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
Have you noticed a loss of water pressure in your home? Does your shower get hot if someone flushes the toilet? That can be so annoying! If this is happening in your home the first thing to do is determine the cause.
Many older homes used galvanized pipe for water supply lines. Galvanized pipe is steel that has been coated with a thin layer of zinc to help prevent corrosion. This type of pipe was used in residential construction into the 1960s and has an estimated useful life of 40-50 years. The problem with galvanized pipe is it corrodes from the inside. As the corrosion and other minerals build up in the pipe the water flow is restricted. This causes low pressure or loss of pressure when using multiple fixtures. Eventually the restriction will cause total loss of flow.
In addition to loss of flow, the corrosion can cause pipe failure. Most commonly this happens at the threaded ends of the pipe where it enters a fitting. It may be hard to notice at first, maybe just a little moisture. As the condition worsens it may begin to drip or there may be a total failure. If any of these conditions are noted in your home it is best to have it checked out and repaired before there is a total failure.
Replacement with copper (or other materials where allowed) is the recommended fix for aging galvanized water lines. This can be accomplished by repairing only the damaged areas or with a total retrofit. The actual replacement of the pipes is not a difficult procedure, but gaining access and repairing those areas can be challenging.
If your home does not have galvanized water lines, you may have to do a little investigating to determine the cause. Make sure all water supply valves are in the full open position. If there has been an interruption of service or if the fire hydrants have been recently tested it is possible there is some sediment in the lines and fixtures.
If you have low water pressure in your home and are not able to determine the cause it is a great time to schedule a Maintenance Inspection. Call today if you have any questions.
Thanks for reading!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Many of us tend to use our garage for more than just parking our cars. For many it is a storage place for equipment, chemicals, gasoline, toys, tools, and even some meaningless junk. We also use it as a place to work if we need a lot of space or if we are working on the car. I know that I use my garage often. The only problem with the space is the air is not conditioned. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter!
There are many options for resolving the issue. There are portable air conditioners, ceiling fans, portable fans or even installing central air to cool the garage. Similar options are available for you to consider when it’s cold, such as portable heaters, space heaters and installing a furnace. These are all great ways to accomplish the goal. My advice would be to research them all, choose the option that best suits your needs, and make sure which ever choice you make, it is installed and used properly and safely.
This is not an acceptable way to heat the garage......
Some homeowners choose to add a heat register from their existing home heating system. This is not a recommended way to heat and cool your garage. As a matter of fact it is not allowed in any of the uniform code books and is very dangerous. But it sounds like an easy, viable option, right?
Think about what happens when you add a heat vent in the garage. There is now a direct link between the garage and the house. There is now an open invitation for Carbon Monoxide to enter your home. Think about what you store in your garage. Why do you store it there? Usually it’s because you don’t want it in your house. By tapping into your heating system to heat the garage, it would be the same as storing that gasoline for the lawn mower in your living room.
I have seen this done on a number of homes I have inspected. Sometimes the perspective buyers are excited that the garage is heated. That is until I give them my perspective. I can usually see the light go on within a few seconds. I hope yours went on too!
If you have any questions about your home or its safety, please call me as soon as possible. Safety is a huge concern when I inspect your home.
Thanks for reading.
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Do you remember back when you were a kid? I am talking about the time in your life when all you had to worry about was what you were going to do for those three months between grades. You remember……summer vacation! Those were the days! Sleeping in……playing all day…….staying outside until the last possible minute. I know it is further back for some of us, and more recent for others, but just get that image in your mind.
I want this time of the year to be all that for todays kids. I want them to have no worries; to spend all day playing and being safe while doing it. I’m sure that I am not alone in these thoughts. No parent wants their children to be in danger of being harmed, especially in their own home. Research shows that 69% of children’s deaths were from home related accidents.
Pool Safety
As times have changed, some of the dangers in homes have become more prevalent. My hope is by posting this blog I can prevent one child from being injured or even killed by an in home accident.
Where are the danger zones in your house?
These are the first places to look:
- Stairs and balconies and lofts- Many of the homes built today have big beautiful staircases, balconies and second story lofts overlooking the lower level. Many buyers in today’s market are attracted to these features. As cool as they seem, they pose a risk of falling to curious, active children of all ages.
- Entertainment center- There has been a recent rise in the number of children that are injured by a falling television. This is attributed to the rising number of large flat screen TV’s which are usually on low stands which allows them to tip easily. Another cause is an improperly installed wall mount which can, and has, fallen on children. A majority of these injuries are to children under six years old.
- Near heavy furniture- Tall furniture (bookcases, chests, armoires, etc.) that is not attached to the wall with safety straps or L-brackets can fall on children especially if they try to climb.
- Exercise room- Children fall from exercise equipment and break bones. Even something as harmless as a treadmill can cause severe friction burns from touching the belt. Free weights and barbells can cause damage if dropped.
- Swimming pool- When most people think about pool safety, they automatically think about the dangers of drowning. That is a very real danger that needs to be addressed, but not the only one associated with swimming pools. Faulty wiring in filter systems and pool lights can cause electrocution. Don’t take it for granted that everything is ok; make sure.
Just by addressing these five areas you are making your home much safer for your children, and for yourself. If you have any questions regarding the safety or integrity of any area or component of your home you should call to schedule a Maintenance Inspection. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Thanks for reading.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
During the summer months most homeowners are wrapped up in yard work. Keeping your yard looking good is a great source of gratification. Depending on the design of your yard and the amount of landscaping you have, this can be very time consuming. The only caution I would have is be sure you are not neglecting your home. Homes require maintenance even when we are busy doing other things.
The summer months in the Midwest are usually filled with hot temperatures and high humidity. There seems to be times when the AC unit doesn’t shut off for weeks at a time. This is when you should be doing routine maintenance; when everything is operating correctly. If you wait until it doesn’t work, then it isn’t maintenance anymore.
If you had your AC unit serviced in the spring you should be able to sit back and enjoy the cool air, right? On typical AC units there is some maintenance that you can do yourself. The two most important things are:
- Depending on the type of furnace filter you use, you should change it monthly or per the manufacturers recommendations
- Keep the condenser coil (outside unit) clean
Performing these two items should keep that unit operating efficiently throughout the summer.
The summer is also a good time to look at the condition of your siding, paint, trim & caulk. If you notice any areas that could use a little ‘help’, do it before it escalates into a serious problem. Reattach any loose pieces, scrape and paint weathered areas, re-caulk around windows and doors, and clean any areas of algae or dirt from siding. A little prevention goes a long way!
As you walk around admiring results of your hard work maintaining your landscaping, take note of any discrepancies you see. How does your roof look? Are there any missing shingles? Does your driveway need to be seal coated? Does your fence, deck or other wooden features need to be stained or sealed? You get the idea. Be proactive and your house will not only look good, it will be good!
Any questions or comments are welcome. If your needs are more immediate, please call our office at 847 669 9040. The summer is also a great time to schedule a Maintenance Inspection. Thanks for visiting!
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847.669.9040
Hopefully by now everyone has taken my advice and had their Air Conditioning units serviced for the hot summer ahead. If you don’t remember hearing that advice, go back a few weeks and read the blog titled ‘Is Your AC Working Right, or Just Working?’.
If the HVAC technician gave your Air Conditioning unit a clean bill of health but your home is still too warm, there are some things you can look at for answers. Let’s start with the most simple, but often overlooked ideas.
- Keep windows closed and latched. Check to make sure there is no hot air leaking in.
- Check the weather stripping on your exterior doors. If you can see light coming in around your door, you can bet the hot air will be getting in too.
- Keep the registers open allowing the conditioned air to enter the rooms.
- Running fans (ceiling or portable) helps circulate the air and make it feel more comfortable.
- Keep blinds or shades adjusted to allow light in without letting in the heat. Curtains or blinds on windows with southern exposure should be closed in the afternoon to keep most of the heat out.
Sometimes these ideas, although simple, are overlooked. If you have checked all these ideas and still have not found a cause, you may have to dig a little deeper. Here are a few places you may need to examine, or have examined, to find the answer.
- Attic insulation is a key component in keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the
winter. Insufficient attic insulation can allow the hot attic air to penetrate through the ceilings.
- Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in the attic. Keeping the air moving through the attic keeps it cooler and reduces the risk of transferring heat to the rooms below.
- If your home has an attached garage, make sure there is sufficient insulation in walls common with the house and in the ceiling if there is a room above.
- Determine if there is adequate insulation in the exterior walls. The heat from the sun and outside air can transfer through the walls into your home if there is not enough insulation.
This list points out some of the most common discrepancies found in today’s homes, but certainly not all of them. If you have checked all the ideas listed and you still think it’s too hot in your house, it is time to schedule a Maintenance Inspection.
Feel free to post a comment or ask a question. If your need is more specific, or if you are ready to schedule an inspection, call our office today.
Thanks for visiting!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Many home owners believe if their A/C unit turns on and blows cool air through the vents, life is good. Well, maybe it is, but wouldn’t you like to be sure?
A central air conditioning system is like any other mechanical unit in that it needs regular servicing and maintenance. It doesn’t matter if your unit is one year old or twenty, yearly maintenance can increase the efficiency and life expectancy. Did you know that an air conditioner that is only one pound low on Freon can actually cost you 15 to 20 percent on your cooling bill. It may be cooling your home but it is costing you more to do it. A regular, yearly clean and check can make sure your system is operating efficiently and within the manufacturers specifications.
A/C Condenser unit
Right now is the best time to have you’re A/C serviced. The outside temperature is high enough to allow operation of the system without fear of damage and the mad rush has not yet begun. Waiting until the temperature is unbearable can cause a delay in response time due to a higher volume of service calls. Don’t wait!
Changing your furnace filter is an important part of HVAC maintenance. Insufficient air flow across the coils while the A/C is running can cause ice build up on the coils or on the lines which can cause damage to the compressor. We recommend monthly furnace filter changes if you are using the standard 1” thick paper filters. This is an inexpensive method to reduce the chances of a system failure.
If you have any questions about your HVAC system or any other part of your home call our office today to schedule a maintenance inspection at your convenience.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
One of the most noticeable aspects of a home’s exterior is probably its landscaping. Whether it is planted and cared for by the homeowner or a landscape professional, it can be the difference in the first impression of a house. There is however, more to landscaping than just pleasing the eye.
Choosing plants that perform well in your climate is an important part of the plan. Get started by making a detailed layout of the area. When you make your plan, take into account the size of the plant when it is mature. It may look great to plant a nice tree or shrub at the corner of the house, but as it gets older, it can damage the house if it is too close.
Tree branches hanging onto the roof of a house can cause excessive wear from branches rubbing on the shingles. The leaves of the tree trap moisture on the roof and cause algae & moss growth. The branches also provide a clear path for animals to get onto the roof with ease. Once on the roof there is no telling what they may do.
Other than looking good, plants around the house can also help reduce the amount of water around the
foundation. Water is one of the biggest causes of foundation problems. Again, keeping in mind the size of the plants at maturity, try to leave at least six inches between the branches of the plant and the siding. This will help reduce damage to the siding and structure caused by insects, moisture, or the branches growing between the pieces of siding.
One last consideration is the soil or mulch level. It is recommended to leave 3-6 inches of foundation showing between the soil or mulch and the siding. This helps to reduce the possibility of insects entering the structure un-noticed and also prevents moisture from wicking into the wall causing damage.
As you can see, landscaping is not only pleasing to the eye; if properly planted and maintained it will be an added benefit to the structure of a home. During a Home Inspection the landscaping is evaluated and recommendations are made to the homeowner or potential home buyer.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule a Home Inspection, call our office at 847 669 9040 today. Whether you are in the process of buying a home or if you have been in your home a while, a home inspection can answer your questions about safety, structure, and even landscaping!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Mold is a part of the natural environment. Outdoors, mold plays an important part in nature by aiding in the breakdown of dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Mold reproduces by means of tiny spores; the spores are not visible to the naked eye and float in the air both outdoors and indoors. Mold growth begins indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces. There are many types of mold, and none of them can grow without water or moisture.
It is virtually impossible to get rid of all molds and mold spores indoors. Mold spores can be found floating in the air and in house dust. Without moisture, the mold spores are unable to grow. In order to control indoor mold growth, you must control indoor moisture. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the moisture problem, most likely, the mold will come back.
Moisture in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or seeping through basement floors, foundation walls, roofs, improperly installed windows & doors, or from a faulty sump pump. Everyday activities such as taking showers and cooking can add significant amounts of moisture to the air in your home. This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
Proper attic ventilation reduces chances of mold.
Here are a few tips to help control moisture, which in turn reduces the possibilities of mold growth.
- Repair any areas that allow water to enter the home. Roofs, foundations, windows & doors
- Maintain sump pump in working condition
- Provide adequate ventilation in the attic (soffit vents, ridge vents, etc.)
- Install ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens which vent to the exterior. DO NOT vent into attic space
- Ensure clothes dryer vents to exterior
This is a general list of moisture prevention. There may be more specific actions you may need to take in your particular case. A thorough inspection can aid in pinpointing these areas along with answering any other questions you have about your home.
If you have questions about today’s post or if you are ready to schedule a maintenance inspection for your home, please call us at 847 669 9040.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been commonly used in various building construction materials as insulation and a fire-retardant. Asbestos has high fiber strength and heat resistant properties which made it suitable for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos has been linked to the following health issues:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma- a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity
- Asbestosis- in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed during repair, remodeling or demolition activities, tiny fibers circulate in the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.
Most products manufactured today do not contain asbestos. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Areas of concern in older homes are:
- Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape.
- Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile.
- Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used to insulate around furnaces and wood burning stoves.
- Door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.
- Soundproofing or decorative material (popcorn) sprayed on walls and ceilings.
- Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints.
- Asbestos Cement roofing, shingles, and siding.
- Artificial embers and ashes sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces.
If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don’t panic. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally speaking, asbestos in a home is not a problem unless it is damaged or disturbed.
If you have any questions or concerns about possible asbestos in your home, feel free to call our office. We will answer your questions or, if you prefer, we can schedule a maintenance inspection.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
