What is A
Counteroffer?
A counteroffer is an offer made in response to another’s offer
instead of an acceptance and has the effect of
rejecting the original offer.
Wet
Basement Solutions
Not very
many things are more frustrating than a wet basement. Even small amounts
of moisture can make a basement smell musty and be conducive to mold and
mildew growth.
The amount of moisture may range from a damp
feeling to standing water. The solutions for either amount is similar. A
fix has to either remove the way that water enters the basement, or
remove the water before it can be a problem. Both answers require a lot
of work and determination.
If the water problem is a wet weather occurrence
only, three fixes are possible. Good guttering can be place to start.
The gutters will divert the water away from the foundation of the house.
By using elongated downspouts to carry the water an additional ten or
more feet from the house, any problem from standing water around the
basement will be lessened. For some, this one fix will cure the moisture
dilemma.
The second step would be to dig down to the
foundation and coat the outer walls with some type of barrier. This can
range from simple tar to polyethylene sheeting. Repair any obvious
cracks. While the foundation is exposed, trench out from the basement in
several areas. Lay in perforated drain pipes and surround them with
gravel. If this can be done at two or three levels as the backfilling is
being done, it will help keep all moisture from staying around long
enough to enter the basement.
When the dirt is back in place around the
basement,some sculpting needs to happen. The ground needs to be sloped
AWAY from the basement walls. By making this slope rather steep, the
water will run away Without penetrating near the house. These three
fixes will repair almost all wet weather moisture problems.
© 2009 A & S Home Inspections
Connecticut Home Inspection Expert David Balkun is devoted to empowering
home buyers and sellers throughout Connecticut with the information they
need to make informed buying or selling decisions about their properties
and give them peace of mind.
Register for his free articles at www.asinspectiongroup.com
HOME
INSPECTION
A
& S Home Inspections David Balkun
Spring Checklist to Maintain your Home
Home
maintenance fits in nicely with spring projects. Most likely, you
are already doing a little spring landscaping. However, it
may be time to give your home a little maintenance, too.
The many spring showers can actually cause some
damage to your house. Follow this checklist for your spring home
maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape and avoid any possible
water damage.
·
Clean the gutters and make sure that they are in good repair.
You can use a ladder, an attachment for your hose, or even a
professional. You want them to work correctly and not be clogged,
which can lead to water damage.
·
Check the undersides of the eaves for any rotting.
It can lead to water damage in your attic.
·
Look over the roof for any damaged, missing, or loose shingles.
You can improve your home’s maintenance if you repair any roof damage
before there is a lot of rain.
·
Examine inside the attic for any water damage from leaky shingles.
You’ll want to repair that before it gets any worse and costs more.
·
Be sure downspouts carry rainwater
at least 5 feet away from the foundation. This is an important for
home maintenance. If they drain too close to the foundation, it
can result in water damage.
·
Check your sprinklers as part of your home maintenance. None of
the lawn sprinklers should hit the house with water, which can lead to
moisture problems.
·
Examine the weather stripping
on your doors and windows. The cold weather of winter may have caused
damage. If it looks like there is any damage, caulk it.
·
Remove any storm windows and replace with summer screens.
·
Home maintenance also involves checking your heating and air
conditioning units. Spring is a good time to have a service check
of your air conditioner to head off any problems before the summer heat
waves.
Home ownership includes home maintenance.
Starting off your spring with a maintenance checklist can correct any
problems before they get worse and cost even more money to fix.
© 2009 A & S Home Inspections
Connecticut Home Inspection Expert David Balkun
is devoted to empowering home buyers and sellers throughout Connecticut
with the information they need to make informed buying or selling
decisions about their properties and give them peace of mind. www.asinspectiongroup.com
A & S Home Inspections
38 Summit Farms Road Suite 116
Southington, CT 06489
Toll-Free: 800-362-4325 / 800-DO-CHECK
