Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3h)

Michael Petruccelli says; Remove excess personal belongings from closets, so they are clear for buyers and inspectors.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3g)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure the attic is accessible and stairs can be pulled down without endangering belongings or people below.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3f)

Michael Petruccelli says; Remove excess belongings from utility room used for storage.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3e)

Michael Petruccelli says; Remove anything blocking the electricial panel. It needs to be accessible to the inspector.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3d)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure the A/C unit is uncovered and de-winterized.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3c)

Michael Petruccelli says; The crawl space access should be clear.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3b)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure it's accessible - All interior areas should be accessible. Don't lock the dog in a spare room or otherwise reduce acess to features in the home for buyers and inspectors.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3a)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure it's accessible - All exterior doors should be accessible. Just because the secondary entrance is not currently in use, doesn't mean that other's want to check it out.

Michael Petruccelli asks;How do you prepare for an Open House? (2)

Michael Petruccelli says; Here are a few ideas - beyond the basics - to help prepare the home for the open house (and, incidentally, the home inspection that will soon followwhen all your hard work will payoff!)

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (1)

Michael Petruccelli says;  We all know that problems with larger items or systems like roofs, or basements can become issues when selling a home. But often it is not the "big" things but many smaller items "all added up" that may cost or slow down a sale. Luckily, making some smart choices and small repairs prior to the open house can cost very little, but make a big difference in how the potential buyer sees the house.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (14)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Reverse Polarity - A condition of reversed wiring. Remember the hot wire, usually black in residential wiring, should be wired to the small slot in an electrical outlet and the neutral wire, usually white, should be connected to the large slot. Another way to remember, black wire to brass connection, white wire to the silver connection.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (13)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Main Panel- A metal box holding overload protection devices and/or disconnects for the home's electricity to the home. Usually located in a service box or main panel.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (12)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Junction box - A box used to protect wire connections or "junctions" in an electrical circuit. The box can be metal or plastic, but must be covered to prevent electrocution.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Grounded Outlet - An electrical outlet with a ground wire that is connected to the grounding system. Usually identified by the round hole beneath the two vertical holes in the outlet, though no guarantee grounding is present unless properly tested.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (10)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Grounding - The process of connecting electrically conducive items to the earth by various means, which then ensures excess or errant electrical current will be absorbed into the ground. We often refer to driven rod grounding or water service pipe grounding.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  GFCI or GFI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical current monitoring device designed to detect a ground fault in as little as 1/40 of a second, subsequently stopping the flow of electricity. These are required in bathrooms, garages, kitchens, laundries, exteriors and more. GFI circuits are designed to prevent electrocution.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Electrical Service Rating - Refers to the amperage rating supplied to the home, typically 100, 125, 150, or 200 amps.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (7)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Drip loop - Overhead electrical service. Refers to slack in the electrical wires as they arrive at the roof masthead, which if configured properly, will prevent water from running into the conduit.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (6)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Double Tapping - adding or "doubling" wires at a fuse or breaker connections for the purpose of increasing the number of circuits available to the electrician system. Most breakers are designed for one wire attachment. Double tapping is not allowed by electrical code and can be a serious safety issue unless such breaker is intentionally designed for multiple wire connections.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (5)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Dedicated Circuit - A circuit provided for the exclusive use of an appliance or component such as a sump pump or sprinkler system.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (4)

Michael Petruccelli says;  AFCI - Arc Fault Interrupter is a circuit breaker designed to detect and errant electrical arc and terminate power before starting a fire.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (3)

Michael Petruccelli says; I will give you some basic electrical terms all home owners should know. These terms may also come up on a home inspection report, so if you are currently in the process of buying, selling or renting these terms may be very handy. 

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (2)

Michael Petruccelli says;  This basic knowledge of electrical terms and components in their home, will not only serve as valuable knowledge when working with electricity, but also to keep the home safe as well.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (1)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Some home owners are not afraid to tackle any sort of electrical fix or upgrade in their homes. Others would rather not deal with their electrical systems at all. But one thing is certain, no matter how comfortable you are with electricity, all homeowners should have a basic understanding of electrical terms and components in their home. 

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (6) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  The Buzz. If you choose to plant flowers around your mailbox, especially ones that climb the box itself, avoid those that attract bees. The last thing your mail-carrier wants to do every day is fight to avoid being stung by a swarm of critters around your mailbox-and you probably will feel the same way when you retrieve the mail.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (5) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Say Thanks. We've been talking about the outside of the mailbox; let's talk about the inside. It doesn't have to be on the mail-carrier's holiday; any day is a good day to say thanks to the people in your life. So why not leave a note in the box today for your mail-carrier instead of the other way around?

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (4) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Grass and Succulents. Ornamental grasses and succulents are a great low maintenance alternative to traditional flowering plants for around your mailbox. They don't require watering; just let the rain take care of that and call it a day. This low maintenance is especially nice if your mailbox is far from the house and less likely to be watered by hand.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (3) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Think four seasons. No, don't make your mailbox look like a five star hotel. Think about the four seasons of the year which your mailbox holds a very prominent place in your yard. When you pick plants for around your mailbox, choose a couple different varieties that bloom at different times of the yea, plus ever green-so the area always looks groomed and attractive.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (2) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Make the area a focal point. Instead of just a post in the ground, now your mailbox is becoming a focal point. Finish that thought by adding a mulch circle and edging the area with stones or decorative trim.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (1) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says; Start with your mail box. Since mailboxes tend to be focal point on the exterior of the home, take some time to make it look great, especially if you are in the process of selling your home. This will literally add to it's curb appeal.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(13)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Look for moss, mold or brown spots on roofing material. Also check for low hanging limbs or tree branches resting on the roof.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(12)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Take a moment to look at your roof venting. Make sure it is not blocked or clogged. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons commonly will nest in vents and roof overhangs.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Are there signs of previous repairs? Note the location and condition of those repairs.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(10)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Are there signs of ponding created where low sloped roofs have started to sag? Do you see cracking, blistering or alligatoring of the roofing material of low sloped roofs?

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Look at the top of the chimney, called the splay or cap. Is it cracked or otherwise allowing water to penetrate the chimney interior?

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Protruding nails (called nail pops) or nails not flush with underlying shingles need to be reset or replaced.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(7)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Check for worn or damaged flashing around projections through the roof such as vent pipes or hoods, skylights, radon vents, and chimneys. You might also look for metal flashing in the valleys, inspecting for rust.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(6)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Do you see signs of damage from wind, hail, or mechanical impact? Shingles may be torn, missing worn from tree branches,have holes or punctures, or may be cupping and curling at the edges. Ice damming commonly occurs when melting snow refreezes at the roof's overhang and will cause shingles to deteriorate prematurely. If in doubt about any observed deficiencies, contract your insurance company and schedule an adjuster to conduct an inspection free of charge.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Roofs are always a big question mark, what are some of the roof basics?(5)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Debris in valleys and gutters should be removed as it blocks water runoff, which may backup under shingles and penetrate the home. Gutters and down spouts should be free flowing and unrestricted.