiring is complicated and not for amateurs! Even replacing a light switch can be hazardous if not done correctly. Always have a licensed electrician handle any electrical repairs.

1. Breakers That Frequently Trip

The electrical system in your home should be rated to handle the demand from the various appliances you use. If a certain breaker is frequently resetting, that is a sign that something is not right. There could be a short in your wiring or the device that you’re plugging in might be damaged. If your breakers are tripping often, have a professional investigate the problem.

2. Heat Damaged Receptacles

Heat damage is a symptom of a major electrical problem in your home. This often happens when high-voltage devices are used in standard outlets. If this happens, a functioning breaker should reset to prevent stress on your electrical system. Heat damage can easily be an indication that safety mechanisms aren’t working correctly. HGTV lists electrical problems like this as one of the top hazards found in homes during an inspection.

3. Loose Cover Plates On Switches And Outlets

Covers on switches can loosen over time. A loose plate may indicate that the switch isn’t properly mounted to the frame of your home. Loose receptacles can damage the connecting wires. Every outlet should be securely fastened, and every face-plate should be tightly attached. If it’s loose, the entire outlet might be detached from the mounting surface within your wall. This is an easy fix for an electrician.

4. Flickering Lights Could be a Sign of an Electrical Problem in Your Home

If your lights flicker when they’re on, you may have a short in your wiring. This typically happens when the grounding wire isn’t connected properly. It could also mean that the light fixture is damaged or failing and it needs to be replaced.

5. Electrical Shocks From Appliances

Have you noticed an electrical arc from an outlet when plugging in a device? Do you sometimes feel a shock from touching a metal surface on one of your appliances? These are two signs that your outlet isn’t grounded properly. This is a dangerous situation and you should call an electrician to make repairs.

Hackensack, Bergen County NJ Home Inspector Veriguard Home Inspections provides home inspection services to home buyers and sellers. Contact us to schedule a home inspection in Northern New Jersey.

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High Radon Levels are Concerns of Homeowners

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced as a by-product when radioactive materials break down in the soil. Prolonged exposure to high levels of this gas can cause lung cancer. Radon seeps into your home via cracks in the foundation and accumulates in sealed spaces.

The gas is odorless and colorless, so impossible to detect without a test. Consider a Radon test or inspection and/or have a certified radon inspector install a mitigation system to measure for if there are high levels of radon are detected in your home.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can lead to water damage and unexpected repairs. An old plumbing system may fail, resulting in indoor flooding, leaks, and damaged belongings and building materials. If you notice seemingly wet areas or any plumbing issues, contact a professional plumber for repairs. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Electrical Problems

Poor wiring jobs or an old electrical system are not only a potential lighting and energy problem but a fire hazard. Loose wiring may cause short circuits which can lead to fires. Pay attention to signs of problems so you can deal with these issues right away.

If you notice flickering lights, an outlet that feels warm to the touch, or experience a shock when using an outlet, call a professional to assess the situation and make repairs. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Termites are Common Concerns of Homeowners

Termites can damage the structure of your home and lead to unexpected or even costly repairs if not addressed right away. Look for signs like small pinpoint holes in drywall and wooden components, mud tubes on the side of the foundation, and listen for hollow sounds when tapping wooden parts of your home. If you suspect termites are a problem, schedule an appointment with the exterminator right away. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector.

Mold Growth in the Home

Mold is an issue that many homeowners are or maybe should concerned about. Mold grows in any area that is dark, damp, and poorly ventilated. Mold sometimes has telltale signs such as dark stains and musty odors. When spotted early enough, you can remove mold using a water and detergent solution. If mold has spread into the building materials, it is best to hire a professional for remediation. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified mold inpector.

Home Security Concerns

As a homeowner, you are responsible for keeping your property secure. After closing, change all of your exterior door locks. Unless the property is new constuction, there is no way to know who may have a key to your home.

To boost security, install a monitored security system or cameras that you can view from your smartphone. Additional precautions include adding window sensors, motion-detecting lights, and security signs and decals to help deter would-be intruders. These issues can also be reviewed by a certified property or home inpector, especially one versed in new constuction inspections.

Owning your home is a big investment. Take care of your property by knowing about the common concerns that homeowners face. Talk to your real estate agent or ask friends and family members for referrals to local companies. It’s good to know who you can call on when a problem comes up.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides various certified inspection services throughout Bergen County and northern New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.

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Brush Your Pet Regularly

Pet fur gets everywhere: on the bed, beneath the couch, stuck to your clothing, and in your favorite chair. It’s a problem most pet owners deal with. One of the best tips for dealing with pet hair is to brush your pet regularly. This will minimize the amount of fur that ends up on your clothes and furniture. Not only does brushing your pet keep shedding down, but it has health benefits as well. Cats will have fewer hairballs and brushing distributes your pet’s natural oils, promoting a shiny coat.

One of the Best Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners is to Keep Baking Soda on Hand

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient for cleaning around your home. Sprinkle baking soda on the area you want to deodorize, let it sit for half an hour, and vacuum it up. For pet stains, use vinegar and baking soda to remove the stain and neutralize odors. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. After blotting the stain to absorb moisture, scrub the area with the vinegar mixture. Next, sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and scrub it with a brush. Allow it to sit until it dries, then vacuum it up. This will remove most pet stains easily.

Use Spare Sheets and Blankets

If you have sheets or blankets you no longer use, keep them to cover the furniture your pet enjoys. Protecting your furniture keeps your bed, couch, and chairs clean and free of pet hair while also keeping odor at bay. When a sheet or throw blanket starts to look dirty, simply toss it in the wash. You can quickly remove blankets when guests visit and they can enjoy a clean, fur-free place to sit.

Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners: Wash Their Belongings

Cleaning your pet’s food bowls, beds, and toys is essential to keep your home smelling fresh. Clean bowls and bedding also help maintain your pet’s health. Wash the food bowls daily. Depending on how much your pet sheds, you may need to launder their bedding weekly. Toys should be cleaned frequently, but especially if you notice they’ve developed an odor.

Line the Litter Box With a Garbage Bag

Cleaning your cat’s litter box can be a hassle, but using a garbage bag makes the process manageable. Before adding litter, line the box with a garbage bag. The plastic bag will keep the litter box clean and, when it’s time to change the litter, take the bag off with the litter neatly contained inside.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an inspection.

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Interior Painting

Painting the walls can completely transform the room. If a house looks dark and dreary in the photos online, it probably won’t fetch too many interested potential buyers. Houses with natural light are generally more appealing to people, and lighter shades on the walls make windows look larger and rooms brighter. Non-traditional colors on the walls are more likely to cause buyers to lose interest before they ever step foot in the home.

Home Repairs to Make Before Selling Include the Roof

A failing roof is a red flag to buyers. If this is discovered in the home inspection, the buyer will most likely ask you to fix it before closing. Replacing the roof while the transaction is already underway will cause major holdups, as most roofing contractors have a waiting list. If the roof is at the end of its lifespan or otherwise failing, replace it before putting your house on the market. You’ll be able to shop around for the most affordable roof contractor and get it done without time constraints. With a new roof, a potential buyer will feel more confident about the home purchase.

Install a Radon Mitigation System

Most homebuyers will order a radon test along with their home inspection. Radon is a carcinogenic gas that can be a threat in any home. If the radon test comes back showing unsafe levels, it is normal for the buyer to request that you put in a mitigation system to lower the levels. Order your own radon test and install a mitigation system if high levels are found, and you won’t run into this problem when you are selling your home.

Remove Moldy Carpet

The smell of mold will raise a warning to anyone touring the home. Oftentimes, this smell comes from old carpeting that has gotten wet and gotten moldy. Remove carpet that smells moldy or looks stained and dirty. Replace it with a hard flooring option, and choose waterproof materials for a basement, bathroom, or kitchen.

Home Repairs to Make Before Selling: Water Stains

Water stains are unsightly and make a potential buyer worry about leaks and mold in the home. Even if the leak is no longer active, water stains from a previous leak may frighten off a buyer. Most of the time, it isn’t sufficient to paint over a water stain; you’ll need to replace the drywall.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, it’s important to choose the best types of flooring materials for your living spaces. The decision comes down to the part of the house where the material will be installed, your preferences, and your budget. Here is a list of popular flooring materials and their pros and cons.

Wooden Types of Flooring Materials

Hardwood is one of the most commonly used flooring materials, thanks to its natural look and durability. This type of flooring is composed of solid wood. Some of the most popular hardwood flooring options are cherry, pine, maple, and oak. Hardwood flooring costs around $8 – $20 per square foot.

Pros

• Attractive, natural material
• Increases home resale value
• Many styles and color options
• Can be resurfaced

Cons

• It’s more expensive than other options
• Easily stained
• Not great in damp or humid areas

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are made when a mixture including sand, water, and clay is formed into a tile shape and baked at extreme temperatures to harden. Ceramic tiles are available in matte and glossy finishes and in many colors. They are most commonly used in bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. Tile is more expensive than carpet but generally cheaper than hardwood, as it ranges from $7 to $20 a square foot.

Pros

• Very durable
• Available in a variety of colors and designs
• Not easily scratched, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets
• Can withstand high traffic without showing signs of wear and tear
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to germs

Cons

• Patterns may fade over time
• Slippery, rendering them risky for children and the elderly
• Not ideal in areas where people stand for long periods of time

Carpet for Your Floors

Carpet is another flooring option that has been in use since the early 1800s. Most carpet is made up of synthetic fibers, which makes it a dependable and less costly flooring material. Many people prefer carpet over other flooring because of its comfort and sound-reducing qualities. Carpeting is less expensive than other materials, as some can be as little as $2 per square foot.

Pros

• Reduces noise
• Available in a variety of colors and styles
• Affordable
• Comfortable underfoot

Cons

• Easily stained
• Less durable when compared to other flooring options
• Not ideal for people with allergies as it traps dust, pet hair, and other allergens
• Needs to be cleaned frequently to keep it looking its best

Types of Flooring Materials: Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is often used in kitchens and bathrooms. This flooring material has significantly improved over the last few years. It is attractive, durable, and inexpensive, which is why many people choose vinyl over other flooring materials. Vinyl is affordable at around $5 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Durable
• Maintains warmth during the winter
• Unlike hardwood, vinyl is water-resistant

Cons

• Mimics the look of hardwood or stone, but doesn’t quite look like the real thing
• Difficult to repair if damaged

The above flooring types are the most popular options in modern homes. However, there are other materials available like linoleum, marble, stone, and cork. Do your research and choose the style that best meets your needs and your budget.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides inspections to northern New Jersey. Contact us to request our services.

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Replace Incandescent Bulbs for a More Energy-Efficient Home

One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to replace incandescent bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs. LED lights have a longer lifespan than other bulbs and are safer to operate. A 6-watt LED bulb is cooler and produces the same amount of light as a 40-watt incandescent bulb, which results in a lower electric bill. LEDs are available in a range of colors to suit your living spaces.

Upgrade the Windows

Insulated windows are made of two or more panes of glass and sealed tight at the edges for effective insulation. They work as excellent thermal barriers and are a great way to make your home more energy-efficient.

The extra layers of glass slow heat loss during winter and in the summer they keep your home cooler. Installing insulated windows is a smart upgrade for your home. They come in many styles and along with better insulation, they also help with noise reduction.

Use a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters warm your water on demand. They help save money by reducing your monthly bills and are nearly 30% more energy-efficient than a traditional water heater.

Add Insulation

Attic insulation is essential to keep your home warm in winter and cooler in the summer. When your attic is well-insulated, the heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Sufficient insulation improves the energy efficiency of your home, which helps boost your property value.

Change the HVAC Filters

Changing the filters of your HVAC system helps to improve the air quality of your home and reduces allergens that can cause respiratory issues. Clean filters also make your HVAC system more efficient and help to extend the life of the unit.

Use Fans to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Fans use less energy than HVAC systems and on moderate days when the weather isn’t unbearably hot, fans will effectively cool your home. In the summer, set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and enjoy a windchill effect.

An efficient home means lower utility bills and improved property value, which is great should you ever decide to sell your home.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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