Bell Harig Home Inspections Highlights Benefits Of Adopting Green Energy

Culpeper, Virginia based Bell Harig Home Inspections is reaching out to the community to share information on the different ways in which adopting green energy in their homes can help them save money in the long-term. The company's location and coverage can be viewed here: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3797755706293345424.

Energy concerns have gained worldwide recognition over the past few years. With more countries enforcing and encouraging energy-saving measures every year, homeowners across the world are left wondering what individual benefits they can get from going green in their homes. As part of their campaign, Bell Harig Home Inspections published a blog post that seeks to raise awareness and bring to attention the numerous benefits that homeowners enjoy when adopting energy-saving measures in their homes. The article explores in detail why green measures should be adopted in every house across the US.

Eric Harig from Bell Harig Home Inspections says, "Making your home energy-efficient may seem to be an expensive investment at first glance. However, the benefits you stand to gain will be worth your money. Almost everyone knows that they will end up saving money in the long term, but not that many people know that, apart from saving money over the years, you also stand to gain some immediate benefits that will help you mitigate the upfront cost of this investment."

Harig explains that homeowners who invest in green energy equipment are able to make use of Residential Renewable Tax Credit. This allows them to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a renewable energy system from their federal taxes, effectively reducing the financial impact that it has on their finances. The equipment that qualifies for the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit includes solar, wind, geothermal and fuel-cell technology, with the only requirement being that they are used in the home. Further information on this topic is available here: https://bellharig.com/home-inspection-thornburg-va.

The implementation of such equipment contributes to the preservation of fast depleting energy sources around the world, though homeowners will also see the positive impact that these devices can have on their home. Certain energy-efficient home improvements such as new, double-layered reflective windows can help diminish the impact of temperature changes over the seasons, for instance. As a result, this reduces the need to use an HVAC system to heat or cool the home, extending its lifespan and significantly reducing energy consumption over the summer and winter seasons.

As appealing as all of these benefits may appear at first sight, Bell Harig Home Inspection states that it is most sensible to approach any changes with caution in order to ensure that everything is done according to the regulatory standards provided. Through their post, the company says, "For many different types of home repair and improvement jobs, permits are required. Though simple repairs usually don’t call for permits, additions or major changes—particularly those that involve structural work, electrical, heating and plumbing—usually demand that you get the appropriate permits from the local building department."

The company states that building permits are usually handled by the contractor or subcontractor hired for the project, though they advise homeowners to pay close attention to this matter as well. If a contractor suggests that a major remodeling project does not need a building permit, this may be a sign that they are either unreliable, inexperienced or working outside the law. Either way, the most sensible path to take in this situation is to check with the building department.

"Do yourself a favor and don’t ignore the legal and safety aspects of any home improvement idea you have. Otherwise, you may have a hard time in the future, particularly if you choose to sell your home," states Harig.

This is a situation that Bell Harig Home Inspections has come across on several occasions during their own inspections, and they state that such an issue can significantly set back a home’s sale or require a great deal of further investment to fix. That is why they advise the community to always consult with an expert before buying a property, as this is the best way to uncover any underlying problems it has.

The company's website includes further details on Bell Harig Home Inspections and their services. Interested parties may reach out to Eric Harig to follow up on any further inquiries as well. Similarly, the company can be reached through their social media platforms. Their official Twitter account can be found here: https://twitter.com/bellharig.

Originally Published Here: Bell Harig Home Inspections Highlights Benefits Of Adopting Green Energy

Bell Harig Home Inspections Offers Peace of Mind for Homeowners Considering Home Additions

Bell Harig Home Inspections wants to remind local homeowners who are considering making a home addition that there is more to it than simply getting a contractor in to do the job. Home additions are an excellent way to add value and enjoyment to a property, but avoiding all the pitfalls that can occur is not so simple.

Bell Harig has many years of experience with home improvement projects and the company can help make the project process as simple as possible whilst ensuring that all legal requirements are met. To aid homeowners who are considering a project, the company has published an article and guide to help make sure potential pitfalls are avoided at https://bellharig.com/home-inspection-spotsylvania-va.

The potential pitfalls involved in home improvement projects become more challenging when the area within which the home is located is an area of historical importance. The Spotsylvania, Virginia, area is one such area of the country, and as such it can be daunting trying to establish what permits will be necessary for the project. Within such historical areas it is crucial that all projects to be in strict compliance with local building laws. Homeowners are often tempted to choose a cheap contractor who is happy to go ahead and complete the project without getting the required permits. Even when a homeowner does the work themselves, such a choice can potentially be a huge mistake especially when it comes to selling the property at a later date. Obtaining the right permits is not as difficult or as expensive as most homeowners fear.

Eric Harig, a spokesperson for the company, said that people who don’t follow the permitting procedures can be taking a very large chance with their finances. “It can be tempting to think that a permit isn’t needed if your family does all the work. Some people think ‘no one will know,’ or that they ‘don’t need’ the inspections that come with permitting, but the thing is that if there’s a problem that should have been caught during construction and the homeowner did not secure a permit, homeowner’s insurance won’t cover losses at all. That little add-on room project can cause huge problems if it’s not done properly and legally. Our inspectors help give homeowners peace of mind.”

Bell Harig home inspections covers an area in Virginia as depicted on the map here: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3797755706293345424 . The company will inspect and assess projects anywhere in that area to ensure legal compliance.

Building an extension to a property might not seem like something that local government needs to get involved with at first sight. Whatever a homeowner’s thoughts are on the subject the fact of the matter is that local, city and even state organizations can have a legal right to specify certain things about what any homeowner can do or not do with their property. Easements, and the dreaded “conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CCRs)” that are often found in planned communities, subdivisions, or other developments, must all be considered when planning construction of any type.

These restrictions are not optional conditions that a homeowner can choose to obey or not obey. CCRs act as a type of shadow zoning ordinance and are essentially rules within rules. These restrictions are in addition to municipal ordinances, and it will be necessary to meet them in order to avoid violating the contractual agreement with a neighborhood association.

Many homeowners have come to regret not getting the proper permits for a project prior to construction. The various agencies involved with building regulations can legally force a homeowner to obtain the required permits retrospectively. Not only that, but the cost of the retrospective permits will be significantly more than they would have been if they had been obtained at the proper time.

Those interested in learning more about the various issues involved or who wish to contact Bell Harig can do so through https://www.facebook.com/bellharig. The company also has a website at https://bellharig.com/ and can be reached by telephone at (540) 881-0550.

Originally Published Here: Bell Harig Home Inspections Offers Peace of Mind for Homeowners Considering Home Additions

Bell Harig Home Inspections Shares Insight On Keeping Homes in Hartwood, VA Safe From Radon

Culpeper, Virginia based home inspection company Bell Harig Home Inspections recently published a blog post that informs residents and homeowners in Hartwood, VA of the dangers of radon and how they can ensure their homes are radon free. The company has over 60 years of combined experience with the maintenance, remodeling and construction of residential and commercial buildings. More information about the company can be found at the following link: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3797755706293345424.

Erica Harig, a representative for Bell Harig Home Inspections, says, “It’s one thing to own and live in your dream home, but if it’s situated in Hartwood, Virginia, it’s all the more appealing. The region is beautiful, from all sides, and on top of that, it’s one of the ultimate holiday destinations in the United States—especially if you’re a fan of good wine. We speak with experience when we say that Hartwood Winery is the ideal place to visit whenever you have guests who just love good wine or if you're visiting in Stafford County. So, when you’ve got your house in Hartwood, you need to stay on top of keeping it safe and radon-free.”

The company explains that radon is a gas that cannot be smelled, tasted or seen. It forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, all radioactive metals, breaks down in rocks, soil and groundwater. People are often exposed to radon by breathing the radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. As radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it. This is why, during testing, radon test devices will be placed in the lowest occupied level of the home. According to the company, having one’s home tested is the only effective way to determine whether they are at risk of high radon exposure. More information can be found at the following link: https://bellharig.com/make-your-hartwood-va-home-safe.

Harig says, “Radon is also known as The Silent Killer due to how undetectable it is. Odorless, colorless and non-combustible, radon does its damage over the long term, causing the development of lung cancer in those exposed to it for a moderate to long period of time. The last thing you want is to be in a constant state of risk in your home. Why not ensure your home is safe for you and your loved ones?”

The company explains that, as radon levels can vary from day to day and from season to season, testing can be done in two different ways: short-term (two to 90 days) or long-term (greater than three months). Short-term tests are used in cases when the results are needed quickly—and should be followed by another short-term test. However, long-term tests will yield better information on a home's average year-round radon levels.

In the blog post, the company also explains possible natural causes for radon level fluctuation. One of the reasons the company provides is light wind or rain, saying that these weather phenomena can have a small but noticeable impact on radon levels. However, heavy wind, rain or other stormy conditions can have a severe impact on a house’s radon test levels. The radon levels of one’s home can become higher during rainstorms, and this is due to barometric pressure changes as well as changes in the soil beneath and around the home.

Harig says, “Radon levels are subject to environmental factors. However, you can take an active role in ensuring your home is safe for all who live there. The good news is that you don’t have to struggle with this issue alone. At Bell Harig Home Inspections, we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to call Bell Harig Home Inspections so that you can schedule a radon test for your Hartwood home.”

Those who want to learn more about Bell Harig Home Inspections and the various services they provide can find more information on the company’s website. Additionally, the company encourages interested parties to get in touch with them directly via email or phone. Alternatively, the company can also be reached through the contact form on their website. Bell Harig Home Inspections also maintains a presence on Facebook where they frequently post updates, share blog posts and communicate with their clients. Bell Harig Home Inspections’ Facebook page can be found at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/bellharig.

Originally Published Here: Bell Harig Home Inspections Shares Insight On Keeping Homes in Hartwood, VA Safe From Radon

Bell Harig Home Inspections Informs Garrisonville Homeowners About the Effects of Radon

Bell Harig Home Inspections wants those who live in Garrisonville and elsewhere in Virginia to realize the dangers that Radon gas buildup in a home presents. That’s why they just recently published a blog on their website that specifically focuses on this subject. The blog mentioned Garrisonville because it’s situated in an area in Stafford County that is considered high risk for Radon exposure. The full blog post can be viewed here: https://bellharig.com/radon-in-garrisonville-va.

Company co-owner, Eric Harig, said he felt the need to publish this blog to make people in Garrisonville more aware of the dangers of Radon buildup in their homes, “We at Bell Harig not only work in the communities that we serve but we live in them too. As such, we feel we are obligated to share any information that we have that might make our community a safer and better place to live. Radon buildup in a home does not get the publicity it should considering how much of a negative impact it can have on someone’s health. Most everyone has a smoke detector in their homes and many have carbon monoxide alarms too but radon detectors are rarely found in homes. If people become more aware of the dangers that Radon gas presents this will change and more people will have their home’s checked for high levels of Radon too.”

The company co-owner says that Radon gets into a home after a natural process that takes place in the earth. It’s a byproduct that comes about when the naturally occurring Uranium that is found in the earth breaks down over time and forms the derivative Radium. Some of this Radium then turns into a gaseous form known as Radon. This colorless and odorless gas is then able to find its way into homes through cracks and other gaps in a home’s foundation and walls. Harig says this gas is present everywhere inside and outside of homes but in certain areas it’s found in higher concentrations. It also can enter into a home through the water supply if a home uses a well. He advises locals to contact the company if they have any questions on how Radon gets into a home. The company's contact information and other information can be found on their twitter page: https://twitter.com/bellharig

Harig went on to say that it’s important for people to have their homes checked for high levels of Radon because of the negative impact that this gas can have on people’s health. He says that in small amounts Radon is not very harmful but it becomes a health concern when it is found in higher concentrations inside a home and breathed in over years. Part of the problem is Radon gas is radioactive in nature. This gas is known to attach itself to dust and other particles in the air which makes it very easy to breathe in. Harig says that when this gas is breathed in over time, it eventually breaks down in the lungs and other areas of the body through natural processes. The radioactive part of the gas is known to eventually alter cells and cause cancer. It’s estimated that some 21,000 people a year die of lung cancer in the USA that can be traced to long term exposure to Radon. He says that statistic alone should make people want to get their homes tested for radon as soon as possible. The fact that Radon can cause other health concerns too makes testing all that more important.

The company co-owner went on to say that Radon testing can be done by purchasing test kits online and in stores but the customer must still pay for the results to be analyzed by professionals. Harig says that’s why it’s better to let a professional company like theirs with advanced Radon detection equipment handle home Radon testing from start to finish for the best and most accurate results. The company co-owner pointed out that Radon testing is especially important for those thinking about buying a home and for those that have just purchased a new one. He says that there are also measures that people can take to help insulate their homes from Radon gas penetration too. This includes such things as improving the ventilation of a home, taking steps to seal off floors and walls, increasing underfloor ventilation, and those with wells should install a radon-sump system.

More contact information on this Virginia home inspection service provider can be seen here on their Google Maps business listing at https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3797755706293345424.

Originally Published Here: Bell Harig Home Inspections Informs Garrisonville Homeowners About the Effects of Radon

Bell Harig Home Inspections Raises Awareness On Importance Of Sewer Line Inspections

Culpeper, VA based Bell Harig Home Inspections is taking steps to raise awareness of the vital nature of home maintenance in Fredericksburg, with a particular emphasis on sewer line inspections. As part of this effort, they recently published a blog post that sheds light on sewer lines and their function. The article is available here: https://bellharig.com/fredericksburg-va-home-a-battlefield.

The author of the blog states, “There are pipes responsible for wastewater drainage that need to be inspected properly by a professional team. Such pipes will pose a threat to a home if they are not properly checked.” She adds, “Issues such as sewer sag will cause the pipeline to flow in an irregular shape, which will in turn cause water to leak. It prevents water from going up, and all the waste and water will then collect at the site of the sag.”

The wastewater will not be able to drain as a result of this blockage. Fortunately for homeowners, the company utilizes new inspection techniques that will help them discover such problems in the sewer line. Eric Harig of Bell Harig Home Inspections says, “An inspection carried out by sewer camera will help keep the line in proper condition whether it is a commercial or private property. The technology will also help identify any further issues that owners of the property in question should be aware of, especially those that would inhibit further attempts to perform maintenance in any way.”

Harig continues, "The sewer camera inspection is an easy process. The camera is sent into the sewer line, at which point its high-resolution sensors will help us check for any minor issues that will cause a problem in later stages. Such issues can take the form of leaks, breaks or cracks in the sewer pipes.” He observes that while property owners may consider inspections an unnecessary expense, they should consider this form of maintenance an investment that will prevent them from having to pay for much costlier repairs if an issue in their sewer line goes untended for too long. Culpeper residents in need of professional sewer line services can find Bell Harig Home Inspections at this location: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3797755706293345424.

“After the camera detects a defect in the system, the team on site will present the property owner with a list of suggestions that will rectify the problem at hand. They will also be able to offer advice to help tackle issues such as a sewer overflow. Harig states that grease, for instance, is a substance that has a high tendency to block sewage systems. He advises, “Avoid pouring cooking oil in the kitchen sink, and never flush grease in the toilet. When people pour it down in the toilet, the substance will then become a solid and hinder the drainage system. Instead, you should dispose of it in the garbage.” Disposal procedures should also be appropriate to the item. People should not flush any fibrous food, for instance, because it could damage the sewer line. Notably, coldwater can exacerbate any existing problems since it allows certains liquids to solidify faster.

Harig states that homeowners should seek a plumber’s assistance when they notice a blockage in their pipes. Furthermore, the drain should be cleaned every month to avoid blockages. White vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean the bathtub and sink, particularly because they are primary sources for drainage. He adds, "Trees and plants should be situated away from homes if possible since the roots often cause issues with drains and sewer lines. Shrubbery may pose a problem too if left unchecked.” He notes that in most circumstances, performing regular maintenance and having inspections carried out by a professional will help a homeowner avoid bigger complications in the future.

Maintenance also has the benefit of giving homeowners a more precise idea of the state of their sewer line. This gives them the opportunity to make further investments, should they wish, that will reduce the risk of damage to their pipes. In many cases, this will also raise the value of the property itself.

Homeowners who wish to learn more may reach out to Eric Harig directly to follow up on any further inquiries. More resources can be found on the company’s website as well, including all their blog posts. Facebook users may also connect with the company at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/bellharig.

Originally Published Here: Bell Harig Home Inspections Raises Awareness On Importance Of Sewer Line Inspections