Valentine's Day Safety Tips

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Bound Brook, NJ -- The home inspection experts at HouseMaster know that small errors in judgment can lead to huge safety issues. This Valentine's Day, Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, offers some basic tips that can help avoid some major problems.

Kindle the Romance…Not Your Home

Valentine's Day often plays host to candlelight, crackling fireplaces, and outdoor torches. These pose minimal risks when supervised, but they can quickly turn into huge conflagrations when left unattended. HouseMaster advises the following:

• Blow out candles when you leave the room.
• Keep clothing, blankets, and pillows away from fireplaces and torches.
• If you haven't started your fireplace in a long time, inspect and test it beforehand. Poorly operating fireplaces are not just a fire hazard but they're also a carbon monoxide danger.
• Forgotten meals in the oven or on the stovetop can lead to fires. Consider using timers to remind you of the meal, and as always, be sure all smoke/fire alarms are operational.

Traveling? Protect Your Home

Romantic getaways are great way to say "I love you" this time of year; however, nothing will sour your mood faster than discovering your home has been broken into. Follow these simple security tips:

• Use a timer for lights and radios to create the impression of an occupied home.
• Arrange for a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, or have the postal service stop and collect your mail temporarily.
• For cold climate areas, arrange for a neighbor to shovel walks in case of snow.
• Consider leaving a car in the driveway.
• Check all locks on doors and windows, particularly on the lower floors.

Rooftop Risks

Flat rooftops can make for romantic views of the stars or skyline, but more often than not, these areas were not designed to be extended living spaces. Some precautions to consider are:

• Even "flat" roofs are not completely flat. There is often a slight pitch to them, which can be dangerous, particularly when icy conditions exist.
• Snow accumulation adds to the weight on the building's roof framework. So if you plan on walking the roof after a recent snow, you might want to reconsider the risks.
• Even in warm-weather climates, sun and wind damage can create warped and pitted areas, causing a tripping hazard.
• At the very least, walking on roofs can risk damage to the protective coating, increasing the chance of leaks in the future.

Diamonds Down the Drain

Engagement rings that haven't yet been properly sized can easily slip off and fall down the drain. High-end jewelry doesn't respond to magnets; but there are some tips to increase your chances of retrieving this significant investment.

• Avoid running the water.
• Avoid using a plunger - it is more likely to push the jewelry farther down the drain.
• If you feel confident removing the trap below the sink (and it's accessible), shut off your water valves and loosen the nuts on either end of the trap (a "P" shaped bend in the pipe below the sink). Use a bucket or large bowl to catch any dripping water or sediment as you loosen this pipe.
• The base of this trap is where the ring has most likely fallen, so remove it carefully. Once the trap has been removed, if the ring is not visible, gently try to clean out all sediment using a screwdriver or a narrow kitchen scrub brush.
• Take this time to give the pipe a good cleaning before you reconnect it. You'll find your drain might run a bit smoother. Be patient and careful when reassembling the parts. Leaks are likely to occur if the fittings are not straight or tight enough.
• When in doubt, call a plumber.

Making the Big Move

Many couples embark on the purchase of a new home soon after they are engaged or married. Kuhn offers sound advice to help new homebuyers be proactive and make educated real estate decisions.

• Location -- Proximity to employment and the quality of the schools are common factors in determining whether a location is suitable; so scan community Web sites for more information about the area. Local Realtors® have access to extensive data regarding the community and its amenities, and are a wonderful resource for this information.
• Factor in maintenance costs -- All homes require constant care. Many homebuyers take into consideration the cost of paying the home's mortgage, taxes, and utilities, but fail to factor in cost and time investment of home repairs and maintenance. Estimates indicate that every home will require between 1 percent and 3 percent of the homes value in annual maintenance costs.
• Be an educated consumer -- Get your prospective home inspected before closing. A proper inspection can help you avoid unexpected expenses in the future. Make sure the inspector you use has been formally trained, has access to on-going technical support and education, and will stand behind his findings in writing, such as HouseMaster's Limited Written Guarantee.
• Participate -- Reputable home inspectors prefer it when the prospective homeowners accompany them during the process.

The home inspector will take the opportunity to educate them on home's basic operations as well as the overall condition of the home's major systems and components.
For more information about home inspections, maintenance, and safety visit www.housemaster.com.

About HouseMaster: Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With more than 370 franchised areas throughout the U.S. and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For over 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

For more information please visit www.housemaster.com or call 800-526-3939.

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