Recently at an inspection of home built in the 1950's I noted that the natural gas lines to many different major appliances were connected to a proper main line with copper auxiliary lines. A big red flag came out because it is a known fact that copper and some of the additives that the gas company place in the natural gas to be able to recognize a leak can create a sulfate crystals that can clog the regulators and even go into the burners. This can create a poor burning furnace, water heater or other appliance that uses the natural gas.
After stating some of the codes that restrict or are not code compliant with respect to the use of copper pipes for use in the residential communities, the seller had a person come to try and repair/replace the tubing. My recommendation was to have a licensed Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning professional evaluate and repair this defect. I did not state to change the system with a "Handyman".
After this was done by seller, fortunately for the buyer, he had a licensed HVAC professional go back and at minimum inspect and give him a price to repair and replace the gas line and other items that the licensed professional found were wrong with the system.
The house is being sold to the buyer that the inspection was done for. They are asking for an allowance for the proper repair of the natural gas lines leading to the appliances. They will get about 95% of what they are asking for.
The point is, when an inspector recommends a licensed professional, go with an experienced well rounded licensed professional. It may cost a little more, but at minimum you know that the recommendations will be within the most recent codes and be properly functioning. Cheap is cheap work and can back fire.
An experienced professional usually does a good job that can be reliant. Look around in the yellow pages. Don't always go for the largest advertising. Don't go with the cheapest. And most of all, get a minimum of three quotes from reputable professionals.
Here are a few hints that can help you evaluate the professional. If they charge for their own bid, you don't want them. Make certain that if the professional tells you a time that he will be at the site and make certain that he is at that site at that time. Do not allow fifteen minute unless this is expressly told to you prior to the appointment or he/she calls and tells you otherwise. If they are late and do not call and tell you why, you may be choosing the wrong professional. Make certain that they know what you want to be done (i.e: inspect and repair the water heater) prior to showing up at the site. Do not allow them to sell you on other periferals (a water treatment or filtering system) unless that is what the inspection report calls for or you would like to know more about it. Tell them up front, i.e.: "I need the an evaluation of the water heater and the gas lines leading to it."
These are just a few helpful hints on what a person should do if they are selling or buying a house.
If there are any questions please feel free to write them down and I would be happy to answer them. I check my bolg about once a month.
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