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 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.

I’d be willing to bet that most people, including home-buyers, home-sellers and the real estate agents that represent them, haven’t spent allot of time considering potential safety issues that a Home Inspector is exposed to each and every time a Home Inspection is conducted. I mean…it’s such a simple thing….right? We’re just casually meandering through the house…looking at this…and lookin’ at that…right?  Well…not exactly!….What is there that could possibly go wrong?  There are a myriad of potential dangers that present to a Home Inspector during the course of any given Home Inspection. Check out just some of the considerations faced by Home Inspectors…

To schedule your top-of-the-line, professional Raleigh 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!

The economy isn’t in great shape…that’s no breaking news story. Times are tough for many people these days. Home-builders certainly haven’t been immune to the current state of the economy and many have suffered as a result. These days, it isn’t unusual to learn of a home-builder that has had to simply walk away from their projects…and some of those projects are not yet complete; the builder simply ran out of cash and left some other party holding a proverbial Bag of Goods. When a builder abandons an unfinished house, there is often a bank involved and the bank ends up owning the property. Then, the home is left to sit in that

Is That House Really Brand New?

incomplete condition for some time…often, for a very long period of time…while the bank tries to figure out what to do with the property. And this…interruption…in the construction cycle can be the cause of significant issues that could manifest themselves at a later time. These types of issues should be understood by any potential buyer.

Why would there be any resulting issues? The home looks fine, you say…the carpet is new, the appliances are shiny and new, and there is some nice landscaping installed. The home, from a cosmetic perspective, looks to be in terrific shape. So, how would you know if the home wasn’t completed in a timely manner? As the owner of a Raleigh Home Inspection firm, I sometimes make discoveries during a Home Inspection that are indicative of just such issues. Lately, we are being hired more and more routinely by banks that have come to posses these distressed or foreclosed properties. The banks have turned to us to give them some perspective regarding the condition of the house and about just what it will take to complete the construction and ready the home for marketing and eventual sale. Sometimes the bank contracts directly with a General Contractor to complete the construction. Other times, the property is sold, as it is, to another builder who then completes the construction.  

The fact is, though, that there can be serious results and repercussions of a home having been started and then abandoned for some period of time. And much of the degree of potential ramifications has to do more with what stage of completion the home was in when it was abandoned. The biggest risk is when a house that has been framed but has been allowed to sit exposed to the elements for any extended period. Typically, a house is framed (the basic wall, floor, and roof structures are constructed) and then dried in…that is to say that exterior walls are covered with a house-wrap material and the roof surface is protected by asphalt-impregnated roofing paper. If the home is allowed to sit exposed without having been dried-in, then wood framing members quickly begin to bow and warp which can lead to an array of issues later. Metal components not usually exposed to the weather can begin to rust prematurely. When dried-in, the house is not completely weather-tight, but is in a generally protected condition during the installation of the finish roof covering (shingles, metal, etc.) and finish wall cladding (siding, brick veneer, etc.). The types of materials used to dry-in a house are not intended for long-term exposure to the elements; they typically have an unprotected useful life of anywhere from 30 days to 90 days and will quickly deteriorate from exposure to wind, rain, snow, and the suns ultraviolet rays if left exposed. If the house sat in a dried-in condition for an extended period, the ultimate effects are similar to the home not having been dried-in at all.

Another thing that we often discover is that the age of installed equipment, e.g. air conditioning and heating systems is not commensurate with the age of the completed home. We sometimes find that the equipment is significantly older than the completed home…in some cases, 2 and 3 years older. While the equipment may be properly installed and providing its function, the equipment is not “new” and has already begun the journey down its own path to ultimate failure. Generally, one would expect to receive new equipment with that new home…yes?

So…what can a home-buyer do to assist in making sure that they know all there is to know about the history of the construction and finishing of the home? Here are some specific things that you might want to implement into your due diligence plan to assist in controlling your risk:

• Ask specific questions…allot of specific questions…of the builder/sellers – Ask them when the house received its building permit from the Authority Having Jurisdiction, when the house received its Certificate of Occupancy, and whether or not the builder was the only construction principle involved in the process. Most builders understand the importance of full disclosure and of the potential legal ramifications of any pertinent non-disclosure regarding their finished product and will offer up any needed disclosure. Bit it never hurts to ask and you should expect to receive straight-forward answers.
• Determine the financial condition of your builder to ensure their ability to service the home during the warranty period; ask the builder to provide their warranty details in writing. You should convince yourself that the builder is willing and able to provide standard and customary, as well as any contractually obliged, customer service after the sale and for any prescribed period.
• Seek representation from a professional and qualified real estate agent – they are trained to know the process and to assist you with your due diligence. Many professional agents hold advanced designations e.g. the GREEN designation of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Realtors with such advanced designations have demonstrated a higher level of understanding about new homes and the basics of construction.
• Do your own due diligence concerning the construction process – Contact the Inspections Department of your local municipality and ask to review the construction permits and related documentation. Those are generally a part of the Public Record and can identify areas of concern.
• Make sure that you’re aware of all previous owners – A thorough tile search, most often conducted by your Closing Attorney or Title Company, can readily discover any unusual ownership trail.
• Last but not at all least, have the home thoroughly assessed by a professional Home Inspector – Home Inspectors are trained to recognize visible conditions that may indicate potential issues. Make sure your Home Inspector is a certified inspector Member of a leading Home Inspector association such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). While a Home Inspection shouldn’t ever be considered as any type of guarantee or warranty, it can be considered an integral component of your due diligence plan. As a Raleigh Home Inspector, I often tell people that what Home Inspectors are paid to do…is to be suspicious even when there is nothing to be suspicious about. That nature of groundless suspicion is often exceptionally beneficial to a home-buyer…even when the construction time-line was normal. Actively seek out a professional Home Inspection and make sure you will ultimately receive a good Home Inspection report; visit my EzineArticles expert author bio page where I previously shared a bit of insight regarding some things that make for a good Home Inspection report.

I have never met a builder who intentionally sets out, or intends, to create an inferior product. However, circumstances, any number of circumstances including a builder being unable to complete a project, can lead to a finished home that may not stand up to the test of time. Houses are intended to be started, then completed in a reasonable period of time, and then occupied. When that series of events is interrupted, things can go…awry. Things can go wrong! Things can go…badly! Do your due diligence, control your risk to every extent possible, and be just as informed and educated as you can be regarding the house that you are purchasing. If you do, you’ll stand a much better chance of avoiding the purchase of someone else’s Bag of Goods…and more readily transform that house into your very own happy home.

NCHILB Seal

The Licensure Board opined that the activities of an IBHS evaluator do not require licensing by the Board and that licensed Home Inspector are not required to comply with the NCHILB Standards of Practice when operating in the capacity of an IBHS evaluator. In its position statement, the Board further concluded that, should the activities of an IBHS evaluator extend beyond the data and information gathering function of the Insurance discount notification/program, such as noting defects of the home or suggesting repairs to a homeowner, then those activities would be regulated by the Board.

Click here to download a copy of the entire position statement here: NCHILB Board approved IBHS position statement.

For more information on the IBHS FORTIFIED program, visit the IBHS website

For a Raleigh Home Inspection by Quality Residential Inspections, call 919.848.4833 to Schedule your Home Inspection today..or Schedule right here on our website

Quality Residential Inspections discovers an unsupported and Leaking expansion tank during an Apex Home Inspection

An expansion tank is a small tank used in domestic water heating systems to absorb excess water pressure that can be caused by thermal expansion as water is heated.

The tank itself is a small two-part container with the two parts being separated by a rubber diaphragm. One side is connected to the piping of the heating system and contains water. The other, the dry side, contains air under pressure and normally a Schrader valve (think of a bicycle tire air valve) for checking pressures and adding or removing air. When the water system is at the low end of the normal range of its working pressure, the diaphragm will be pushed against the water inlet. As the water pressure increases, the corresponding pressures move the diaphragm thereby compressing the air on the opposite side. The compressibility of the air (remember that fluids are not compressible) cushions the pressure shock and relieves pressure in the system that could otherwise damage the plumbing system; simply put, it gives the water room to expand without exerting potentially harmful forces on the water piping itself.

Expansion tanks are typically sized according the systems that they support. And they are typically requirement in most jurisdictions for both new construction and required to be installed whenever any substantial components are replaced e.g. when a water heater is replaced.

This particular tank, the subject of this post, was not adequately supported…and was leaking: obviously time for it to be replaced. Of particular note, and a condition often encountered during a Home Inspection, is that the tank (these tanks can be quite heavy) was being supported by flexible plastic water distribution piping; this is a very poor practice because it places unintended and undue physical forces onto the piping and piping joints.

We recommended to our clients that the tank be replaced, and the new tank installed such that it is properly and adequately secured, by a licensed plumber.

To schedule a top-of-the-line professional Home Inspection today, contact us at 919.848.4833 or schedule your Home Inspection on-line HERE.

This informative article touches on just some of the potential issues and makes suggestions as to how a home can be be made more safe for our aging loved ones.

(ARA) – Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse. And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes – or move aging parents into your home – how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults?

Luckily many simple, quick, affordable – and even stylish and savvy – updates can make homes safer and more enjoyable for you, your family and your parents.

De-clutter
Both kids and older adults have reduced reflexes and balance. Spruce up the look of your home – and avoid tripping hazards – by removing clutter and items you no longer use (especially obstacles in walkways).

Safe, spaaahh shower
Showers can be an enjoyable and luxurious part of anyone’s day – if they are safe. While you probably don’t want to renovate the shower, simple additions of bath safety products can make it safer and more enjoyable. Start by adding rubber grips to the bottom of the shower to avoid slick surfaces. Next, take a seat with a comfortable shower chair and enjoy a shower massage with a multi-function hand held showerhead. Products like the Home Care by Moen shower chair and Hand Held Shower with Innovative Palm Feature are ideal choices at affordable prices to add safety, style and spa enjoyment to the shower.

Save resources, save money
Eco-friendly adjustments not only can make you feel good about preserving natural resources for your family, they can also help lower energy costs (ideal for tight budgets). Simple steps can include replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, insulating doors and windows and swapping faucets and showerheads with new water-saving WaterSense-labeled models.

Handy handles
In the course of a day, you grip many objects – from cups and pens, to door knobs and faucet handles. Swapping out door knobs or faucets with knobs for lever-handle models can make these everyday tasks a bit easier – especially for smaller or arthritic hands.

Get a grip
For any age, stairs are a falling hazard in homes – whether it’s one step or 20. To increase safety, add hand rails or decorative hand grips in high-traffic doorways where there may be a step, such as the garage or front entry. Home Care by Moen offers attractive-looking 9-inch grips that install easily and blend in with your decor.

Let there be light
Did you also know that by age 60 the average person requires 15 times more lighting than when they were 10 years old? Brighten up the home with additional reading lamps in bedrooms and family rooms, under-cabinet task lighting in the kitchen, motion-sensor lights near entrances and nightlights in hallways.

Safe and secure
Your home is your safe haven … so make sure it is protected. In the bathroom where slick surfaces can be falling hazards, add functional – yet fashionable – grab bars from Home Care by Moen. And, in case of unforeseen falls or other home accidents, home security systems can give you peace of mind to know that fire-, medical- or emergency-response is available for you and your loved ones at the touch of a button.

Flat flooring
According to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries. To help you – or your loved ones – avoid becoming a statistic, remove throw rugs or ensure that they have a non-slip backing to provide more firm footing.

Low-maintenance lawns
With busy lifestyles, it’s tough to keep up landscaping. Making a few modifications to the yard can help ease the burden. Replace large grassy areas that require frequent mowing with rock gardens or mulch beds. Additionally, choose drought-resistant perennial plants and shrubs to save time and money on watering – and ensure you don’t have to plant new each spring.

Be prepared
Are the washer and dryer in the basement? Are the bedroom and bathroom upstairs? Since stairs can be difficult to navigate for children or aging parents, having all the necessities on one floor is ideal. While it may not be in the budget to move everything to the main floor now, gradually start getting ready by wiring a closet or small room for the laundry – or planning to expand a half bath to a full bath.

With a few minor updates, you can breathe easier knowing your home is safer for your loved ones – both young and old. For more information on safety products from Home Care by Moen, visit www.moen.com/homecare.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Raleigh Home Inspector wants everyone to be as safe as possible……the health and well-being of our loved ones depends on it!

Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters

(ARA) – More homeowners are deciding solar power is the right thing to do – for the sake of the environment and their wallets. New technologies make it easier than ever to use the sun to heat water in our homes. And Congress is helping make going green a cash-smart move too, by extending the federal solar tax credit another eight years.

Thanks to the tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. “It’s a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs,” says Jim Cika, a solar water heating expert with VELUX America. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, he urges, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be.

“Homeowners need to factor in geographic location, orientation of the roof for solar collectors, costs and tax incentives and rebates that may be available to arrive at an economically sensible and environmentally-sensitive decision,” Cika says.

While a solar water heating system usually costs more to purchase and install than a conventional water heating system, it can reduce energy costs in the long run and is much kinder to the planet.

Cika says that the cost of an installed ENERGY STAR qualified system from his company will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home. A packaged system consisting of one, two or three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed along with a 60, 80 or 120-gallon solar storage tank. An average installation is projected to cost $6,500 to $11,000, with some complex installations running as much as $12,000. Systems are available for gas, electric and boiler markets throughout the U.S., Cika says.

“On average,” he says, “if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50 to 80 percent — not an insignificant sum when you consider that the Department of Energy says that water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in our homes.”

According to Cika, in the construction of a new home, where the cost of the system is rolled into the mortgage, homeowners can save more on their monthly energy bills than the increase in their house payment. “Solar water heating provides a positive cash flow from the day of move in,” he says, “effectively giving an immediate payback.”

“In the case of an installation in an existing home in an area that has both federal and state rebates and incentives,” he says, “the payback can vary from three to seven years.”

Two primary solar technologies are available in the market right now: solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal. The photovoltaic process uses the sun to generate electricity and solar thermal uses the sun to heat water. Solar thermal often is the technology of choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Kevin Hughes, a writer for GreenBuildingElements.com, who installed a solar thermal system in his San Francisco home, explains why.

“I prefer solar thermal, specifically solar hot water, a much older technology. It is much cheaper to install, much more efficient and has a much faster payback,” he says.

For homeowners considering an installation, the Internet offers a number of websites that can be helpful with an analysis and then with locating products and installers. Findsolar.com and nabcep.org list certified installers by state. Solar-rating.org lists certified solar equipment manufacturers and certified installers for VELUX units are listed at veluxusa.com.

Eere.energy.gov/consumer includes a link to a calculator for initial cost, annual operating costs and determining payback, as well as a consumer’s guide to solar thermal, while nrel.gov offers a consumer’s guide to photovoltaic. Federal and state tax credit information, by geographic area, is available at dsireusa.org.

Cika says that solar water heating represents a logical first step for homeowners who want to harness the power of the sun because it is relatively simple technology compared to generating electricity from the sun. “The technologies accomplish different objectives,” he says, “but they both will pay increasing dividends to homeowners who utilize them now and in the future.”

For more information on the benefits of solar water heating or natural light and ventilation through skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com.

Courtesy ARAcontent

Call the Raleigh Home Inspector today at 919.848.4833 to schedule your Raleigh Home Inspection. And please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or……. leave us a comment below.

“Thank You for taking the time to do the home inspection. We were pleased with your service. The report was well organized with clear photos demonstrating your points. Most of all thank you for all the tips that were above and beyond the home inspection. There is really nothing we wold have liked to see happen differently.”

Amanda and James Layne

A Home Inspection is a general and visual assessment of  the accessible systems and components of a house and is intended to provide our clients with a better understanding of the physical condition of the house at the time of the inspection.

For a graphic  representation of what can be expected from a Home Inspection, we suggest you take the  Virtual  Home Inspection Tour created by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). There, you’ll get a visual presentation of the types of assessments that will be conducted on the various systems and components of the home. And you’ll have a better understanding of some of the primary concerns and issues that may be pertinent to your home or to the home that you are considering purchasing.

Click On The Graphic to Take The ASHI Home Inspection Virtual Tour

Once you’ve taken the tour, feel free to browse around the website for more helpful information on Quality Residential Inspections and for what you should expect during a Home Inspection…..e.g. what kind of report you should expect, whether or not you should attend your inspection, and answers to other questions that you may have.

Then, call us to schedule your Home Inspection today…at 919.848.4833 or Schedule Your Home Inspection online.