Vermont Just how did the world's best-loved Christmas Carol Silent Night come about, Silent Night is the world's best-loved Christmas Carol. And yet probably no other Christmas Carol was ever written under such unlikely circumstances and with so many ironic results. Did you know that this carol was commposed in its entirety on Christmas Eve, of 1818.

So just who was the writer of this popular Christmas Carol called Silent Night, The touching words were composed by Father Josef Moh

The church which he was the assistant pastor, was very close to the Salzach River in Austria. Because of this, the organ became rusted and it could not be played. Faced with the prospect of a Christmas Eve service that would not have music. Father Josef Mohr sat down at his wooden desk and wrote a short poem that he titled Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht (Silent Night Holy Night). On the eve of 24 December 1818, Father Joseph Mohr left his small room on the upper floor of the church, and took a twenty minute walk to Arnsdorf to pay a visit to his friend, Franz Gruber. And what took place that evening sure did changed the tenor of Christmas music celebrations forever.

Father Josef Mohr gave his poem to his friend Franz Gruber and asked him to set it to music so that it could be sung by the choir and accompanied on guitar.

I sure do hope y'all have enjoyed reading about, Vermont Just how did the world's best-loved Christmas Carol Silent Night come about.

19 Dec. 2009

First Time Buyer when Buying Realestate in Vermont Checklist

Knowledge is Your Power For The Freedom of a Worry-Free Home!

First Time Home Buyer Realestate Checklist

First Time Buyer when Buying Realestate in Vermont Checklist

By the time we complete the Inspection, you will know the Home or Commercial Property better than the owner does!

The following checklist will help you to evaluate and compare the quality of homes for sale that you are considering for purchase. Baker Realestate, Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting will inspect the major components of the house, and will provide you with a complete and detailed computer generated report. The following checklist considers a number of items which are normally beyond the scope of a real estate inspection, but are important factors to consider when purchasing a home. Make your own inspection before you decide to make a purchase offer, even if you are not sure exactly what to look for. Make a list of things that you are not familiar with or that just don't look right; then you can ask myself or the seller about them later.

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ---------- LOCATION, ENVIRONMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD

[ ] [ ] Evaluate the community and neighborhood. Visit the site both during the day and at night.

[ ] [ ] What are the age, condition and value of the house compared to others in the neighborhood?

[ ] [ ] Is the site free from flooding? In a 100 year floodplain?

[ ] [ ] Is the house conveniently located near your place of employment, Schools, shopping, library, medical care, park & ride, church.

[ ] [ ] What are the local zoning laws or deed restrictions?

[ ] [ ] How do local property tax rates and services compare with other similar areas?

[ ] [ ] Are adequate fire and police services provided?

[ ] [ ] Check the surrounding neighborhood for possible hazardous waste Sites, air and/or noise polluting industries, etc.

[ ] [ ] Is the house old enough for lead paint, asbestos, lead soldered Pipes etc. to be present? (Homes built before 1978 may have Lead paint.)

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ---------- LOT AND GENERAL CONDITIONS

[ ] [ ] What is the condition of walkways, driveways and steps? Any Trip hazards?

[ ] [ ] Does the lot have good drainage? Any yard or downspout drains?

[ ] [ ] Is there any indication of water pending next to the house or Ground contoured to slope toward the house?

(Detrimental to the foundation.)

[ ] [ ] Is the home oriented for maximum benefit and protection from Sunlight, wind, rain etc.?

(A north-south orientation is generally more desirable.)

[ ] [ ] Does the yard have adequate privacy? Room for kids to play?

[ ] [ ] Has the landscaping been well maintained?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------HOUSE - FOUNDATION & EXTERIOR

[ ] [ ] Has the house been remodeled, added on, or had any foundation Repairs performed? Does the seller have building permits?

Warranty information, or other documentation?

[ ] [ ] What is the overall condition of paint, brick or siding?

[ ] [ ] Is there a potential for foundation damage from tree roots or Shrubs which have been planted too close to the house?

[ ] [ ] Has the house, garage, or any other structures on the property been built without proper setbacks or built on utility Easements, right of way etc.? Check your survey.

[ ] [ ] Are all open able windows screened?

[ ] [ ] Is adequate exterior lighting provided at entry, porches, Driveway, etc.?

[ ] [ ] Do exterior doors open and close without dragging or sticking?

Baker Realestatr Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------ROOF AND ATTIC

[ ] [ ] Is the age and condition of the shingles comparable to others in the neighborhood?

[ ] [ ] What is the average life expectancy for this type of roofing Material? ________ Yrs.

[ ] [ ] If multiple layers of roof are present, how many?

(3 layers maximum) Does the roof sag?

[ ] [ ] Is the attic well ventilated? Are attic vents screened and in good condition?

[ ] [ ] Type, condition and thickness of insulation? (Modern homes Have 6 to 8 inches of attic insulation.)

[ ] [ ] Are water pipes in attic insulated?

[ ] [ ] Do bath or kitchen vents terminate in the attic where they could cause potential moisture problems?

[ ] [ ] Any indication of past or present insect, bird or rodent Infestation in attic?

[ ] [ ] Is storage space available in attic?

[ ] [ ] Is the attic easily accessible?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------HOUSE - INTERIOR & FLOOR PLAN

[ ] [ ] Evaluate the floor plan by walking through the house as if going about your daily routin

[ ] [ ] Does the house have enough bedrooms and bathrooms?

[ ] [ ] Adequate room sizes and storage space? (Measure if in doubt.)

[ ] [ ] Does placement of windows and doors allow for a variety of furniture arrangements?

[ ] [ ] Do windows provide good cross ventilation and adequate natural Illumination?

[ ] [ ] What is the general condition of carpets and hard surfaced Floors?

[ ] [ ] What is the general condition of drywall, wallpaper, and paneling and any wall tile in baths or kitchen?

[ ] [ ] What is the general condition of cabinets, vanities and counter Tops?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

[ ] [ ] What is the age of the furnace and air conditioning system? ______ Yrs. Is it efficient? (Older conventional furnaces May be only 60% efficient.)

[ ] [ ] Has the heat and air been serviced annually?

[ ] [ ] Is the A.C. properly sized? (“Rule of thumb" is 1 ton per 550 square feet.)

[ ] [ ] Are filters adequately sized and located where they can be easily replace or cleaned?

[ ] [ ] Is ductwork in good condition?

[ ] [ ] Are there air registers in every room? (Older homes may not have registers in bathrooms.)

[ ] [ ] Is equipment located where it can be easily serviced, and is protected from physical damage?

[ ] [ ] Is there excessive dirt or mildew around ceiling vent (This result from filters not being changed or improper Sizing of ducts and equipment.)

[ ] [ ] Is equipment located where normal noise levels will not be objectionable or annoying?

[ ] [ ] Is there a separate disconnect switch for the compressor, if located out of sight from the breaker panel?

Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------ELECTRICAL

[ ] [ ] Does the house have at least 100 amp service? Is the service Entrance wires located at least 10 ft. above grade level or higher if over a driveway? Away from pool or other possible Hazards?

[ ] [ ] Is the house wired with aluminum wiring? Some houses built from the mid 60's to early 70's may have dangerous wiring?

[ ] [ ] Is exterior wiring installed properly with weatherproof outlet Covers and switches? Is exterior wiring installed in conduit?

[ ] [ ] Are adequate electrical outlets provided in every room? (Any Point along a wall should not be more than 6 feet from an outlet.)

[ ] [ ] Are light switches conveniently located at the entrance of each Room, at both ends of hallways and at top and bottom of stairs?

[ ] [ ] Is the service panel located where easily accessible, or is it in a clothes closet or other potentially hazardous location?

[ ] [ ] For older homes: Are electrical outlets grounded? Is G.F.C.I. (shock saver) outlets provided in baths, exterior and Garage locations?

[ ] [ ] Any "handy man" or do-it-yourself type modifications to wiring?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------PLUMBING

[ ] [ ] What type of piping does the house have? Galvanized pipe can Corrode or buildup mineral deposits. Copper pipe may be soldered with lead based solder (houses built before 1989). Polybutylene pipe has a history of coupling related failures.

[ ] [ ] Is there a main shut off valve to the house, and do fixtures Have individual shut off valves for servicing and repairs?

[ ] [ ] How old is the water heater? Heaters become inefficient with age due to mineral buildup. (Normal life expectancy is 10-15 years.)

[ ] [ ] What is the distance from the water heater to the fixtures which will be used most often? (Water temperature drops approximately one degree per 1 ft. of piping.)

[ ] [ ] Does the house have a main sewer/drain cleanout?

[ ] [ ] Are sinks and tubs free from rust, chips etc.?

[ ] [ ] If the house has a tiled shower, is there any indication of previous leaking or heavy caulking around the drain or base Tiles? This could be an indication of a leaking shower pan; this can be expensive to repair.

[ ] [ ] Are washer and dryer hookups conveniently located?

[ ] [ ] Is there an access panel to inspect the tub plumbing and drain?

[ ] [ ] If the house has a private well, has the water quality been tested. How far is the well from the septic system if present? How deep is the well? Does seller have a copy of the well? Log?

[ ] [ ] If the house has a septic system; how large is the tank? When it was last serviced or pumped out? Where is the drainage Field or seepage pit located?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------FIREPLACE

[ ] [ ] Any indications of previous smoking or not drawing properly?

[ ] [ ] Does the damper work?

[ ] [ ] Is there a buildup of creosote in the flue? Has the fireplace ever been cleaned?

[ ] [ ] Does the chimney have a rain cap/spark arrestor?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------CRAWLSPACE OR BASEMENT

[ ] [ ] Is it dry? Any indications of previous water penetration? Any indication of previous plumbing leaks or poor drainage?

[ ] [ ] Has adequate ventilation been provided?

[ ] [ ] Is there adequate crawlspace clearance for inspections and Repairs?

[ ] [ ] Has the foundation been leveled or additional supports added?

[ ] [ ] Any history of termite infestation or wood rot?

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS

[ ] [ ] Has the house been previously treated for termites, carpenter Ants or other wood destroying insects? If so, when? ________ what type of chemical was used? ____________ is the home under contract? Company and renewal date. __________________________

[ ] [ ] Is soil in flower beds built up above the slab or weep holes?

[ ] [ ] Any rotted wood on house? Any wood forms imbedded in slab or Wood debris in crawlspace? Any wood to ground contact? An Excessive moisture conditions? (These are common conductive Conditions.)

[OK] //// [NEEDS ATTENTION] ----------SECURITY SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE

[ ] [ ] Is the front entrance visible from the street? Any shrubs or other places for attackers or burglars to hide?

[ ] [ ] Are hose bibs conveniently located?

[ ] [ ] Are exterior doors of solid core construction with quality Locks and hardware?

[ ] [ ] If security bars are present, can they be opened easily in an Emergency?

[ ] [ ] Is the home equipped with U.L. approved smoke detectors?

[ ] [ ] Are both gas and electric dryer hookups available? Dryer vented to the exterior?

[ ] [ ] Does the neighborhood have street lights?

[ ] [ ] Is mail delivered to the house or neighborhood mail Distribution center?

[ ] [ ] House or curbside trash pickup? Is heavy trash pickup Available?

[ ] [ ] Can you obtain copies of building plans, permits, and Operating manuals for appliances?

Baker Realestate Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting

APPLIANCES

APPLIANCES Check the condition of appliances included in the sale price:

APPLIANCE AVERAGE LIFESPAN ACTUAL AGE COLOR OPERATION

Refrigerator 16 years __________ __________ _________

Range/Oven 16 years __________ __________ _________

Dishwasher 10 years __________ __________ _________

Washer 11 years __________ __________ _________

Dryer 14 years __________ __________ _________

Happy Home Hunting

Dale Baker

Owner

Baker Realestate Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting

http://bakerhomeinspection.org

Post 26 - 13 Dec. 2009

Vermont Home Buyers Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections Blog can help You, Thank You for visiting, and its a pleasure to have you stop by, my little ole Blogging Homestead. I've done my best to keep my blog posts simple and straightforward. I've coverd everything from

basic home safety, regular home maintenance, Home and Commercial Properties Inspections.

You'll be able to find out about basic household emergencies, plumbing, electrical, and all other things you and your family should be will aware of within your home. Please keep in mind that the blog posts are not a repair manual. And if your home should have a problem come up, then you really should contact the right professional, for that component.

Vermont Home Buyers Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections Blog can help You, What my blog posts are really all about, is to help you understand about the many components of your home, and what to look for and how to avoid the basic problems that can occur around your home.

Vermont Home Buyers Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections Blog can help You, What my blog posts are really all about, is to help you understand about the many components of your home, and what to look for and how to avoid the basic problems that can occur around your home.

With all of that in mind, I'd like to Thank You once again for choosing to visit my little ole Blogging Homestead. Please feel free to share with your friends, and come back as often, as you would like.

Vermont Home Buyers Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections Blog can help You, and of course, if you should have any questions about your home and would like me to inspect your home to help you avoid the critical problems that inevitably and eventually strike most homeowners, be sure to give me a call or send off an e-maill my way. I can help you better understand your home and address potential problems before they become serious ones.

I'm a Certified Professional Home Commercial Properties Inspector, and you can rest easy knowing that after I've examined your home, you'll get a full report presented in a clear, complete and professional manner.

I'll take the appropriate measures to make sure that you are very familiar with the home and the condition of its major components.

Vermont Home Buyers Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections Blog can help You, home ownership is a wonderful experience, but its not without its pitfalls. The good news is that the right information can help to ensure that the pitfalls are minimized and truly maximize the enjoyment of your home, for you and your family.


Thank You once again for visiting my little ole Blogging Homestead, I hope you find the blog posts to be helpful.

Vermont Deer Season 2009 Firearm Deer Season opens this coming Saturday 14 November 2009, and goes through to the 29th of November 2009 .

Seeing that we have many homes for sale near and even in the woods, and seeing lots of folks enjoy going out in to the woods near their homes. And seeing that Vermont hunters are able to hunt in just about any woods in the State. I'd like ask that Home Buyers, Real Estate Agents, and all those that enjoy going out into the woods of Vermont, please use Caution at this time of year. You just may want to think about wearing some kind of Hunter Orange clothing when your going to be near the woods.

Being a hunter myself, it sure makes me sad to have to say this. But the truth of it is, there are some hunters, that just don't think once they get out into the woods!

Vermont Deer Season 2009 Now I'd sure like to ask all my fellow hunters to use the Rules For Safe Hunting, when your out in the woods.

• Control the muzzle of your firearm. It should be pointed in a safe direction at all times. Treat every firearm as if it were losded!

• Be sure of your target and look beyond, before you ever raise your firearm or draw your bow.

• Wear hunter orange to make yourself more visible to other hunters. Never assume you are alone in the woods.
  

Although the State of Vermont dose not require us to wear Hunter Orange, but the State of Vermont dose Urge us to wear Hunter Orange Recommendation.


Vermont Deer Season 2009, Just one hunting rrelated shooting is too many. No matter how rare, each incident casts hunting in a bad light by reinforcing the perception that hunting is dangerous. So the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department dose strongly urges us hunters to include some fluorescent Hunter Orange clothing with our other essential gear. The recommendation is especially important when hunting Deer and Bear.

Remember hunting is very safe, but it could be even safer if all hunters wore a hunter orange vest and hat. Do you really want to be the only hunter in the woods not wearing hunter orange.

Hunt smart, and please always think safety!

Please remember for your safty and the safty of others, that Alcoholic beverages or any other kind of mood altering drugs, has no business at all being in the woods, when hunting!

Be sure you positively identify your target, and beyond, before you shoot!

Just Cuz It'll Go Down Yer Gullet Doesn't Mean Ya Oughta Put It Down Yer Popes!, Fats, Oils, and Greases are not just bad for your arteries and waistline, these things are also very bad for your private Septic System or public Sewer System. A Septic or Sewer System a overflow or backup can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and can very will threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of overflows is sewer pipes being blocked by grease. Grease gets into the sewer from household drains as will as from poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses.

Just where dose grease come from?

Most of us know grease as the byproduct of cooking. But grease is also found in such things as: Meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine, food scraps, baking goods, sauces, and dairy products. Too often, folks wash grease into the home's plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the insides of sewer pipes, both on your property and in the streets. Over time, the grease can very will build up and block the entire pipe.

The results could very will be:

• Raw sewage overflowing in your home or your neighbor's home.
• An expensive and unpleasant cleanup that often must be paid for out of your home budget.
• Raw sewage overflowing into parks, yards, and streets.
• Potential contact with disease-causing organisms.
• An increase in operation and maintenance costs for your local sewer department, which ends up causing higher sewer bills for customers.