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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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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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Raleigh Home Inspection Firm Suggests Simple Conservation Measures For A More Green Environement

June 9, 2011 By 1 Comment

Quality Residential Inspections, your Raleigh Home Inspection firm, is all about saving energy. And when you save a little energy, it usually equates to saving a few dollars and maybe even allot of dollars…and who wouldn’t be all for that? Small, simple lifestyle changes…changes in the way we do things on a daily basis around the home…go a long way toward a more friendly environment and toward cost savings as well. Here is a great article the Raleigh Inspector happened across that touches on some of those simple measures to be just a little more conservative in water and energy use.

Simple, everyday conservation acts to help save the environment

(ARA) – The “going green” trend is going strong as more Americans discover that doing their part for the environment is now simpler than ever. Many small, everyday acts can help the environment – things as simple as using a water purifier instead of buying bottled water or switching to concentrated laundry detergents.

Procter & Gamble’s environmental education program, Future Friendly, offers these helpful hints for changes that can benefit the environment and, in many cases, your pocketbook.

Simple Conservation masures can make for big water savings

It's often the little things that matter...and that can add up to big conservation savings

Cleaning up your act

Doing a load of laundry seems like an innocent enough chore, right? Actually, our laundry habits can consume a lot of resources, from using more detergent than necessary to using energy to heat the wash water. Fortunately, greening your practices in the laundry room can be simple.

* Follow on-package dosing instructions – A third of Americans simply guess how much detergent to add to their laundry, with many just filling the cap or scoop to the brim, according to a recent Ipsos survey. In fact, 59 percent of those polled said they learned to do laundry from their mother, and 43 percent have never changed their laundry habits because they’ve never seen a reason to. It’s important to follow the recommended dosing instructions which are generally marked on the cap or scoop.

* Use concentrated detergent – Concentrated powder versions of Tide and Gain are now available, enabling you to use less detergent per load with the same great results. This concentrated formula means the detergents’ packaging has been reduced, creating less waste to toss in the trash or recycling bin.

* Wash in cold water – Most of the energy consumed in a typical load of laundry is used to heat the water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Switching to cold water for every load can yield significant energy savings and, when using specially formulated products, you won’t have to trade-off product performance to realize the environmental benefits.

Water, water everywhere

Water is a precious commodity that needs to be protected to ensure the health of the planet and our communities. Consider these water conservation tips as you go about your daily activities:

* Use a water purifier – While bottled water is a convenient aspect of modern life, the downside is the disposal of all those empty plastic bottles. When you compare the annual capacity and average price of a faucet-mount water filter to the price of water bottles that would hold the same amount of water, switching your household to a water purifier such as those available from Pur could keep more than 1,000 bottles out of the landfill and save around $600 a year.

* Skip pre-washing your dishes – Pre-washing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher can consume up to 20 gallons of water, according to EnergyStar.gov. If you use a good quality “complete” dishwasher detergent such as Cascade Complete, all you need to do is scrape off large food particles then place the dirty dishes in the washer – and you’ll save around 2,600 gallons of water a year (based on 12.5 gallons of water used to pretreat, at four loads per week). EnergyStar also recommends running the dishwasher only when it’s full and skipping the heat drying cycle.

So, try to make it a point to be just a little more “Green” in the activities that you engage in every day.

Quality Residential Inspections provides Home Inspection and ancillary testing services, e.g. Radon testing, to the entire Triangle region of North Carolina. Contact us today at 919-848-4833 or Schedule Your Home Inspection here.

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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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A Raleigh Home Inspection Reveals Fireplace Damage And Some Angry Birds In The Chimney

May 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

During a Raleigh Home Inspection, Gary Gentry of Quality Residential Inspections…your Raleigh Inspector…discovered some fireplace damage that was in need of being repaired. Also, it was noted that some birds had taken up residence inside the chimney. Take a look at the video that was shot on-site (you can readily hear the little peepers chirping away):

Our clients were glad we made the discoveries. Of course, the birds were just doing what birds do… and their nest was not going to be removed until the birds were finished using it. But it was recommended that a chimney cap be installed, once they were gone, to prevent the future entry of not only nesting birds, but also of other critters and rain and snow.

We also recommended that the masonry fireplace should be repaired…and the saved cost of that repair alone equaled more than all of the home inspection and ancillary services combined. Now that’s real savings to our client, the home-buyer.

Quality Residential Inspections provides Home Inspection services throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina to include Raleigh Home Inspections, Clayton Home Inspections, Wake Forest Home Inspections, and Youngsville Home Inspections.

Call today to schedule your Home Inspection at 919-848-4833 or contact us On-line to schedule.

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InspectBits Episode 007 – The Raleigh Home Inspector On: Clutter

April 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When you have your Raleigh Home Inspection, you’ll want to make sure you get your money’s worth …and that means doing everything you can to make sure that the Home Inspector is able to observe and evaluate as many areas as possible. This video, InspectBits Episode 007 examines the issue of clutter in an occupied home and how it can affect you as a home-buying consumer. The Raleigh Home Inspector and Quality Residential Inspections wants all of their Raleigh Home Inspection clients to get the very best value for their hard-earned money.

So, the Raleigh Inspector wants you to maximize your Home Inspection investment dollar…

We look forward to serving you with a Raleigh Home Inspection, a Cary Home Inspection, a Clayton Home Inspection, a Wake Forest Home Inspection, or a Home Inspection anywhere in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Give us a call today to schedule your Inspection or Schedule Right Here Online!

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Raleigh Home Inspector On: ASHI and Howeowner Satisfaction – Get A Home Inspection

March 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a Raleigh Home Inspector, I know our clients benefit from our Raleigh Home Inspection services…there’s just no question about that. Choosing a Home Inspector that is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and who is a member of the North Carolina chapter of that organization (NCASHI), will enhance your North Carolina home-buying experience and assist you in attaining a home without the worry of unexpected issues and unanticipated repair expenses.

A NCASHI Home Inspector can help you because We Speak House!

Raleigh Home Inspector: We Speak House

You Can Be Sure That Your Raleigh Home Inspector and ASHI Member..."Speaks House"

A New Poll From ASHI Reports More Than 70 Percent of Homeowners Agree Their Home Inspection Helped Them Avoid Potential Problems.

* Nearly 90 percent of all U.S. homeowners surveyed believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.

* A home inspection conducted by an ASHI Certified Inspector examines the physical structure and systems of a house.

* ASHI is the only professional organization of home inspectors that has completed NCCA certification process.

DES PLAINES, Ill, (February 22, 2011) – Nearly three in four (72 percent) U.S. homeowners agree the home inspection they had when they purchased their current primary residence helped them avoid potential problems with their home, according to a survey released today by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Also, almost two in three (64 percent) noted, in the long run, they saved a lot of money as result of their home inspection. As the housing market begins to recover, ASHI encourages homeowners and buyers to hire a certified home inspector and to get a home inspection to help further protect their investment. [Read more...]

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The Raleigh Home Inspector On: The Facts About Radon Gas

February 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Raleigh Home Inspector On: The Facts About Radon Gas

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:

Don’t risk the uncertainty of not having your new home tested for the presence of Radon gas!

For more information and to arrange for the Radon testing of your new home, give us a call at 919-848-4833!

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