How many times we have had this coversation with many of our fellow REALTOR's? I will say countless....The fact of the matter is that a Home Inspector must spend the necesary time to uncover all the deficiencies that might exist in the house he is inspecting. Understanding, that is just a visual
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07/20/2009
Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was an early standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings, in common use in North America from about 1880 to the 1940s. The system is considered obsolete and can be a safety hazard, although some of the fear associated with it is undeserved. Inspectors should a
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07/17/2009
Decks, porches, balconies, verandas and patios are outdoor architectural elements that are often confused with one another. An explanation of their intended use, history and design allow for useful distinctions, although a certain degree of exception and overlap is unavoidable. Decks A deck is
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07/16/2009
Energy-efficient homes require less energy to perform household functions as homes that are less energy-efficient. There are many adjustments that homeowners can make to reduce the amount of energy required by their homes. Interesting facts about energy consumption in the United States and Canada
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07/15/2009
Energy-efficient homes require less energy to perform household functions as homes that are less energy-efficient. There are many adjustments that homeowners can make to reduce the amount of energy required by their homes. Interesting facts about energy consumption in the United States and Canada
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07/15/2009
Bats are nocturnal mammals found in most inhabited places throughout the world. Bat infestation in homes, especially in attics, can be a health hazard, as well as a nuisance, for homeowners. Interesting facts about bats: Due to its high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, guano (bat feces) is an
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07/14/2009
Lead is a poisonous metal that was once commonly used in the manufacture of paint, gasoline, and plumbing. While U.S. law has banned the use of lead in new construction, existing lead-based paint and plumbing in homes may present a significant health hazard, especially for children. Inspectors w
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07/09/2009
Lock Boxes Lock boxes are compartments in which house keys can be securely contained and selectively accessed while a home is vacant. Until the last few years, almost all lock box locking mechanisms were opened through a combination of letters or numbers, although lock boxes that open electro
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07/09/2009
Also called electronic locks, these lock boxes are opened by a portable keypad that emits an infrared signal. Inspectors can lease an electronic keypad by joining their local Board of Realtors as an affiliate. Some boards require affiliates to obtain a Call Before Showing (CBS) code from the list
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07/09/2009
House numbers should be clear enough so that police, the fire department, paramedics, etc., can quickly locate properties in an emergency. House numbers are often the only way that first-responders can identify their intended destinations. A number of jurisdictions have begun enforcing laws throu
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07/08/2009