Unlike clients that buy and sell every 2 to 7 years or so, I'm dealing with the market and real estate related news and information everyday.  When my clients ask about the inspection, I give them a list of the various inspections I recommend. Their reaction is usually one of shock; "A whole page of recommended inspections?"  Of course they may not all be applicable, but isn't saving time and money one of the reasons why you hire competent representation?   If you haven't purchased a home in several years or are coming from a different market, there are issues that you may not be aware that we look for today that we may not have looked for even a few years ago.   

Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect during an inspection, but something clients need to be aware of and how to guard against possible exposure.  CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuels.  It can escape from any fuel burning appliance, furnace, water heater and fireplace used in the home. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can often be mistaken for common flu symptoms.  These symptoms may include mild headache, nausea and dizziness.  High levels of carbon monoxide may result in illness or death.   To enhance the safety of you and your family, you should install a carbon monoxide detector in the areas around any gas fired appliances.  The detector will alert you when carbon monoxide is detected.  

One home in particular that we just had inspected had the furnace under the house in the crawl. Not a huge issue, but the vent stack was routed around a floor joist and at one point went down instead of up.  There may be an opportunity for CO spillage.  This is a good place to have a CO detector as a precaution.   I am dedicated to helping my clients with a professional, competent representation and part of that is making sure my clients are getting the proper home inspections that include detailed reports of the condition of the items being inspected and the home overall.   If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email or call me at 502-736-5692.