Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As spring arrives, most of us are eager to open windows, clean out closets, and uncover patio furniture! But home ownership requires going the extra mile, at least if you want to maintain your property value and avoid costly surprises. [...]
Prevent Moisture Intrusion in Your Home
Winter in Minnesota has been a bit lackluster this year in terms of snowfall but moisture intrusion can still be an issue for homeowners. We've heard from people with frost in their attics, frozen or burst pipes, and those who've [...]
How to Prevent Ice Dams this Winter
Although we've had a slow start to winter in Minnesota, surely more snow is coming! A large build-up of snowfall on roofs will wreak havoc for many homeowners by creating ice dams. Today we'll explain how ice dams form and [...]
Your Pre-Listing Home Inspection Checklist
Sellers often ask realtors what they should do to get ready for their home inspection, so we've created a handy tool to share! Whether you're planning to list your home next week or next year, being mindful of these items [...]
Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to Print
Fall is upon us and Minnesota winter will be here before any of us would like to admit! We recommend taking advantage of these moderate temps by scheduling routine home maintenance or repairing any outdoor damage before the first frost [...]
Why Get a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?
Having your fireplace and chimney inspected annually is your best preventative action against a chimney fire. When purchasing a home, the condition of the chimney is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be! Safe operation is always our top concern but [...]
Can You Spot the Signs of an Unsafe Deck?
Summer is upon us which means it’s time to do a deck check! Today we’re going to highlight the specific areas you should pay close attention to before you invite friends and family over for that backyard barbecue! Be on [...]
Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
The Twin Cities saw one of its coldest winters in nearly a decade! As spring arrives, most of us are eager to open windows, clean out closets, and uncover patio furniture! But home ownership requires going the extra mile, at [...]
Inspection Strategies for this Extreme Sellers’ Market
There is a growing trend in the marketplace for buyers who waived their home inspection. Smart buyers opt for an informational inspection. This can happen either during escrow or after the buyer takes possession. Understanding issues before you spend all [...]
How to Prevent Frost Heave
We are in the coldest stretch of MN winter but spring is on the horizon! Soon our temps will begin to creep above freezing more regularly during the day. At night, we will enter a period of repeated freeze-thaw cycles [...]
Should I Replace My Furnace With a More Efficient One?
This time of year in Minnesota we don’t take our furnaces for granted! But even the highest quality heating systems don't last forever. The U.S. Department of Energy claims a furnace should last 15-30 years before needing replacement. (Of course, [...]
Is Radon Testing Necessary for Slab On Grade Houses?
In Minnesota, there are three main foundation types: basement, crawl space, or concrete slab-on-grade. Slab-on-grade houses do not have a basement or crawl space beneath them, but rather, they were built on top of a concrete slab. Is it possible [...]