Peter Testa

An investment of any size should always be supported by an inspection. Nowhere is this more true than in real estate. Many first-time homebuyers are so eager to get into their property that they overlook this crucial step.

Having a professional home inspection done is a must. The information you receive at the inspection and in the written report is intended to make you aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the home you are purchasing. Most inspections will determine areas in the home that could use upgrading or repair. Some repairs may be negotiabe with the homes seller. Keep in mind that even on "As Is" homes- typical of bank owned properties & preforeclosure sales; it is still wise to get an inspection done for your own knowledge. Items marked for repair are not so much meant to discourage your purchase of the property but rather to give you a complete picture of the condition of the home you are purchasing. Most any home that is not new construction will have some wear & tear on it.

There are different types of inspections and not every type may apply to your purchase. The most common and comprehensive type inspection is the home inspection. Most of the home will be covered in the home inspection so this is one is a must. If your home has a septic system or a well it is also a good idea to have these tested by the appropriate companies as well. Additional inspections include inspections for Radon, Water Quality and Termites.

Speak to your Realtor about having an inspection scheduled after your offer on the property is accepted. The money spent will be well worth the knowledge received.

Q. I have a bathtub that developed rust around the drain, causing small holes that leaked. It was repaired but the repair didn't last long. Would a tub liner solve this problem? Some contractors say "no" and one says "yes." What do you think?

A bathtub liner - a plastic shell that fits exactly into the existing tub - should have its own drain fitting and bypass any leaking areas of the old tub. There may be a good reason why some contractors have said it won't work; certainly if the pipes are a problem, a liner won't help. If a reputable contractor is willing to give you a written guarantee that the liner will stop the leaking, then you may be justified in going ahead with it. A tub liner is an excellent way to renew a beat-up tub. A liner may cost more than refinishing a tub, but the cost is far less than removing an old tub and installing a new one. Tough acrylic liners in a variety of colors can be molded to fit almost any old bathtub.

Q. Our deck regularly turns green with algae in the summer. We have pressure washed the wood twice in three years to remove the stuff. Is there another way?

You should be able to remove the algae rather easily with a commercially available deck cleaner. These cleaners are sold at home centers and are easy to apply using a garden-type sprayer. Some cleaners do not require any scrubbing - they need to sit on the surface for 10 minutes or so, then are rinsed off with water. Be sure to read and follow all the directions and warnings for the specific cleaner you choose. If there are plants around the deck, depending on the product, they may need to be covered or soaked thoroughly with water before you start cleaning, and then rinsed afterward. Proper protective gear should also be worn for personal safety.

Q. My hardwood floors were damaged by pet urine that was left untreated until recently. The odor is pretty strong. I have tried enzyme cleaners to solve the odor problem but to no avail. If I have the floor sanded and refinished with polyurethane, will it seal in the odor?

Sanding the floors and recoating with polyurethane should greatly reduce or eliminate the odor. Two coats would be better. Actually, shellac is the best finish for sealing odors in wood. It is a beautiful finish but not as resistant to liquids as polyurethane.