Living In DFW

Mold, a fungal growth, is commonly found in buildings and homes. It grows in places with a lot of moisture that can be caused by flooding or leaks. Although there is always some mold in the environment, studies have been done that have linked mold exposure to certain health problems. People regularly exposed to mold were shown to be at risk for upper respiratory infections asthma exacerbation, and allergies. To reduce potential adverse health issues, it is recommended for homeowners learn to identify, control, and prevent mold growth as much as possible.

If you’ve never experienced problems with mold in your home, that is a good thing, but you should still be prepared.

address leaks and water damage

Address leaks and water damage— By eliminating the source of moisture you will reduce the potential for mold. Promptly fix any leaks in your roof, pipes, windows, and other fixtures as soon as you recognize them.

control humidity

Control humidity levels—During humid months, check that the humidity level stays between 30 and 50%. Use an air conditioning unit, dehumidifier, or open the windows to circulate air throughout the house.

ventilate rooms

Ventilate rooms—Use exhaust fans in the bathroom after showers and in the kitchen when cooking to vent moisture outside the home. Regularly clean your dryer vent. You can use air purifiers to control the spread of airborne mold particles.

prevent condensation build-up

Prevent condensation build-up by installing extra insulation on pipes, water tanks, floors, walls, ceilings, and windows. Wipe down the tile after showers and promptly dry all laundry. Clean gutters in spring and fall, and purchase a sump pump or vapor barriers, as needed, for your basement.

Bottom Line

Practicing preventative measures is always the best offense; however, ridding your home of mold can be challenging. These measures can help you prevent and control the growth and spread of mold that could create an unhealthy environment. If you find that mold in your home is too extensive to deal with or is a threat to your health, strongly consider hiring a mold remediation specialist. Otherwise, the best way to cope with it is to get it under control as soon as you detect it.

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45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

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As there are a growing number of aged adults living independently, it’s ever important to be aware of the risks of daily living accidents such as falls and fire hazards and how to eliminate these to keep ourselves and loved ones safe. Whether a quick fix or a small renovation, the following are commonly recommended adjustments to help avoid potential risks.

Minimize trips and falls

Remove a loose rug or secure it with double-sided tape or a rug pad. For carpet tears, mend with carpet glue or staples. If you have a flight of stairs, use textured no-slip strips and ascertain that handrails are secure. Another consideration is a chair lift. For the bathroom, a rubber mat in the tub prevents slippage. Also, you can browse your local medical supply store for grab bars to install near the shower, bathtub, and toilet. You may also look for a toilet seat riser to ease getting up. Place electrical cords away from high traffic areas.

Remove obstacles

Clear the pathway of any chairs, appliances, bags, or boxes that can impede the walkway and cause someone to lose their footing. Add low-level shelving to store extra items that are lying around.

Secure, adjust, or replace faulty furniture

Fix or trade chairs with wobbly limbs for those with sturdy legs and arms. Ensure chairs and bedding are at a comfortable height to sit and rise from. Adjust the headboard or replace the mattress if it’s too high or low.

Improve lighting

Darkness in the home during the night is an accident waiting to happen while making one’s way to the bathroom. Nightlights, motion sensor lighting, or the clapper are helpful aids to increase visibility rather than risking a stumble. LED bulbs versus high bulb wattage are safer and save on energy.

Keep activities and large items on one level

Reduce the need to visit the basement or consider purchasing a ranch where you can access laundry, storage, and other items on the main floor. Create easy access to heavy objects, such as hanging pots and pans on the wall, to avoid heavy lifting.

Practice fire and burn prevention

Control temperatures by monitoring thermostats or installing lock-in switches to control furnace fires. Check that electrical cords are not frayed, and outlets aren’t overfilled to avoid shorts and overheating. Be careful of burns and scalding when near water or in the kitchen. The water-heater thermostat should be no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking on the stove. When using space heaters, ensure they are placed at least three feet away from furnishings.

Follow general safety and health measures

Everyone, including seniors, is vulnerable to smoke and toxic fumes. Change the smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries twice per year and add a fire extinguisher to the kitchen and on each floor of the home. Keep a list of emergency numbers visible and handy. Hire a regular cleaning service and have the pharmacy attach large print labels to medication bottles. You don’t want to risk the possibility that seniors with mobility, hearing, and visual limitations, accidentally overmedicate or mix the wrong cleaning chemicals.

In addition, obtain a medical alert system for those prone to falls. If they don’t want to wear a device, they should always have a cordless phone handy. Finally, invest in a smart home security system to protect against home invasion if you can afford it.

Bottom Line

As we and our loved ones age, we become increasingly vulnerable to accidents, crime, and health emergencies. Tragedies can cost us dearly if we don’t take the time to ensure our homes are safe. It’s just a matter of taking a few extra precautions and, if needed, investing in the necessary changes to provide the priceless protection and peace of mind that we all deserve.

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Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

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How much do you know about home maintenance? Test your knowledge by responding to each of the statements with TRUE or FALSE.

1. You should not clean concrete floors unless they are painted. T/F

2. Never use salt for traction on icy sidewalks because it damages the pavement. T/F

3. Forced-air furnace filters need to be changed every three months. T/F

4. You should run hot water through the garbage disposal to help break down food scraps. T/F

5. Throw in a handful of sugar to prevent soot and add color to the fire in your fireplace. T/F

6. Firewood should be stored away from the fireplace in another room. T/F

7. You can use equal parts of vinegar and warm water per gallon to clean exterior windows. T/F

8. Your water heater should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. T/F

9. Skylights should be inspected twice per year. T/F

10. If you notice film on your kitchen cabinets, you should clean your range hood grease filter. T/F

11. A qualified roofer should inspect your roof every three years. T/F

12. Noisy water pipes should be fixed at first notice of a leak. T/F

Let’s see how well you did. Here are the answers:

1. False-You can clean unpainted concrete floors with a solution of 4 to 6 tablespoons of sodium carbonate in a gallon of hot water. Mix scouring powder to the solution for tough jobs.

2. True- Use sand or cat litter.

3. True- A minimum of 3 months, more often if you have pets or allergies.

4. False- Use cold water because hot may cause fats to thicken and stick to the blades.

5. False- Use salt to prevent soot and add color; the salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create an acid that dissolves the soot. Color is created when the heat changes the salt’s electrons, producing photons of light.

6. False- Firewood should be stored outside, away from your house, and not directly on the ground.

7. False- Per quart of warm water.

8. True.

9. False- Skylights should be inspected regularly as they are prone to leakage from cracks around seals.

10. True.

11. True.

12. False- They should be fixed promptly because the vibration that it causes can loosen fittings and start a leak.

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Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.