Vegetation Around Your Home

Do not allow your home to be hidden by vegetation

Trim all tree branches, shrubs and vines periodically, so the branches do not touch or come close to your house siding or roof surface. You want to allow the sun access to your home to allow it to dry out those moist areas so wood boring insects do not become attracted to the wet wood if it's hidden with vegetation. Tree branches and vines also provide wood boring insects an easy path to your home. Wood boring insects also thrive on dead wood that may be lying around your property. So, remove any tree stumps and dead trees that are within 50 feet of your foundation and store all firewood off the ground (on racks or shelving) away from your home.

At the same time that your preventing wood boring insects from infesting your home, you'll want a safe home. Don't allow your shrubs and trees to provide cover. Cut back all tall shrubbery near your doorways and walkways as well as any plantings that block any windows. Try to keep all your plantings trimmed to a height of 3 feet or less. Also, trim any trees or shrubs that block the view to your neighbor's homes. Privacy issues aside, you'll want your neighbors to have a clear view of your home's doors and windows. You may be asking yourself...Why would I want my neighbors to see my home?

When and while your away, any strange activity that may be going on inside or around your home can be clearly observed by your neighbors. Curtains and shades are designed for privacy...not shrubs.

THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO AVOID

vegetation around your house

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Buying a home is arguably the most important, exciting and nerve-wracking purchase a person will ever make. This is the reason you need a great home inspector, and Dave Valley is just that. He is empathetic – he understands and appreciates the various emotions a potential home-buyer goes through. Most importantly, Dave provides you with objective information so you can make the most informed decision possible.

It was a pleasure working with Dave – he contains all the qualities that make a great home inspector – he is the consummate professional, prompt, courteous, meticulous in his detail and honest. Dave was reasonably priced – in fact Dave charged me the same amount I spent 10 years earlier on a smaller house and provided a far better work product.

Prompt

I arrived at the house at the agreed upon time on a cold and nasty day, and found Dave outside inspecting the exterior of the home. He was already a half hour into his inspection – I think this exemplifies and is symbolic of the fact that Dave is respectful of his client’s time.

Courteous

Dave was pleasant to deal with, personable and thoughtful not only to his client but also to the buyer’s real estate agent.

Detail-oriented

Dave spent almost four hours in his investigation of a 2,000 square foot house. He answered all my questions and reviewed every observation he had with me. David provided a detailed report, and encouraged me to call and email him to discuss the report and to ask questions.

Conclusion

The highest compliment I can give Dave is to say that I would use him again and will encourage and recommend him to others.

Michael S. Giaimo