Many Californians swear by Feng shui (English pronunciation: fung?-shway), an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws of both Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive qi (an active principle forming part of any living thing), so I did a little research on the subject. As feng shui is becoming more and more popular in countries far away from China or Chinese influence, it is worth looking at its history and understand how feng shui started and why feng shui is bringing such powerful results when properly applied.Feng Shui has a history of many thousands years, some say 2,000 years, some go as far as 5,000 years. As an organized body of knowledge

feng shui was practiced since Tang Dynasty, where we can find early recordings about employing feng shui masters in selecting auspicious sites, as well as about feng shui texts being required reading for imperial exams (court of Emperor Hi Tsang, 888 A.D.)One of the famous feng shui names recorded in the history of feng shui is Master Yang Yun Sang, who left a legacy of many classical feng shui texts and is considered the founder of the landscape school of feng shui.

In time, almost a hundred years later, another feng shui school of thought - the Compass Feng Shui School - gained strength and popularity. The main influence in this feng shui school was a Feng Shui Master by the name Wang Chih who developed his teachings during the Song Dynasty.The Compass Feng Shui School calculations are based on

The level that creates a lot of confusion about feng shui applications is the symbolic level of feng shui.Feng Shui Symbols have a rich, culturally specific history and meaning. Most of us are familiar with the look of many feng shui items such as Chinese coins tied with a red string, wind chimes, three legged toads, gods of wealth, etc.

·                         Dragon and Phoenix

·                         Mandarin Ducks

·                         The Double Happiness Sign

·                         Peony Flowers

Wealth Feng Shui Symbols

·                         Gold Arrowana or Koi Fish

·                         Chinese Coins

·                         The Three Legged Toad

·                         Golden Ingots

·                         Sailing Ship

Good Fortune Feng Shui Symbols

·                         Chi Lin, the Dragon Horse

·                         Golden Cicada

·                         The Red Bat

Health & Longevity Feng Shui Symbols

·                         Sau, the God of Longevity

·                         Lucky Bamboo

·                         Wu-Lou, Gourd

Feng Shui Symbols were used for centuries in feng shui applications because of the power of symbols and associations, as well as because of the energy certain items embody. If a certain feng shui symbol does not resonate with you, feel free to chose one that works for you, expresses the same energy, and it is from the culture you grew up in.

More detailed information on Feng Shui, I’d suggest you do a search on Wikipedia, Google or Bing.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details or any information on our home inspection services.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Home inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality. This is our mission statement at West Coast Home Inspections.

With today’s economic climate, everyone wants to save some money!  Some of the simplest ways to save money during energy spikes include weather stripping and programmable thermostats. But you may also want to consider more expensive attic fans, high-efficiency windows, and reflective roofs.

Rising fuel costs ripple through the economy, and could spark inflation in the price of materials and labor. Home equity loans are an attractive way to finance costly home projects, and the ability to write off the interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit may make these loans palatable for you and your family. Other benefits include possible tax credits and low-interest loans for energy-saving home projects; check with your state government to see if you qualify.

Improvements to boost energy efficiency offer other benefits. Insulating pipes reduces energy lost during hot-water delivery in case your main heating system fails. And a high-efficiency natural-gas fireplace can become a valuable backup to oil or electric heating systems.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details or any information on our home inspection services.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Home inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality. This is our mission statement at West Coast Home Inspections.

1.       Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.

2.     Ensure pets won’t hinder the inspection. They should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.

3.     Replace burned out bulbs to avoid an “inoperable” report that may suggest an electrical problem.

4.     Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.

5.     Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.

6.     Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as “conducive conditions” for termites.

7.     Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.

8.     Unlock areas the inspector must access such as attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.

9.     Trim tree limbs to 10′ from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.

10.  Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; window panes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details or any information on our home inspection services.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Home inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality. This is our mission statement at West Coast Home Inspections.

Instead of installing a low-voltage lighting system, take advantage of the sun with solar-powered lights. Solar-powered path lights are a cinch to install. Choose an area that receives at least eight hours of full sun per day, and either hang the lights or mount them on ground stakes.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details or any information on our home inspection services.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Home inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality. This is our mission statement at West Coast Home Inspections.

Selling your home and not sure what steps you should take to present it to potential buyers? Here are some suggestions:

1.       Make Obvious Minor Repairs.

·       Replace cracked tiles on floor or counter.

·       Patch holes in walls.

·       Fix leaky faucets.

·       Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.

·       Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to exotically colored walls.
(Don’t give buyers any reason to remember your home as “the house with the pink bathroom.”)

·       Replace burned-out light bulbs.

·       If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

2.       Clean House.

·       Wash windows both inside and out.

·       Rent a pressure washer and spray down exterior of the home.

·       Clean out cobwebs.

·       Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.

·       Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.

·       Clean out the refrigerator.

·       Vacuum daily.

·       Wax floors.

·       Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.

·       Replace worn rugs.

·       Clean and air out any musty smelling areas.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details or any information on our home inspection  services.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Home inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality. This is our mission statement at West Coast Home Inspections.

As a home inspector I often share tips and information with home owners.  I ran across an article recently that listed some of the top home improvements that could be done for less than five hundred dollars.

1. Wall paper just one wall in a room - this alone can change the appearance of a room dramatically and yet still be affordable. 

2. Kitchen roll outs - take out the out dated shelves and add kitchen roll outs.  This is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do.  It brings everything that was tucked away into sight.  They say this only takes 15 minutes per rollout, let me know your opinion.

3. Track lighting is another addition to your home.  Track lighting lets you put the lighting exactly where you want it.

4. Closet organizers - the name of this one says it all.  Wire shelving is inexpensive and easy to install.  Organization is the key to happiness. 

5. Add curb appeal - transform your front entrance with small accents and minor changes in addition to stowing away unnecessary garden implements and tools and cleaning up the house exterior.   When you’re trying to sell your home one of the best things to check is your curb appeal to attract potential homebuyers.

There you go - five top home improvements that you can do without a lot of hassle and it won’t cost a fortune to do it!

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/

Great lighting inside and outside a home can enhance the overall appearance and value while making it safer. With the right strategy, you can refresh your home’s lighting for less than you think.  Here are some suggestions to accomplish this mission:

A.  Skip the stores and shop online - Comparison shopping for home improvement items has never been easier thanks to the Internet. You can find the right items fast, without wasting expensive gas driving from store to store. With specialty Web sites like LightingShowplace.com, you can utilize a variety of tools to find just what you need for a great price.

The Web site allows you to shop by room, style and finish, brand name or price range with an inventory much larger than any brick and mortar store. If you need assistance, simply call the phone number for quick and personal service. By being able to quickly compare options, you’ll find the right lighting for any area of your home for less.

B. Warm and bright outdoors all year long - Welcome people properly into your home by updating your outdoor lighting. Especially during the dark winter days, it’s important to light paths and front entrance ways so people know where to walk and can safely shuffle in from the cold.

Consider wall lanterns on either side of the front door along with a hanging fixture or ceiling mounted fixture above the door to create a well lit space to welcome guests and provide additional security. A post mounted light in the yard helps increase security and light additional area. Highlight a walkway with small and stylish path lighting to invite guests into your warm and comfortable home. All of these items can generally be coordinated to match for an overall design theme.

C.  Great indoor lighting makes a glowing first impression - First impressions count and good entrance lighting makes all the difference. Welcome people into your home with a spectacular hanging lantern, a multi-tiered chandelier or a large foyer fixture, which offers height and scale plus excellent general lighting. Look online for examples of how designers are using these in homes.

To top off the look, consider adding matching wall sconces, and a ceiling fixture for safety in stairways, halls and entryways. Nothing says welcome better than a warmly lit home.

D.  The heart of the home - Proper lighting can refresh and renew any kitchen. Clean up dark corners and welcome dinner guests with lighting that looks great, but is also functional. Try a multi-pendant light over an island or mini pendants to strategically light counter space.

Under the cabinet lighting is also important for preparing foods in optimal lighting conditions. And don’t forget about the kitchen table where you’ll be enjoying those great meals. A medium sized chandelier or close to ceiling light is perfect for over a family’s kitchen table. Add a dimmer switch so you can adjust as needed.

E.  Save money with energy efficiency - When shopping, look for lighting options with the Energy Star symbol. Energy Star is a government-backed program that helps protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Products with the Energy Star symbol meet strict energy efficient guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Energy Star qualified fixtures and bulbs use up to two thirds less energy than traditional lighting which lowers environmental impact and your energy bills. So not only do you save money, you’re helping Mother Nature too.

F.  A bright and cheery bathroom - A properly lit bathroom helps to make sure you and your bathroom look their best while also ensuring your safety. A well lit bathroom has the added benefit of perfectly applied makeup, flawless hair and more while adding style to decor.

Good lighting is soft, unshadowed and even. An ideally lit bathroom will have a fixture above the mirror. This fixture will provide overhead and general lighting. Wall sconces can also be considered, one sconce on either side of the mirror will help avoid shadows and fill in the rest of your face and neck properly. Most bathrooms will require additional flush mount ceiling lighting for the rest of the room.

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or simply want a quick update, lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform a house, and by shopping smart, it will be a dramatic change that doesn’t cost a lot.

Call me at 818-266-2267 or check our website link below for further details.

Shawn Blaney,

President,

West Coast Home Inspections

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/