The Texas Real Estate Commission is making a few updates where home inspections are concerned. Learn what you need to know, and get Randy’s insight on the “Top 5 Tools Every Homeowner Should Keep Handy” in the latest episode, now streaming on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen!
So, you’re preparing to put your home on the market and know with the rapid rate that houses are flying off the listing shelf in Austin and the surrounding area, offers are likely to come in quickly. How can you prepare for a smooth selling process amid all the chaos of multiple showings and bidding wars? While most of those details will come down to you and your real estate agent, check out the tips below to ready your home for a thorough home inspection:
Consider a pre-inspection. While not the final inspection in the buying/selling process, this report can instill confidence in potential buyers from the start. It can also put major concerns (especially problems with your electrical, plumbing, and/or HVAC systems) on your radar. Although we are currently in a highly-competitive sellers’ market and it is likely you won’t have to make many modifications to your home to sell, it can be comforting to know what you may expect during the offer process. Interested in a pre-inspection? Give us a call!
Ready your home. The good news is that while this list may initially seem exhaustive, many of these items will be addressed during the listing and showing process. As you prepare to review and accept the winning offer and the time draws closer to the actual inspection, here are a few items to be aware of around the house:
- Provide easy access to important areas such as the attic, water heater, sinks, and basement or crawl space.
- Keep a tidy home. While this is probably already taken care of for showing purposes, a clean home can be a good indication of the house’s general condition.
- Check for operation and alignment in your toilets, windows, doors, cabinets.
- Change any blown bulbs to save time. When a light is out, your inspector will either have to note it (which may cause concern) or search for faulty wiring. Avoid the hassle and make sure your lights are in good working order.
- Replace your air filters because (especially in Texas!) the HVAC is a huge component of the inspection. Clean air filters increase the function and longevity of your cooling system and replacing them regularly can help your inspection go smoothly.
At Barfield Home Inspection, we are in the business of helping people. We do not simply check the boxes and leave. It is up to us to prepare buyers (and sellers) with information to make an informed and confident decision and our goal is to help our clients as much as possible.
With a lifetime of experience, our owner and founder Randy Barfield knows houses from the inside out and from the roof down. We deliver thorough home inspection reporting and provide an in-depth explanation of our reports. We go above and beyond to ensure all questions are answered and clients feel confident – we even welcome follow-up questions after buyers read the report!
If you’re ready to work with the home inspection team you can trust, give us a call today at 512-350-0123. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on the Austin real estate market as well as handy home maintenance tips. Happy buying and selling, folks!
Well folks, it’s officially summer. In Texas, there are a few things that implicitly come along with the season: intense heat, barbecue (with cold drinks on the side, of course), an uptick in the real estate market (if that’s even possible!), and yes: bugs. By far my least favorite component of the summer lineup, the insect ecosystem in Central Texas consists of a colorful cast. The most abundant, and in many ways, the most dangerous, is the mosquito.
Rising temperatures and humidity culminate in a perfect storm to spawn this swarm of blood-sucking beasts. In recent years, mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile and Zika have made headlines with a large impact on the state. In fact, Texas ranks in the top 20 percent of states with human disease originated from mosquito bites, with more than 6,600 cases reported between 2004 -2016. Is it just me, or is that a top-ranking list we don’t really care to be part of?
While most people infected by West Nile Virus will not experience extreme side effects, it can result in paralysis, distortion, and vision loss for older populations. Zika, on the other hand, can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child and create serious birth defects including microcephaly, a sign of incomplete brain development.
Needless to say, whether you are looking to avoid the nuisance of an itchy bite or reduce the possibility of infection, minimizing the mosquito population is a smart choice. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your home:
According to the Austin Public Health Department, the best way to fight mosquitoes is to remember the Four D’s:
- Dusk through dawn is the most active time for mosquitoes. If you can avoid being outdoors during this time, you are less likely to have an encounter.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible. The more covered you are, the better. Mosquito repellant clothing is also available!
- DEET. If your skin is exposed, be sure to use insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow the label instructions accordingly, and check out these myths and facts about DEET from OFF!® if you have questions about the effectiveness or safety of DEET.
- Drain standing water in bird baths, flower pots, clogged gutters, and wading pools as these become a literal breeding ground from mosquitos. In the case of water source for our furry and feathered friends, refresh your pet’s outdoor water bowl and/or birdbath often to prevent stagnation.
Summertime is one of the best times to embrace the Texas outdoors, but it’s wise to do it safely. Follow these tips and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook for more insight from our home inspection team. Stay cool, Central Texas!
Summer is right around the corner and things are heating up in Austin, as usual! However, the busy summer season comes on the heels of one of our rainiest springs on record. How does all this moisture affect the home inspection process? What damage should homeowners, buyers, and sellers be on the lookout for? Get the scoop, as well as a little pachyderm mania, in this month’s episode!
After a hard winter and a rainy spring, Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – has finally arrived! We take grilling (and Texas barbecue in particular) seriously at Barfield Home Inspection, and think you should, too! Here are a few tips to help you get your outdoor cooking area fit for action this summer, all while keeping your home safe:
Start with a deep cleaning. Under ideal circumstances, you would regularly clean your grill and smoker. But hey, we get it – life is busy! Before you start your summer outdoor cook-athon, give all surfaces a thorough cleaning to eliminate grease accumulation which can cause flare ups.
Keep an extinguisher handy. Per your family’s fire safety plan, you should have at least one working fire extinguisher in your home. Be sure to place it within arm’s reach along with easy access to your water hose. If you need to purchase a fire extinguisher, now is the time! Visit your neighborhood home maintenance store before the holiday.
Keep your distance. As you enjoy outdoor time, make sure your grill is at least two feet away from all surfaces. This includes fencing, decks, outdoor equipment, and yes, your home!
Keep a lid on it. Check propane tanks for cracks, holes and leaks which can cause explosions. Make sure gas isn’t leaking from your tank by making a solution of dish soap and water and rub it on hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that’s a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. Repair or replace these pieces accordingly!
We hope you have a great, safe summer kickoff. For more home maintenance and inspection tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @barfieldhomeinspection. If you’re looking for advice from the horse’s mouth, tune into “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield,” streaming on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Was your lawn damaged by the 2021 winter storm that ravaged Central Texas? Join the club! This week we’re on location at Mary’s house where a major project is underway to restore water drainage and enlarge the indoor-outdoor living space in her family’s new construction home. If you’ve ever wondered how to undertake an outdoor design project from design to finished project, this episode is for you!
In Central Texas, April brings beautiful wildflowers…plus the threat of severe storms. As warmer weather moves in across the region, look out for these weather events that can make a serious impact on your home, property, and personal safety:
Hail
As though we haven’t experienced enough frozen precipitation in 2021, hail has already made a huge impact across Central Texas (particularly in last week’s storm that hit Burnet, Travis, and Williamson Counties hard with baseball-sized stones).
Although you can’t stop the sky from falling, there are a few things preventative measures you can take to prepare yourself for a hailstorm:
- Check your insurance. Many home and auto insurance policies cover hail damage. In order to expedite your quote and repair experience, make sure you’re covered before a storm hits.
- Have your roof inspected. As your home’s frontline of defense for falling objects, the roof will take the brunt force in a hailstorm. By having your roof inspected before a storm hits, you can be aware of its condition and any problem areas that may lead to more severe damage.
- Clean your gutters to remove excess water and debris that can make a serious mess if blocked.
- Trim overhanging limbs that could damage your home, vehicles, or other property if knocked down in a storm.
- Cover outdoor furniture and plants when severe weather is imminent.
Remember to stay indoors or seek shelter in a hailstorm. Once the storm passes, assess any damage and get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
Lightning
While it may sound like the stuff of suburban folklore, lightning strikes are real and dangerous. The National Weather Service estimates that 49 people are killed and hundreds more severely injured by lightning strikes each year. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your personal safety:
- Listen for the roar. When you hear thunder, lightning may be close enough to strike. Find a safe, enclosed space and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
- Lightning can travel through plumbing, metal, electrical systems, and concrete walls and floors that have metal reinforcement. The key here is that while staying indoors offers one layer of protection, you need to stay away from windows, water, electrical devices, and concrete. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention estimates that one third of annual strikes each year happen indoors.
Tornadoes
Perhaps the most ominous of Central Texas’ weather threats, tornadoes can be fierce and unpredictable. That’s why developing a storm safety plan well in advance can help save precious time and potentially your life.
Here are a few highlights as you begin to develop your plan:
- Know where to go. Evacuate a mobile home or other temporary structure. Find the innermost room on the lowest level of a building or home preferably without windows.
- Gather supplies. While many storms pass quickly, sometimes a chain of storms can leave you up all night trying to brace for the worst. Be ready with portable chargers, water, essential medication, small food supplies, and a list of emergency numbers in case you cannot access your cell phone.
Pro Tip: We like to keep pet harnesses and leashes with the stash so we can shelter in place with our furry family members in the event of an emergency.
- Cover your body. If a tornado hits, cover yourself with anything you can from a mattress to a table or blanket. If possible, put sturdy shoes on to protect your feet from debris in the aftermath.
While we love homes, nothing is more important than your personal safety. Develop a storm safety plan early this season to protect yourself and your loved ones, and then take appropriate measures to secure your possessions. Stay tuned to local weather and stay aware of watches and warnings that can help direct your actions.
If your home does incur damage during a storm this spring, get in touch with the home inspection company you can trust. We’ve been telling it like it is across Central Texas since 2003 and we aren’t about to stop now! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more home maintenance and safety tips.
Well Austin, it didn’t take long for things to heat up! Before we know it, summer will be upon us and long days of sunshine and radiating heat will send us indoors for relief while memories of the 2021 cold snap become a distant (and potentially fond) memory.
Before you put your home’s cooling system to the test this spring and summer, let’s review a few things every homeowner needs to know about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. Tune in for the latest episode of “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield” as Randy, Ashley, and Mary discuss the virtues of clean air (and Torchy’s Tacos!).
If you’re looking for a few quick, handy tips, here’s what you need to know:
- Air filters truly are the heart and soul of your home’s AC system. Air filters purify the air you breathe, leaving behind an array of dust and contaminants in their folds. Because the air runs more in the summertime, filters fill up faster. Be sure to change these monthly to keep cool, clean air flowing.
Bonus: If you are looking to sell your home this summer, your inspector will definitely check those filters, so it pays to keep them clean.
- Know your filters. Air filters come in a variety of sizes and it’s important to know what type you need for your home. Most air filters follow the traditional one-inch disposable fiberglass forma, with measurements displayed on the packaging for ease of purchase and replacement; these need to be replaced every one to three months. Alternatively, lots of new construction homes are equipped with media filters with greater surface area and increased filtration. These filters only need to be changed once or twice a year! For more details on the types of home HVAC filters, visit This Old House.
- Dirty filters can cause serious problems. Air filters are like your home’s referee. As a first defense, they keep dirt and contaminants from entering and circulating your home. When they become clogged, it becomes more difficult for your home’s air system to run properly. Here are the most common problems that can occur:
- Increased strain can put additional wear and tear on your fan motor.
- Reduced air will create a warmer home (read: a grumpier you).
- Strains on the system means it has to work harder, resulting in higher (yet easily avoidable) energy bills.
- For individuals with serious allergies and asthma, an inefficient air system can result in breathing complications and discomfort.
We always recommend having your cooling system inspected at the beginning of the season. Visit our Preferred Vendors for a list of companies that can help.
While these tips aren’t miracles, they can increase your cooling efficiency and by proxy reduce cooling costs. For more home maintenance tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay healthy, cool, and safe out there!
Well friends, after perhaps the harshest Central Texas winter on record (certainly in my decades here), we have made it to spring. Although the vernal equinox is nearly a week away, I always set my seasonal calendar by the start of daylight saving time (quick reminder to check those clocks!), and am ready to celebrate blooming wildflowers and warmer weather, Texas style.
With our last frost (hopefully) in the rearview mirror, it’s time to set our sights on landscaping and establishing beautiful curb appeal whether you intend to list your home or are just putting down roots. First things first, clean off your gardening tools and equipment that have been in storage for a few months and get ready to put in some elbow grease. If you accept the challenge, here are a few tips to keep your lawn and garden beautiful all spring and summer, courtesy of the Central Texas Gardener:
- Now is the time to plant trees, shrubs, and roses. Even though we’re still recovering from winter, it won’t be long before it’s too hot for these plants to settle in. It’s also a great time to plant perennials, grasses, and herbs.
- If a vegetable garden is in your future, seed your tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, corn, and get the full planting guide from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
- Prune your shrubs, roses, and grasses, and damaged oaks. However, if you need help clearing debris or structurally trimming large sections (especially casualties from this year’s heavy ice) be sure to contact a professional arborist.
- Although it’s tempting, don’t fertilize your lawn quite yet. I always recommend waiting until April, though March is the perfect time to add a high nitrogen fertilizer to your citrus trees. Use that extra time this month to mulch and weed instead!
By following these tips, you can get your yard and plants in tip-top shape for spring. Enjoy your time outdoors and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more monthly home maintenance tips!
The storm has passed. Thank goodness. But in the wake of the subzero disaster that swept across Texas last month, homeowners are left with questions. Good thing Randy Barfield has answers!
Tune in for the latest episode as Randy and Ashley discuss the storm’s impact and ways you can prepare yourself and your home for future events. From generators to post-storm inspections, we cover it all from the ground up to the roof down!
