When Should I Change The Furnace Filter?

November 26, 2021/0 Comments/in blog/by rogue

Being home more often makes dust bunnies multiply, the dog’s hair is piling up, and allergies can worsen— it must be the furnace filter!

To change a furnace filter is the easiest way to maximize the efficiency of your heating system and to aid in purifying your home’s air.

Furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particulates before they can get into the system and damage the fan or the heating coil. More expensive filters perform the same role, however, they will also enhance the air quality in your home by trapping bacteria, pollen, and mildew, and mold spores. Because most of the air in your house circulates through your HVAC system, furnace filters are your first line of defense against dust and airborne allergens.

So when is the best time to change your furnace filter?

Here is a general rule of thumb for how often to change furnace filters.

Typically you should change a basic fiberglass furnace filter every one to two months and paper furnace filters should be changed every four months to a year.

Electrostatic furnace filters last the longest, even several years if cleaned every four to six weeks. These furnace filters should be cleaned more frequently if you have multiple pets, excessive dust buildup, any smokers in your home, or if you run your heating system fan frequently.

What type of furnace filter is right for you?

There are numerous options available in furnace filtration.

The most basic is a disposable fiberglass filter within a cardboard frame, usually one to two inches thick and available in a variety of sizes. The fiberglass interior traps larger particles of dust and dirt.

A step up from this filter is a disposable pleated paper filter, which will remove smaller particles of dust, dirt, and pollen. These are a bit pricier but will last anywhere from four months to one year.

The most expensive filters are reusable electrostatic filters, which are designed to trap even smoke and smaller airborne particles. Which is a great option for residents in wildland fire areas where the smoke gets heavy during fire season. These can be rinsed clean with a garden hose as needed and reused for several years if properly maintained.

Some filters—in both disposable and reusable varieties—are rated as “antimicrobial” or “high-efficiency particulate air” (HEPA) and are specially treated to trap microorganisms, including bacteria, mildew, fungus, mold, yeast, and algae. If someone in your family has allergies, it may be worth investing in this filter type.

Home Inspectors And Real Estate Agents – The Peanut Butter And Jelly

October 26, 2021/0 Comments/in /by rogue

Home inspectors and real estate agents go hand in hand, like a good peanut butter and jelly.

This dynamic duo can better serve their client because everyone is committed to the same goal – Ensuring their client has a solid foundation for their future.

Do Agents Attend Home Inspections?

An agent may attend a home inspection, which can be helpful however it’s not required. They can help with their client’s questions about the report as well as communicate with their clients what was looked at if their clients were not present for a walk-through with the inspector.

Should Seller’s Agents Recommend A Seller’s Inspection?

A pre-listing or seller’s inspection can allow your clients to handle issues before a buyer ever sees them. It can also aid in a smooth transition during the closing, and relieve some of the stress during the final stages of a sale. Sellers won’t have to stress that the buyer’s inspection will reveal problems they’re unaware of, theoretically. For these reasons, seller’s inspections are becoming quite common. On the flip side, they’ll be legally required to disclose their inspection report to buyers, so it’s something to be well prepared for.

We’re On The Same Team

It can be simple to assume that an inspector and real estate agent are working together just to get a sale, but a home inspector does not work for a real estate agent. Real estate agents give their clients several home inspector recommendations for them to choose from.

Reputable real estate agents want to work with top-quality home inspectors who will do the job the way they were trained. Which means taking their time, reporting every detail, and not cutting corners. Agents want their clients to have all of the resources available to them about the condition of the home they intend to buy, and a good agent won’t push clients to overlook problems in an inspection just to close the deal.

The Point

Home inspectors and real estate agents work together for the greater good. A good home inspector won’t under-exaggerate a problem just to make a buyer proceed with the home purchase, and a good real estate agent isn’t going to prevent a home inspector from doing their job.

The home inspector and real estate agent relationship are important, as one can’t do business without the other. Both are professionals and experts in their field.

Rogues Trusted Professionals

October 26, 2021/0 Comments/in /by rogue

The team at Rogue Inspection Services takes pride in referring only top-quality professionals and service providers. We refer companies with extensive experience in residential and commercial services and proven track records of excellent customer service. If you’re not sure who to call for your home repairs, upgrades, or related services, see our list of trusted contractors in Southern Oregon.

If you have a trusted contractor that you would like to refer to us, please contact us directly and we’d love to set up a meeting!

Accelerated Appraisal Service

Stacy Branan

541-899-6869

stacybranan@charter.net

Kelly’s Automotive

541-830-4005

www.kellysautomotive.com

Dave’s Carpet & Vinyl

Rachel Cardinal
541-779-2922
rachel.flooring@gmail.com

www.daveshomesupply.com

All Scrub Cleaning LLC

Samantha Reames

541-973-0988

allscrubcleaningllc@gmail.com

Pro Kleen

541-857-1818

www.getprokleen.com

Siskiyou Electric

Mark Nouguier
541-951-1092

Winters Electric

Brian Winters
541-664-4505

James Monroe

541-708-3688

jimmy.monroe@tfaconnect.com

Bill’s Glass

Several locations*

541-773-5881

Overkill Home Repair (Southern Oregon)

Lucas Miracle
541-512-4177

overkillhomerepair.com

911 Handyman (Southern Oregon)

Jasper Liles
541-840-0353
jasper@911handyman.com

Rogue Camera Guy

David Stepp

541-613-1018

www.roguecameraguy.com

david@pestnemesis.com

Artoff Plumbing

Mike Artoff

541-582-0853

hello@artoffplumbing.com

Hoag Roofing

541-779-7743

A-Affordable Royal Flush

Josh Graves

541-772-3389

aaroyalflush7@gmail.com

Southern Oregon Tree Care

Willie Gingg, Master Arborist

541-772-0404

www.sotreecare.com

Accurate Well

Eon Friesen

541-659-7272

Premier Logistics – Packing, Crating, and Shipping

Kyle Geiger

premierlogisticsnw.com

541-841-1711

What To Expect After Your Home Inspection?

September 28, 2021/0 Comments/in blog/by rogue

What Happens After The Home Inspection Is Over?

When buying a home, it goes without question to hire a home inspector, right? But, after the inspection is over, what should you expect? Hint: This may also determine the quality and integrity of the home inspector you hired.

Before you hire a home inspector, be prepared with knowing what to expect after it’s all over.

A top-quality home inspector should offer to do a walk-through of the home after the inspection is over, with your presence. This allows you to understand any big problems the inspector may want to point out and/or an overview of the whole inspection.

Thoroughly Review Your Report

After your walk-through, you have a few days to thoroughly review your inspection report. Your report will hold crucial information concerning the structural components, foundation, roof, plumbing system, electrical system, and mechanical systems. Your home inspection report should also contain a list of repairs and potential health and safety issues however, not all are critical.

They must all be documented under the home inspector’s standards of practice. Items like fried light bulbs and dead batteries in smoke detectors are required to call out but are not critical. Use common sense and your best judgment when reviewing the list of repairs in your home inspection report.

Review Your Report With Your Real Estate Agent

Reviewing your report with your agent is also a key step to your home purchase. If you seek to have repairs done, they will write a repair addendum and submit it to the sellers’ agent for review. Make sure to request reasonable repairs, making safety and health concern repairs a top priority.

The seller can make the repairs requested, they can also negotiate the requests or even refuse to make the repairs. This is not super common however, sellers are within their right to do so. If this happens, buyers can exit the purchase contract and get refunded their earnest deposit.

Time For Appraisal

The next step, as long as you’re satisfied with the negotiations, it’s time to get your appraisal. This step is totally different from the home inspection. The appraiser is actually ordered by your lender and depending on your credit and loan type, it will allow your lender to determine the current market value of the home you wish to purchase. As long as your home appraises you’ll then be on your way to sweet victory, closing day!

Did I Hear Closing Day?

Prepare yourself for closing day and the following days and weeks to come after purchasing a new home.

Prepare for homeowners insurance – If you already carry insurance on your vehicles, get a quote from them, but also prepare yourself with additional quotes. Have this ready before closing day.

How will you move in? Do you have a lot of stuff? How will you haul it? Be prepared with moving companies, switching your bills over (water/sewer, power, gas, internet, etc), or taking time off work if needed for your move.

The process leading up to homeownership can be fun and rewarding when you’re prepared. When it comes to your new home, you only want the best. Rogue Inspection Services is dedicated to exceeding your expectations. We provide industry-leading inspections so that you can make an informed buying decision. Check us out today!

How To Winterize Your Home

September 2, 2021/0 Comments/in /by rogue

How To Prepare Your Home For Winter

Turning the page on summer feels like we’re a bunch of bears preparing for hibernation, and most of us aren’t even mad about it. Cold temps, early sunsets, and schedules to follow are here to stay for a few months.

As we prepare ourselves, it’s also important to prepare our homes. Winterizing your home now will help you and your family stay warm and cozy all winter long. Here are some great and affordable ways to prepare your bear cave for the winter ahead.

How Good Is Your Insulation?

Since heat rises, the most effective use of insulation is probably in the attic. However, most homes have no insulation or not enough in their attic. The EPA advises a minimum of roughly 10 to 14 inches deep to be effective. Make sure ceiling penetrations, like holes around pipes or ducts and wiring are properly caulked as well.

Caulk It Good

This is one of the simplest, and probably most effective ways to stop cold air from infiltrating your house. Plug up holes and cracks around the exterior of your home. Use an acrylic-latex caulk or expanding-foam sealant and fill air-leaking gaps. Specifically your windows, and make sure to replace the weather stripping on your doors.

Are Your Windows Outdated?

Single-pane windows are incredibly inefficient and can make rooms feel uncomfortably drafty and cold. If you don’t have the budget for installing new windows, storm windows are a great option. Storm windows provide an extra layer of protection from the cold and wind. They mount to the exterior of existing windows easily and can be just as easily removed in the spring.

When Is The Last Time You Changed Your Filter?

Dirty furnace filters will hinder airflow and dramatically reduce the efficiency of your furnace. Changing your filter every two months will keep your system running smoothly. Also, be sure to have your furnace tuned up annually by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Use Your Winter Ceiling Fan…

Ceiling fans are also a great resource for winter! Prepare to get mind blown! Most fans have a switch that will allow you to control the fan blade rotation. For example, in the summer, the fan blades spin counterclockwise to blow down cool air. However, in the winter you can reverse the rotation so they blow up, forcing warm air from the ceiling down to your level.

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipe insulation can come by foam or rubber sleeves that you just slip onto the pipe. This will help reduce heat loss by keeping the water running through the pipes warm. It will also help your system work less to heat up the water resulting in saving energy and money!

Proactive preparation will not only save you energy and money but will also help you and your family live comfortably in your home through the cold winter months.

Home Safety Checklist – How Safe Is Your Home?

September 2, 2021/0 Comments/in blog/by rogue

How safe do you think your home is?

You’re likely looking around and thinking you’re good to go right? Everything seems to be working properly, maybe your home is newer so it doesn’t raise major concerns. You’re probably right, however, there are some home hazards that can go unnoticed but lead to major disasters.

Stay proactive and keep reading for a quick guide about these hidden home hazards that often go unnoticed.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a great way to heat your home and are still used in modern homes today. Wood burning fireplaces are safe when installed properly, however proactive maintenance is of the utmost importance when it comes to the safety and operation of wood-burning fireplaces. Your chimney is a significant ventilation system that allows smoke, toxins, and dangerous fumes to escape the home. With time, creosote appears in a dirty chimney. Creosote is a black, sticky residue that is left inside your chimney when the wood is burned. The problem with creosote is that it’s highly flammable, making it one of the main causes of chimney fires. Birds are also known to sometimes place their nests inside chimneys, the dry twigs, leaves, and debris can spark a devastating fire easily. Make sure to have a chimney sweeper come out after each season to clean and inspect your fireplace.

Mold Growth

Mold is incredibly toxic to our bodies when exposed, especially over long periods of time. It thrives in damp dark places and there are certain species that can cause major health complications.

Pest Infestations

Pests can be present even if you don’t see them. A pest infestation can lead to significant damage in or around your home. Pests also bring various health risks to you and your family. Termites, for example, can eat through the structure and supports of your home which significantly reduce the structural integrity. Mice and rats can also take over your home if they’re not quickly taken care of. A home filled with mice can put you and your family’s health at serious risk.

Outdated or Improperly Installed Electrical

If you’re living in a home that’s several decades old, you should be absolutely sure the electrical system is up to date. Older homes can often have unequipped systems that can’t handle the demands of a modern family. Loose, cut, and/or ungrounded systems can lead to fires, electrocution, and power failure, flickering lights, and much more.

Plumbing Issues

Working faucets, proper drainage and properly working sewer lines are super high on our priority list, and that’s because the cost to repair these are astronomical if they are left unkempt and improperly maintained. Making sure your toilets, tubs, and showers are caulked around the seams properly is another item on our plumbing checklist. This will help with water escaping through your floors causing damage, mold, and disaster.

Structural Damage

The structural integrity of your home being compromised can lead to many home hazards. The structural supports of your home are vital for maintaining its physical integrity. Fire, pests, and wood rot can be devastating to your home’s structural supports.

Sinking Foundations

Over many years, it’s common for some homes’ foundations to slant, slope or sink. This is why it’s so important to know the integrity of your home’s foundation because it will affect the alignment of the whole house. Shifting foundations are also difficult to repair, and very expensive. When purchasing your home make sure to have your foundation measured for slanting for sinking.

Are You Aware of All the Potential Home Hazards?

Homeownership is incredibly rewarding but it does come with responsibilities and having a proactive mindset. At Rogue Inspection Services, it’s our goal to help you build a solid foundation for your future. Give us a call today if you’d like to have your home inspected for potential home hazards!

Tips On Understanding Your Home Inspection Report

August 25, 2021/0 Comments/in /by rogue

How Do I Read A Home Inspection Report?

If you’re a new home buyer looking to get the scoop on home inspection reports, you’ve come to the right place. After all, you’re making a huge investment by purchasing a home, which is why it’s so valuable in the home buying experience.

When the home inspectors assess the property, they’re evaluating its current condition and they will note their findings and deliver you a formal report with those results.

What Is In The Inspection Report?

The home inspection report is a highly detailed document providing a range of findings throughout the property.

Every home inspector is different and their reports are just as different. Make sure to ask your prospective hire about their reports so you know you’ll be able to understand their context as well as the detail, effort, and time that’s put into the process. Do they provide photos? Do they go in the crawl space, walk the attic?

Every home inspector does their job a little differently however, there is a standard operation state by state they must uphold to be licensed.

Your Report May Include:

Exterior: the siding, eaves, soffits, doors, windows, the driveway, stairs, decking, drainage, and retaining walls, sprinklers, additional structures, spas, or pools
Roof: the overall condition of shingles, the chimney, gutters, and any skylights
Basement: if the home has a basement the foundation and structural integrity will be checked/crawled
Attic/Crawlspaces: including the insulation and ventilation
Ventilation: in areas like the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room
Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing systems
Interior: doors, windows, landings, stairs
Fireplaces
Garage door(s)

Some home inspectors go beyond that level of service which also speaks volumes about their integrity.

What To Look For

Some of our top concerns to be on the lookout for when deciphering your report are;

Water intrusion – Water can cause major damage to the structure of the home as well as a super host for mold growth which is detrimental to your health and well-being.

Pest or termite damage – Making sure that the overall structure is sound and the damage is only minimal if any, and can be repaired.

Older homes, older pipes, and sewage – We typically recommend getting a sewer scope on aged homes to assess the integrity of the sewer lines, verifying there are no cracks, leaks, barriers, or missing lines.

If you find evidence of damage or potential future damage, like a roof near the end of its life – be sure to take that into consideration when negotiating terms with the seller.

In an ideal scenario, your home inspector will do a walk-through of the property with you to point out concerns or cosmetic repairs. Ask questions and they’ll deliver, home inspectors are a great resource to rely on.

7 Easy Ways To Lower Your Energy Bill

August 2, 2021/0 Comments/in /by rogue

It’s August, and Summer is ready to give us our hottest month yet! You’ve probably already seen surges in your utility bills this far into Summer. Did you know the average household spends $405 on their electric bill during the summer?

We’ve come up with these simple tricks that require minimal effort to help you save on your home energy budget every season, every year.

1. If you don’t need it, don’t use it.

Every degree the thermostat is raised or lowered, 4 to 8 percent can be saved on heating and cooling costs! When you’re sleeping or leaving your home, the thermostat can be set to 78 – 80 degrees (summer) to yield noticeable savings.

2. Use a set-time thermostat.

Programmable thermostats have come a long way in energy efficiency. It allows you to set a schedule for your home, like when you’re sleeping or away and it will adjust the temperatures accordingly. There are additional modern thermostats that set themselves and learn your schedule by your behavior, which takes out the guesswork of setting a schedule! Some of these companies claim to lower electricity bills by 20 percent!

3. Check for thorough home insulation.

Insulation might be one of the most important pieces of your home’s puzzle. If your home is not insulated properly, it makes your AC/heating systems work harder to heat or cool your home because of air escaping through spaces that should be protected. Check your attic and crawl space for missing or low hanging insulation and verify your caulking and weather-stripping are in good condition to also maximize the functionality of your home’s efficiency.

4. Replace your filters regularly.

Gunked-up air filters block normal airflow and drastically reduce a system’s efficiency. Replacing a dirty filter will actually lower your energy consumption by 5 percent or more!

5. Turn on your fans.

Your ceiling fan can cool the room by roughly 4 degrees! If you turn your AC down that extra 4 degrees, it will give your system the break it needs, working less and saving you money.

6. Take advantage of your windows.

If you reside in a climate where the evenings and nights are cooler, then take advantage of that. Open your windows and enjoy a cool and natural breeze throughout the night. Early mornings also tend to be the coolest so by using the weather’s natural resource you can cool your home down in the morning, giving your system a break until your house is warm enough to engage the AC system again.

7. Utilize good blinds.

Window treatments will help save energy and make your house look good! Blinds and drapes can reduce the amount of heat you gain in your home by 45 percent! Although it does make your home dark, if you routinely close them while you’re gone, you’ll still notice significant savings.

Don’t let wild energy bills ruin your budget.

Let us know if these tips worked for you!

9 Home Maintenance Tips For Your New Home

June 28, 2021/1 Comment/in blog/by rogue

Becoming a homeowner is a feeling unlike anything else and you’ve probably experienced the honeymoon phase with your new home. Although very rewarding, homeownership comes with property maintenance which is an integral part of retaining your new properties value.

As we’ve said before, preventative maintenance is working smarter, reactive maintenance is working harder. To help you in that direction, we’ve come up with some home maintenance tips to get you started on your journey through homeownership!

Get a thorough inspection prior to purchase from a licensed home inspector.

The best defense against bank breaking repairs is hiring a licensed home inspector to provide an unbiased evaluation of the homes current state. It’s important to account for the age of the home and the wear and tear to determine how extensive of an inspection you may need. With this information you can budget properly for your future.

Have your home inspected semi-regularly.

Waiting to have your home inspected right before you put your home on the market is like trying to bake something without all the right ingredients. You’ll have to start over, go back to fix it and it can become a huge mess.

Having your home inspected every few years helps you to stay on top of routine maintenance or repairs. Professional home inspectors have equipment and specific skills to see imperfections and deficiencies in a home that may be missed by the untrained eye. It’s also helpful being ahead of the game and hiring a professional home inspector to evaluate your property before you list it to sell. This provides you with the opportunity to handle those repairs so that the buyers will be less likely to back out in the end.

Trim back surrounding trees.

Although it may sound a little daunting, this is super helpful for home maintenance. Trimming back any branches that come into contact with the roof or gutters will keep it clean and deter pests and rodents from infesting your home.

Don’t defer maintenance.

Deferred maintenance can catch you by surprise even if you haven’t been ignoring needed repairs. Purchasing a property with lurking, undisclosed deferred maintenance puts future savings at high risk.

Value your property the same way you value your health. When we visit the doctor, we proactively address potential problems down the road, which otherwise might cost us in medical bills, time and our foreseen future.

Same goes for your home.

Maintain your roof.

Stay on top of your roof, literally! Once water penetrates even the smallest crack it can turn into a huge problem. Check your roof monthly and after any significant storms or weather patterns. Look for the small granules or pebbles, once they start to disappear the shingles become weaker. Look for missing or damaged shingles and vents. Make sure your water tight to protect, quite literally everything below the roof!

Caulk it… Caulk it good.

Damaged caulking can lead to leaking water and/or air which can cause mildew or mold and other structural problems. Maintain your caulk on components such as windows, doors, bath tubs and all sinks as well as countertops.

Dust it… Dust it good.

Ewww … Committing to regular dusting sounds like no fun! It’s unfortunately everywhere and is going nowhere unless we do something about it. Dust build up can also dramatically shorten the lifespan of appliances like your fridge or washer and dryers. Keep up on dusting and filter replacement and you and your family will stay healthy and reduce the risk of fire in your home.

Maintain the water heater.

It’s a simple task yet one of the most forgotten. Drain and flush your water heater on a yearly basis. This will extend the life of your water heater by preventing sediment build up which clogs up your heater and causes issues in the future.

Set the clock for regular maintenance reminders.

Reminders and calendars are life, aren’t they? It’s so helpful to set monthly, quarterly and yearly reminders for your home maintenance task list.

You can also subscribe to Rogue Inspection Services and we’ll send you monthly maintenance reminders for monthly tasks and seasonal tasks. Taking care of repairs and preventative maintenance will save you time, money and peace of mind for your future and investment.

Can You Pass Or Fail A Home Inspection?

June 28, 2021/2 Comments/in blog/by rogue

Waiting on the home inspection report can be tough, sometimes even more when you’re the seller.

Will YOUR home inspection include any of the things that fail a home inspection?

There is nothing worse than having to put your home back up on the market after a deal has fallen through. For sellers, it might save you time, money and a sale if you consider a pre-listing home inspection.

What are the things that fail a home inspection?

Remember there is no pass OR fail when it comes to your home inspection report. The report is just providing an overall glance at the current state of the home. Even if your home is in horrible shape, the buyer can absolutely decide to purchase your home, they might be repo-DIY-ers or investors.

On the flip side, the buyers or lenders may still back out of the deal, and it’s their right to.
While keeping that in mind, let’s go over some preventative measures that’ll help you prepare your home for a sale that won’t fall through!

Failed Roofing

The roof is one of the bigger ticket items when it comes to replacing it. It also protects everything and everyone in the home! A leak can lead to large problems in a short time which also lead to larger expenses.
Replacing your roof right before selling your home might not be in your budget, and that’s okay. However be prepared to negotiate your selling terms because most buyers will likely want to replace it depending on the extent of the damages.

Electrical Problems

Electrical issues are another priority in home inspections.
Typically found in older homes, common electrical issues include electrical panels and wiring that are no longer up to code or improperly wired and re-wired over the years. Most electrical is kept out of sight so it’s hard to find problems that may be developing until it’s too late.

Leaky Plumbing

Leaks that result in water damage can create super expensive issues that go beyond replacing the plumbing. However, plumbing is also hidden well in the walls which means a problem can go undetected for quite a while.
Consider getting your plumbing, walls and areas around your wet spaces scanned by thermal imaging. This will tell you exactly where, if any, leaks are happening in your home.

Pests or Termites

For potential home buyers, wood destroying organisms can be a huge red flag. Even if the damages seem minor, they have likely weakened the areas they’ve consumed or destroyed. It’s not only smart to take preventative pest control measures on your home, but to also have your home inspected before listing for these pesky pests.

The list of deal breakers will differ from one buyer to the next so remember there is no PASS or FAIL, just preference or what is allowed by lenders.
After your home inspection you may have some additional repairs to handle based on the request of the buyer, or by your decision if the sale has fallen through.
Just remember, the home inspection report is knowledge. It allows you and the buyer to make informed decisions based on unbiased licensed professionals reporting.
If you are looking for a licensed professional home inspector, call Rogue Inspection Services today! We provide you with peace of mind, prompt and thorough reports and unmatched customer service!