Weekend Project – Organize Your Kitchen Pantry

The kitchen pantry is one of those areas that can quickly become a mess. Older cans and boxes keep getting pushed to the back and forgotten. How many of us have found cans of green beans dating back a decade or two during a spring cleaning? Or a box of crackers that went stale because you forgot (or didn’t know) it was opened?If you have a free weekend and are looking for a satisfying project, consider a pantry clean-out and reorganization. It’ll eliminate some stress if you can actually see the groceries and supplies you have, and make sure they’re fresh! Here are a few quick ways to bring order to your food pantry. 1. Use Clear Storage Containers – Using clear and stackable storage containers with simple labels will not only make it easy to see the food but save valuable space as well and keep the food fresher longer.2. Use the Door Space – A great use of the pantry door is to add a storagerack to the door itself. Use shelves and baskets to corral spices and favorite snacks, or smaller items that can get lost.3. Chalkboard Lists – Another great use for the inside of the pantry door, or an area near the pantry, is to use chalkboard paint to create a place to keep lists. Use this chalkboard to keep track of items you need as you use them, or to keep an inventory of what you have in the pantry so it gets used before it expires.4. Sort the Items – Organize your pantry by use. For example, keep baking supplies together to allow for easy access when you want to make cookies, or organize all the kids’ snacks on a shelf that’s within their reach (or out of reach, if it’s treats!).5. Keep Things Well-Lit – Finally, don’t neglect the lighting in your pantry. If you have an area which has become a “black hole,” add lighting, either wired or battery, to help make sure you can see what’s back there. A well-organized pantry is just a weekend away and will make cooking and grocery shopping much easier.

10 Home Inspection Issues Red Flags

Most homebuyers realize that they can’t expect a perfect home inspection report when buying a resale home. Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs are easily managed and shouldn’t be dealbreakers. That said, there are some issues that are more serious and should give the buyer pause if not addressed adequately. 10 Home Inspection Red Flags 1. Leaky and Rundown Roofing – watch for signs of current or past waterdamage. 2. Poor Drainage – drainage issues can cause serious damage to the homefoundation, siding, and basements. 3. Foundation Issues – signs of foundation problems can include cracksaround doors and windows or uneven floors. Foundation problems can cost thousands of dollars to correct. 4. Plumbing Problems – major plumbing issues should be considered carefully and further explored. 5. Pest Infestations – termites and other wood-eating pests can causeextensive damage that can be hard to find and costly to repair. 6. Mold – that “musty” smell could be due to hidden mold and furtherinvestigation should be taken as mold can be dangerous to the health ofthe family. Depending on the type of mold, it can be very difficult toremove entirely. 7. Faulty Heating System – a malfunctioning furnace can be a fire hazard. 8. Electrical Wiring – faulty wiring can cost thousands of dollars to repair. 9. Structural Damage – sagging joists, rafters, and door jambs can be evidence of larger issues. 10. Deferred Maintenance – a home in poor condition could be hiding more serious issues due to chronic neglect. Homebuyers should be alert to these issues and know the costs to repair before concluding the sale. Home sellers should address these issues before putting the home up for sale to ensure they get the best possible sales price.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Flood Risks

Your home does not need to be in a designated flood zone to be affected by water intrusion and damage. The process to repair and retrofit water damage costs homeowners millions of dollars each year. Regardless of the location of the home, simple checks and changes can help protect your property from flood andwater damage before the storm comes. • Research – It’s time to become a water detective. Look for dangers in and around the home. Check drainage and look for water sources that could overflow, such as a nearby stream. Check with your local authorities alsofor floodplain plans and tips. • Know your Resources – Review and understand your homeowner’s insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program will also pay homeowners up to $1000 for floodavoidance measures, such as sandbags or plywood if a flood warning is declared in your area. • Protect – Consider hiring an expert to come and offer suggestions. This can be as simple as adding gutters or better drainage. Flood barriers, shields, and wet-proofing products can help provide a barrier against waterintrusion. Spending some time and effort now can save you thousands of dollars of damage when the storms come. Regardless of where you live, water damage can occur quickly. Preparing your home in advance will help protect your valuable property from floods and water damage.