This week I have put together a list of the five most common discrepancies found during a home inspection. I’m pretty sure everyone is as excited to know this as I am! This is by no means a scientific study with years of data. This is a simple compilation of facts from summary reports written by me, covering discrepancies found during inspections performed in the past year.
My top five list is as follows:
- Dirty furnace that hasn’t been properly serviced.
- Carbon Monoxide detectors.
- GFCI outlets non-functional or not installed.
- Overgrown or improper landscaping.
- Improper installation of water heater.
It is recommended by most manufacturers to clean and service furnaces and central AC units annually. A dirty, un-serviced furnace can be the cause of inefficiency, premature failure or even a fire.
Carbon Monoxide detectors save lives! Illinois passed a law in 2007 that states there must be a CO detector within 15 feet of any sleeping area. It is hard to believe there are so many homes without proper protection.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) are required for all outlets servicing bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements & crawl spaces, any kitchen counter top (including island outlets), and most outdoor receptacles.
Trees or shrubs touching the roof or siding pose several problems. There may be damage to the roofing material or siding caused by branches blowing in the wind. There is also a direct path for animals and other pests to gain access to the roof and possibly find (or make) a way into your home.
A water heater that is improperly installed is like a ticking time bomb. Water heaters fail all the time. With the proper installation of a TPR valve and the required piping, the damage and threat of personal injury is greatly reduced.
These are the top five most common items I have found during Home Inspections I performed in the past year. If you think you may have similar issues in your home or if you are unsure, call today for a no obligation quote for a Maintenance Inspection.
Thanks for reading!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Carbon Monoxide – What is it and why is it such a concern? According to Wikipedia, Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. It consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom, connected by a covalent double bond and a dative covalent bond. I don’t know about you, but they lost me in that second part.
What’s important to know is that CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless and highly toxic to humans and animals. But where does it come from? CO is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels. Carbon-based fuels are natural gas, gasoline, propane and burning wood. Some of the most common sources of CO are automobile exhaust, appliances such as furnaces, dryers & ovens and many natural & synthetic products like cigarette smoke.
A properly used and maintained fuel burning appliance normally will not produce a hazardous amount of CO. The CO becomes an issue when there is incomplete burning of the fuel. Any gas burning appliance that is not working efficiently will produce higher levels of Carbon Monoxide.
A CO / smoke detector can save your live!
Because you can’t see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are even aware of its presence. Lower levels of exposure to CO causes mild effects that are commonly mistaken for the flu. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
The best form of insurance in your home is a properly installed, operational CO detector. In some states, including Illinois, laws have been passed requiring CO detectors in homes. The law in Illinois mandates that every dwelling unit be equipped with at least one CO detector within 15 ft of every room used for sleeping purposes. Click on this link read more about the Illinois CO law.
This law has been in effect since January 1st, 2007. Why are most homes still not protected? Is yours?
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
The state of Illinois passed legislation to provide guidelines for the home inspection industry. The law states that “any person who performs an inspection on any two components of a home to facilitate the sale, lease or other conveyance of residential real property shall be licensed”. My intention is not to go through the law; I just wanted to make you aware of it. If you wish to read it, here is the link - Home Inspector Law.
This law was put in place to protect the consumer. It is very specific on the amount and type of training required prior to applying to the IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation) for a license. After all requirements are met and the Home Inspector has a license, there are guidelines in place to ensure the inspector is obtaining continuing education. CE is required on an annual basis and must be completed before an inspector’s license can be renewed.
Another cool thing on the IDFPR web site (http://idfpr.com/) is there is a place to look up license information on any licensed professional that is under their jurisdiction. By simply entering the name or license number of a home inspector you can determine if the license is up to date, if the inspector is in good standing, and if the inspector has had any disciplinary action taken against him/her. This is a good tool to use to be sure the inspector you are hiring is in fact licensed.
Even though there are laws in place and the penalties are steep, there are still people performing home inspections without a license. My closing recommendations are:
- Only hire a licensed inspector.
- If in doubt, check it out! Go to the website and make sure.
- Sign a contract before the inspection begins.
- If you desire, read the standards of practice so you know what to expect.
- Call me with any questions you may have.
Buying and owning a home is stressful enough……..why add to it? Hire a licensed inspector.
