by Brian Fox | Nov 25, 2020 | Blogs
Forney is one of the fastest growing cities in North Texas, and is where we call home. It has tons to offer for a small town. Summer events in the park, a wonderful historic downtown, and great boutique shopping. Here are our favorite things to do in the lovely town...
by Brian Fox | Nov 25, 2020 | Blogs
Have you ever woken up in the middle of a winter night, shivering under the blankets and able to see your breath? Or have you ever watched the thermostat creep into the upper 80s during a record-setting heat wave, realizing you haven’t heard the air conditioner...
by Brian Fox | Nov 25, 2020 | Blogs
The number one hazard for children is falls, which are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. for this age group. About 8,000 youngsters wind up in emergency rooms every day for injuries related to falling, adding up to almost 2.8 million per year. With...
by Brian Fox | Nov 25, 2020 | Blogs
Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is provided by an electrical heating element or gas burner. Some heavy garment loads can contain more than a gallon of water which, during...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Storage tank water heaters are the type of appliance that can hum along for years. Once installed, they don’t need constant attention. However, they do require maintenance to keep them running at peak efficiency. These are mostly simple tasks that you can do yourself,...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. Facts and Figures 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Carpeted bathrooms are bathrooms that have carpeted floors instead of traditional floor surfaces, such as tile or vinyl. Despite their tendency to foster mold and bacteria, carpets are sometimes installed in residential bathrooms for aesthetic purposes. Carpets should...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that thrive indoors in warm, moist places, such as the insides of pillows and mattresses. They feed on dead skin that is regularly shed by humans and their pets. The harm posed to building occupants by dust mites is slight compared...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Termite baits, also known as bait stations, are capsules that contain paper, cardboard or other acceptable termite food laced with a slow-acting poison that is lethal to termites. Baits are sometimes called “termite traps,” although they do not actually trap...
by Brian Fox | Nov 24, 2020 | Blogs
Condensation is the accumulation of liquid water on relatively cold surfaces. Almost all air contains water vapor, the gas phase of water composed of tiny water droplets. The molecules in warm air are far apart from one another and allow the containment of a...
by Brian Fox | Nov 23, 2020 | Blogs
An FHA loan is a federal-assistance mortgage loan offered by qualified lenders and backed by the Federal Housing Administration. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, soaring foreclosure and default rates led lenders to tighten their loan requirements to the...
by Brian Fox | Nov 23, 2020 | Blogs
The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire and accidents. Level Up recommends that you follow these guidelines to help make your holiday season safer and more enjoyable....
by Brian Fox | Nov 23, 2020 | Blogs
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 403,000 home fires occurred in the U.S. in 2008, causing 2,780 deaths and more than 13,500 injuries. Some fires are caused by issues related to the structure, such as lightning strikes, faulty wiring, furnace...
by Brian Fox | Nov 23, 2020 | Blogs
There have never been so many easy and useful ways to upgrade your home’s tech. We haven’t quite arrived at the utopia we were promised by decades of sci-fi movies and TV shows. But a growing number of smart home innovations have made it to the...
by Brian Fox | Nov 23, 2020 | Blogs
Winterization is the process of preparing a home for the harsh conditions of winter. It is usually performed in the fall before snow and excessive cold have arrived. Winterization protects against damage due to bursting water pipes, and from heat loss due to openings...
by Brian Fox | Nov 5, 2020 | Blogs
By Brian Fox Infrared thermal imaging inspections in Dallas TX are non-destructive inspections that measure the heat emitted in walls, ceilings, foundations, electrical and steam systems, heating and air conditioning, roof leaks, energy loss, and more. The...
by Brian Fox | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
Just twenty minutes from Downtown Dallas, Mesquite offers various family friendly activities; here is our top five family friendly things to do in Mesquite Texas this summer. Mesquite Arts Center With a rich and diverse event line up, the Mesquite Arts Center brings...
by Brian Fox | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure that their homes are not attractive to burglars. Here are some interesting facts. According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations: 81% enter through the first floor; 34% of...
by Brian Fox | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
With barbecue season already here, homeowners should heed the following safety precautions in order to keep their families and property safe. Propane grills present an enormous fire hazard, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of more than 500...
by Brian Fox | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
Going green is great for the environment, but that’s not the only benefit. When you make green upgrades in your home, it can also lead to some major savings. 1. Solar panels: The upfront cost is big, but the long-term savings are huge. Solar panels will cost several...
by Brian Fox | Oct 15, 2020 | Blogs
Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, a checklist,...
by Brian Fox | Oct 14, 2020 | Blogs
Is your grass looking a little dry? Texas soil and the many grasses that grow through North Texas lawns can be finicky and may need more or less water depending on the day and grass. The tips below can help you keep your grass in good shape all summer long. Dallas...
by Brian Fox | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
Cats and dogs produce allergens that pose a health threat to certain individuals. Modes of Transmission Cat dander consists of microscopic pieces of cat skin that have dried, flaked off and become airborne. Shed dander can land on and stick to bedding, curtains,...
by Brian Fox | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
Anti-tip brackets are metal devices designed to prevent freestanding ranges from tipping. They are normally attached to a rear leg of the range or screwed into the wall behind the range, and are included in all installation kits. A unit that is not equipped with these...
by Brian Fox | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
Stains on asphalt roofing shingles make a house look shabby, which detracts from its value. In some cases, stains are merely a cosmetic issue. But sometimes they’re symptomatic of a problem that, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious damage and, eventually,...
by Brian Fox | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips. Your home inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Confirm that the water, electrical, and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights). Make sure...
by Brian Fox | Oct 9, 2020 | Blogs
What is a home inspection? A home inspection is a visual examination of the home’s major structure, systems and components that are visible and safely accessible. The inspector should substantially adhere to a standards of practice that outlines what should be...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
A central vacuum systems (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in the garage or basement, a canister receives dust and debris sucked by the force of a motor from wall outlets, which are located for...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels shouldn’t be inspected, but replaced. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, FPE Stab-Lok residential circuit breakers may fail to trip properly with overload and short-circuiting. Underwriters...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Tobacco smoke creates an odor that is notorious for its ability to saturate living spaces and persist long after its source is gone. Inspectors may be asked by clients who recently purchased a smoke-infused home, or by sellers before their house goes on the market,...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Differences Between Ants and Termites For many homeowners, the first obvious sign of termite infestation is a swarm of flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites – some are flying ants. Although ants and termites vary in many ways, it can be hard...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
How can borax get rid of termites? Borax to kill termites has proved to be very effective and orally toxic to pests. That fact that borax can be used to get rid of termites is obvious. Boric acid does not work on contact. It is necessary to make insects to ingest...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Defective cribs, especially hand-me-down and homemade models, can pose serious hazards to young children, including strangulation, entrapment and overheating. Government manufacturing standards set in 1973 have greatly improved crib safety, yet defective cribs...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Grinder pumps are waste-management devices used to grind up household waste into a finely ground slurry and then force it into the sewer system. Grinder pumps are required where a building’s drain system is at a level below a municipal sewer line or septic tank. Even...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Considering the economic environment and its recent effects on commercial real estate, going green is a wise way to cut costs in operating office buildings, retail stores, manufacturing facilities and malls. Tenants and owners may enjoy significant savings in utility...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
There was a time when the only remedy for sinking sidewalks or uneven foundations was to tear out the old pavement slab and pour a new one, and spend a great deal of time and money in the process. Today, a less intensive alternative known as mudjacking (also called...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Early bidets were an easy way to keep clean. It was labor-intensive and expensive to fill an entire bathtub with water, so cleaning smaller areas of the body was a good compromise. Historically, the practice of washing one’s private parts in a bowl of water (often...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
Buying and Owning a Home Tax Benefits 1. The interest you pay on your mortgage is deductible (in most cases) If you own a home and don’t have a mortgage greater than $750,000, you can deduct the interest you pay on the loan. This is one of the biggest benefits of...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
People often think that buying a condominium is a lot like buying any other home. The truth is that many mortgage lenders make it extremely difficult to finance a unit. Subsequently, many people find less conventional ways to purchase condos. When buying in cash or...
by Brian Fox | Oct 8, 2020 | Blogs
So, you’ve evaluated your finances, thought about your lifestyle, and made the big decision to sell your home. Maybe you’re downsizing because the kids have finally left the nest, or you’ve gotten a job in a new city and need to relocate, or maybe you’ve just retired...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
Craving for that good and delicious food? Kearney’s Feed Yard has been serving the community since Sept 2019 from a mercantile to a feed store and now a restaurant. All products and menu are dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients that definitely hit the spot...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
“For excellent roofing service” Trust the A-Team! Having built a stellar reputation in North Texas, Absolute Construction has provided the very best in full-service roofing and restoration services since 2004 they have been the recipient of numerous awards,...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
Termites are one of the most common enemies of today’s homes. They infect the wood-based materials of our house and quickly but quietly spread their colony costing homeowners hundreds of dollars for repair and maintenance. We would like to provide the public...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
So you had a Home Inspection and the inspector called out backdrafting as a concern, defect or repair needed. In this post, we will go over what is backdrafting and how it happens. And how homeowners can test there own water heaters for backdrafting. Backdrafting is...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
We recently had this grand idea to drive from Texas to Florida, not so crazy right, did I mention that we had a 13 year old and 3 year old in the back seat?? What should have been a quick-ish 12 hour drive took us 16+, but we survived and I’m here to help you do...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
Mistake #1: Thinking you can’t afford it. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own homes. Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
New Construction All chemical soil treatments, bait systems, and chemical wood treatment must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applied in accordance with the EPA label’s instructions. In some cases, it is not feasible for a builder to...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
Here are the 5 most important facts about one of the leading causes of deaths in US...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
What are Splash Blocks? SPLASH BLOCKS are typically either made of plastic or concrete that is situated under your house’s downspout in order to direct rainwater away from the foundations of your house and prevent any soil erosion as well. There is a wide...
by Brian Fox | Oct 7, 2020 | Blogs
Buying a new home can be stressful, just relax and leave the inspection to us. We are here to help...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
You can save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. Using a...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
Swimming pools should always be happy places. Unfortunately, each year thousands of American families confront swimming pool tragedies, drownings, and near-drownings of young children. At Level Up Home Inspections, we want to prevent these tragedies. These are...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
Roof assessments are among the most valuable observations a home inspector can provide for a prospective home buyer in the pre-purchase inspection report. Authoritative judgments about if and when a roof may need replacement can have a significant impact on price...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
A HOME INSPECTOR is a specialist that conducts inspections on residential properties in order to check compliance and makes an evaluation for any potential hazard as well as structural defects. Part of what they inspect are the following:- interior infrastructure-...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
Problem: Sloping floors A simple check if the floors of the house are sloping. The ball remains in place – good. The ball always rolls in the same direction – bad. It means the floor is sloping down to the direction where the ball is going. It’s a...
by Brian Fox | Oct 6, 2020 | Blogs
The voids behind tile flooring are usually due to a lack of quickset or mortar underneath the tile. The hollow spot underneath the tile makes the flooring susceptible to cracks and damage. Floor tiles that produce a higher pitch after bouncing off a ball (golf ball to...
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