Peter 's Blog

Prepare for winter to help avoid potential insurance claims

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:08:52 -0700

Prepare for winter to help avoid potential insurance claims As the temperature drops, the risk of winter-related incidents such as frozen pipes, damaged exteriors and more goes up. Making home maintenance a priority in the fall can help identify potential problems early and reduce the chance of an insurance claim in the future. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you prepare for the coming winter: OutdoorCheck your gutters for damage and make sure they’re secured to your house. Clean out gutters to keep debris (like falling leaves, sticks and ice) from accumulating. This can help prevent moisture build up and an ice dam from forming, which can damage your roof or siding. Check your eaves trough and downspouts for debris to allow for proper water drainage, preventing water from entering the foundation of your house and flooding your basement. Position downspouts to deposit water 3-4 feet away from the foundation. Assess your roof for leaks and cracks, and check the seal around the chimney and skylights in order to be prepared for heavy snow. Trim tree limbs hanging over your house to avoid falling and damages during a storm. Contact a professional if your tree limbs are hanging over power lines. Chalk and seal around all windows and doors. Store your grill, outdoor furniture and garden decorations to prevent damage from weathering a storm and to be sure they do not blow around and cause damage to your house. Empty water from all garden hoses and swimming pool water supply lines, disconnect them and store them for the winter months. If you have a sprinkler system, winterize it.IndoorWhether you are home or not, keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When overnight temperatures plunge below freezing, allow warm water to trickle from faucets overnight. Add insulation to attics and crawl spaces to help retain heat. Consider fitting your pipes with insulation, especially if located near exterior walls. If you have water supply lines in the garage, keep those doors closed as much as possible. Get your furnace or boiler system checked before you start using heat regularly. Schedule a chimney sweep to clean your chimney every year. Open cabinets in your bedroom and kitchen to help circulate warmer air around those pipes. Service your generator to ensure it will perform well all winter.www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com

Increasing the ventilation in the basement to reduce Radon.

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 06:41:47 -0800

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in soil that can make its way to the surface. The gas can enter homes through cracks in walls and foundations or through gaps around pipes and cables. Radon levels are often higher in crawl spaces and basements closest to where the gas entered the home. These areas often also have poorer ventilation.When radon gas is released from the ground into the air outside, it does not stay concentrated and is not a health concern. However, if radon gas is trapped and accumulates in an enclosed space, it can become a potential health risk. There are a number of options to reduce radon levels in a home, for example:- Increasing the ventilation in the basement.- Sealing the foundation.- Depressurizing the soil beneath the home by installing a pipe through the foundation floor slab and attaching a fan that always runs to draw the radon gas from below the home and release it into the outdoors where it is quickly diluted.www.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Ct Commercial Building Inspection,

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 11:02:49 -0800

Fairfield County Home Inspections,Ct Commercial Building real estate Inspections. Large or SmallIf you are planning on buying a Commercial building, Let Fairfield County Home Inspectionshelp protect your interest in your investment. We can customize a inspection to fit your needs. 203-254-6463 WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Connecticut Home Inspection.

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 03:59:40 -0700

Home Inspectors are a top-to-bottom review of a home. They're performed by licensed professionals known as home inspectors, and they're an essential part of the home purchase process.The timing of a home inspection will vary but, generally, they're performed after the buyer and seller have reached an agreement on the sale of a home.Home inspections are different from home appraisals, which are evaluations of a home's value. Appraisals are used as part of the mortgage approval process, and help determine a buyer's loan-to-value. Inspections, by contract, are evaluations of a home's condition and defects, and which compels the seller to allow said inspection within some number of days from signing -- usually seven to ten. This period is known as the "Real Estate Inspection Contingency". Note, though, that home inspections are subjective and, generally, will only uncover problems that arise from visual cues, such as water marks found on a wall. A home inspector will review all of the following areas of a home: ExteriorStructuralRoof/AtticPlumbingAppliancesGarageElectricalHVACVentilation/InsulationFireplaces www.Fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com

Ct Commercial Building real estate Inspections

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 03:56:37 -0800

Who would use a Septic Tank as part of a Foundation ?

Thu, 07 Nov 2013 07:08:45 -0800

Besides the health code violation, What was the builder thinking?With the home owners permission, The foundation wall was removed to locate this tank, Looks full to me !WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Ct commercial real estate Inspections

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 04:59:36 -0700

Fairfield County Home Inspections, Ct Commercial Building real estate Inspections. Large or Small If you are planning on buying a Commercial building, Let Fairfield County Home Inspections help protect you intrest in you investment. We can customize a inspection to fit your needs. Ask about Thermal imaging of the roof and electrical. 203-254-6463 WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Shopping for a home in Fairfield County Ct ?

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 07:21:45 -0700

Great autumn day In Fairfield County Ct, What a great week ahead to go out and find that special house to call home. call, Fairfield County Home Inspections Llc 203-254-6463 http://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/

Closing credits cost the Realtor 24K for repairs

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 02:09:32 -0700

I hear this statement more often then not from Realtors when a defect is found in the home. " Do not worry about it we will get a estimate and then ask the home owner for a credit at closing " Well I know one Realtor that will never make that statement. Two months ago I found that a baffle was missing in a septic tank, I also found that the outlet pipe had sediment in it. So I told my client that the system was to functioning properly and need a outlet tee and further evaluation. See picture, The Realtor said she would get estimates on the repairs and would ask for a credit at closing. I then explained to my client that I could not open the inlet side of the inspection port since there is a large tree root over the top. I could not cut the root with out permission from the home owner. Well with out further evaluation the Realtor got two price quote for replacement of the baffle on the outlet side only. The price was 1800.00. and did get there credit of 1800.00 at closing Well I got a call from the client stating that they had to have both baffles replaced to the tune of 3600.00.After the baffles where installed and the system was up and running. The client informed me that the septic installer found the the Fields are not working 100% due to all the sediment that had gone thought the system prior to repairs. Now they are looking at 15000.00 for Fields to have repairs. Guess who is being sued to the sum of 25K not me. Never ever take a credit always insist on the repair being done before purchase. www.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com www.connecticutsepticinspection.com

Connecticut Septic Inspection Fairfield,Westport,Weston,Easton,Wilton,Easton,Newtown,CT

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:05:43 -0700

Connecticut Septic Inspection & Fairfield County Home Inspection L.L.C is a full service Inspection company in Connecticut. No longer when you are looking to buy that special home do you need to be calling all around making several different appointments with several different company's. Make one call 203-254-6463 Your Inspections will be performed by specially trained inspector that will inform you of how all systems and components are working. Our Job is not just to Inspect but to educate our clients. Make sure to ask about our septic pumping cleaning service to keep you Septic system trouble free. http://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/SepticInspection.html www.connecticutsepticinspection.com

Consumer Reports Home & Garden interview,

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:02:18 -0800

March 05, 2009 10 Questions for . . . Peter M. Christopher, Home Inspector In this installment of 10 Questions for . . ., Associate Editor Gian Trotta speaks with Peter M. Christopher, of Fairfield, Connecticut-based Fairfield Home Inspections LLC. Here's his take on the common problems that can make foreclosures, fixer-uppers, and even apparently well-maintained homes a very bad investment and what you should look for in a home inspection. What problems in a home should raise flags for a potential buyer?There are two things that make me recommend against someone buying a home. Mold is one; look for stains and spots on ceilings, especially in closets, and around attic beams. Mold removal can be very costly and the chances of getting rid of all of it are slim to none. Hidden in-ground oil tanks are another big problem. If I find any evidence of one, I tell my client to have the homeowner show the paperwork from the removal. If a tank has leaked oil into the soil, it can cost you up to $100,000 to deal with the problem. Also, if the house is in disarray, that's always a bad sign; sloppy people put a bigger strain on systems. Are there any risks in buying a foreclosed home?Buying foreclosed houses is always more risky. People who have lost or are losing their homes become sloppy and lose the incentive to maintain it. Plumbing is one of the biggest problems I have found in foreclosed homes. Either the pipes are damaged from not being winterized or the seals have gone bad due to lack of use. Keep in mind that a bank will not fix anything in a foreclosed home. The sale is "as is," and some banks will not allow a home inspection. In older homes, what kind of structural problems do you often see?In 19th-century homes, the support posts are embedded in dirt, and termites have usually gotten into them. Frayed electrical wires and ungrounded two-prong outlets are also problems in older homes. Do some new home face problems because they were built too tightly?The two worst things for a home are a lack of ventilation and moisture intrusion. If a home cannot breathe, it will rot out, and that's why mold is very common in newer homes. Also, homes that were built with wet, damp lumber can contribute to mold growth later. Any special advice for heating and ventilation systems?At this time, any central-air-conditioning system that needs repairs will have to be updated to a system that uses Puron as the refrigerant. As of 2010 you will not be able to repair or replace a system that uses R22 as a refrigerant. See whether the boiler or burner has a maintenance sticker. If it's had a lot of service calls in a short interval or if the system itself is old and greasy, that's a bad sign and you should consider a replacement. Storage-tank water heaters should be replaced eight to 12 years after installation. What's the worst house you've ever inspected?I can't think of just one-but some of the memories have been really bad. I've been in homes were I got bug bites all over me. I've been in basements that have been converted into illegal apartment where 10 immigrants were living like animals. I've seen electrical outlets installed inside the shower stall (shown). I've been in homes used to cook crystal meth. And I've seen main beams removed to install garage-door openers. Have there been some nice houses to balance these horrors?The best house I recall inspecting was one I was involved with while it was being built. The client would have me come in every two to three weeks to inspect and make suggestions on what was going on. What questions should a homeowner ask of a home-inspection service?Most buyers call and ask the price, but that should be the last question. They first should ask: How long have you been inspecting homes? Are you licensed by the state or are you an intern? Are you a full-time or a part-time inspector and how many homes do you inspect a year? Part-timers cannot give you the necessary level of service. Oftentimes, they're builders, so your project has to flex around their other jobs. Other part-timers are doing inspections just to keep their licenses valid. A wise client will ask what is and isn't should be covered; I keep a list on my Web site for folks to reference. Attorneys and mortgage brokers are also good sources for recommendations. They're usually very careful about who they endorse as they have a vested stake in a good outcome to the buying process. (Each state sets minimum standards for what an inspection should cover. Both the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI, and the National Association of Home Inspectors, NAHI, list their standards of practice for home inspections and offer help finding inspectors on their Web sites. Note that because they list only inspectors who are members of their associations, so you're not getting a comprehensive list of all the inspectors in your area.) What does a home inspection cost?Price vary across the U.S., depending on the general cost of living that affects the inspector's overhead. An inspector based in a wealthy Connecticut suburb might charge $435, one from a nearby blue-collar town will charge $350, and a guy from a rural area an hour away might charge $265. For a 1,300-square-foot home, you are looking at an inspection time of about two hours, an hour to compile the report, and travel time for at least one return visit. That's a total of five hours. What will a good inspection cover and what will a good inspection report contain?It is best if the clients are on site at the time of inspection. This greatly helps them understand what I am talking about and understand the references in the report. I like to inspect a specific section or a room in the house and then bring the clients in and explain what is going on. I do not like it when inspectors give reports on site. I never claim to know everything, and if I see something I do not know about I can do some research on it before writing a report. Accessibility is key to a good report. It should be Web-based without requiring a download and easy to understand, and should contain clear photos that clearly indicate problems. What would you say to someone contemplating a career as a home inspector?Licensing and certification requirements vary from state to state; again, you'll find a list of them on the ASHI and NAHI Web sites. But in Connecticut, you need to have a pocketful of money. You will have to do 100 inspections as an intern while paying a supervisor an average of $100-and the supervisor also pockets the inspection fee. This can take years if your supervisor has a slow workload. But even before that, you will need to find a supervisor. This is almost impossible since no one want to train their competition. But I was fortunate to find an inspector who let me do the inspections free of charge. You will also need to attend classes and pass two state tests. You also will run into franchises making false claims to get you your license and associations trying to get you to join their group by making the same false claims. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2009/03/home-inspection-home-inspectors-foreclosures-nahi-ashi-fairfield-home-inspections.html http://www,FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com www.connecticutsepticinspection.com

Help with Paint Removal from Bricks

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:00:02 -0800

I have a client that for some reason painted their bricks that surroundtheir fireplace. They soon found out that this was a big mistake and would like to remove the paint off the bricks. They have come to me for advice on the removal.I did not have any suggestion on how this could be done easily. I was looking to see if anyone in active rain might have any suggestion since I do not. WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Connecticut Septic,Inspections. CT,Septic Cleaning, Easton,Fairfield,Westport,Weston,Trumbull.

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:45:25 -0800

Fairfield County Home Inspection is excited to announce that we have expanded our business by acquiring Connecticut Septic. No need to make several calls trying to find someone for your septic inspections. No more wondering if some other septic company is going to show. The company that you've come to rely on to be there on-time, every time, Fairfield County Home Inspections is now qualified to Inspect Septic Systems, and pump systems clean. To let me know how I can assist you and your clients, or if you have any questions about our expansion, feel free to call anytime http://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/SepticInspection.html

Connecticut Home Inspection Interns Wanted

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:27:22 -0700

FairfieldCounty Home Inspections L.L.C is looking for Interns, We are a full service Home Inspection company. If you have completed your training and need get some hand on experience we would love to hear from you. Our main area of coverage but not limited to is Fairfield County CT. We work for 9am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. Saterdays and Sundays is limited to one inspection for that day.We have work, we always have work. Please contact Peter Christopher at 203-254-6463 for consideration. Intern fee's apply. www.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Swimming Pool Drain Covers, Fairfield,Darien,Easton.Wilton,Greenwich. CT,Connecticut.

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:35:25 -0700

Fairfield County Home Inspectection Peter Christopher has urged swimming pool owners to make sure a drain cover is installed in all swimming pool suction outlets to avoid entrapment of swimmers, especially children whose smaller bodies can be sucked toward the system. Fairfield Peter Christopher referred to a tragic incident in Greenwich in July 2007 in which a 6-year-old boy drowned when he became trapped in a suction outlet. If you are not sure about you drain cover Contact Fairfield County Home Inspection to inspect your Pool, WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Power of Lighting In Fairfield County CT, Connecticuit,Fairfield,Easton,Stamford,Newtown,Stratford,Wilton,

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:02:09 -0700

During today's heavy rainstorm 8/2/08 a bolt of lightning struck a tree at 46 Park Lane sending an electric current through the lawn on a path directly to the corner of the neighboring house at 44 Park Lane This caused damage to its living room wall and baseboard heating components. Firefighters inspect the corner of 44 Park Lane. WWW.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

Connecticut Home Inspector Interns wanted ! Fairfield County CT

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:45:30 -0700

Thank you for the invite

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:22:42 -0700

Hi Scott, The picture that you are using for your group blog. What is it of ? My first thought is of some Greek ruins. Looking forward to reading your artical on YOUR BLOG. And every one else's. Good luck to you.

Infrared Cameras independent Testing,

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:12:32 -0700

The Buzz is on, With the down turn in home sales, Most home Inspectors are looking for a new way to substitute there income. Some home inspectors are turning to Thermal Imaging, With so many Cameras on the market and such a wide range in cost I thought I would let you in on a recent survey Fairfield County Home Inspection was asked to do over the winter month by a major supplier of these Cameras. We where asked to test three of the newest lowest cost Cameras on the market. We tested these cameras for three months. They ranged in cost from 3000. to 6000 dollars. Well they could not have asked for a better time for us to put these cameras to the test. The first camera has a 80X80 resolution while the second camera has 160x120 and the third one has a 120X120. These Camera where all tested on the same jobs along with our own Camera for a back up. Thank god we did it that way as I will explain. The 80x80 Camera we found was not much more than a color night vision camera. The images where very blurry. So much it was basically very hard for any one to know what you had imaged. There is no focus at all on this unit. After two hour on the job the Camera that had made the claim to have a five hour battery life was found to be completely dead in two and a half hours. We also found that if the outside temp was at or below 32F the camera would also go into what we call a freeze frame. The camera had to be shut down and restarted again time after time. The next unit that was being tested was the 120X 120 with a adjustable focus. We found what they called a focus was really some type of zoom. This unit was a little bit better but only could stand a half's day work then soon running out of power. As with the 80x80 unit there was little span adjustment and palette choice. Images still blurry. http://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/thermal_imaging.html www.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com Next the 160X120. this unit did well. I would consider this a basic entry level unit for someone that is not planning on doing much imaging. I say this because you will need a lot of extra time to down load the images of the unit as well as the two other units tested. The resolution was good but not the resolution I would be able to justify putting on our reports. So in a nut shell, If you are planning on going Infrared the saying applies you get what you pay for. And if you are charging for a service, You client should get what they are paying for. Do not go cheap you will only be cheating your self and your client. Foot note. The cost of these units are not coming down as some people might make you believe. The manufacturer's are coming out with less price that do not stand up.

Wanted Connecticut Home Inspectors and Interns. Fairfiled, New Haven, Hartford, New London, County

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:47:00 -0700

Fairfield County Home Inspection L.L.CIs Looking for a full time home inspector,We are also looking for home Inspector interns.We are a full service inspection company. If you are new in the inspection business or a seasoned inspector.We would love to talk with you.We service all of Fairfield and New Haven County,Lower Hartford and New London County.Must have need clean appearance, Past drug testing and have a clean record.We are a equal opportunity employer.Please Contact Peter or Steve at 203-254-6463. 9Am to 5 PM M/Fhttp://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/

Connecticut Home Inspectors and Interns Wanted CT

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:17:12 -0700

Fairfield County Home Inspection L.L.C Is Looking for a full time home inspector, We are also looking for home Inspector interns. We are a full service inspection company. If you are new in the inspection business or a seasoned inspector. We would love to talk with you. We service all of Fairfield and New Haven County,Lower Hartford and New London County. Must have need clean appearance, Past drug testing and have a clean record. We are a equal opportunity employer. Please Contact Peter or Steve at 203-254-6463. 9Am to 5 PM M/F www.FairfieldCountyHomeInspection.com

What is a Themographer?Thermal Imaging In Fairfield County Connecticut CT

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:26:51 -0800

What is a thermographer?A thermographer is a thermal evaluator and imaging expert. He or she will have a solid understanding of heat transfer laws, thermal dynamics and properties of why objects are hot or not or appear to be hot or not. A thermographer is a person who uses an Infrared Camera and his or her knowledge of the subjects they look at in combination with other non-destructive testing tools to evaluate the condition, (good or bad) of any object, subject or body in the world at large today... as long as there is a thermal difference to be detThermography Applications http://www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/additional.html Electrical inspestion in buildings, plants, facilities, refineries. Thermal heat loss inspections for buildings, plants, facilities, refineries. Moisture contamination evaluations in buildings, condo's, plants facilities Concrete integrity inspections Concrete Water Heated floor inspections for leaks and temperature distribution Flat roof leak detection for buildings, plants, facilities Power generation generator inspections. Power Plant boiler flue gas leak detection Substation Electrical inspections, tranformers and capacitor evaluation Overhead urban and rural distribution electrical inspections Electrical motor inspections, mechanical bearing inspections Heat ventilation air conditioning equipment evaluation Cold Storage cooling losses. Refinery process line insulation loss or leak detection Refinery process evaluation Heat exchanger Quality and efficiency evaluation Furnace refractory (insulation) inspections Furnace Internal flame evaluation and tube inspections Flame propogation explosion analysis. Research and development applications Design proto typing evaluation Motor racing suspension and tire contact diagnostics Brake and engine systems evaluation for perfomance and cooling efficiencies Printed circuit board evaluation and trouble shooting. Medical injury examinations for whiplash, back injuries, Carpal Tunnel Diseases evaluation, breast cancer, arthritis and many more Dentistry, tempromandibular jaw disfunction and more Sports injuries and evaluation, and therapy progress Equine (horse) injury examination, stress fractures, lameness Airborne applications Pipeline inspection, leak detection, stress corrosion cracking areas Environmental inspections, pollution dumping, thermal dumping of waste water Fire Mapping, hold over fires, fireline and mop-up inspections High Voltage Aerial Electrical inspections for transmission lines Search and rescue Covert surveillance www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/additional.html

Going Green and Saving Money In Fairfield County, CT. Connecticut.

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 06:02:57 -0800

With the rising cost of fuel, your energybills will most likely keep going up as well. Fairfield County Home Inspection L.L.C. can help you control those rising costs. Thermal Imaging ( THERMOGRAPHY ) is the best way to determine where energy loss exists in your HOME OR BUILDING. It is a very precise and simple way to find wasted energy. Our Energy audits are performed by only certified THERMOGRAPHERS. The Best of the best.We at FAIRFIELD COUNTY HOME INSPECTION L.L.C. guarantee that we have the highest level of education and the best IMAGING equipment and software in the State of Connecticut. There are many companies out there offering Thermal Imaging. Most of these companies are at the entry level with only basic training or no training at all, entry level equipment and no thermal software. They are training themselves on the job (at your expense). As with anything, training and equipment are key factors needed to identify and determine problems. Our training has surpassed most of the instructors in the industry. We have interpreted over 2000 Images for ourselves and others in this field. If Themagraphers are coming to us for our interpretation of thier Images why wouldn't you? This Thermal Image shows Cold and Hot spots. Most Thermagraphers would simply look at this image and give you thier evaluation of what is going on however, you can not make any evaluation without running it through high end software. Here is the same image with a simple adjustment to the image. Is it a heat loss or a cooling loss? www.fairfieldcountyhomeinspection.com/additional.htmlCurrently serving Connecticut the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, New Cannan, Darien, Norwalk, Wilton, Weston, Westport, Fairfield, Easton, Stratford, Redding, Bridgeport, Newtown, Trumbull, Shelton, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Bethel and Ridgefield. All of Fairfield County, Hartford, Litchfield Counties CT .

Joke of the day

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:44:33 -0800

A young cowboy walks into a seedy cafe in Prescott, Az. He sits at the counter and notices an old cowboy with his arms folded staring blankly at a full bowl of chili. After fifteen minutes of just sitting there staring at it, the young cowboy bravely asks the old cowpoke, "If you ain't gonna eat that, mind if I do?" The older cowboy slowly turns his head toward the young wrangler and in his best cowboy manner says, "Nah, you go ahead." Eagerly, the young cowboy reaches over and slides the bowl over to his place and starts spooning it in with delight. He gets nearly down to the bottom and notices a dead mouse in the chili. The sight was shocking and he immediately barfs up the chili into the bowl. The old cowboy quietly says, "Yep, that's as far as I got, too."

Joke of the day

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:20:08 -0800

MORE PEANUTS? A tour bus driver is driving with a bus load of seniors down a highway when he is tapped on his shoulder by a little old lady. She offers him a handful of peanuts, which he gratefully munches up. After about 15 minutes, she taps him on his shoulder again and she hands him another handful of peanuts. She repeats this gesture about five more times. When she is about to hand him another batch again he asks the little old lady, "Why don't you eat the peanuts yourself?". "We can't chew them because we've no teeth", she replied. The puzzled driver asks, "Why do you buy them then?" The old lady replied, "We just love the chocolate around them."