Make buyers say ‘wow’ before they’re even through your door with these 10 tips
By Shannon Petrie, FrontDoor.com | Published: 5/24/2010
#1: Spruce Up Your Lawn
You only have one chance to make a first impression on buyers, and you don’t want to make it with a patchy, unkempt lawn. Before putting your home on the market, take some time to whip your yard into shape. Do as much as you can based on your budget and timeline: If you’re stretched for cash, start by keeping the lawn mowed, raking up leaves and pulling weeds. If you can fit it in your budget, have your soil tested for any chemicals needed to promote healthy grass and reseed bad areas.
#2: Clean and Declutter
The fundamental rules of staging also apply to your home’s exterior. You want buyers to focus on your home — not your lawnmower, the kids’ toys or your extensive collection of lawn ornaments — so these distracting items should be stowed out of sight before you show your home. Once the clutter is cleared away, your next objective is a spick-and-span exterior. Remove grime and cobwebs by pressure washing your home’s siding, and clean your windows inside and out.
#3: Add a Focal Point
A tidy lawn will impress homebuyers, but a vibrant lawn will really wow them. Adding colorful flowers and plants is one great way to make an average yard pop. For an easy, inexpensive fix, install flower boxes in your windows or place low-maintenance, potted plants around your front door. If you have a green thumb, look into attractive perennials and evergreens that thrive in your region.
Besides adding flowers, you can also liven up your landscaping by incorporating eye-catching accent pieces, such as a water feature or an arbor.
#4: Refresh With Paint
If your home’s exterior looks a little dull, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Be sure to choose colors wisely: Muted, earth tones are usually a safe bet, but you should take a drive around your neighborhood to see what’s standard. If you don’t have the time or money to paint the entire house, freshen it up and add a splash of color by painting the shutters, trim and railings.
#5: Light It Up
Not only can outdoor lighting highlight your home’s best features, it can also provide safety and security at night — a feature potential homebuyers will appreciate if they tour your home after dark. Landscape lighting used to be difficult and expensive to set up and maintain, but pre-packaged lighting kits now cost as little as $40 and only take an hour or two to install. Consider adding decorative lighting along walkways or flood lights over entrance areas to brighten up your home.
#6: Focus on the Front Door
If you want to get potential buyers through your door, your front entry should be the main focal point of your home’s exterior. A new door can be a great investment, but you can also make a dramatic difference just by adding a fresh coat of paint to your existing door. A vivid red or blue that stands out against the rest of your home can really create an eye-catching entrance. Complete the look with a new welcome mat and a new or freshly polished doorknob.
#7: Home in on Details
If the thought of overhauling your home’s exterior sounds overwhelming, take a deep breath and find comfort in this: Many of the most effective ways to add curb appeal to your home are both easy and budget-friendly. Small updates like a new mailbox, distinctive house numbers or stylish door hardware can make a big difference in your home’s exterior appearance. When choosing these items, make sure they complement the style of your home for a pulled-together look.
#8: Inspect Your Gutters
While you probably won’t find homebuyers oohing and ahhing over your well-maintained gutters and downspouts, these features do send an important message about the rest of your home. If your gutters are overflowing with leaves and other debris, buyers will think you’ve slacked off on interior maintenance as well. Gutters that are in good shape may just need a thorough cleaning, patching and rehanging, but if you notice signs of water damage or mold on your home’s exterior, your gutters may need replacing. Consider vinyl gutters, which are an inexpensive, DIY-friendly option, or galvanized steel gutters, a trusted choice for their durability.
#9: Address Driveway and Walkways
Often overlooked by sellers, driveways and walkways play the crucial role of leading buyers to your front door, effectively setting the tone for every tour of your home. At minimum, you’ll want to repair cracks in your driveways and walkways to make a good first impression. If you have cash leftover, consider upgrading typical asphalt with a higher-end material, such as stone or brick pavers.
#10: Restore the Roof
Your roof is the most important part of your home’s weatherproofing and insulation system, but it’s also a crucial element of your home’s exterior appearance, and buyers will notice if it’s in bad shape. Start by replacing or repairing missing and broken shingles — not only do these look shabby, but they expose your roof to water damage and rot. Roofs generally last 12 to 20 years, so if yours is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it. Composite asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material, but wood or clay shingles offer a unique, higher-end look.
Fewer Homebuyers Are Willing to Purchase Foreclosures
May 27th, 2010Fewer Homebuyers Are Willing to Purchase Foreclosures
U.S. homebuyers are less likely to purchase a foreclosed property today than they were a year ago, according to a new survey conducted by Trulia and RealtyTrac. Some 45 percent of U.S. homebuyers say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a foreclosure today compared with 55 percent who said the same a year ago.
Only 1 percent of homeowners with a mortgage say walking away from their home would be their first option if they are unable to pay their mortgage, while 59 percent say they would not consider walking away no matter how much their mortgage was underwater. More than two-thirds of homeowners (69 percent) say modifying their loan terms is their first choice if they aren’t able to pay their mortgage.
The survey also finds that fewer homeowners have a negative view toward foreclosure properties this year (78 percent) compared to last year (85 percent). Homeowners who believe there are negative aspects to purchasing a foreclosed home say they are most concerned that there will be hidden costs (68 percent), that the process is risky (49 percent) and that the home could lose value (35 percent).
Who is Craig Nelson
June 22nd, 2009Craig Nelson, a landscape architect and exterior design consultant, understands the importance of curb appeal. “If the National Association of Realtors believes a well-designed landscape could add 15 to 20% to a home’s value, just think what the right colors, materials and accessories can do for a home’s perceived worth.” Whether one is planning to sell or planning to stay, a well-designed home exterior can defiantly provide emotional and financial benefits.
Most real estate professionals agree that curb appeal is crucial in developing that first emotional connection with a prospective buyer, because if the house doesn’t “feel good” from the street, chances are people will not even get out of their car. In fact, studies show that it takes a potential buyer less than 30 seconds to decide whether to stop and go inside a home. As realtors prepare a client’s home for sale, presenting the property in the best possible light is critical
Interior home staging has become a very popular device to assist in selling a house. This effort can help sellers gain the highest possible price in today’s market. However, if the exterior sends the wrong message, a prospective buyer may never see it. Because first impressions become lasting impressions, staging a home’s exterior to enhance curb appeal can provide for immediate buyer interest in a property.
As a Minneapolis landscape architect and designer, Craig has worked on a number of award winning projects including Excelsior and Grand in St. Louis Park, Target Park for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and numerous residential projects, large and small. “As diverse as these are, the one thing these landscapes have in common is that they all provide a warm and welcoming setting for the guest. “ However critical the landscape is to providing curb appeal, choosing the right colors for a home is essential to drawing out an emotional connection to a property.
Marketing professionals have long understood the role color plays on perception. A homes color should elicit feelings appropriate to its character whether warm and welcoming, or cool and sophisticated. Moreover, the homes color should complement the neighborhood and the neighboring houses creating a sense of belonging.
Exterior design and staging can set the scene for immediate buyer interest in a property. As realtors prepare a client’s home for sale, presenting the property in the best possible light is critical to selling the home faster and realizes more profit.
Exterior design consultations are $200 and concentrate on first impression: color, entry, maintenance, landscape, and circulation. These meetings generally last 1 hour and are summarized with a brief report that outlines the recommendations on how to create that winning first impression.
In addition to consulting with real estate professionals, Craig is also designing residential landscapes for Dundee Landscape and Nursery in Plymouth where he recently completed an enhancement of Elaine Anderson’s beautiful yard. He is also working with Kaplan Continuing Education in the development of a continuing education class for real estate professionals on exterior design and staging which he will be teaching.
Craig Nelson, ASLA
craig nelson design associates
3709 48th Ave So
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612.722.5837
site.architecture@gmail.com
Exterior design tips from Craig Nelson for June 2009
June 22nd, 2009
· Present outdoor spaces in the best light. Lighting can add depth to a home’s appearance and make it easier to see. A house without lighting can look flat and is harder to find. The best way to light the exterior of a home to provide security is to focus on doorways.
· Consider the views from the inside. Enhance attractive views or screen unsightly ones with the use of plantings or fences, and make sure existing fences are freshly painted or stained and in good shape.
· Provide Garage Doors with Panache. Garage doors are often the first thing people see from the street. For aesthetic reasons alone, it is nice to have a good-looking garage door to come home to every day. It is always a good investment to dress up this enormous square space on a home.
· The trend toward “nesting”. Homebuyers are looking for a place where they can entertain and enjoy life without having to go out. Many buyers see outdoor living space as a must-have amenity, and a well-planned deck or patio can add a lot of value to a home.
· Creating an element of surprise. will provide delight and memory. A dramatic entryway makes a home memorable. An unusual door knocker or a beautiful planter will provide delight and become memorable.
· Porches are popular. People want to feel a part of their neighborhoods and the social aspect of the porch is a big part of that. Make them feel inviting with comfortable furnishings and warm colors.
· Style matters. Pay attention to a home’s style. Ensuring continuity with the architectural style of the rest of the home is a key design consideration.
· More color. Design elements emphasize color. Multi-color palettes have become popular. You can have one siding or cladding color, another trim color and an accent color on window sashes.
STORMS AND YOUR HOME INSURANCE COVERAGE
June 22nd, 2009|
Following a disaster, many homeowners are stunned to discover their insurance doesn’t cover everything they lost – and sometimes doesn’t cover any of their losses. Now is the time to fine-tune your coverage — before a disaster strikes. Many changes don’t take effect until after a 30-day waiting period.
Standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage from rising water, whether it’s coastal flooding from a hurricane’s wind-whipped storm surge or inland flooding from heavy rains. Check to see if you live in a flood-prone area. If so, ask your insurance agent about the need for flood insurance. Some homeowners may qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program, depending on their home’s location.
Not all policies cover damage caused by wind or hail. Even if you are not in an area frequented by high wind and regular hail storms, you may want to consider this coverage. Your insurance agent can provide information on your current coverage as well as your options.
Standard policies usually limit payments on valuables such as jewelry, silverware, antiques, boats and guns, and computers. So if you’re a collector or have high value possessions, you may need to get a special endorsement to ensure reasonable protection.
If you live in a condominium, find out what coverage your condominium association provides. You will still need your own homeowner’s policy to cover any damage that may occur to your unit and its contents. Pay attention to your deductible or out-of-pocket expenses. Most policies have a higher deductible for hurricane damage.
Does your policy cover the replacement cost or depreciated value of your possessions? Most policies cover the “actual cash value,” or depreciated value, of personal belongings, which means you won’t get what you paid for your furniture, electronics and clothing if they’re ruined. It costs more to insure them for their replacement value, but you’ll have an easier time getting back on your feet.
If your home and possessions have increased in value or you’ve made improvements to your property in recent years, check your coverage limits. Consider increasing your coverage if the policy doesn’t cover the current value of your home and its contents. Many policies make automatic adjustments as replacement costs increase; even so, you need to make sure your policy keeps pace.
Make an itemized inventory of your belongings, including costs, purchase dates and serial numbers. Attach receipts to the inventory sheet. Your insurance company may require proof of the cost of any item for which you make a claim. Dated photos or videos of your possessions are also a good idea.
Keep a copy of insurance records in a safe deposit box or with a relative or friend. These records should include your insurance policy, inventory records and the phone numbers for your agent or insurance company for reporting claims. Upon receiving an evacuation notice, you should take insurance records stored at home with you.
If your property is damaged, hire only licensed and reputable workers, preferably from within your community. Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses that request payment before the work is done. Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.
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IT’S POOL TIME AGAIN
June 22nd, 2009|
You want family and friends to be able to enjoy the pool this summer. So if you haven’t already done an annual safety check, don’t delay. Take some time to inspect the pool for damage or safety hazards to help protect everyone from accidents, particularly children.
Check Conditions All pools should be inspected for trip hazards, rough surfaces, slippery surfaces, sharp edges, rotted wood decking, rusted ladders and stairs, and damaged diving boards. All electric components, pumps, motors and filtration equipment should be checked and serviced. A qualified individual should also confirm that the intake covers (grates) on the filtration returns are fitted with the proper type grate to prevent entrapment hazards. There should be no wiring (including extension cords) or receptacles anywhere near the pool and receptacle outlets supplying electricity to the pool areas and equipment should be protected with a special safety device called a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter. Consider Accessibility To reduce the risk of drowning, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends using as many layers of protection as possible. Of primary importance are self-closing, self-latching gates and suitable fencing that completely surrounds the pool to prevent unsupervised access by young children. If the house forms a barrier for part of the pool area enclosure install alarms on doors leading to the pool area or special water alarms. A safety cover over the pool is also something to consider. Proper supervision is still the most important safety practice when it comes to pool safety for children. Drowning can occur in minutes. Many drowning incidents occur when young children are not expected to be near the pool area. And even when parents or childcare providers are around, don’t be misled into thinking that if a child falls in the water, you will always hear them splashing and screaming, and will be able to come to the rescue. Many times, children slip under the water silently. Danger Comes in All Sizes Accidents can happen in any pool. According to the CPSC, drowning incidents involving portable or inflatable pools are rising. Many are often purchased by consumers without consideration for the critical safety features necessary to help protect young children from the danger. These pools often fall outside the scrutiny of local building codes that require significant fencing or barriers.
Hot tubs and spas also present potential safety concerns. Whether built-in or freestanding, hot tubs and spas present many of the same accident and drowning hazards as pools. With hot tubs, there is an added concern for over-exposure to elevated water temperature. Generally a maximum water temperature of 104° F (40° C) is recommended for any long-term bathing. And due to the heated water, the control of bacteria is a health concern. The potential of hair entrapment from the suction at the return for the spa jets is an even greater issue with hot tubs and spas than pools, particularly, with older or damaged units that do not have the proper grates over the return opening. Review all manufacturer recommendations and warnings regarding hot tub and spa operation. Be Prepared It is important to always be prepared for an emergency by having rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Also, all parents and childcare providers should learn basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For more information about pool and spa safety, including recommendations on barriers, equipment hazards, and entrapment hazards go to the CPSC’s web site at www.cpsc.gov and do a search for “pool safety” or click on www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/pools-piscine-eng.php. Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com. |
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Conditioning Your Air Conditioner
June 22nd, 2009|
A central air conditioning system can provide years of satisfactory cooling with relatively little maintenance. However, a seasonal start-up check and periodic maintenance is recommended. Homeowner Checklist The amount of do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance a homeowner can do is limited. However, there are a few steps that can help the system operate trouble-free and minimize the potential for consequential damage. Ensuring adequate airflow is perhaps the most important homeowner responsibility.
Homeowners can (following manufacturer instructions):
Selecting Trained Professionals If your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance described here, consult a qualified air conditioning technician. A well-trained professional can provide a thorough pre-season or maintenance evaluation and servicing as needed. Insufficiently trained service technicians forsake proper diagnostic procedures and often only perform stop-gap measures to keep a unit going. Such short-sightedness can have a drastic effect on other components leading to consequential failure of the entire system. At a minimum, a technician should:
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com. |
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Getting Value in a Vacation Home
May 11th, 2009From Ameriprise Financial.com
There are two great reasons for buying a vacation home: You want one and you can afford to buy it. Buying a vacation home as an investment, however, should not be your primary motivation.
Some vacation properties can also be good investments. Others aren’t. As recent history has shown, real estate prices can go down as well as up, and there are no guarantees.
There are, however, some guidelines that can help you find a vacation home that will provide value along with pleasure.
The Rules Have Changed
Consider first whether you want to buy or rent and, if you choose to buy, where and how. There was a time, back before tax-reform legislation in the 1980s, when there were compelling tax advantages to financing a second home. You’re still able to deduct mortgage interest on one such home; but, unless it is income-producing property with its attendant complications, the once-valuable depreciation write-offs are gone. To help decide whether buying a vacation home is right for you, consider the following.
How Often Would You Use the Property?
If you plan to spend just one week, or even two, out of every 52 at a vacation home you purchase, you would probably be spending a lot of money for each day there. Mortgage payments continue all year long, as do payments for insurance, taxes, and necessary regular maintenance. If you’d be paying full price but getting only part-time use, consider renting.
There are good reasons for buying a vacation home, not the least of which is a simple desire to own the place and do what you want with it. But renting lets you experience vacation life in different places, and is relatively affordable. Rents can run from $500 to $2,000 a week or more, depending on location and amenities. At the end of your stay you close the door and forget about the place. Financial planners say that if you’re just looking for a few weeks of vacation a year, it’s probably cheaper in the long run to rent. An extra attraction to renting is that it gives you a chance to test different locations before settling on one to buy.
How Desirable Is the Location?
The old real estate saying goes like this: “What are the three most important things about selling a house? Location. Location. Location.” The same holds true for a vacation home. Are you looking at a simple cabin in the backwoods or a comfortable house or condo in or near an attractive resort area? A rural hideaway may be great for hunting, hiking, or just getting close to nature, but don’t expect its value to appreciate as fast as a more comfortable place located near amenities.
With the graying of the Baby Boom generation, some analysts predict an increasing demand for country getaways in the future. That great population bulge is rapidly approaching an age when many can be expected to spend the money they’ve been working for and take life a bit easier.
Keeping that in mind, the best investment for future resale would probably be a fully equipped getaway that could double as a second home, perhaps on waterfront property or with privacy-protecting acreage. Amenities are important. Younger people often don’t mind minor inconvenience, but older people look for microwaves, dishwashers, and even hot tubs. That condominium on the ski slopes should not be “bare bones.”
Mortgage Tips
- A 10% or greater down payment is required.
- Small down payments (of 10%) also mean paying more in private mortgage insurance than with a primary residence.
- The property must be a single-unit dwelling or condominium that is occupied by the owner for a portion of the year and unencumbered by a time-sharing ownership agreement.
- Borrowers cannot currently own rental property in the location of the vacation home.
- The property must be suitable for year-round occupancy.
The vacation home doesn’t have to be a stand-alone house. A condominium purchase can let you have a home in a terrific location that would be otherwise unaffordable.
For value today, look for that house, condo, or timeshare in a location that has activities in more than one season. Keep in mind, too, that vacation properties often become retirement homes. So safety, taxes, and the availability of cultural opportunities should be considered. With those things in mind, look for bargains in lesser-known places; investigate upswing markets, places that haven’t yet become overrun or overpriced.
Look for areas where the local economy is strong and taxes are low. You don’t have to be near a city, but you should be within a reasonable distance of populated areas to have access to services like quality medical care.
Another reason for being near more populated areas is that such a location allows you the opportunity to try to rent out your property when you’re not using it to help cover mortgage payments and, perhaps, sell at a profit later on. With the right choices, returns can exceed the future payoff from stocks.
Tax Considerations
If you rent your home for 14 days or less a year, you do not need to report the rent. Beyond that, however, the IRS considers the rent taxable income. But you may then be able to deduct all of your rental expenses if you had a net profit on the property (deductions are limited if you report a loss). These are guidelines only; your specific tax obligations should be discussed with a qualified tax advisor.
Tax Considerations
- You can deduct mortgage interest on two houses, to a limit of $1 million.
- You can rent your vacation home for up to 14 days without having to report the rent as income; if you rent for more than 14 days, the home is considered investment property and rent must be reported as income.
- Rental deductions are based on the portion of the year the property is rented.
- You can use the property for the greater of 14 days or 10% of the total days it is rented and maintain your tax advantages. Maintenance days do not count as personal-use days but should be documented. Use by in-laws or other part-owners counts as personal use even if rent is charged.
Location Winners
Florida is, as it has been for years, a number one location for vacation homes. While Florida’s east coast has been traditionally the most popular (and expensive), the west coast has also grown in popularity in recent years. Elsewhere, properties within driving distance of popular resort areas have a good chance of healthy appreciation while giving you the realistic option of renting when you’re not there. Although prices are generally higher on the west coast, other winners include Oregon’s northern coast and Colorado’s ski resort areas.
But the best location for you is one where you feel at ease and that is convenient to get to from your primary residence. Depending on how you live, that could mean a three-hour drive or a five-hour airplane flight.
Points to Remember
- Buying a vacation home as an investment should not be your primary motivation.
- If you plan to use the property for only a week or two each year, consider renting rather than owning.
- When buying, the most important factor is location. Look for a site near resort areas or amenities. Added features such as microwaves, hot tubs, or dishwashers can make it easier to sell the property later on.
- Look for areas that offer year-round activities. If you plan to use the home as a vacation home, look for access to services, protection, and cultural activities.
- You can rent your property for 14 days and keep the income tax free. If you rent the property for more than 14 days, you may be able to deduct the rental expenses depending on whether you report a profit. See your tax advisor for complete information on your circumstances.
SPRING ROOF MAINTENANCE
May 11th, 2009From HouseMaster.com - ENewsletter for March
The cold weather and storms of the winter season can wreak havoc on the exterior of a home and the surrounding property. Sometimes it isn’t that there is significant damage, but simply the fact that it may have been several months since you last paid attention to or attempted any outdoor maintenance.
Now is the time to do a winter-end check to make sure everything is in order and your home is ready to withstand those spring-time showers and the pending heat of summer.
While all exterior areas should be checked periodically, one area that typically requires special attention at the end of the winter season is the roof. To identify possible roofing concerns, look for:
- Ceiling stains – A possible warning sign that your roof system needs repair or replacement. If localized, it may be an isolated point of damage or a flashing leak. Ceiling stains can also be associated with excessive attic moisture and/or ice dam conditions, which may require additional attic ventilation and/or insulation to prevent a recurrence. If there are stains on lower level ceilings, a plumbing leak could be the cause.
- Loose or missing shingles – Any loose or missing shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid additional leakage and damage to the roof deck or interior of your home.
- Loose, lifted or cracked flashing – This is the sheet metal or other type membrane found at the base of chimneys and roof penetrations. Damaged flashing should be repaired or replaced to prevent leakage. Any open gaps should be sealed with roof cement.
- Lifted or curled shingles – This may be an indication the roof is worn and at or near the end of its service life, or, at the very least, makes it conducive to wind damage. If found just in an isolated area, spot replacement may be possible, but if widespread, get a professional opinion on the roof’s condition.
- Heavy granule buildup in gutters or at base of downspouts – The granules on roof shingles gradually wear away to the point where the underlying material is exposed over large areas. Once this happens the rate of shingle deterioration accelerates. If granule loss is excessive, it may indicate aging shingles that need replacement.
Any roof maintenance check should also include gutter cleaning. This is an areas often not paid attention to until an overflow creates problems. Gutters need to be checked year-round to help avoid expensive water damage to the siding or house structure. Extensions or splash blocks at downspouts help divert water away from the house, avoiding soil erosion and infiltration through basement or crawlspace walls.
If you have questions on your roof system, consider utilizing the services of a professional home inspector or qualified roofing contractor to determine conditions.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.
PROS AND CONS OF DUCT CLEANING
May 11th, 2009From HouseMaster.com - ENewsletter for March
According to the (NADCA), National Air Duct Cleaners Association, a professional association based in Washington, D.C., air duct cleaning is a buyer-beware service. Some companies promoting duct cleaning may be either bait and switch operations or companies that do inferior jobs with unprofessional equipment.
Any professional cleaner would question a company that employ only shop-vac sized machines with a single 2-inch hose. To do a good job, powerful machines mounted in specially equipped vehicles with varying types of hoses and attachments will be needed in most cases to adequately reach all duct areas.
But even if the technician is prepared, the above information begs the question: “Is air duct cleaning really worthwhile?” You can check some of your own ducts with a mirror and a flashlight. Unscrew several of your wall or floor vents and, using your mirror, look into the ducts.
If there aren’t any large deposits of dust, dirt or mold, or if no one in your home suffers allergies or asthma, having air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary, according to advice provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, just because you have dirty return grilles doesn’t mean you have dirty ducts. It’s normal for dust-laden air to be pulled through the grates leaving telltale black streaks that can often be easily vacuumed or cleaned at the return.
The NADCA notes that ducts are more likely to need cleaning under the following circumstances:
- The home has been remodeled.
- Water has damaged the home.
- There are four-leg pets.
- Someone smokes.
- Your carpeting is old.
According to industry experts, in cases where there are truly dirty ducts in a 2,000-square foot house, duct cleaners may fill three grocery sacks with dirt and debris. Expect to pay $250-500 for a typical home’s duct cleaning by a qualified professional. Larger homes with a more extensive duct system will cost proportionately more.
If duct cleaning is done improperly, or needlessly, the outcome can do more harm than good. Disturbing a basically intact and inert dust layer and then not removing the residue creates air borne contaminants that might not otherwise have been a problem. Homeowners should seek the advice and information on the pros and cons of duct cleaning before hiring a contractor.
The EPA advises that a professional cleaning should include:
- Opening duct access points to allow the entire system to be inspected and cleaned.
- Use of only high-efficiency particle (HEPA) air vacuuming equipment.
- Protection of the carpeting and household furnishings during cleaning.
- Use of well-controlled brushing equipment with powerful vacuums to dislodge dust and other particles.
- Taking care to protect ductwork including sealing and re-insulating any access holes.
Fore more information on duct cleaning visit the EPA website: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.