5 Most Overlooked Home Improvement Tips to Save Money
Spring has finally arrived, and we are eager to get our homes and yards back in shape. But these 5 things are often overlooked, and can lead to major damage to your home, costly repairs, and serious health issues. From renovations to organic gardening, following these tips can help to ensure your home or business is a safe and healthy environment. Be sure to add these important items to your to-do list!
1. HAD AN ICE DAM LEAK? TEST FOR MOLD.
It seems like everyone had a drip, leak, or flooding this winter from ice and snow on the roof. Towels and buckets were a fine temporary fix, but as the temperature rises, the wet drywall and insulation behind your walls and ceilings could start growing mold. If you had a water intrusion this winter, now is the time to test for mold to avoid a full-blown mold infestation. Check out this video to see how much damage a tiny water leak can do.
2. DON’T GET HOSED! WATCH FOR BURST OUTDOOR PIPES.
When turning on your outdoor faucets, be sure to watch carefully for water leakage along the wall and floor. Pipes may have frozen and burst over the winter, and you may not know until you turn the water back on. So stay alert, and be prepared to shut off your main water supply quickly!
3. PLANTING A GARDEN? TEST YOUR SOIL.
Now that the weather is warmer, the garden beckons. Thoughts of luscious vegetables and gorgeous flowers make us eager to plant. But before you start turning over the garden, get your soil tested. The soil around your house may be hosting a variety of contaminants, including lead, pesticides, and heavy metals. And the impact on your family’s health from these unseen dangers may be great. Toxins and tomatoes don’t mix.
4. SPRING ALLERGIES OR MOLD PROBLEM?
When the flowers bloom and we start sneezing, we assume pollen is to blame. But if you are having problems with allergies, and medication doesn’t seem to clear it up, have your home tested by an independent professional to see if mold may be the culprit. Another sign that it may be mold: You notice that your allergies are more severe in your home or work environment than anywhere else. If that’s the case, there may be mold in that location.
5. STARTING A RENOVATION? KNOW WHAT MATERIALS YOU ARE DISTURBING.
Before you start swinging the hammer or sanding the paint off the deck, find out what materials you will disturb. If you live in a home built before 1978, you may be releasing toxic lead paint dust or asbestos fibers, which can cause brain damage, cancer, and other serious illnesses. RTK can help you assess potential risks before you renovate, so you don’t contaminate your entire home, property, and even neighborhood. If a problem exists, we will devise a plan so that you can renovate safely and avoid serious health hazards for you and your family.
