Natural Gas Fireplaces
January 21, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Home Maintenance
In the medieval period, it was common amongst people belonging to the upper strata of the society to organize traditional gatherings comprising of their family and friends. These social gatherings usually took place in the cozy atmosphere of a room, against the backdrop of the flickering flames of a fireplace. In those days, people burned wood and had to bear with the dirt or smoke created by the fireplace. The introduction of natural gas as a domestic and industrial fuel has changed this and many users of fireplaces have been benefited, especially since it is a cheap yet highly reliable fuel. Natural gas is used for cooking and is also ideal for lighting fireplaces.
There are a number of natural gas fireplaces, available in a wide variety of styles that matches with the varying needs of people. Zero-clearance, freestanding and inserts are a few of the commonly used natural gas fireplaces.
A natural gas fireplace is practical because it quickly fills a room with warmth, charm, and comfort owing to its property of burning faster than wood. Natural gas fireplaces are better for the atmosphere, since they do not release smoke, ashes or harmful air pollutants that are associated with wood-burning fireplaces.
The usage of natural gas fireplaces is more economical than electrical firplaces or heat sources. It also offers a beautiful and convenient alternative to wood-burning fireplaces as it provides more warmth for relaxation. There are a few other advantages of natural gas over wood. The fireplaces are easy to operate with instant on/off features, flexibility for installing in any room, easy availability, and reduced pollutant emissions.
To enhance the durability of natural gas fireplaces, regular maintenance is required. At least once a year, heating professionals should be called to inspect the burner, blower operation, venting, pilot and thermostat and to clean the glass
Advanced technology allows people to install a natural gas fireplace almost anywhere they desire, as it does not require a chimney. If a chosen room does not have natural gas piping, then a licensed natural gas contractor can install one to install a natural gas fireplace.
Natural Gas provides detailed information on Natural Gas, Natural Gas Generators, Natural Gas Prices, Natural Gas Production and more. Natural Gas is affiliated with Current Oil Prices.
Plumbing Maintenance
January 21, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Home Maintenance
The winter season invites many plumbing problems into our homes. Ice cold showers, freezing pipes, broken radiators, flooding, leakage, are among the many plumbing hardships that cold weather causes. Plumbing problems come in all forms, and worse, they tend to sneak up on us, just barely inconveniencing us until they eventually escalate into a very expensive plumbing emergency. We cannot escape from the invasion of problems into our plumbing system. Nevertheless, we can maintain our plumbing regularly to prevent any of these problems escalating into plumbing emergencies.
Try some of these winter weatherproofing tips to reduce chances of a burst pipe and subsequently house flooding and water damage to all of your belongings:
-Heat – Heat the entire area of the house and open doors to allow air to circulate.
-Pipe insulation – Use foam padding sleeves or special insulating tape to insulate plumping pipes against freezing. Any exposed pipe or plumbing fixture should be kept warm with space heaters (lamps) from a safe distance.
-Running water – Run water from every valve in your house at regular intervals, this will keep it from freezing over.
Granted, the chances of a plumbing problem happening are considerably higher in homes with poor plumbing maintenance, but emergencies have also been known to occur in homes that have diligently maintained their pipes. It is paramount to know which plumbing company to call in a plumbing emergency. The plumbing company that you peg as your emergency contact should be able to solve your specific problem without delay, and without using the crisis to further its own ends.
Operating under the New York State Plumbing Code regulations, Plumbers New York will do their utmost to ensure that your plumbing predicament is nothing but water under the bridge. NYC Plumbers are an expert team operating in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, set to provide you with the best and most professional plumbing solutions for any water-related emergency. New York City Plumber provides every home plumbing service you need, from fixing your sewage system and pipeline in case of water problems, to installing boilers in your shower for your convenience. Equipped with professional plumbing tools, New York plumbers tackle both residential and commercial plumbing challenges.
The 4-Week Packing Plan
January 21, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Home Maintenance
It helps to break the packing and moving ordeal into stages that can be got through with less fuss than a 24-hour grind. You’ll be less stressed, things will be more organized and moving day will go a lot smoother.
Week 4:
• Get packing materials together – boxes, tape, labels, etc
• Get rid of all clutter that you don’t want. Sell it at a garage sale, give it away to friends, drop it off at the local thrift store or take it to the local recycling center. Be ruthless!
• Label every box as it is filled and sealed, so if you need something or want to make sure the box goes to a particular area of the new home, identification is made easy. Consider taping a list to boxes filled with small-but-important items.
• If you have firearms, make sure that you have all permits to transport them legally. Also familiarize yourself with any transport and declaration rules.
Week 3:
• Pack the stuff you don’t need right now. Examples include: seasonal items, items that you don’t need around right now, memorabilia and guest room furniture
Week 2:
• Confirm the moving time and date with your movers, whether they are professionals or friends. Don’t leave anything to chance or a general email asking for help. It is often the case that people who send out mass emails asking for help with their move have people who figure that “everyone else is going to be there so I don’t have to”. It’s much better to ask your friends individually.
• Make sure that you have the transportation for your pets and family arranged.
Week 1:
• Pack everything else that is going with you. Pretend you’re on a demented camping trip with your family and have decided to “rough it” with one set of utensils for each person and a minimum of cooking equipment.
• Make sure firearms are unloaded and properly stored for transport. Keep the registration and other paperwork in the vehicle carrying the weapon(s), so you don’t have to scrabble around looking for it if you need to present documentation in a hurry.
• Ensure that your cleaning supplies and other equipment are not packed up, as you will need them for cleaning your former residence later (unless you have engaged a cleaning service).
• Start clearing out your food from the pantry/cupboards/refrigerator/freezer. Throw out anything that is past its due date and try to use up the food you have on hand.
• Make sure most of your packing is DONE by the end of the week before you move.
Day before moving day:
• Pack clothing for a couple of days, toiletries, games, toys for the trip to your new home.
• Make sure as much food as possible is cleared out of the pantry/cupboards/refrigerator/freezer.
• Break down as much furniture as possible.
• See that all of your packed/disassembled property is arranged so movers/helpers have clear access to what needs to be packed into the moving van first, second, third… etc.
Moving Day!
• Send your pets and very young children to a sitter or friend for the packing time. They will only be underfoot and possibly distressed about the changes to their environment.
• Make sure all your things are clearly labeled as to where they go and what they are.
• It’s helpful if there is a party at the other end of your journey to make sure the home is open.
• Make sure you pack the things you will need for the first day/night in your new home last, so they will be the first things out of the truck.
• Try not to get too stressed out. Moving is stressful and it helps if you expect some delays and things not going quite as planned.
Marci McFarland is a Sarasota real estate agent with a broad professional approach. Her unique insight into the various lifestyle requirements of her clients, combined with an intimate knowledge of her service area including Palmer Ranch Sarasota real estate, make her an ideal choice for families and investors alike.
“This is our 2nd experience…”
January 20, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Testimonials
Toby and I were extremely pleased with your home inspection services. This is our second experience with your business and it’s top-notch. I especially appreciate all of the home maintenance tips and advice you gave us as homeowners.
If we ever need an inspector, again, we’ll certainly call you again. We have also recommended your company to others.
Thanks You,
Toby & Lucinda
“I will refer them to you guys…”
January 20, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Testimonials
Everything was great! The inspection it self was very thorough, and thanks for hanging around to answer all our petty little questions. When we are ready to buy another house we will defiantly use you again! And if any of our friends decide to buy a home I will refer them to you guys!
Thanks! Jennifer
“I wasn’t sure what to expect…”
January 20, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Testimonials
I wasn’t sure what to expect, being this was my first home-buying experience….but I was extremely impressed with your thoroughness and all the great information you were able to give me regarding the current state of the house, as well as suggestions for repairs and improvements. In fact, I have two other friends that are still in line for a new home and have given them both your name and insisted that they give you a call. Thanking for treating me like I was not holding you up from your next job, and for taking all the time I needed to ask questions. I thought you did a wonderful job.
Sincerely,
Kim Cole
Get the Seller to Fix it!
January 15, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Shocking Inspecting Discoveries
When you know about these issues beforehand, you can usually negotiate with the seller to fix it so you don’t come out of your pocket. That’s why it’s essential you have a 3rd party inspector checkout the property.
Professional roofer is recommended to evaluate the condition of the roof and recommend needed repairs. The
roof material has physical damage in isolated areas where trees are in contact with the structure.
Home Safety Hazard
January 15, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Shocking Inspecting Discoveries
Unapproved plastic pipe is used for T&P drain line. Plastic pipe does not meet the maximum working
pressures and temperatures of the T&P valve. Copper pipe material is recommended.
Get an Actual Copy of This Home Inspection Report
Call now and find out what makes Stephens Home Inspection Service one of the most trusted names for home inspections in the Dallas Metro area.
Call Right Now: 972-772-0802
Rust in the emergency drain pan?
January 15, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Shocking Inspecting Discoveries
The A/C system for the lower portion of the structure needs to be serviced and cleaned by a professional
HVAC technician. There is rust in the emergency drain pan indicating a failure in the primary condensation
drain system. Coils need to be checked for blockage.
Get an Actual Copy of This Home Inspection Report
Call now and find out what makes Stephens Home Inspection Service one of the most trusted names for home inspections in the Dallas Metro area.
Call Right Now: 972-772-0802
A home inspection is your first line of defense…
January 15, 2009 by Mark Stephens
Filed under Uncategorized
A well-trained home inspector can help you prevent making a costly real estate mistake. On the other hand, a home inspection can simply validate that a property’s systems and structure are in good condition. Whatever the outcome, a home inspection can help make you feel confident that you are getting what you are paying for or as a seller, get what you’re asking for.
The process of buying, selling, or building a home, is, at best, a stressful situation. Adding on the difficulties of unforeseen damages in your home at crucial moments in this process can also cause critical damage to your plans. We even help “newly constructed” home owners reaching the end of their “1 year builders warranty”, resolve issues encountered during their first year of ownership.
Stephens Home Inspection Service would like to help you smooth out the rough spots as you proceed through unfamiliar territory. Be assured that we will put the force of twelve years of experience to work for you.
At Stephens Home Inspection Services,
- We believe that thoroughness and quality are paramount.
- We produce a narrative style computer generated report, which includes color photos.
- To make things easier, our reports include a summery page that allows you the option of not having to copy the whole report, but just the list of the items in need of repair.
- Our reports are easy to read, easy to understand and comply with the Texas Real Estate Commissions, Standards of Practice.
- Our reports a delivered on the same day as the inspection via e-mail to the buyer, the buyers agent, and anyone else the buyer request.
Our typical inspection takes about 2 hours to complete. We always encourage our clients to be at the inspection in order to point out areas of concern and information about the house, such as where the shutoffs are for water, gas, etc.
Let us show you what makes Stephens Home Inspection Service the leader in inspection companies.
- Buying a New Home
- Selling your existing Home
- Building a New Home
- Builders 1 Year Warranty Inspection
FREE Samples of Our Home Inspection Reports
Call now and find out what makes Stephens Home Inspection Service one of the most trusted names for home inspections in the Dallas Metro area.
Call Right Now: 972-772-0802
