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America's Premier Inspection Service
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When putting your home on the market, you obviously want to get as much out of the sale as you can. And ideally, you’d like the process to run quickly. Home staging is the act of redecorating, cleaning, and designing a home so that buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. Staging accentuates a home’s strengths and unlocks new potential that buyers can see and experience during a tour.
Sellers have three options for home staging:
- DIY: This is the most affordable option, but requires a good chunk of time and effort. You can declutter, repaint walls neutral colors, and improve curb appeal.
- Agent’s Help: Leverage your real estate agent’s expertise—they’ve been there, done that, and probably worked with a variety of properties. They may also offer furniture rentals or advise on improvements.
- Professional Stager: Hire a professional for a completely hands-off approach. They can handle minor repairs, decorate, and arrange furniture to maximize your home’s selling potential.
Whatever route you choose, here are some tasks and goals you can expect to work toward:
- Focus on high-impact areas: Kitchens, living rooms, master bedrooms, and dining rooms. Consider replacing carpets with hardwood for wider appeal.
- Maximize space: Use furniture that shows off floor space and avoid cramming rooms. If a room serves multiple purposes, stage if for a single function.
- Emphasize usable space: Clear out finished areas like attics and basements to showcase potential uses like a home office.
- Depersonalize: Remove family photos, hobby equipment, and repaint bold colors to neutral tones. Buyers want a blank canvas to imagine their own future.
- Cleanliness is key: Deep clean your entire house, including bathrooms and windows. Address any lingering odors.
No matter what, don’t skip the home staging! A small upfront investment of time or money can significantly increase your return.
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Selecting the perfect area rug can significantly impact the design and feel of a room. Here are some key points to consider:
Size & Cost. Area rugs come in various sizes and materials, impacting both aesthetics and budget. While larger rugs might be ideal, smaller options can add a touch of style without breaking the bank. In open floor plans, areas rugs can define separate spaces. Ideally, a rug should encompass all the furniture in a designated area. However, creative rug placement and stacking can achieve a cohesive look on a budget.
Material Selection. Consider the room’s usage and foot traffic. High-traffic areas benefit from durable, stain-resistant synthetic materials. Carpet squares are a budget-friendly option for high-wear areas. Plant-based options like sisal and jute offer a natural look, but are less durable. Wool rugs are known for comfort, durability, and stain resistance, but they come at a premium price.
Placement Strategies. An area rug should be large enough to accommodate all furniture with some space around the edges. However, placing only the front legs of furniture on the rug can also work. In living rooms with a central coffee table, a rug placed underneath can still achieve a stylish look.
Bedroom Rug Placement. Similar to living rooms, bedrooms benefit from rugs that cover most furniture. When space is limited, prioritize placing the rug on the sides of the bed for a comfortable landing spot in the morning. Two smaller runners on each side of the bed can be an alternative to a single large rug.
By considering these tips and exploring design trends, homeowners can leverage area rugs to create a stylish and cohesive living space.
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Our inspectors are always coming across interesting finds in the field.
What's pictured below?
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The material pictured isn’t dirt—that’s cellulose insulation. Made from recycled materials, including newspaper, cardboard, cotton, straw, and sawdust, cellulose was used as early as the 18th century to insulate homes. A modern version became fairly standard between the 1950s and 1970s.
Cellulose is typically white, gray, or tan in color with a “fluffy” appearance. The cellulose pictured has gotten very dirty and compressed from age and humidity. This new homeowner will likely want to replace it.
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Chances are, you’ve run into mold from time to time in the bathroom, kitchen, or around leaking appliances. These dark, fuzzy spots are usually easy to take care of without much issue, especially when addressed quickly. However, neglect mold and it can permanently stain and damage surfaces, while also posing health risks like respiratory problems. Mold thrives in dark, damp, and warm environments, so problems can easily flourish in hidden areas of the house. If you experience any of the following, schedule a mold inspection to identify the source:
- Family members experiencing eye irritation, persistent coughs, or asthma flare-ups
- A damp or musty odor in the home
- Wallpaper or paint warping or bubbling
- Recent flood or leak discoveries
Prevent mold growth by reducing humidity, maintaining good ventilation, and cleaning spills quickly. Here are some specific areas to target for mold prevention and inspection:
- Attics. Attics are notorious for being dark, poorly ventilated, and prone to moisture—a perfect haven for mold. Roof leaks can further introduce moisture into the home.
- Basements. Similar to attics, basements provide ideal conditions for mold growth, especially unfinished basements that are dark and used for storage. Poor drainage or landscaping that directs water toward the foundation can significantly increase the risk of water intrusion and mold. Consider using a dehumidifier for basement moisture.
- Crawl Spaces. Crawl spaces are often difficult to navigate, making prevention the best approach. Insulate pipes, improve ventilation, and invest in a crawl space dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
- Hidden Mold. Mold hidden under flooring, inside walls, or above ceilings can sometimes be detected by a distinct odor. An inspector can use special tools, like thermal detectors and moisture meters, to locate sources of water intrusion.
- Fireplaces & Chimneys. The porous nature of bricks allows mold to take hold and become difficult to eradicate. Regularly inspecting your home’s exterior can help you stay ahead of any problems. While mold itself isn’t a fire hazard, leaky chimneys can increase flammable creosote buildup.
- The Garage. Garages are prone to clutter, and mold can easily thrive behind boxes and under shelves. Homeowners should regularly sweep and clean, reorganize storage areas periodically, and remove standing water as quickly as possible.
- Vents & Ductwork. Spores can easily spread throughout the house if they survive in vents and ductwork. While duct-cleaning is a job best left to remediation experts, homeowners can regularly clean their HVAC units to minimize mold risk.
By following these tips and being proactive about moisture control and ventilation, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth and protect their health and home.
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