Hiring the right home inspector is important. After all, you want the inspection to determine the condition of the house as it is probably the most important investment you will make.

Unfortunately, the professionalism and range of services vary widely in the home inspection industry. So it is critical to ask the right questions before you choose. Here are some suggestions for our clients:

1. What does your inspection cover?

A home inspector should be able to present you with a detailed list of what is covered in the inspection. Don’t settle for a verbal promise like, "We check everything." Get it in writing. In addition, you should get an assurance that the inspection complies with all Provincial regulations.

2. What are your qualifications?

Experience counts.You want to check how long the inspector has been in the business, and how many homes like yours he has inspected. Also ask about his credentials.What professional training programs has he completed? Does he belong to a recognized home inspection association?

3. Do you offer home repairs or renovations?

If the answer is yes then it is a conflict of interest.You want an inspector to give you an unbiased report as to the condition of the house, without any expectation of getting some contracting work on the side.

4. How long will the inspection take?

You'll want to find out if the inspector takes his time and does a thorough job, or rushes things so he can get as many homes done in a day as possible. On average, a typical single family home should take two to three hours to inspect properly.

5. Who are some references?

Ask for references from past customers. Then, make sure you call them.

Remember you are hiring them - due diligence is required to make sure you get a competent professional.

Denis Hrstic
AWESOME REALTOR® http://www.MyHomeAgent.ca

Good Morning Everyone,
 
It’s about that time of year where you realize you NEED to hit an incredible Charity Casino Night and what better way to celebrate than by going to my Wife's fantastic fund raiser.
 

What:   A James Bond Inspired, Semi Formal Gala Event.

• FUN Money Casino (3 top prize winners)
• Martini Bar (Free Martini per ticket)
• Silent Auction
• Door Prizes
• Served Hors d’oeuvre

When:  Friday, April 27, 2012 starts at 6:30 PM
 
Where: Triwood Community Center  (2244 Chicoutimi Drive N.W. Calgary, AB) 
Map: http://bit.ly/GCiDQb
 
Why: Raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her personal goal is to raise $5000.00 and the TEAM Goal is $50,000 to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
 
She is running her first Marathon this year in San Diego to raise donations for the Society.
 
How:   

1 Ticket = $75.00
2 Tickets for $125.00
4 Tickets for $225.00
 
CONFIRM ATTENDANCE HERE:  http://bit.ly/GDK2S7

 
Make it happen!! You have a month - Organize a babysitter (IF NEEDED) and plan for a great Friday night out to raise money for a great cause. Guaranteed to be a fun time and we have organized some great prizes and surprises.
 
Too Busy?
If you are totally busy and cannot make it please visit Her website at (http://bit.ly/GAuDyp) and help  with a donation. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
 
See you there and thanks so much

Denis

What’s the dirtiest item in most Canadian homes? Not the toilet or even anything bathroom-related, but the simple kitchen towel according to a study by the Hygiene Council.

Check out this article written by CYNTHIA ROSS CRAVIT over at our friends at 50plus.

According to the study, these ‘dirty’ towels were, in fact, highly contaminated with E. coli, which can cause severe cramping and bloody diarrhea. The explanation for the not so harmless kitchen towel may have less to do with not laundering them than not laundering them properly. In order to kill bacteria, researchers say, towels should be washed in water hotter than 60 C (140 F) or by using boiling water in a pot.

“What is apparent is that Canadians do clean, but not necessarily effectively enough by targeting specific areas with a method that really works,” Dr. Donald Low, a microbiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and a member of the Hygiene Council, said in a release. “Practicing good hygiene through targeted disinfecting as well as regular hand washing is something we can all do to maintain a clean, healthy home environment.”

So what are some the top mistakes we make when trying to keep our homes healthy and hygienic? Here’s a look at some common cleaning blunders.

6 cleaning mistakes 

Not cleaning regularly. Most homes should be cleaned on a weekly basis. The ‘every week’ rule also holds for laundering towels and bed linens. (Remember to wash linens in temperatures of 60 C or 140 F or above to kill bacteria and avoid cross-contamination between infected and non-infected clothing and other items.) And when it comes to bedding, don’t neglect to wash (or dry clean) duvets, comforters and pillows at least once per month to control for dust mites, dander and pollen. Tip: When drying heavier items like comforters or duvets, toss in a clean tennis shoe to help prevent lumping.

Rushing. We’re all short on time — not to mention that cleaning isn’t everyone’s favourite activity! However, rushing the job can mean leaving some pretty scary germs behind. Take time to move furniture, rugs, plants and other items to clean surfaces thoroughly. Also, give your cleaning products time to do their job: most cleansers and disinfecting agents need ‘contact’ time of 1-3 minutes (or longer) to maximize their ability to kill bacteria and other microscopic organisms. (Check the label of your cleaning product for specific ‘dwell’ times.)

Overlooking germy hotspots. Experts recommend paying special attention to the ‘hotspots’ for germs including door and fridge handles, light switches, faucet taps, computer keyboards, telephone hand pieces, chopping boards and utensils, kitchen towels and sink, cleaning cloths and sponges, rubbish bin lids, bathrooms (including toilet seat and flush handle, sink, bath and shower) and water storage containers and filters. Be sure to clean these areas frequently, preferably at least once per day.

Not taking care of equipment. Be sure to change vacuum bags regularly and remove debris from the brushes. And don’t forget to clean mops, sponges and cleaning cloths after each use to avoid spreading around more dirt and germs the next time you clean.

Unsafe use of cleaning products. While in pursuit of a hygienic home, it’s important to keep in mind that certain cleaning agents or combinations of products can actually be unhealthy to use, particularly for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. When certain bleach and acids come into contact, for example, they can create chlorine gas, which is highly toxic. Another example: Combining bleach and ammonia can inflame your airways and damage the lining of your lungs. Avoid mixing your various cleaning products, and as a general rule, select the least toxic or ‘green’ product possible for tackling the job. For instance, a mixture of 10 per cent vinegar with water can remove up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria on surfaces, experts say. 

Not wearing gloves. It’s not only about keeping hands attractive and preventing them from becoming inflamed, cracked or chapped. Our skin is permeable, meaning it can absorb the chemicals and toxic substances from cleaning products. Some common solvents can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys, and even potentially lead to cancer, according to health experts. Also cracked skin means that any contact you have with bacteria in your home can be transmitted directly into your blood stream. The best protection: wear either disposable latex or reusable rubber gloves while cleaning. (If using reusable rubber gloves, buy several pairs to use exclusively for certain tasks such as washing dishes and cleaning the bathroom. This will help to avoid cross-contamination.)

Finally, keep in mind that our hands are the biggest spreaders of germs in the home, and frequent hand washing with good old fashioned soap and water is still one of the best weapons we have for staying healthy. 

GERMS: QUICK FACTS

•  While some germs cause disease, not all microbes are harmful. They are, in fact, the foundation of the earth’s food chain — and we would not survive without them.

•  Germs enter the home mainly by people, food, pets and pests. Cross-contamination happens when germs are transferred from person to person or through direct or indirect contact with a surface — and back again.

•  Bad bugs commonly found in the home include MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli, Norovirus and Clostridium difficile.

Sources: http://www.50plus.com/lifestyle/6-common-cleaning-mistakes/91116/

 

 

 

Denis Hrstic
AWESOME REALTOR® http://www.MyHomeAgent.ca