WNY Handyman

Radon has become quite a hot button when it comes to buying or selling a home. I am not saying that radon doesn’t pose a danger, but with relatively new concerns, we don’t often have the persepctive to put the risk into context. Radon is something that is prevalent in WNY, but at relatively low levels. In fact, levels tend to be much higher in other parts of the country.  Erie County provides a map that displays the prevalence of Radon in particular areas throughout Western New York (Click image for large map).

Radon is a radioactive gas released from the normal decay of uranium in rocks and soil.  Radioactive particles from radon can damage cells that line the lungs and lead to lung cancer.  It is often confused with Mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is not linked to radon gas.

Erie County Radon Map - 2010

I have a home up for sale that tested slightly above the recommended level.  When you hear the numbers with regard to radon, you might not know how severe it is.  Anytime your house has an issue that poses a potential health risk, you should be concerned, but you should also put it into perspective.  The nice thing is radon is relatively low in most areas throughout Erie County.  A neighbor of mine tested at 4.1 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) when the acceptable level is 4.0 pCi/L.  The cost to mitigate was $1,300 (newer homes are a bit less than older homes).

Radon Map - USA

In my case, I have a home in the Village of Lancaster that has a reading of 5.8 pCi/L.  That might sound high when the accepted level is 4.0, but a high level in some areas is 400 – 500 pCi/L.  5.8 is relatively low, it just happens to be above the level that is recommended, and to sell a house a buyer will usually want this to be remediated.  Remediation is not difficult and most Radon contractors will be able to easily get the level below 2.0.  In fact, they will usually guarantee that number.  My cost: $1,500.

I am electing to use a Radon remediation company who appears to eat, sleep, and drink this stuff.  You have to love a contractor with a passion for his or her work. So much so, that I ended the phone call with him knowing that I could probably find someone who was $100-$200 cheaper, but who wouldn’t do the same job as this company. The company is Radonaire.  You can find them at www.radonaireinc.com.  Give Karl a call if you want a quick education on radon and radon remediation.

Wow!  I listed a property in the MLS via a flat fee listing service (housepad.com).  The flat fee services are a post on their own, for this post, I wanted to discuss the very active market that we are seeing.

The listing went into the ML on 3/24.  This project turned out very well and has a fantastic location.  The property for sale is at 30 Lombardy St, Lancaster, NY.  We have an asking price of $154,900 which compares favorably to other properties in Lancaster that are on the market.  There are couple of other renovations within a mile that are in the $169,000 – $180,000 range.  This is a complete renovation that we started last spring. We were going to try to knock it out quickly but decided to take our time and bring it to market in the spring once it was clear that we would miss an August / September date.

In the first 3 days of the listing we had 7 showings with 2 more scheduled.  The feedback has been terrific and we have received multiple offers (verbal at this point, paperwork in process).  What surprised me is the level of activity given my perception of the mortgage market.   I suppose that there is always a qualified buyer. Whether it be a cash buyer, or a well qualified buyer with a mortgage from one of the local banks.

In any case, we will be selling this terrific renovation at a fair price to someone who is looking to be in the Village of Lancaster.  More than half of the showings are from those who stated that they absolutely want to be in this part of the village.

Lancaster Duplex for Rent

Nice side by side duplex located in Lancaster NY. Built in 1992.
Close to all amenities:
Library
Shops
Restaurants

Private basement with laundry hook ups, covered front porch, nice yard that backs up to a pond.
3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths
Eat in kitchen that included stove, disposal, and dishwasher.
Available Jan 1st.

Non-smoker, NO PETS!

$895 per month

Contact Bob at 716-791-RENT (7368)

Who doesn’t love a before and after shot?  I sure do.  This isn’t a before and after since it is more of a during, but I wanted to post after an out of town relative asked about the progress on the home.  There is quite a difference in the photo.

Here is a rundown of some of the work done to the exterior to date:

• Removal of carport along with the shingle patching after removal
• Replaced a flat roof and tied into the pitched roof in rear of house
• New roof
• New soffits and fascia
• New paint (not complete, but close)
• New windows
• Removal of enclosed porch windows and wrapping of columns

30 Lombardy Before and After (actually, during)

30 Lombardy - before - mid - 3/4

To complete the outside we still need quite a bit including shingles on the dormer sides along with gutters, trim paint, and landscaping.  Not to mention many of the finishing paint touches, trim pieces, driveway sealer, etc.

I’ll continue to add to the new Before and After photos category over time. In fact, I might just add some items from the archive. Who doesn’t love a makeover?

If you are living in, or used to live in, Lancaster, you will appreciate this fantastic map from 1892.

Lancaster NY Map 1892

It is interesting to see the factories that dotted that town of Lancaster way back when.  The railroad, and the waterway allowed for transport of goods.  Take a look at the high resolution version.   You can view the high resolution image by clicking on the thumbnail below.

Lancaster NY Map from 1892

The following is a nice house in a quiet neighborhood on the south side of Broadway in the Village of Lancaster. There are clearly some updates needed in this home. I renovated a property about 2 blocks down the street and was able to exit that for about $130k. Based on the location, and size, there is no reason why this couldn’t fetch $100k+ with a nice renovation.

This is a nice single family home that would be a great starter home.  Certainly less expensive than renting.  With the $8k tax credit, this is a BIG discount in a nice area.  The home is walking distance from everything.  It isn’t large (3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom) and only about 1200 square feet, but if they layout is right that is not bad.

Lancaster NY House for Sale

One thing that I like about this property is the garage behind the house that is accessed from the side road. It is close the the neighbor and on a small lot, but it has the nice village feel that so many subdivisions get away from.

Visit: Lancaster NY Home for Sale