Stonehollow Experts in Home Inspections…
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Saturday 8-9am

Around the house with Steve Gladstone is a highly respected home show here on WSTC 1400/WNLK 1350. Listeners are encouraged to call-in to the show with questions. Around the House features special guests, discussing all types of home topics including buying and selling, maintenance, safety, fix-ups and enjoying your home.

Host, Stephen Gladstone is the Owner and President of Stonehollow, Inc. Fine Homes Inspections. He is currently Immediate past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and sits on the National Board of Directors. He is a Contributor and Editor to various National Publications. He has been a home inspector since 1983 and a member of ASHI since 1986. He received his Masters Degree from L.I. University and a 6-year degree from the University of Bridgeport. He teaches continuing education classes for realtors, appraisers and home inspectors and is the Managing Instructor of 3 home inspection schools for Inspection Training Associates, a Kaplan Professional Company. He is a popular & knowlegeable lecturer across the US and has spoken several times in Canada & South Africa. Recently he has been seen on "Ask This Old House", and heard on national syndicated radio on the Carey Brothers Show " On the House", "At Home with Gary Sullivan" and the "Money Pit". He resides in Stamford.

Just some of the questions Steve has answered from listeners

Dear Steve:
My sister sits outside and smokes (much to my chagrin). She says last night she noticed one small 'bug' with clear wings on my back door and wondered whether it was a termite. When my late husband and I moved here in 1992, our inspector told us he noticed there probably had been treatment at this home (and that usually that takes care of them). Do you think this 'sighting' requires an inspection?

Maureen



Dear Maureen:
At least she smokes outside ! Winged ants in Spring seem to prompt lots of concern. Everyone worries about termites, but often these swarms are the result of many types of ants including Carpenter Ants and Citronella Ants. My best suggestion however, is until we know whether the insect eats or damages our homes you want to carefully catch a few in a clear glass or plastic bottle and have a pest control expert identify the insect. Then they can see where you found them, and formulate an opinion on what (if anything) is required. Spraying bugs without knowing what they are, or even if they are destructive, can expose your family to dangerous pesticides unnecessarily. Steve



Dear Steve:
I've been looking in all the Lowes and Home Depots for a timer for my hot water heater (which is electric). Everyone gives me a funny look and look stumped. Years ago my dad had one on his hot water heater and saved a bundle, he is gone now. Do you know where I could get one or do they still make them?

Gary



Dear Gary:
Timers are still very much available and are a great way to save money on electric water heaters by turning off the heater when you are not typically at home. Many times the person in the aisle of the warehouse home center can help you if you ask the right question... sometimes not. a 240 volt timer can be purchased for less than $60.00 and should be installed in less than two hours by a professional. The savings can be as much as 6-12 % off your water heating bill. If you cannot find a timer in either of those stores I would recommend you simply go on line or to a local electrical supply house if your electrician is not suppliying it. Steve Gladstone



Dear Steve:
Deer keep eating our shrubs and newly emerging bulbs. I have put a lot of effort and money into making my yard pretty and I cannot believe deer are wanderig into my yard and having an uninvited picnic. Help !

Wendy



Dear Wendy:
Believe me I do understand and share your frustration. If it is possible to fence in your property and you can figure out the way the deer are coming into your yard steel mesh fence is a great way to keep them feeding elsewhere. But if you can't close your driveway or if the wander in ain areas not fenced you may still lose plantings. I recommend fencing and use of spray and liquid repellants that make your flowers smell and taste nasty but still look great. Unfortunately rain will wash it off and soregular spraying and rotating with different products will often do the trick. Deer help to distribute ticks onto the grass and by pursueding them to graze elsewhere you reduce the tick population and your chance of Lyme's disease as well. Steve

Dear Steve:
How do you get water stains out of carpet? It is a foam backed carpet and has water stains due to a leak in the roof.
Vic



Dear Vic:
A little internet searching got me the following information. I hope this helps. Best Regards, Steve Gladstone

For Tips Everyone Should Know About Removing Carpet Stains and more! Visit Michael Robertson

Email Steve Steve Gladstone

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