Video of sales the listing that said the house had a new roof, take a look it was obvious to our inspector that it was far from new, and a big surprise for our client.
Archives for 2019
Relaxing Day, A Welcome Brake, Enjoying Life,
So often it’s arrive, and get going. Tool belt on and get to work, room by room, plumbing, electrical etc. Recently arriving at a house out in the country, I had to park in the driveway and walk through a paddock to get to the house. Horses appeared as soon as I entered the field […]Read More about Relaxing Day, A Welcome Brake, Enjoying Life,
Adding Water Softener Hook Up? Bad Value
Looking at plumbing in a house have you ever wondered what different things are? There is that usual loop of pipe, which for no apparent reason loops down from ceiling in the basement? Or the two copper pipes about a foot apart one above the other that are sticking straight out and capped off? The […]Read More about Adding Water Softener Hook Up? Bad Value
Radiant Heat Ceilings Explained
Walking through a home you might notice a non descriptive box in every room, some may have numbers on a dial 50, 60, 70, and wonder what it is. What you are looking at is a thermostat for a radiant heat ceiling an alternative to a furnace or boiler. The house is not heated by […]Read More about Radiant Heat Ceilings Explained
Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Many properties particularly in rural areas rely on a well for their water, which is not a problem in itself. A newer well will have a submersible pump that is down in the well shaft, older wells will often have a “jet pump” which will be located at the pressure tank (in the house or […]Read More about Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Read Your Inspection Report? “yeah” really…
We get paid good hard earned money to perform a Home Inspection and are often frustrated when clients do not read the report, or at least the summary pages. The home is often way bigger or in worse condition than we expect and are scheduled for, but we work on and produce the report. Clients […]Read More about Read Your Inspection Report? “yeah” really…
Asbestos Pipe Insulation Health Hazard
Video of asbestos pipe insulation on a hydroponic (water) or steam boiler heating system. Asbestos can be dangerous to your health if fibers are disturbed, often found in buildings buildings from the fifty’s and older on heating and hot water plumbing pipes.
Advertised a New Roof… (How Many Years Ago)
Video of the homes sales brochure: listing advertised that there was a new roof, take a look it was obvious to our Inspector that it was far from new.
Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?
COULD THE ATTIC BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH?Dangerous insulation may be hiding above the ceiling of older homes. In newer homes the insulation is usually soft and puffy fiberglass or a cellulose (very finely ground paper). In some older homes a granular product with a silver glint to it may have been used to insulate […]Read More about Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?
Garage Door Spring Safety Wire Required
Video of garage doors with the old style springs to the side of the tracks. These pose a danger if they fail and snap. A safety wire must be inserted into the center of the spring to hold it in place. These inexpensive safety wires are available at any store that sells overhead doors for […]Read More about Garage Door Spring Safety Wire Required
Cute Table Right? Pressure Treated is Toxic!
Don’t eat off of it! This DIY project has all the right look of a farmhouse table. Unfortunately the top is made of treated fence pickets which contain harmful chemicals that you don’t want on your skin, let alone on food and utensils. We see a lot of beautiful furniture and updates that are made […]Read More about Cute Table Right? Pressure Treated is Toxic!
Who Will Keep the Dog In….. A Sears Fence?
It never ceases to amaze me how many homes have chain link fences around the back garden proudly displaying the iconic “Sears Armadillo” plaque on the gate. In fact, it’s hard to believe that Sears has filed bankruptcy all closed down all their stores. The products they sold were in so many homes, still are […]Read More about Who Will Keep the Dog In….. A Sears Fence?
Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Everyone uses the phrase “furnace filters” which got me thinking as I worked my way through an inspection. The filters remove dust from the air going through the furnace which has nothing that really needs to be protected. Yes, the fan motor will last longer if it is not dusty, but the filter is not […]Read More about Is it a Furnace or Air Conditioner Filter?
Termites Appear Suddenly
Three weeks passed from when we performed a home inspection and a “termite” inspection on a lovely tri-level home in West Chester. Our bug guy returned this week to deal with a pest issue (mice) that was identified during the inspection and noted in the report.Arriving at the home he picked up a newspaper that […]Read More about Termites Appear Suddenly