Category: HomeGuard News & Tips
-
Barking Dogs Make Trouble for HOAs and Neighborhood Relations
As a leading California home inspection company we have encountered our fair share of unruly pets. But we only have to spend a few of hours with the noise of a barking dog. What about the homeowners living nearby?
-
Spring Season Landscaping Ideas You’ll Love (Even if You Don’t Like Doing Yard Work)
Many California homeowners delight in the vibrant landscapes of spring. This does not mean, however, that every resident enjoys doing the work required to produce these gorgeous displays! Whether you don’t have the time to commit to an elaborate landscaping theme, or you simply would rather not spend much time working on the yard, you…
-
Residential Landlords Required to Disclose Flood Hazard Information
Last fall the California Legislature passed into law an amendment to existing residential housing disclosure laws that mandates full disclosure in leasing or rental contracts of any known flooding risks. This amendment was passed in response to the high level of flooding experienced by many California properties during the heavy rains of the 2017 winter…
-
Construction Worker Shortage Drives Up Costs and Slows Growth
The Bay Area and Sacramento housing markets are booming once again. Factors driving that trend: Home prices are consistently rising as demand remains strong. State and municipal initiatives to encourage denser housing are also raising demand for buildable lots near mass transit hubs. People who commute into the Bay Area from the San Joaquin and…
-
New Earthquake Fault Maps Released for Napa Area
Earthquakes are certainly the most famous natural hazard for homeowners in California. The risk varies depending on your location. In Northern California, the nine Bay Area counties are more prone to shaking than in the Sacramento area, but earthquakes are a fact of life statewide and could have an impact on your choice of property.…
-
New State Law SB442 (The Pool Safety Act) Mandates Expanded Safeguards for Home Swimming Pools or Spa
Home Inspectors in California have additional requirements to assess when inspecting a single-family residence with a swimming pool or spa. Based on a new law that went into effect on January 1st, 2018, Home Inspectors must now perform a visual, noninvasive inspection of seven specific drowning prevention safety features for each pool area. This bill…
-
Tips to Speed Up the Sale of Your Home
If, after several months of sitting on the market your Sacramento or Bay Area home isn’t selling, the problem could be easier to fix than you might suspect! there may be a variety of reasons for potential buyers not responding favorably. These could range from limited showing availability, to an unrealistic asking price, to a…
-
Homeowners: The Ultimate Pre Move-In Checklist!
Moving into a new home can be very exciting but a variety of important tasks must be done before you make the transition. Once you have taken care of these small details, moving will be a breeze as you start to settle into your new environment. Use the following checklist as a pre move-in guide.
-
Watch Out For These Hazards During the Holidays!
The holidays are a time of great joy and happiness; it can also be a time of great distress and frustration if a holiday hazard strikes. The top three holiday hazards that have been reported include porch pirates, decoration vandals and house fires. It is extremely important that all homeowners are aware of these potential…
