Minimizing Asbestos Risk in the Home
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Asbestos was once common in home building, but as we know by now, exposure to it can pose a potential danger. Asbestos is basically a fiber that when cut or damaged can produce toxins that can cause serious illness, including lung cancer. If you’re wondering about asbestos in your home, here are a couple indicators, as well as what to do about it.
The good news is that asbestos exposure has been for the most part eliminated from use in homes. However, for years it was used in a number of materials, including fireproofing material, insulation, and flooring. In the 1970s and 80s asbestos exposure was minimized and today the materials that contain asbestos will have a label. In older homes asbestos might be more of a problem.
Where Asbestos is Located
According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), asbestos may be contained in a number of areas in the home, including:
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Insulation in houses built between 1930 and 1950
- Insulation in oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Material or tape that is coated over hot water and steam pipes in older homes
- Textured paint on walls in ceilings before 1977
- Artificial ash and embers in gas fireplaces
- Older products, such as stove-top pads
- Walls and floors around wood burning stoves
When Dealing with Asbestos
Keep in mind that asbestos exposure becomes a problem only when the fibers are released. Improper repair or removal of this substance can cause a potential health risk. When it doubt, it is probably better to leave it alone, but consult a profession if you have concerns.
If you suspect asbestos might be in your home, check the material for any indication of damage—and if it is in good condition, leave it alone. Asbestos poses no danger unless the fibers are inhaled. To check for a disturbance, do not touch, rub, or handle the area or material; instead look for signs of damage, such as from water or tears, or abrasion.
Work with a trained asbestos professional or contractors if you have concerns or are considering removal. This person will know the steps to take to minimize the risk. This is especially important when it comes to home remodeling. An asbestos professional can take a sample of the material to test it.
For more information read the article Asbestos in Your Home.
10 Tips for Home Fire Safety
By · CommentsFires in the home are a common and also preventable problem.
According to the article Fire Safety in the Home, most home fires are avoidable with some common sense and smart planning. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your home safe:
- Test smoke alarm batteries. Experts say to check batteries once a month. Having a working smoke alarm is one of the most important home fire safety devices for homes.
- Unplug space heaters. Never leave a space heater turned on or even plugged in when you are not home or when you are sleeping. It’s not worth the risk.
- Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Having a fire extinguisher you can access quickly can help you put out a kitchen fire before it gets worse. Store it under the sink and read the directions so you know how to use it. Fire extinguishers are also handy to have near bedrooms—plus the canister can be used to break windows if needed.
- Don’t leave lit candles unattended. Candles can be extremely dangerous, especially when placed near an object that could catch fire. Candle flames can quickly heighten or be knocked over.
- Unplug portable electric items. Not only will you be charged for electricity for items that are plugged in, but a faulty device can wreck havoc. Unplug things like hair dryers, curling irons, coffee makers, and other small appliances when not in use.
In addition, if a fire does occur, here are some home fires safety tips to make sure that you and your family make it out of the house safely:
- Know your escape path. No one ever expects that a fire is going to occur, but take a moment and make sure you have a way to escape, whether it’s through a window on the ground floor or crawling to the front door, know your route ahead of time. Remember with a fire that smoke spreads quickly and may require you to be on your hands and knees.
- Check for hot doorknobs. Heat on the doorknob indicates that fire could be close by, and opening the door could supply additional oxygen, contributing to a worse and even fatal problem.
- Specify a meeting place. Let everyone in your family and especially children know where you would gather outside in case of an emergency.
- Stop, drop, and roll. This basic home fire safety tip is one to remember in a time of panic. If your clothing catches on fire, running will only make it worse, so stop, drop, and roll should be your mantra.
- Call 911 or another emergency number. Make sure you have this number on speed dial in your phone.
How to Keep Your Basement as Good as New
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As a home inspector I find that basements are susceptible to water damage and that homeowners might not realize there are some simple fixes that can sometimes prevent this problem. This problem of water leakage happens most often when the exterior parts of the home are draining improperly.
There are a few simple ways to keep water out of your basement and keep it as good as new. The key is to start with the outside of the house and pay attention to where water is draining. If it appears to be flowing inward toward the foundation of the house, it’s important to fix this problem before it gets worse. Here are some tips:
- Fix the Grading: When the ground slopes around the house—called grading—it causes rain water to spill toward the basement, rather than away. The cure is to get the water flowing in the opposite direction. This can be easily fixed with simple landscaping fixes. You don’t need a big slope to get the water to flow in the right direction, but a small adjustment in the grading, such as using dirt, rocks, and woodchips does the trick. These elements can create an angle that is better suited to keep water out of your basement.
- Install or Repair Gutters: When rainwater or melting snow accumulates on the roof of a house without gutters, it tends to flow off the roof into big puddles in concentrated areas. The water usually ends up seeping toward the foundation and can end up producing moisture in the basement.
- Install Downspouts: Downspouts are just as important, if not more, than gutters. Downspouts are the vertical pipes that carry rainwater down to the ground level and spill it away from the house. They prevent the water from gathering in gutters and gushing straight down. Gutters should have the proper slope to a downspout and there shouldn’t be anything that causes the water to get backed up.
From my perspective as an inspector, I find that moisture problems in basements often build up for years without repair. Since most homeowners spend the majority of their time in the main levels of the house, the basement rooms can get neglected and major damage can occur. When it comes to keeping water out of your basement, don’t let yourself get caught off guard.
Tips to Pass Your Home Inspection
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Passing your home inspection is an important part of selling a house. Before the inspection takes place there are a few steps you can take to make sure your home is in good shape. Here are some of the top problem areas and tips for making sure your home passes inspection with flying colors.
- Plumbing. This is one area that will certainly get scrutinized by the home inspector. Make sure there is no leaking, drainage problems, or dirty looking water from rusted pipes. Consider installing new fixtures if you’re home is older—not only will this help it look nicer, but it will make sure that everything works properly.
- Roof. A leaky roof is something to watch out for. The home inspector will report on the condition of your roof, so you want to make sure it’s in good repair. Fix shingles that are curling or missing and clean your gutters and pipes to make sure drainage is occurring properly.
- Electrical. All of the wiring, panels, and circuit breakers must meet current standards. Make sure all outlets work. If you suspect the electrical system is inferior or dangerous, best practice is to hire an electrician rather than doing it yourself.
- Structure. If your floors are uneven or there are big foundation issues, these problems will be hard to hide. At the least, fix cosmetic issues, such as cracks in the walls that can be repaired and try to make the home more attractive to a buyer despite the structural issues.
- Moisture. Mold and mildew, which are often found in damp basements, indicate possible drainage problems. Try giving the room better ventilation with a fan or dehumidifier. If bad odors or mold continue, you might need fixes in your basement foundation.
Lastly, review the condition of your home early on in the selling process. Before you put it on the market, if you want top dollar it’s best to make sure everything is in solid condition. While homebuyers may not actually be able to see all of the repairs, if a home appears to be well maintained, the value goes up and buyers will reward you. In the end you want to not only pass your home inspection, but also want to show you’ve fixed problems and improved it cosmetically.
Things Home Inspectors Can and Can’t Do
By · CommentsAs you get ready to have your dream home expected, keep in mind that there are certain parameters as to what the home inspector can do. Because a home inspection is mostly visual, the process is not completely fool proof and there is always an inherent risk with buying a property. As you keep this in mind, take a look at some of the things the home inspector can and can’t do during the home inspection.
A Home Inspector Can:
Visually do a thorough and professional check that all the systems in the house are working properly, including the inside and outside of the home. This includes checking water, heating/cooling, electrical systems, and turning appliances on to check if they work. This might also include crawl spaces, going on the roof or through small spaces, but not doing anything that is deemed hazardous.
Check for serious problems in safety and construction, such as amateur electrical wiring (also known as handyman wiring), cheap fixes for plumbing, safety of appliances, gas leaks, roof and attic issues, foundation problems, and the overall physical condition of the interior and exterior of the house. Another thing the home inspector can do is go into the attic and give a thorough visual check without causing damage. Basically, the idea is to alert the buyer of any safety issues, defects, and problems in need of immediate attention.
A Home Inspector Can’t:
Use invasive techniques. Things that require disassembling, going underground or causing defection to the home are not part of a home inspection. These might include checking the insulation by going within the walls or examining the pipes under the home by going underground. Nothing gets taken apart or damaged.
Note every small problem. The home inspection is for alerting the buy to major defects. Things like a small scratch on the wall or testing out an oven by cooking something inside it are not going to be noted. However, if a wall has obvious signs of water damage or the oven does not turn on or has bad wiring, those things will be noted. The home inspection is the major things that need to be repaired or are hazardous.
Turn on gas or water in a vacant home. If a home is unoccupied and gas or water is shut off, the home inspector will not test or turn these items on. This includes items that have been unplugged, such as the garage door opener, air conditioner, furnace, hot water tank, etc. The reason for this is the inspector cannot be liable for any damage that might occur. For example, if the air conditioner was over heating and if the inspector does a test, this could cause a fire. The inspector is not trained to fix these problems, but to do a thorough check.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
A good home inspection is well worth it to make sure your dream home is ready for you. Make sure you know what to expect and ask questions to make sure you know what to expect. In addition, check out this article other things that home inspectors won’t tell you.
What Happens When You Don’t Get A Home Inspection?
By · CommentsThere are some nightmare scenarios of buyers who skipped the home inspection process and found themselves the owners of a house that is falling apart. If you remember the 1986 movie, “The Money Pit,” a couple falls in love with their dream home, buys it, and then experiences just about every possible problem. One of the most memorable scenes is when Tom Hanks falls through a hole in the floor that is covered by an area rug. This is, of course, an exaggeration of a home that is in severe disarray, but it’s also a symbol of the seriousness of what can happen when you don’t get a home inspection. Let’s look at some of the home inspection nightmares that could be lurking in your dream house.
The website for this old house, provides photos of some home inspection nightmares, many of which are just under the surface. Without a serious examination, some really basic things could be found to be in error. These might include some of the following:
- If the electrical wiring is faulty or was done by an amateur, this could indicate serious fire danger and the need to rewire completely.
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Leaky faucets or pipes that are improperly repaired might pose a problem. Or, worse, the septic system might have a drainage problem and fail. I’m sure you don’t need to know what kind of inconvenience that might mean.
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The heating or cooling system could be inefficient, causing a need to invest in repairs or having higher billing costs as a homeowner.
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You could be buying a home that is a hotspot for moisture and mildew, quickening deterioration of the walls and overall structure.
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The appliances could be in disarray and need to be completely upgraded.
The home inspection process should not be compromised. It is the best and most convenient way to prevent investing in a property that is problematic from the start. Having an assessment of home inspection nightmares will also help you gauge whether the home is worth buying. Remember, you really can’t just rely on your eyes when it comes to buying a home. A home may appear to be wonderful on the surface, but without a thorough inspection, you just don’t know what you’re buying.
How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
By · CommentsIt’s the day before the home inspection and you’re wondering how to prepare. The home inspector will be canvassing the home and you want the process to go smoothly. Whether you’re in a new construction home, an older home, or having an investment property inspected, here are a few things to do to prepare for the home inspection.
Make sure the power and utilities are turned on. A big part of a home inspection is checking to see everything is working properly. Tests will be done to inspect electrical, gas appliances, and plumbing systems, including water faucets, toilets, heating or air conditioning (depending on season), kitchen appliances, lights, and anything else that turns on. Having the utilities and pilot light turned on in advance will ensure that the inspection won’t have to be delayed or rescheduled.
Get the home in working order. Spend some time walking through the home and check things that you can fix in advance, like making sure light bulbs work (both inside and out), windows open and shut, window screens are installed, and that doors open and close properly.
Clean the house and make it easy to walk through. The home inspector will be following a checklist and even though cleanliness isn’t on the list, a clean home will make the inspection much easier. The home inspector will be going from room to room, opening doors, checking appliances, and working carefully to review conditions. Vacuuming and dusting can help with the ease of inspection. Even though a clean home is optional, it will make the process go smoother.
Move any obstacles in advance. If there is stuff to step over or obstacles in the way of maneuvering around the home, make sure to move these things in advance. Anything that is in front of the furnace, water heater, or air conditioner needs to be moved so the home inspector can get up close. Locations like the attic, crawl spaces, and attic will also need to be accessed and unlocked if necessary. Move furniture or clean closets so that the home inspector has a clear path.
Have your paper work of repairs or remodeling handy and show the home inspector. Just like if you were selling a car, the home buyer will be curious about the repairs and work that have already been done to the home. The home inspector will include information about these items, which is especially helpful when it comes to answering questions about upgrades to appliances, problem areas, or remodeling. The more information about what has been done, the better.
The home inspector will come prepared with everything that’s needed for the inspection, including tools and paperwork. Make sure the home is ready and prepared for a thorough inspection.
What’s the Roof Got to Do With It?
By · CommentsHaving a roof over your head is absolutely essential to a livable home. It is also the area of your home that stands to get the most abuse from outside elements. Keeping your roof in good repair and maintaining it over the years will help you when it comes to increasing the value of your home. A good roof inspection will make sure you have an insulated home and prevent eventual structural damage.
In most places a roof should last up 20 years or longer, depending on the materials used and harsh elements from the weather, such as snow and hail. A damaged roof can create problems that you might not be able to see without a roof inspection. Things like roof leaks happen over time, usually toward the end of the roof’s life. A roof in disrepair can create moisture and mold intrusions that silently cause damage. Remember, just inspecting the surface of the roof isn’t enough.
As a home inspector, I do the roof inspection from a few different angles and locations, scanning it from below, using a ladder, and from inside the attic. When I climb up to the roof I am looking at the condition of the shingles or other roofing material, but my inspection doesn’t stop there. The condition of a roof also shows in the attic area or ceiling below the roof space and even around skylights. As for the roof itself, when there is damaged shingles or tar, this could indicate a problem area. Shingles that are cracking, missing, or curled should be further inspected and replaced. With a low sloping roof, you want to make sure water is draining and not pooling up in areas. A sagging roof or discoloration could also indicate problems.
Water damage from a leaky room can have an unfortunate domino effect. A problem roof is going to affect a lot of things in a house, such as heating and cooling bills, which will rise when there is not adequate insulation. Because the roof is literally the main support structure, its upkeep should be a top priority.
For maintenance of your own roof, make sure to keep it free of buildup from debris and clean and inspect it at least once a year both from the outside and inside the attic. If you suspect you need a new roof or have a problem area, get it fixed sooner rather than later.
Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
By · CommentsBeing a homeowner is liberating, however you must remember that home ownership involves maintenance and repairs as required. It is especially important to maintain the home before and after the winter months, when the home is subject to harsh weather conditions and possible safety hazards.
At least once a year, homeowners should conduct a thorough check to ensure their home is in good order. Below is a maintenance checklist to help you keep track of the items you should inspect and maintain on a regular basis to prevent major repairs and expenses in the future:
- The roof should be replaced approximately every 25 years, depending on the type of materials used. In the meantime, it is important to examine the roof on a regular basis to look for loose or damaged shingles. You can then repair as required.
- A leaky roof is uncomfortable and can cause a lot of damage to the inside of your home. It is therefore important to inspect and repair when necessary the flashing around roof stacks, vents, skylights, and chimneys as possible sources of leakage.
- Gutters keep your house free from leaks and flooding. Examine your gutters regularly, looking for uneven, or damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, gutter guards, and strainers. Especially in the fall, it is important to clean any debris and leaves from the gutters as required.
- Trees are an inviting addition to any yard; however the branches growing above and around the house can cause damage. Therefore, it is important to cut back any branches and shrubbery growing too close to the house to prevent damage to its exterior.
- Keep heating costs down by checking that caulking, insulation and weather-tripping are installed and installed properly.
- Before the cooler months arrive, it is important to drain pools, hose bibs, water lines and sprinklers. Draining your water lines is important to preventing broken water pipes and draining the pool is important to keeping it clean and healthy.
- Especially when the cooler weather approaches, inspecting your heating system on a regular basis can save you mid-winter headaches in case of a breakdown and money in case of repairs.
Regardless of the time of year, inspecting your home on a regular basis is important to saving you money in the long run and keeping you and your family safe. If you are purchasing a home or selling your home, it is important to hire a certified home inspector to conduct a thorough and professional home inspection for you.
A new home is supposed to be free of maintenance and repairs right? Actually this popular belief is not true. New homes unfortunately can come with rushed deadlines and the use of substandard materials. It is therefore extremely important to have your house inspected by a professional Home Inspector.
You should always opt for a pre-purchase inspection to ensure your new home was built properly and the necessary safety measures were followed. After all, it would be quite frustrating to find some of your electrical outlets don’t work or your basement is susceptible to flooding during major rain storms.
Below is a list of common new home problems that your certified Home Inspector can help you discover prior to purchase, saving you a lot of money and headaches.
- Water seepage. If water is found in the basement, it could be a sign of improper grading; meaning the ground adjacent to the home isn’t sloping away from the home as it should. It could also be due to defective gutters and downspouts.
- Settling cracks in the foundation. Cracks in the foundation are often caused when a new home is built on a hill or landfill. Cracks can cause your foundation to shift and experience further cracking if they are not immediately repaired.
- Poor attic ventilation. Poor ventilation in the attic can lead to mould and mildew problems throughout the house.
- Poorly installed attic insulation. It is important to conserve energy and if the insulation in the attic is not properly installed, the rest of the house will lose heat in the winter and cold in the summer. Your home inspector will check that ventilation isn’t covered and vapour barriers are facing the right way.
- Poor fitted duct work in heating systems and air conditioning units will produce a lot more heat and cold air that only your wallet will feel! It is important to ensure ducts are fitted properly.
- Poor roof construction and workmanship. Your Home Inspector will inspect your roof to ensure flashing was properly installed and proper materials were used in the overall construction of your roof.
- Unprofessional brick work. Whether the mortar was poorly applied or other details were done amateurishly, this could be a sign of other issues you have not yet discovered!
