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Fix That Leaky Roof!

Wednesday, September 30, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Drip. Drip. Drip. It is pouring rain outside, and you hear that dreaded sound coming from somewhere inside your home. Grabbing the mop bucket to place under the leak will save you from a mess but drying the floor and putting the bucket close by for the next rainstorm is not where you need to stop. Leaving a leaking roof untouched can be detrimental to your health, home, and investment.   

 

  • Sometimes you may not notice dripping water, but will see bubbling drywall or plaster, or simply a change in the color of the paint. 
     

  • If you find a drip and have retrieved something to catch water, your next step should be to try and find where the leak is. Open the attic door, and with a flashlight, look around for the dripping water or wet areas. 
     

  • Do not be tempted to place something to catch the water in the attic. The container can become too full and heavy, and come crashing through the ceiling. 
     

  • While a downpour or thunderstorm is not the time to go outside, once it is safe to do so, go outside and look up the roof’s slope from the area where the leaking was. 

  • - If it is not obvious, you may have to wait to create your own “rainstorm” with a water hose or call a pro to locate the problem. 
     

  • If the leak is on a flat area of the roof, secure a tarp over the leak to stop more water from coming in.  Sometimes the leaks are around a vent or chimney, and those can be tricky, so you may not be able to make a temporary fix until the roofer arrives. 
     

  • Whether you DIY the roof repair or call a roofing contractor, the attic will need to be dried out.  

  • - Use a dehumidifier to absorb the moisture in the air coupled with a large fan to dry the area. 

  • - Inspect surrounding insulation and make certain it is completely dry before you put it back in place. If it has become compacted, it will need to be replaced with new insulation. 
     

  • Leaving a leaky roof with a temporary patch, or worse, doing nothing at all can cause expensive and dangerous problems. 

  • - Mold and mildew can grow not only on the roof, but inside the attic, and possible down to the ceiling and walls. 

  • - Wood under the shingles and on the roof, joists can rot, causing an expensive replacement. 

  • - Drywall and plaster are not meant to be wet, and the moisture can cause them to become weak. No one wants collapsing ceilings or walls. 

  • - Water can get into the home’s wiring, causing copper wires to degrade, and in turn causing an electrical short or even a fire. 
     

As soon as a leak is discovered, repairing it yourself is fine if done correctly.  You may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it can be for a pro to stop a small leak, and the price of the repair will not be very high.  However, the cost of a professional making a repair to a leaking roof cannot compare with keeping your home’s largest and most important structure safe and sound as well as keeping your family safe and healthy. 


Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.  

Photo credit: HomeGuard

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Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall 2020

Wednesday, September 23, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Colder days will soon be here, so why not take care of a few maintenance jobs while the daylight hours are still long enough to get plenty accomplished?  Getting things ready for the Winter days ahead will be easy with these tips: 

 

Outdoors 

  • - Make it easier on yourself and rake or vacuum fallen leaves as they come down.  Mulch leaves for your compost pile or call your local waste management for curbside pickup.   

  • - Check trees for dead or diseased branches and trim them back.  As they go into their dormant phase, there is less chance for the diseases to spread after trimming. Call an arborist if the job is too daunting. 

  • - Many plant trees in the Springtime, but Fall is a better time. The tree’s roots do not have to compete with the heat, they get plenty of water from the Autumn rain, and can settle in and get established. 

  • - Dethatching the lawn is best done now before the grass goes into dormancy.  You will reap the benefits with a healthy lawn next Spring. 

  • - Before storing them in the garage for Winter, service and store the mower, string trimmer, and any other lawn tools you may use. 

  • - Inspect walkway and driveway surfaces, looking for cracks, and seal them with an approved sealant.  Snow and ice can cause the surfaces to bulge, causing a falling hazard. 

  • - Fall is a great time to paint the exterior of your home, thanks to moderate temperatures and lower humidity. 

 

Indoors 

  • - Have your heater serviced by a professional. Ask if they offer a yearly fee for a checkup on your unit at set times of the year; this could save you some money in the long run. 

  • - Check doors and windows for drafts, and seal with caulking or insulation strips.  Screens should be replaced with storm windows, if applicable. 

  • - See that your chimney is free of creosote to prevent fires.  A licensed chimney sweep would be the best for making sure your home and family are safe from chimney fires. 

  • - Now that it is not sweltering, venture into the attic and give it a good cleaning. Be on the lookout for any insulation issues, and replace or repair, if needed.  Be sure that pests cannot get inside and spend the winter in your attic! 

  • - Wash and/or air out heavy blankets and quilts to get them freshened up for use. 

 

Some of these jobs may seem cosmetic or unnecessary, but as a homeowner, it is more about being responsible.  Home maintenance--indoors as well as outdoors--is critical for protecting your home’s value, as well as for your comfort.   


Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.  

Photo credit: angies list 

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Renovations and Child Safety

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Plans have been finalized, colors and design have been chosen, the contracts are signed, and it is time to begin that long-awaited kitchen renovation! While most homeowners will be excited to begin, one thing should be done before the first nail is hammered:  be sure you have made safety measures for your children.   

 

  • When making plans for a child’s space, whether a bedroom or bathroom, and you are in your “forever” home, make sure those plans can grow with your child.  While a fun built-in castle bed is fun for now, it might require a whole new reno when he stops wanting to be a knight when he grows up. 
     

  • During contractor interviews, ask if they are experienced in working in a home with children present, get referrals from other families, and make a point to call those references.
     

  • Planning on a total rehaul for your kitchen? Create a makeshift kitchen with portable electric cooking gadgets, use disposable plates and utensils, and use the grill as often as possible. If there is carpet in the new eating area, and you have small children, purchase an inexpensive area rug or large outdoor “rug” (found in most discount stores for $20), to protect the wall-to-wall. 
     

  • When demolition begins, have a plan for everyone to be away from home that day. Have your contractor call with any possible dangers they may find:  mold in the walls, asbestos or lead in an older home, or any broken glass or tile. Wall off that area with plastic sheeting and make it as impossible as you can for the children to enter on their own. 
     

  • Talk to your contractor about the importance of hunting down every tool at the end of the workday and storing them out of sight. Offer a charging station in an area your children do not frequent so cordless tools can re-energize out of sight and out of their interest. 
     

  • Dust will be everywhere, and allergies may flare. Make certain all ductwork in the project rooms are covered, and again, walled off with plastic sheeting or “temporary” walls.  
     

  • If your contractor does not provide dedicated trash cans with lids for construction trash, buy them yourself and put them in each work area. Make sure they are tall enough that children will not be tempted to grab something they find interesting that could harm them. 

 

Once the job is complete, make it easy on yourself and splurge on a professional to come in and clean every surface to remove dust and bits of grime left behind. Celebrate getting back to normal and have a party in the new space!   


Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.  

Photo credit: refresh renovations 

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Hunt for the Perfect Storage Unit

Wednesday, September 9, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


When you have personal belongings that need to be stored away from home, choosing how or where to store it can be a daunting task.  If your house is on the market, you cannot have a rented storage container in the driveway, and in the case of a remodel or simply downsizing, it might be less convenient to have a unit across town.  Use these tips to help you decided where and how to store your possessions. 

 

  • - Think of your visits to a storage facility like an interview! Ask to see the available unit, check for holes or other damage, and look (and smell!) for signs of mildew. 
     

  • - Go over each site’s payment plan closely, as some facilities have strict payment rules and can auction your unit if your payment is just one day late. 
     

  • - Some items need to be in a climate-controlled area but be prepared to pay a higher rental fee.  Items that will most benefit from this type of storage facility include electronics, furniture, and collectibles. Find a more comprehensive list from moving.com.  
     

  • - Hold off on signing a contract until speaking with your homeowner’s insurance agent. It could be that your belongings will be covered under certain circumstances.  Some storage companies will offer insurance for an added fee, so make certain of their policy before you sign. 
     

  • - Even if the items are insured, a storage unit company that offers secure fencing, good lighting, security cameras, and a fire alarm and sprinkler system is still your better choice. 
     

  • - Remodeling or painting? A portable rental unit may be your best bet, as many companies will deliver a container that can be kept in your driveway. If you are moving, the unit can be packed, stored off-site, then shipped to your new home. 

 

One last tip is to go online and look at reviews for area storage units and ask friends and family for recommendations.  You will likely find going with a reputable company could cost more, but your peace of mind is worth a few extra dollars per month.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.  

 

Photo credit: moving.com

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Before You Purchase a Foreclosure

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Whether searching for a budget-priced home or an investment property, many people turn to the “Foreclosures” section of online house hunts or newspaper ads.  Sure, the price is a bargain, but there are some drawbacks to purchasing a home that is in foreclosure. Take these tips into consideration before you head to the auction: 

 

  • - Most foreclosures have been unoccupied for several months and will surely be affected by that. You will need to be willing to put in some work and some cash to bring it up to code/living conditions. 

  • - If the house is on the auction block, you will likely need the full purchase amount in cash, as the lender or bank is looking to recoup as much from the defaulted loan as they can. They do not allow time for financing to take place. 

  • - Some states allow redemption to the homeowner, and HUD defines this as “...a period after [the] home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when [a homeowner] can still reclaim [their] home.”  

  • - Because a foreclosed property is sold “as is,” you will not receive any disclosures, meaning, a home inspection is a must!  Depending on who owns the property will make a difference in how much time you must complete the inspection.   

  • - On the other hand, if the property is REO (real estate owned), you will be able to go through the home-buying process in the usual way and have time to secure financing for your purchase. 

  • - An REO will be sold as-is just like an auctioned house, and all repairs will have to be done by the new owner--there are no repair requests or contingencies granted. 

  • - For buyers that are new to the foreclosure-purchase game, going through a bank to buy the property is your best bet versus auctions. Once you gain some experience in the process, try your hand at auctions. 

  • - For any distressed property, make sure you have a title search performed. Buying a foreclosure takes long enough, and you want to make certain you will not run into any roadblocks. 

For your foreclosure-hunting convenience, realtor.com® has a search page specifically for foreclosures!   Check with your municipality for notices on tax foreclosures, and if you have the funding, pre-foreclosures and short sales are other property bargains.  Remember to connect with a Realtor® that is experienced in distressed sales. Their knowledge and expertise can make a drawn-out process go smoothly! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.  

 

Photo credit: Robinson&CO

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Photo of Tucker Robbins Real Estate
Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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