As a home ages, things tend to change.  How much it changes depends on many variables such as the weather, the quality of materials used during construction, how much maintenance is performed, how many ‘projects’ have been completed and who completed them.   No home is exempt from the aging process.  It is not a reflection on you, it just happens.

The most important issue here is not what has changed or why, but that you are now aware of the issues and can repair what needs to be repaired, and maintain the home in the future.  A well maintained home not only keeps it’s value, but it is safer for you and your family.

Is there something you need to start preparing for financially?  Will your house need a new roof soon?  How about those major appliances?  How many years should that old furnace last?  Does your home meet the current safety standards?  Is there enough insulation in the attic?  What about ventilation?

These questions and more will be answered during a maintenance inspection.  Our licensed inspector will perform the same in depth inspection that is performed when you are purchasing a house.  A fully detailed report with photos and maintenance tips is provided for you to keep and refer to in the future.  The best part is you don’t even have to leave your home!  We come to you.

If you are only interested in a partial inspection, we can arrange this as well.  Just give us a call and we can get it scheduled.

Let’s work together to keep your home safe and maintained.

Thanks for reading.

David Novalinski Sr

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Holiday Season is such a busy time. It seems there is somewhere to be all the time. There is shopping to do, baking to get done and parties to attend. Just make sure the rush and excitement of the holiday season doesn’t make you careless in protecting your home and your family.

During the holiday season busy people can get caught up in what they are doing and become vulnerable to crime or personal injury. Don’t let it happen to you. The following is a list of tips to help keep the season happy.

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows. If you leave the house, even for just a few minutes, lock it up. It is a good idea to lock the doors even if you are home……….
• If you are leaving for an extended period of time, make sure you have someone watching your home. A neighbor of family member can bring in the mail and papers for a short time, but if you are leaving for two or more weeks you may want to stop the mail & paper and hire a professional, such as About Your Home Inspection, Inc. to give you peace of mind.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer to give the home the appearance someone is home.
• For short trips you can leave on the television or radio.
• Do not have gifts within view from the windows or doors.
• When putting up decorations do not block or impede exits and hallways.
• Ensure your tree is in a sturdy stand that will not tip over on children or pets.
• Examine the wires of all lights and decorations for damage. DO NOT use any electrical device if the wire is frayed or worn. Doing so can be a fire hazard.
• If you have a real tree, keep it watered to prevent the needles from drying out.

Most of these tips seem like common sense, but it is very easy to overlook the obvious. If something you are doing doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t and could use some evaluation.

Be Smart – Be Safe – Enjoy the Season.

Thanks for reading!

David Novalinski Sr

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

This is such a great time of year.  The leaves are mostly off the trees, the weather is cool, and there is sure to be the aroma of roasting turkey in the air all day tomorrow.  For me, Thanksgiving is ’The Beginning.’  It is the official start to the Holiday Season.

I’m sure I am not alone, but over the years we have tried many different ways to prepare our turkey.  We have roasted it in the oven, grilled it in the gas grill, and yes, we tried the ‘Deep Fry Thing’  a few years ago.  As much as I liked the taste of the deep-fried turkey, I probably won’t ever do it again.  We didn’t start anything on fire and nobody got hurt, but we did make a big greasy mess on my patio that was a constant reminder of how close we were to a disaster for many years.

To see how quickly it can go bad, check out this video:

To recap the important highlights:

• Do NOT deep fry a turkey inside…….not even in the garage!
• Do NOT attempt to deep fry a frozen turkey.
• Do NOT overfill the pot with grease.
• Do NOT drop the turkey into the hot grease.
• DO follow the manufacturers directions for using the deep fryer.
• DO wear protective clothing……..No flip flops!

Following these simple rules will help, but there is always a chance something can go wrong.  Be ready for it just in case.  For added Peace of Mind, be sure you have a fire extinguisher handy that is rated for putting out grease fires.  Do NOT use the garden hose!

Have an awesome Thanksgiving……and be safe!

David Novalinski Sr

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

This time of year there are some things you may want to do to minimize the damage of old man winter and to help keep your home safe and comfortable. 

• Schedule an appointment with a reputable HVAC company to clean & service your furnace.
• Clean leaves and debris from your window wells and make sure the drains are clear.
• Inspect sump pump & battery backup, if installed, and ensure proper operation.

• 

  Don’t wait til it’s too late…..

  Remove debris from gutters and clear down spouts.

• Change batteries in smoke & CO detectors and electronic thermostats.
• Call a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney or fireplace flue.
• Disconnect garden hoses from hose bibs even if your home is equipped with frost proof bibs.
• Take a walk around the exterior of your home.   Observe the windows, siding, roof and doors.  If something doesn’t look right, call the appropriate contractor to come and make any necessary repairs.
• Gas up the snow blower; make sure your shovels are in good shape and stock up on snow-melt.  Whether you want it to or not, ‘its’ coming!

These are just some of the tasks you will want to perform.  If you have any questions about these tasks or any others, feel free to call me.  I love talking house!

Thanks for reading.

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Recently I have seen another side of this story which has altered my perception of the situation.  Maybe you have heard (or been part of) a similar story………

A nice couple put an offer on a bank owned property.  The house was listed “as-is”.  They opted to wait for final bank approval and a signed contract before they hired the Home Inspector.  This decision seemed to be in their best interest.

After almost 3 ½ months of waiting, the bank approved the deal.  The contract was signed and the buyers had five days to have an inspection.  Woo Hoo! Finally!  They were so excited to finally have the ball rolling again after waiting so long.

Forclosed homes deserve inspections too.

Since this was a foreclosure property, the buyers knew there would be some issues that would need to be corrected.  They were okay with that.  Unfortunately, during the inspection, there were major issues discovered that would require a significant time and cash investment.  They were not okay with that.

Though they were able to walk away from the deal without losing their earnest money, what they did lose is immeasurable.  Now they are out there looking for a house, again.  Those three and a half months are gone and can never be recovered.  How many great deals did they miss while they waited?

There is obviously more at stake than just the cost of the Home Inspection.  You have to weigh your options and decide what is best for you.  Nobody else can make that decision for you.

Any questions or comments are always welcome.

Thank You for reading.

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Last July I wrote a blog called “Now, For Something Totally Different!’  about an experience I had as a volunteer attendant for the Association of Horizon summer camp program.  What an experience it was.  In fact, it was so good I went back again this year!

The Association of Horizon, Inc is a community where barriers between people with and without physical disabilities are transcended.  Judgement is not allowed.  Horizon provides Summer Camp Programs for adults with a wide range of physical disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis.  This year was the 20th such camp and  I was proud to be part of this historic event.

This year’s camp took place the week of July 24 – 30.  And if you remember right, like I do, it was a very hot week!  But that didn’t stop us from having fun!  There was a little more ‘indoor’ time, and we drank a lot of water; but it was still an amazing week!

We arrived at camp on Sunday morning at 9:30 after driving through a storm that reminded me of the hurricanes we used to have in North Carolina.  It was so good to get back and see all the friends I made the previous year.  I also met many new people that were coming for their first time.

My camper & I at Horizon Camp.

After signing in, I got my cabin assignment and found out my camper for the week was Jimmy.  I didn’t remember meeting Jimmy last year, so my goal was to find out as much as I could about him before he arrived.  Jimmy has CP and was coming to camp for the tenth year.  That one week out of the summer means so much to him.  Now I couldn’t wait to meet him!  What’s taking so long?  Get here already Jimmy!!

While we waited for the campers to arrive I went to get all my gear into the cabin.  That’s when I found out we had no power at our cabin.  Not the whole facility, just our cabin!  Really?  It appears the storm knocked down the wire between the pole and our cabin.  No power meant no lights, no refrigerator and no air conditioner.  This was not good!  Fortunately the maintenance staff at the facility was on top of it!  The power was restored before dinner!

The rest of the week went smoothly and a good time was had by all.  There were activities scheduled at any given time during the day, and the week ended with a friendship dinner/dance.  It is a week that words cannot describe; you have to experience it to understand.

If you are interested in learning more about the Association of Horizon or their summer camp program click here.  If you would like to talk to me about camp, feel free to call or email me.  Check out my pictures from camp -   Album 1 - Album 2.

Thanks for reading!

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Radar of the storm moving in.

Like I said, the storms didn’t last very long, but they left a path of destruction that resembled a war zone.  In the wake were downed trees, damaged homes, flattened crops, and over 800,000 customers without electric.  Some of the power outages were short lived, but the less fortunate were without power for a week or more.

Many people were in the position to lose freezers full of food, not to mention spending endless days and nights without the comforts that we all are accustomed to such as lights, air conditioning, and even running water.

Many businesses and homeowners turned to the use of generators to at least salvage the food in their refrigerators and freezers.  I think that is a great idea.  But………… You must be aware of the safety precautions prior to use.

Besides the destruction and all the hardship that followed these storms, the most disturbing news was the amount of Carbon Monoxide (CO) calls that were received by the local fire departments.  And what do you think was the number one reason for these calls?  People running generators in their homes and offices.  Generators, along with any gas operated appliance, are meant to be used outdoors.  The exhaust fumes contain deadly amounts of CO.  Please, never run a gas powered generator inside your home.

If you have any questions about the use of generators, the cause & effects of CO, or any question pertaining to your home, feel free to call me and I will get you the information you desire.

Thanks for Reading!

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Many people have chosen to have vinyl siding installed on their homes because it is ‘maintenance free’.  Nice try!  Vinyl siding is many things –

• Inexpensive – compared to some other exterior products
• Damage resistant
• Water resistant
• Durable

Yes, vinyl siding is all that, but it is not ‘maintenance free’.  There is some maintenance involved.  Trees and bushes around your home produce sugars that float through the air and stick to everything, vinyl siding included. This layer of sugar is a great food source for mold and some algae. Dust & dirt also sticks to the vertical sides of vinyl siding, giving some mildews and algae another food source.  This is where the maintenance comes in.

The nice thing is cleaning the siding is a pretty easy process, similar to washing a car.  You can begin the process by mixing up some cleaning solution.  A mild dishwashing liquid does a great job.  Mix a generous amount of soap in a bucket with warm water.  You can then put some of the mixture in a garden sprayer.

Dirty Vinyl Siding

Wet an area of the siding using a garden hose.  I do not recommend the use of a power washer.  The siding on the house is designed to repel rain that is falling from the sky, not being sprayed up under the siding and into the seams. That is asking for a water penetration problem!  So gently rinse the siding, letting the water run down the walls.

Using the garden sprayer, coat the siding with the soap solution.  Then, using a soft bristled brush dipped in the bucket of remaining soap solution, gently scrub in a side to side motion starting from the bottom and working up.  Do not let the soapy solution dry on the siding.  Clean an area, then rinse completely.  Do this until you have washed all the siding.  Easy, right?

To make things a bit easier you may want to purchase a soft bristled brush on a telescoping pole.  These are generally available at RV supply stores and come in different lengths.  You may still need a ladder, but will not have to go as high!

Thanks for reading!  If you have any questions about today’s topic, or maybe a more specific question about your home, feel free to call me.  I would be more than happy to talk ‘house’ with you!

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Your garage door is most likely the largest moving object in your home.  Therefore it has the potential to be one of the most dangerous objects in your home.  But, it doesn’t have to be.

Does the garage door opener actually open the garage door?

I guess that is a trick question, because if the door is not installed properly, it will, but it is not supposed to.  Most of the actual lifting of the door should be accomplished by a properly adjusted counterbalance spring system.

Typical garage door opener installation.

There are safety devices that are standard with today’s garage door openers that make them so much safer than the openers of the past.  Today’s openers come with an auto reverse function that automatically  reverses the direction of the door if it encounters too much resistance.  New openers also come with photo eyes that reverse the door if the beam of light between them is broken.  Another standard safety feature is a quick release mechanism on the trolley which allows the door to be opened from inside the garage if the unit fails or if there is a power failure.

All of these safety features must be operational to ensure the lowest possibility of injury occurring from the moving garage door.  It all starts with the installation.  During installation, if the counterbalance springs are not adjusted properly, they may cause the auto reverse to malfunction which may cause damage, injury or death.  The auto reverse should trigger if there is more than 15 lbs of downward force exerted on the door.

The photoelectric eyes cast a beam of light across the entire width of the door opening.  If anything breaks that beam of light while the door is traveling closed, the door immediately reverses.  The photoelectric eyes are normally mounted on the door track and must be no more than 6” above the ground. At this height even a small child or a toy will activate the reverse mechanism.

The key to a safe garage door opener is proper installation.  If you have questions about the safety of your garage door openers or any other feature in your home, please call me to schedule a maintenance  inspection.

Thanks for reading.

David Novalinski Sr.

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Spring Clean-up

Spring is the time to go out and evaluate how much work it is going to take to fix what the winter did.  There is so much to look at.  Is there any roof damage?  What about the siding?  And then there’s the real time consumer; the landscaping.

It is important to keep the landscaping under control.  Trees that are planted too close to the house need to be kept trimmed away from the roof and overhang.  The constant movement of the branches on the shingles can wear away the exterior coating of the shingle which is what makes the shingle weather resistant.  Pre-mature wear can cause pre-mature failure.

Decorative bushes and shrubs require attention as well.  Allowing the shrub’s branches to contact the siding can cause damage.  The branches can grow beneath the siding and actually pull the siding off the house.  This also creates a nice entry way for insects to get in your home.

Ivy and creeping ground covers are also a place to focus some attention.  Ivy that is growing on the side of the house may look good to some people, but it can be very destructive.  The ivy attaches to the house by penetrating the mortar in brick work and by grabbing under the siding.  Eventually it can pull the siding off the home and deteriorate the mortar.  I recommend careful removal of Ivy on the house.  Ground cover that gets out of control has the same damaging effects.  Keep it under control.

Wasp nest in peak.

Another concern in the spring is wasp or hornet nests.  They seem to be built over night.   While they don’t seem to cause extensive damage, there is the danger of being attacked by the wasps or hornets.  This is extremely dangerous if you are allergic to the venom.  A single sting for someone with an allergy can cause Anaphylactic Shock.  And that is not fun!  Be careful or call a professional.

If you have any questions on the topics covered today, please feel free to call.  I am always happy to “talk house”!

Thanks for reading.

David Novalinski Sr

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040