There are 12 components to a home inspection by Peace of Mind, in which we cover a wide variety of aspects of the home to provide information for buyers and sellers.
Over the next 12 months, we will be detailing each of these components with important information and insight into how you can make that part of your inspection go as well as possible.
The following are the 12 components of an inspection:
1. Structural
2. Roofing
3. Exterior
4. Electrical
5. Heating
6. Cooling
7. Insulation/Ventilation
8. Plumbing
9. Interior
10. Appliances
11. Fireplace/Wood Stove
12. Pool/Spa
Follow our blog today or “like” us on Facebook to stay tuned for the 12 detailed components of a home inspection. Next, will be the strutural aspects of a home inspection.
The Team at Peace of Mind Home Inspections
(866) 757-8480
www.peaceofmindhi.net
Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind.
Showing posts with label Peace of Mind Home Inspections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace of Mind Home Inspections. Show all posts
Friday, January 14, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Why Should I Get a Home Inspection?
More and more we hear of Americans purchasing homes without purchasing a home inspection. Why not spend just a few hundred dollars more when you are purchasing your home and be prepared for the future? For it is known, that purchasing a house is one of life’s largest expenses and it would be at your best interest to know what exactly you are getting yourself into when you turn the key to your new home!
A Peace of Mind certified inspector conducts a home inspection of a structure's condition as it exists, both interior and exterior, and then provides the home owner with a comprehensive written report.
Now the question is why getting a home inspection, would be of value to you?
1. Can you be objective?
Many home buyers get emotional when looking at a house. Home inspectors, fortunately, aren't distracted by pretty drapes; they're looking for problems because that is their job. We look at the house, while you look at the location and the potential.
2. Your biggest investment.
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, whether it is for first time home buyers, previous homeowners, rentals, or flip houses. Instead of Americans investing into their piggy banks, it is well known Americans invest into homes. With such a large amount invested into a home, you wouldn't want your newly purchased home to be full of unexpected surprises and expenses causing your investments to belly up, would you?
3. A Home Inspection Gives You Extra Room to Negotiate
If your home inspector informs you that the back porch is rotting or the roof needs to be replaced, you may opt to only purchase the home if the seller agrees to fix the items in question. A seller is always free to refuse your offer or respond with a counteroffer, but knowing exactly what is wrong with the property you wish to purchase allows you additional negotiation room with the seller. Even if the problem will be expensive to fix or the home is a foreclosure, it never hurts to ask the owner for a little bit of wiggle room.
4. Home Inspections Let You Prepare for the Future
If you obtain an inspection report that lets you know that the home needs work that you hadn't originally anticipated and the seller refuses to remedy the situation in order to close the deal, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the home. It does, however, let you know that at some point in the future you will need to make these repairs to the property. By getting a home inspection, you can prepare yourself for any additional costs that may arise.
5. A Home Inspection Lets You Walk Away
In some cases a home that is beautiful on the outside can be falling apart on the inside. A faulty electrical system, extensive crawlspace mold, or termite damage can all cost you thousands of dollars to fix. Provided that your original offer was made contingent on an accepted home inspection, you don’t have to try to plead with the seller to share the cost of repairs or start cashing in your investments to get the home fixed. You have the right to drop your offer and search for another home that is lower-maintenance than your first choice.
6. Newer Homes Don't Have Problems.
One of the big misunderstandings is that newer homes don't have problems. Many times hidden things aren't apparent like modified electrical wiring you can't see or broken roof tiles that haven't started to leak yet. Even in a new home it is a good idea to have a home inspection due to the fact that most of the trades (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing drywall, roofing, etc.) are sub-contracted out to the lowest bidder and it is nearly impossible for the builder to personally monitor all phases of home construction.
To sum it all up, you wouldn't buy a used car without having it checked out by a mechanic, so don't purchase a new or used home without ordering a home inspection report.
A Peace of Mind certified inspector conducts a home inspection of a structure's condition as it exists, both interior and exterior, and then provides the home owner with a comprehensive written report.
Now the question is why getting a home inspection, would be of value to you?
1. Can you be objective?
Many home buyers get emotional when looking at a house. Home inspectors, fortunately, aren't distracted by pretty drapes; they're looking for problems because that is their job. We look at the house, while you look at the location and the potential.
2. Your biggest investment.
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, whether it is for first time home buyers, previous homeowners, rentals, or flip houses. Instead of Americans investing into their piggy banks, it is well known Americans invest into homes. With such a large amount invested into a home, you wouldn't want your newly purchased home to be full of unexpected surprises and expenses causing your investments to belly up, would you?
3. A Home Inspection Gives You Extra Room to Negotiate
If your home inspector informs you that the back porch is rotting or the roof needs to be replaced, you may opt to only purchase the home if the seller agrees to fix the items in question. A seller is always free to refuse your offer or respond with a counteroffer, but knowing exactly what is wrong with the property you wish to purchase allows you additional negotiation room with the seller. Even if the problem will be expensive to fix or the home is a foreclosure, it never hurts to ask the owner for a little bit of wiggle room.
4. Home Inspections Let You Prepare for the Future
If you obtain an inspection report that lets you know that the home needs work that you hadn't originally anticipated and the seller refuses to remedy the situation in order to close the deal, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the home. It does, however, let you know that at some point in the future you will need to make these repairs to the property. By getting a home inspection, you can prepare yourself for any additional costs that may arise.
5. A Home Inspection Lets You Walk Away
In some cases a home that is beautiful on the outside can be falling apart on the inside. A faulty electrical system, extensive crawlspace mold, or termite damage can all cost you thousands of dollars to fix. Provided that your original offer was made contingent on an accepted home inspection, you don’t have to try to plead with the seller to share the cost of repairs or start cashing in your investments to get the home fixed. You have the right to drop your offer and search for another home that is lower-maintenance than your first choice.
6. Newer Homes Don't Have Problems.
One of the big misunderstandings is that newer homes don't have problems. Many times hidden things aren't apparent like modified electrical wiring you can't see or broken roof tiles that haven't started to leak yet. Even in a new home it is a good idea to have a home inspection due to the fact that most of the trades (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing drywall, roofing, etc.) are sub-contracted out to the lowest bidder and it is nearly impossible for the builder to personally monitor all phases of home construction.
To sum it all up, you wouldn't buy a used car without having it checked out by a mechanic, so don't purchase a new or used home without ordering a home inspection report.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
How to Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel
How to Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel
By GrannyGoodEarth, eHow Member
It's that time of year when most of us are thinking about the holidays and seeing our loved ones. For some, that may mean traveling. While we would like to think that this is a time of "peace and good will" for all, we are realistic enough to know that it isn't always the case. The number of robberies and home invasions are up, perhaps due to the poor economy. You need to take some common sense steps to protect your home while you travel.
Instructions
1. A good first step is to make it harder for a burglar to get into your home. Remove items like ladders and garbage cans away from the house and locked up in a garage or shed. Placing items like this close to the house gives the burglars a "leg up" into your second story windows; a common break in location.
2. You've probably heard this one before: if you are going to be gone for awhile, have a neighbor or friend, pick up newspapers and mail. Better yet, put a hold on such deliveries.
3. Purchase timers to control lights and televisions throughout the house. Have the timers set at different times so that it appears that someone is home.
4. Here is an internet hint: don't post that you are going on a trip on Face Book or Twitter. The whole world is reading what you write including burglars.
5. If you have a home security system, check that it is working properly and that it is activated when you depart for your trip. You would be surprised how many homeowners forget to activate their system!
Tips & Warnings
• Depending on where you live, you may be able to notify your local police department of your absence and have them do drive-by observations.
• If you are leaving a dog behind be sure to put their collar on them. If you don't have a small ID tag on the collar, you can write your name and phone number inside the collar. Should there be a break in, burglars often set the dogs loose. You want to be sure that your best friend gets back to you.
Read more: How to Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5684298_keep-safe-during-holiday-travel.html#ixzz18xtBsQgY
By GrannyGoodEarth, eHow Member
It's that time of year when most of us are thinking about the holidays and seeing our loved ones. For some, that may mean traveling. While we would like to think that this is a time of "peace and good will" for all, we are realistic enough to know that it isn't always the case. The number of robberies and home invasions are up, perhaps due to the poor economy. You need to take some common sense steps to protect your home while you travel.
Instructions
1. A good first step is to make it harder for a burglar to get into your home. Remove items like ladders and garbage cans away from the house and locked up in a garage or shed. Placing items like this close to the house gives the burglars a "leg up" into your second story windows; a common break in location.
2. You've probably heard this one before: if you are going to be gone for awhile, have a neighbor or friend, pick up newspapers and mail. Better yet, put a hold on such deliveries.
3. Purchase timers to control lights and televisions throughout the house. Have the timers set at different times so that it appears that someone is home.
4. Here is an internet hint: don't post that you are going on a trip on Face Book or Twitter. The whole world is reading what you write including burglars.
5. If you have a home security system, check that it is working properly and that it is activated when you depart for your trip. You would be surprised how many homeowners forget to activate their system!
Tips & Warnings
• Depending on where you live, you may be able to notify your local police department of your absence and have them do drive-by observations.
• If you are leaving a dog behind be sure to put their collar on them. If you don't have a small ID tag on the collar, you can write your name and phone number inside the collar. Should there be a break in, burglars often set the dogs loose. You want to be sure that your best friend gets back to you.
Read more: How to Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5684298_keep-safe-during-holiday-travel.html#ixzz18xtBsQgY
Monday, December 13, 2010
State Farm: Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home
State Farm provides a great list of seasonal home maintenance and safety tips for your home.
Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home:
Winter tips
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
Remove the screens from the storm window frames and install storm windows
Storm windows help reduce the cost to heat your home and help prevent windowsills from rotting.
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Cleaning debris and fallen leaves reduces the chances of an ice dam forming. One good step is to spray water down the downspouts to wash away leaves and other debris. A good tip is to place gutter screens over gutters. Read more about ice dams at attic ventilation and water damage.
Extreme caution should be exercised when working on or around the roof. Consider hiring a professional.
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
This will reduce a home's fire load and the chance of attracting termites.
Familiarize responsible family members with the main gas valve and other appliance valves
Responsible family members should be familiar with the location and operation of valves. If you are unsure of the location and operation of these valves, contact a qualified plumber.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and may cause a fire.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
If possible, use 3-prong plugs and cords. The use of 2-prong adapters, which permit 3-prong plugs to be used in 2-prong outlets, doesn't always provide grounding to protect against shock. Unplug decorations when not in use.
Use of extension cords should be temporary. To help reduce the chances of overheating, electric cords, including extension cords, should never be bundled together or run under rugs and carpet.
Check the attic for adequate ventilation
Check the exterior wall to be sure the ceiling insulation is not blocking the outside air from the soffit vents from getting into the attic. Make sure the attic has plenty of vents. Caution should be taken in all attic spaces that are unfinished. Read more at Attic ventilation and water damage.
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Keeping this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
Check water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. Read more about Preventing water damage in your home.
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
These need to be tripped and reset once a month. If they do not trip or reset, have the outlet changed by a qualified electrician. These types of outlets are required around wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens to offer protection against shock. Only a qualified electrician should make changes in your home's electrical system.
Feel free to visit our website at http://www.homeinspectornow.com/ to learn more about our business and to schedule your next home inspection online!
Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home:
Winter tips
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
Remove the screens from the storm window frames and install storm windows
Storm windows help reduce the cost to heat your home and help prevent windowsills from rotting.
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Cleaning debris and fallen leaves reduces the chances of an ice dam forming. One good step is to spray water down the downspouts to wash away leaves and other debris. A good tip is to place gutter screens over gutters. Read more about ice dams at attic ventilation and water damage.
Extreme caution should be exercised when working on or around the roof. Consider hiring a professional.
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
This will reduce a home's fire load and the chance of attracting termites.
Familiarize responsible family members with the main gas valve and other appliance valves
Responsible family members should be familiar with the location and operation of valves. If you are unsure of the location and operation of these valves, contact a qualified plumber.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and may cause a fire.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
If possible, use 3-prong plugs and cords. The use of 2-prong adapters, which permit 3-prong plugs to be used in 2-prong outlets, doesn't always provide grounding to protect against shock. Unplug decorations when not in use.
Use of extension cords should be temporary. To help reduce the chances of overheating, electric cords, including extension cords, should never be bundled together or run under rugs and carpet.
Check the attic for adequate ventilation
Check the exterior wall to be sure the ceiling insulation is not blocking the outside air from the soffit vents from getting into the attic. Make sure the attic has plenty of vents. Caution should be taken in all attic spaces that are unfinished. Read more at Attic ventilation and water damage.
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Keeping this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
Check water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. Read more about Preventing water damage in your home.
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
These need to be tripped and reset once a month. If they do not trip or reset, have the outlet changed by a qualified electrician. These types of outlets are required around wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens to offer protection against shock. Only a qualified electrician should make changes in your home's electrical system.
Feel free to visit our website at http://www.homeinspectornow.com/ to learn more about our business and to schedule your next home inspection online!
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