Home Inspection

James Budrow asked:




Home Inspection Misconceptions

With the increasing popularity of home inspections, today, most homes have undergone one prior to buying or selling. The purpose of the inspection is to inform the potential buyer of the actual condition of the home. This allows them to make educated decisions regarding the property. Even though home inspections are so common, there are still several misconceptions surrounding them.

Some people believe that home inspections are done so that the buyer can bargain for a lower price. The major purpose of an inspection is to alert the buyer of any significant situations that may have an adverse effect on the structural integrity of the home and any safety issues that this would cause especially ones that were omitted by the seller on the disclosure statement. If such items are discovered, then it is ok to use the inspection results to renegotiate the pricing of the property. The home inspection is not used to point out all the cosmetic imperfections of the property and in most cases; this type of thing is not even included in the report given by the inspector. You do not want to nit pick over the small stuff.

Often times, it is thought that only “used homes” require an inspection. Nothing could be farther form the truth. It is just as important to get a new home inspected as it is a used one. With new homes, there are many players in the game, subcontractors that perform their own specialized field of work. Unfortunately, not all contractors can be trusted to do everything according to code and sometimes eliminate or take short cuts in order to trim costs. There are many stipulations and contracts that come into play at closing time regarding the purchase of a new home and if your inspection isn’t done in a timely manner prior to closing, you could be putting yourself in a situation that is very problematic.

Contrary to popular belief, not all home inspections are created equal! It is so very important to have your Sacramento inspection done by a reputable, experienced inspector, one that has been thoroughly trained and knows what to look for. They should be familiar with the guidelines and procedures that are to be followed in your area. Be sure to check their credentials prior to hiring them and don’t be afraid to ask for references and most importantly, check those references out.

Even though you have had another type of inspection done such as a pest inspection, code inspection or even an appraisal, don’t think that you are in good shape. These types of inspection do not take the place of a comprehensive home inspection. Each home inspection is followed up with a written report detailing all the findings of the inspection along with diagrams and sometime pictures of the issues found. This way you can see exactly what they are talking about. So, put your mind at ease and get a trained inspector to conduct your Sacramento inspection before you decide to buy.

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Rick Jacobsen asked:




If you are looking into buying a home in California, or if you are considering putting up your property for sale, one of the most important things you need to do is to get a home inspection on the property. A home inspection is a non-invasive check into the condition of a property to highlight any areas which need repairing or which are badly damaged.

Home inspections should only be conducted by a qualified home inspector. There are many reputable home inspection services available throughout California, including WIN Home Inspection. Professional home inspectors will carry credentials to prove that they have undergone special training for this task and to bring out their reliability for discovering any damaged, or in need of repair, areas inside or surrounding the house.

Inspectors will check every area of the home such as the roof, the basement, air conditioners, plumbing, electrical connections and any other area or fixture of the house which may be prone to breaking or failing. They will also examine the home from the point of view of improper building practices such as poor contracting services in the past, which could create problems after a purchase and show that the home may not be of good value for the asking price. Other important areas include looking into how well it is being maintained, regarding the age of the home, the life expectancy of fixtures, and finding out structural areas of the home which need extensive repairs.

After completing the inspection, the home inspector will issue an inspection report which details out all their findings. As a buyer, a home inspection report will tell you about the entire condition of the property that you wish to purchase. If you feel that some conditions need only nominal repairs, you can negotiate their repair fees with the seller.

On the other hand, if the conditions are pretty bad, the inspection could actually save you from buying a property which will require considerable expenditures for repairs after your purchase. As a seller, getting a home inspection done before you put your property for sale let’s you know on what needs to be done to improve property condition. You will have a better chance of getting the price you want on the sale of the home, rather than have buyers point out errors and then haggle for a reduced price, or insist that the repairs be completed at your expense.

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R. L. Fielding asked:




The home buying process can be complicated, with many details to consider. Should you buy a house with two stories or just one? Hardwood floors or carpeting? Laminate countertops or marble? When real estate markets are hot, and energy costs are stable, buyers have had a history of only looking at the superficial elements of the home, with few taking the time to really analyze the type of heating system that is in place.

In times where home heating costs are on the rise, knowing what kind of heating system you are investing in can be a big deal. The home inspection report can let you know what type of heating system is installed in the house, along with the age and condition of the system. Knowing these details about the heating system can help save you thousands in repair expenses, high heating bills or expensive system upgrades.

Water-based heating systems have proven to be a reliable source of quiet, even heating for many years. There are two basic types of water-based systems to consider: steam and hot water. While these systems differ in their operation and controls, they both utilize a boiler as the vessel to heat the water and a piped distribution system connected to radiators (or convectors) to provide heat in the individual rooms of a house. The most common type fuels used with residential boilers are gas and oil.

Steam Heating Systems

In a steam boiler, water is heated in much the same way as it is in a whistling teapot. As water in the partially filled teapot or boiler is heated to 212°F (100°C), it turns to steam while the pressure within the system increases. In a teapot, the excessive pressure is vented through a hole in the spout. In a steam heating system, the steam rises under low pressure (less than 5 psi) through the pipes to the radiators. On each radiator, an air vent opens as the steam increases the air pressure within the radiator. When the steam reaches the vent, it closes. As the heat of the radiator radiates to the room, the steam eventually cools and condenses to water, and, by gravity-flow returns to the boiler to be reheated.

All steam boilers require a pressure relief valve and a low-water cut off. Most steam systems have a manual feed valve to allow for the periodic addition of water to the system. A “sight” gauge on the side of the boiler indicates the water level. Water normally needs to be added every few weeks in order to maintain the water level at the one half to two thirds full level.

A steam system should operate without any excessive noise. If there is a “knocking” noise in the system, it may indicate partially closed or malfunctioning valves or sagging pipes. Constant discharging of the air or steam indicates a vent malfunction.

Hot-Water Heating Systems

Modern forced hot-water heating systems utilize one or more pumps to quickly and quietly circulate the heated water through pipes to convectors (or radiators). This type system is a closed system, relying on the physical relationship of pressure, temperatures and volume for safe and efficient operation. When the thermostat calls for heat, an oil or gas burner is activated and begins to heat up the water in the boiler. Depending on the particular system, the circulator pump will either activate to begin circulating the water throughout the house when the thermostat calls for heat or when the water reaches a pre-set temperature.

Most modern hot water boilers have an automatic feed system. As the water is heated, it expands. The extra volume is forced into an expansion tank, which helps prevent the build up of excessive pressure. A pressure relief valve is also required to ensure the boiler pressure does not reach excessive levels. Boiler temperature and pressure can be observed on a gauge mounted on the unit. Under normal operating conditions temperatures will range from 160° to 220°F (70-105°C), with water pressure in the 12-18 psi (pounds per square inch) range. Readings outside these parameters generally indicate that the unit should be checked.

The original hot water systems operated by gravity flow, with the heated water rising by convection through the distribution system. This type system also uses a manual feed valve and open expansion tank, usually installed in the attic or an upper closet. Gravity systems are rarely found in their original state; most have been replaced or have been modernized.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Steam and hot water systems have an economic service life of approximately 20-25 years; many operate beyond that time frame. Regardless of the age or type system, annual servicing is recommended. One attractive feature of forced hot water systems is the ability to break the systems up into zones, allowing for the separate control of the heating in the individual rooms or areas of the house. This is done by way of multiple zone valves and one or more circulator pumps.

Another type distribution system occasionally found with hot water boilers is referred to as a radiant system. Plastic or metal pipes are installed in the concrete floor slab or in tracks in a wood floor system then covered with finished flooring. There are no radiators; the heat radiates from the floor as the concrete is heated. The advantage of this type system is that it provides uniform heating at the lowest or generally coldest point in the house. Disadvantages with radiant systems include difficulty in determining or locating leaks and limitations on the type floor coverings used. While carpeting can be used with radiant heat, heavy padding and/or carpeting can lower system efficiency.

Arming yourself with information about the types of home heating systems available can help you make a more informed decision about which home is right for you. The level of maintenance, expense, and replacement timeline can have a strong effect on your decision to purchase the home. Making sure that you know the details before you buy can save you a lot of money and hassle over the long haul.

About HouseMaster

HouseMaster is the oldest and most respected home inspection company, with a network of independently owned and operated franchises in more than 365 markets across North America. In operation since 1979, HouseMaster has collectively performed nearly 2 million inspections, consistently delivering high quality service, innovative industry practices, and solid business leadership. For more information, visit http://www.housemaster.com.



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Black Mold asked:




A mold infestation takes place whenever a surface is in contact with water for a long period. Mold is a type of fungus and not all surfaces may further its growth. Some specific factors are needed for a mold to grow:

Warmth Moisture Type of Material (Organic)

You can detect a mold easily by visually observing it as well as its odor. If any surface in your house is subject to discoloration or peeling off, you might have to raise your mold alert. An inspection is necessary after detection to know the nature of the mold.

Home Inspection Tampa FL

Basements, cellars, dark places and hidden areas make a good feast for mold’s growth. Underneath of sinks can be a common place to find an infestation. An untreated mold can cause damage to your furniture and belongings. It can be even a bigger threat to your house. The warmth and moisture in your house and on surfaces are the food for mold’s growth. This causes significant damage to the surface itself. A mold is equally harmful for your health as it is to your household. Mold contains spores that can cause allergies, irritation, and various, serious complications.

A mold infestation could cause serious threats to you and your pets. Some of the problems associated with infestation are skin rashes, irritation, respiratory problems, and even miscarriage. Cancer is also a cause of prolonged exposure to mold infestation. The spores are the component that makes the mold fatal. These enter the respiratory system causing problems, allergies as well as irritation. Brain damage and lung cancer are the result of Stachybotrys, a toxic mold. Although the infestation of toxic mold is not very common however, prevention is always better than cure.

A recent survey concluded that most of the sinus problems in US every year are caused by mold infestations. Approximately 37 million residents with sinus problems are associated with exposure to molds. Additionally, there are other health concerns associated with mold infestation as well.



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Mold removal Tampa would assure that there is no further damage after the removal. The removal process can help in detecting the source of moisture via various processes such as repairs, dehumidification or remediation in your area and containing the source.



Mold removal Tampa could also fix your leakage and crack problems. They offer their expertise that works great against any problem may it be big or small. They could use the right processes for the right cause for ramification of all your mold problems. This contains the chances of any future mold growth.



A standard removal process is never applicable to every problem. That is why Mold removal Tampa comes to your rescue. The expert understands the uniqueness of your problem and they will find solutions that mark its permanence in the mold removal.



Are you looking for mold removal? Mold removal Tampa is necessary to ensure the well-being of you and your house.



home inspection services

James Budrow asked:




Most articles that are written about getting a Sacramento home inspected are written towards people that are looking to buy a new or used home and that’s a good thing. I wanted to change the focus in this article and talk to the person that is selling a home and what the benefits are when getting the home you’re selling inspected before you sell.

So what are the benefits? The first benefit that comes to mind is the fact that you as the seller will know exactly what condition the home is in before you put it up on the market. That way you can make the decision to fix the problems before the buyer even sees the problems.

The benefit of you fixing the problems before the buyer sees them is the fact that the buyer can not use the problems that are found buy the home inspection to negotiate a lower price for the home. This is a plus for the seller.

The Sacramento home inspector is hired to be a second pair of eyes and third party that is unbiased about the home. Their job is to look at the home with their expertise to make sure that the home is sound and safe. They give the seller a complete report on their findings with pictures.

You the seller can use this report as a selling point to the buyer. This will make the buyer feel warm and fuzzy because you took the time and money to get the inspection done. This way the buyer doesn’t have to spend the money or the time getting the home inspected. But don’t be surprised if they get the house inspected again anyway.

Most likely they won’t get the house looked at again because they are trying their best to cut costs and this would be just another expense for them. However if you don’t get the home inspected before you sell it, most likely the buyer will have it inspected if they are smart. But now who has the leverage, you or the buyer?

It really is a good thing to go ahead and have the home inspected before you try to sell it. Do you really want to try to sell a home that may have a major problem with it?

The home inspector will inspect the foundation for cracks and any other problems it may have. They will also check the plumbing throughout the house to make sure that there are no leaks or piping problems. The inspector will also look at the roof from the outside and they will also check the attic for leaks. While they’re in the attic they will also check the insulation for how well it will insulate.

The buyer doesn’t want to have their money flying out the roof because of the lack of insulation. Having your home inspected before you sell is a win, win situation for you and the buyer. You should feel good about selling the home and knowing that the house is safe for a family to move in.

home inspection services

Matthew Kaplan asked:




Not all home inspection companies are created equal. Consumers often rely on local inspector association memberships or licensing to assure them that they are getting a qualified inspector. While licensing and trade membership is a good first step in evaluating an inspection firm, it’s not the ONLY qualification to look for. Most licensing or inspector associations do not require professional liability insurance, annual re-testing or on-going technical support. This article will discuss the most important credentials to help consumers evaluate and select the most qualified home inspection service.

Limited Inspection Guarantee: The company you select should stand behind their inspector’s work. Such guarantees assure you that the inspector was properly trained and that a thorough inspection was performed. Ask the following questions:

Does your company stand behind your inspection reports? Does the company include a written limited guarantee? What protection does your company offer against deficiencies found after purchase?

Formally Trained Inspectors: All home inspectors should be required to be formally trained and and have their training continually updated to keep their expertise current. Ask the following questions:

What kind of formal training do your inspectors have? What is the extent of their on-going training? Are your inspectors certified?

Reputation: The company you select should have solid experience and enjoy an impeccable reputation for integrity and thoroughness. Only years of service and dedication can achieve those goals. Ask the following questions:

How long has the company been in the home inspection business? How many inspections have they performed? Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Insurance: One of the most important credentials to look for is their insurance coverage. Errors and Omissions insurance is like malpractice insurance to cover inspector negligence. General Liability insurance protects you should the inspector damage something while at the site. Ask the following questions:

Are your inspectors covered by E&O insurance? Does the company carry General Liability Insurance?

On-Site Report: The home inspection company you choose should encourage your attendance and provide you with a written report at the completion of the inspection. Verify that all major elements will be accurately described in the report and not just rated as functional or not functional. Your inspection report should give the approximate ages of the major elements of the home as well as estimated life spans. Questions to ask:

Can I accompany the inspector on the inspection? Will I be provided with a professional report immediately after the inspection? Will your report reflect the ages of all the major elements?

Guidance after the Inspection: The home inspection service should offer you additional information regarding home repairs and maintenance. Questions to ask:

Does your company provide me with any post-inspection home maintenance information? Does your company have a full-time technical staff to help us with advice as needed? Does the company offer a useful website to help owners manage home/appliance service?

home inspection services

Jeslyn Jessy asked:




The US Department of Labor has predicted that there will be a strong demand for licensed home inspectors in the next decade. Indirectly, it has shown that home inspection business is a profitable and long lasting business in United States. However, not everyone who gets involved in this business is able to generate lucrative income. Starting a business in this industry is not easy. There are 10 important tips you need to bear in mind if you are dead serious in carving out this full time business.

·        It is a must for you to attend formal training in order to be the licensed home inspector.

·        Get professional service to assist you to set up your business, for instance, obtaining business certificate.

·        Stock yourself with vast knowledge in home building, design, landscaping, repair work, etc. Obtain all the related sources from books, magazines, journals, sundry manuals and internet.

·        You are required to understand both real estate basics and the buying process.

·        Equip yourself with hands-on skills so that you are able to conduct the evaluation in a professional manner.

·        Get yourself prepared financially as you need to invest on digital camera, inspection tools, computers, home inspection software, vehicle as well as insurance. At the same time, make sure you have sufficient fund to sustain through the first year of business.

·        Enroll yourself in a chapter of a national organization so that you are able to get an insider’s look into the whole industry

·        Strike up the right contacts with real estate agents, home owners, potential home buyers, moneylenders and also other home inspectors. In order to make the right kind of contacts with the right mix of people, you must have very good interpersonal skills.

·        Gain as much practical experience as you can. Practice makes perfect. At the initial stage, you may start to provide free services to people in your neighborhood. By executing the task yourself, you are able to learn various troubleshooting techniques. Besides, you can also master the skills of identifying faulty construction features.

·        Tailor your advertising efforts to attract clients. Don’t sit in the office to wait for business. Sharpening your marketing skill is essential.

By referring to the points stated above, are you ready to be your own boss? Bear in mind that working solo needs a lot of hard work, strong determination, patience and fund.



home inspection services

yellowbook asked:

Benchmark Home Inspection Services 239-774-6243 www.yellowbook.com

home inspection services

Black Mold asked:




The Environmental Protection Agency stresses the importance of mold remediation and the hiring of Tampa Mold Remediation experts.  Mold is a fungus that thrives in certain areas of our home that were exposed to water and remains to be damp.  Molds are dependent on three factors that are vital in their survival – moisture, humidity and food.  Molds thrive best in areas that are humid as well as in areas where there are consistent moisture.  Molds also need food to sustain life.  Molds devour on fibrous organic materials such as wood, card boards, papers, and the likes.  There are numerous mold species; some of them include Cladosporidium, Amerospores, Altamaria, Pithomyces, Stachybotrys or the toxic black mold. Tampa

The common areas of our home that are prone to mold influxation and contamination are basements, kitchens, bathrooms, closets, pipelines, drains, under carpets, wood panel, ceilings and other areas that are made up of porous materials and are prone to moisture.  These areas must be thoroughly checked regularly in order to monitor mold growth.  Molds growing on the outside environment are useful as they aid in the normal decaying process of dried leaves and animal carcasses.  However, molds growing inside our homes is a different story; a story with no happy ending, because mold in dangerous especially the “toxic” black mold of the Stachybotrys species.

Prolonged and constant exposure to mold has been clinically proven to cause grave illnesses affecting both the young and the elderly, especially those of low immune resistance. According to research studies, almost thirty percent of the human populace develops anaphylactic or allergic reactions to mold.  To those who don’t know it yet, allergic reactions are fatal especially when severe.  It can cause the inflammation and blockage of your respiratory passages making it hard for you to breath.  Aside from allergic reactions, molds also cause respiratory problems such as cough, sneezing and asthma attacks.  They also cause other health problems such as rashes, eye irritation and a lot more.

The Tampa Mold Remediation service offered by QCI, Inc. is highly recommended by the EPA when it comes to removal of molds.  For 2 decades in a row, the They were able to thoroughly remove toxic mold spores before the mold problems worsens and cause health problems and property destruction.  It’s not only the EPA that have identified mold as a health hazard but also the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  Other problems identified by the CDC that can be directly associated with mold spores are lung disease, headaches, fever, and psoriasis, as well as fatigue and eye irritation or conjunctivitis.

If your family’s welfare is your main concern, don’t just count on any company that gives enticing advertisements about their products and services.  Instead, look for a company that is able to offer you premium services when it comes to Tampa Mold Remediation.  Look for a well established company that has built a good reputation through years of experience and practice, because your family’s health is more important than anything else.



home inspection services

Inspection of Atlanta asked:




There are four basic defects that can exist in a plumbing system that should be identified in an inspection. There can be a leak, inadequate water supply, water contamination, or an incorrect installation of a component.

A common vent is one vent that serves more than one fixture, functioning as an individual vent for each fixture. Wet venting is venting single or double bathroom groups or combinations thereof, where one vent pipe may serve all the fixtures connected to the wet vent.  Waste stack venting is venting individual fixtures through a drainage stack, and the oversized stack functions as the vent.  Circuit venting is venting up to eight fixtures with a single vent pipe.  A combination drain and vent system is restricted to floor drains, sinks, and lavatories, and relies on the oversized drain pipe.  Island fixture venting has a vent installed below the flood level rim of the fixture before rising to connect to another vent.

Modern plumbing, including proper sanitary drainage, has been on of the reasons that diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery have been eliminated.  Modern plumbing has improved human health and longevity.

The drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) system should consist of all piping for conveying wastes from plumbing fixtures, appliances, including fixture traps; aboveground drainage piping; belowground drainage piping within the building (building drain); below and aboveground venting systems; and piping to the public sewer or private septic system. 

All plumbing and drainage work should be tested to verify that it is leak free.  The drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system of the dwelling should be tested with a minimum 10-foot head of water (for 15 minutes), equivalent to the working pressure of the system.  Each section is filled with water to a point not less than 10 feet above the highest fitting in that section.  When doing an air test on rough-in plumbing, the portion under the test shall be maintained at 5 psi for 15 minutes.The design and installation of a drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system in a dwelling should functionreliably, should not be undersized, should not be oversized, and should be constructed of materials, fittings, and connections listed and approved.

Storm drainage is the system of collecting and transporting the rainwater, ground water, and storm water typically associated with rainfall away from a dwelling.  Connection of floor drains to the storm drainage system is not permitted. 

Storm water, rainwater, and ground water should not be drained into a sewer system.  The rainwater should drain to an acceptable point of disposal, such as a retention basin, river, stream, pond, public storm sewer system, or to the surrounding land if it does not adversely affect the building. 

 

Ground surface of the lot should be graded so as to drain surface water away from foundation walls.The grade should be dropped a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3048 mm).  Where the site does not allow for the necessary fall away from the structure, drains or swales could be used.

Protection Against Pipe Damage

It is critical that piping passing through holes or notches in joists, studs, rafters, and other structural members in concealed locations less than 1.5 inches (38 mm) from the nearest edge of the member be protected from damage, typically caused by wallboard fasteners and/or wood structural panels. Shield plates are to be utilized.  They should be a minimum of 1/16 inch thick (1.6 mm) and steel.  They should cover the area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored, and should extend a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) above the sole plates and below top plates. 

For fuel gas piping, the plate should extend a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) above sole plates, below top plates, and to each side of a stud, joist, or rafter. 

Fuel piping must not be installed in any solid concrete or masonry floor construction.  The potential for pipe damage caused by settlement of the slab or the corrosive action of the floor material makes it crucial that the gas piping be installed in channels or casings, or similarly protected.



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