December 30, 2010 at 05:58 AM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
The current administration has passed a law that will take affect February 1, 2011. The current law is being expanded to include all single family and multi family buildings to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. The requirement is to have a unit installed in the basement, and all other floors of the home. There is no reason at all to wait till then to install a detector however, because this is a good law for us.
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” and we see and hear news stories about people losing their lives to this deadly gas all the time. We cannot see, smell or taste it so that’s why it’s so important to have detectors installed. For new construction homes the code will be same as the smoke detectors where they need to be hard wired in to the electrical system. The law for carbon monoxide detector installs for existing homes says you can have either battery or hard wired units. There will not be a fine for non-compliance however; the possible end result could be much more devastating than a fine. Please go out and equip your homes today! Remember if you are a landlord, you need to supply and install a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector in your units as well. There are some exemptions to this rule and you can click here for a brochure from the Wisconsin Dept of Commerce and details about requirements.
If your home or rental is currently on the market you will want to put a device in as soon as possible because it will be an item that a home inspector will be required to check for and notify buyers if they are not in place. As I always recommend to my home sellers, try to correct any defects prior to putting your home on the market and before the home inspection. This gives the buyers a much better feeling about your home that you have put good effort forth in maintaining the home.
First Alert is offering an online coupon for a discount for purchasing carbon monoxide detectors. Do yourself a favor and get your home equipped to protect you and your family today. Make this your New Year’s resolution.
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Ann Lebiecki
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December 26, 2010 at 06:00 PM · Posted under Ann Lebiecki
Living in West Bend, we have many things to see and do, yet we are only a 40 minute car ride to downtown Milwaukee. My family and I live on the edge of West Bend, and what I like is that we can experience country life yet be only minutes away from everything in West Bend. The weekly farmers market on Saturday mornings on Main St is fabulous! Many vendors and farmers selling their goods, from bakery bread to Michigan blueberries and peaches to organic meats and vegetables and even home made natural soaps. The quality of life in West Bend is enhanced by the over 1200 acre park system. Regner Park is one of our favorites. They have a great swimming beach and have just introduced a zero depth wading pool for the toddlers. For the second year now, Enchantment in the Park has been delighting thousands of people with it’s light show set to music and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus. We’ve enjoyed it both years, however our son, who is almost 3 yrs old, wanted nothing to do with Santa. I think it’s the age.
The school system consists of the elementary, middle and high schools but also the University of Wisconsin, Washington County and the Kettle Moraine Technical College too. There are plenty of places to worship and great shopping to be had with big name stores as well as specialty boutique shops downtown. Lots of restaurants to choose from and many events too, such as the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival held annually in September and the Thursday night concert series held in Old Settlers Park. Plus you can celebrate West Bends German heritage at the annual German Fest in August, Fall Fest or Winter on Main. There’s always something going on in West Bend.
What about housing you ask? Well as a Realtor, I may be partial to that topic but there are many great places to live in West Bend. No matter what your needs are, there are great options for you. To search all homes available in West Bend click here and to see our featured single family alternative condominium in Stoney Creek click here. This unit views a wildlife conservancy and is amongst similar units in a smaller complex setting. Built in 2002 with a first floor master suite, upper bedroom, loft and great storage, it will surely please. For more information on this unit or other housing options please call me at 414-510-1908 and please come check out West Bend!
Posted by: Ann Lebiecki
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