| |
home inspector: Anti-Tip Brackets for Freestanding Ranges - 01/08/10 11:59 AM
Anti-tip brackets are metal devices designed to prevent freestanding ranges from tipping. They are normally attached to a rear leg of the range or screwed into the wall behind the range, and are included in all installation kits. A unit that is not equipped with these devices may tip over if enough weight is applied to its open door, such as that from a large Thanksgiving turkey, or even a small child. A falling range can crush, scald, or burn anyone caught beneath.
Bracket Inspection
Inspectors can confirm the presence of anti-tip brackets through the following methods:
It may be possible to see a wall-mounted … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Collar Ties vs. Rafter Ties - 01/08/10 11:53 AM
Collar ties and rafter ties are both horizontal roof-framing members, each with different purposes and requirements. Collar TiesCollar ties are designed to tie together the tops of opposing rafters. This helps brace the roof framing against uplift caused by wind. Collar ties must be placed in the upper third of the roof. Other facts about collar ties:
They may or may not be required, depending on jurisdiction. InterNACHI inspectors should not call out lack of collar ties as a defect unless they know that collar ties were required in the jurisdiction in which the home is located at the time the … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Water Heater/TPR Valves and Discharge Piping - 04/06/09 06:45 PM
TPR (temperature pressure relief) valves are safety devices installed on water heating appliances such as boilers and domestic water supply heaters. TPRs are designed to automatically release water in the event that pressure or temperature in the water tank exceeds safe levels. If temperature sensors and safety devices such as TPRs malfunction, water in the system may become superheated (exceed the boiling point). Once the tank ruptures and water is exposed to the atmosphere it will expand into steam almost instantly and occupy approximately 1,600 times its original volume. This process can propel a heating tank like a rocket through … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Dryer Vent Safety - 04/06/09 06:40 PM
Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is provided by an electrical heating element or gas burner. Some heavy garment loads can contain more than a gallon of water, which during the drying process will become airborne water vapor and leave the dryer and home through an exhaust duct (more commonly known as a dryer vent). A vent that exhausts moist air to the home exterior has a number of requirements:
It should be connected. The connection is usually behind the dryer but may be … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Bathroom Ventilation Ducts and Fans - 04/06/09 06:36 PM
Fan Function Bathroom ventilation systems are designed to exhaust odors and moist air to the home exterior. Typical systems consist of a ceiling fan unit connected to a duct that terminates at the roof. The fan may be controlled in one of several ways:
Most are controlled by a conventional wall switch A timer switch may be mounted on the wall A wall-mounted humidistat can be pre-set to turn the fan on and off based on different levels of relative humidity Newer fans may be very quiet but work just fine. Older fans may be very noisy or very … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Maintaining Your Water Heater - 02/24/09 02:26 PM
Most people don't give any thought to their water heater-they just turn on the faucet and expect hot water to come out. Keep your water heater in peak operating condition by performing some simple routine maintenance.
One step you can take is to drain your tank. How often you need to do this depends upon the sediment buildup you are getting in your tank. Some experts recommend draining once a year. I recommend draining your tank once, and checking sediment buildup. Check it six months or a year later and compare the amount of build up to your previous amount. This … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Do Your Granite Countertops Emit Radon? - 12/27/08 10:21 PM
There have been suggestions that granite countertops could emit radon gas. As with so many things, the answer depends on whom you ask. The Environmental Protection Agency "does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels." Read more about their position on this issue here. The Marble Institute of America says in a white paper "that radon levels associated with natural stone countertops in homes are low in comparison to background levels of exposure and natural stone is a minor contributor compared to other sources of radon … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Can mold cause health problems? - 08/19/08 07:55 AM
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances.
Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly … (1 comments)
|
home inspector: Our Promise & Commitment to You - 08/18/08 07:56 AM
Choosing the right Certified Home, Commercial & Mold Inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals, you probably will not get to meet me until after you hire me. Different Home, Commercial & Mold Inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes different pricing. One thing for sure is that a comprehensive visual Home Inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately a thorough Home, Commercial & Mold Inspection depends heavily on the individual Inspector's qualifications and own effort. Our knowledge, experience, expertise, engineering background and construction (residential & commercial) set us apart from the average inspector. If you honor HOME INSPECTOR … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: What Really Matters - 07/26/08 07:23 PM
Buying a Home? Why you need a visual Comprehensive Home Inspection? The inspection is a visual analysis to detect major defects and deficiencies associated with the property on the time and day of the inspection. The process can be stressful. A Comprehensive visual Home Inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short period of time. This often includes a comprehensive written Home Inspection report, punch list, digital photographs, environmental reports, and what the Home Inspector himself says during the Home Inspection. … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: Hot Water and How to Heat It - 07/26/08 07:13 PM
There are several water-heating options available to you. While you are taking steps to save on home heating, don't forget to see what you can do to lower your water heating costs. Check with your fuel supplier for more information, and consider alternatives to your current method.
Storage-type water heaters Most homes have storage-type water heaters in which water in a tank is heated by a gas or oil burner or by electric elements. Traditional storage heaters have been improved with such features as through-the-wall venting for combustion units and better insulation, making them less expensive to operate. Units designed … (0 comments)
|
home inspector: HOW HOT IS TOO HOT! - 07/25/08 09:08 PM
We have all heard to set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But why? Temperatures above 120 degrees are great for washing dishes. Safety is the reason and high temperature water is a serious hazard. Following is information about how long it takes for high temperature water to produce severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns on adult skin:
· 160 degrees F. - about 1/2 second
· 150 degrees F. - about 1 1/2 seconds
· 140 degrees F. - less than 5 seconds
· 130 degrees F. - about 30 seconds
· 120 degrees F. … (2 comments)
|
|
|
|
|
|
John M. Acaron, BSME, CHI, CMI
Santa Rosa Beach,
FL
More about me…
HOMEINSPECTORUSA, LLC
Address: P.O. Box 9354, Panama City Beach, Fl, 32408
Office Phone: (850) 814-3889
Cell Phone: (850) 814-3889
Email Me
Commercial & Mold Inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes different pricing. One thing for sure is that a comprehensive visual Home Inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately a thorough Home, Commercial & Mold Inspection depends heavily on the individual Inspector's qualifications and own effort. Our knowledge, experience, expertise, engineering background and construction (residential & commercial) set us apart from the average inspector.
If you honor HOME INSPECTOR USA, LLC (HIUSA) by permitting us to inspect your prospective home or property, I guarantee that we will give you our very best effort.
 Links
Archives
|
;)
;)
