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Feb 19
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Schedule Your Post Winter Storm Inspection

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I hope this message finds you warm, safe, and well as we celebrate the end of a long, record-breaking week across Texas. I encourage you to use precaution as you venture outside your home. Ice sheets and icicles that formed on many roofs and overhangs pose a new danger, while sidewalks and roadways remain slippery. Remember to only go out if you must and pay close attention to your surroundings. 

As we take a step back to assess the damage left in the wake of winter’s wrath, the Texas Department of Insurance has issued tips to help with insurance claims. From broken water pipes to downed trees and damaged roofs, we have seen it all across Texas!

Additionally, we are proud to offer a Post-Winter Storm Inspection to help homeowners and buyers identify damage caused by the storm. Contact us today at 512-350-0123 to schedule your inspection.

At Barfield Home Inspection, we care about you and your home. Remember to bundle up, stay safe, and stay well. As the sun literally and figuratively shines down on Central Texas, we can finally see the light at the end of the winter storm tunnel. Thank goodness!

Feb 12
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Show Your Home a Little Love This Valentine’s Day

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Seasonal Home Maintenance | No Comments

Like any good love story, the way you care for your home is a testament to its condition. This Valentine’s Day be a real sweetheart to your house and shower it with a little extra affection. Your home maintenance investment is sure to pay dividends in its longevity.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

• Texas limestone can leave you with hard water, leading to stained sinks and itchy skin. Install a water softener and maintain your salt levels regularly. Be sure to clean mineral deposits from your faucets to prevent buildup.
• Winter weather (like the great storm of February 2021!) often brings heavy rains, strong winds, and even snow and ice. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and leaks, then contact an expert roofer from our preferred vendors list for help.
• Assess your home’s air conditioning quality and consider having your system serviced before summer. Change your air filters regularly, and while you’re atop that ladder, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well!
• Account for any damage left from cold weather contraction by evaluating your door and window seals, as well as locks and door handles for wear and tear. Replace or repair weather caulking where needed.
• Prepare for a beautiful spring and add curb appeal by investing in landscaping and fertilizer for your lawn. Check your irrigation system and reference our preferred vendors for assistance.

In addition to prioritizing your home’s needs, show your wallet a little love by conserving water and electricity and thereby reducing utility costs. You can also save your hard-earned funds by considering DIY projects, where time and experience allows. Making routine improvements and adhering to regularly scheduled maintenance is an investment you can make in the life of your home. It will love you for it! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram  for more expert tips and advice. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feb 04
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Under the Roof with Randy Barfield: Exploring the 2021 Austin Real Estate Market

By | Podcast, Real Estate News | No Comments

Congratulations everyone, we made it to 2021!

As we embark on a new year, demand remains high in and around Austin, Texas, making it more important now than ever to secure your home inspection. Learn how the inspection can help buyers make an informed decision especially in a competitive market. The Barfield Home Inspection team is working hard around the clock to help ensure buyers get a thorough inspection even within tight option periods.

Tune in as Randy, Ashley, and Mary discuss the stiff competition, options for buyers, and what comes next!

Jan 06
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2021: A Look at the Year Ahead

By | Real Estate News | No Comments

Happy New Year, everyone!

As we take time to reflect on 2020, we want to express our sincere gratitude for you – the hardworking real estate agents, home owners, and buyers who trust Barfield Home Inspection with all your home inspection needs. Last year presented us with a lot of firsts, but we made it through together and continue to celebrate Austin, Texas as one of the best places to live in the country. Cheers to that!

We kick-off every year with aspirations for the 365 days ahead. In addition to inspecting homes and partnering with real estate professionals across Central Texas, this year we celebrate the second season of our podcast, “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield.” As we begin programming, we would love your feedback! Take our quick survey to let us know what you like about the pod, and what you’d like to hear more of this year.

For now, here are a few projections for the Austin real estate market in 2021:

As always, remember to get in touch with Barfield Home Inspection team for all your inspection needs. We’re the team you can trust, and we’ve been telling it like it is since 2003. Call 512-350-0123 today and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @barfieldhomeinspection.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Dec 08
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Happy Holiday Decorating

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Seasonal Home Maintenance | No Comments

Most of us can agree that we are looking forward to the holidays a little more than usual this year. After all, we could really use a reason to celebrate! Although yuletide festivities may look a little different than normal, it seems that many Americans have gone above and beyond in decorating their homes this season. Before you pull out the ladder, lights and tinsel, check out these tips and tricks that will help you save time, energy and help keep you and your home safe amidst all that sparkles this holiday season:

• Trim the tree. Whether you prefer a natural or artificial tree, be sure to keep it away from all heating sources in your home. Enough said.

• Keep a fire extinguisher handy. From trees to candles, to extra garland and tinsel, your home is likely filled with more décor than usual. Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations throughout your home, and ensure everyone knows how to operate it if necessary. Most fire extinguishers operate using the following P.A.S.S. technique:
PULL the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
AIM low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
NOTE: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.
SQUEEZE the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2-4.

• Turn all candles off before you turn in. A holiday favorite, candles provide ambient light and comforting fragrances of home. But if you’re likely to forget blowing these out on a nightly basis, turn to flameless instead.

• Whether you’re going full-on Clark Griswold or have something more tasteful in mind, you may find yourself on a ladder this month. Before you climb on board, check out Randy’s Ladder Safety Series and have someone stay at the ladder base to help stabilize and give you a hand if needed.

• Unfortunately, the most popular holiday plant, the poinsettia, can be harmful to pets and children. Be sure to keep these decorative displays out of harm’s reach.

We hope you have a wonderful time making your home warm, cozy and bright this holiday season, and that these tips go a long way to ensuring your safety in the process. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

On behalf of the entire Barfield Home Inspection team, we wish you and yours a happy holiday season!

Nov 30
0

Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Seasonal Home Maintenance | No Comments

While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, what can you do to keep the cold at bay? While most of the time we are more focused on keeping the heat out in Central Texas, an early cold snap and sudden frigid temps incline us to think of ways to keep our homes and families (including furry friends!) safe and warm this winter.

As you take stock of your home, here are a few tips and tricks courtesy of the Barfield Home Inspection team:

  1. Check for drafts. If your exterior doors feel a little drafty at the bottom, place a rolled-up towel at the threshold for a quick fix. It may be time for new weather stripping, which you can install as a quick and easy DIY weekend project! Inspect weather stripping around all doors and windows and repair or replace if necessary. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which will help keep your home weather-tight and lower heating bills.
  2. Insulate exposed exterior plumbing pipes and hose bibs. A nice foam cover from the local hardware store will work well to protect your pipes from the cold.
  3. Drip your faucets only when temperatures are going to drop below freezing to avoid waste. Running just a trickle of water will prevent your pipes from freezing.
  4. Open the cabinets under your sinks so the warm air from the house can help keep the pipes warm enough to prevent freezing.

Note: If you live in an older pier and beam home, your pipes should be wrapped. If not, hire a certified contractor to insulate these pipes in the future and use the faucet dripping technique above to protect your home in the meantime.

  1. Reverse ceiling fans so the warm air that rises to the ceiling will be pulled back down to the living area.
  2. Wrap or cover your plants (or bring them inside if possible). A planket is always a nice touch!
  3. Inspect your fireplace before the first use each season. Use a flashlight to check the flue for any obstructions and make sure your damper is open before you start the fire. Call a certified chimney sweep contractor to clean and evaluate your fireplace if you can see excessive soot. Don’t forget to keep your fire screen or fire doors closed while using the fireplace.

As we continue to spend more time at home, it’s great to take care of the spaces we love. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @BarfieldHomeInspection for more home maintenance tips from the company that’s been telling it like it is since 2003. Stay safe, warm, and healthy!

Nov 18
0

Ladder Safety 101

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Seasonal Home Maintenance, Videos | No Comments

At least a few times every year, most homeowners need to use a ladder to access their roof. Whether you’re about to clean your gutters, check your shingles, or string holiday lights, check out this video from Randy Barfield first!

In this installment of “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield,” Randy introduces several different types of ladders, covers the importance of maintaining three points of contact, shows off appropriate ladder-climbing attire, and tells us when to call in the experts. It’s everything you need to know, and more, about ladder safety!

Nov 10
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UNDER THE ROOF WITH RANDY BARFIELD PODCAST: Ladder Safety

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Podcast, Seasonal Home Maintenance | No Comments

It’s that time of year again, folks! The holidays are upon us and that means you are likely to bring out the ladder to clean gutters and install holiday lights. Before you do, make sure you’re using your ladder safely with a few words of wisdom from Randy Barfield. In this episode, we also cover why having a home inspector physically get on your roof is so important. Thanks for tuning in!

Oct 28
0

Get To Know Your Water Shut-Off Valve

By | Home Maintenance Tips | No Comments

Welcome to Central Texas, where seasons shift from summer to winter seemingly overnight! While the change to cool fall temperatures is a welcome relief from endless heat, it may require a few adjustments in and around your home. From plants that need to be sheltered from freezing temps to exposed pipes that may require additional insulation or a slow drip, you can easily keep your home and belongings safe from sudden cold.

As we all know, water is your home’s enemy and can quickly damage sheetrock, wood, carpeting and cabinets. In addition to wreaking havoc on your home, this can result in serious expenses. In the event of a water emergency, there is one component of your home’s plumbing everyone should become familiar with: The water shut-off valve. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Where is my shut-off valve located? The shut-off valve is typically buried underground near or inside the city’s water meter box outside your home. You can usually find it in a plastic box with a green cover. If your home is built on a slab, check near the water heater. If your home has a crawlspace, the valve is probably located on a front-facing wall. Look for a sign labeled “Water Meter.” If you cannot find the shut-off valve, visit our preferred vendors page and call a plumber, or ask your builder or landscaper.
  • How do I turn off the water? Depending on the location of your valve, you will need different tools for the job. Valves located inside can typically be turned clockwise to the off position by hand. Outdoor valves inside the water meter box may require a socket wrench to get inside, as well as a pair of pliers or meter key.
  • What should I do in the event of a leak? First things first, call your plumber. They can help you identify the problem and prevent it from happening again. Depending on the damage, you may also need to call flooring and restoration professionals. Knowing how to locate the main water shut-off valve quickly can prevent damage from escalating.

As we continue to spend more time at home, it’s great to take care of the spaces we love. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @BarfieldHomeInspection for more home maintenance tips from the company that’s been telling it like it is since 2003. Stay safe, warm, dry and healthy!