Why do I need a home inspection?

Because most homes are sold in as-is condition, it is up to the buyer to investigate the condition of the home by having a home inspection.

1. Negotiate a home inspection contingency in your purchase contract. A week to 14 days is standard.

2. Hire a certified home inspector to do a home inspection for you. Your real estate agent can recommend someone he or she trusts.

3. Review the written home inspection report carefully and ask the home inspector any questions you may have.

4. Get three estimates from licensed contractors regarding any home system repairs that are needed. Obtain a referral from your agent, a friend or a family member. Ask for the contractor's references.

5. Having information about the condition of the home is important for making the right investment decision.

Spring Cleaning

Simple Steps for Spring Cleaning Without the Stress

Spring is the perfect time to clean up your home and lighten the load of everyday maintenance. But with so much to do, the task can seem overwhelming. Try these simple tips to spruce up your home and brighten your outlook:

Clear the Clutter

Put a box or two in the center of every room and then clear the clutter from closets, cabinets, the garage, garden shed and other storage areas both inside and outside the home.

Wash the Doors and Windows

Doors and windows take a lot of abuse, so it's no surprise they tend to build up dirt, grime and unsightly stains. Begin by removing curtains and blinds for a deep clean, and then tackle tracks, screens and sills with a gentle solution. Tough stains around doorknobs may require a quick touch-up of paint, but the results are worth it.

Floors and More

Rent a commercial-quality carpet-cleaning machine or consider having a professional do the job for you. Either way, it's important to clean the carpets and upholstery in preparation for spring. Research shows that humans lose an average of seven pounds of dead skin each year, and most of it ends up in carpets, the couch or other fabrics.

Breathe Easy

For the ultimate spring clean, be sure to include the air vents, ceiling fans and central air filters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes that have been sealed tight over a long winter are prone to air quality problems that can make asthma, headaches and allergies even worse.

Summer is here and our honey-do list has begun

Summer is here and our honey-do list has begun. As a home inspector, I see the adverse affects of not keeping the simplest elements of a home operating as intended. Here are a few tasks I suggest completing this summer.

First and foremost “Water“, is the biggest source of problems with a home. Check your gutters. Are they pitched correctly towards the downspout, clean, no leaks and extensions on downspouts to divert water away from the home? If not then get busy!

“Crawl Space“, is it dry? Is it covered 100% with a plastic vapor barrier overlapped 12″ and pinned in place? If moisture is present what is causing it? Gutters/downspouts drain away from the home? Grade pitched towards the home? Air handler in the crawl space dripping condensation? Plumbing leak? If the answer is yes to any of these questions have a pro correct them.
“Tree’s and Shrubs” Are there branches close to the roof that can cause damage during high winds? Are shrubs close to the siding? This will cause water to splash against the wall and keep moisture against it. I recommend minimum 2′ clearance to walls. Don’t plant shrubs or flowers close to the foundation that take a lot of water. Water can penetrate into the crawl space or cause uneven soil bearing for the foundation.

“Mulch” Best practice would be to not use it against foundations. But if you must keep 6″ clearance to the start of the framing or siding on the foundation. Use cedar or other naturally insect resistant mulch.

“Exterior Finish” Walk around your home and look for failed caulking joints, thin or peeling paint and indicators of water damage to your siding or trim.

Correcting issues early can save a lot of money later!

We at Affordable Home Inspections offer annual home checks at a reasonable cost that would include Roof, Exterior, Crawl Spaces, Attics or just a single component.

Call us today at 919-557-3889, visit us at www.houseinspections.com or follow us on Twitter @mikencinspector.

Simple steps to keep that A/C in working order

Afforadable Home Inspections

http://www.houseinspections.com

Just wanted to add to this a little more. Your service provider should but not limited to check these items.

1. Calibrate and level thermostat.


2. Clean filters as needed.


3. Monitor voltage/amps on fan motor


4. Lubricate and inspect bearing for wear.


5. Check condition of indoor coil


6. Flush/treat condensate drain with anti algae.


7. Inspect condenser coil.


8. Monitor operating pressures of refrigerant


9. Inspect safety devices for proper operation.


10. Inspect disconnect box for proper rating and installation.


11. Tighten all electrical connections if needed.


12. Test/inspect contacts for burning, pitted contacts.


13. Inspect electrical for exposed wiring.


14. Test and inspect capacitors.


15. Inspect fan blade.


16. Clean Condenser coil/remove debris.


17. Inspect service valves for proper operation.


18. Measure temperature difference-supply/return


19. Inspect duct work for energy loss.


20. Monitor compressor for proper amperage, volt draw and wiring connections.

Information provided by www.cleanairnc-cooling.com

So if your service technician is not doing at least this maybe it's time to look for another!

Via Scott Patterson - Middle TN Home Inspector (Trace Home Inspections):

Five Simple Steps for a Happy and Cool Summer!

Summer is upon us! Today in Nashville TN, my A/C was on and it was not the first time this year! Just a few weeks ago we were in the mid 80's. The following easy steps we help homeowners in preventing a few problems from occurring with their A/C system this summer.

•· Inspect the filters - The first step in maintaining a well-functioning air conditioning system is to inspect the air filters. These should be changed or cleaned at least twice a year. Monthly maintenance is recommended if the system is in constant use or if the air is dusty and dirty. Replace that filter every month. The best time is when you pay your electric bill!

•· Make sure the machine is properly lubricated - Over time, friction can increase within the machine. Oil the motor and bearings twice a year. Be sure to turn off all electricity to the unit when servicing. NOTE: I would not recommend this for the typical homeowner! This job is best left for the professional HVAC contractor.

•· Inspect the fan belts - Check fan belts and pulleys for wear and proper tension. This is located in the "blower" compartment. Most newer systems do not have belts but rather a direct drive motor that is virtually maintenance free. If you do have belts that need replacing, have a professional replace worn parts.

•· Clean the outdoor condensing unit - Foreign objects and dirt can affect the performance of the machine. Brush away or hose off any insects, dirt or other items on the outdoor condensing unit.

•· Clean the drain line -Inspect the drain line to make sure there are not any problems with the termination. If algae is present, wash the affected area with chlorine. This will keep to keep the condensation water from overflowing and causing damage to your home.

If you have a window air conditioning unit, check the window and sill for decay, inspect the unit for rusting and spot paint if any rust is present.

I strongly recommend using a local company for yearly tune ups on your cooling and heating system. Once in the late summer/early fall for the heating system and then in the spring time for the A/C.

Things I find at an Inspection

It's funny some of things I find. I wish I would of started a scrap book years ago. Some people don't understand the importance of a inspection. Things I find could save them thousands. At this link this is just a small sample of items that I just started collecting. I will add to them time to time.

Facebook





Mike





http://www.houseinspections.com/

Cost of Inspection

Clients often call and want discounts on your fee for Inspections. This video pretty much depicts what the phone call is like.

Septic Systems

One of the most neglected components of a home is the septic system. Most people don't realize that septic systems are not self maintaining and need serviced. A system should be pumped every three to five years depending on your family size. Since 2000 septic systems have a filter that needs to be cleaned every three years, and in my opinion should be cleaned once a year to prevent blockage.
The most common septic system is a gravity flow system. It consist of waste tank, distribute box and effluent drain lines. Depending on the soil, number of bedrooms and topography that will determine the tank size and the number of drain lines and length. Second most common type of system is the above plus a holding tank with a pump. This is usually for pumping the fluids from the holding tank to the distribute box located higher up the grade or to a different location off the property.
The waste tank consist of two compartments divided by a baffle wall. The baffle wall is located across the width of the tank and it extends from the top down and bottom up leaving a slot in the center. This keeps the solids that sink to the bottom and the grease that floats on the top from passing over to the second compartment. The first compartment will hold the solids and fats and oils while it breaks down. Typically the fats oil and grease will stay afloat on the top of the tank and the solids will sink to the bottom. The solids will break down to a certain extent but the grease will not. The effluent in the center of the two will pass through the baffle wall and over into the second chamber compartment for further microbe break down. In the second department there is an outlet pipe with a baffle "T" which also helps keep Solids from leaving the tank and possibly obstructing the drain field lines.
In 2000 they required filters to be installed in the "T" to further help with drain field obstruction. This filter will need pulled out and cleaned periodically to prevent it from being stopped up and backing up your system. In the first compartment of the waste tank the solids will only break down to a certain point. The fats and oils will accumulate on the top and the tank buildup on the top and bottom will give less Retention time for the new waste to break down. Over time the less retention time can cause blockage and possibly field failure.
The two systems mentioned are the most common type and there are numerous types of systems that need maintained on a more frequent basis. Get educated about the type of system you have and you should have many years of trouble free use.
To read more about septic systems and the Dos and Don'ts visit my web site at http://www.houseinspections.com/ and click on the septic link. I am a certified septic inspector issued by the state and would be glad to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.