fireplace tagged posts

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about a chimney inspection.

As a real estate agent, your clients trust you and your guidance throughout the buying and selling processes. When things are competitive and devolve into a bidding war, it can be easy to let some things go by the wayside. What’s one thing that should never be skipped? The chimney inspection. Here are five reasons your buyers should insist on a chimney inspection.

Protect Their Investment

Chimney and fireplace problems are not just a small nuisance—they can be deadly. A chimney inspection is one way to make sure that the home your buyers are purchasing is safe for them to occupy and use. Many seemingly small chimney issues can be indicative of bigger structural or moisture issues...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros asking the question, “Do I need a new fireplace?”

Your fireplace adds beautiful warmth and ambiance to your home, but only if it is properly maintained and not a hazard to you. Whether you moved into a new home and you are concerned about how old the fireplace is or you’ve been living in the same place for decades and finally want to upgrade your current fireplace, there are some signs that you might be due for a fireplace replacement.

Strange Smells

Do you notice a burning smell any time that your fireplace is in use? Is there a lingering smell of sulfur when you are operating the fireplace? This is common in gas fireplaces that are leaking or malfunctioning. Contacting us as soon as possible is critical...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about whether or not fireplaces add value to a home.

Selling the Benefits of a Fireplace

Every buyer is attracted to different amenities. This is why some of your clients look specifically for houses with pools and others immediately rule out any property with a pool. However, some features are almost universally beloved, like the fireplace. Do fireplaces add value to a property? Here’s what every real estate agent should know!

Fireplaces Add Value

Compared to other features, fireplaces offer one of the best returns on investment. Data shows that homes with fireplaces are typically listed for 13% more than the national median sales price. They also are particularly important in cold parts of the country...

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Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros answering the question why fireplace smokes blows back into your home.

Fireplaces are a gorgeous way to add ambiance to your home. However, that warm and cozy feeling can quickly evaporate if smoke is coming back in instead of out. There are many different reasons why fireplace smoke might blow back into your home. Here are some of the most common ones.

Look at the Firewood

One of the biggest reasons why smoke blows back into the house is the firewood being used. If you use low-quality firewood, there is a much higher risk of issues. Make sure that you purchase seasoned wood that was allowed to dry completely for 12 months or longer...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros. This issue is on creosote.

All realtors know to make sure the HVAC system is working to perfection and the caulk in the bathtub is touched up. However, many totally gloss over one of the most potentially dangerous parts of the home: the chimney. Over time, even well-maintained chimneys can accumulate creosote build-up on the inside. Unfortunately, home inspectors are generally looking for obvious signs of wear and damage during the chimney portion of their examination. That means that any creosote build-ups outside of the naked eye may be glossed over altogether. Naturally, that doesn’t make creosote buildup any less dangerous.

Creosote 101

Creosote is a flammable and dangerous buildup that accumulates on the insid...

You’ve been waiting for the perfect home to hit the market and finall...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about proactive chimney sweeping.

A Partially Closed Damper

If you opened the damper for your fireplace, it’s possible that something on the interior or exterior is preventing it from opening fully. Soot buildup and water damage could lead to a damper in need of repair. Clean Sweep can examine the damper and complete any necessary repairs for it to work properly again.

No Pilot Light

If you have a gas fireplace, the pilot light can be extinguished by a strong gust of wind or downdraft. Try turning the pilot light back on by turning the control knob to the pilot position. Hit the red button that lights the pilot and hold it for about a minute before turning the knob on...

201 Janet Ct.

So much more space than one would imagine in this meticulously maintained Chartley home. It’s located at 201 Janet Ct...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about choosing firewood.

How to Choose the Right Firewood

While warm fires are the last thing you want burning in your house in the summer heat, fall and brisk winter nights are right around the corner. When cooler days come around, you should start by cleaning out your fireplace and getting a chimney inspection. Once your chimney has been prepped, you need to choose the right firewood.

Dry Firewood is the Best Firewood

As a general rule of thumb, remember that dry firewood is the best firewood. Wood is filled with small tubes that run water from the roots below the ground into the trunk and branches. When the wood is cut, those tubes will still have moisture in them...