Gregory's Blog

Homeowner Maintenance Schedule

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:03:06 -0500

Consider following a schedule for maintaining your

home. A schedule will serves as a reminder of the

inspections and maintenance you should perform each

month and each season.

The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of

cure" was never more appropriate than when it comes to

maintaining your home.

I've put together some

maintenance pages that you can print out and use as regular

checklists around your home.

Use this maintenance schedule as a guide for maintaining

your home.

A general maintenance schedule lists tasks to perform once a month or as needed.

Seasonal maintenance schedules list tasks to perform in the spring, summer, fall and

winter.

Many items listed on the schedules should be inspected as recommended but will need

only occasional, if any, maintenance. You will soon develop a feel for what tasks should

be performed when.

General Maintenance

Perform every month or as needed

Safety

__ Inspect fire extinguishers to insure they are fully charged.

__ Check automatic garage door opener's safety reverse.

__ Test smoke detectors.

__ Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.

Heating & Cooling

__ Clean or replace air filters when the system is in use for heating or cooling.

__ Vacuum heat registers, vents and radiators .

__ Listen to your system for unusual noises .

Appliances

__ Drain water from bottom of the water heater.

__ Grind ice cubes to clean garbage disposal. Flush with hot water and baking soda.

__ Clean dishwasher strainer and spray arm.

__ Clean range fan's grease filter.

__ Clean frost-free refrigerator's drain and drain pan.

Plumbing

__ Pour water down unused drains .

__ Clean debris from sink and tub drains. Inspect tub drain's rubber seal. Rinse.

__ Clean faucet aerators and shower heads .

Spring
Exterior

__ Inspect roof materials & roof flashings .

__ Clean & inspect gutters & downspouts .

__ Have a chimney sweep clean & inspect chimney after burning season ends.

__ Inspect & clean siding .

__ Inspect vents, chimneys & other protected areas for bird & insect nests.

__ Clean window & door screens. Repair or replace damaged screens.

__ Inspect weatherstripping around doors, windows & garage doors. Repair as necessary.

__ Inspect caulking & re-caulk as necessary.

__ Inspect foundation for cracks, moisture & insects.

__ Clean debris away from home, utility equipment & other structures.

__ Trim trees & shrubs away from home.

__ Inspect wood decks, steps & rails for loose or damaged boards & raised nails.

__ Clean space between boards on wood decks, walks & steps.

Heating & Cooling

__ Have heat pump or air-conditioning system serviced before cooling season begins .

Appliances

__ Inspect water heater's temperature pressure relief valve for signs of leaks or discharge.

__ Replace smoke detector batteries. Vacuum around smoke detector & its sensor .

Summer
Exterior

__ Clean & lubricate garage door hinges, rollers & tracks. Tighten screws.

__ Inspect paint & sealant on exterior & garage doors, particularly along bottom edge.

Interior

__ Inspect walls & ceilings for cracks, bows, sags & leans.

__ Clean & seal tile grout.

Appliances

__ Tighten garbage disposal's drain connections & fasteners.

__ Inspect dishwasher for leaks.

__ Clean range fan blades & housing.

__ Clean & test refrigerator door gasket.

__ Vacuum refrigerator coils.

__ Clean clothes washer's water inlet filters. Inspect hoses for leaks.

__ Vacuum lint from clothes dryer ducts & surrounding areas.

Plumbing

__ Inspect sinks & plumbing shutoff valves for leaks.

__ Test toilets for stability & inspect for leaks.

__ Inspect caulking around sinks, showers & bathtubs. Re-caulk as necessary.

Electrical

__ "Exercise" circuit breakers.

__ Check for frayed appliance cords.

Winter
Exterior

__ Inspect roof after large winter storms.

__ Inspect gutters and downspouts during a rain storm for leaks.

__ Keep gutters clean of ice and debris.

__ Check for drafts along doors and windows. Caulk and repair weatherstripping if

necessary.

Appliances

__ Tighten garbage disposal's drain connections and fasteners.

__ Inspect dishwasher for leaks.

__ Clean range fan blades and housing.

__ Clean and test refrigerator door gasket.

__ Vacuum refrigerator coils.

__ Clean clothes washer's water inlet filters. Inspect hoses for leaks.

__ Vacuum lint from clothes dryer ducts and surrounding areas.

Plumbing

__ Inspect sinks and plumbing shutoff valves for leaks.

__ Test toilets for stability and inspect for leaks.

__ Inspect caulking around sinks, showers & bathtubs. Re-caulk as necessary.

Electrical

__ "Exercise" circuit breakers.

__ Check for frayed appliance cords.

Fall
Exterior

__ Inspect roof materials & roof flashings.

__ Clean & inspect gutters & downspouts.

__ Inspect siding.

__ Inspect caulking & re-caulk as necessary.

__ Inspect foundation for cracks, moisture & insects.

__ Clean debris away from home, utility equipment & other structures.

__ Trim trees & shrubs away from home.

__ Inspect wood decks, steps & rails for loose or damaged boards & raised nails.

__ Clean space between boards on wood decks, walks & steps.

__ Drain water from outdoor faucets & pipes. Remove & store outdoor hoses.

Heating & Cooling

__ Clean ceiling fan blades.

__ Clean bathroom exhaust fan grills & fan blades.

__ Have heating system serviced before the heating season begins.

Appliances

__ Inspect water heater's temperature pressure relief valve for signs of leaks or discharge.

__ Replace smoke detector batteries. Vacuum around smoke detector & its sensor.

Emergencies can strike, despite the best precautions

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 20:03:46 -0500

Emergencies can strike, despite the best precautions. You

can prevent an emergency from becoming a catastrophe

by learning what to do. The first step during an electrical problem, water leak or

gas leak is to shut off the flow of electricity, water or gas

to your home. Every member of your household should

know how to find these shutoff valves and switches.

You should keep basic emergency supplies such as a

portable radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit

and a first-aid manual on hand at all times.

These supplies will be welcomed if a natural disaster occurs. In addition, the first-aid kit

and first-aid manual are good to have on hand for household use.

Emergency Shutoff Valve & Switch Locations

Main water shutoff valves are frequently located near water meters. Your water meter is

likely outside near the street. Main water shutoff valves can also be located inside your

home beneath a floor access panel or in a basement. Floor access panels are commonly

found in closet floors. Look for a large valve in the middle of a pipe.

The main electrical disconnect should be located in or near the circuit panel box. The

circuit panel box should be located in the garage, utility room, utility closet or similar out

of the way location.

If you have natural gas service, the gas shutoff valve will likely be located on the gas

inlet pipe next to the gas meter.

Fire Precautions

Precautions and plans made today can prevent a fire-related tragedy tomorrow. Several

steps for avoiding fire risks are discussed below. What to do if a fire does strike is also

discussed.

Have A Plan Of Escape

The first step during a fire is to get everyone out of the house. Planning your escape

routes now can prevent needless loss of life during a fire.

• Map out escape routes from each room in your home with your family. Pay

particular attention to escape routes from bedrooms.

• Agree on a central area outside your house to meet after evacuation so that

everyone can be accounted for. This may be a neighbor's front door or a

neighborhood landmark. The meeting place should be a place that children or

injured people can reach without undue difficulty and yet still be safe from

danger. Meeting at the designated place can prevent a tragedy caused by not

knowing whether everyone has escaped from the building.

• Have safety ladders near windows, if ladders are needed.

• Smoke detectors are an excellent early warning device. They are your first line of

defense if a fire breaks out at night. Test your detectors on the first day of each

month. Replace the batteries in the spring and fall when you change your clocks.

• Keep stairs, doorways and hallways free from obstructions. In dense smoke, it

may be difficult to see items blocking an escape route.

Fire Extinguisher

Every kitchen should have a multipurpose fire extinguisher. Cooking is a leading cause of

fire. If a fire breaks out in the kitchen, you will want an extinguisher close at hand. If

there is a fire in another part of the home, you will know that an extinguisher can be

found in the kitchen.

Read the operating instructions on the side of the extinguisher now so that you will know

how to use it if needed. Finally, have the extinguisher serviced at the time recommended

by the manufacturer. The manufacturer's service recommendations should be set out on

the side of your fire extinguisher.

Avoiding Fire Risks

As discussed above, cooking is a major cause of fire. Cooking oil can ignite when it

reaches the right temperature. Cooking oil can also splatter and ignite items near the

stove. Pot holders, paper napkins, paper towels, curtains, loose clothes and long hair can

catch fire in this manner. Do not leave frying pans unattended and keep the stove area

clear of clutter.

Cigarette smoking is another leading cause of home fires. Never smoke in bed, do not

rest ashtrays on chair arms and be careful when emptying ashtrays in the trash.

Chimney fires can be avoided by regularly cleaning your chimney. Maintaining your

chimney is discussed at this link. As an additional precaution, do not burn large amounts

of newspaper or other paper in your fireplace or wood stove.

Other fires can be avoided by common sense precautions. Inspect electrical appliances

for frayed wiring. Replace all defective appliance cords. Electrical maintenance and

inspecting appliance cords are discussed at this link. Keep your garage clear of rubbish

and wood shavings. Dispose of oily rags that can ignite by spontaneous combustion.

Store flammable fuels, chemicals and paints outside.

In The Event Of Fire

If a fire breaks out, immediately:

• Get everyone out of the house.

• Meet at the designated area to count heads.

• Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

If you discover a small fire that is still contained to its source, you can do the following:

Cooking pan fire. Cover a small oil or grease fire in a cooking pan with a lid to smother

the flames. Next, turn off heat to the pan. Do not use water on an oil or grease fire. Water

will spread the flames. Turn off the kitchen exhaust fan. The fan can suck fire through the

fan and ignite the outside of your home.

Oven fire. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to burn itself out. Do not open the oven

door - fresh air will feed the fire and cause it to continue to burn.

Electrical fires. Do not use water on an electrical fire. Water and electricity can be fatal.

If you discover an electrical fire early, use a multipurpose fire extinguisher. Otherwise,

get everyone out of the house, meet at the designated area and call the fire department.

Gas Emergencies

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 20:00:29 -0500

Your home may be serviced with natural or bottled gas. Gas is a safe, clean, economical

energy source for appliances such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, dryers, cooktops,

fireplaces and barbecues. Although gas appliances are wonderful conveniences, gas must

be treated with respect.

If you smell gas inside or outside your home, hear gas escaping from a broken line or see

a broken gas line, you should:

Get everyone out of and away from your home immediately.

Call your local gas company or your fire department from a neighbor's house.

Do not light a match, turn a light on or off, use a telephone (portable, cellular or regular)

or operate any electrical switch or electronic device - flames or electric sparks can ignite

the leaking gas.

Leave as many windows and doors open as possible - the gas will rise and dissipate

harmlessly outside.

If the gas leak is inside your home, you can turn off your gas supply at the gas shutoff

valve after everyone is out of the house. If you prefer, you can have your utility company

turn off the gas.

The gas shutoff valve should be located on the pipe leading into the gas meter. Turn the

valve a quarter-turn in either direction with an adjustable-end or "crescent" wrench. The

gas is off when the valve is perpendicular to the pipe.

If the gas leak is outside your home, keep away from the leak area and away from your

house. Do not attempt to shut off the gas supply. Your utility company will turn off the

gas.

Once your gas is off, wait for your local gas company to restore your service.

Electrical Emergencies

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:57:49 -0500

Electrical emergencies such as an appliance malfunction, a power failure in your home or

a neighborhood power outage can occur at any time. Review the information below so

you will know what to do if an electrical emergency strikes.

You should know how to turn off the electrical power to your home and turn off and reset

individual circuit breakers.

If you have the skill to make electrical repairs, turn off the electrical power before

making any repairs. Never work on a live circuit, fixture, receptacle or switch. Shut off

the power first and test the circuit carefully with a circuit tester to be sure the power is

turned off.

Instruction on electrical repairs is beyond the scope of this blog. If you do not have the

skill and experience to make electrical repairs, call a professional electrician for service.

Main Disconnect

Turn off the electrical power to your house by shutting off the main disconnect. The main

disconnect is one or more main fuses or circuit breakers located on the circuit panel.

If the circuit panel is located in a laundry room or some other place where there could be

water on the floor, use rubber gloves when shutting off the main disconnect. Keep a pair

of rubber gloves near the circuit panel at all times for this purpose.

Be sure everyone in your household knows where the circuit breaker panel is located and

can shut off the power.

Power Outage

If the power goes out suddenly in your home, decide whether the outage affects just your

home or the entire neighborhood. If it is a neighborhood outage, notify your electrical

utility.

If the electrical outage affects your home only, check for and reset tripped circuit

breakers. If a breaker immediately trips again, call a professional electrician to test your

electrical system.

Turn off or disconnect all motor-driven and electronic appliances to avoid possible

damage from either inadequate power or a sudden electrical surge when power is

restored. The furnace blower motor can be turned off by turning off the circuit breaker for

the furnace.

Motors for dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, garbage disposals, range fans,

sump pumps, refrigerators and other appliances can be disconnected by turning off or

unplugging the appliance. Computers, televisions, video recorders, stereos and other

electronic equipment should also be turned off. Turn on a radio and a lamp to alert you

when service is restored.

After power has been restored, it should be safe to turn on all appliances. You can retard

food spoilage by not opening refrigerators or freezers during the outage unless absolutely

necessary. Food in a tightly packed freezer will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if the door

has been kept closed. Food in a partially filled freezer may keep for 24 hours. If you are

in doubt about the safety of frozen food after a power outage, throw it out.

Always have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches and a battery-powered

transistor radio handy in case of power failures. Store these items in an accessible place

known to all family members. If any of these items are used for any other purpose, make

sure they are promptly returned. Finally, keep lit candles away from drafts, flammable

objects and children.

Sparking Appliance

Do not touch a smoking or sparking appliance. Instead, cut off power to the appliance by

unplugging the appliance, turning off the wall switch controlling the appliance or turning

off the circuit breaker for the appliance. Allow the appliance to cool, then take it to a

repair shop or call a professional service representative to repair the appliance.

If the appliance catches fire, get everyone out of the house, meet at your designated area

(see link) and call the fire department from a neighbor's home. Do not use water on an

electrical fire, it can be fatal. If you discover an electrical fire early, use a multipurpose

fire extinguisher on the flames.

If an appliance's electrical plug smokes or sparks, unplug the appliance by pulling its

cord. Do not touch the plug itself. After the plug cools, inspect the plug and cord for

damage. If they are damaged, replace the plug and cord or have them replaced by a

professional service representative. Reset any tripped circuit breakers.

If the plug and cord appear to be OK and there are no tripped circuit breakers, the

electrical outlet may be at fault. Test the outlet by plugging another appliance you know

works properly into the receptacle. If that plug sparks too, replace the outlet or have it

replaced by a professional electrician. If the new appliance does not cause sparks, then

the original appliance is probably faulty and should be repaired or replaced.

Plumbing Emergencies

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:48:47 -0500

Emergencies can strike, despite the best precautions. You can prevent an emergency from

becoming a catastrophe by learning what to do.

During plumbing emergencies, the first step is to stop the flow of water immediately. Do

this by turning off the main water shutoff valve or the shutoff valve for the particular

fixture or appliance. You and each member of your family should know the location of

these shutoff valves.

Locating the main water shutoff valve is discussed this link. Shutoff valves for fixtures

and appliances can usually be found underneath sinks and toilets and behind clothes

washers, water heaters and other appliances.

If the emergency is limited to a specific appliance or fixture, look for its shutoff valve

and close the valve by turning clockwise. Turn off the main shutoff valve if the problem

is a leaking pipe or if there is no shutoff valve for the particular fixture or appliance.

Leaks

If a pipe leaks or breaks or if a joint should loosen, turn off the main shutoff valve to

prevent water damage. If you turn off the main water supply, turn off your hot water

heater by turning off the circuit breakers and the gas supply to the hot water heater.

Failure to do so can cause the hot water heater to overheat, damage the heating elements

and injure anyone who unknowingly turns on a hot water faucet.

Next, call a plumber or make temporary repairs yourself to stop the leak. Have the pipe

replaced or the joint resoldered when it is convenient for a professional plumber to do so.

If your washing machine, dishwasher or other water-using appliance appears to leak, first

check to see that the trap through which the appliance drains is completely open.

Sometimes a partially-clogged drain can cause an overflow within the appliance. If the

drain is clear, consult the appropriate appliance repair person.

Frozen Pipes

Pipe insulation and freeze-resistant outside faucets are available to reduce the risk of

freezing. Even with these products, problems can still occur.

If a pipe should freeze, thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot

water. Heating the pipe slowly may prevent the pipe from breaking. Do not heat the pipe

with a torch. This has been the cause of many fires.

To prevent frozen pipes, drain water from outdoor faucets and pipes, remove and store

outdoor hoses and never leave your home unheated during cold weather.

Clogged Drains

When the drain pipe from a tub, sink, shower or water-using appliance becomes clogged,

turn off the faucet or appliance that flows into the drain.

Next, try to remove the obstruction with a rubber plunger. The rubber cup of the plunger

should cover the drain opening and the water should come well up over the edge of the

cup. Work the plunger up and down rhythmically 10 to 20 times in succession to build up

pressure in the pipe. This does more good than sporadic plunges.

If the plunger does not work, call a plumber. Do not attempt using a snake or other tools.

They can damage expensive fixtures. Never use drain cleaner to open a totally clogged

drain. It will mix with the water to form a caustic solution.

Clogged Toilet

If a toilet overflows, stop the water flow by reaching inside the toilet tank and pushing

the tank stopper down into its valve seat. Hold until the tank fills and the water stops.

Next, turn off the shutoff valve underneath the toilet or turn off the main water shutoff

valve. Unclog the toilet.

A clogged toilet should be treated almost the same as a clogged drain. The trap is built

into the toilet and is therefore less accessible. Try to unclog the drain with a plunger. If

that does not work, call a plumber.

Faucet Malfunction

If a faucet won't shut off, turn off the water at the shutoff valve underneath the sink

immediately. If there is no valve, turn off the main water supply shutoff valve. Call a

plumber or repair the faucet yourself. There are a number of plumbing repair books on

the market for do-it-yourselfers.

You should not attempt to repair cartridge faucets yourself. These faucets are

exceptionally advanced and quite expensive. Call a professional plumber if you have any

problems with a cartridge faucet.

If steaming water flows from a hot water faucet, do not touch the hot water faucet. Leave

the faucet running. Turn off the electricity or gas supply to the hot water heater. Let the

faucet run until cold water flows from the faucet (the water in the hot water heater is no

longer overheated), then call a plumbing professional to repair the faucet or the hot water

heater's thermostat .

Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:48:50 -0500

Q.	Why should I have a home inspection?
A.	A home purchase is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. A home inspection provides you with the information you need to feel more confident in your decision. Our inspection will provide you with a detailed, objective report of the home's condition so you can be aware of what you are about to invest in.

Q.	How long does the inspection take?
A.	A typical inspection of a property less than 2,000 square feet lasts approximately two and a half hours.

Q.	Do I need to be present at the time of the inspection?
A.	Yes, it is to the buyer or seller's benefit to be present at the time of the inspection. The point of a home inspection is not just to inspect the property, but also to educate the homeowner or potential buyer of the condition of the property. This can be better achieved if you are present at the time of the inspection.

Q.	How will the inspection help me determine the condition of the home?
A.	During the course of the inspection, the inspector will explain the condition of the property. After the inspection, the inspector will provide you with your home inspection report so that you can make an informed decision on purchasing or listing the property.

Q.	What is included in the report ?
A.	The inspector will provide you with a fully detailed report. The report outlines all major areas of the home including heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roofing and more. The report may also contain a complete do-it-yourself home repair manual as well as additional information that is beneficial to you as a homeowner.

Being Present During Inspections

It is important that you, as a homebuyer, be present during the two to three hour inspection. By accompanying the inspector you will gain additional insight.

•· See first hand the condition of each key component throughout the house and property so you will have a better understanding of your house and of the inspection report.

•· Allay concerns about findings which, on paper may seem distressing buy in fact may be superficial. For example, the inspector might explain that some lubricant can quiet an alarming noise coming from an appliance; that an unsightly column needs only a coat of paint, or that the problem that caused a water spot has previously been corrected.

•· Learn about the operation of your new home-how the heating system works, how to control pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances and components, where shutoffs are to save time and avoid frustration. The inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and when to check items needing periodic monitoring.

•· Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise.

Prior to the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relate these to the inspection company in advance to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed and that any special arrangements can be made if necessary. Bring your list to the inspection.

1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC

http://homeinspectorguy.com/

Overview:

At 1st Choice Inspection if you are searching for an inspector, we understand that you have many choices. That is why I would like to explain to you why I am the best choice for your home inspector. I realize that this home, or building, you are purchasing is a huge investment, and it is my job to do my best to protect you from major defects. My goal is to be prepared when I arrive at the home and to be proud to represent you. I will record all my findings for you, help you understand the implications of the findings, and direct you as necessary to a corrective resolution. My report is computer generated with digital pictures, and arrows pointing to any problems. The report is clear and easy to understand. I will make every effort to discover and report any defects or areas of concern to you. After you review your report, you will feel confident that I was thorough and had your best interest in mind. For personalized service, please call 1st Choice Inspection to schedule an appointment.

Expertise:

· Home Inspections
· New Construction Phase Inspections
· Pre-Drywall Inspections
· Radon Measurement
· Radon Mitigation

Areas Served:

· Apex,NC
· Cary,NC
· Raleigh,NC
· Holly Springs,NC
· Morrisville,NC
· Durham,NC

· Chapel Hill,NC
· Fuquay Varina,NC
· Pittsboro,NC
· Clayton,NC
· Garner,NC
· Triangle

Affiliations:

· Member National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
· Member North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association
· Associate Member Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors
· Member American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists
· Certified by National Environmental Health Association National Radon Proficiency Program

Community Involvement:

· Knights of Columbus

Common Home Inspection Defects

Gregory Allen - Apex NC Home Inspector (1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:53:44 -0500

Roofing Defects:
Problems with roofing material, either due to aging and wear or to improper installation are likely to be found in the majority of homes. This does not mean that most roofs are in need of replacement, but rather that most are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.

Ceiling Stains, Indicating Past or Current Roof Leaks:
The problem here is that you often can't tell if the roof still leaks, unless it is inspected on a rainy day. Some stains are merely the residual effects of leaks that have been repaired. There is also the possibility that ceiling stains were caused by a former plumbing leak in the attic.

Water Intrusion:
Water intrusion into basements or crawlspaces due to ground water conditions: Such problems can be pervasive, difficult to resolve, and sometimes very damaging to buildings. Correction can be as simple as regrading the exterior grounds or adding roof gutters. Unfortunately, major drainage improvements are often the only practical solutions, requiring costly ground water systems such as French drains designed by experts such as geotechnical engineers.

Electrical Safety Hazards:
Electrical safety hazards, especially (but not always) in older homes: Examples are ungrounded outlets, lack of ground fault interrupters (shock protection devices), faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building, etc. Such problems may be the result of errors at the time of construction, but very often they are due to wiring that was added or altered by persons other than qualified electricians.

Rotten Wood:
Rotted wood at building exteriors and at various plumbing fixtures: In places where wood stays wet for long periods, such as roof eaves, exterior trim, of decks, around tubs and showers, or below loose toilets, fungus infection is very likely to attack, resulting in a condition commonly known as dryrot. If left unchecked, damage can become quite extensive.

Building Violations Where Additions and Alterations Were Constructed without Permits:
Homeowners will often tell a home inspector, "We added the garage without a permit, but it was all done to code." This statement is a red flag to most home inspectors, because no one could possibly know the entire building code, and the average person without professional involvement with the code is likely to know very little of it. Whenever an owner offers code assurance, I know that problems are likely to be found.

Unsafe Fireplace and Chimney Conditions:
These can range from lack of maintenance, such as neglecting to hire a chimney sweep, to faulty installation of fixtures. Most common among these are the lack of spark arrestors and substandard placement of wood-burning stoves. Free-standing fireplaces are typically installed by home owners and handymen, people without an adequate knowledge of fire safety requirements. The most common violations in these cases involve insufficient clearance between hot metal surfaces and combustible materials within the building. Fire hazards of this kind are often concealed in attics, where they remain undiscovered until a roof fire occurs.

Faulty Installation of Water Heaters:
In most localities, less than 5% of all water heaters are installed in full compliance with plumbing code requirements. Violations can include inadequate strapping, improperly installed overflow piping, unsafe flue conditions, or faulty gas piping. It should also be remembered that today's water heaters are designed to have shorter longevity than in times of yore. In fact, leaks can develop in units that are only five years old.

Hazardous Conditions Involving Gas Heaters:
Most gas-fueled heaters are in need of some maintenance, if only the changing of an air filter or a long-overdue review by the gas company. In some cases, however, gas heaters contain life-threatening defects that can remain undiscovered until too late. These can range from fire safety violations to the venting of carbon monoxide into the building. A cracked firebox, for example, can remain undiscovered unless found by an expert or until tragic consequences occur.

Firewall Violations In Garages:
Special fire-resistive construction is required for walls and doors that separate a garage from a dwelling. Violations are common, either due to faulty construction, damage or alterations to the garage interior, or changes in code requirements since the home was built. In older homes, where firewalls are not installed, sellers and agents will often say that the building predates the code. However, the fire separation requirement for residential garages dates back to 1927.

COMPANY PROFILE: 1st Choice Inspection Services, LLC

http://homeinspectorguy.com/

Overview:

At 1st Choice Inspection if you are searching for an inspector, we understand that you have many choices. That is why I would like to explain to you why I am the best choice for your home inspector. I realize that this home, or building, you are purchasing is a huge investment, and it is my job to do my best to protect you from major defects. My goal is to be prepared when I arrive at the home and to be proud to represent you. I will record all my findings for you, help you understand the implications of the findings, and direct you as necessary to a corrective resolution. My report is computer generated with digital pictures, and arrows pointing to any problems. The report is clear and easy to understand. I will make every effort to discover and report any defects or areas of concern to you. After you review your report, you will feel confident that I was thorough and had your best interest in mind. For personalized service, please call 1st Choice Inspection to schedule an appointment.

Expertise:

· Home Inspections
· New Construction Phase Inspections
· Pre-Drywall Inspections
· Radon Measurement
· Radon Mitigation

Areas Served:

· Apex,NC
· Cary,NC
· Raleigh,NC
· Holly Springs,NC
· Morrisville,NC
· Durham,NC

· Chapel Hill,NC
· Fuquay Varina,NC
· Pittsboro,NC
· Clayton,NC
· Garner,NC
· Triangle

Community Involvement:

· Knights of Columbus