Roof Costs: let’s identify the first things below. Signs You Need a New Roof – When to Replace Your Roof Your roof is reaching its 25th birthday. The shingles had begun to curl. Entire shingles lost. The shingles have developed cracks. Granules in the...
Smart Thermostat A smart thermostat, alternatively referred to as a linked or communicating thermostat, enables you to make automatic and programmable temperature settings based on daily schedules, weather conditions, and heating and cooling requirements. This...
Welcome to our third installment of fun household tricks. In this series, we show you quick tricks for making home maintenance and organization easy. Have you ever dropped something small and have a hard time finding it on the carpet grab some old hosiery and a rubber...
Welcome to our second installment of fun household tricks. In this series, we show you quick tricks for making home maintenance and organization easy. Applying glossy nail polish is a great way to distinguish similar-looking keys. If you have a stripped screw putting...
Welcome to our first installment of fun household tricks. In this series we show you quick tricks for making home maintenance and organization easy. When painting wrap a rubber band around the can wipe the brush against the rubber band to keep the sides of the can...
Do you have a door that constantly closes on its own when you want it to stay open? We’ve come up with a quick trick for fixing that issue first remove a hinge pin from the door. We recommend removing the middle one using a hammer and small Phillips head...
Many people who have over the range microwaves don’t clean or replace the filters as often as they should. In this video we will show you how to clean your unit’s grease filters and replace the charcoal filter. The grease filters are located on the bottom...
One way to maintain your refrigerator’s efficiency is to clean its condenser coils the tools you’ll need for this project include a Phillips head screwdriver, a coil brush, a vacuum with brush attachment and general cleaning supplies. Refrigerator coils...
A common misconception about front-loading washing machines is that they all smell bad but with proper cleaning and maintenance this doesn’t have to be true. Here are some quick tips for keeping foul odors from developing. First store a microfiber towel on top...
Maintaining your dishwasher is key to clean dishes with every wash. So here are a few tips for getting the most out of this appliance periodically. Remove the trap that is located in the bottom of the dishwasher run it under cool water ensuring there is no debris and...
A commonly overlooked home maintenance item is replacing an old water filter in your refrigerator. If the indicator light is showing orange or red then now is the time to replace it. The first step is to locate your water filter in this refrigerator it is located in...
Regularly changing your furnace air filter can improve the air quality within your home and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. It is recommended that you change your air filter at least every three months. However, if you have pets if you smoke or if you...
Replacing old weatherstripping on an exterior door is a low-budget home improvement project that can lower your utility bill so in this video we show you a simple way to fix a drafty door. The tools that you may need for this project our new weather stripping...
In this video, we cover three ways to help maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning condenser unit. These will help keep your home cool during those hot summer days and could also help lower your monthly utility bill. The first step is to make sure there is...
Replace a hanging light fixture on the dining table that just goes out of fashion. We’ll show you how to remove it from the ceiling and how to install your new stylish light breathing new life into your dining room. For this project, you will need a new light...
Do you know how to wrap an extension cord properly? In this video we show you a technique for keeping your extension cords from tangling by tying a series of slip knots with an untangled cord plug the ends together. At the end with the plugs tie a simple loose not...
What is GFCI outlet? GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupters) are cheap and lifesaving. They’re vital in high-risk zones. For example, near outdoor outlets and sinks. GFCI outlets are required by law. The NEC specified GFCI receptacles for all outdoor electrical...
To Install A 3 Way Dimmer Switch is a pretty simple process with the right tools. In about 20 minutes you’ll have this DIY project done. Please note this video is for installing a dimmer switch for a light that is controlled by two or three switches. The...
Installing a dimmer switch on a light is a pretty simple process with the right tools in about 20 minutes you’ll have this DIY project done. Please note this video is for installing a dimmer switch for a light that is controlled by one switch. The technical name...
Common reasons for needing to rewire a lamp include broken or difficult to operate switches, damaged plugs, and deteriorated wiring and, older lamps. For this project you’ll need: adjustable pliers needlenose pliers flathead and Phillips screwdrivers electrical...
Need to replace an electrical outlet? Here are a few reasons why you may need to change out an electrical outlet. If your current plug is painted over cracked or maybe you just don’t like the color you can easily do it yourself please note this video only covers...
Repairing a broken toilet handle is a quick and easy task. All you’ll need is a new toilet lever kick. There are no tools necessary for this repair. To get started turn off the water to the toilet and empty the tank then remove the pieces to the old lever. When...
Whether you need to replace an old toilet seat or tighten up a loose one. This video will walk you through the process to replace your toilet seat. You first need to measure the existing one to make sure you buy the right size. Also note whether the seat is round or...
Is your toilet clogged if so more than likely it just needs to be plunged? If it appears that overflowing is imminent take the lid off of the tank and push the flapper down. This will stop water from entering the bowl when plunging the toilet. There are certain...
If you have a leaky showerhead or just looking to update your bathroom replacing a fixed mounted shower head with a handheld showerhead is a relatively easy process. You will need a crescent wrench towel plumber’s tape and a new shower head kit in order...
Unclogging a drain is a part of your house maintenance. If your kitchen or bathroom sink is slow to drain you may need to unclog drain at the u-shaped pipe under the sink called the p-trap as well as remove the plunger. To properly clean out the drain the tools...
Do you have a non-functioning garbage disposal? Sometimes food can get caught in the unit and cause the motor to overheat and then lock. But before you call a plumber or replace your disposal, try this quick maintenance tip. First make sure the disposal switch is off...
Do you have hard water deposits on your faucets and showerheads? To take care of this simply soak the faucet or showerhead in vinegar overnight. This will remove any grime and leave your fixtures looking bright and shiny. If you have a hard time removing a shower head...
We know that you would like to extend the life of your water heater. One way to accomplish this is to flush your water heater every six months. To properly flush a water heater first connect a garden hose to the drain down valve. Run this hose to a nearby drain or...
Do you have a toilet that fills every few minutes even when it has not been used? This is likely due to a bad flapper, flappers tend to go bad with age. But the process can happen much more quickly if the toilet has been left empty for a long period of time or if...
Do you have a toilet that always seems to be running? This is sometimes caused by a fill valve that has been set too high. Which causes the water level to be higher than the overflow tube. All fill valves are adjustable, here are a couple common examples this one can...
Being able to read a tape measure is an an important skill for every di Weyer. On a standard tape measure the full lines indicate inches the shorter lines indicate fractions of an inch the second the largest line is the half-inch mark followed by the one-quarter inch....
If the latch on your door sticks it may be because the parts have become loose. When this happens the latch can get caught behind the strike plate when you operate the handle or knob. To fix this first locate the screws that hold the door knob assembly together loosen...
if you have a small crack in a concrete patio or driveway you will want to fill it to prevent further damage. This DIY video will guide you through repairing a crack that is one-half inch wide or smaller for this project. You will need self-leveling concrete...
In this video we cover tips for safely using a ladder for your residential DIY projects. When choosing a ladder for a job make sure it can reach your desired height without using the top rung or step can support the total weight of the climber tools and any supplies...
Regular maintenance is important to keep your garage door functioning properly. Here are a few things you can do on a regular schedule that will help your garage door work well. For this project you will need oil brake cleaner latex gloves a stepladder and a cleaning...
If you need to repair a hole in your wall that is larger than your thumb but smaller than a 4-inch hole you can repair it with a drywall patch and spackle compound. The tools you will need for this repair are a drywall spackle knife a tub of drywall spackle a...
As a homeowner it is important that you know where your shutoff valves are located and how to operate them. For water supplies locate the main water shut-off valve in this home the main shutoff is located in a utility closet between the water heater and water...
If you have any small bumps protruding from your walls they’re likely what contractors call nail pops. As new home settle and drywall shrinks sometimes the nails or screws of fixing the drywall to the studs. Start to protrude to repair a nail pop. You will need...
Whether you’re hanging a large picture or a TV homeowners regularly need to be able to locate a stud in the wall. In this video we cover a few different methods to help you do this to cover all of these methods. We’ve gathered the following tools a...
This video covers tips for painting an interior room of your house. Make sure you watch our DIY video on preparing to paint before getting to this video. A well prepped area is key to a successful painting job once you’ve chosen your paint and it’s been...
A fresh coat of paint is a quick way to give any room a makeover. In this video we cover how to prepare your room for painting. The first step is to clean up the area this includes removing items from counters, moving furniture, taking pictures and mirrors off the...
Repairing a hole in your drywall can range from easy to rather complicated depending on the size of the hole. To determine if you need a patch to repair the hole use this rule of thumb or thumb rule. If you can stick your thumb in the hole then you need to purchase a...
There are certain tools every homeowner should own and if you plan to do DIY projects around your house then we recommend putting together a well-rounded toolbox. The following items are all toolbox essentials safety goggles for protecting your eyes during DIY...
This video is part two of our baby proofing series it covers a few techniques to make your living areas safer for small children. Falls and collisions are a big danger for small children and living rooms we suggest purchasing cushioned corner guards and edging for...
In this video we show you how to replace a warped or torn screen from a window or screen door with just a few tools and a roll of screen wire your window can be back in working condition with minimal cost you’ll need the following tools a flathead screwdriver...
Welcome to part one of our baby proofing series in this video we will cover some tips to use in your kitchen and bathrooms to make it safe for your little one Starting in the kitchen you will want to reorganize how you have your kitchen set up move cleaning supplies...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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 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...
Just twenty minutes from Downtown Dallas, Mesquite offers various family-friendly activities; here are our top five family-friendly things to do in Mesquite Texas this summer. Mesquite Arts Center With a rich and diverse event lineup, the Mesquite Arts Center brings...
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...
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...
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...
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, photographs,...
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...
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,...
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...
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,...
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...
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 standards of practice that outline what should be...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
How can borax get rid of termites? Borax to kill termites has proved to be very effective and orally toxic to pests. The 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 ingest borates....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
“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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Roof assessments & drainage systems 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...
WHAT IS 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...
WHAT ARE SLOPING FLOORS? Sloping floors – are floors that are no longer level. Houses are typically designed with all floors parallel to the ground, but this might shift over time or due to damage. If a floor begins to slope, it may indicate that the house is...
The voids behind tile flooring are usually due to a lack of quickset or mortar underneath the tile. 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 be...
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