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How Are You Going To Find An Excellent Raleigh Home Inspector?

June 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

How To Find An Excellent Raleigh Home Inspector

You need a Raleigh Home Inspector because  you’re buying a home in the Triangle region of North Carolina…you know that you need one because it’s a smart thing to need…

Buying a home, to most of us anyway, is often an expensive, scary endeavor. Even for seasoned, experienced home-buyers, the process is typically not without some degree of trepidation and apprehension. Much of that apprehension has to do with the physical condition of the property…whether or not the house is in reasonably good condition…whether the house is really as good as it looks ….. or whether it’s a well-disguised money-pit just waiting to steal your money away in the form of unanticipated repairs and expenses.

Enter the Home Inspector…the guy, or gal, that will give the home a thorough assessment and report to you on its physical condition so that you can make an informed purchase decision. How are you going to effectively track down and choose a good, professional Inspector? Well, there are a few time-proven strategies:

A) You might ask your family, friends, or neighbors if they’ve had any really positive experience with any particular Home Inspector. If they have, they’ll likely share that with you…and if they’ve had a bad experience, well, you’ll probably learn about that, too.

B) You could ask your real estate agent for some referrals…but don’t rely on a single recommendation. I suggest asking the agent who they might hire to insect a home if they were the buyer. Or who they think is the most “picky” inspector; that’s the one you want to hire!

C)  Do some on-line research…ask questions in local forums… check out on-line reviews; if a company has a large number of legitimate and positive reviews, they might be a good potential candidate. But beware, as in other fields, some inspectors write their own reviews; you can usually tell which ones those are and they should be avoided.

Don’t rely on the fact that an individual possesses a state license or local business permit as any proof whatsoever that they are either overly professional or at all competent…often, that means almost nothing.

Look for an individual that’s affiliated with a prominent and leading national Home Inspector organization…one that maintains high entry and membership standards such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI); active membership in such an organization is, often, a good indication of a Home Inspectors commitment to professionalism.

Search for complaints against the Inspector and their company…Consult the Better Business Bureau to determine if the potential Home Inspector is an accredited member company and whether or not they have any unresolved complaints against them.

Once you’ve narrowed your selection down to 2 or 3 potential candidates, you need to contact each of those and ask them some direct, and pointed, questions. And here is where you don’t want to be shy or timid in your approach.

1) Please, will you talk to me? If a Home Inspector doesn’t answer their phone or return your initial phone call in a timely manner, then move on. If an inspector can’t, or won’t, make and take time to answer you questions now, then there is good likelihood they can’t, or won’t, answer them later.

2) Ask them how good they are ….and how long they’ve been doing this home inspecting thing. If an inspector doesn’t exude confidence….again….move on. Likewise, if an inspector doesn’t have a significant amount of experience under their belt, you might better keep searching. Everyone has to learn sometime…but maybe you don’t want them gaining their basic experience on your home…and on your dollar

3) Ask what kind of Home Inspection report you’ll receive?…Look for an answer that suggests a narrative style report…or a combination narrative/checklist type of report…and not one with only a bunch of check marks and no really good explanations of any discovered problems? an inspector that can write using complete sentences is a positive sign. What you need is a good Home Inspection report that clearly identifies any issues in readily understood language……presented in complete and grammatically correct language.

4) Ask how soon you’ll receive your report? Most professional Home Inspectors will provide their report to you, electronically, within 24 hours of the completion of the Home Inspection and this is what you should expect.

5) Ask if it’s okay for you to be there….every step of the way….with the inspector? It’s important that you be able to attend every moment of your Home Inspection should you desire to do so. The inspection should be a time during which you’re able to learn about the house and to get your questions answered. An Inspector who discourages your presence should be avoided at all cost.

Following some basic guidelines, doing specific research, and asking some pointed question of potential Home Inspectors will go far in helping you find a good Home Inspector and, hopefully, a good experience with that Inspector that you can feel comfortable with….one who you know will be working for you and only for. You in protecting your best interests.

Thanks for listening….I hope this was helpful to you in your search, for an awesome Home Inspector.

Now …Make it great one… No matter what it might be and remember….with houses…you just never know!

 

And if you need a positively professional Raleigh Home Inspector to inspect the home that you are purchasing, then contact Quality Residential Inspections today to Schedule An Appointment With Your Raleigh Home Inspector…

Certified Inspector Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the North Carolina Chapter of ASHI….

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Raleigh Home Inspector: Reduce Your Winter Energy Useage

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Some Tips From The Raleigh Home Inspector On Saving Some Money This Winter

The Raleigh Home Inspector wants everyone to be a bit more energy conscious…to reduce your winter energy use and save some money in doing so. Who doesn’t want save a few dollars these days, right?

With winter just around the corner, our energy bills are likely to rise in correlation with the fall of the mercury of the thermometer. I can almost hear the cacophony of groans as the envelopes from the utility companies are opened on a monthly basis during the winter heating months. There are however, some common sense actions that are conducive to some savings on your utility bills…things that we sometimes ignore, or take for granted, or that we just haven’t considered as costing us a bit more money than we otherwise have to spend. And, as it has been said by the wise Mr. Benjamin Franklin, “A penny saved is a penny earned”.

Furnace/HVAC Systems

Keep your furnace well maintained. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

Clean or replace the filter every 30 – 45 days – a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to work harder and to run longer to heat your home. When it comes to heating systems, its all about efficiency. When it comes time to replace an existing system, consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace with a variable speed motor. Each year, an average home can save over $500.00 in natural gas and/or electricity costs  when upgrading from a standard efficiency natural gas furnace to a 95% efficiency furnace with a high efficiency variable speed motor.

Raleigh Home Inspector Programmable Thermostat

Programmable Thermostats Are Installed In The Home Of The Raleigh Home Inspector

  Thermostat

This one is really easy.. simply lower your thermostat by 7 – 9 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re sleeping at night and when no one is at home. The Raleigh Home Inspector has ones like the one shown installed, manufactured by the Trane,  in his personal home.

You could also install a programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 2 degree F. you turn down your thermostat. With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $60 a year!

There is one caveat…to realize the potential savings, one must learn and understand how to efficiently operate the thermostat; some of the thermostats on the market can be a bit daunting to learn how to operate. But persevere…it will be worth it in the end!

Laundry

Start using cold water when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By switching the dial to the cold water setting  on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money.

Wash full loads.

Only wash full loads of clothes…I know, I know…you don’t want the washer too full. But operating the clothes washer once for a large load rather than twice for two small loads only makes good sense, right. It will cost you less to do so.

Weather-stripping

Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic spaces that abut conditioned space.

Windows, door frames, sills and joints

Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, door frames, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs – if there is a web there is a draft.

Make Sure exterior doors close and latch tightly against their weather stripping

Make sure the bolt of the hardware secures the door in a position that is tight against the weather stripping; if there is excessive air transfer around the door when it is closed, consider adjusting the strike plate to provide tight closure. This is a very common item observed by the Raleigh Home Inspector while performing a Home Inspection.

Basement

If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for leaks by looking for spider webs. Where there is a web, there may be a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from/through an uninsulated basement.

Pipes, ducts, fans and vents

Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.

Shower-heads and faucets

Install low-flow  and faucets; you’ll use less water and, especially, less hot water.


Dishwasher

Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy saver” setting; this is akin to the principal of  “less is more” as with the operation of the clothes washer.

Fireplaces

Close the damper of drafting fireplaces (when not in use, of course) to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney, and ensure that the damper fits/closes properly and fully.

If you are in need of a professional Home Inspection…A Quality Residential Inspections type of Home Inspection…then contact the Raleigh Home Inspector at 919-848-4833. Our friendly office staff will answer any questions or concerns that you might have and make sure that your Raleigh Home Inspection is scheduled to your satisfaction.

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The Raleigh Home Inspector On: Three Things A Home-Buyer Can Do To Protect Their Investment

November 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Raleigh Home Inspector Wants Home Owners To Protect Their Investment

Buying a home can be exhilarating…owning a home can be exciting; the Raleigh Home Inspector is able to routinely observe the excitement evident when a new home is being purchased. Investing in your own home is smart, too, for a number of reasons. For most of us, the financial investment is a considerable one. I haven’t heard of too many homes being given away lately, have you? And I’ve posted here  before on various considerations regarding Home Maintenance. So what can the prudent home-buyer do to protect that substantial investment? What does it mean to “protect your investment”?

1) First, you should arrange for the services of a professional Raleigh Home Inspector to inspect the home prior to your purchase so that you know the physical condition of the property. I am often surprised at just how little time a prospective buyer, who is already under contract to purchase the property, has actually spent at there. I have stated before that a Home Inspector is paid to be suspicious even when there is nothing particular to be suspicious about…and that’s what you need prior to plunking down a significant amount of money for that new home…someone who is suspicious and someone who is not “in love” with that beautiful new home. A professional Home Inspection will provide you with valuable insight as to the physical condition of the property without emphasis on the floor plan of the house or the colors of the interior walls or of the condition of the wall-to-wall carpet. Having a Home Inspection will be mostly invaluable to you in your purchasing decision because the Inspection Report will identify areas of concern that you may not have yet considered. Is there any indication of damage from past plumbing leaks? What about from roof leakage? Are there any obvious electrical hazards present that need to be corrected? Is that garage overhead door operating safely?  The Home Inspector should also teach you a bit about the home because homes don’t generally come with  Owners Manuals. Where is that main water shut-off valve located in case you were to have to turn off the water…..right now? What is the most efficient way to operate the heat pump system?

Raleigh Home Inspection On ProtectingYour Investment

The Raleigh Home Inspector Suggests That A Good Maintenance Plan Can Go A Long Way Toward Protection Of Your Investment

2) So now you’ve made a really good and informed purchase…you’ve signed on the dotted line and now you are the home-owner. Not a home-owner…THE Homeowner. It’s yours. It’s your baby! Not just part of it but the whole enchilada. Your perspective of how to protect your investment has just changed. Now, you have to maintain the home and do everything that you can to make sure it’s value is maintained. And that is a tall order and one that is often taken lightly or outright misunderstood. The maintenance of a home requires a significant general commitment as well as considerable expenditures of both time and money. Home Inspectors routinely report on various conditions that are quite costly to correct and, often, these issues could have been prevented with a good maintenance plan and some affirmative action. Anything to do with water is a recurring and prominent theme with a home. Keeping the exterior well maintained is important…the siding and wood trim need to be periodically prepared and painted to prevent deterioration. Plumbing leaks, and roof leaks, need to be discovered as quickly as possible to prevent damage…there’s that water “thingy” again.

And what’s going on in those spaces of the home …those places into which most people rarely venture. What’s happening in that crawl space or attic space? You need to know what’s happening, and to know, you have to go there or have someone else check it out for you. Having your cooling and heating systems serviced is important to their well-being and to their longevity. And the list goes on.

3) At some time in the future, you are going to decide you want to sell your home. Maybe you need to upgrade to larger spaces or maybe you’re in need of down-sizing. Irrespective of your motivations, you’ll want to be able to fetch the most amount of money that the market will bear. Right? So pay attention to the way the home looks. Pay attention to how it presents itself. Drag out that dusty ole’ home-buyers hat, put it on, go out to the street, and take a good long, hard and unbiased look at your home. Walk around the exterior. What do you see? Do you see well-manicured shrubbery or scraggly bushes brushing up against the exterior walls? Do you see blinds hanging askew in the windows? Do you see “stuff” around the perimeter of the exterior? While a Home Inspector doesn’t pay too much attention to cosmetic items, you can bet your hard-earned money that your prospective buyers are doing just that. Do you remember how the home looked the first time you saw it? So spruce up the exterior. Clean and tidy up the interior. Know that, just as you did, your prospective buyer will form a first impression and that you want that first impression to be a positive one. Protecting your investment begins with your due diligence prior to purchase and doesn’t end until you have sold your investment for the fair price that you deserve. Hopefully, and with a good maintenance plan, that price will be one that is profitable for you.

For more articles related to homes, home-buying, and Home Inspections by the Raleigh Home Inspector, Gary Gentry, visit his Expert Author page at e-Zine Articles.

 

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Raleigh Home Inspection Firm On: Those Pesky Pests

November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a leading Raleigh Home Inspection firm, we often get asked by our clients about pests and insects and such.

While the identification and reporting of such things is outside the scope and Standards of Practice of a Raleigh Home Inspection in North Carolina (unless the Raleigh Inspector happens to be appropriately licensed), Home Inspectors are in a position to…”notice” …evidence that there may be issues with any particular home regarding pests. I mean, after all, we are the ones crawling around in the Crawl Spaces where most fear to tread. Most clients are aware that we are in an area where termites are a potentially major issue. Now there’s a word that strikes fear into home-buyers…but what about the other myriad of bothersome pests that might be present?

There are often some mostly obvious signs that there is, or has been, an issue. Many times, we’ll discover bait traps, rodentcides, glue blocks, and any number of readily available “systems” designed to rid an area of pests. Are those types of treatments effective? Maybe so and maybe no. But based on our experience, nothing beats the work of a professional who knows exactly what they are doing and who has all the right tools and methodologies to identify and correct most any problem.

Raleigh Home Inspection On Pests

A Glue Trap Observed In A Crawl Space During A Raleigh Home Inspection

Raleigh Home Inspection On Pests

A Bait Trap Observed During A Raleigh Home Inspection

Raleigh Home Inspection On Pests

Another Type Of Glue Trap Observed During A Raleigh Home Inspection

Raleigh Inspector On Evidence Of Pests

A Rodentcide Pellet Pack Observed In A Crawl Space By The Raleigh Inspector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In any event, your Raleigh Home Inspector may notify you, either in your Home Inspection report or verbally during the Home Inspection, that the house might have an issue with pests.  In that instance, it might be prudent to contact a licensed Pest Control Operator to determine what issues might be present and what might be the best way to remedy the problem.

If you are in need of a professional Home Inspection, we recommend you hire an Inspector that is certified by the American Society Of Home Inspectors (ASHI)…one that is a member of the North Carolina Chapter of ASHI (NCASHI).

Call Quality Residential Inspections at 919-848-4833 and schedule your Home Inspection today! Or Schedule Your Home Inspection right here on our website…

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The Raleigh Home Inspector on Holiday Ladder Safety

November 6, 2011 By 3 Comments

The Raleigh Home Inspector Wants Everyone To Be Safe During The Holidays

The  Holidays are just around the corner, and for many families (including the family of the Raleigh Home Inspector), that means dragging out the ornaments, decorations, and light strings that will adorn the house. Both electric lights, and  the  ladders typically  needed to install them,  present  some specific and very real safety hazard…you might be surprised at just how many people are actually injured (or worse) while up on a ladder hanging those Christmas lights.

There are a number of specific tips that can make the effort of decking your halls with boughs of holly and other such ornaments:

  • First, use a high quality ladder and make sure it is both rated for your weight and appropriate for the task at hand; if hanging electric lights, a wood or fiberglass ladder is more appropriate

    The Raleigh Home Inspector Uses A High Quality Ladder

    The Raleigh Home Inspector Uses a High Quality Ladder Similar To This One Manufactured By Little Giant

  • Ensure that the ladder is stable and in good condition…Check the ladder for cracks and missing or bent hardware, particularly if you haven’t used the ladder in some time.
  • Always work within an arms distance away from you while you are on the ladder; don’t reach, lean, or stretch out to reach far away items; you can lose your balance and fall!
  • Carry all your needed material in a tool belt as you climb a ladder; at the very least always keep one hand for you and one hand for what you need to be carrying (both hands for you is always better).

See a previous post from the Raleigh Home Inspector regarding electric lights and holiday safety.

For more information regarding the use of ladders and ladder safety, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Visit the Little Giant website for information on the the very best ladders made…a not-so-humble opinion,  of course.  The one used by the Raleigh Home Inspector was purchased over 15 years ago, is used daily, and remains in great condition…that’s a pretty good testament to their quality!

Be safe this Holiday season…the Raleigh Home Inspector and Quality Residential Inspections wish you the very best of  Holiday cheer!

If you are in need of a professional Home Inspection such as those routinely accomplished by Quality Residential Inspections, your Raleigh Home Inspection firm, then give us a call today at 919-848-4833.

 

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Raleigh Home Inspector At The State Fair…They Had What?

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ahhh, yes indeedy….the Raleigh Home Inspector does love attending the State Fair…

Of course, says the Raleigh Home Inspector, there’s always the food at the NC State Fair. I mean, who goes to the fair and doesn’t imbibe themselves…right?? The stand-by “staple foods” (for myself at any rate) are the London Broil sandwiches (with cheese, mushrooms, and a touch of hot sauce)… and the roasted corn…and the eclairs from the Gingerbread house…and…oh, never mind!  It’s always interesting to see what kind of… bizarre… food they’ll being serving up. Last year it was the Krispy-Creme Burger. And this year, they actually had deep-fried butter…yep, a stick of butter…deep-fried. And no, I didn’t partake of that particular

Deep Fried Butter

The Raleigh Home Inspector Still Isn't Sure About Deep Fried Butter...But..err,...To Each Their Own

debauchery though I am, somewhat hesitantly and sheepishly, willing to admit that I did indulge in the consumption of one of those Funnel Cakes….with cherries and a bit of powdered sugar, of course.
We always enjoy the animal exhibits…and this year we took in a couple of the equestrian shows.

To me, one of the most interesting, and entertaining things at this years fair was that we were able to   catch a glimpse of DiVine, an 8+ foot tall animated vine that was simply mesmerizing to watch.

Actually, DiVine is Kirsten Heinrich, a classical and modern ballet dancer who has toured with the San Diego Ballet…her skills, strength, grace, and athleticism are all readily apparent; and her abilities to stay upright on those stilts as well. All of us felt quite fortunate to be able to see her perform. When our attention was initially drawn to her sudden but fluid movement, my first thought was “What the heck is that?”…and it just got more and more enjoyable to watch after the initial surprise. DiVine was truly  awesome to watch.

DVine At The NC State Fair

DiVine Blends Right In

DiVine At The NC State Fair

What "DiVine" Talent....!

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in need of a professional Raleigh Home Inspector to assess the property that you are considering purchasing, then give Quality Residential Inspections  a call today at 919-848-4833… If the home will require Radon In Air testing, then we can schedule that for you as well.

 

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Your Raleigh Home Inspection Firm – Joe Knows!

October 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Your Raleigh Home Inspection Firm – Quality Residential Inspections

When Mr. Joe Ruffing needs a professional Raleigh Home Inspection, he calls Quality Residential Inspections…listen to Joe as he tells you why that is…..

So there you have it…you see, Joe hired us the first time to inspect his own personal home. Then he hired another local Home Inspector and realized that our service was superior. Thank You, Joe, for your your kind words and for sharing your opinion with us!

We invite you to come visit us on the Raleigh Inspector YouTube Channel…where you can watch some of our videos pertaining to the topic of Home Inspections.

When you need a superior, professional Home Inspection in the Raleigh, North Carolina and Surrounding areas, then give us a call today at 919-848-4833. We look forward to hearing from you and to providing you with the best services possible! And, should you need ancillary testing services e.g. Radon-In-Air testing, water testing, etc., then we can take care of those needs for you as well.

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Raleigh Home Inspection – InspectBits Episode 008 – GFCI Devices

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In this, Episode 008 of our InspectBits series, Gary Gentry of Quality Residential Inspections and your Raleigh Home Inspector, present some information regarding Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices. We get asked allot of questions regarding these very common, and required I might add, devices. What we often find is they just simply aren’t functional…or that they’ve been physically damaged in some way. These devices are required to be installed to protect us…the people that occupy the homes where they are found. They prevent us from being electrocuted should we find ourselves in contact with water and electricity at the same time…That’s not a very good combination and the results are unpleasant at the best and potentially deadly at the worst.

We hope you found this video informative…the proper function and operation of GFCI devices is something that should always be part of a professional Home Inspection.

To schedule your top-of-the-line, professional Home Inspection, give us a call at 919-848-4833. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Or, you can Schedule Your Home Inspection right here on our website. We look forwarding to being of valuable service to you!

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Recent Client Reviews of Quality Residential Inspections…Your Raleigh Home Inspection Firm

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hello folks…thought we would share some recent reviews that we have received from clients of your Raleigh Home Inspection firm. Your Raleigh Home Inspector and Quality Residential Inspections are always heartened when our clients share their satisfaction with our services in a public forum.

Quality Residential Inspections...Your Raleigh Home Inspection Firm..Is All About Happy, Satisfied Customers

Quality Residential Inspections...Your Raleigh Home Inspection Firm..Is All About Happy, Satisfied Customers

Mr. Smith wrote publicly: “Thorough and Detailed. I have used Gary and QRI for multiple home purchases and have been very satisfied with how thorough and detailed his analysis is. Would highly recommend QRI to other potential homebuyers who want to identify the serious and the minor issues with the property they are considering.” CR Smith

Raleigh Home Inspector Provides Excellent Customer Service

Quality Residential Inspections and your Raleigh Home Inspector Provide Excellent Customer Service

Brett also posted publicly: “Great and timely service. Detailed and precise work.” Brett Rickley

Andrew wrote:  “Quality Residential Inspections provide an out standing home inspection service, I recommend them to any prospective home buyer looking for a quality residential inspection. I received a comprehensive home inspection report in less than 12 hours with detailed home inspection photographs and useful descriptions. I also found Gary to be friendly and professional, he also talked about his finding during the home inspection. I highly recommend Quality Residential Inspectors.” Andrew Mitchell – Home Buyer

To see what these and other satisfied clients are saying about us, then visit the Quality Residential Inspections Google Places Page.

We look forward to providing you with the same, top-of-the-line. professional Home Inspection services that we provided to these great people…

And if you find yourself in need of a Raleigh Home Inspection, then give us a call at 919-848-4833 or Schedule Your Home Inspection right here on our website.

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The Raleigh Home Inspector On: Summer Storm Damage

June 5, 2011 By 2 Comments

This time of year, the Raleigh Inspector and Quality Residential Inspections are often made aware of damage caused by summer storms and by the copious amounts of water that they can bring with them. It is of the utmost importance that your roof, gutters/downspouts, and decks be periodically assessed, particularly after the passing of any of our numerous summer storms, to make sure that any damage is recognized and corrected as soon as possible.

Summer storm damage: What to look for and how to fix it

(ARA) – Storms are a natural part of summer. After a storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, take stock of your home and repair any minor damage caused by the storm. Repairing minor problems quickly can help ensure they don’t evolve into major headaches.

The home improvement and maintenance experts at Lowe’s offer some guidelines for assessing and dealing with storm damage:

Checking the roof:

Your roof and gutters will often take the brunt of a storm’s power. After a storm, check out roof shingles by walking slowly around your home and inspecting from the ground. Use a good pair of binoculars to look for lifting or missing shingles around the edges, valleys, plumbing and furnace vent pipes and the chimney.

Raleigh Home Inspector on Storm and Roof Damage

Summer Storms Can Cause Damage To The Roof Of Your Home

You can also inspect your roof from inside the attic. Discoloration of the decking or plywood surface of the roof could signal problems. And if you can see light coming in around plumbing vents or the chimney, it means the flashing needs to be repaired or replaced.

Roof repairs can be difficult and dangerous for homeowners, even if you’re an adept do-it-yourselfer. So be careful when climbing on your roof to inspect damage, especially after a storm when damage is unknown. Ask for professional help at your local home improvement store if you have any doubt about your abilities. You can also visit www.Lowes.com/roofing for more information about patching or replacing your roof.

Maintaining your gutters:

Clogged gutters and downspouts can keep water from being carried away from your roof. Follow this gutter health checklist for obvious signs of failing gutters:

* Gutter hanging off the roof
* Downspout disconnected from the gutter or house
* Missing gutters
* Water in the basement or elsewhere inside the house
* Leaking or dripping gutter seams
* Overflowing gutters

Gutter damage usually takes one of three forms – holes, cracks or sags. You can easily repair minor sags or pin-sized holes yourself. If careful inspection reveals a pinhole, use an abrasive pad to clean the area. Then, cut a piece of material – the same kind as the gutters – that is 1 inch larger than the hole on all sides. Using a stiff brush, spread a bit of gutter repair compound on the area around the hole and place your patch over the top. Cover the patch with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal.

Raleigh Home Inspection On: Storm and Gutter Damage

Maintianing the gutters of your home is an important aspect of home maintenance

To repair minor sags, simply add a new hanging bracket to the sagging area or replace an existing one if it’s old or damaged. Screw in the bracket until the gutter is back in proper alignment. Be sure to use hanging brackets that are designed for your type of gutter system.

Cracks or more serious gutter damage may require professional help.

Caring for decks:

The safety of your deck after a storm passes through is of great importance, especially if you entertain regularly on your deck. Check for damaged boards and replace them with the appropriate decking material. Tighten loose fasteners or replace them if they won’t tighten. Tap down and set protruding nails or replace them with deck screws. Check for splinters, especially along handrails and steps, and smooth them with sandpaper.

If your deck is too far gone and you have to build a new one, consider using composite decking, such as Trex or ChoiceDek. The decking material is low maintenance, splinter free and mold resistant. You can also use traditional treated lumber for a more economical option.

Sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. But making quick repairs can help ensure your home is safe, sound and dry before the next storm of summer arrives.

If you are purchasing a home and are in need of a Raleigh Home Inspection, or a Home Inspection anywhere in the Triangle region of North Carolina, then give us a call at 919-848-4833 or Schedule Your Home Inspection right here on our website. We look forward to providing you with the very best, and most professional, inspections and ancillary services available.

Quality Residential Inspections also provides Radon-In-Air Testing…

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