As an Atlanta home inspector, I wanted to share the following article about a do it yourself project that can increase your homes value.  Closets can be an easy project to tackle.  One thing that you may not want to do yourself is a home inspection.  David was in construction for over twenty years and when he went to school back in 2006 for home inspections, he was amazed at the different things he didn’t know.  Having an expert that is trained to look at each and every item in the home makes all the difference in the world.  Also home inspectors in Atlanta are unregulated and unlicensed.  What does this mean to you as a home buyer? It means that anyone with a flashlight can call them a home inspector in Atlanta, without any training, insurance or experience, and most of the time, their cheaper than the ones with the training, insurance and experience.  You as a home buyer are the ones who pay the price in the long run. You can schedule your home inspection online at http://www.ihihomeinspections.com

How to get a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget

(ARA) – Both fashion and budget-conscious Americans alike are taking better care of their clothing and other possessions, starting with how they store them. But if you haven’t been reading today’s most popular home and style magazines, sneaking a peak inside your neighbor’s closets, or house-hunting lately, you might not have noticed: Closets have evolved from clumsy and non-functional to downright fabulous.

Or maybe you’ve envied the spacious, custom closets characteristic of luxury homes, but haven’t had thousands of dollars to plunk down on a professional closet makeover.

In either case, you probably need a closet solution. That’s why manufacturers of closet organization systems have been busy developing new, do-it-yourself home storage solutions ranging from low-end, rack-and-wire plug-ins to handsome furniture-style systems in white or wood-toned melamine and even solid wood.

Among the strongest and most flexible of the new systems are Home Options Storage Solutions, available around the corner at Lowe’s home improvement stores or at www.lowes.com. Shelving and pole heights are adjustable so your design can be adapted periodically to your changing needs. Full extension drawers with attractive fronts provide complete access.

Where to start creating a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget? First, determine your skill level. Do you need a professional? Probably not. Many closet systems can be installed in a weekend by anyone of average skill level. Brands such as Home Options offer websites with pre-existing templates and online design tools that make closet planning easy.

Next, measure your space. Determine the width, height and depth and write them down. Is your closet a reach-in, walk-in, or are you creating it from freestanding space? Have high ceilings? Add a shelf to store items overhead.

When planning, consider designating 50 percent of your closet space for low-hanging clothes, 25 percent for longer clothes, and 25 percent for drawers and shelves. Then, take inventory of your stuff and make adjustments to meet your personal needs.

Use a tower unit to separate his space from hers and incorporate shelves and drawers. Use pant racks to organize 12 pairs of pants in a compact space while keeping them smooth and pressed. Use shelves for organizing folded sweaters so they keep their proper form. Raise shoes off the floor. Look for shoe cubbies that comfortably hold two shoes, not just one. Shoe cubbies are also ideal for stowing away evening bags, belts and other personal items. For more information, visit www.homeoptionsstorage.com.

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You have started your home improvement project.  As an Atlanta home inspector, I realize the value of having an energy efficient home.  I see old windows all the time that is letting all the cold air in during the winter and costing home owners major in both the winter and summer months.  I got to looking around our own home, north of Atlanta and noticed some of our windows were also older, so I decided to be amoung the smart folks and take advantage of some of the tax credits and get new windows installed where we still had the older ones. 

Also for more energy efficiency we now provide Infrared technology where we can locate missing insulation, air penetration, moisture intrusion, and we can use our thermal camera to do an infrared scan of your homes duct work to see if you have a major source of heat loss there also.  Give us a call at 404-788-2581 to find out more information about infrared technology and Southern Infrared Services.

I found the article below and thought I would share it with you.

Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year
(ARA) – Putting off that home improvement project? Waiting too long could be detrimental to your wallet.

On Dec. 31, the federal tax credit worth up to $1,500 for energy-efficient home improvements will expire, leaving procrastinating homeowners out in the cold – or at least chilly from their old, drafty windows.

In addition to tax credit savings, many window sellers are offering savings on qualifying windows during October, which happens to be National Energy Awareness month.

“The timing couldn’t be better for value shoppers to make the investment into new energy efficient windows for their homes,” says Erin Johnson, window expert for Edgetech I.G. “Special offers and tax credits will add up through December, but the long-term savings on energy bills will be long-lasting if consumers do their homework to find the right windows to meet all of their needs.”

Shopping for replacement windows

The first rule of thumb when shopping for new sustainable windows is to understand what the labels mean, and to read them carefully. Windows that bear the ENERGY STAR label are proven to reduce heating and cooling costs, and are National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) approved for U-factor (the rate of heat loss through the window) and solar heat gain (how well the window blocks heat from the sun).

To meet the federal tax credit requirements, windows must achieve a .30 U-factor and .30 solar heat gain coefficient, and this information should be clearly marked on the windows. But to ensure the long-term performance of replacements, there are a number of other factors that should be considered, including condensation resistance.

“The existence of condensation on windows is a sign that a window is inefficient,” Johnson says. “This can even occur in newer, poorly constructed windows and will lead to other problems, including mold and damage to curtains, walls, carpet and the window itself. Most importantly, moisture can lead to seal failure and the need to replace the entire window system.”

Some NFRC labels include condensation resistance (CR), which is reported on a scale from one to 100, and measures the ability of a product to resist formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. This rating is not required to be posted on new windows – so be sure to do your homework if it isn’t there.

The primary component to watch for to prevent condensation is the spacer – the window component that separates and seals the two panes of glass. According to the NFRC, an important step toward reducing the potential for condensation is the use of a warm edge spacer system that reduces the conductivity through the edge of the window.

“Non-metal, dual-sealed warm edge spacer systems, such as Super Spacer, are less conductive than metal spacers, which leads to less condensation in insulating glass windows,” Johnson says. “Because of its all-foam, no-metal design, Super Spacer offers the highest condensation resistance in the industry.”

According to Johnson, all-foam spacers have other benefits that will ensure the long-term energy performance of replacement windows. “Rigid, metal spacers do not bend, so over time stress from wind, snow and barometric pressure changes can cause the seal to crack. A flexible spacer will expand and contract with weather changes, keeping the seal intact and the window performing longer,” she says.

A survey conducted by the Alliance to Save Energy found that 64 percent of homes in the U.S. have single-pane windows, which contribute up to 35 percent of energy wasted in buildings. In cold climates, energy-efficient, dual-pane windows with low-e coatings can reduce heating bills by as much as 34 percent. In warm climates, they can cut cooling costs by 38 percent.

For more energy-efficient window buying tips and tax credit information, visit www.sustainaview.com.

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As a home inspector in Atlanta, we do roof inspections all across the North Atlanta area.  Just recently we had to provide a gentleman with four different roof inspections because the roofing contractor continued to make the repairs incorrectly on a brand new roof.  Now one would think taht knowing that an individul home inspector in Atlanta was going to be coming back out to check your work, then you would get it right at least by the second go around.  This roofing contractor didn’t and that makes you wonder how many homes may be having leaks within a very short time of having the new roof installed.  Most people never even think about having a home inspector in Atlanta come out and take a look at the project before making the final payment.  A roof inspection cost very little compared to the cost of having to get the roofing contractor to come out several years later, that is if he is even still around and able to be found.

A new roof can put money back in homeowners’ pockets

(ARA) – A 2010 survey by American Express indicates that homeowners will spend more than $6,000 on average on home improvements this year. For one lucky homeowner this money may come back not only in the form of enhancements to their home, but also thousands of dollars right back in their pocket. For others, installing a new roof could mean getting a little money back in their bank account. It’s as simple as installing a roof and sharing the picture for all to admire.

According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, 80 percent of Americans say owning a house is the best long-term investment a person can make. The study adds that about 48 percent of all homeowners state that the value of their home has declined during the recession. A smart way to dramatically enhance the look and value of a home is with a roof makeover.

Traditional plain black and brown roofs are losing popularity to more colorful shingles, which reflect the personality and style of the homeowner and can increase the home’s curb appeal. Homeowners are confidently choosing beautiful color palates such as Summer Harvest, Sand Dune or Merlot shingles for the top of their abode. Owens Corning, a leading manufacturer of insulation and roofing products, offers the Duration Series Designer Colors Collection of shingles with seven vibrant color combinations that come with SureNail Technology for maximum performance and wind resistance of up to 130-mph winds. The company even offers a free online color personality quiz to help homeowners select the shade best suited for them. Just visit www.roofing.owenscorning.com to learn your color personality.

“Homeowners are looking for ways that they can significantly increase the value of their home and its physical appeal,” says Sue Burkett, marketing manager for Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. “A new roof can be a major makeover for some homes, adding valuable aesthetic appeal for the homeowners and neighbors to enjoy.”

Owens Corning recently announced its first-ever national competition to find the home with the best roof makeover using the company’s Duration Designer Colors Collection shingles. The just-launched “That’s My Roof!” contest welcomes homeowners to show off their new roof and have a chance to win prizes.

“The contest is a fun way for us to interact with homeowners and provide a venue for them to show off their redesigned exterior of their home,” adds Burkett. “In addition, other homeowners get to vote and comment on each make-over submission. Refunding a new roof to the best overall submission is our way of showing customers that we appreciate their business and we’re dedicated to the same thing that they are – making their home look great.’”

To enter, homeowners can visit www.thatsmyroof.com and submit before and after photos of their Duration Designer Colors Collection roof through Oct. 15. The contest will run through Oct. 31, 2010 and feature monthly winners. One grand prize winner will receive a refund for the cost of the roof up to $10,000.

For homeowners, updating their roof with designer shingles offers more than wind and weather protection and overall value to the home. The increase in color choices helps enable homeowners to add a splash of personality to exterior and fall more in love with a home that is reflective of his or her style.

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http://www.ihihomeinspections.com  Big Canoe home inspector, David Lelak, while conducting a radon inspection finds that the home in the Big Canoe Community has high levels of radon, suggests solutions to lower radon levels and gives you a thorough review of a well done radon mitigation system that was installed and the system lowered the levels down to a 1.5 from a 32. He also explains a little bit about what radon gas does to your body. As an inspector in Big Canoe, we do a lot of radon test in that area.  Readings vary, so if you’re purchasing a home in Big Canoe or anywhere for that matter, we suggest you get a radon test done.

Thanks for watching our videos, please take time to comment below, or go to our YouTube account and rate and comment.  Also feel free to embed our videos on your site. 

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http://www.ihihomeinspections.com Home Inspector in Atlanta, David Lelak, discovered a panel box that could be a safety/fire hazard – Federal Pacific electrical panel with red-handled breakers – in 1980 the certification was pulled for these products, due to malfunctions that were linked to several house fires. The Atlanta home inspector encourages homeowners to check their panel boxes and if they find this type, go to Google for more information.

Thanks for watching our videos, please take time to comment below, or go to our YouTube account and rate and comment.  Also feel free to embed our videos on your site.

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Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak, inspects this Atlanta roof and finds that the shingles were not installed properly – manufacturers suggest 4 nails per shingle, too few nails were used per shingle.  This is one of the minor things that David always looks for especially when he is proving a roof inspection on a brand new home or a roof repair.

Thanks for watching our videos, please take time to comment below, or go to our YouTube account and rate and comment.  Also feel free to embed our videos on your site. 

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I’m all the time reading on ARA for great tips and ideas.  When I read the article below I thought it might be useful to others out there.  I really like the information about the drapes, we installed these in our bedroom at the beginning of summer to help keep the afternoon heat out and they really worked and helped cut down our cooling expenses.  This year I am purchasing 6 more for the office.  I found only one problem with them, they make the room really dark so it makes me want to take a nap way to often.  Hope you enjoy the following article.

(ARA) – Just as many of us have taken on extra work to make ends meet in this economy, everything we buy now must serve a dual purpose as well. It makes sense to spend your hard-earned dollars on items that not only do the job intended for them, but that also save you money in a variety of ways.

Not sure how to make money-maximizing, dual-purpose purchases? Here are a few tips:

* Make decor decisions that not only upgrade your enjoyment of your home, but that improve its energy efficiency as well. For example, thermal drapes in decorator colors will add punch to your decor and will also help retain heat. An energy-efficient electric stove can create a warm ambiance and help save on energy bills as well. You’ll find desirable options at www.seventhavenue.com.

* Drop your gym membership, which likely costs you $50 a month, in favor of creating a home gym.

* Skip the spa for aromatherapy, hair removal and manicures or pedicures. You can do all those things at home – with a spa-like experience – by obtaining the right devices. An electrolysis pen does home hair removal quickly and easily – and without the cost and inconvenience of going to the spa.  A pair of Pedi Couture Sandals, available at www.seventhavenue.com, will sooth and relax your feet while gently separating the toes to make a self-pedicure simple.

When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home
inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections,
he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of
North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home
inspection.  We won’t let you buy the money pit.

We are proud to announce that we are now IASQ™ Certified Inspectors for the
Healthier Environment Living Program – Green Technology that helps with
Eliminating Harmful Germs, Bacteria and Viruses from your home and business!
Visit Healthier Programs corporate
site for more exciting information. Need HELP for your home immediately,
call us at 404-788-2581 today!

Need an easy way to hook up phone, cable and internet, here you go: FREE
Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all,
Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone.  Call 1-866-594-4871
and provide them with access code 1008126.  Call our Free Home Concierge
Services to save time, save money and simplify life!

You can also schedule
your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com

Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Alpharetta Home
Inspections

Atlanta Home
Inspections

Canton Home
Inspections

Cumming Home
Inspections

Marietta Home
Inspections

Roswell Home
Inspections

Woodstock Home
Inspections

North Georgia Home
Inspections

Radon Gas Testing

Radon Inspections

Pool & Spa Inspections

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Atlanta home
inspector shares “Your own sanctuary” I loved the article below that I found
on ARA and with fall here it gives some great tips. I especially love the idea
about a fire pit to gather around!  My kids love hanging out by a fire and I
love smelling the leaves burn.

(ARA) – Your backyard is your sanctuary. But you want to make it even better
– perhaps with a patio where your family can congregate, enjoy outdoor
barbeques and entertain guests.

Here are some design tips to help turn your backyard into the oasis of your
dreams:

* Install a patio.
You yearn for a lovely patio area for picnic lunches
or to relax and read a book as you enjoy the sun. The cost of using natural
stone, however, is a negative, and so is the lack of creative colors and design
allowed by precast pavers. Another option is to use stamped concrete for your
patio base, which has unlimited patterns and colors and can be used in all
climates.

“Homeowners are interested in concrete patios because they blend the
connection between house and patio — indoors and outdoors,” says Jim Peterson
of ConcreteNetwork.com, which offers a wide variety of patio designs, provides
many useful concrete tips and comparisons and lists local contractors for your
area. “Decorative concrete can create the look of authentic stone, slate or
cobblestone, is more economical to install and adds value to the home.”

* Gather around the fire.
Bring your family together with a fire pit.
Whether you’re building a fire for cooking dinner, roasting marshmallows or to
keep warm on a chilly evening, it will become a gathering place for your family
and – if invited – friends and neighbors. Depending on your creativity and
building skills, you can make your fire pit an elaborate congregational area
with permanent benches and a decorative wood rack, or a simpler ring for cozy
family cookouts.

* Set up seats for relaxation.
Don’t forget the tables, chairs and
decorative planters to encourage people to relax in your backyard and enjoy your
sanctuary. You will need to decide if you want permanent, built-in tables and
chairs or benches on your patio or along strolling paths through your backyard
landscape, or if you want furniture you can rearrange and store during inclement
weather.

* Keep the hunger pains at bay.
Perhaps you are looking for more than
just relaxation; you want to fill your tummy as well. Outdoor barbeques are
becoming increasingly popular, complete with drink coolers and sinks. For an
outdoor countertop, look for a material that can withstand weather, yet still
have a warm, natural look that will work with the other materials you’re using
on your porch. Concrete countertops can be mixed with stains, pigments,
aggregates and epoxy coatings to give them the look, texture and feel of more
expensive quarried stones like marble, granite and limestone. Visit
www.ConcreteNetwork.com to learn more about how this material can work in your
backyard.

* Soothe the senses
Water features are popping up in backyards across the
country. Families enjoy them by relaxing near the sound of trickling water and
watching birds and other wildlife looking for a drink. Some homeowners install
small fountains surrounded by landscaping to provide the water ambiance, while
others take the route of building a full water garden.

Self-contained water features are easy to install in less than a day, while
kit ponds might take a weekend to set up. But the larger water features give you
more opportunities to be creative – for example installing a bridge, water
wheel, water falls or tiny streams.

Once you have your backyard sanctuary complete, you’ll have plenty of
opportunities to enjoy your investment while relaxing. For additional tips in
learning how to install a functional and appealing patio in your backyard, visit
www.concretepatio.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home
inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections,
he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of
North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home
inspection.  We won’t let you buy the money pit.

We are proud to announce that we are now IASQ™ Certified Inspectors for the
Healthier Environment Living Program – Green Technology that helps with
Eliminating Harmful Germs, Bacteria and Viruses from your home and business!
Visit Healthier Programs corporate
site for more exciting information. Need HELP for your home immediately,
call us at 404-788-2581 today!

Need an easy way to hook up phone, cable and internet, here you go: FREE
Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all,
Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone.  Call 1-866-594-4871
and provide them with access code 1008126.  Call our Free Home Concierge
Services to save time, save money and simplify life!

You can also schedule
your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com

Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Alpharetta Home
Inspections

Atlanta Home
Inspections

Canton Home
Inspections

Cumming Home
Inspections

Marietta Home
Inspections

Roswell Home
Inspections

Woodstock Home
Inspections

North Georgia Home
Inspections

Radon Gas Testing

Radon Inspections

Pool & Spa Inspections

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While out surfing the web I found the following article that I thought would be of useful information to my Atlanta home inspection customers.  I am all the time looking for interesting articles for home maintenance tips.  This one is worth some money.  Enjoy.

Get more for your money when purchasing replacement windows

(ARA) – Energy efficiency has gained national importance and window replacement is recognized as one pathway to aid in energy independence and the reduction of harmful global emissions.

Choosing replacement windows with energy-saving benefits is simple and the federal government also made it less expensive for homeowners with the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The bill includes the opportunity for homeowners to claim a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of eligible energy-efficient products to a maximum of $1,500 per household for 2009 and 2010 combined when used for remodeling and replacement. According to the IRS, a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability and can be deducted directly from your taxes owed.

While energy efficient replacement windows are included in this tax credit, not all replacement windows will qualify. Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says, given the new tax credit, now is the best time to replace your leaky, worn-out windows. But he also cautions homeowners to do their homework to make sure the windows they purchase will qualify.

To qualify, windows must provide high levels of energy efficiency in two categories: reduced heat loss and reduced heat gain. The measurement for heat loss is called U-Factor and the measurement for heat gain is called Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC. To meet the performance requirements, the window or door must have both a U-Factor and SHGC rating equal to or less than 0.30 in all climate zones in the U.S.

When comparing windows for energy performance — and the 2009/2010 tax credit — be sure to check the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label that is displayed on the product. This label displays the U-Factor and SHGC ratings for the window or patio door. If the product does not have this label, then the unit does not have a certified NFRC value.

Qualifying replacement windows must be purchased and installed in a primary residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. While quality installation is a critical component of any successful window replacement project, installation costs are not included in the 2009/2010 tax credit. Your sales receipt should break out qualifying product costs separately.

In addition to your sales receipt, you will also need to save the NFRC label from each window or the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement with your tax documents.

Renewal by Andersen makes it easy for homeowners to take advantage of the new federal tax credit with its extensive selection of windows and patio doors with glass packages that meet or exceed the performance criteria to be eligible for the credit.

In fact, Delahunt says, virtually all Renewal by Andersen windows with High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass are eligible for the tax credit. These same windows with SmartSun glass are up to 47 percent more energy efficient in winter and up to 70 percent more energy efficient in summer compared to ordinary dual pane glass — making a big impact on reducing your energy bills.

Homeowners interested in learning more about Renewal by Andersen products that may qualify can visit www.renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. 

We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Concierge Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone.  Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126.  Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time. 

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Most of the time home buyers start their conversation off on the phone with us like this “I’m buying a new home, how much does a home inspection cost?”

All to often I want to tell them that their first concern should not be about how much it cost, but about how much it can cost them if they end up hiring “Cheap Charlie.”  I know that there are several home inspectors out there lowering their prices to all most nothing, and while we have run specials and deals, I am proud to say that even when a deal was going on our average home inspection still took four to five hours.  We never make you stand around and wait at the house for your home inspection report.  We go over the major items with you and point them out if you haven’t attended the home inspection and then we upload the report later on.  This is after we have time to go over and make sure their are no errors.  Time is valuable and you don’t have time to be standing around waiting on the home inspection report.

But back to Cheap Charlie, here recently I have heard stories from real estate agents that tell me their client had a home inspector there and he was there for two hours and really didn’t find a lot.  Is this what you want, or do you want someone who is going to be thorough, giving you the ultimate negotiating power and keeping you from buying the money pit! Don’t assume that the home you are thinking of buying is in good condition.  Even new homes have issues, just ask me and I’ll be glad to tell you the different items I have found on brand new homes.

Your agent can recommend someone, but the choice is yours, “Cheap Charlie” or “Thorough David” you decide.  If you want a thorough North Georgia home inspection for a reasonable price call us today at 404-788-2581, you’ll be glad you did.

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