http://activerain.com/blogs/pasndlin en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/2694006/what-s-wrong-with-aluminum-wiring <p><img title="Aluminum Wiring" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/2/2/3/ar132580900732202.JPG" height="150" alt="charlotte home inspector shows aluminum wiring" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Aluminum wiring is more prone to start a fire than copper wire due to some inherent properties in the metal.<span style="">  </span>In this discussion it is important to realize that we are talking about single strand aluminum wire used for 110/120 circuits as opposed to the multi-strand 220/240 aluminum wire.<span style="">   </span>The single strand wire was used from 1965 to 1974.<span style="">  </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">One of the problems with the aluminum wire is that it has a higher resistance to electricity than copper does. This higher resistence cause heat to build up with obviously is a problem.<span style="">  </span>This problem is compounded by the fact that aluminum is more valuable than copper.<span style="">  </span>Sometimes when the wire is connected or screw is tightened down it changes the diameter of the wire.<span style="">  </span>Also the wire can expand or move on its on creating a loose connection which causes heat to build up.<span style="">  </span>Another problem with aluminum is that it is much more susceptible to oxidation and corrosion than is its copper counterpart.<span style="">  </span>It's exposure to the elements has to be limited.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">So now that you know the hazards associated with single strand aluminum wiring used in houses built between 1965 and 1974 what can be done to reduce some of the hazards?<span style="">  </span>Well the ultimate would be to rewire the house but the cost might not make that practical on a grand scale.<span style="">   </span>One way to reduce the risk is to add copalum crimped copper wires at the connections.<span style="">  </span>Amp Inc makes such a crimp.<span style="">  </span>Other solutions that aren't universally approved include the use of anti oxidant paste at the connections, pig tailing to copper wires with a twist on connector, and or the removal of any combustible material at the connections.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Single strand aluminum wiring is more prone to overheat than copper wiring due to inherent properties in the metal.<span style="">  </span></span><a href="http://www.bestcharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Home inspectors</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> like </span><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; color: #800080;">Home inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> look for aluminum wiring in houses they inspect that were built between 1965 and 1974.<span style="">  </span>If your house is identified as having aluminum wiring it is not a deal killer.<span style="">  </span>After all most housing periods have something if not another to look for.<span style="">  </span>It could be asbestos, polybutylene piping and even EFIS.<span style="">  </span>There are practical was to fix the aluminum wiring but </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Home inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> recommends that you consult an electrician first.</span></span></p> <p> </p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:20:54 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2694006/what-s-wrong-with-aluminum-wiring http://activerain.com/blogsview/2681620/charlotte-home-inspector-explains-gfci-outlets <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>A GFCI outlet may be wired in a branch circuit, which means other</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>outlets and electrical devices may share the same circuit and breaker</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>(or fuse). When a properly wired GFCI trips, the other devices down</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>the line from it will also lose power. Note that devices on the circuit</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>that come before the GFCI are not protected and are not affected</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>when the GFCI is tripped. If the GFCI outlet is improperly wired, none</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>the other loads, upstream nor downstream are be protected.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>If you have an outlet that doesn't work, and the breaker is not tripped,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>look for a GFCI outlet which may have tripped. The non-working outlet</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>may be down line from a GFCI outlet. Note that the affected outlets</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>may not be located near the GFCI outlet, they may be several rooms</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>away or even on a different floor.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>GFCI outlets should be tested periodically, at least once a year. A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>GFCI outlet has a "Test" and a "Reset" button. Pressing the "Test"</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>button will trip the outlet and break the circuit. Pressing the "Reset"</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>will restore the circuit. If pressing the test button does not work, then</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>replace the GFCI outlet. If the outlet does pop when you press the</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span>"Test" button, but the outlet still has power, the outlet is miswired. A</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>miswired outlet is dangerous and it should be fixed immediately.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span>  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span>  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span>  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span>  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span>  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> <p> </p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:09:11 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2681620/charlotte-home-inspector-explains-gfci-outlets http://activerain.com/blogsview/2651449/charlotte-home-inspector-reveals-bad-ac-unit <p><img title="bad ac unit on Charlotte Inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/8/5/9/ar132404997495883.JPG" height="150" alt="bad ac unit on Charlotte Inspection" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a>Charlotte home inspector</a> Preston Sandlin was inspecting a home on Vintage Ln when he noticed rust coming down the right side of the house.<span style="">  </span>He knew right away what the problem was.<span style="">  </span>The primary condensation line was clogged causing the condensation to fill the catch pan filled with water and drained down the right side of the house.<span style="">  </span>After awhile the pan began to rust and then the water coming out being rusty stained the side of the house.<span style="">  </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">This will have to be repaired soon as the pan will eventually rust through and then the condensation water will come through the ceiling.<span style="">  </span>We recommend cleaning out the condensation line and replacing the metal pan with a plastic pan.<span style="">  </span>You might ask what causes this problem.<span style="">  </span>Basically it is because someone did not change their filter. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you are moving the Charlotte NC area and will be needing one of the thorough home inspections you can get call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.<span style="">  </span>You can call or schedule online 24 hours day online at Home Inspection Carolina.</span></p> <p> </p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:53:09 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2651449/charlotte-home-inspector-reveals-bad-ac-unit http://activerain.com/blogsview/2650654/charlotte-home-inspector-on-hgtv-my-first-sale <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tHGKX4fP8BU" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><p>Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin was recently on HGTV's My First Sale. The Cornelius sellers were selling their home to move up and take their kids out of daycare. They had an offer but there was siding issue that the Charlotte home inspector found and there was an issue with the dog next store that kept barking and was a little on the mean side. The first buyers decided not to move forward. I didn't kill the deal Preston said, It was the dog. Fortunately another buyer came along and bought the house and they weren't even concerned with the siding issue</p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:36:01 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2650654/charlotte-home-inspector-on-hgtv-my-first-sale http://activerain.com/blogsview/2574939/before-you-move-in- <p><img title="dryer outlet" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/7/1/5/ar131971797551703.JPG" height="150" alt="dryer outlet" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>So you have bought the new house and picked out the colors and the window treatments, you had the home inspected and the repairs have been made are you ready to move in?  Well one thing you might not realize is that there are about four diferent types of dyer plugs out there and depending on the year your house was built and the year your dryer was manufactured they may or may not match up.  What can you do?  Actually it's a pretty easy fix as you can go to Lowes or Home Depot an buy the chord that will fit your plug.  Installing it on the dryer is a simple affair as it has four wires that are color coded and can be easilly installed with a small screwdriver.  You just want to make sure you know which one of the four your plug is before you go to the store and don't do like i did and have to buy all of them and take back the one's that it's not.  At Home Inspection Carolina we actually take a picture of your outlet so you will know which chord to buy.  It is some much easier to install before you move the dryer in.</p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">There are many home inspection companies you can choose from when you need a home inspector in Charlotte NC.  Let me tell you why </span><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> is your best choice.  These guys have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  They fix the small things like rubbing doors and sticking windows instead of putting them on the home inspection report like other home inspectors.  They have a preinspection program designed to help you sell your house by offering you a discount on the inspection and providing you with multiple copies of the report to give out.  They also put out a just inspected sign in the yard of your Charlotte NC home.  </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/charlottehomeinspector"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> then sends out a "just inspected" email to their data base.  They like to think of it as a premarketing inspection instead of a prelisting inspection.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Two new things that </span><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> has started doing are home maintenance videos and customer coupons.  They have a large library of home maintenance videos on youtube so they link to these within the appropriate points in the report.  They also have established relationships with many vendors and contractors that allow them to give coupons to their home inspection clients.  The idea is to provide am entertainment book or citi pass book for new homeowners.  These are just some of the benefits of using Home Inspection Carolina.  If you are buying a home near Charlotte NC call them today.  </span></p> <p><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">(704) 542-6575</span></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:59:08 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2574939/before-you-move-in- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2616384/charlotte-home-inspector-reveals-no-1-cause-of-hvac-problems <p><a href="http://charlottesbestinspector.com/" title="Charlottes best inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector</a> Preston Sandlin finds a multitude of problems at most homes where he inspects most homes.  One of the most common problems he finds on HVAC systems is dirty filters.  When the filters are dirty they will clog and bend in.  When this happens dirty air is introduced to the system.  With this dirty air introduced to the system it cam clog the AC coil and cause the condensation line to back up and overflow.  This is why it so important to change your filters on a regular basis. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span>  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span>  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span>  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span>  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span>  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:53:01 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2616384/charlotte-home-inspector-reveals-no-1-cause-of-hvac-problems http://activerain.com/blogsview/2546748/the-downside-of-sealed-crawl-spaces <p><img title="termites in seal crawl" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/9/5/4/ar131808467245965.JPG" height="150" alt="termites in sealed crawl space" width="200" style="float: left;"><img title="termites in sealed crawl 2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/8/4/7/ar131808476574864.JPG" height="150" alt="termite in sealed crawl 2" width="200" style="float: right;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Scott Walker was inspecting a 4 year old home Friday with a sealed crawl space when he found active termites coming up behind the walls of the insulation of the foundation wall.  Normally termite treatements involve trenching treating an rodding the inner and outer foundation walls as well as drilling and treating each of the piers with hollow voids.  The problem with the sealed crawl are that this type of treatment now becomes impossible without taking down some of the plastic compromising the sealing.</p> <p>With that being said I have to say I am a big fan of sealed crawl spaces.  I have seen hopelessly wet moldy crawl spaces transformed to dry clean safe crawl clean enough to eat off of.  Also being a home inspector I would much rather crawl a sealed crawl space much rather than one that was not.  There is a downside to the sealed crawl space though.  If they get termites it become very hard to treat but it is possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span style="">  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span style="">  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span style="">  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span style="">  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span style="">  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:42:45 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2546748/the-downside-of-sealed-crawl-spaces http://activerain.com/blogsview/2544995/i-ate-the-last-home-inspector <p><img title="snake found on charlotte home inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/8/9/2/ar131798857829827.JPG" height="150" alt="snake found on charlotte home inspection" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte home inspector Chip Sprague got quite a surprized when he did his inspection off Rocky River Rd today near Concord NC.  He was performing his normal routine checking along the crawl space foundation wall when out pops this large king snake who was not to happy to have an intruder in his crawl space.  Chip said after he regained his composure to get his camera out and take a picture the snake was about 7ft long and about 2-3 inches in diameter at his thickest.  Chip said "You know that thing they alows say about them being more afraid of you then you are of them?  Well that's a lie"  The potential buyers say they are not moving forward on this deal until Critter Control has come out and freed the crawl space of any and all snakes and screens are put on the crawl space vents.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span style="">  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span style="">  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span style="">  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span style="">  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span style="">  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:16 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2544995/i-ate-the-last-home-inspector http://activerain.com/blogsview/2543321/do-termite-sheilds-work <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/3/4/9/ar131790129994303.JPG" height="150" alt="" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin has been in over 20000 crawl spaces.  He has seen a lot in his over 15 years of being a home inspector in Charlotte NC.  He has seen damage to crawl spaces and crazy repairs.  By far the most damage done to crawl spaces is done by water and termites.  Termites come from the ground and have to return to the ground for moisture.  There are several ways or attempts to stop termites.  Some work and some don't.  On theing that they used to use back in the 1950's and 1960's is the termite sheild.  The termite sheild was this sheet metal sheild that went over the top of the foundation.  It was thought that the termites tunneling up from the ground would hit the sheild and then stop.  It was a nice idea but it didn't work.  Termite will either find the seam or just tunnel around the sheild like they did in this picture here.  If you need a termite inspection or a home inspection and are considering moving to Charlotte, Waxhaw, Monroe, Gastonia, or Lake Norman give Home Inspection Carolina a try.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span style="">  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span style="">  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span style="">  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span style="">  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span style="">  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:48:00 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2543321/do-termite-sheilds-work http://activerain.com/blogsview/2524087/what-is-the-biggest-home-buyer-mistake- <p><img title="charlotte nc home buyer" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/8/6/4/ar131689708046826.jpg" height="122" alt="charlotte nc home buyer" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>What is the biggist mistak tha buyers make when purchasing a new home?  It is choosing the wrong home inspector and getting stuck with the money pit.  So how do you avoid this mistake and choose the wright home inspector?</p> <p>1. Find out how long the inspector has been in business.  A bad home inspector cannot last for long in this business.</p> <p>2. Look for reviews or <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&amp;sugexp=pfwc&amp;cp=4&amp;gs_id=d&amp;xhr=t&amp;qe=Y2hhcg&amp;qesig=SUsksW3UXjRtvMIzpq_4nA&amp;pkc=AFgZ2tmOYYO3mfx64EFDSg0ICCmvCQIuKlH0oRLeprfmHevN5RQiDneqBOMei_dbjMqX6fsIKhuGeRw4Szwofobdw7aqMt-RVQ&amp;gs_upl=&amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&amp;biw=1280&amp;bih=625&amp;wrapid=tljp131689621878106&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;q=charlotte+home+inspector&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hq=home+inspector&amp;hnear=0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164,Charlotte,+NC&amp;cid=2803848549035490090&amp;ei=3D1-TuqkIY65tgfDg9BN&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=local_result&amp;ct=placepage-link&amp;resnum=1&amp;sqi=2&amp;ved=0CGgQ4gkwAA">surveys on the inspector at google places</a>, yahoo, kudzu, yelp, and Angie's list. </p> <p>3.  Find out if your home inspector is a member of a professional organization of home inspectors that has higher education requirements than that of the state government.  Some of these are Inter Nachi, NAHI, ASHI and NACHI. </p> <p>4. See if your home inspector offers a warranty and has insurance.</p> <p>5. See if your home inspector offer recall check where the check to see if appliances have been recalled and could possible be a fire hazard.  Good news is that they can usually be fixed free of charge.</p> <p>6.  Does you <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/charlotte-infrared-inspections.html">Home Inspector perform thermal infrared scanning </a>where they can see things that can't be seen with the naked eye.</p> <p>Home Inspection Carolina in Charlotte NC provide all of these and provides peace of mind one house at a time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin and </span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.<span style="">  </span>Preston has a masters’ degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.<span style="">  </span>He also is a certified infrared thermographer.<span style="">  </span>Home Inspection Carolina has<span style="">  </span>been on TV many times and has a </span><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> .<span style="">  </span>So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:47:43 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2524087/what-is-the-biggest-home-buyer-mistake- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2522433/problem-in-crawl-space-found-on-charlotte-nc-home-inspection <p><img title="improper vent on Charlotte NC home inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/8/3/2/4/ar131679829642387.JPG" height="150" alt="improper vent on Charlotte NC home inspection" width="200" style="float: left;">Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin was inspecting a home in Charlotte NC when he discovered a an exhaust vent fan depositing into the crawl space coming from the bath vent fan.  Let's think about this for a second.  The reason you have a bath vent is to take hot moist air or steam out of the bathroom so mold or mildew does not build up.  Well if this is what it causes in the bathroom what makes you think it wouldn.t have the same or similar effects in the crawl spece.  This vent fan should deposit outside the house and not in the crawl space</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, </span><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/Concord-NC-home-inspection"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Concord</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact</span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;"> Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">.<span style="">  </span>They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.<span style="">  </span>We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.<span style="">  </span>Please give us a call (704) 542-6575</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> <p> </p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:23:28 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2522433/problem-in-crawl-space-found-on-charlotte-nc-home-inspection http://activerain.com/blogsview/2516297/charlotte-home-inspector-uses-infrared-to-find-energy-loss <p><img title="settled insulation on charlotte home inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/4/8/1/ar131652083018486.jpg" height="122" alt="settled insulation on charlotte home inspection" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin uses thermal infrared cameras to scan houses during home inspections allowing Home Inspection Carolina to see things that other home inspectors can't.  Take a look at this picture and you can see the cold spots at the top of the wall where energy is being lost.  What has happened here is that the insulation has settled causing a cold spot.  This could easily be rectifies by drilling a small hole and spraying insulation and thus reducing enery costs.  If you getting a home inspection in the near future consider getting a an infrared thermal scan because it show things that can be seen with the naked eye.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, </span><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/Concord-NC-home-inspection"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #bc7134;">Concord</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact</span><a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;"> Home Inspection Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">.<span>  </span>They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.<span>  </span>We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.<span>  </span>Please give us a call (704) 542-6575</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Preston Sandlin</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #bc7134;">Home Inspection Carolina</span></span></a></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #800080; font-size: small;">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</span></a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:19:06 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2516297/charlotte-home-inspector-uses-infrared-to-find-energy-loss http://activerain.com/blogsview/2240611/charlotte-home-inspection-company-helps-out-with-realtor-care-day <p><img title="Charlotte Home Inspector Helps With Realtor Care Day" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/9/4/7/ar130257083074937.JPG" height="150" alt="Charlotte Home Inspector Helps With Realtor Care Day" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspection Company Home Inspection Carolina did not do any home inspections on Friday April 8th 2011.  Instead all of their home inspector helped with Realtor Care Day at various locations helping to build decks and rebuild fences as well as clean and paint and repair siding.  Realtors® Care Day has accomplished so much! In 2009, volunteers helped repair 33 homes; and in 2010, volunteers repaired 31 homes. So in two years, the Realtor® community has helped change the lives of 64 families - giving them a safer, cleaner and more stable home in which to live. <br><br>Learn more about our homeowner selection process and other important facts about the day <a href="http://www.carolinarealtors.com/files/RCDquestions.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br><strong>A little more about Realtors® Care Day:</strong><br>Area Realtors®, each year, trade their BlackBerrys for toolboxes to make a lasting impression in the lives of homeowners throughout Mecklenburg and Iredell counties. Realtors® Care Day is an all-day, home-repair project to help those who have critical home-maintenance needs. <br><br>Equipped with hammers and nails, and armed with a passion to give back, Realtor® crews replace and repair roofs and gutters, paint exteriors of homes, and undertake a host of exterior repairs. Each year, more than 30 homeowners are identified as those in need by regional Habitat for Humanity chapters, the City of Charlotte and other housing partners.<br><br>Every day, Realtors® make the American dream a reality - and in April of each year, we come together to help sustain that dream for those who desperately need our help. As housing industry professionals, we are keenly aware that many in our community lack the physical ability and/or financial resources to maintain their homes. The shelter that is supposed to be a comfort instead becomes a burden, and in many cases, is unsafe. <br><br>Learn more about Realtors® Care Day <a href="http://www.carolinahome.com/realtorscare/details.aspx">event details</a> and how we work to help create a more viable community where all of our neighbors live in safe and secure housing</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:24:20 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2240611/charlotte-home-inspection-company-helps-out-with-realtor-care-day http://activerain.com/blogsview/2216256/some-parts-of-the-crawl-space-are-just-inaccessible <p>Have you wondered what you would do if an intruder entered your home in the middle of the night.  I suspect if your like me you would do whatever is necessary to defend your family and your home from potential harm.  This means the intruder is public enemy No#1.  I know this every time I go into a crawl space and come upon a critter who makes there home there.  This means I give them space especially if these critter have fangs, teeth, or claws.  This their home and I am a guest.  In the first picture you see a snake that was is a crawl that one of my inspectors; Cliff Crow inspected yesterday.  Two weeks ago Ralph Massie inspected a crawl that had this Possum in it.  This one was particularly dangerous as she had babies.  What does this mean?  It means part of this crawl space is inaccessible.   <img title="snake in crawl space" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/0/7/6/ar13014934467061.jpg" height="154" alt="snake in cralw space" width="200" style="float: left;"><img title="possum in crawl" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/3/3/4/6/ar130149372164335.jpg" height="150" alt="possum in crawl" width="200" style="float: right;"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com">Home Inspection Carolina</a>have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a>.  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:29:38 -0400 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2216256/some-parts-of-the-crawl-space-are-just-inaccessible http://activerain.com/blogsview/2183686/why-get-an-infrared-inspection <p><img title="Charlotte NC Infrared" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/1/1/1/ar129988693911105.jpg" height="141" alt="Charlotte NC Infrared" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Infrared Cameras are the latest technology used in Home Inspections.  What is Infrared and How will it help me get a better home inspection?  Hi Charlotte NC Home Inspector Preston Sandlin here to answer those questions.  All object emit energy at different rates giving different surface temperature if there has been a recent temperature difference or Delta T.  The <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/charlotte-infrared-inspections.html">home inspector's infrared camera</a> picks up all these surface temperatures and shows them in diffrent colors.  What the home inspector is looking for is anomalies or cold spots or warm spots that shouldn't be there.  Then you have to investigate a little futher to see what is causing this.  Sometime it can be something simple like heat from a heat vent or light from a window but sometimes it can be something a little more serius like missing insulation or a moisture leak like you see on this Charlotte NC home.  There was leak in the roof that was going down the wall.  We would not have seen that if we didn't have an <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/charlotte-infrared-inspections.html">infrared camera</a>.</p> <p> Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:46:29 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2183686/why-get-an-infrared-inspection http://activerain.com/blogsview/2178396/redneck-repair-found-on-charlotte-home-inspection <p><img title="redneck repair" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/6/1/0/ar129968160601603.jpg" height="150" alt="redneck repair" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte home inspector Cliff Crow recently inspected a home in Gastonia NC when he found an Unusual fix for a sweating problem.  I think I better explain.  On your AC Freon gas line coming away from the evaporator coil you have to have insulation.  The reason is that this gas line is really cold and will sweat.  Over time the pipe insulation will shrink and pull back.  Usually you would want to add a little more pipe insualtion here to prevent the condensation or sweating.  Think of it as putting a koozie over your cold drink on a hot day.  A Koozie would work and look OK but you probably wouldn't want to wrap a sock around it and duct tape it.  I will say though that this would actually work but not in the long term.  I always say there is a thin line between redneck an genius.   Hey are you missing a Sock?</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:43:18 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2178396/redneck-repair-found-on-charlotte-home-inspection http://activerain.com/blogsview/2176494/what-are-the-advantages-of-a-pre-listing-inspection <p><img title="pre-listing inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/7/5/2/ar129959890625769.jpg" height="134" alt="pre-listing inspection" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>There are many advantages to getting a preinspection or a Prelisting inspection.  Hi folfs, This is Preston Sandlin here with Home Inspection Carolina; a home inspection firm out of Charlotte NC that has been performing home inspections and termite inspections for about 15 years.  In the last year we have seen about a 50% increase in prelisting inspections primarily due to the new North Carolina Due Diligence contract.  Now instead of earnest money that the buyer used to put down they put down a due diligence fee.  It is a lot like law away.  If you move forward with the purchase you get credited that amount. If you don't you can walk away Scott free but you lose that due diligience fee.</p> <p>If you are a buyer looking at two different house and everything else being equal the one that has been preinspected is going to have less perceived risk or less of a chance of me losing my fee.  Other advantages of a preinspection include the seller having time to price out the repairs and research the contractors instead of just rushing into something.  A preinspected home has a much less chance of the deal falling apart and takes away the buyers ability to get the seller down on their price due to repair items.  A preinspected or prelisting inspection make the buyer more transparent and less suspisious.  A prelisrting inspection takes potential drama out of the equation.  You want your drama on TV and not in your real estate transaction.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:45:00 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2176494/what-are-the-advantages-of-a-pre-listing-inspection http://activerain.com/blogsview/2167345/3-tips-to-buying-a-home <p><img title="Charlotte home buyer" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/2/0/7/ar129916187570285.jpg" height="122" alt="Charlotte home buyer" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Ample inventory, low mortgage rates and motivated sellers - all these key elements are present in real estate markets across the country, indicating it's still a great time to buy a house. If you're thinking of buying a house - whether it's new or existing, your first home or your fifth - you can help ensure you get the best possible deal by doing a few things before you get down to serious shopping. <br><br>1. Check your credit <br><br>You might think that getting pre-approved for a mortgage is your first step in home-shopping, and it is an important one. But before you talk to a potential lender, you should check your credit report and score - because the mortgage company certainly will. Your credit score is a reflection of your credit status, and one that potential lenders will consider when assessing your credit worthiness. Knowing your credit standing can make you better prepared to secure the best possible conditions and rates for a home loan. <br><br>It's a good idea to monitor your credit for a while before making a move to apply for a mortgage. Websites like freecreditscore.com allow you to access your credit score when you enroll in credit monitoring. By monitoring your credit, you'll be able to see how changes in your credit report can affect your score, and you'll receive credit score alerts whenever your score changes. <br><br>2. Capitalize on lender competition <br><br>When it's time to apply for a mortgage, many people turn to the banks they're used to dealing with on a regular basis. While banks are definitely a familiar source of home financing, they're not the only one. Even after the mortgage crisis, you'll still find many companies in the home loan field. Wading through the plethora of claims from lending companies can be time consuming - but well worth it. <br><br>Despite the credit crunch - or perhaps because of it - competition is fierce among lenders to work with the best-qualified buyers. That means if your credit score and report are good, you could be in a position to snag the loan terms and interest rates reserved for the most-desirable borrowers. But you'll still have to compare rates and offers from a number of companies. <br><br>Be sure to thoroughly investigate any lender you're considering applying with; the Internet is a great resource. Check out the Better Business Bureau website to see if the lender has any complaints against them, and type the name into your search engine to see if they've made the news - in a good or bad way. <br><br>3. Leverage a Realtor relationship <br><br>It's true that many would-be homebuyers are now using the Internet to facilitate their search. Yet 79 percent of all buyers last year purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, according to the National Association of Realtors. <br><br>While it is possible to buy a home without the aid of a Realtor, working with one has several benefits. Realtors strive to be experts about the communities they work in, so a Realtor can provide you with valuable advice on home prices, schools, recreation and businesses, as well as other information about the area you're interested in. Another bonus - as a buyer, you pay the Realtor nothing. He or she will share a percentage of the commission the home sellers pay to their Realtor. <br><br>Buying a house is a big investment - the biggest most people make in their lives - but with some preparation and smart negotiations, you can ensure you're well positioned to take advantage of the current buyers' market.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:20:47 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2167345/3-tips-to-buying-a-home http://activerain.com/blogsview/2167191/what-are-the-best-home-improvements <p><img title="Charlotte home improvements" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/3/7/7/ar129915640077391.jpg" height="154" alt="Charlotte home improvements" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Homeowners renovate for two basic reasons: money and fun. Or, more precisely, they undertake home improvements to improve their home's resale value or their enjoyment of their house. The best home improvements, however, are ones that deliver on both objectives. <br><br>Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. If you'll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than move, you may be wondering what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment. <br><br>Here are five home improvements - from budget-friendly to big budget - that provide noteworthy return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased value and improved enjoyment: <br><br>1. Skylights <br><br>You can lower your electric bill by installing skylights that will reduce dependency on artificial light and fill your home with natural light. You can obtain quality, energy-efficient, "No Leak Skylights" from Velux for around $800 per unit for a standard fixed skylight with flashing kit. You can find a local installer to provide a customized cost estimate at www.veluxusa.com. In terms of positive energy, the mental and physical health effects of exposure to natural light are well documented. They're also an effective privacy preserver for bathrooms where you might not want a wall window. Skylight and sun tunnels (skylights that use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into rooms without direct roof access) not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home, they just may make you feel better about living there. <br><br>2. Decks <br><br>Whether you go for wood or composite, adding a deck is a great way to boost resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite deck additions return about 71 percent at the time of resale. <br><br>3. Kitchens <br><br>It makes sense that the room where most families spend the bulk of their time would be a popular remodel - and one that pays off big in terms of value and comfort. Even a minor kitchen remodel - costing about $21,000 - will return about 78 percent of its value on resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. A major kitchen job, costing around $57,200, will recoup about $41,200, or 72 percent. <br><br>4. Baths <br><br>Whether you're tackling a major job that involves knocking out walls and changing fixtures, or just making cosmetic improvements like upgrading faucets and repainting, remodeling a bathroom goes straight to the heart of our craving for comfort. Americans view their baths as far more than a place to get clean and take care of other necessities. Even if you're not creating a home spa, improving the bathroom is sure to boost your home's resale value and increase your satisfaction with the room. Remodeling Magazine says the average bathroom remodel costs around $16,100 and returns up to 71 percent of that cost at the time of sale. <br><br>5. Basement/attic remodel <br><br>With more families staying put in the homes they have, rather than moving up to larger homes, many Americans are looking for ways to expand their living space while staying in place. Attic and basement remodels are great ways to add usable, livable space at a fraction of the cost of building an addition. The lingering effects of the Great Recession have multiple generations living together under one roof again, and many of these families create bedrooms, bathrooms or even family rooms in unfinished attic or basement space. Everyone appreciates the extra room, and attic renovations and basement remodeling yield resale returns of 83 percent and 75 percent, respectively, according to the Cost vs.Value Report.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:50:07 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2167191/what-are-the-best-home-improvements http://activerain.com/blogsview/2146402/how-to-tell-if-your-contractor-is-intoxicated <p> </p> <p><img title="redneck repair" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/4/8/3/ar129814085838479.jpg" height="150" alt="redneck repair" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin was inspecting a home in the Dilworth section of Charlotte NC when he noticed an improper repair.  If you look closely at the picture you can see that the back band sill has been replaced.  They had to cut the joists because they ran perpendicular to the band sill.  When they resupported  the joists they just used 2x4's.  This isn't strong enough to support the house.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:01:13 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2146402/how-to-tell-if-your-contractor-is-intoxicated http://activerain.com/blogsview/2134513/why-does-my-carpet-have-a-black-ring-around-it <p> </p> <p> <img title="black ring around the carpet" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/0/2/8/5/ar129761977658208.jpg" height="143" alt="black ring around carpet" width="190" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin Has seen this many times while performing home inspections in Charlotte NC.  It is that balck ring around the carpet.  What causes this?  I am asked this all the time.  Is it mold?  Is it moisture? etc etc.  No it is dirt or debris that is in the air.  What is going on is that you have negative and positive air pressure in your house an in an effort to equal itself out air is goin down into your carpet or padding and under a wall or door and in essence the carpet around the edges of the room are effective becoming an air filter.  To comabt this we recommend either leaving doors open and or cutting gaps under the bottom of doors or adding more returns.  For severe problems contact a reputable duct company.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:59:47 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2134513/why-does-my-carpet-have-a-black-ring-around-it http://activerain.com/blogsview/2133593/worst-deck-ever-found-on-charlotte-home-inspection <p><img title="bad deck charlotte home inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/2/8/2/ar129754744428281.JPG" height="150" alt="bad deck charlotte home inspection" width="200" style="float: left;"><img title="bad deck charlotte home inspector" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/2/3/0/ar129754753103241.JPG" height="150" alt="bad deck charlotte home inspector" width="200" style="float: right;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin was recently inspecting a home near Dilworth in Charlotte NC in which the listing agent assured him was in great shape he came across one of the worst decks that he has ever seen.  There were som many code violations on this deck we didn't really know where to start.  The supports were all wrong and the railing was very loose and had no guard rails.  The deck should be condemned.  Don't buy a deck like this without having a thorough home inspection.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:56:54 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2133593/worst-deck-ever-found-on-charlotte-home-inspection http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121885/how-do-you-inspect-a-hot-tub <p><img title="infrared hot tub" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/4/3/2/ar129702724923455.jpg" height="122" alt="charlotte nc hot tub" width="200" style="float: left;">How Do you inspect a hot tub?  Well the first thing is to check for leaks and cracks.  Most hot tubs are going to have a pump and a filtering mechanism.  all of the these need to be checked.  Water pressure should also be checked and all the various cycles of the pump and filters need to be checked.  Finally the heating mechanism and the chemicals in the water balance needs to be checked.  For this you need thermostats or better yet an infrared thermal imaging camera.  If you want a thorough hot tub inspection and you live near Charlotte NC call Home Inspection Carolina.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:23:26 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121885/how-do-you-inspect-a-hot-tub http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121839/do-you-have-spingtails <p>Springtails manage to get their name because of the forked tail, at the end of their abdominal area which will be curved below their very own body. This helps these tiny pests to spring frontward kind of like a small flea, hence the name Springtails. They happen to be small, whitish-gray or light shaded pests; around 1/32 to 1/8 inch in size and their antennae are actually long and they have a small unique head. They happen to be wingless insects and do not fly, and the females will raise offspring in clusters located in damp areas.</p> <p> </p> <p>Springtails are actually scavengers, feasting on inactive vegetation, molds, algae and / or fungi, and they also would prefer to stay on the outside around leaf litter, under rotting wood or perhaps involved with fungi. These kinds of insects pose zero threat to your house but they can become a nuisance whenever they end up getting inside your home.</p> <p> </p> <p>Springtails grow and are prosperous in moist foliage, soil and plants along the side of the house foundation and even sidewalks. You can also see them near floor drains, wet cellars and even crawl spaces. These particular insects will be small enough that they may access the structure around windows, small gaps not to mention cracks. They're going to normally enter in the house because there nesting area outside happens to be free of moisture and they are generally hunting for moisture. You will uncover them near sweating plumbing, house flowers or vegetables and also around old and unwanted moldy household furniture.</p> <p> </p> <p>The greatest control of springtails is going to be clear away their nesting environment by taking care of debris that has piled up around the home. Clean up all debris near your house and get any logs on the ground in close proximity to the house up off the ground. Seal off every one of the tiny access points around the house that include; crevices as well as holes around water lines, utility cable, cable wires, gaps in the siding plus any open places around windows.</p> <p> </p> <p>If it turns out cleaning up doesn't take care of the issues, pesticides could very well be needed to control the springtails in places where significant amounts of insect pests have overpopulated.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:54:23 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121839/do-you-have-spingtails http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121823/charlotte-home-inspector-uses-infrared-to-find-missing-insulation <p><img title="charlotte home inspector infrared image" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/7/6/2/ar12970248026738.jpg" height="122" alt="charlotte home inspector infrared image" width="200" style="float: left;"></p> <p>Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin was recently inspecting a home in Weddington NC using his infrared thrmal imaging camera when he noticed a cold cavity between two of the ceiling joists.  There is a gap there where insulation was missing.  This was a good find because this area is not accessible from the attic.  Preston would not have found this if he didn't have an infrared camera.  If you would would like one of the most thorough inspections you could get call Home Inspection Carolina.</p> <p>Preston Sandlin and <a href="http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a> have providing thorough quality home inspections in the Charlotte NC area for over 15 years.  Preston has a masters' degree in Education and has taught Home Inspection classes for years.  He also is a certified infrared thermographer.  Home Inspection Carolina has  been on TV many times and has a <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-charlotte-home-inspector">Charlotte Home Inspector radio show</a> .  So you are in need of a home inspection in Charlotte NC, Gastonia NC, Weddington NC, Mooresville NC, Fort Mill SC or Rock Hill SC call Home Inspection Carolina (704) 542-6575.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preston Sandlin</p> <p><a href="http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com/">Home Inspection Carolina</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com/">Ask the Charlotte Inspector</a></p> Preston Sandlin (Home Inspection Carolina) Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:43:33 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2121823/charlotte-home-inspector-uses-infrared-to-find-missing-insulation