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Randy’s Very Merry Gift Guide

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Well folks, it’s the holiday season, and you know what that means – it’s time for last minute shoppers to unite over a lifelong habit of waiting until the last minute to find that perfect gift. Whether you’re stumped looking for your significant other, neighbor, co-worker, or even your pup, Randy of course has you covered with the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide that includes something to benefit everyone on your shopping list!

Designed for the procrastinator at heart, this list includes a variety of gifts you can purchase on Amazon or pick up at your local hardware store to ensure your present makes it under the tree before the big day. You can also hear Randy and the team go down the list (checking it twice and making it nice!) in the latest episode of Under the Roof with Randy Barfield.

  • TAPE! The most essential tool you can use for just about anything, Duck Tape can (at least temporarily) fix a variety of things around the home from water and air leaks, auto accidents, and more! Randy also prefers Frog Tape for painting projects that require a clean cut-in. Round out your tape gift basket with double sided tape and regular Scotch tape to ensure all your adhesive needs are adequately met, with a bonus 25-foot measuring tape for … good measure 😉
  • Ranging from $10 to thousands, a toolbox is a practical gift everyone can benefit from. Toolboxes can be stationary or portable, and some even come with tools to get the new homeowner or renter started! Randy recommends taking this gift up a notch by stocking it with and assortment of screwdrivers, socket sets, wrenches, a level and hammer.
  • Ask any single lady this holiday season – a good stud is hard to find! In all seriousness, a stud finder can save you tons of time and aggravation when hanging artwork around your home. Randy recommends a stud finder that also scans for electricity to keep you safe this holiday season!
  • Everyone on your list could use a new pair of gloves this holiday, and we aren’t just talking fashion! Whether you choose rubber gloves, garden gloves, or nitrile gloves, this gift will literally have the recipient covered! Our resident pitmaster, Randy recommends a pair of stainless steel mesh gloves to keep your digits safe while trimming the fat from your next brisket (also a great gift!).
  • Light someone’s day with an assortment of flashlights and headlamps that are both rechargeable and battery operated. This practical gift may seem frivolous but comes in handy in so many situations at home and on the go!
  • Randy also recommends a battery stockpile with a battery organizer to keep all of your activities energized well into the New Year!
  • Looking for something a little less practical and a little more fun!? How about a Chuck It Rugged Flyer frisbee for your best friend. Certified by Randy’s golden retrievers!

Now that your holiday shopping is all wrapped up (see what we did there?!), take one final tip from Randy and settle down for a long winter’s nap with your favorite bourbon of choice. We hope these tips hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season!

Under the Roof with Randy Barfield: Keeping Your Casa Cozy This Winter

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

The ebb and flow of winter has officially arrived in Central Texas! With the scars from last year’s disastrous winter storm still fresh for many Texans, what’s needed to ensure you and your home are ready in case arctic chill rears its head again? Join us as Ashley and Randy discuss measures you can take to protect your home, family, pets and plants, whether a freeze is just overnight or lasts for days.

Listen now on the website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you like to listen!

Under the Roof with Randy Barfield: What’s a Normal Market, Anyway?

By | Home Maintenance Tips, Podcast, Real Estate News, Seasonal Home Maintenance | No Comments

Trees in the kitchen. Retro design. Find out what we love most about Austin and our booming real estate market in the latest installment of Under the Roof!

Join Randy, Mary, and Ashley as we discuss the latest stats about the hot market and answer the question on everyone’s mind: has the seemingly unstoppable Austin bubble finally burst? Get your monthly dose of home maintenance tips, real estate insight, and news you can use. Remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates from Randy and the team at Barfield Home Inspection!

Under the Roof with Randy Barfield: Landscaping for Fun-ction!

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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!

Stay Cool, Central Texas!

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

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:
  1. Increased strain can put additional wear and tear on your fan motor.
  2. Reduced air will create a warmer home (read: a grumpier you).
  3. Strains on the system means it has to work harder, resulting in higher (yet easily avoidable) energy bills.
  4. 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!

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

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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!

UNDER THE ROOF WITH RANDY BARFIELD PODCAST: Ladder Safety

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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!

UNDER THE ROOF WITH RANDY BARFIELD PODCAST: Home Irrigation 101

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

The dog days of summer are upon us in Central Texas! While we welcome the occasional summer shower, days are long and hot and water tends to run a little low. Learn everything you need to know about maintaining your lawn and foundation with your home’s irrigation system. From programming your controller to understanding what your lawn really needs, Randy covers it all in this edition of Under the Roof. Thanks for listening!