Archive for July, 2010

Set a screen on your deck

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

A screened-in porchOutdoor weather is in full swing, and a great many homeowners are sitting out on their decks wondering how it could get any better than this.  For some of them, the flies buzzing around and sweat running down their face might suggest how.  Converting the deck into a screened-in porch is the answer to their problems.

There are lots of great things about spending time outdoors in the summer, but bugs aren’t one of them.  A great thing about screened enclosures is they let you enjoy the fresh outdoor air but keep the flies, mosquitoes, and bees away.  You spend less time swatting and more time relaxing.

Okay, the sun and warm weather are what make the summer pleasant to begin with.  But, it doesn’t take too long for the sun and heat to make you unpleasantly sweaty.  Another advantage of a screened-in porch is shade it provides while you spend time outdoors.

When sun finally goes down, many homeowners have to leave their decks while they can still see their way.  However, the roof and partial walls of a screened enclosure allow you to run electricity into it, paving the way for lights, speakers, whatever.  You’ll still have to be careful what electrical fixtures you install and where, but you’ll have more options in creating an evening outdoor living space.

If you’re ready to trade in your deck for a screened-in porch, contact us and we will get to work giving you the perfect outdoor area for your home.

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Mold in Foreclosed Properties!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

As foreclosures continue to increase in number, it’s important to address the correlation that exists between mold and foreclosed properties.

When properties are closed, water, sewage, and flooding problems are unattended since the homeowners no longer live there.  This combined with humidity can cause these areas to become infested with mold.

Like most people, any sign of mold (particularly black mold) can be a huge deterrent for buyers.  Mold can be an extreme health hazard, thus it is important to pay attention for it in the event you are interested in purchasing a foreclosed property.

Most foreclosed properties do not have well documented history about the properties’ past conditions or treatments.  Thus, it is critical that you get the property checked since some of  the worst cases require that the floors and walls be torn away in order to fix the molding issue.

If one does not identify and address the mold problem, there is a high probability of expensive lawsuits down the road.   So make sure you do your homework when purchasing foreclosed properties!

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FHA 203(k) Loan: Sweet and Simple

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Before we get into the basics of the FHA 203(k) Loan, here is a brief checklist to see if this loan is for you:

  • The only qualified applicants are any owner occupant primary residence borrower or a qualified non-profit group.
    • Investors are NOT qualified for this loan.
  • You live in one of the 50 US states.
  • The properties that qualify for an FHA 203(k) Loan are the following:
    • Single family detached homes
    • Duplexes, Triplexes, 4-plexes,
    • Condominium (certain restrictions apply)
    • Mixed-Use Residential (certain instructions apply)

The purpose of the FHA 203(k) Loan is to allow homebuyers to borrow money for the purposes of repairing or upgrading their home from the time of purchase.  When a person normally takes a mortgage out to purchase a house, the mortgage does not generally include desired repairs or upgrades that the homeowner may want to do.   Therefore, the FHA 203(k) Loan allows the buyer to borrow an approved amount above the current price.

Although we will not get into detail about the specifics, here are the two types of FHA 203(k) Loans:

  • Standard/Rehab: allows you to borrow a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of 110% of the improved appraised value of the property.
  • Streamline: this is the most common FHA 203(k) loan given.  The loan generally starts from anywhere below $35,000 and up to 110% of the improved appraised value of the property.

Repairs and upgrades that are supported by this loan include things such as energy efficient improvements, kitchen remodeling, repair/replacement of appliances and HVAC systems, structural repairs/modifications, etc.  Upgrades and repairs that are considered luxury (e.g. landscaping, Gazebos, etc.) are not covered.  Limited pool repair is the only exception and must fall under the Rehab type loan.

For more information, call (480) 463-4663 or go to http://203kcontractors.com/.

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Deck safety checklist

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

There’s nothing quiet like spending time outside on your deck in the summer.  It can be a place for relaxation or to entertain guests.  However, if your deck isn’t safe, there won’t be much entertaining or relaxing going on.  The North American Deck and Rail Association (NADRA) reports that, since 2000, deck collapses have been responsible for more than 30 deaths and 2000 injuries.  To promote deck safety, NADRA has produced a consumer safety checklist you can use to check the safety of your deck.  We’ve summarized main points below.

Wood: You need to check all wood surfaces, especially areas where the wood remains damp, for rot and decay.  If a tool such as a screwdriver penetrates more than a quarter of an inch or slivers break off without splinters, you may have a problem.  Also look for small holes, which could indicate insects such as termites.

Fasteners: Check any metal (nails, screws, and anchors) for corrosion or loosening.  Tighten loose screws, pound in nails, and replace any corroded fasteners.

Flashing: Check the plastic or metal flashing that directs water away from where the deck joins the house.  If water has collected there or if it’s soft and loose, it should be replaced.

Once you’ve ensured your deck is structurally sound, you’ll need to check other items such as railings, electrical appliances, and overhanging branches.  Collapses aren’t the only the safety hazards on decks.  NADRA’s checklist will guide you through these steps too.

Whether you need some work done to correct a problem or you’d like an expert to assess the safety of your deck, the crews at T.W. Ellis are available to serve your needs.  Contact us to find out how we can help.

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