Author Archives: mikew

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  Trees, Lightning and Snow Strikes

  Posted on December 10, 2022 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Ironically. The first snow of the season came with something that felt pretty ironic. In preparation for my impending home inspection license renewal I took a course on evaluating trees and common issues. Numerous pictures and conditions were identified to warn folks of tree trouble. I felt informed and ready to bring a few new […]

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  Re-Stocking and Stocking-Stuffing

  Posted on November 29, 2022 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  ‘Tis the season to get the handy “candy” for home owners and maintainers. Winter months can raise the urgency of delayed repairs, the coming new year stirs inspiration of project progress, and Christmas seems to promote the purchasing of stuff. These suggestions come from one who is always looking for a few handy items to […]

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  NEW! Home Assessment and Servicing

  Posted on November 29, 2022 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  For clients who have been in their home for a year or more there are essential maintenance steps to prolong the life expectancy of the household components, reduce future costs of deferred maintenance, and ensure an enjoyable standard of living. The Home Assessment and Servicing identifies areas of needed maintenance and repairs while completing some […]

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  Prepping the House For Fall

  Posted on October 5, 2022 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Six autumn tasks that will save you Time-Labor-Cost later We have had a prolonged summer and extended dry season in the Seattle area. The gold-colored grass lingers when traditionally it has returned to its vibrant evergreen state. While the weather is puzzling us and the trees both, there are some things you can do to […]

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  Snow is Coming, So What?

  Posted on December 10, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  20 minute projects that will count in the cold! We prep the car for snow, school districts send out their cancellation plans, parents stock up pantries, grandparents knit winter caps, but what can home owners do? It is easy to forget or even know what to do in preparation for the upcoming winter storms and […]

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  More (mis)uses of tape

  Posted on December 1, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  As time goes on the author of this article continues to find creative albeit inadequate uses for the favorite strip adhesive and fix-all solution popularly called TAPE. Please use the following ideas for entertainment purposes only. The author strongly encourages readers to not try this at home. (mis) Use No. 5 Just as children love […]

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  Down the Drain

  Posted on November 15, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Where flex piping is not a great solution. Several years ago a real estate agent and friend commented, “Oh-no, this sink has a hole in it!” I had just finished the inspection and felt a momentary panic that I had missed an obvious defect. He was right. There was a hole: A drain in the […]

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  The Home Toolbox Essentials

  Posted on May 30, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  Tools are in abundance. I love tools. And I also realize that my passion and experience on home maintenance may be of help to you. In an earlier article I identified the first two tools every home owner needs. The first was a ladder. The second was a good wet-dry vacuum. The third is a […]

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  You Just Moved In – Now What?

  Posted on May 20, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  First, congratulations on the transition and move into your new place. Recently I’ve spent more time with folks moving out. Many more folks are still looking for a place. You’re moving in! Exciting! Exhausting! Scary! This whole house (and that mortgage) are all yours! NOW WHAT?! I want to offer you some steps that can […]

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  Inspections in this high speed market

  Posted on January 29, 2021 by mikew in Fix It & Use It

  After performing thousands of inspections for the last sixteen years, beginning my business amidst the housing boom in 2005, I wonder if I could offer some perspective. There are others more invested but I have spent time with more than five hundred clients during this high speed market of the last two years. I’ve talked […]

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