inspections: Plumbing
- 09/05/08 01:35 AM
A typical home plumbing system includes three fundamental components: the water supply system, the fixtures and appliances, and the drain system. The plumbing system's water supply includes piping for fresh water coming in and wastewater going out. The proper flow of water through both systems is an essential part of maintaining a well-functioning home. Assessing the system for overall condition and visible leaks is part of any home inspection. Only visible and accessible water supply (and drain) components within a structure are typically subject to inspection because underground or hidden portions of the system that are not readily accessbile are specifically excluded. The pipes … (0 comments)
inspections: Inspecting Decks
- 07/25/08 06:52 AM
When inspecting exterior structures like decks, consider condition and safety. Alerting clients to possible safety issues can be especially important on move-in day when the extra knowledge could prevent a fall. The visual inspection of a deck can include: supports, attachments, stairs, a floor, handrails, skirts, guardrails and spindles, among other things. Although regulations for height and width (or rise and run) of steps change by location, the general goal is ease of use. To avoid tripping hazards, steps should be uniform and level. This is also true of decking material. Warped boards or a settled porch can increase the chance … (0 comments)
inspections: Air Conditioning
- 06/18/08 03:22 AM
An electric heat pump is a unique device. It doesn't burn fuel; it transfers heat from the outside to the inside for heating purposes then does just the opposite for cooling purposes (also known as the air-conditioning mode). There are two units to check - an indoor unit that's coupled with a forced-air system and an outdoor unit. A certified inspector can provide you with a visual inspection of the air-conditioning unit. The outdoor unit is the most vulnerable because it has to operate in all types of weather. The first thing an inspector will note is where the unit is located. It … (1 comments)
inspections: Roofing Maintenance
- 06/18/08 02:28 AM
If you think about it, a roof system is one of the most exposed areas of a building's exterior. Wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet and ultraviolet radiation all affect the roof. Maintaining your roof is crucial, and if not done, your roof will have sub-standard performance. Performance is based on several factors including quality of materials, design, proper installation and a strong maintenance program. Roof maintenance is crucial and required in order to prevent problems. Early identification of problems could save you from more serious issues in the long run. James Kirby, associate director of the National Roofing Contractors Association, suggests … (0 comments)
inspections: Testing Water Temperature in Your Home
- 07/20/07 08:24 AM
Protecting young children and others from burning themselves in hot water is important, and you may have more control than you think. Many water heaters have a manual temperature setting. Water temperatures over 120 degrees F can cause scalding. That's why a water temperature assessment is an important part of a general home inspection. A water temperature assessment has two parts. The inspector uses a thermometer, usually held under the water in the shower, while operating at least one other water fixture, to determine any significant changes in water temperature. First, the temperature in the shower is adjusted to about 105 degrees F. Then … (0 comments)
inspections: Baking Cookies for Open Houses
- 03/16/07 09:30 AM
If your home is for sale, the route to finding a buyer means making someone else feel like home. Many agents suggest baking cookies prior to an open house, not always an easy order on tight timetables. It's also not impossible. You can always buy the pre-made cookies available in from the refrigerated section in the grocery store. Throw the cookies on the pan, and bake. However, store-bought, refrigerated cookies can be expensive and may expire before you need them. Another option is to make a big batch of your family's favorite drop cookies and freeze the batter in cookie-sized pieces. The … (2 comments)
inspections: A Test at Home
- 12/21/06 06:52 AM
Sink food disposals are great aren't they? Put extra food down it and, poof, gone forever, right. Well, out of sight, maybe isn't always out of mind. For those with septic tanks, a disposal may mean more solids and more frequent pumping. Wastewater treatment plant operators aren't fond of having to disintegrate all those food products either. And how about the smell when something doesn't get ground up enough? Yuck.After searching a bit on the web recently, I saw a few tips for cleaning disposals that seemed to pop up again and again. The top one was citrus juice and baking soda. … (0 comments)
A typical home plumbing system includes three fundamental components: the water supply system, the fixtures and appliances, and the drain system. The plumbing system's water supply includes piping for fresh water coming in and wastewater going out. The proper flow of water through both systems is an essential part of maintaining a well-functioning home. Assessing the system for overall condition and visible leaks is part of any home inspection.
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