In the basement of the house taped to the electric panel was the home’s energy certification which stated the R-value was 49, which would be 22.5 inches of insulation, a far cry from the twelve we measured. Then we looked at the date on the certificate, and again a surprise. The legally mandated certificate that […]Read More about Incorrect Home Energy Certification
Archives for 2019
Dryer Vent Option
This often evokes the question, what is that? It is not a chimney, it’s not a plumbing vent, an oil tank filler or any of the other suggested uses we have heard.The answer is simple, it’s an exterior clothes dryer vent.This vent remains sealed when the dryer is off, air from the dryer opens it […]Read More about Dryer Vent Option
Door Opener the Unwanted Key to Your Home
Would you leave a key in your front door lock when leaving your house, your garage door might be its equivalent.
20 Year, Member of the Dayton Board of Realtors
It’s hard to believe that we have been in business since 1999 and members of the Dayton Area Board of Realtors for all that time. For years we taught classes at the DABR to help new Realtors understand what a home inspection is all about and how to deal with needed repairs. There have been […]Read More about 20 Year, Member of the Dayton Board of Realtors
Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
In the basement of a home from the mid 1800’s there was a heath hazard that no one noticed. Various buyers over the years, the current owner who had purchased the home six months before, real estate agents and our clients all walked past this piece of pipe as they anxiously looked for potential issues […]Read More about Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
Door Bell Transformer Identified
This funky and worrying thing with wires hanging out of it is often found in the oddest of places. They can be found on the wall in a closet, in the basement or in the ceiling joists, beside the breaker panel, just about anywhere in a home.Nervous buyers often stare at those wires with anxious […]Read More about Door Bell Transformer Identified
Drains Not Draining, Venting Frustrations
There is nothing worse than badly draining sinks, tubs, and showers, not to mention toilets that need three flushes to finish the job. A call to a drain cleaning company did not help. They looked down the drains of the three year old home with a camera scope, all the way to the city sewer […]Read More about Drains Not Draining, Venting Frustrations
When Wood Siding is Not Real Wood, Problems
Video about the rush to build houses cheaper, its often the beautiful wood lap siding that becomes a major financial liability for the home owner.
Don’t Be Stranded… Wires Connected to Breaker
When connecting stranded wiring (a wire that is made up of numerous smaller wires as opposed to a solid wire) all strands of the wire must be secured under the terminal screw. In this photo of a wire connected to a circuit breaker, there is less wire connected to one of the connections which means […]Read More about Don’t Be Stranded… Wires Connected to Breaker
How “Safe” is Your Bathroom? What you got?
When you hear it said that bathrooms can be unsafe you might not think that a half ton of steel would be the answer. But bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous places in a home, with a multitude of potential hazards. Starting with tiled floors which can become slippery when wet, to the […]Read More about How “Safe” is Your Bathroom? What you got?
Attic Ladders are Rarely Installed Safely
Video explains highlights that manufacturers installation instructions are rarely followed which poses a safety issue. The most important fastener in the one in the hinge.
Unreasonable Inspection Conditions
Inspections can sometimes be a challenge for the inspector and the reason is rarely because of what is found, but trying to find it. Vacant properties are much easier to get around, no furniture, no stored items blocking the inspector at every turn. We do our best to get around obstacles and into difficult areas, […]Read More about Unreasonable Inspection Conditions
Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
So what type of heating system is in the photo? It’s easy to figure out if you know what to look for. With hot water heat there is a boiler that heats the water up to a temperature somewhere between 160 and 180 degrees. A circulation pump that moves the water through distribution pipes and […]Read More about Steam or Water Heat, Confused? Explained
Telephone Interface (a piece of history)
The telephone has just about disappeared from homes. Back when they were connected by wire to the telephone exchange there needed to be a connector inside the house that connected the home wiring to the phone company wiring.The connector is called a telephone interface which is the modern version of the connector in the photo. […]Read More about Telephone Interface (a piece of history)
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