Combustion appliances or mechanical systems, including fireplaces, gas stoves and gas heating systems, produce by-products that need to be removed using a system of vents or flues known as an exhaust system.
To function properly, exhaust systems must be free of holes, cracks or rust. They should be installed so that combustion products are carried out of the house before cooling and condensation occurs. (Warm gas is more easily moved from one place to another.)
Proper ventilation also requires enough fresh air entering the system to prevent backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when the combustion gases flow back indoors instead of moving outdoors through the vent or flue. High air pressure outside the house, low air pressure inside the house or improper appliance operation can sometimes impact the effectiveness of vent systems.
Inspecting all visibly accessible parts of exhaust venting systems and testing for backdrafting is part of a general property inspection. A qualified inspector will evaluate the condition of the heating system, the location of master switches, functionality, the type of energy source used and the method of conducting heat throughout the home or business.
A handrail is a support that people can hold on to while going up or down steps. A guardrail is a barrier around decks, landings or balconies that keeps people from falling off.
For safety reasons, handrails and guardrails should be inspected to ensure that they are installed correctly. Inspecting the handrail and guardrail of all interior and exterior stairs is part of a general home inspection. During the inspection, a professional will check stairs for even rise and run, properly separated balustrades, adequate spacing on landings and sufficient headroom.
An inspector will assess each of the exterior and interior staircases for their safety and condition. An inspector will note any areas in need of maintenance and recommend repairs.
National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the Idaho Real Estate Commission for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.
The approved education courses: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" and "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" each account for one hour of continuing education credit.
"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home inspection process and how the setting of customer expectations regarding the conditions of the home and the home inspection process are critical to creating customer satisfaction. "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home's exterior components including siding, roofing, decks, their maintenance requirements and common conditions encountered during home inspections. The course will enhance the agents' and brokers' abilities to interact with customers and home inspectors on issues involving exterior components, which may become a concern to home buyers/sellers during the home selling process.
National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the State of Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate & Professional Training for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.
The approved education courses: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" and "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" each account for one hour of continuing education credit.
"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home inspection process and how the setting of customer expectations regarding the conditions of the home and the home inspection process are critical to creating customer satisfaction. "Exterior Home Inspection Education for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the home's exterior components including siding, roofing, decks, their maintenance requirements and common conditions encountered during home inspections. The course will enhance the agents' and brokers' abilities to interact with customers and home inspectors on issues involving exterior components, which may become a concern to home buyers/sellers during the home selling process.
Foreclosure properties provide new opportunities for home buyers, whether it is for first-time home buyers, home buyers looking for a bigger home or second-home buyers purchasing a vacation home.
There are many improvements and repairs necessary when preparing a foreclosure property. Here are some key areas:
Exterior Paint: Peeling paint is one of the most common problems associated with foreclosure properties. Refreshing the exterior paint as a first step helps attract the interest of renters and buyers to the outside of the home while repairs inside the home are still being completed.
Landscaping: Foreclosure properties may have overgrown lawn, trees and shrubs. A clean and updated landscape can add curb appeal to the property.
Plumbing: Repair leaky faucets and worn parts. Check and repair clogged drains in the bathrooms and kitchen.
Interior walls: Chipped paint and ripped wallpaper are common in foreclosure properties. Removing wallpaper and repainting the interior a neutral color increases the home's appeal.
Most foreclosure homes are sold without a seller's disclosure document. Any history or problems associated with the home are unknown. A property inspector can help pinpoint areas of concern and supply you with essential information regarding the home.
The purpose of guttering is to collect rainwater off a roof and send it away from the house. Inspecting the gutters is a part of a general home inspection.
The first thing an inspector will check is the downspouts. The downspout sections must be solidly connected to each other and to the building to hold the heavy weight of the water running through them. The water flow at the bottom should be diverted away from the building. The NPI inspector will walk under the guttering to observe if any seams appear to be broken.
One of the biggest problems with guttering is the attachments to the house. The inspector will check for sagging gutters, loose gutter strapping or spikes, and clogged gutters. The inspector will note any concerns and recommend repairs.
The kitchen used to be a welcoming place for eating and conversation, but today's kitchen has transformed into more than that. It is a room where cooking and baking meets studying, crafting, social gatherings and more.
Creating an inviting kitchen can make a big difference in a home's overall appeal, and with simple updates, the kitchen can also impact the buying decision.
If the existing cabinet finish is looking distressed, a paint job can turn it around. Make sure the appliances (dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, etc.) match. If the flooring is worn, look to replace it (if the budget allows). An easy way to update the kitchen is by replacing metal features - faucets, kitchen hardware, lighting and outlet covers.
Hiring a qualified inspector to perform a kitchen inspection can help identify any areas of concern. Inspecting the kitchen is just one part of a general NPI home inspection.
Siding is a key part to the exterior inspection. Because siding is highly visible, its condition is a big factor in the salability of the house. Siding is designed to protect the house from rain, snow, wind, cold and/or heat. When it cannot keep the elements out, energy bills sky-rocket and the house structure is exposed to decay.
A qualified property inspector will inspect your home's siding as a part of a general home inspection. An inspector will first note the type of siding on your home (brick, vinyl, stucco, exterior plywood, etc.). A professional will then check the condition of the exterior surface, including the presence/absence of any cracks, blisters, chips, evidence of moisture intrusion and improper installation practices.
Each siding type and style reacts differently to weather conditions and age. A professional will note any areas in need of maintenance and recommend repairs.
National Property Inspections (NPI) offers a new real estate education course approved by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education course is designed to familiarize agents and brokers with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.
The approved education course: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" accounts for one hour of continuing education credit.
"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents with general information regarding a home inspection and the home inspection process.
National Property Inspections (NPI) offers two new real estate education courses approved by the State of Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Real Estate for continuing education credit toward license renewal. The NPI education courses are designed to familiarize agents with the home inspection process and how the process fits into a home sale.
The approved education courses: "Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" and "Prelisting Inspections for Real Estate Professionals" each account for one hour of continuing education credit.
"Home Inspection 101 for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents with general information regarding a home inspection and the home inspection process. "Prelisting Inspections for Real Estate Professionals" educates agents on the purpose of a prelisting inspection and how it impacts the sale.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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