6 Steps When You Discover a Roof Leak

So, it has finally happened: You spotted a leak in your roof. Maybe you have spotted some water damage in your house, or maybe you picked this up during a regular roof inspection. This can be a stressful situation, but don’t panic. The following steps will help you mitigate the damage, assess the scale of the problem, and decide how you are going to solve this.

Locate the Leak

Some leaks are pretty obvious to spot, but others can be a little tricky to find. If this is the case, you may need to do some investigative work.

To locate a hidden roof leak, go up to your attic and examine the roof decking and rafters above the wet patch in the ceiling, then follow any stains to their highest point. You can then measure the distance between the leak and both the roof peak and gables. Go on the roof, transfer these measurements, and you should be able to find the leak.

Going on the roof to inspect for repairs is dangerous, so brush up on your roofing safety. A few specific points to remember include:

●     Don’t go on the roof while it is still wet.

●     Work with soft-soled boots with good traction.

●     Set up your ladder properly, resting on even ground, secured at the top, and with a heavy object to weigh it down at the bottom. 

Minimize Further Damage

Next, you will want to mitigate any further damage to your property. Contain the water by placing buckets or towels where it is falling, and remove belongings that could be damaged by water. If there is water building up in the ceiling, drill a hole to let it out (patching a hole is easier than repairing an entire collapsed ceiling).

Clean the Area

Once you have the water under control, it’s time to clean the area to prevent damp and mold from settling in. Open windows, fans, and dehumidifiers can all help remove moisture from the air and from specific materials, such as wood and drywall. You can try to rescue fabrics with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. If you didn’t discover the leak right away and some of your property is beyond saving, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible to prevent mold from settling in.

If you have a lot of bigger items that you need to get rid of, then consider calling in junk removal specialists (the cost usually ranges from $100 to $800). These pros can help with a lot of larger belongings, including appliances, mattresses, and furniture. Additionally, they will determine what needs to be recycled and what needs to be trashed, and then take those things to the appropriate facilities.

Call Your Insurer

According to Value Penguin, most home insurance covers roof leaks, but this will depend on the cause. If the leak happened due to a lack of maintenance, you will probably not be covered. You should also check what the deductible is for roof repair, as it could be much higher than the cost of just hiring a local contractor to fix a small leak. The easiest way to know exactly where you stand is to call your insurer and discuss the matter with them.

Do a Temporary Fix

Next, it’s time for a quick temporary fix that will hold the water while you find and hire a roofing expert. There are two methods you can use to achieve this: either patch the leak from the inside using roofing tar or cover it from the outside using a plastic tarp. Again, if you do decide to go on the roof, make sure it is dry and be safe. 

Call a Roofing Expert

Roofing is a delicate and dangerous job, so you should take care to hire someone reliable. It’s recommended that you ask for proof of worker’s compensation and liability insurance, look for reputed local contractors, get the details in writing, and hire contractors who communicate well. Don’t base your decision on price alone, but do go in knowing how much you expect to pay: for reference, most people spend between $351 and $1,366 on roof repairs.

Every homeowner dreads a roof leak, but the truth is they are relatively common. As long as you react quickly and stay calm, everything will work out just fine. Remember to keep an emergency fund for big repairs like this, and to check your roof regularly to pick up on any potential issues before they get bigger.

This article is courtesy of Julian Lane

See more of his work here: http://thefixitchamp.com/blog/

How to Make a Successful Home-to-Rental Conversion

When planning to turn a personal residence into a rental, how you go about it can make all the difference in your results. Good planning and preparation can mean a money-making dream come true, but handled poorly, homeowners could be in for more of a nightmare. Additionally, certain preparations can boost property value. Here’s how to ensure a successful conversion that provides comfort and safety for your guests and brings you added income.

 Proper Maintenance Is a Must

 While your immediate goal is to appeal to guests, much of what you do to make them comfortable will also set your home up for a successful sale later. One of the best ways to appeal to potential buyers and renters both is a well-maintained, move-in ready property. 

 When you live in a house, keeping things up can be pretty natural. As issues arise, you manage them, and you get into a routine that ensures your basics are covered. However, when a place isn’t your primary residence, it can be easy to let things slip by; out of sight, out of mind can mean forgotten key elements. For instance, keeping your property clean is a must. Guests will expect a spotless, well-maintained house and yard. Many homeowners hire a cleaning service (if you live in Westminster, you can expect to pay $114 and $250 on average), or you can develop your own routine. If you are close enough to spruce things up between guests, then you have an opportunity to look for any damage or maintenance issues that may arise. Tidy.com offers a handy house-cleaning checklist to help you cover all the details. 

 Safe and Secure

 In addition to a clean, tidy house, guests need to feel safe in your home. With that in mind, consider installing a home security system. It’s an option chock full of perks, and it makes good sense for owners of rental properties. In addition to helping guests feel at ease, you can rest assured your property is safe, even if you’re far away. There are ample bells and whistles to consider, from alerts when a window is opened to temporary key codes that expire when guests check out. On top of all that, some experts believe that a home security system can increase your property value, so it’s a win in all respects.

 Upgrading the Atmosphere

 Vacation rentals walk a fine line in certain ways. People might choose them over hotels because they provide a homey, private atmosphere, but at the same time, they don’t want to be reminded they are in someone else’s home. To help your guests feel comfortable, do some depersonalizing and aim for a neutral decor. Stick with simple, classic, gender-neutral choices, and make sure the house is uncluttered and organized. Also, if anything is dated-looking or worn, consider investing in some updates.

 If you need to prioritize your projects, the room to focus on first is the kitchen. As HGTV points out, kitchen upgrades can make or break sales for house hunters, especially since they can run around $21,571 on average. Consider a fresh coat of paint, stainless steel appliances, and a tile backsplash to get things up to speed. You’ll find those same improvements will impress guests. To put you ahead of competing rentals, boost your home’s appeal to guests even more with a bit of luxury. One idea is to install wine cooler, and add a personal touch with a complimentary bottle of local wine, some gourmet cheese, and some nicely packaged crackers.  

When managed properly, turning a personal property into a vacation rental can be a terrific money-maker for homeowners. Many of the same things which appeal to guests will also catch the eyes of house hunters if you decide to sell at a later date. Think in terms of providing comfort and security and you’ll ensure success.

Article courtesy of Erin Reynolds - see more of her helpful info on her website