A monthly newsletter courtesy of BK Home Inspections
In This Issue
Household Tip
Week's Wit
Infrared Inspections
Interesting Thoughts
Mosquitoes
Energy Tips
Vacation Checklist
Q & A Time
Safety Tips
Garage Clutter
Contact Info
Call BK for
______________


Fun Time Teaser

 

Question:

What is a Therm?

A. A nickname for your thermometer

B. A measurement of energy

C. An Energy Star rating

See below for the answer.

Household Tip

 

Wallpaper

 

If you need to make a patch for your wallpaper, never cut out a piece. Always use a piece that you have torn by hand and be sure to tear toward the wrong side of the wallpaper. This will make the patch nearly invisible.

 

 

 

Things To Do This Month

 

1. Prune bushes and trees.

2. Check sump pump for proper operation.

3. Insulate exposed cold water pipes to stop condensation.

4. Check downspout extensions.

5. Check for CO detectors on each level of your home..

6. Check for blockage on AC condensate line connected to furnace.

7. Make sure de-humidifier is working properly.

8. Change or check furnace air filter.

9. Check hot water temperature. Should be 120  degrees or less.

10. Lubricate cabinet hinges and pull out drawers.

Week's Wit

 Summer is a season divided into 3 parts: anticipation, vacation, and recuperation.
 

 
Fun time Teaser Answer

 

The answer is:

B. The Greek word for heat. The therm unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU). It is approximately the energy equivalent of burning 100 cubic feet (often referred to as 1 hcf) of natural gas or 29.3 kilowatt hours of electrical energy.

 
Contact Info
Bob Beisbier
BK Home Inspections LLC
S95 W32855 Hickorywood Tr
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-993-7755
Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
RHI# 1035-106
ASHI# 212809
InterNACHI #NACHI08082601
DILHR Certified
Infrared Certified
Green Certified
Member WAHI
Member BBB
[email protected] 


 

  
BK News

The best time to learn about the condition and workings of a house is during a pre-purchase home inspection. We will give you valuable information about the home's operating systems. When we are done you will have a clear understanding of the property conditions.

 

Is there an topic that you would like to see discussed? Please let me know and I will add it into next month's newsletter. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Bob Beisbier
BK Home Inspections
Honest, Reliable Service
 

Infrared Inspections 
Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to "see" and "measure" thermal energy emitted from an object. Shown above is in floor hydronic heat pipes.
Infrared allows us to see what our eyes cannot. Infrared thermography cameras produce images of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation and provide precise non-contact temperature measurement capabilities.
This provides the building industry with the most accurate tool for diagnosing building conditions, water leaks, and even detect energy inefficiencies, with confidence. Infrared inspection is similar to a home inspection, except instead of looking at the components of your home in regard to the types of repairs needed, we look at how we can improve your homes comfort, durability, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. This inspection can be performed year round so you don't have to wait for winter to have these tests completed.

Call Bob at BK Home Inspections for your infrared needs.

 

Interesting Thoughts
  
 
  • If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
  • How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
  • OK, so what's the speed of dark?
  • When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
  • Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
  • How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
  • Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
Mosquitoes

 

Mosquito

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a natural, plant-based repellent oil that is prepared from leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora, commercially compared to Citronella - another known insect deterrent - because of it's lemony, herbaceous and somewhat citronella-like odor. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is said to be is similar in effect to a low-concentration of mosquito repellant with DEET. This oil is also used to make throat lozenges and cough drops to aid in bronchitis recovery.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus has been used as a mosquito repellent in Europe, Latin America, and Australia and in Asia since the 1980s. It's pleasant smell and feel on the skin make it preferable mosquito protection to those with sensitive skin and irritable olfactory senses. Mosquito repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus are much less harsh on the skin compared to mosquito repellents containing DEET. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a natural ingredient that will appeal as a form of mosquito protection to those who would normally refrain from using chemicals, such as DEET, on their skin.

 Energy Tips
    

Air conditioners in addition to cooling the air, drop the humidity by removing a significant amount of water from the air. During the hot air conditioning times of the summer, it is more economical and practical to NOT open the windows at night even if it cools outside slightly. Leave the house closed up and don't bring the humid air inside. If you do, during the day, the air conditioner will be working that much harder to remove the heat and moisture from the air that was introduced during the night. There is a significant amount of moisture not just in the air, but absorbed by the furniture, wood etc in the house that will need to be removed to lower the humidity level in the house again. For comfort, a humid room will have to be much cooler than a dry room to have the same degree of comfort feel. So, consider this when it cools off a bit outside, if you will be running the A/C again tomorrow and it is still humid outside, don't open the windows.

 

 Dishwasher tips

 

Here are some tips to make sure you are getting the most from your dishwasher:

    * Only run full loads. You'll do fewer each year this way, saving both energy and water.

    * Turn off the heated dry function on your dishwasher for extra savings. Instead, open the door and keep it ajar after the wash cycle is complete and let them air dry.

    * Scrape dishes instead of rinsing. Unless food is really stuck on there, you don't need to rinse or soak them before putting them in the dishwasher. Keep a spatula in the dishwasher for this purpose to make it easy.

    * Experiment with a load on the light setting instead of normal or heavy. Your dishes may come out perfectly clean with a shorter cycle time.


    * If you've had the same dishwasher for more than 15 years, it's time to consider an efficiency upgrade. A newer, more efficient model will pay for itself over its lifetime.  

 Vacation Checklist
 

Write up a point-by-point to-do list to ensure that you don't forget anything in the rush to get out the door. A good checklist might look something like this:

  • Make sure the oven is off.
  • Arrange for pet and plant care.
  • Fill prescriptions, and take copies with you in case you run out of or lose a medication.
  • Pack first-aid supplies and a sewing kit. Also take sunscreen and shades and electrical converters, if needed.
  • Clean the kitchen and bathroom and throw out the trash to make sure insects don't move in while you're gone.
  • Move light-sensitive objects out of the sun, and make sure rain can't enter through any window screens.
  • If you keep spare keys hidden under doormats or rocks, remove them. Don't leave keys to double-lock windows and doors near breakable windows.
  • Turn on security alarms and timers.
  • Tell a neighbor you'll be away.
  • And finally, lock all windows and doors, including garage doors and outdoor sheds.
 Question and Answer time 
Q. How do you get pet odors out of carpet for good? Jenny

A. Jenny, Unfortunately the only way to get rid of the odors for good is to get rid of the pets. In the meantime, sprinkle the carpet with baking soda about 15 minutes before you're going to vacuum and vacuum in slow overlapping strokes. (Keep the pets away from the baking soda while it sits)

 

Q. Bob, My cold water pipes are sweating and dripping in the basement.How can I stop this. Brenda
A. Brenda, Cold water pipes are acting as a dehumidifier and can be insulated. There are two types of pipe insulation out there. I recommend the foam type with the peel-n-stick seal which comes in 3 ft or longer tubes with a slit up the length. These are the easiest to install and work with. To install them, run your finger through the slit to open it, and slide it onto the pipe. When you come to bends or elbows, you will need to cut small wedge shaped notches on the inside of the bend to allow the insulation to make the bend with the pipe. The insulation comes in different diameters for the various sizes of copper tubing you will be covering, so measure and buy accordingly. Also duct tape the joints in between each section. Running a dehumidifier in the basement will help also. Sweaty pipes are an indicator of a damp basement.
 Safety Tips 

Radon Has Been Found In Homes All Over the U.S.

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States and almost half in Waukesha County is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact BK or your state radon office for information about radon in your area.

 Garage Clutter 

The garage is the greatest clutter magnet in the house. Most people are unhappy with their basements and garages because of over-accumulation and minimal storage. Why not turn one of your most used spaces into an organized and simple haven? Here are some ways to pare down and transform your garage into a functional and good-looking space.


Make your family help 

For your next birthday, tell your family that you want their assistance for a big cleanout. Prepare by building up a supply of garbage bags, boxes, tape and marking pens. Neither the bags nor the boxes should be too large; the former will split and the latter will be too heavy to carry.  

What are you going to do with your stuff? 

Divide everything up into the following four categories: Give Away/Sell, Fix, Keep and Throw Away. Also create a section for any items you're not sure what to do with.
Deciding what to give away is extremely difficult. One of my tricks for completing this task is to put things that you might be willing to discard into a box, and seal it shut. Mark it with its eventual destination (for clothes, perhaps the Salvation Army; for kids' toys, a local hospital) and seal it shut. Date it and put it aside for a year. If, within a year, you haven't opened the box, do not unseal it. Instead, take it directly to the charity. (Otherwise you're likely to play the "maybe I could use this" game and nothing will never leave the house.)
To dispose of furniture and hazardous items such as car batteries,
motor oil, pesticides and paint, you will have to make special arrangements with your local sanitation department or get information from For information regarding old appliance disposal, go to the Divide the keepers into categories like tools, garden equipment and sports equipment. Place Steel Recycling the items from the category used most often in an accessible place, like near the door to the house or on lower shelves.

Make sure to mark storage cartons clearly and specifically. For example, label a box Tax Returns: 2006-2007 rather than just business.

Create storage for the stuff you want to keep
Getting stuff off the ground is a big step toward making the garage look neater. Create storage room with industrial shelving and look for old bookcases at yard sales.
Use old cabinets with doors to store paints, solvents and cleaning supplies, which are dangerous for children. Consider locking these cabinets for safety.


Organize your things by hanging them up
Add shelf space in a jiffy using just four lengths of chain and eight hooks. You need a plank, four equal lengths of chain and eight hooks. Fasten one hook to each corner of the plank and one hook to a corresponding spot in the ceiling or beam above, then slip the chains into place.
Keep tools organized by hanging them on a pegboard. You'll keep the area tidy if you have a specific location for each tool. Once this is done, paint a silhouette of the tool on the pegboard for other users to have a placement guide.
Ladders can be hung from rafters and bikes can be hung from the walls. (However, if you aren't the type to be bothered to lift your bike, see the next suggestion.)
Use electric tape or paint to mark off a "reserved parking" space for anything with wheels.
Use an old golf bag for long-handled tools such as shovels and rakes, or hang them individually from hooks or grabber holders. If the item doesn't have a hole in the handle, screw a cup hook into the tip. (A cup hook is a hook meant to hold a cup. One end is made of a screw, while the other end is shaped in a curve. Screw the screw end into a wall of shelf, and slip the handle of the cup onto the curved end of the hook. This is a standard item that can be found in any hardware department.)


Keep your floors tidy 

To keep the garage floor looking clean, use a cement sealer to seal it after cleaning the floor. (Ask your local paint store for a brand recommendation.) Once the concrete is sealed, spills are much less problematic because they won't stain.
Put down a big piece of rubber-backed carpeting in the garage to pick up any debris that might otherwise be tracked inside.
Place a mat or shoe tray in the garage to hold muddy shoes so dirt doesn't get tracked inside.


Make storage accessible for you and your family
If you have young children with a lot of outdoor play equipment, buy a storage container on wheels. You can easily roll it around to gather up their toys at the end of the day. Tall laundry hampers and clean garbage pails also make good containers for outdoor toys and for bulky sports items.
Put gardening tools, such as trowels, gloves and kneepads, in a basket or wagon so that they are immediately accessible for use.  

Organize the waste
Have a garbage pail in the garage for trash that accumulates in the car. Stow car care products such as paper towels and rags in a caddy or bucket.


 
Certifications/Memberships
ASHIBBB Home Air Check   Infared CertifiedNACHICMI