Are you looking to go out with a bang this summer and host your best cookout ever? Follow these tips!

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken are some staples that shouldn’t be overlooked, but consider adding a few unique foods into the mix.

To name just a few out-of-the-box options, here are some additional grillable items that could steal the show at your next barbecue:

After adding these new entrees into your repertoire, it’s important to consider the power of the side. It seems that many party hosts already feel less restricted when it comes to experimenting with sides. Enlisting the help of guests to cover all the bases with sides and desserts can allow for even more opportunities to offer additional variety.

Always Be Prepared With a Back-Up Plan
Planning parties successfully involves learning how to adapt when things go wrong. As the host, it is your job to not only plan out your barbecue, but also think through what to do if the weather takes a turn for the worse, if your space becomes unavailable, or if the grill doesn’t work.

Set up an area indoors that could handle the expected party guests in a pinch, and consider cooking an entree or two in advance for additional flexibility. Although never ideal, pivoting to instead order a pizza and entertain guests in your living room can have all the necessary ingredients for a memorable event. Ultimately, barbecues and cookouts are excuses to spend time with friends and family. Don’t get hung up on making everything perfect, and enjoy the day!

What's wrong with this picture? 

This may or may not be a trick question . . . it just depends on who you ask! Pictured above is a hose bibb, or exterior faucet. It appears that a past homeowner built a deck over it, but cut an opening for access. Since it’s accessible and operating normally, and its unusual placement is the only thing “off,” many homeowners may not mind. However, others could view this opening as a trip hazard. When it comes to this sort of anomaly, our inspector may make a note, but ultimately, it would be up to the homeowner to decide whether it would present problems. 

It’s completely normal to get an inspection report back with recommended repairs, but it can be tough to know where to start. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the most important maintenance items to prioritize post-inspection.

The Roof
All roofs have a natural lifespan until shingles begin deteriorating beyond the point of serving their use. Since other circumstances can expedite this aging process and homeowners are often unaware of the age of their roofs, the conditions revealed during a home inspection are invaluable to home buyers as they plan out their long-term home maintenance plans. A new roof can cost upwards of $15,000 to replace. A solid home maintenance plan can extend a roof’s lifespan, and a home inspection is the first step in setting homeowners up for success.

The Foundation
Water intrusion through small cracks can lead to mold, radon gas can filter more easily into the home, and large enough foundation cracks can even grant access to all sorts of pests. After identifying and recognizing the severity of foundation cracks, epoxy sealers can be a great solution to avoid letting the issue grow. If a foundation crack is too wide, consultation with an engineer or contractor may be necessary.

Mechanical Systems
A home’s mechanical systems are essential to what makes a home comfortable for its inhabitants, but aged, poorly installed, or damaged mechanical systems can also pose serious fire hazards if left unchecked. In particular, home inspectors will examine the condition and lifespan of heating and cooling systems, as well as the functionality of power outlets throughout the home to determine safety and longevity.

Water Intrusion
Some of the most commonly addressed issues discovered during a home inspection are those related to water intrusion. Water can lead to considerable damage as it enters into the home through unintended ways. Foundation cracks, roof damage, and piping deterioration are all common sources of unwanted water within the home. To resolve water intrusion issues, it is best to identify the source first. Home inspectors can perform Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing and Mold Inspections to help identify the root of water intrusion in the home, and to identify whether water intrusion might be an issue even without an obviously visible water leak.