The 5 Most Common Defects Found in Newly Constructed Homes

If you're someone who's building a home from scratch, you already know all of the work that goes into it. Therefore, it's a pretty safe assumption that once the contractors are done and they tell you that your house is ready to move in, the last thing that you want to do is discover some unexpected defects.

So, in the effort to prevent this from being your experience, here are a list of five of the most common defects that are found in newly constructed homes. By knowing about these ahead of time, hopefully you will remember to review these things with your contractor before the big move.

Window leaks. Something that you should definitely make the time to inspect are your windows (and your doors). If when you turn out the lights in a room, there appears to be light showing along the windowsills, this usually means that your windows were not put in properly or that they need to be sealed. It's important that you take care of this as soon as possible so that you don't have to worry about spending more on energy costs in order to keep the rooms in your house at a comfortable temperature.

Installation problems. Speaking of installation problems, another fairly common defect is to have things like your water heater, HVAC unit or gas furnace not put in as securely as it should. Something that you can do to prevent this from being as much of an issue is to request that each professional who worked on each item sign a form stating that they can guarantee the dependability of their work. That way, if there is a problem, you can get additional service done for free (sometimes, you can even get some of your money back).

image: renopedia.wikia.com

Plumbing defects. One of the reasons why you might want to consider conducting an energy audit, even right before moving into your place, is because it can help you to detect if you happen to have any plumbing defects such as a leaky toilet or faucet. One website that can walk you through how to conduct your own energy audit is Energy.gov. Just go to the site and put "DIY energy audit" in the search field.

Electrical hazards. When it comes to a new construction home , something that you definitely don't want to overlook is the electrical system that is inside of the house. If there happens to be things like ungrounded outlets, no shock protection or lose wiring, this can all lead to potentially hazardous situations. So, make sure that an electrician thoroughly inspects your place. It's one of the best things that you can do for the safety of you and your family.

Code violations. If a company like Zoomlion Rough Terrain was used to add onto your new house before you moved in, then that's a sign that there were construction projects done that required permits. However, if there happened to be certain ones that were overlooked, that would be considered a code violation which is a serious warning sign for home inspectors. For more information on how to handle code violations, visit HomeGuides.SFGate.com and put "fix building code violations" in the search field.

How to Control and Prevent Crabgrass in Your Yard

Crabgrass gets its name because it grows out of a singular root and the blades look like a crab's legs. The problem with crabgrass is that it is pervasive and tenacious and getting rid of it takes careful patience - it may take weeks or months. Also, it is important to prevent crabgrass from spreading - it is a prolific weed-like grass that can spread like wildfire and germinate across your entire lawn. It can also suck the life out of other plants and grass, leaving your back or front yard looking less than healthy. Here is how to control and prevent crabgrass in your yard.

 

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First and foremost, you want to practice watering your lawn accordingly. Crabgrass grows near the surface of the soil - whereas the healthy grass grows low. So, you want to water deeply - meaning that you want to set a timer and let the water soak. You want to do this once a week. If you water every day and lightly, the crabgrass will have a much better chance of surviving and thriving, so through your watering practices, you want to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Also, you want to mow your lawn regularly. According to the type of grass you have, you want to mow at exactly the right height and you want to mow often. Because crabgrass grows at the surface, cutting down its blades can cut down its water reserves, which can end up causing the plant to shrivel up and die. This is what you want to have happen to all the crabgrass on your lawn. So, be sure to find out what type of grass you have - then you want to mow on a weekly basis.

Next, you want to be sure to fertilize regularly. Fertilizing your lawn will give your healthy grass more strength. The reason why crabgrass can be so tenacious is because it sucks the power out of the healthy grass. So, if you make your grass even healthier and plentiful, you will effectively make the crabgrass the weaker link. When it comes to using fertilizer, you want to make sure that you visit a nursery to find the best brand - with the most nutrients. When it comes to fighting off crabgrass, giving your grass the nutrients it needs to survive is incredibly important.

Lastly, you may want to hire a specialized landscaper to design your back or front yard. A professional landscape company, like A-Affordable Lawn and Tree, will be able to find and help grow some of the hardiest plants. This is especially important if you live in a region where crabgrass grows more prolifically. In some warmer and dryer climates, crabgrass can be a serious issue, so a landscaping company may plant lots of succulents and native plants to take away the nutrients from the crabgrass. In the end, crabgrass is not attractive and it can make your lawn look less than presentable, so you want to work on finding an efficient solution to control and prevent it.

5 Small Studio Apartment Space-Saving Decorating Tips

The great thing about renting a studio apartment is that you can have your own place even if you're on a pretty tight budget. The downside, of course, is that you're likely working with extremely limited square footage, which can make decorating a functional nightmare. But if you're willing to face your challenge with practicality and a dose of imagination, you should be able to find ways to save space and still create the comfortable and functional residence you crave. Here are some options to consider.

image:home.howstuffworks.com

 1. Modular furniture. If you're living in tight quarters, you really have to forego the dream of large, overstuffed furnishings and opt instead for items that take up less space. Modular furniture is a good option because it is designed to be scalable. This means you can start small and add on as needed to complete your space. Plus, you can find great options on the cheap at stores like IKEA. So if you upgrade down the road, it's not like you've blown a ton of dough.

2.   Double-duty pieces. You could opt for cool furnishings like a cabinet with a hideaway bed that doubles as a desk when closed thanks to a hinged writing surface. Or you could get a bed frame that features drawers for storage underneath, alleviating the need for a bureau. And of course, many tables and ottomans offer the extra utility of storage in addition to their intended purpose.

3.   Overhead space. People often get so caught up in filling their floor space with storage furniture that they forget about the usable space overhead. A small bookshelf that runs floor to ceiling could be a lot more useful (and take up significantly less square footage) than one that is wide and deep but only a few feet high. You can also add shelves and pretty bins to any room for extra storage. And you might even use a bed that hangs from the ceiling. You can lower it to sleep and suspend it overhead when not in use. A simpler solution, of course, is a bunk bed with no bottom bunk.

4.   Creative storage solutions. A major problem for most anyone in a studio apartment is where to put their stuff. There aren't likely to be a lot of closets, so you're going to have to improvise. For example, instead of putting up a curtain or a wall to hide your "bedroom", use the back of a bookshelf as a headboard that hides your bed, provides storage on the other side (for media, linens, or dishes) and leaves the overhead space clear so light can pass through. And instead of putting towels in drawers or on shelves, add rows of hooks or racks in the bathroom to hang them.

5.  Visual trickery. Technically, this tactic for decorating your apartment won't actually save space, but it will give you the illusion of more space when you don't have a lot to work with. You might put up a piece of translucent glass for privacy that doesn't deter the natural light. Get chairs that have open backs and open space underneath. Go for tables made of see-through Plexiglas. Add large mirrors to bounce light and give the illusion of greater depth. You won't find many studio apartments forrent that give you all the space you need, so you have to do everything in your power to maximize. And using visual trickery to make your space seem bigger is a good way to make the most of your limited square footage.

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Home AC System

You can't use the same AC unit forever - eventually it will break down and you will need to purchase a new system. It isn't so much an issue of obsolescence - new technologies emerge and make HVAC systems better. So, if your old system is reaching the end of its life, it may be a blessing in disguise - you may be able to install an HVAC system that is far better than the system you have now. But before you replace your AC, you want to ask yourself a number of questions to know if you are really ready to update your air conditioning system. Here are five important questions to ask before replacing your home AC system.

1.   Why do I need to replace my AC unit? Most of the time, you want to replace your air conditioner if it gets to be a certain age - past the ten-year mark and you are probably better off investing in a new unit. Also, your AC may be making some noises that connote the end may be near. It is important to know some of the common AC noises and what the cause may be. For instance, if your AC is making a continual shredding sound, it means your motor is about to burn out - you may as well replace the whole unit.

2.   Can you keep the ductwork? In some cases, you may not need to replace the entire AC unit - you may be able to keep the ductwork. In most cases, your AC system will be attached to a complicated link of ducts that travel inside the walls of your home. Removing the ductwork is often a challenge, so it may be smarter to just leave it.

3.   Is the HVAC contractor qualified? Before the actual install of the unit, you want to make sure that you hire a specialized HVAC specialist to complete the job. When it comes down to it, installing an AC system is a tricky job - you don't want to hire someone that isn't qualified or that doesn't have his or her license. These are standard procedures before you get to the actual install of the unit.

4.   Should I go with a system that is similar to my old system? In most cases, you want to go with a system that is similar to your previous system, because there is a good chance that your home was built around that particular system. If you go with a new system, you may have to pay a lot of money in installation costs. For instance, if you go for a geothermal system or a solar system, you may have a large install bill.

5.   Can I get an energy efficient air conditioning system? When it comes to down to it, air conditioners are not that eco-friendly, but if you focus your search efforts, you will be able to find a replacement air conditioner that has been tested for energy efficiency. You may also be able to find a system that uses a more eco-conscience fuel source. In the end, reducing your impact is also contingent on how often you blast the air conditioner.