How would you operate this valve in an emergency? Oh...and its leaking too!

Now, this is fairly important since the valve is supposed to be readily operable in case an “urgent” situation were to arise such as coming home to a flooded house because of a broken water pipe. In that scenario, one would want to be able to go directly to the valve and turn the water “Off”…..RIGHT NOW! Not only was this particular valve nor readily operable…it was leaking too as can be seen by the stains on the wall below the valve.

Most often, these valves are mounted in a dedicated box intended for the purpose.

We recommended to our client that the valve should be re-configured, by a licensed plumber, to allow it to be readily accessible, that the leakage be repaired, and that it be ensured that no damage had been caused to the wall components by the leakage.

One just never knows what one might find in an inspected home……

Should you be in need of a thorough Home Inspection by a professional Raleigh Inspector, then give us a call today to schedule…We can be reached at 919.848.4833 or you can Schedule Online right here on our website.

As a Raleigh Home Inspection firm, a common defect that we observe during the performance of a Home Inspection is defective GFCI devices. GFCI is short for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. What we often find is that they are simply not properly functional or that they have been physically damaged in some way.

A GFCI device is typically a receptacle mounted in a wall box…or a breaker mounted in a primary distribution sub-panel or at a main service panel…and both have integral test and re-set buttons.

GFCI Receptacle - Installed

GFCI devices help protect people in the event that people, water, and electricity might happen to get together for a party all at the same time….not really an ideal combination. They function as safety devices by sensing an increase in the flow of electric current as little as 5 milliamps (five one thousandth of an Amp)…and shutting off the power at that location or at all locations downstream of the device. To provide an example for reference, as little as 1 amp can be fatal depending on voltage and other conditions. You can think of the device as “shutting off” the power if it senses a “leak” of electricity…what we refer to as a ground fault.

GFCI Breaker - Installed In A Distribuiton Panel

Basically, the devices operate by comparing the amount of electricity going in on the black, or “hot” wire….and comparing that to the amount of electricity is leaving on the white…or “neutral” wire. If there is any significant difference, then the electricity is “leaking” somewhere. If the leak is the result of electricity coursing through your body…then the GFCI device may not have prevented you from being shocked but it likely prevented you from being electrocuted. Electricity is like allot of people….it will follow the path of least resistance…so if you come in contact with any of that “leaky” electricity and provide less resistance than the wires do….then it would rather follow your path than the intended path along the wiring. Put another way…the person may be a better route to ground for the electricity because they are less insulated.

In most areas, GFCI protection is required, generally, for bathroom outlets, for exterior outlets, at kitchen area outlets, and for whirlpool tub motor circuits. Other required locations might be at outlets near swimming pools. Very generally speaking, GFCI protection has been required for exterior receptacles since 1973, for bathroom receptacle since 1975, for garage receptacles since 1978, and at some kitchen receptacles since 1987.

We often get asked during a Home Inspection “Well you just told me that this receptacle is GFCI protected…but there isn’t any test button at that receptacle…Why is that?” And a good question it is. There are various methodologies and configurations to provide the intended protection…we could install a GFCI receptacle at every location where protection is required…but that wouldn’t be economically practical. Or we can install one GFCI receptacle to protect an entire circuit or series of receptacles. Or we could install a GFCI breaker at an electrical panel to provide the desired protection for an entire circuit. Whether GFCI receptacle or GFCI breakers are installed, it is recommended that the devices be manually tested every 30 days or so to ensure that they are properly responsive; this is accomplished by depressing the integral test button and then either re-setting the receptacle or returning the breaker to its “On” position.

Another question that is often posed by our Home Inspection clients is “Can I install GFCI’s in an older house?”. Usually, with regards to this discussion, an older home would be one that was initially wired using 2-conductor wiring…and where there is no third “ground” wire. The simple answer is yes you can although it likely will not be quite as safe or effective as a device installed on a 3-conductor circuit where there is a direct path to ground through the electrical panel. It is probably safe to say that a 2-conductor circuit protected by a GFCI device is likely more safe than one without any such protection.

If you have GFCI devices installed in your home, then go test them to make sure they working properly. If none are installed, then consider having them installed by a licensed electrician to enhance the safety of your home.

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!

Anu said……

“Gary,

Thanks for the report. You were very thorough and professional and your report was very easy to read. I am so glad I chose you. I will call with questions after I discuss these issues with my realtor.”

Anuradha Sabapathi
Chapel Hill, NC

We are pleased when our clients are pleased……!!! Getting this kind of feedback from our clients makes our day!

Gary Gentry
Raleigh Home Inspector
Quality Residential Inspections, Inc.

Thank You so much for your time in viewing our video……know that we appreciate you. Please take one more moment and leave us a comment….we look forward to hearing from you.

Quality Residential Inspections……serving all of the greater triangle region of North Carolina to include Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, and Clayton

Its been awhile coming but here we are……presenting Episode 000 of our InspectBits podcast series. The time between the idea and the inception was pretty much a product of my having to learn most every “nook and cranny” detail about video production, file structures, codecs, etc., etc., and etc………But now that we’re here, maybe we can keep the momentum going. As you will learn, what we are trying to do is provide some relevant, helpful information about homes, Home Inspections, and some of the things we see on a routine basis. We see allot of different things during any particular Raleigh Home Inspection……and many of those things are interesting… to us anyway… and we hope that you find them interesting as well.

We at Quality Residential Inspections welcome you….. and hope you perceive some value from our little production.

Oh, and right here in the beginning, I want to throw out a heap of appreciation and thanks to Chris Kim for all of his assistance with InspectBits.

If you have any thoughts or comments, then please do share……let us know what you think!

Gary Gentry
Quality Residential Inspections

Protect your home from termite damage

(ARA) – As Americans head outside to tend to their lawns and repair their houses, it’s just as important to consider what might be happening out of sight, deep inside the home.

Termites, which are found in every state except Alaska, live in colonies that eat continuously. These wood-destroying pests eat homes from the inside out, making their presence difficult to detect. Termites annually cause more than $5 billion in damage, and the destruction termites cause is not normally covered by homeowners insurance, leaving owners to pay an average of $3,000 in out-of-pocket costs for repairs, according to Terminix.

“In most cases, it’s easy to tell when a house is in need of repair. Either the paint is chipping or the roof is leaking. But that’s not usually the case with termite activity,” says Paul Curtis, a Terminix entomologist. “Because termites are often active in the least visible areas of a home, it can be difficult for the homeowner to tell whether they have a termite problem or not.”

Usually, homeowners will only be able to tell they have a termite infestation during swarm season. That’s when winged, reproductive termites leave their colonies and establish new ones.

A swarm can be identified by the large number of flying termites and by the discarded wings they often leave near doors and windows.

“Termites do not discriminate. They eat wooden framing, support beams and the wood flooring inside your home the same way they would a tree in the forest,” Curtis says.

While swarming only takes place during certain times of the year, termite colonies never stop eating, even to rest or sleep. Unless evidence of a swarm is discovered, or damage is severe enough to be noticed, a trained professional will most likely be required to identify the presence of termites within a home.

Although eliminating termites requires the help of a trained professional, homeowners can take the following proactive steps to make their homes less inviting to these wood-destroying pests:

1. Fix the roof or plumbing leaks. The moisture from these allows termites to survive above ground.

2. Clean and repair gutters. Gutters that do not drain properly can allow water to accumulate near the foundation.

3. Eliminate wood-to-soil contact. Any wood that simultaneously touches the soil and the home can provide termites with direct access to the structure.

4. Keep mulch or soil from being piled against the home’s siding. Soil or mulch allowed to pile up against the home can hide termite activity.

5. Avoid storing items in the crawlspace. Pieces of scrap lumber, boxes or even books can serve as a food source for termites.

6. Maintain adequate ventilation in crawlspaces. Termites prefer moist conditions. Eliminating moisture can help make the environment less suitable to them.

7. Use a mesh screen on all windows, doors and ventilation openings. Screening will help prevent winged termites from entering the home.

8. Schedule an annual inspection with a trained professional. Prompt treatment and regular inspections can save thousands of dollars in damage repair.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Call your Raleigh Home Inspector today at 919.848.4833 to schedule your Home Inspection. Quality Residential Inspection is your trusted source for professional Home Inspection and related services.

Home inspections help you sell

(ARA) – When you’re ready to sell your home in the current market, you need to take every step you can to ensure a timely sale at the price you want. A surplus of homes for sale means that yours needs to stand out in style, amenities and quality to make an impression on potential buyers. The more steps you take to make your house sale-ready, the better results you’ll get.

Currently, home sales are at a historic low — so what do you need to do to buck that trend? Updated decor and proper staging certainly help present your home well, but don’t think that cosmetic fixes are all you need. Buyers want to know the home they’re considering is safe and sound, and the best way to establish that is to hire a home inspector.

Twenty years ago, it seemed extravagant to hire a home inspector, but today it’s standard practice. Buyers will often bring their own inspectors to the table, so you need to start by hiring one yourself. Hiring a professional will give you a realistic perspective on what’s going on in the bones of your home.

“In a down market, a pre-sale inspection can make a home stand out,” says David Tamny, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. “More and more, sellers are obtaining pre-sale inspections to help uncover and address potential issues before the first prospective buyer walks through the door. This simple step allows for better planning and lowers repair costs, adds value to the home, and it could increase the likelihood of an offer.”

Even if someone in your family is handy, a professional home inspector will be able to point out issues that might go unnoticed by someone who doesn’t know the ins and outs of inspecting. Today’s buyers are quick to point out flaws uncovered by the home inspectors they bring with them, particularly if the flaws could compromise health or safety.

Buyers can use problems as bargaining chips, causing previously agreed upon prices to be lowered or even the cancellation of a deal. Inspections help uncover imperfections that often can be fixed easily and inexpensively, so it’s worth it to get your home inspected before you list it.

In addition, a good inspection can raise the likelihood of an offer being placed on your home. Buyers are looking for security. If you can show them your home has been inspected, they’ll feel more comfortable with it. That confidence often equates to more dollars in your pocket when you agree to the sale.

The areas covered in home inspections are: the major systems and components such as the foundation, exterior siding, flashing and trim, the roof, plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling units. In addition, some home inspectors offer additional services including radon testing, energy assessments and pool and spa inspections.

The current housing market requires a proactive approach to selling, and to get the result you want, you have to think about every aspect of your home. Having a home inspection can add value to the property, speed up the negotiation process, increase the likelihood of an offer and, most importantly, help sell your home

Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you want to maximize your potential for a “quick sale” and avoid repair-related issues late in the transaction process, then give Quality Residential Inspections a call at 919-848-4833 for your pre-sale or pre-listing Home Inspection by your Raleigh Home Inspector.nd

Willette Yarborough
Hope Mills, NC

We Thank Willette for her comments…….

Clear, concise, and effective communication between a Home Inspector and their client is of the utmost importance. There are never any silly questions and all Home Inspection findings should be communicated using “plain ole’ language”……That’s our story, anyway……and we’re stickin’ to it!

“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