Spring Maintenance

Spring is popular time of the year to get some much-needing cleaning done in and out of the house.  Here are some of my tips to keep your house properly maintained and ready for the warmer weather . . .

1.  Check the ground level around your house to make sure there is a distance of 6-8 inches between the dirt and the siding.  Bugs and rot can get behind the siding if the dirt comes up too high.

2.  Make sure your gutters and drains have no leaves or debris to clog them up.  This will prevent leaking drains when the spring rains are at their highest.

3.  Change your furnace filter if it's dirty.

4.  Check for gaps, holes, or missing soffet pieces at the roof overhangs to keep the animals away.  I once had a customer whose cat was getting into the attic through a hole in the soffet. 

5.  Check that the fresh air intake for the furnace and hot water tank is unblocked and clean.  The intake has a small mesh cover and can usually be found in a direct line from the furnace.  Use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to clean it.

6.  Turn your water shut-off valves off and then on again.  This exercise keeps them from seizing up.

This little bit of maintenance should help your house function as it should.  Enjoy your spring!

Outside Maintenance for Fall

Here's a quick list of things that are important to do during the fall, in preparation for winter:

1.  Make sure your gutters and drains are clear.  If this doesn't happen, your gutters may sag due to the weight of water, leaves, and other debris.  

2.  Go onto your roof and clean all the leaves and needles off.  This will help extend the life of your roof.

3.  Disconnect your garden hose from outside taps.  When it freezes, a connected hose can push water and ice into the tap and split it.

4.  Make sure the siding on your house is at least 4 inches away from the ground.

5.  Trim all your trees and shrubs away from your house.

Is your hot water tank set too high?

It's so nice to have hot water ready - especially for those who like hot showers!  However, having your water set too high can be dangerous, especially if young children are around.  The temperature of your hot water tank should be set at approximately 120 degrees.  Here is a chart to show how long it takes to get a burn from your hot water:

Estimated Times/Temperatures Causing a
Full Thickness (3°) Burn in Adults/Children

Water Temperature	Adults (skin thickness of 2.5 mm)	Children 0-5 Years (skin thickness of 0.56 mm)
<160°F	1 second	-
<149°F	2 seconds	0.5 seconds
<140°F	5 seconds	1 second
135°F	10 seconds	4 seconds
133°F	16 seconds	-
<130°F	35 seconds	10 seconds
127°F	1 minute	-
125°F	2 minutes	-
124°F	3 minutes	-
120°F	10 minutes	-

Source: National Burn Victim Foundation

Notice the difference in skin thickness between children and adults.  This is why children are so vulnerable to burns. 

Summer Vacation Tips

Vacations are exciting  . . . most people look forward to them for months!  Some vacations require a lot of planning, packing, and anticipation, while others are spontaneous last-minute deals.  Regardless of your preference, there are a few things everyone should do before they leave their house for an extended length of time.  

The first, and most important, is to shut off your main water source.  If there's a leak in your house, it could cause damage while you're away . . . too many people have come home to a flood.  Shutting off your water will prevent this, and possibly save you money.

Here's a example of what most water shut-offs look like.  Usually, they can be found by the hot water tank or furnace.  In older homes, they can be found in the front stairwell or in the front of the house.  

Second, you can save energy by turning off all the pilot lights in your house.  If you live in an older house, your furnace likely has a pilot light that costs money to run (mid and higher-efficiency furnaces do not have pilot lights).  Gas fireplaces also have pilot lights that should be shut off.  *Please note that pilot lights can be turned off for a few months if you don't usually use your heat in the summer.  This would help you save even more money!

Finally, make sure everything unnecessary is unplugged.  Things like lamps, blow dryers, fans, and microwaves are all best unplugged when you are not going to be home.  Not only will this save energy, it will also save you money.

Hopefully these tips will keep your house safe and sound while you're relaxing . . . have fun!

Trust Key Point to be your Property Inspector

Whether it's your first or your thirty-first property, a professional inspection of the property will ensure you're getting what you pay for.

I'm an experienced residential home, condo and townhouse inspector. I will thoroughly examine all aspects of the property and give you a complete report. Also, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

The Beck family from right here in the lower mainland have choosen Key Point property inspections to report on the homes that they have purchased.

Here's what they had to say:

“Warren Nikkel has done home inspections on the only two homes we have purchased. We found him very professional and knowledgeable. His reports were always very detailed and thorough. His objective was always about the house and the safety of it. He would provide his recommentdation but also be very clear on any areas of the house that needed to be dealt with immediatly upon posession. For any further moves that our family may make in the future he will be the first inspector we phone.”

Thank you to the Beck Family for choosing Key Point Property Inspections! 

Vinvent W Liu has choosen Key Point property inspections

Here's what Vincent had to say:

“Thank you very much for helping us on this home inspection. Your inspection is very thorough and professional and we really appreciate your services and follow up. You have spent so much time to explain to us your inspection report and answered our questions, emails and phone calls after your inspection. We will definitely recommend you to our friends who are looking to buy a home.”

Thank you  Vinvent W Liu for choosing Key Point Property Inspections!

Jim Attwell has choosen Key Point property inspections.

Here's what Jim had to say:

“Thank you very much for your inviting and professional approach to home inspection. It was a great experience and I won't hesitate  to recommend you to anyone that asks or doesn't ask.

A very satisfied customer.

Jim Attwell”

Thank you  Jim for choosing Key Point Property Inspections!

"It's not just information, it's peace of mind."