NPI NPI's (npistoulil) Blog

Question: What is a brick veneer?Answer: When a single course of brick is used as a decorative exterior over a wood or other frame, it is a veneer. Its purpose is the same as any other type of siding - to protect the structure from water intrusion, pests and weather.Brick may also be used as a so...

Question: What is finish grade and why is it important?Answer: Finish grade is the surface elevation of the ground. In home inspections it can be referred to as lot grading. The grade, or height, and slope of surface materials surrounding a structure is important because water from precipitation ...

Question: I have young children, and I am worried about water temperatures in my new home. Is that something an inspector checks?Answer: Yes, a home inspector will test the water temperature and volume as part of a general home inspection. The inspector uses a thermometer, usually held under the ...

Question: What's the difference between fuses and breakers?Answer: Fuses and breakers have the same job. When installed properly, they help protect the home and occupants from electrical fires by shutting off power to a circuit when an overload on the wiring is detected. Both are acceptable devic...

Question: Will you inspect decks during a general property inspection or are those considered accessory structures?Answer: At NPI, we follow industry standards which include attached decks as well as attached garages, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and associated railings as part of the genera...

Question: I know you inspect the heater, but do you also inspect thermostats?Answer: Thermostats monitor the temperature of the living or working areas of your property, controlling when the heating or heating and cooling systems turn on and off. Proper operation keeps indoor temperatures comfort...

Question: I can see a small crack in the block foundation in the back of my home. Is cracking common?Answer: Cracking is one of the most common areas of concern found in a foundation inspection. Its significance to the integrity of the home or other structure depends on the length, width and dept...

Question: How often should I clean out my gutters?Answer: Gutters should be kept free of plant material, dirt and debris at all times to allow water to travel freely to the downspouts and splash guards. How often you will have to remove debris to keep the channel open depends on nearby vegetation...

Question: What are flashings and why are they important to the design of my roof?Answer: Flashings on the roof provide weather tight conditions at seams, intrusions and junctions on pitched roof designs. No matter what material is used for covering the roof, leaks will occur if flashing is not in...

Question: I understand that having more than two layers of asphalt shingles is considered defective no matter what the age of the top layer, why?Answer: Adding new layers of asphalt shingles over old can reduce the useful life of the shingles or even the roof itself in several ways: Added layers ...