Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips to maintain our deck or porch? (7)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Building materials – Traditionally, homeowners have preferred cedar or redwood for outdoor construction like decks and fences. But in recent years, manufactured have treated pine and other less durable woods chemically so they survive weathering. There are other woods such as lpe and Philippine mahogany that are also well suites for decking material that are very dimensionally stable when maintained with a sealer. Composites such as Trex are also extremely popular these days for use as low maintenance decking. Remember that all deck framing material must be pressure treated wood to withstand rot and insect infestation.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips to maintain our deck or porch? (6)

Michael Petruccelli says;  The deck and stair railing should be able to support the fall of a large, full grown man. The balusters should be spaced no more than four inches apart to protect children from falling through.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (9b)

Michael Petruccelli says;  When there are children - Reduce clutter if possible. Children and babies come with a lot of gear. Try to limit what you have out to only what you absolutely need for that day. Try to organize the child/baby gear & toys to a minimum this will help reduce the clutter so the potential buyer can see the house unencumbered. This way they can visualize there belongings in the home. Instead of being overwhelmed by your personal items.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  When there are children - Consider propping baby gates open so the walk through the home is easy and flows. Keep in mind when it comes to the home inspection, the inspector will need easy access to the entire home.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (8b)

Michael Petruccelli says;  When there are pets - Repair pet damage. Scratched or urine soaked wood floor, wood trim, walls or carpet should be repaired or replaced.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  When there are pets - It is best that pets are removed from the premises when possible. Also keep in mind that buyers and inspectors on inspection day need access to the entire home, so the garage and the backyard are not a great idea.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (7e)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Consider having the fireplace & chimney cleaned.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (7d)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Install a clean heating A/C filter. Consider having the A/C unit cleaned & serviced especially if it's been a while.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (7c)

Michael Petruccelli says; Complete a few chores -Dryer vents should be cleaned & cleared of lint. Remove all "creative wiring" such as extension cords used in the attic, basement, on the exterior & the interior of the home.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (7b)

Michael Petruccelli says; Complete a few chores - Clear debris and vacuum under the refrigerator. Remove and clean all debris from the tub, shower & sink drains.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (4)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Make sure it is on - Make sure the sprinkler system is turned on. The A/C system is on as seasonally applicable. All utilities should be on (electric, gas,water and all pilot lights).

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? (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? (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? (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.