Life @ Home eNewsletter November 2020 for Buyers

» 7 inspection add-ons and why they may be worthwhile
» What about wallpaper? 3 innovative wallpaper trends
» Record-breaking winters

A general home inspector checks a house from roof to foundation. They give you a broad overview of the house’s condition. However, there are things a home inspector cannot or does not assess. That’s where additional inspections come in.

Here are seven of the most common inspection add-ons home buyers order, and why you may want them.

Radon: The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon. If the seller cannot provide radon test results, it’s a good idea to order a new test.

Lead-based paint: Lead-based paint has been banned for more than 40 years, but it’s still found in many older homes. If the home was built before 1978, consider ordering lead-based paint testing.

Asbestos: Homes built before 1980 often used asbestos-containing materials. If suspect materials are flagged during the general inspection, follow-up with asbestos testing.

Pipes: Sewer lines can be damaged over time. If the house is more than 20 years old, ordering a sewer line inspection before buying may save a lot of heartache down the road.

Chimney: Getting a chimney inspected before buying will tell you if the chimney is structurally sound. It will also reveal potentially dangerous creosote build-up.

Pest: If your general inspector notes evidence of pests, or if there are common pest problems in the area, a pest inspection will give you more information.

Mold: Indications of mold include musty smells, staining and standing water. Ordering a mold inspection will help you better understand the extent of the problem.

Wallpaper is back, and it’s trendier and more innovative than ever. The introduction of non-woven (AKA peel and stick) products have made wallpaper infinitely easier to apply. Now anyone can experiment with its bright colors and bold patterns.

If you’re interested in getting into the world of wallpaper, here are three innovative trends to consider.

Big Patterns for Small Spaces: With COVID-19, many people are feeling confined at home. If you’re starting to feel a small room close in around you, putting up large-patterned wallpaper can help. It’s a great way to trick the eye into seeing more space.

Going Green: Until recently, many wallpaper options on the market were vinyl. Vinyl wallpaper has great durability, but its production involves toxic wastewater and major carbon emissions. Most of today’s wallpapers are instead made from recyclable paper. Some products go ever further by offering products exclusively sourced from sustainably managed forests.

3-D Design: Adding an extra dimension to walls is a hot topic, and wallpaper is driving the trend. There are several ways to achieve the 3-D effect including abstract prints, photo murals and textured wallpaper.

Coldest city: Fairbanks, AK – average winter high 7° F
Warmest city: Miami, FL – average winter high 70° F
Most snowfall in a day: Silver Lake, CO – 6’ 4” on April 15, 1921
Most snowfall in a year: Mount Baker, WA – 95’ in 1998/1999