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The Homeowner’s Guide to Quick Plumbing Fixes and When to Call a Professional

As a homeowner, it’s important to know when to tackle plumbing issues yourself and when to call in a professional. Knowing the difference between quick fixes and larger problems can save you time, money, and stress. This blog post will discuss the basics of DIY plumbing repairs and when it is best to call a plumbing contractor in Winston-Salem, NC for help. Read on for more information!

 When to DIY:

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to unclog your drain without calling in a professional. Start by using a plunger to try and push the obstruction down the pipe. If that doesn’t work, use chemical-based liquid solutions or boiling water to break up the clog.

Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet can be a sign of a worn-out washer or O-ring, and it is usually an easy fix. All you need is replacement parts and some basic tools. You can find these parts at most hardware stores, which are typically easy to install.

Toilet Issues

A toilet issue, such as a running or clogged toilet, can often be fixed with basic tools and supplies from your local hardware store. If you have an older model, it may require more extensive work that a plumbing contractor best handles.

When to Call a Plumbing Contractor:

Water Heater Installation

Installing a water heater is not a job for the average DIY homeowner. This task involves working with gas and water lines, which can be dangerous if improperly handled. It’s best to leave this job to an experienced plumber who will ensure that everything is done correctly.

Main Water Line Issues

If you’re having issues with your main water line, it is best to call a professional plumber right away. A plumbing contractor can diagnose the problem and ensure it is adequately repaired.

Sewer Line Repair

Repairing or replacing a sewer line is a job best left to the professionals. This type of work involves digging up your yard and dealing with potentially hazardous materials, making it dangerous for anyone other than a qualified plumbing contractor.

Armed with this information, you now have the tools to decide when it is best to DIY and when it’s time to call a plumbing contractor. Remember that quick fixes are typically easy, but a professional should always handle larger problems. If you’re ever uncertain about what to do, be sure to call in a plumbing contractor for help.

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Home

The Importance of Roof Maintenance to Prevent Damages from Storm

During storms, most roof damage comes from ice, snow, and debris accumulation. If this material is not cleaned up, it can rust and discolor your roof, weaken its structural integrity, and cause water damage.

Fortunately, regular roof maintenance can help prevent this type of damage. It can also extend the lifespan of your roof, improve energy efficiency, increase the value of your home, and provide safety and peace of mind.

Clean Your Roof

Roofs are meant to withstand the elements, but they can lose their ability to protect your home when storms damage them. Winds, rain, and hail can damage shingles and make them vulnerable to water and wood rot.

Roofing maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent this damage. A professional can clean your roof and remove mold, mildew, moss, and algae that can degrade your roof over time. Another important way to prevent storm damage is to clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof and create leaks. Tree limbs, furniture, and other items flying around during a hurricane can also cause damage to your roof. Trim overhanging branches to avoid this and keep them from blocking access to your roof.

Check Your Roof Deck

During severe weather, storms can cause damage to your roof, and you need to inspect it after each storm to ensure your roof is intact. If you don’t, repairs and replacements could cost you money. Winds and hail can cause water leaks, leading to widespread home damage. If the water penetrates through a damaged roof, it can cause rot and mold problems in your attic and throughout your home. For example, if you have a metal roof, look for dents in the metal that can be a sign of hail damage. It’s also a good idea to check for any rusting and separation between panels on your roof.

Inspect Your Gutters

Gutters are a crucial part of any roof’s drainage system. They channel rain and snow away from the home and its foundation, protecting it against water damage. However, gutters can quickly become damaged during a storm. Strong winds can knock down tree limbs and other debris, causing them to fall into the gutters. If this happens, much water could go back on the roof or flow down to the foundation, causing damage. Inspecting your gutters should be done at least twice a year and more frequently if you live in a storm-prone area. To do this safely, prepare a ladder, gloves, and a bucket for collecting any backed-up debris. Call a professional for repairs or replacement if you spot any signs of clogs, gaps, or missing components. Otherwise, a minor repair may be all that’s needed to keep your gutters working correctly for a few more years.

Inspect Your Fascia

A roofing component often overlooked, fascia helps protect your home from pests and excess moisture and supports the eavestroughs. It is essential to inspect your fascia regularly to ensure that it is in good shape and is not damaged. Fascia boards can be made of various materials, including wood and aluminum. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have one purpose: to protect your home from the elements.

If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain or storms, your fascia may be prone to moisture damage and mold growth. Water can also seep into the board if you have roof leaks or gutter clogs. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to check for signs of rot and damage on your fascia boards. For instance, if you feel comfortable on a ladder, try pushing a screwdriver into the wood in any areas where it may seem soft. This will indicate whether your fascia board is wet or rotting and will need to be replaced.

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Home

Sustainable Log Home Building: Eco-Friendly Materials and Practices

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on sustainable practices in the construction industry. With many people looking to reduce their environmental footprint and make more eco-friendly decisions, the demand for sustainable log home building has grown. Sustainable log home building takes into account the impact of construction on the environment and works to minimize it where possible. This can be achieved through the use of eco-friendly materials, as well as implementing sustainable practices during the building process.

Harvesting Natural Resources with Care

At Frontier Log Homes, we firmly believe in harvesting natural resources with care. We are dedicated to sourcing materials responsibly and sustainably, respecting the environment and the people who work in it. In doing so, Frontier Log Homes adheres to the highest-quality standards of ethical and sustainable forestry. We understand that natural resources are finite and that we must be responsible in their use and management.

We select our wood with care and only use wood that has been harvested and managed in an environmentally responsible way. Additionally, we are committed to the use of recycled and salvaged materials, where possible, to reduce our environmental footprint. By exercising our commitment to responsible resource management, Frontier Log Homes is making a positive contribution to our planet.

Constructing with Renewable Wood

At Frontier Log Homes, we understand the importance of constructing eco-friendly log homes. That is why we prioritize making every piece count in constructing with renewable wood. In the past, log homes often relied on cutting down trees in order to build, but we now focus on sustainable practices. For example, we look for wood sources such as beetle-killed trees, deadfall, and we also incorporate wood obtained through forest thinning and wood salvaged from old buildings.

Replanting Trees to Promote a Healthy Ecosystem

At Frontier Log Homes, we believe that sustainable log home building begins with a healthy ecosystem. Planting and replanting trees is essential for preserving the environment and the wildlife that thrives within it. We use native species of trees to ensure that the trees planted are compatible with the local environment. Through replanting, we create a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem for the plants and animals that inhabit the area.

Final thoughts

  • Sustainable log home building is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also creating an attractive, durable home that will last for generations.
  • By relying on eco-friendly materials and practices, you can ensure that your project is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
  • With careful planning and research, you can construct a log home that is both sustainable and beautiful.
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Home

Signs You Need Septic Tank Repair

In addition to the public sewage system, some individuals still use septic tanks to dispose of waste. Before relocating from a property that is serviced by the municipal sewage system to one that relies on a septic tank, there are a few things you should be aware of. A septic tank overflowing or not functioning correctly is never acceptable. It is important to get the best septic tank repair services in inland Empire if that’s where you live.

Maintaining a clean and orderly environment is now considered routine maintenance. At least once every three to five years, the contents of a septic tank must be drained out and cleaned. Cleaning the septic tank is not always sufficient to resolve the issue; you may require extra assistance. There is a need for assistance with septic tanks. Be sure to verify the time before you pick up the phone. Is it always necessary to seek professional aid when dealing with a septic tank?

Do you experience Slow draining

Slow drainage is an indicator that the septic tank requires servicing from septic tank repair services. The most frequent cause of water moving more slowly than usual through a drain is a clogged drain. To clear a minor clog from a drain, you can use a drain snake or drain cleaning fluid. Slow drainage difficulties are more likely to occur with septic systems than conventional sewers. When water drains slowly, it could be a sign that the septic tank or drain is clogged. The possibility that the repair will be comprehensive increases as the number of damaged drains increases. Many individuals do not take this issue seriously because, in the majority of instances, it does not pose a threat to public sewer plumbing systems.

Odour

Problems with septic systems are not the only source of offensive scents. Possibly something is amiss with the septic tank if it emits a foul odour. Contrary to popular belief, septic tanks do not produce a disagreeable odour. Septic tanks are odourless and exceptionally clean. If the sewage system in your home is functioning properly, there should be no odour of sewage emanating from the interior or exterior of your home. In any area where water drains, you should look for odours consistent with a sewer. If your septic tank isn’t functioning as well as it should, you may need to get it maintained by the best septic tank repair in inland.

A sewage backwash was used to clean it.

Not usually clogged drains and bad odours indicate that the septic tank needs maintenance. Backflow in sewage systems is never acceptable and requires immediate attention. If you notice sludge in your drains or bathtub and water backing up in your sink, you should contact the best septic tank repair services in inland that offers septic tank services. You should be cautious and take your time when cleaning.

Water in the drain field

The presence of water on the drain field may also indicate a problem with the septic tank. Regular drain field inspections are something that many homeowners perform to ensure that their septic systems are functioning properly. If your drain field contains water, you should be concerned and contact the septic tank repair services. If your drain field emits a sewer-like odour, this is still another indication that something is wrong.

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Home

Did You Know It’s Good for America When You Build an ADU?

In Portland, the Great Recession reached its apex in 2010. Around that time, the real estate market had collapsed in many parts of the country. While Portland was spared the worst of the crash, it was still a difficult time for many residents who had lost significant value in their most valuable financial asset. When considering the growth of ADUs in Portland, what stands out to me is that the residential real estate market for homes was declining dramatically in 2010, with no clear bottom in sight. Nonetheless, it was in 2010 that ADUs began their meteoric rise in popularity. When you want to build an ADU with a top builder, then you should look into this article.

It would be incorrect to attribute the growth of ADUs solely to the 2008 recession, but it is fair to say that ADUs began their ascent while Portland’s real estate market was still crashing. There is every reason to believe that ADUs will fare well in a downturn. In a downturn, rational actors may realise that ADUs are one of the safest places to invest their money. The sudden and dramatic economic crisis in March 2020 will have far greater economic consequences than the 2008 housing crash.

THE CLIMATE RELATIONSHIP

The Coronavirus Pandemic is medical, physical, metaphysical, unavoidable, deep, emotional, economic, frightening, and all-encompassing. It is in the Bible.

This daily series of cataclysmic news events is symbolic in that it can be interpreted as a time-limited trial run for the much larger crisis that is also imminent and unavoidable- climate change. Climate change is now looming on the horizon. Just as most of us have not yet seen the human health effects of Coronavirus, we can not yet feel the effects of climate change viscerally. When you build an ADU in your compound, you can use it as a security home in case of catastrophic incidents

ENTER, ADUS

I enjoy promoting ADUs because they are self-serving. They are an easy sell because ADU development is an extremely self-serving use of your money. You are investing directly in your future self when you build an ADU. If you rent one unit after you finish, you will immediately add significant extra income to your life. That income will typically be higher than the costs of additional payments for the project’s amortised construction loan.

CALL TO ACTION FOR RESIDENTS

Consider this a call to action, homeowners. Build an ADU right away. If you are a homeowner on the west coast who has been debating whether or not to build an ADU, the next 1-2 years are ideal. Send this post to any other homeowners you believe should build an ADU. It will not only be necessary to help stimulate the local economy, but it will also be a good time to get more bang for your buck overall.

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you need to build an ADU in your home because it comes with a lot of advantages tied to it.

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Home

Secret for Selecting the Perfect Bathroom Washbasin

Choosing the right wash basin for your bathroom can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have no prior experience. However, if you know how to pick the right one, choosing the best wash basin can be exciting and fun. The secret to the perfect bathroom wash basin boils down to the type of basin you want and is suitable to your bathroom space, which are discussed below.

Type of wash basin

  • Top-mount wash basin

It is one of the most commonly used bathroom wash basin types. As the name suggests, it is specifically designed to sit or be placed on top of a bench or a surface. A major portion of the basin goes below the benchtop with only the rim sitting on top and visible from outside.

These wash basins can be installed with pretty much any type of benchtop material like wood or stone. Another distinct feature of this basin is that it is affordable, requires minimal effort for installation and are easy to clean.

  • Under-mount wash basin

Unlike the top-mount wash basin, this type of basin sits below the benchtop. This type of basin provides a clean and seamless look as the actual basin is hidden under the bench. Another benefit of this type of bathroom wash basin is that you can easily clean and wipe the water spills directly from the benchtop to the sink without any hindrance. However, these basins cost a little higher than top-mount basins.

  • Vessel basin

Vessel basin basically sits entirely over the benchtop and is an ideal choice of basin to make a statement in your bathroom. They are fashionable and look like a large bowl. The only thing you must be careful about installing this type of basin is the positioning, it must be placed at the right height so that everyone in the family can use it comfortably. Also, it can be tricky to clean these basins, especially in the lower part of the bowl.

  • Pedestal basin

If your overall bathroom décor revolves around ‘keep it simple’ concept then a pedestal basin would be an excellent option, especially if the pipes have to go through the floor, and cannot be changed. The pedestal basin sits between the underside of the basin and the bathroom flooring.

This type of basin is aesthetically pleasing, and adds a classic and clean vibe to your bathroom. However, the only issue with this basin is that you don’t get any storage space below the basin.

  • Wall-mounted basin

A simple wall-mounted wash basin can be directly fixed to the wall without the need for any surface or benchtop. It helps you save a lot of space, and is an ideal choice of basin if you have a small bathroom. Thus, it gives your bathroom a streamlined and minimalist feeling.

A wall-mounted basin does not require any cabinets, and therefore, it leaves more visible space in the bathroom, making it seem larger than it actually is. However, for the wall-mount basin to work, you must conceal all the pipes and other fittings inside the wall to maintain the clean look.

Final Word

So, there you go, now you know the different types of bathroom wash basins you can choose. Assess the style that appeals to you the most and suits your bathroom space and choose the one accordingly. If you are not sure or feel confused, you can consult an interior designer and they will guide you better in terms of space management, style, and size of the basin to best suit your bathroom.

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Architecture

Understanding Fitouts For Schools, Universities, and Corporate Spaces

A fit-out is a term used to describe the process of designing and constructing a new space or building, for an existing business.

Fitouts are commonly undertaken by commercial property developers and construction companies. They can be used to update old buildings or create new ones that suit the needs of their tenants.

The Purpose of Fitouts

Fitouts are the designs of office space. They are done to make the workspace more functional, efficient, and attractive.

A fit-out has a purpose – it is designed to meet the needs of an organization by enhancing its culture and supporting its goals. Fitouts are not one size fits all and they can be tailored to suit different organizations across a range of industries.

Benefits of a Fitout

A fit-out is a process of renovating and furnishing a building, typically a commercial property. It can be very expensive. However, it can also give you a great return on investment and provide many benefits.

The main benefit of a fit-out is that it provides an opportunity to increase the value of your property by making it more attractive to potential buyers. If you decide to sell the property in the future, you will be able to get a higher price for it if it has been renovated.

The other advantage is that you will be able to enjoy your new space sooner rather than later because you won’t have to wait for construction time or find temporary accommodation while waiting for your new space.

Finally, there are many tax deductions available when undertaking a fit out which can make the cost of doing so more affordable and worthwhile.

Fitouts for Schools, Universities, and Corporates

Fitouts are an important part of the design process. They are not only about building space but also about making it as efficient and user-friendly as possible.

Fit-outs for universities, schools, and corporates can have different objectives. However, they all have one thing in common – they need to be flexible enough to accommodate future changes in the use of the space.

So what is a fitout? A fit-out is a term that describes the process of designing and constructing a new building or renovating an existing one, with particular attention to its layout, fixtures, furniture, and equipment.

A successful fit-out needs more than just good design skills; it requires an understanding of how people will use the space on a day-to-day basis.

Common Features in a Corporate Space Design

A corporate space needs to be designed in a way that suits the company’s needs. The design of the space should not be just for aesthetics but also for practicality. The following are some of the common features of a good corporate space design:

– Flexible workstations

– Task lighting

– Noise reduction

– Ergonomic chairs

– Visual privacy

What to Consider When Selecting Designers and Contractors

The design of your office space is an important decision. It not only affects how your employees feel about the work environment but also how clients and customers perceive the company.

When you are looking for a designer or contractor to help you with your office fitouts melbourne, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

First, make sure that they have experience in designing offices. They may have done a range of projects from big corporate offices to small co-working spaces, which will give them valuable insight into what it takes to create an office space that works for different kinds of companies.

Secondly, consider their communication skills. You want someone who can listen to what you want and then give feedback on how they can make it happen for you. You also want someone who can communicate effectively with all members of the team – from architects and engineers to project managers and builders – so that your vision comes together seamlessly at every stage of the project.

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Home

Pipe Relining Services: The Ultimate Guide To What You Need To Know

The most common pipe lining service is relining, where a qualified plumber will use a special lining material to repair the inside of your damaged pipes.

Relining is used for internal pipe repairs and can be an effective solution for many common plumbing problems. A professional plumber will use this technique to ensure there are no leaks or blockages in your system and that it works properly.

Advantages Of Pipe Relining

There are multiple benefits to hiring a professional pipe relining service, among which:

Eliminates The Need For Property Disruption

You will not have to disrupt your property for any length of time. When a professional uses a pipe lining method to repair the inside of your pipes, there will be no need to dig out any sections or replace entire pipe sections. This means you can continue using water throughout your home without much disruption while the work is being done behind the scenes.

Better Water Flow

The process uses a special epoxy resin that bonds with the inside walls and creates a stronger protective barrier against corrosion than regular PVC piping. This leads to less wear and tear on your system overall, which means it should last longer than if left untreated.

Relining also causes less strain on existing infrastructure because less water needs pumping than before – which adds up over time when considering how expensive it is.

No Digging Required

Professional drain relining services are a great alternative to digging up and replacing pipes, which can be time-consuming and expensive. There’s no need to dig up the pipe, replace it, or hire expensive contractors for this project.

It’s also a good option if you have an existing trenchless pipeline that needs repair but cannot be dug up quickly due to location or other considerations. Professional plumbers will use their skills and tools to make sure that your piping system is working well again without having any negative impact on your property or landscaping around it.

Effective Pipe Relining Service

Professional trenchless pipe relining is the most effective pipe repair method. Pipe relining is a cost-effective solution that can save you money in the long run. It is also environmentally friendly because it does not require removing your existing pipes or digging up your yard or driveway to install new pipes. Remember that the professionals have a drain inspection camera that will enable them to offer an excellent service.

 Can Make Your Home More Appealing

Professional pipe relining services can make your home a more attractive investment because they will increase the value of your property. If you are considering selling your home, you might want to consider getting professional pipe relining services done on your pipes before putting them on the market. This could increase the value of your property by helping to make sure that no water damage occurs and that any water issues are fixed before a buyer comes to take a look.

Conclusion

Pipe relining is an effective and cost-efficient way to repair pipes. It can be used on any pipe, including those made from PVC, ABS, CPVC, or copper. Pipe relining is a tried and tested method that has been around for decades, with many customers benefiting from this service’s benefits.

With professional pipe relining services available nationwide, there’s no need to wait until your plumbing system becomes inoperable before getting it fixed by professionals who know what they’re doing. All you need to do is to contact The Drain Man.

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Home

How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture from Sun Damage

Outdoor furniture is a great way to enhance the time you spend in your outdoor spaces, but it does require some degree of care in order for you to get the most out of your furniture over its lifecycle. One of the biggest threats to outdoor furniture is sun damage. The sun can quickly dull the colour of your furniture, dry out the material, and cause cracking and peeling. This can be somewhat distressing if you’ve only recently purchased your furniture or outdoor setting, and especially so if the furniture was expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your outdoor furniture. This article will go over some tips to protect your furniture from the sun.

How the Sun Damages Outdoor Furniture

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are particularly harsh on outdoor furniture materials, especially if the furniture is left out in the sun for extended periods of time. These harsh UV rays eventually lead to colours in your furniture fading, materials drying, and cracking of certain outdoor furniture materials. The UV rays can also break down the bonds between fibres, causing the material to degrade over time and leading to a rough or coarse feeling on the skin when using the furniture.

Ways to Protect Your Furniture from Sun Damage

There are a few common ways to protect your outdoor furniture from sun damage. Each method is relatively inexpensive, and when combined with other methods, they can help your furniture look and feel brand new for years to come. Some of the most common methods for protecting outdoor furniture from sun damage include:

Shading Furniture

One of the easiest ways to protect outdoor furniture from sun damage is by shading it with an umbrella or shade sail. Umbrellas and shade sails provide protection from the sun’s UV rays and can help to keep furniture cool in the summer heat. They also provide a great deal of utility, as shades and umbrellas can generally be placed anywhere in your outdoor area, so when not using them to protect your furniture, you can simply move them to another area that you would like to shade.

Using Furniture Covers

Another great way to protect outdoor furniture from sun damage is to simply cover it when not in use. Furniture covers can help to shield furniture from the sun’s rays, and can also help to keep furniture clean and dry. Furniture covers are relatively inexpensive and there are some made specifically to reflect harsh UV rays, providing an added layer of protection to your outdoor furniture.

Storing the Furniture Indoors When Not in Use

If you’re not intending to use your outdoor furniture for extended periods of time, the best way to protect it from sun damage is to simply store it indoors. While a furniture cover will generally do a good job of protecting your furniture from sun damage, it may not be enough to withstand some other harsh weather conditions. If you’re going to be away from your property for an extended period of time or won’t be using your outdoor areas, storing your furniture indoors can provide superior protection.

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Property

How To Make Your Home Stand Out On The Market

Placing your house on the market is not always an easy process. Beyond the extensive bureaucracy involved, there is also the challenge of value. Achieving a great return on investment is generally dictated by the fluctuations of the market and the general factors of a neighbourhood. However, an individual property can still achieve a greater value, even when compared with nearby homes, promising it is able to stand out.

To accomplish this, homeowners must make certain considerations and changes to their home, adjusting it in ways that make it a more enticing purchase for buyers. Today, we’re drawing from the expertise of estate agents to share the best ways to do this and, as a result, get the best value for your property.

Kerb Appeal

When interacting with any experienced property seller, you will repeatedly hear one important phrase: kerb appeal. This alludes to the first impression your home will make and how it is seen from the outside.

A property will stand out with a freshly painted facade, tidy garden, and attractive doors and windows, suggesting value even before a potential buyer steps inside. In addition to making a great first impression, kerb appeal also holds great outward-facing value, which is an attractive quality to many since living in an attractive home is generally something every resident wants.

Modern Features

There are a number of modern assets and features that help a home to stand out. Homeowners would be wise to install electric car charging points, future-proofing the property as electric cars begin to become standardised, as well as to find log cabins for sale, a garden feature that has become increasingly popular for the opportunity it affords homeowners to establish a remote working space within their home.

With a little market research, even smaller trends can be identified, such as boiling water taps, and installed to make a property seem more up-to-date and comfortable.

Clear Aesthetics

Be sure to clean and clear your home. In addition to ensuring that it is immaculate, which any seller should ensure as a standard, it is beneficial to remove as many belongings as possible, especially larger furniture items.

While there can be advantages to showing a living space as it is used, buyers are most likely to favour space and will want to see the capacity of a property, as well as imagine their own input into its design. As such, be sure to, at the very least, remove any personal items, such as family photographs, and then where possible strip down living spaces to demonstrate how much potential space a property has.

Minimal Costs

To give a property even more appeal, it should minimise its ongoing costs. This means achieving a great EPC rating, having abundant insulation, and requiring little in the way of utility bills and maintenance costs. If a buyer sees high costs in the future, as well as the need for any immediate repairs, they are more likely to use the evidence as leverage to make a lower offer on the property.

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