Tag Archive for: home inspection

When any of our clients who have just purchased a home move in, one of the first things we tell them to do is to check their smoke alarms.

 

Far too many homes have the alarms overlooked and pushed to the wayside, and according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths are caused by broken smoke alarms or the absence of them altogether.

 

Regular maintenance of the smoke alarms in your home is vital, and is easier than most expect.

 

First, you’ll want to be sure that each level of your home and each bedroom has an alarm present. Then, walk around to each one and press the “Test” button. If you hear a beep, everything is in working order. If not, it may need a battery or entire alarm replacement altogether. You’ll want to do these tests monthly.

 

If swapping out the battery doesn’t do the trick, we have a step-by-step on how to replace the entire hard-wired alarm (even if you aren’t an electrician):

 

  1. Make sure the power in the given room is shut off. We cannot stress the importance of this enough as live wires are highly dangerous.
  2. Remove the alarm from the ceiling and have the new one at the ready. There will be a top piece and a base that can be removed with a screwdriver or drill. Many smoke alarms come with a series of wires that you can match up to the existing wiring in the ceiling and plug right in with ease.
  3. Once the wire is connected, install the new base plate piece with either a screwdriver or drill. On the back of the alarm itself, there will be a place to jot down the date so you know when it was last replaced. Then, plug the other end of the wire into your alarm and connect it to the base with a slight twist until it locks into place.

 

A few more helpful tips for the smoke alarms in your home…

 

  • Purchase ones that are backed up by battery in case of a power outage
  • Dual smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a great two-in-one option to keep your home safe
  • Keep a chart somewhere in your home that you can write down each time your alarms are tested and whether or not you had to replace the battery or alarm itself 
  • Replace batteries twice a year just to be safe, daylight savings is a good reminder to do so
  • Involve all members of your household with proper maintenance of alarms

 

In the video below, watch Jon demonstrate the replacement of a hard-wired smoke alarm so you can implement the steps in your own home’s detectors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvuVD_8BHcI&t=35s

A fire extinguisher is something found in just about every home (or at least, they should be).

 

But how many of us actually know how to properly use one should the situation arise?

 

Without the knowledge of proper use, a fire extinguisher is practically useless.

 

The first thing you need to know is there are three components that make up a fire: a fuel source, oxygen, and a heat source.

 

Removing just one of these pieces will put a stop to the fire, and that is where your extinguisher comes into play.

 

When operating a traditional fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

 

PPull the pin.

AAim at the base of the fire.

S Squeeze the handle.

SSweep back and forth, until the fire is out.

 

Placement of the extinguishers in your home is vital as well. You want to make sure you keep them in the following potential hazard areas of your home for ease of access:

 

  • Kitchen – this is where the majority of home fires start. Keep an extinguisher handy, but away from any sources of heat, like under your sink.
  • Laundry room – your dryer is another big hazard.
  • Garage – Chemicals, vehicles, and other machinery are all known for starting fires.
  • Outdoors – Fire pits and grills, though outside of the home, can easily spread to structures.

 

Watch the video below for a helpful visual demonstration by Jon of a few different types of extinguishers.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3r3Vc75tD4

One of the top causes of house fires are dryer vents that are clogged from years of neglect.

 

With all of the lint and debris stuck in your clothes dryer, it creates the perfect conditions for a fire to catch and spread quickly throughout the home.

 

The easy-to-remove filter that we often scrape clean after each load of laundry is just the surface of the lint that is inside your machine and throughout the ventilation system.

 

To be safe, we have to get inside the works and make sure we get it all out. 

 

Cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year can put your mind at ease that there is one less potential fire hazard lingering in the hidden parts of your home.

 

But how does one go about getting inside the dryer and clearing it’s vents?

 

Jon has created a video that you can watch below that goes over all of the necessary tools and a complete demonstration on cleaning out your dryer vent.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtngOUo1PAg

 

Some ventilation systems, however, are not as easy to access as the one in the video above. In these cases, you will want to hire a professional duct cleaner to handle the job. A small expense to pay for the assured safety of your home and family.

The last of the leaves are finally falling from the trees…and right into your gutters.

 

It’s mid-to-late fall, and the gutters on your home are likely at maximum capacity, having endured months of debris build-up and clogging them to the point that water can no longer drain through.

 

Though it may seem insignificant, when this clogging occurs, you could be in for more serious problems down the line. When rain water has no route of exit from your roof, it can begin pooling in places that will cause leaks in your roof or even cracks in the foundation of your home.

 

To avoid this from happening, we recommend cleaning out your gutters regularly as it is crucial to a safe and healthy home and here are just a few reasons why:

 

  1. Prevents water damage. Rainwater won’t drain properly when gutters are filled with debris. When that water overflows, it can cause water damage to the interior and exterior of your home.

 

  1. Protects your roof. With clogged gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go, leaving you with a rotten or a leaky roof.

 

  1. Keeps pests from causing trouble. Gutters full of leaves and what not can make desirable homes for rodents, birds, and insects. Keep those critters at bay by keeping them clear.

 

  1. Reduces the risk of a cracked foundation. That rainwater with nowhere to go can pool around the foundation of your home and crack it when expanding and freezing happens in the winter months.

 

  1. Saves you money. A clean gutter can help prevent expensive future repairs. Take preventative measures now to avoid a costly bill.

 

There are many companies out there that offer gutter-cleaning services, however, if you are more of a DIY person, there are also plenty of tools on the market designed specifically for this task.

To get this done with ease and as little mess as possible, the best tool for the job is a wet/dry vacuum to suck up all of the debris. This avoids any scooping out or blowing around of the junk that’s caught in there.

Wood-destroying insects, or WDIs, are not limited to just termites. Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and various beetles such as the Wharf Borer are all examples of common insects that love nothing more than to make a meal out of the wood in your home.

 

The havoc they can wreak on wooden structures is extremely dangerous for any type of home;

First, they look for the kind of wood they prefer: damp or rotting wood that is easier to chew. Then, starting with small, almost invisible holes, they work their way inside and continue chewing until a vast network of tunnels has spread throughout inches if not various feet of your home and weakening the structures severely.

Once these pests have made themselves at home, chemicals to kill off the nest and removal and replacement of damaged wood will be necessary. Preventing future infestations, however, is always a possibility.

 

To ensure your home does not fall victim to a hoard of wood-hungry critters, the following measures can be taken:

 

  • Making sure the wooden structures around the outside of your home are stained or painted and do not make direct contact with the soil
  • Keeping moisture levels to a minimum by fixing leaky pipes or faucets, cleaning gutters, or use pressure-treated wood
  • Seal any and all possible entryways to your home such as cracks in foundation, ducts, and around windows, doors, and air conditioners
  • Inspect any kinds of wood brought in to your home to see if they’ve been stored properly, including antiques
  • have at least a 2-inch clearance between the house and planter boxes or soil-filled porches
  • eliminate all wood-to-soil contacts such as trellises, fence posts, stair casings and door facings
  • separate shrubbery from the house to help make it easier to inspect the foundation line
  • remove wood scraps or stumps from around foundations
  • have at least 12″-18″ clearance between floor beams and the soil underneath

You might have them and not even know it…

 

A wood-destroying insect, or WDI, such as termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and various beetles like the wharf borer, can cause major damage to the wooden components and structure of your home.

 

Because they are hidden behind walls or beneath floors, these insects can go undetected for years leaving your home in unsafe conditions. Anywhere the wooden structures of your home touch soil is a possible access point for termites and other WDIs.

 

If you see the presence of termites in window sills or other areas inside your house, it is most likely already infested.

 

The outside of your home can also leave tell-tale signs of WDI infestation; Check areas like porches, sidewalks, patios, and areas near windows and door frames. If you notice damage or decay on wood features, a wood-destroying insect could be to blame. Pay extra close attention to the wooden parts of areas that are touching the soil such as fences or stairway railings as these are the perfect gateway to the core structure of your home.

 

The best way to find out whether or not your home has fallen victim to the appetites of WDIs is to get yourself a WDI inspection. This service includes a close look at both the outside and insides of your homes to determine what insect, if any, is affecting your home, what damage they have caused, and what you can do to prevent future infestations.

It can be difficult to figure out just whether or not you need a WDI or wood-destroying insect inspection on your home. After all, you can’t very well see through the walls in your home to know if it’s been infested or not.

 

So, how can you determine if a WDI inspection is needed in your home? Trick question.

 

Everyone and every home should get inspected for WDIs.

 

Because it is so hard to tell if your home has fallen victim to termites or other wood-munching insects, it’s a good idea to get it inspected regularly, new home or not.

 

There are a few signs to look for around your home that can be indicative of an infestation such as:

 

  • Decaying or rotting wood structures visible in and outside of the home
  • Small holes in wooden decks, fence posts, window sills, or doorways
  • Small piles of dust below holes
  • Wings or dead bodies of insects in the corners of your home
  • Tiny tubes made or wood or other debris that insects use for shelter

 

Even if you feel you’ve thoroughly inspected your home for these signs, however, that doesn’t mean you don’t have an infestation. 

 

The best way to find a WDI infestation and put a stop to it is to schedule an inspection today so you can put your mind at ease knowing you’re getting rid of the problem and helping to prevent it in the future.

Nothing is worse than stepping into your basement and being ankle-deep in water.

 

When your sump pump fails, it can quickly lead to flooding that not only can have a negative effect on the foundation of your home, but ruin just about anything stored in your basement as well. But most of us want to avoid the possibility of this failure from ever happening, so, how do you know how to care for your pump and when it needs replaced?

 

An important piece of information to know is that, just like any mechanical device, your sump pump has a lifespan.

 

Specifically, 8-12 years is the average time frame you’ll be able to get out of it before replacement is necessary. If you aren’t sure how old the pump is, but know that your house is over that 8-12 year limit, it’s a good idea to swap it out proactively.

 

To make sure the pump that you do have installed is running properly and efficiently to maximize that lifespan, there’s a few things you can do to regularly maintain it.

 

 

First, we want to take a look into the water inside the pump to make sure there’s no dirt and debris inside that could be clogging certain elements, making it work harder and straining the system.

 

Next, there will be a switch inside that you can pull up to test that everything is in working order, water is flowing as it should, and even be able to pin-point where something might not be functioning so you can repair it ASAP.

 

Watch Jon in this video below demonstrate step by step how to check to see if your sump pump is in good health:

 

 

At Musselman Home Inspection, we like to be a resource for all things home maintenance, and this specific piece of equipment falls into that category. For more information and assistance on any and all things sump-pump, feel free to reach out and we will be more than happy to provide demonstrations, recommendations, and any additional help you might need.

When it comes to keeping cool in those long, hot summer months, your air conditioner is heavily relied on.

 

When it’s working hard all day long to push that cold air into your homes, it’s also sucking in a lot of dirt, dust, and debris from the outside world.

 

That’s where the air filter comes in. However, unless you make sure to swap it out when it’s full, you’re asking for trouble.

 

Not only does keeping an old air filter in your A/C unit put you and your family at risk of breathing in unwanted particles that are now blowing around the house, but with a clogged up filter, your air conditioner now has to work harder to do it’s job.

 

Any piece of equipment that is pushed beyond it’s normal functions is bound to run into issues down the road, and this case is no different. With the elements being put under strain, they can end up either failing, or using up a ton more energy than previously needed, leaving you with a bigger bill than you bargained for.

 

Luckily for you, this is a quick, easy, and budget-friendly task that’ll have you back to relaxing comfortably in your home all summer long.

 

And with services like EcoBee and Amazon, you can set up a subscription to have fresh, new filters shipped right to your door every 90 days (as recommended).

 

That way, all you have to do is swap it out when it shows up and let your unit do the rest.

 

As we know, there are multiple types of air conditioning units out there, so we’ve created a few demonstrative videos to help assist you in changing your air filter no matter what type your house relies on:

 

Changing your Basement Unit‘s air filter –

Changing your Attic Unit‘s air filter –

Changing your Window Unit‘s air filter –

 

Changing tour  Mini-Split Unit‘s air filter –

 

The short answer is no. That is, if you want to take one of the biggest risks of your life.

 

Buying a house is no simple task, and it immediately becomes your biggest asset. And in the current market, many are opting to buy without first inspecting the property to give them a greater chance at winning against competing offer. However, without an inspection on the new place you are going to call home, you put not only your funds, but you and your family at risk as well. This brings us to a few questions that may be helpful as you think through this important question, should you waive a home inspection?

 

What is a home inspection? A home inspection is a visual evaluation of your property, that will help protect your financial interest in what will likely be the largest purchase you make in your life. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

  • Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
  • Things to “Monitor” that may lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
  • Safety and health hazards, such as bad wiring or undetected mold.
  • Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.

 

What is the value of a home inspection? Buying a house is probably the single largest investment you’ll ever make. As you consider which home is right for you, it’s important to understand what you are getting at the time of purchase (a factual picture of the good, the bad, and everything in between) as well as the additional funds needed over the course of home ownership to keep your home safe and well-maintained. From costly repairs to dangerous elements that might be hiding in plain sight, you want to be sure that you are covered on all sides. Knowledge about how to maintain your home, as well as understanding how to budget for repairs, will give you confidence and peace of mind as you go through home ownership.

 

What is the risk of waiving a home inspection?

  • An undetected safety or health hazard could go undetected in your home, putting you and/or your family at risk.
  • You move in and soon find out there is a significant issue / repair that must be addressed. You used all your expendable cash on the offer and did not save funds to address the issue. The longer you wait to repair, the worse the issue can get.

 

Why would sellers want a buyer to waive the home inspection? Waiving the home inspection can be more attractive to sellers since there is less likelihood that buyers will find an expensive issue that they will demand is corrected before settlement.

 

Are there any other options that would help the seller say “yes” to my offer without having to waive my home inspection contingency? There are several options to consider. However, each of these options are unique and come with different considerations for the buyer and seller. They should not be taken lightly and can be discussed further with your realtor.

  • The Home Inspection is for “informational purposes only”. In this option, the buyer’s intent is to have a home inspection without negotiating further prior to settlement for additional dollars off the agreed upon sales price. For example, you would still check the box for home inspection contingency in your agreement of sale, but your realtor would also add a sentence under special clauses, “Home inspection is mainly for FYI purposes only”.
  • Home Inspection with a Cap on Repairs. With this option, the buyer still elects a home inspection, but includes a special clause. The clause includes a cap on the amount of money paid by the seller on major issues/repairs mentioned in the inspection report. For example, you would still check the box for home inspection contingency in your agreement of sale, but your realtor would also add a sentence under special clauses, “Buyer will only request major repairs or corrections found in the home inspection report not to exceed $5,000”.
  • Shorten the length of your requested inspection period. This allows the seller to have greater confidence in moving the deal ahead quickly.
  • Eliminate other contingencies in your offer or offer a larger, non-refundable binder deposit.

 

 

I’ve decided to waive the home inspection – are there any other options to give me peace of mind leading up to making an offer? Yes, Musselman Home Inspection now offers a Pre-Purchase Walk-and-Talk. Our inspection team member will join you during the showing appointment to review the major components of the home and any specific items of concern. The Pre-Purchase Walk & Talk service, while not a full inspection, will give you a better understanding of the property in question by having one of our team members walk through the showing with you and point out areas of concern.

 

For more information about us and pricing, call us at (267)-328-HOME(4663) or send us an email to mhirequestinfo@gmail.com

 

Make sure your biggest investment is your safest one.