Smoking and Selling your Home
A recent experience listing a home occupied by a smoker underlined the difficulty in selling a home occupied by an active smoker. More than half of the feedback sent by showing agents included some variation of the line: “Buyers put off by smell of cigarette smoke”. The property had to be reduced from the original listing price and I am convinced the smell of cigarettes was largely responsible. According to realtor.com® Smoking in a home can reduce that property’s resale value by up to 29 percent. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines and nitrous acid are two of the biggest threats that cling to walls, dust, and other surfaces within a house. Worst of all, the effects just don't pass. In one study, researchers at San Diego State University measured third hand smoke pollutant levels in smokers' homes after they'd moved out. These pollutants remained even after the homes had been cleaned and vacant for two months. Getting rid of that smell isn’t easy but here are some steps you can take: HVAC system In a smoker's house, every part of the central air system has come into contact with smoke over the years. Clean the air ducts. Change the filter on your HVAC unit. Normally, you would do this every few months. If you're trying to fight the smell of third hand smoke, step that up to every 30 to 45 days. Clean the evaporator coil. If nothing else fixes the problem, you may need to replace the system entirely. Of course, replacing your HVAC isn't cheap. Expect to spend anywhere from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on your home's size and the climate where you live. Wash walls and ceilings Clean walls and ceiling with a 3:1 vinegar-water mixture. Paint If washing doesn't eliminate the smell from walls and ceilings, then your next best bet is to repaint them all, first sealing in the smell with an odor-neutralizing primer like Kilz. Without the layer of primer, the smell will eventually seep back through the paint. Clean floors and carpets Don’t sprinkle baking soda fragrance boxes on the carpet – it’s won’t work. Get your carpets professionally cleaned. Worst-case scenario, the carpets will have to be replaced. For wood or tile, a normal cleaning with the recommended cleaner should do the trick. Be sure to vacuum up all the dust from every nook and cranny. Wash curtains and drapes Fabric tends to hold onto the smoke smell, so you'll probably need to clean all the window treatments. Depending on the fabric, some can be washed in the washing machine, while others have to be steam cleaned. You can rent a steamer, or hire a professional to take care of this for you. If cleaning doesn't completely get the smell out, they'll have to be replaced.
Doylestown Pump Track
Bike riders throughout the county are taking on a new challenge of hills and tight turns with the opening of the first pump track in Bucks County in Doylestown Borough. A pump track is a bicycle path that’s short and shaped in a closed loop. The track is made up of low hills and banked turns, earning its name from the way riders use a full body motion to maintain momentum riding around the track instead of just pedaling. . A pump track helps riders develop strength and bike-handling skills by pumping through rollers and berms. The track, behind the Fanny Chapman Pool on McKinstry Drive, is open from dawn to dusk. Although no one is officially there to monitor the track, there are video cameras and rules for the riders. Two of the most important rules call for riders to wear helmets and riders are not permitted to ride if the track is wet.
You Are Not A Plumber! or sometimes DIY is Not the Best Plan
While you might be an excellent, all-around handyman, deciphering what system of your home is not working takes a well-seasoned eye and ear—not just someone who has “seen it all before”, but someone who sees it all the time. Standing Water Anytime you are finding standing water in your home, it’s time to call a plumber. Whether it’s your water heater, toilet, or sink, a plumber can see if there is more than meets the eye. Typically, standing water is a sign of a much larger problem. Before you start digging into the issue, call a professional and let them use their expertise to diagnose and treat the issue before your home becomes a splash park. Plumbing Appliances If you have issues with your water heater, sump pump, or other water-based appliance, it’s best to call in an expert. When these appliances need maintenance or replacement, it can be an extensive process. A licensed plumber can either repair or replace the appliance properly. Moving or Expanding If you are considering moving your pipes or expanding your plumbing, you may need a permit to begin work, and you need a professional plumber. Licensed plumbers know the code requirements to ensure you are within regulations and your home and family are safe. Internal or External Pipe If your plumbing repairs require opening a wall, or digging up your yard, you should definitely hire a professional. Sometimes the issue can be much larger than it seems, and anytime you are dealing with internal or external pipes, it is important to leave those jobs to the experts. Large Water Connections Every homeowner has the ability to shut off the water in their own home. For simple projects, turning off the water is usually not a big deal, but if you are unsure which lines to turn off, or if you need to handle a large water connection, call a professional. Ecology As ecological standards have changed, waste services have become more particular about the products that they will allow you to dispose of. Many metals, paints, plastics, and other materials are no longer accepted. If you try to replace your plumbing alone, you may have to pay a pretty penny to dispose of unwanted parts. Plumbers are not only aware of how products should be disposed of responsibly, but they will do so at no additional fee.
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