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8 Quick Winter Home Repairs That Always Need Fixing

8 Quick Winter Home Repairs That Always Need Fixing

Attacking small home repairs can lead to more than a feeling of accomplishment. They can clear the way for larger projects in spring. And as I walked through my house with my notepad app open, I found myself staring at a list of home repairs that always need fixing at one point. 8 maintenance items … Read more

Is your wet basement sucking you dry?

Is your wet basement sucking you dry?

A WET BASEMENT IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN MANY KANSAS CITY HOMES. But before we go sloshing around knee-deep dankness, we begin our wet basement banishment in an unexpected place: The roof. Because lousy grading is hard to see when you’re right on top of it, but there’s no hiding when you look down from above. … Read more

How to survive your first old home purchase

old home purchase

An old home is a wonderful thing. Aside from the charm and character, an old home brings a host of problems not found in newer houses.  Like poor wiring, cracked foundations, clogged pipes, and weak roofs. Now, don’t avoid an older home because of these issues, they’re normal. But old homes need special attention because … Read more

Undersized Service In Older Homes

fried panel

60-amp electrical service was standard in older homes, now it’s old, outdated, unsafe, and too small for today’s modern families. The 5 biggest hazards with undersized electrical service in older homes: 1. Overloading 60-amp service is simply not enough to power modern electrical devices and appliances. This can lead to overloading the circuit and causing … Read more

Radon Gas Is No Joke

radon gas

DID YOU KNOW RADON GAS IS THE 2ND LEADING CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER IN AMERICA? In fact, it’s in your home right now and you breathe it every day. Especially around Kansas City where high levels are common. It comes from the soil and you’ll never know the level is high unless you get it … Read more

Septic Systems: Buried But Not Forgotten

septic system

Septic systems are easy to understand but hard to inspect so be on alert if buying a home with one installed. But, in time, even a well-maintained septic system clogs up and breaks down. And before they’re replaced, lots of things can go wrong. Common Problems 1. Damaged Pipes Believe it or not, when it comes … Read more

8 Things To Know When Mold Takes Hold

8 Things To Know When Mold Takes Hold

If a basement is musty, has blotched walls and ceilings, or has a growth under the carpet then mold has taken hold. This is a health hazard that has many insurance companies scrambling – or refusing coverage. So what do you need to know about mold to stay out of trouble? 1. Molds are everywhere and … Read more

Is Your Fireplace Sending Smoke Signals?

fireplace

I enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace on a blustery winter eve. It’s comfy, romantic…and the rest of the house is freezing! This happens when the fireplace chimney sucks up more heat than it makes. And while it’s become a major sales feature, let’s be realistic – a fireplace is just another heating system. … Read more

Kansas City Pests:
The Unwelcome Guest

pests the unwelcome guest

You are not alone.   Your home is a sanctuary to thousands of freeloading pests – including millions of bed bugs and dust mites. Then there are the bigger pests that can take over – bats, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and skunks. These guys can make some homes uninhabitable (bats are a protected species) so get … Read more