The Fox Den: Home & Property Advice

Humidity is the number one cause of mold and mildew in the Houston area.

Learn more in this video:

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to prep your home for the fall season. Share your favorite tips for gutter cleaning, HVAC checkups, and weatherproofing windows and doors. What’s on your fall maintenance checklist? Let’s help each other keep our homes safe and cozy this season!

Have you recently tackled a home project that turned out amazing? Whether it’s a small repair, a creative decor idea, or a full renovation, we’d love to hear about it! Share your before-and-after photos, tips, and lessons learned to inspire others in the community.

The fine print in your building contract can contain crucial details that might be overlooked. From warranty terms to completion timelines, understanding these details is key. Remember, there is small print in all future contracts, so be sure to read it thoroughly to avoid any surprises. Discuss your experiences and offer advice on what to look out for in your building contract.

Reflecting on your home building experience, what are the key things you would do differently if you had the chance? Whether it's design choices, contractor selection, or budgeting, your advice can be invaluable to others. Let's discuss the lessons learned and how to make the process smoother for everyone.

Curious about mold? Teresa sat down with Richard, our go-to expert on mold and air quality, to talk about what every Houston homeowner should know.

It’s a short, info-packed conversation that sheds light on where mold shows up, why it’s common here, and what you can do about it.

🟢 Watch below and let us know: Have you ever dealt with mold in your home?

The builder says everything looks great. The paperwork’s in order. The paint is fresh. But… who’s checking their work?

🤔 What would you want to know before signing the dotted line?🛠️ Have you ever discovered something after the fact?

Let’s talk.

With the recent thunderstorms and heavy rain, many homeowners are facing unexpected repairs. From water damage to structural issues, share your experiences and advice on handling these surprise repairs. What steps are you taking to protect your home from future storms?

Builders are the backbone of home construction and maintenance. If you could ask a builder one question, what would it be? Whether it’s about the best materials to use, common mistakes to avoid, or insider tips, share your questions and let’s discuss!

Sometimes, strange smells or persistent allergy symptoms can be more than just a nuisance. They might indicate hidden issues like mold or poor air quality.

Here’s what to look for:

1️⃣ Musty odors that don’t go away.

2️⃣ Persistent allergies or sinus issues.

3️⃣ Condensation on windows or vents.

4️⃣ Spots on walls, ceilings, or around A/C returns.

With everything blooming outside, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home inside, too. But beyond the usual cleaning and yardwork, spring is also a critical time to check for hidden moisture and air quality issues that may have built up over the winter.

🛠️ Here are two quick tips to protect your home and your health this season:

1️⃣ Check for hidden moisture:Look around windows, under sinks, and in corners of your attic or crawl space for signs of dampness, discoloration, or musty smells. Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth—and fast.

2️⃣ Improve indoor air quality:Swap out air filters, dust vents, and consider getting a professional air quality assessment. Seasonal allergens and indoor pollutants love to linger, especially as we close up our homes against Houston’s unpredictable spring weather.

🧼 A little prevention now can save you from bigger issues (and bills) later.

Spring is here, and it’s time to give your home some TLC.

Here’s a comprehensive checklist:

1. Inspect and clean your stucco exterior.

2. Check for mold and improve air quality.

3. Clean out gutters and downspouts.

4. Service your HVAC system.

Want to know if your doors are letting in cold air, heat, or even pests? Try this super simple test with just a dollar bill (or a piece of paper)!

👉 Step 1: Close your door on the bill, leaving a small part sticking out.

👉 Step 2: Try pulling the bill out without resistance.

👉 Step 3: If it slides out easily, you’ve got a draft!

💡 Why It Matters:

• Drafty doors = higher energy bills 📈💸