Raleigh Home Inspection NC | Raleigh Home Inspector
This is the site for the premier Raleigh Home Inspection firm in the Triangle of North Carolina
Here in the Triangle region of North Carolina, we are in an area where Radon gas is present…we routinely test for Radon gas for our Raleigh Home Inspection clients and their Radon Reports sometimes come back positive and above Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actionable levels. Here is a video that provides you with some more information regarding Radon:
The Raleigh Home Inspector suggests you get out and have some good ole’ Irish fun…
Get Out For Some Good Ole' Irish Fun...
The 29th Annual Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 12, 2011 in downtown Raleigh. The Parade starts at noon, heading down Raleigh’s famed Fayetteville Street, around the State House and down Blount Street to end at Moore Square.
The Wearin’ O’ the Green Festival starts as the Parade ends in Moore Square. There will be lots of food, beer and fun! Leprechaun Lane will have fun activities for the kids! Come see the traditional dancers kick up their heels! Local Irish music favorites, Eire Lingus will kick things off on the Shamrock ‘n Roll stage to be followed by Celtic Rock with Homeland!
It’s all about fun and who knows…there might even be some Green Beer to be had at a local pub (if you’re so inclined, of course)!! And, do bring your Irish attitude….!
Aging is part of life. And with aging comes an increased risk of injury from falls in the bathroom. With a few upgrades, that risk can be diminished for aging folks. This article was found to be very insightful and helpful…we hope you find helpful, too!
Must-do Bathroom Upgrades For Baby Boomers Aging In Place
(ARA) – The bathroom is an oasis for many of us, a place where we not only take care of personal needs, but also relax and decompress after a hectic day. But as people grow older and less mobile, the bathroom can become a risky place.
Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among aging Americans, and most at-home falls occur in the bathroom. By upgrading their bath with some products designed to facilitate aging in place, baby boomers and mature homeowners can continue to enjoy their bathrooms, with less concern over possible safety risks.
“Good design – in the form of products which specifically address age-related concerns – can support independence as well as increase safety,” says Diana Schrage, an interior designer at the Kohler Design Center. “Making a few simple improvements in key areas like the bathroom can be a cost-effective way for anyone to ensure their home continues to work for their changing needs.”
Here are a few must-have items to make a bathroom more senior friendly:
For Aging Individuals, The Potential For Falls Can Be Diminished With A Few Bathroom Upgrades
* Grab bars – As we age, our ability to lift ourselves from or lower ourselves into a seated position can diminish. Grab bars or safety bars positioned near the toilet, and in the bath and shower area, can help people with mobility issues navigate more safely in the bathroom. You can find a wide selection of safety bars specifically made for use in the bath. Choose bars that are easy to grip, won’t become slick when wet, and can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Avoid diagonally positioned bars as your hand could slip off them when wet.
* A seated shower – Some people may feel fatigued from standing, or uncertain of their footing, in the shower. While a shower seat may help, it can also create a slip hazard if the seat moves unexpectedly while in use. A seated shower, like the Accord Seated Shower by Sterling may be a better option. The seat is integrated into the shower for convenience, beauty and stability, but is also removable and movable, so it can suit everyone in the household. Grab bars, designed to fit the overall aesthetic of the shower, offer another layer of safety. And because the unit is easy to install, it can cut down on remodeling costs. Visit www.sterlingplumbing.com to learn more.
* Slip resistance – Some of the most popular bathroom floor materials, like ceramic and vinyl, can become very slick when wet, creating a risk of slipping and falling. In addition, acrylic bathtub surfaces can be slippery. It’s important for tubs, showers and bathroom floors to be equipped with slip resistant materials. For tubs and showers, this could be as simple as a rubber mat with suction cups that keep it in place. You can also find slip-resistant mats and area rugs for the floor itself.
* Hand-held showerhead – Hand-held showers make it easier to use the shower from a seated position and minimize the need to reach over one’s head – a position that tires arms and potentially leaves one off balance. Such shower heads have become very popular, are available in a variety of styles and are easy to install in most bath settings.
* Levers – People with arthritis or other hand problems that make grasping a challenge often are better able to use levers, rather than traditional doorknobs or twist faucets. Replacing doorknobs with simple lever-style handles can give seniors easier access to the bath. And a lever-style faucet control can make it easier to adjust water temperature than controls with one or more knobs.
* Lighting – As we age, our eyes need more light to see by. Be sure to provide ample light in the bathroom, especially at night. A nightlight not only helps seniors see where they’re going, it can help ease the confusion that an abrupt transition from darkness to bright light may cause.
“From seated showers to slip-resistant flooring, homeowners can find plenty of bathroom products designed to help keep them safe and comfortable in their homes well into their golden years,” says Schrage.
If you are in need of a Raleigh Home Inspection, then call Quality Residential Inspections and Schedule You Home Inspection today……
As a Raleigh Inspector, and when evaluating the physical condition of properties as part of a Raleigh Home Inspection, we often see fences that are, well… in less than stellar condition. Wood fences, metal fences…they all need some routine maintenance to keep em’ in good condition. Fences and gates just seem to get neglected. Routine fence maintenance is an important component of the overall maintenance plan for a home. And fences aren’t cheap to install or replace either…so a little maintenance effort can go a long way toward saving a homeowner some money over the long term. If the home has a swimming pool, then the proper installation and maintenance becomes more than just a maintenance issue because there is an increased liability associated with the condition of the fence and its gates. Most fence and gate maintenance can be a do-it-yourself project. The following article delves into the issue of fence and gate maintenance.
Why Winterizing Your Fence Is An Important Part Of Home Maintenance
(ARA) – Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.
A well-maintained fence can protect your home and possessions, prevent young children and pets from venturing out of your yard
Homeowners Will Benefit From Routine Fence And Gate Maintenance
without your knowledge, and keep unwelcome intruders out.
A fence that has been allowed to deteriorate, particularly if the gate no longer closes and latches securely, is a liability. It won’t provide constant reminders that repairs are needed, like a leaking roof, but it still needs to be fixed. You could be subjected to a lawsuit if someone enters your property, even without your permission, and is injured. A well-maintained fence surrounding your property can reduce that liability.
Professional fencing contractors can be consulted for minor repairs, as well as new or replacement fencing, but there are many “do-it-yourself” steps homeowners can take to preserve the appearance as well as extend the useful life of their fences.
For wood fencing:
* Protect against dry rot. If it’s already invaded the wood, pry or cut the damaged section out, scrub the remaining fence with mild detergent or diluted bleach and replace the section you removed with the same type of wood that was used in the original fence. Then, prime and paint or stain the entire fence.
For metal fencing:
* Powder-coated aluminum needs little maintenance, but if the coating has worn off in areas, it will need to be sealed and repainted before winter weather causes the metal to rust.
* Steel or wrought iron fencing needs to be repainted when it rusts. Use a stiff metal brush to remove rust, wash thoroughly, then prime and paint with a rust-proof paint.
Gates and gate hardware are the only movable parts on a fence system, so they’re subject to the most wear and tear. Rust and gate misalignment are the most common problems that prevent latches from engaging properly. If the gate does not latch each time it’s closed, the entire fence is ineffective.
Selecting the right gate hardware can prevent most of these problems. An investment in quality when buying new, or when replacing defective or old hardware, can mean that little or no maintenance needs to be done to the gate. Gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies, made of strong engineering polymers and stainless steel that will not rust, are adjustable during and after installation to easily correct for gate alignment issues in seconds.
It takes just a few minutes to update your gates so they close automatically after opening (self-closing) and the gate latch engages without manual effort (self-latching), improving the security and overall look of your fence. Most D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassle and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company’s hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver.
Rust-free gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through select Lowe’s stores or online at www.lowes.com, and through other hardware retailers. See www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 for details.
The gate is the only part of the fence that is used daily. Ensuring that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust is an essential part of maintaining your property.
‘Tax Relief’ Extended For Energy Star Windows
(ARA) – Between 25 to 50 percent of energy used in a home goes right out the window – literally. In most homes, windows provide the biggest openings between indoor and outdoor air, and the biggest opportunity for valuable energy to escape.
To assist homeowners with upgrading from old, drafty windows, the federal government is offering tax credits under a new act signed into law in late 2010. Available until Dec. 31, 2011, the tax credit is for up to 10 percent of the purchase price, excluding labor and materials for installation, and is capped at $200 for qualifying windows and skylights, and $500 for exterior doors.
Qualifying windows, doors and skylights must meet the Energy Star rating. According to Energy Star, installing windows, doors and skylights with the Energy Star label shrinks energy bills – and carbon footprints – by about 7 to 15 percent, compared to non-qualified products.
You can still get "Tax Relief" by upgrading to Energy Star Rated Windows
“Tax credits offer homeowners immediate savings, but the benefits of Energy Star rated windows are long lasting,” says Erin Johnson, window expert from Edgetech I.G. “Research shows that in cold climates, energy-efficient, dual-pane windows with low-e coatings can reduce heating bills by as much as 34 percent. In warm climates, they can cut cooling costs by 38 percent.”
Understanding Energy Star
While previous tax credits used a standard qualification for all states, the new tax credit is dictated by Energy Star requirements, which vary depending on four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, Southern.
North and North-Central zones have stricter U-value requirements, which is the rate heat is lost through a window. In Southern and South-Central zones, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is more important because it signifies how well windows block the sun’s heat from warming the indoors and counteracting air conditioning.
“For both U-value and SHGC, the lower the number the better the performance,” Johnson says. “Requirements vary, so it is important to check Energy Star’s website to find windows that qualify in your zone. However, to ensure the best long-term value, you should really look at all factors that make up the window from the glass and framing to the spacer system.”
Window components that promote efficiency
True energy-efficient, sustainable windows hold such characteristics as low-conductivity gas fillings (argon or krypton), low-e coatings and nonconductive spacer systems that separate the glass panes. The spacer system is a key element to promoting sustainability in window systems because it provides the seal between the indoor and outdoor air. If that seal fails, condensation will occur and the gas filling will leak and no longer be effective.
“Nonconductive spacers, such as the Super Spacer warm edge spacer system, are known to provide a lasting seal, ensuring the window will retain its energy-efficient benefits for many years,” says Johnson.
The outside materials also play a role in efficiency and sustainability.
“Homeowners are better off looking for nonconductive components, framing and sashes,” Johnson says. “Wood, composite and fiberglass frames are time-tested and are proven to be the most sustainable and energy efficient, standing up to a wide range of temperatures, UV light and the deteriorating effects of condensation.”
Edgetech I.G., an Energy Star partner, is educating homeowners, legislators and companies worldwide on energy conservation and sustainable building practices. To learn more about choosing energy-efficient windows or federal tax credits visit www.sustainaview.com or www.energystar.gov.
The Raleigh Home Inspector often observes windows that are in need of being replaced…So, why not get some tax relief by upgrading to Energy Star rated windows and enjoy the enhanced energy efficiency that they will provide? Tax relief….energy savings….Good Deal!
In this InspectBits Podcast Episode 006, the Raleigh Home Inspector and Quality Residential Inspections share some of what was discovered during a Raleigh Home Inspection…A New HVAC (Air Conditioning) installation gone…Bad!
A brand new HVAC air handler had been installed in “hostile territory”…a wet, nasty crawl space where the new equipment shouldn’t have been installed in the first place. The brand new equipment was mostly ruined, before it ever had the chance to become operational, because it had been installed in a crawl space that was routinely subjected to flooding. Water and mud had flowed right into the interior of the brand new HVAC equipment an its associated ductwork…what a mess! Watch the video below and you’ll see for yourself…..
Our Home Inspection clients appreciate it when we discover conditions that could cost them money…potentially allot of money, later, had they purchased a home without procuring our services.
To schedule your Home Inspection, you can call us at 919.848.4833….or you can Schedule Your Home Inspection right her on our website…
When we’re inside of homes performing Home Inspections, we often see bugs… sometimes, allot of bugs. Even though the reporting of the presence of insects is outside the scope of a formal Home Inspection, most people don’t like em’ very much…agreed? So, part of a home maintenance plan should be the identification and treatment of those pesky pests. The Raleigh Home Inspector found value in this article… and we hope that you do as well. At the end of the article there is a source for a simple checklist that can be used by a homeowner to search out problem areas…and some pretty good general information as well
Keep Spring Pests From Hatching In Your Home
(ARA) – As spring approaches, homeowners won’t be the only ones opting for stay-cations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think – the safety and warmth of your house.
Hundreds of thousands of pests breed and hatch in large numbers in early spring. For example, most spiders live either one to two seasons and one female spider may produce as many as 3,000 eggs.
“Hidden places in your home could be the breeding ground for pests that hatch in spring,” says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products used in and around homes and businesses. “Once these pests hatch, their numbers quickly increase, and food sources and shelter often determine the length of their stay.”
Pests like bed bugs and stink bugs that have found their way into homes across the country often stay year round, as long as they
As spring approaches, bugs are breeding and hatching in the cleanest of homes.
find food and shelter.
Also, as the spring real estate market heats up, many lenders are requiring re-inspections that could reveal pest-related health and safety hazards. At least buyers and sellers are on the same page about one thing: the importance of taking preventive action to avoid or manage pest infestations. Ask any pest management professional to share horror stories about problems new homeowners have experienced with pests, often with repercussions for sellers who neglected to fix a problem.
What can homeowners and sellers do? Take these easy-to-follow steps, suggested by the acronym I.N.S.P.E.C.T:
Investigate – Become a pest detective and investigate your home or a potential new home for pest problems. On the inside of your home, open food containers, look for cracks in interior walls, look for signs of droppings, check vents to the outside, holes in window screens and know that pests like to hide in cool, dark places like attics and basements. On the outside of your home, make sure the cold temperatures aren’t causing cracks in your exterior walls, and investigate for holes, unsealed garbage cans, woodpiles and plants that may be too close to the home. Also, check any structure that can hold standing water, which is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also check for stinging insect nests on the ground or in your gutters.
Study – Identify your pest problem so that you can use the proper method to solve or control the issue. Take time to search reputable online sites to identify pests. You can also contact a university extension office, or visit a local garden store that may have insight on common pests in the area.
Prepare – Think about the tools you’ll need to solve your problem, including gloves, caulk and insecticides or herbicides. “One of the most common problems homeowners have is that they aren’t sure which products to use or who to call to solve the problem,” says Janet Hurley, integrated pest management specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “Doing your research, talking to professionals and correctly using the products are the quickest ways to effectively end those pesky pest problems.”
Eliminate – Take the time to eliminate access points and other inviting entryways for pests lurking outside. Remember to seal windows, caulk gaps around windows and doors and fix any water leaks. Be ready to tackle neglected or overgrown shrubs and trees near your home. These areas encourage ticks, fleas and stinging insects to stay, increasing your risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections and allergic reactions resulting from bites and stings.
Clean – Pests need a place to live, food and a source of water, so make sure you aren’t providing them with room, board and all the comforts of home. For example, store cereals, crackers and other food items in plastic containers with secure lids. Without easy access, pests won’t be able to find their way into your food.
Treat – Treating pest problems with the responsible use of pesticide products will help keep your home, lawn and community pest-free. This includes purchasing the right products for your problem. For some significant pest problems, such as termites, calling a certified pest professional is the best option.
To make inspecting your home easy, visit www.debugthemyths.com/inspectandprotect for a step-by-step checklist. You’ll also find additional resources including regional fact sheets, kids’ activities and other helpful information to help you protect your family’s health and your property value from pests.
One of the most common deficiencies observed by this Raleigh Home Inspector during the performance of a Raleigh Home Inspection, is that of deteriorated mortar joints at brickwork. Most often, we find this deterioration at exterior steps and inside masonry fireplaces. And with older homes, the mortar joints of the exterior brick or brick veneer wall cladding has begun to deteriorate. With the right tools and appropriate repair materials, the maintenance or repair of such deterioration can become a maintenance task for the “do-it-yourselfer”…
Protect Your Home By Making Minor Mortar Repairs
(ARA) – With colder temperatures looming, now is the time to check your home for deteriorating mortar joints and loose mortar – and make any minor repairs before they turn into major headaches.
Freezing rain, ice, snow and deicers, as well as freeze/thaw temperature cycles have the potential to cause costly damage. Unrepaired damage can allow water to seep in between cracked, loose mortar and cause interior wall damage.
Minor cosmetic repairs to mortar can be made on any type of brick walls – including garden walls, a home’s exterior brick and chimneys. And making such repairs is easier than many homeowners realize – all you need is a caulk gun and the right repair material.
With The Right Tools and Materials, Re-pointing Of Exterior Brickwork Mortar Joints Can Be A Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Task
A sanded acrylic mortar repair caulk – such as Quikrete Mortar Repair – will give the appearance of mortar in texture and color and is a more easily undertaken project for homeowners who are nervous about mixing mortar. The caulk’s sanded acrylic formula adheres to brick, block, stone and concrete surfaces, and the caulk tube’s square applicator tip is designed to smooth mortar joints during application of the caulk.
Before applying, make sure joints are clean, dry and free of grease, dust or loose particles, and remove all loose mortar from the joint. Apply the caulk by pushing the cartridge tip over the surface and forcing a bead of caulking into the opening. Do not apply any thicker than 3/8 inch in one application. Excess caulk can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
For homeowners looking to repair cracks in their fireplace, there is a specially designed mortar that is ideal for repairing damage commonly found in fireboxes. Quikrete Fireplace Mortar is a silicate-based refractory cement caulk ideal for tuck
If You Have A Masonry Fireplace, Re-pointing Of Brickwork Mortar Joints Is A Part of Home Maintenance
pointing damaged firebox mortar joints and repairing chips, cracks and breaks in fire brick commonly found in fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Once cured, the mortar provides superior adhesion for a durable repair while withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 F. keep reading, there’s more
Gary Gentry of Quality Residential Inspections, a Raleigh Home Inspection firm, accompanied by fellow American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) member Bill Dillon of Dillon Residential Services in Tobaccoville, NC…recently attended the Council of Representatives (CoR) meeting at InspectionWorld 2011 in Atlanta, GA.
Out-going NCASHI CoR representative Bill Dillon (left) converses with South Atlantic Group Leader Shannon Cory of Georgia ASHI
Mr. Gentry attended as the in-coming representative of the North Carolina chapter of ASHI. Mr. Dillon is the out-going representative of the chapter. A special “Thank You” goes out to Bill for his interest, dedication, and support of ASHI and the NC chapter.
Mr. Shannon Cory, of the ASHI Georgia chapter, was elected Group Leader for the South Atlantic group; the South Atlantic group includes the NCASHI chapter.
Among other matters of business, the meeting accomplished the election of C0R Group Leaders for eleven (11) geographical regions of the United Stated and Canada. The regional groups represent the membership of over sixty (60) ASHI chapters.
Mr. Howard Pegelow of the Great Lakes ASHI chapter and the out-going Speaker of the CoR, presided over the meeting. A special thanks goes out to Howard for his dedication to the Society. Mr. Pegelow also introduced Mr. Bob Walstead of the Southern Colorado chapter as the in-coming Speaker.
Out-going ASHI Council of Representatives Speaker (CoR) Howard Pegelow addresses the CoR
Notable presenters at the meeting included:
Special recognition goes out to ASHI Board of Directors member Larry Cerro who presented an outstanding, detailed, and most factually accurate portrayal of the history of the ASHI Council of Representatives.
If you are in need of a professional Raleigh Home Inspection by the Raleigh Home Inspector, then give us a call at 919.848.4833, or schedule your Home Inspection online today.
Quality Residential Inspections offers: Raleigh Home Inspection, Cary Home Inspection, Apex Home Inspection, Wake Forest Home Inspection, Youngsville Home Inspection, Clayton Home Inspection, Garner Home Inspection, Morrisville Home Inspection, and more…..call for availability in other areas.
Raleigh Home Inspector Gary Gentry, owner of Quality Residential Inspections in Raleigh, North Carolina, was recently elected to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Council of Representatives (CoR) to represent the North Carolina Chapter of ASHI (NCASHI).
American Society of Home Inspectors
ASHI was founded in 1976 and is the nations foremost, largest, and most highly regarded professional Home Inspector organization, is a not-for-profit association that assists and represents Home Inspectors from around the globe in the promotion of excellence and exemplary practice within the Home Inspection profession.
ASHI developed the CoR to provide its members with a representative vehicle in the governance of the Society and to communicate with its leadership. Through the CoR, the Council provides its chapters with a “voice” to its Board of Directors.
As a CoR representative for NCASHI, the duties are varied. A representative is tasked, among others, to:
NCASHI
For information about how a Home Inspector can join NCASHI, visit their website and contact any of their officers
