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Ryan Sorensen Construction and Inspections (RSCI): A Home Inspector Who Exceeds Expectations
6 Tips to Prepare Your Deck for Spring
It's that time of year again - spring is here, and it's the perfect opportunity to makeover your deck. Whether you want to apply a fresh coat of stain or tackle a complete renovation, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your outdoor living space. Here are some tips...
6 Tips for Electrical Safety
Electricity is essential to modern life, but it can be hazardous. Each year, there are over 4,000 electrical fires in homes across the United States, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and personal injuries. These fires are preventable with proper maintenance...
4 Ways to Make a Home Safe for Seniors
As we age, our living environments may need updates to accommodate limited mobility, vision problems, and other issues that older adults face. Your home may require special attention to ensure safety and security. Here are a few helpful tips to make a home safe for...
8 Essential Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
From making small repairs to more significant renovations, having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’ve owned a house for decades or just purchased your first property, check out these tools every homeowner should have. Even if you're an amateur...
3 Home Improvements That Don’t Boost Value
When considering making changes to your home, you may wonder how those changes will affect your property value. After all, you want to make sure that any investment into the house is money well spent. However, it's important to understand that not all home...
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for winter weather. From sealing up drafts to insulating your pipes, a little bit of preparation now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) later. Here...
4 Tips to Create a Home Office
Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, remote working has become the norm for many people. If you work from home, you need a dedicated area to focus and avoid distractions. An untidy corner in the living room is not the best option for productivity. Design a space...
Identifying 4 Strange Smells in Your Home
If your home smells funny, it may be nothing more than the trash that needs to be taken out, but the odd odor could signify something more serious. Here are some common causes of strange smells in your home. Don’t Ignore These Odors When Your Home Smells Funny Gas...
4 Tips to Keep Your Basement Dry
Many homeowners are faced with a wet basement anytime it rains. Damp living spaces threaten your health and property. Moisture can result in mold development, damaged building materials, and costly foundation repairs. The good news is it is possible to keep your...
5 Tips to Help Your Garden Survive Summer
Gardening takes work, especially during summer. Extreme heat and dry conditions pose a threat to your home garden. From adding mulch to properly watering plants, there are plenty of ways to reduce the effects of harsh summer conditions. Here are six tips to help the...
5 Tips to Repel Ants from Your Home
Noticing an ant or two in the kitchen may not seem like a big deal, but just a few ants could signify that the colony is moving closer or into your home. Ants are annoying and might invade your pantry and food stores. Here are a few tips to repel ants from your home....
3 Tips for Moving With Your Family
Moving can be both stressful and exciting. The planning and amount of work required to pack and transport your belongings from one home to another is a daunting task. Whether moving down the street or across state lines, these tips help make moving with your family a...
6 Tips to Help You Buy a House
Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be daunting. There are many things to think about, multiple steps to take, and it's important to make sure you're prepared for the process. Here are a few tips to help you buy a house and make the transaction as smooth as...
4 Spots for Spring Cleaning
Now that the weather is starting to warm up and the snow is melting, it’s time to think about spring cleaning. While most homeowners know to complete obvious tasks like packing up winter coats and sweeping the floor, it’s easy to forget some spots that are out of...
6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Saving Money by Reducing Energy Consumption Electricity, heating, and cooling bills are some of the biggest expenses that homeowners have over the course of the year. As a result, homeowners will work to make their homes more energy-efficient to lower their energy...
Solutions to Common Home Concerns
If you’ve purchased a home, you likely want to know how to keep it in great shape and maintain your investment. Properties of any age and any type can experience issues. Here is a list of common home concerns and ways to solve these problems. Homeowners are encouraged...
Pet-Friendly Safe Indoor Plants
Adding plants to your home will bring color and life to your living space. However, if you share this living space with your pet, some houseplants may not be safe. Regardless of how well behaved your pet is, it is best to opt for pet-friendly houseplants to keep your...
5 Things to Consider When Deciding to Renovate or Relocate
To Move or Remodel? With major life changes, a homeowner may have to decide whether to remodel their current property or move into another home. Many factors must be considered before making a decision. Read on for important things to think about when deciding whether...
4 Tips for New Homeowners
Homeownership is a big investment that comes with many tasks and responsibilities. Understanding how to care for your home and being prepared for property maintenance are important to boost the value of your home. Here are a few tips for new homeowners. 1. Maintenance...
3 Fire Pit Safety Tips for Homeowners
Enjoying a warm fire on a chilly evening is one of the hallmarks of the fall season. If you want to build a fire pit in your yard, make sure to keep your family and property safe. Here are a few key fire pit safety tips to put into practice. Fire Pit Location Before...
4 DIY Kitchen Remodel Ideas
Home improvements make your living space more comfortable and attractive and they can boost the property value. It’s not necessary to undertake massive renovations to upgrade your home. Here are a few simple kitchen remodel ideas that you can DIY. Easy Kitchen Remodel...
5 Safety Tips for DIY Projects
As a homeowner, you will want to tackle some home improvements DIY-style. There are plenty of tasks around the house that you can complete without hiring a professional contractor. With the right tools and safety precautions, you can handle upgrades and maintenance...
4 Signs of Structural Problems at Home
Your home is where you should be comfortable, safe, and sound. Structural problems compromise the safety of your home and become expensive to fix if left unaddressed. There may be indications around the house that something is wrong. Look for these signs early on and...
Ways to Reduce Humidity in the Home
Too much humidity in your home is uncomfortable and can lead to health issues. Other effects of excess moisture include mold and mildew growth, difficulty breathing, slippery floors, dampness throughout the home, and damage to your belongings. Here are a few ways to...
4 Places Where Water Damage Can Occur
Water can be severely damaging to a building when it ends up in the wrong places. Water leaks cause building materials to rot and mold to grow. Water that comes into contact with electronics and electrical wires is a safety hazard. In this article, you’ll learn about...
How to Declutter Your Home
One of the toughest parts of keeping a clean house is dealing with clutter. It happens to everyone because a small mess can quickly get out of control. Clutter makes regular cleaning more difficult and it contributes to stress and anxiety. Set goals and make a plan to...
Promote Wellness in the Home
Because of the pandemic, people are spending more time indoors and in their homes and are looking for ways to create healthier living spaces. Encourage good habits by using these tips to promote wellness in the home. Install a Water Purifier to Promote Wellness at...
The Benefits of Homemade Cleaning Supplies
We purchase commercial cleaning products to clean our toilets, wipe the countertops, and scrub the bathtub. However, many of these formulas are made with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Enjoy the benefits of homemade cleaning supplies and make your home...
3 Reasons Buyers Need a Home Inspection
When purchasing a new home, you may be surprised by all of the expenses. From the appraisal to moving fees, there are many things to pay for besides the house itself. One service that is not required is the home inspection. Even though you may see the inspection as...
6 Tips for Winter Fire Safety
Because of holiday cooking and using supplemental heat sources, house fires are more common during the winter. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and that you know how to use it. Here are a few other winter fire safety tips to keep your family and your home safe....
5 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home
If you're preparing to sell your home, it's smart to invest some time and money to improve curb appeal before it hits the market. First impressions can make or break a sale, so it's best to follow these simple tips to make your home look its best. Add Some Exterior...
5 Important Grilling Safety Tips
Fall nights are the perfect time for getting outside, firing up the grill, and cooking some delicious food. However, despite how enjoyable grilling is, it does pose some risks. Since you are using fire and combustible materials to cook your food, there is a risk of...
Tree Care and Maintenance for Homeowners
Tips for Basic Tree Care Trees on your property provide shade, curb appeal, and can boost property value. Trees create cooler places to relax outdoors and the shade they provide can even help lower your energy bill. But, you have to be willing to put in work to...
Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens
A kitchen is essential to a home and when the space is small, it presents a unique set of challenges. The key is to declutter and stay organized. Fortunately, there are many space-saving ideas for small kitchens, from adding pull-out cabinets to a multi-functional...
4 Kid-Friendly Home Improvement Projects for Summer
When working to upgrade your home, choose projects that the entire family can get involved with. You’ll improve your living spaces, get to spend quality time together, and teach your children new skills. Here are a few kid-friendly home improvement projects that...
6 Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality at Home
With common household contaminants like mold, pet dander, dust, and chemicals, the air quality inside your home can be worse than outdoors. However, you can take steps towards making your home safer and preventing health issues. Here are a few tips for improving...
6 Tips to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Home
There are many things you can do to create a safe and healthy home. Many homeowners are unaware of the risks in a house that can pose a threat to their families. Here are a few steps to make your home safer and improve your well-being. 1. Use an Air Purifier for a...
4 Different Types of Home Siding Materials: Pros and Cons
The siding on your house plays an important role protecting the structure from the elements. As a homeowner, you will probably need to replace the siding on your house at some point. When this time comes, research the different home siding materials that you can...
6 Projects That Add Value to Your Home
When planning for home improvements, choose projects that can add value to your home. No matter if you’ll be living in your house for a while or hoping to sell it soon, these upgrades help increase property value and make your living spaces more enjoyable. Add...
The Pros and Cons of 4 Different Roof Materials
There are many different roof materials to choose from when your roof is ready for replacement. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. Wooden Roof Materials Advantages: Wooden shingles give your home a natural look and are aesthetically...
Choose the Right Home Water Filter for Your Property
You may be worried about chemicals leaching into your well, contaminants from pipes, or inadequately treated public water. The right home water filter will make your water healthier to drink. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common types of water filters...
4 Reasons to Order a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection In today’s competitive real estate market, a home seller will find the information in a pre-listing home inspection useful. Before putting your home on the market, hire an inspector to evaluate the condition of your...
How to Work with a Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home
If you have purchased a home in the past, you may know how simple the process can be with the help of a real estate agent. With a realtor, you get professional help navigating the steps towards becoming a homeowner. If you're ready to buy the home of your dreams, work...
Fall Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete
Create a Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Cooler weather is arriving. While you may be ready to dig out your winter clothes and start a fire in the fireplace, don't forget to take care of your home. Creating a fall home maintenance checklist helps you plan essential...
5 Simple Ways to Save Water at Home
Reducing water consumption conserves a natural resource and saves money. Significant water conservation at home requires a combination of methods. It takes many smaller efforts to make an impact. Save water at home with these useful tips. Save Water at Home With These...
4 Signs of Termites in Your Home
Look for These Signs of Termites Termites destroy buildings from the inside out causing thousands of dollars in damage. Look out for these signs of termites so that you can catch the pests early on before extensive structural damage occurs. 1. Watch out for Swarmers...
5 Home Maintenance Costs That Surprise First-Time Home Buyers
When you are a homeowner, you have expenses other than just the mortgage and insurance. A necessary part of home ownership is keeping your home well-maintained. These added expenses often surprise many first-time home buyers. Here we explain some of the most common...
Questions to Ask When Planning for a Fence On Your Property
Fencing serves a variety of purposes on your property. When planning for a fence, you should construct it to achieve your goals in the most affordable and durable way. Ask yourself these questions when you've decided you want to install a fence. Why are You Planning...
Five Important Tips for Keeping Kids Safe on Your Deck
May is National Deck Safety Month, so it’s a good time to evaluate the safety of your deck. Decks provide a relaxing outdoor space during the warmer months of the year and add value to your home. However, keeping kids safe on your deck takes some extra attention and...
What to Look for When Buying a House
Are you a home buyer wondering what you should look for when buying a house? We were recently asked by Redfin to collaborate on a blog post answering this question. Read the full article at redfin.com.
Be Prepared With Home Safety Essentials
You want your home to be a safe, secure place for family and friends. Being ready for an emergency situation will put your mind at ease. Get these important home safety essentials so you're prepared in the event of an emergency. Your List of Home Safety Essentials...
4 Tips for Efficient Home Heating
Keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the colder months seems to get more expensive each year. If you find yourself turning the thermostat down in an effort to save money, check out these tips to help you efficiently heat your home. Reasons to Heat Your...
Helpful Tips to Prevent Household Plumbing Leaks
Most people don’t think about plumbing leaks until they realize they have one at home. While a plumbing system is designed to last a long time, various parts can be damaged or deteriorate over time. It is not possible to completely avoid all plumbing issues, but you...
9 Tips for Safely Taking Down Your Holiday Decorations
With the holidays over, it's time to tackle putting away all of our holiday decorations. But, before you start scrambling to get all your decorations taken down, think about safety first. Don’t start off the New Year with an injury or accident. Here are nine reminders...
5 Winter Home Improvement Projects
Home improvement enthusiasts are often looking for ways to enhance their home's comfort and livability. If you are one of those people, your mind is busy thinking about what you can do to make your home just a little bit better. Fortunately, the cold winter months...
Why You Should Test For Radon In Your Home
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of naturally occurring radioactive elements like radium, uranium, and thorium. The breakdown occurs in the soil, below underground water, or in the rocks. If it is formed in the soil underneath your home, radon...
Three Important Reasons to Clean Your Gutters During the Fall
Cleaning the gutters is not a chore many homeowners look forward to completing. While it is an unpleasant and tricky task, there are many reasons why you should add it to your list of things to do this fall. Here are three important reasons why you should clean your...
Two Natural Disasters That Contribute to Termite Infestations
Natural Disasters and Termite Infestations Media reports about natural disasters usually fail to mention all the problems that can occur for homeowners afterward. Both forest fires and floods often precede termite infestations. These natural events effectively disrupt...
The Ultimate Guide on How to Secure Your Home While on Vacation
Getting ready to go on a trip this summer? If so, you should take some time to secure your home while on vacation. Most people are focused on packing and making reservations and forget to plan for home security. No matter how long your vacation, you should take...
How to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer and Save Energy
The summer season can heat up in Eastern Oregon, which also means homeowners are likely spending more money on energy. Staying cool and comfortable in your home usually means running the HVAC system throughout the day and night. If you want to save energy and money at...