Useful Tip - Interior

Buying a new home is one of the most important investments you will make, and you need to make sure there are no unexpected surprises when you move-in. As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards.

This month's tip is regarding the interior of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or you potentially should have repaired when listing a home for a seller.

Painting Touch-Ups: Paint Touch ups are probably the most frequently noted items on a walk through, which isn’t surprising as they are usually the most visible. Some new homes may require minor painting touch-ups where there are stains, scuffs or scratches. Look for uniform color and even coverage on the interior as well as the exterior.

Doors Doors should open and close easily without binding. Check to see that exterior doors shut properly with no light coming in through the seals. Make sure that doors are painted or sealed on all six sides: front, back, sides, top and bottom. This will ensure that in the future the door will not absorb moisture and warp. Make sure that the dead bolts latch easily and completely into the jamb.

Windows: Windows should open and close properly. Check for cracked or scratched glass. Scratches in glass have to be visible from 10 feet before replacement will be required.

Cabinets/Countertops: Open and close all cabinets. Check for secure installation of cabinets and knobs. Drawers should glide smoothly and doors should close squarely. Shelves should be supported at all 4 corners and at the center stile for the double wide cabinets. Make sure that cabinet doors close and touch the bump stops at top and bottom. Failure to touch at top and bottom can indicate a warped door. Look for nicks and scratches. Same goes for the countertops, check for scratches nicks or blemishes. Countertops should be securely attached to the cabinets and caulked to the walls.

Floors/Carpet: Walk the entire floor area and listen for creaks. Check hardwood floors for scuffs and scratches. On carpeted floors, be sure seams match and there are no snags. Look for rips, tears or seam gaps on vinyl or linoleum flooring. Depending on the style chosen, floor tile should have consistent color and should be level with uniform grout lines.

Condensation/Mildew: Condensation on windows indicates high humidity levels during winter months. This can sometimes lead to rot. Walls, particularly in comers and areas of dead air should be checked for evidence of condensation and mildew indicating high humidity levels within the house. Water stains on interior finishes should be noted. If the source cannot be detected, they should be monitored.

Please note this may not be complete or suitable checklist for your needs and is not meant to replace a professional inspection preformed by a certified home inspector.

One of the main reasons there is great value in get a home inspection from a Peace of Mind certified inspector is because 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.

Source: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Final Walk Through

Real estate agent and buyers looking at the interior of a home during a walk through.

Useful Tip -- Roofing

There is a long list of items on the home that are usually referred as deal killers by realtors, and the one item closest to the top is the roofing and the condition of the roof. Missing shingles and hanging gutters broadcast a loud, scary signal to potential buyers. You want the house to look as presentable and non-problematic as possible. There's a great deal of fear when people go out to look at property. You want them to be able to focus on 'Where does my bed go?' and 'Can we live here?' rather than, 'Oh my God, there's a problem with the roof.'"

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's tip is regarding the roofing of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or have repaired when listing a home for a seller.

Make a Few Repairs:

As a listing agent, if possible request the sellers to make a few repairs to spiff up the appearance of the roof.

Find a certified, licensed, and bonded roofing company to replace any missing or broken shingles or roofing tiles. 

• Request the roofer to remove any moss or recommend someone that can. 
• Moss growing on the roof signals neglect, so it's important to get it cleaned off. 
• Remember when hiring someone to work on your roof, it's crucial to check their recommendations. Amateurs can damage your roof with the careless use of a high-pressure power washer.

How to Inspect the Roof:

As a buying agent, it is important to learn how to spot common roof problems while walking through the home with your clients. You may inspect the roof by using the following steps:  

• Walk the exterior of the house, looking for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. 
• Look for signs of prior repairs made on the roof. 
• Look for areas on the roof with moss and/or leaves, paying close attention to areas that are hidden by vegetation. 
• Look for missing, damaged, and aging shingles. 
• Get some history! Here and there we are still finding homes that are occupied. The homeowner or tenant themselves would know more about the roof than anyone else. If this is the case, then why not ask about the age of the roof and the repair history. 
• Do not climb onto the roof. The risk is too high and that is why there are certified inspectors who will do this for you, often times free as well. Roof inspectors will complete a thorough inspection, stating the condition of the roof, providing repair estimates, and if the roof is certifiable, roofing companies will often offer certifications guaranteeing the roof for a certain number of years.

Maintaining Your Roof

Replacing a roof can be the single biggest maintenance expense a homeowner will ever encounter. It’s for that reason that I strongly recommend you inspect and properly maintain your roof to get the most out of it. Because the roof on any house is exposed to heavy rains, blazing sun, high winds, and sometimes even hail, regular inspection and maintenance is essential for a long-lasting roof.

• Be alert to early signs of a roof leak. Check the condition of your roof at least once a year, and plan in advance for necessary repairs. Early signs of trouble include dark areas on ceilings, peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs, damp spots alongside fireplaces, and water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace. 
• Remove leaves from the roof. If you don’t remove them, they’ll trap moisture and gradually decompose, allowing wind-blown seeds to take root. 
• Trim overhanging branches. A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your roof, and it can also keep squirrels and other rodents from gnawing into your roof or siding. To keep critters away, remove branches within 10 feet of the roof.
• Clean the gutters. When leaves collect in the gutters, the rainwater-collection system becomes clogged and roof runoff spills over the side. That can damage your siding and cause basement flooding. Worse, the water can back up into the structure of your home, where it leads to rot, infestations of wood-destroying insects, and interior paint damage. 
• Clear the roof of moss. Moss holds moisture against the wood, speeding rot. Moss can even crack cement or ceramic tiles.

To learn more about inspecting and maintaining your roof visit HouseLogic.

Video: Lowe's Solution Center

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Components to a Home Inspection: Roofing

What is the roofing component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the roofing system. The certified inspector will inspect the roof coverings, roof drainage systems, the flashings, the chimneys, roof penetrations, water penetration and condensation. The roof inspection will determine the integrity of the roof, how long it may last, and when it will need to be replaced.

The certified inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

A. The roof covering.

B. The gutters.

C. The downspouts.

D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.

E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

The certified inspector is not required to:

A. Walk on any roof surface.

B. Predict the service life expectancy.

C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.

D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.

E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.

For more information on peace of mind services and to view a sample home inspection report book please visit our website at www.peaceofmindhi.net.

A Roof Doctors certified, licensed, and bonded roof inspector
inspecting a composition roof.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Useful Tip -- Heating

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about furnaces!

How to Inspect the Furnace:

• Locate the furnace. Is the furnace even there? Don't laugh; theft for scrap metal is pretty big these days!

• If possible, identify the manufacturer along with the make and model of the furnace. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the furnace might be. All peace of mind certified inspectors will recommend that with any unit fifteen years or older should have the heat exchange checked for any cracks or leaks of carbon monoxide, this service is typically offered for free buy your local utility company.

• Check around the furnace's location for noticeable water stains, this could potentially mean the furnace condenser is leaking.

• Check the thermostat. The thermostat should be located out of direct sunlight (i.e. hallways). The thermostat should be level and attached properly to the wall to work properly.

• Test the thermostat by turning on the furnace. Upon turning the system and listen for unusual sounds while feeling how warm the air is and how strong the air flow is from the vents. Move around the house, verifying the vents are pushing adequate air throughout the home.

• Look at the air intake located indoors to verify the filter is properly installed and the cleanliness of the filer itself. If the filter looks unclean, the filter most likely needs to be cleaned or replaced. Make note of the filter type, there are many types of filters to choose from.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Furnace:

Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. We'll walk through some of the steps in maintaining your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to monitor its safety.

• Turn Off Gas and Electricity to Furnace -- As with all home repairs, the first step is to turn off the power and in this case, the fuel. There should be a switch near the furnace, if not, check the electrical service panel and shut off the appropriate breaker. The gas line will be connected to the furnace in a black pipe and will have a shut off valve nearby. Turn the valve so it is perpendicular to the gas line to shut it off.

• Vacuum the Furnace Interior -- Open the furnace door. With a vacuum cleaner having a long snorkel attachment, vacuum out the base of the furnace and the gas burners. Get all the crevices cleaned of any loose dust or debris.

• Change the Air Filter -- The furnace filter is the one component that needs to be checked and possibly changed monthly during the heating season. Replace it as part of this seasonal maintenance.Watch the step by step video below by Liberty Home Builders!

• Check the Fanbelt -- Just as on your car, fanbelts wear and get loose. Check the fanbelt on your furnace that drives the blower. Inspect the belt for glazing, cracking or fraying. If any of those signs are evident, replace the belt. Also check the belt tension. By pushing down in the center of the belt, it should feel taut and only deflect about 1/2" - 3/4". If it deflects more than that, tighten the belt by loosening the attachment bracket. Then, move the motor assembly so the belt tightens and hold the motor assembly in place while maintaining tension on the belt. Tighten the attachment bracket.

• Lubricate Oil Bearings -- If your furnace is older or if it has a motor without permanently sealed bearings, the bearings will need to be oiled. Find the oiling caps. They may also be on the bearing shaft. Drop a few drops of lightweight household oil in the oil spout below the caps. Don't over oil.

• Replace Furnace Cover and Reconnect -- Once completed, replace the furnace cover and turn the electrical power back on along with the gas. Relight the pilot if necessary.

Source: About.com Guide

How to Change Your Furnace Filter:

To learn more about Peace of Mind Home Inspections, please visit http://www.peaceofmindhi.net.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind 

Components to a Home Inspection: Structure

What is a structural inspection?

A structural inspection is a detailed report of all the aspects of the structure's integrity. A Peace of Mind certified inspector will inspect the slab or pier and beam foundation, inspect the interior walls, exterior veneer, and roof system.

The key components that a Peace of Mind certified inspector will inspect during the structural portion of each home inspection are the foundation, floors, walls, columns, piers, ceilings, roof structure and attic. We also check for signs of abnormal or harmful water penetration into the building as well as signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.



The inspector shall inspect:

• the structural components including the foundation and framing.
• by probing a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is NOT required when probing would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible or presumed to exist.

The inspector shall describe:

• the methods used to inspect under-floor crawl space and attics.
• the foundation.
• the floor structure.
• the wall structure.
• the ceiling structure.
• the roof structure.
  

The inspector is NOT required to provide any engineering or architectural service or analysis or offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind

Monthly Tip about Dishwashers!

How well do you know your home and its systems?

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, we show what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about dishwashers!

How to Inspect the Dishwasher:

• Identify the manufacturer of the dishwasher. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the dishwasher might be. Every appliance in your home has a life cycle; this one might be coming to an end.
• Verify Air gap or high drain loop. Verify that the drain line is plumbed into the disposal and both are before the trap. Note: If it is draining out of the air gap there could be an obstruction in the drain line. Check in the cabinet under the sink for leaking. If there is water present, this could be due to the fittings being loose.
• Ensure it’s securely anchored to either the cabinet or kitchen counter. You should see two screws and brackets holding the dishwasher cabinet to the kitchen cabinet.
• Open the door to determine if the door is in good condition. Does it hang at a right angle? Does it drop slowly or does it drop all at once?
• Inspect the door gasket. Is it’s hardened or is it loose and supple? Has it become cracked or broken? A bad door gasket can cause a serious leaking problem.
• Visually check the interior of the unit's tub. Are there any cracks or blisters present? This too can cause a leak.
• Inspect the condition on the dish racks. Do they look like they are in good condition? Is the plastic coating on the racks intact or worn?
• Pull the trays out and spin the spray impellers to see if they are being obstructed by anything stuck in the dishwasher. li>
• Without locking the door, turn the timer to a short wash cycle. Be sure to close the soap dispenser. Now lock the door and the dishwasher should start.
• Check under the unit for leaks.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Dishwasher:

Think about all the time and effort your dishwasher saves you. By taking the time to maintain your dishwasher, you can make it run even more efficiently. A routine dishwasher cleaning is a good habit and should be included with the routine deep cleaning of your home. After you get the hang of it, you can clean your dishwasher quickly and easily.

• Using a small brush (old toothbrushes work well) dipped in hot soapy water, go around the door of the dishwasher taking care to get into the grooves and crevices of the rubber seal. Most likely, you'll be surprised at the debris that has built up, especially at the bottom of the door and around the hinges on the side.
• Scrub well. You may need to use a soft abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub® to remove the dried and baked on grime.
• Using a household sponge dipped in hot soapy water, wipe off the dirt and grime that you stirred up with the brush. Go over the inside of the door and scrub any obvious areas inside the dishwasher that may have stuck-on food, such as out of reach corners.
• Using a clean wet sponge or dishrag, wipe the cleaning solution from the gasket and the door.
• Pull the bottom rack out and examine the drain area. Wipe around it to be sure there are no hard chunks that can plug the drain, cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes. You'd be surprised at what dishwasher repairmen find - bones, crab shells, chips of glass, and even small pieces of gravel!
• Then place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Using the hottest water available, run the dishwasher through a cycle - except for the cup of vinegar, the dishwasher needs to be empty. The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitizes, and helps remove the musty odor. Note: If you don't have any white vinegar, you may substitute a packet of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap cup. Don't experiment with other flavors as they may stain the inside of your dishwasher. Baking soda is also effective at freshening and brightening your dishwasher. Just sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. Baking soda is also helpful in removing stains.

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind.

Components to a Home Inspection: Appliances

What is an appliance inspection?
To identify an appliance’s general condition, correct installation, and apparent function.

The home inspector shall observe and operate the basic functions of the following kitchen appliances:
A. permanently installed dishwasher, through its normal cycle
B. range, cook top, and permanently installed oven
C. trash compactor
D. garbage disposer
E. ventilation equipment or range hood
F. permanently installed microwave oven

The home inspector is NOT required to observe
A. clocks, timers, self-cleaning oven function, or thermostats for calibration or automatic operation
B. non built-in appliances
C. refrigeration units

The home inspector is not required to operate
A. appliances in use
B. any appliance which is shut down or otherwise inoperable

Copyright © 2011 Peace of Mind.

12 Components to a Home Inspection

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.