THI Blog
Indoor Guest Safety
One day, while attending a social gathering at a friend's home, I found myself subconsciously assessing the potential hazards around me, in typical home inspector fashion. Though the risk of any injuries was low, the experience sparked an interest in common household safety concerns.
This article will focus on potential hazards that guests may encounter within a home. A subsequent article will address potential hazards in outdoor areas.
Trip and Fall Hazards
- Missing or damaged register and air return covers can pose a trip concern. This house had an air return with a missing cover near the entryway door. The air return was partially obstructed by an end table, but could still have been a concern for a young child.
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
Foundation Only Inspections
When clients request foundation-only inspections, I first ask about their specific concerns to determine whether my services are appropriate or if they need a specialist. The requests typically fall into three categories: visible foundation cracks, insurance documentation needs, or interior issues like sloping floors and wall or ceiling cracks.
...
Winter Drainage: A Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Water Damage
Winter and spring rains sustain our landscapes, but they can also pose significant challenges for homeowners. When water doesn't drain properly from your property, it can create problems ranging from minor inconveniences to serious structural damage. This article explains some homeowner implemented ways to manage drainage around your home; engineered drainage systems are beyond the scope of this article.
Understanding Your Home's Water Management System
Your home's primary defense against water damage starts at the roof, where the gutters and downspouts redirect rainfall away from your foundation. The importance of this system becomes clear when you consider the volume of water involved: a modest 11-foot by 11-foot section of roof captures nearly a bathtub's worth of water during just one inch of rainfall. Without proper management, this volume of water could saturate the soil around your foundation, potentially leading to problems.
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
Common Composition Shingle Roof Findings
As a home inspector, I've observed a distinct pattern in composition shingle roof issues. Many of these findings have been consistent throughout my career, while others are becoming more prevalent as roofs installed during the transition from wood shakes (circa 20-25 years ago) reach the end of their service life. Here are the most common issues I encounter:
Unsealed Fasteners
While they might seem minor, exposed nail heads are a significant concern, even on newer roofs. Typically found along hips, ridges, and flashing installations, these exposed fasteners create vulnerable entry points for water. During heavy rains, water can travel down the nail shanks into the attic. I've witnessed this issue cause leaks in brand-new roofs, demonstrating that proper nail coverage is a critical installation detail.
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
Re-Inspections
I occasionally get requests for re-inspections, whether to perform one depends on the situation. If a utility was initially off, I definitely do the inspection to provide the client with a deeper picture of the property. If only a few repairs were made, I may tell the client to document the changes in the report before it is passed along. When the repairs are primarily accessible, I may re-inspect. If the repairs are mostly hidden, I recommend having the repairing contractor document the extent of work performed and provide a written warranty.
...
The Importance of Safe Walkways
Ever fumble for the right key while navigating a dark porch? Unsafe walkways aren't just annoying; they're potential injury areas for residents, guests, and even emergency responders. Can someone confidently navigate from their car to your doorstep without tripping or encountering hazards?
Home inspectors routinely note uneven surfaces and stairs, slick tiles, and other potential hazards. But daylight often masks the challenges encountered when the sun sets. During my holiday stint as a package deliverer, I encountered several situations that highlighted the importance of safe walkways, especially in low light:
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
The Importance of Visible and Well-Lit House Addresses
While seemingly insignificant, a clearly visible and well-lit house address plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and convenience for residents, emergency services, delivery personnel, and guests. With increasing reliance on online services and deliveries, proper address visibility has become essential.
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
How the New NOx Ban May Affect You in 2024 and Beyond
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has amended its rules to phase out nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from natural gas furnaces and water heaters. The sale of new gas water heaters and furnaces in the Bay Area will be banned in 2031, with the ban taking effect over several years. Starting on January 1, 2024, the options for new gas furnaces will be limited.
...
To continue reading visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
Home Inspections Are Like Boxes of Cereal
Choosing a home inspector, like buying cereal, is a process that requires consideration. Cereals may be healthy or sweet, colorful, super-sized, part of a variety pack, or contain gimmicks. Home inspections vary widely in quality, detail and price.
...
To read more visit: https://www.inspectionhelper.com
Unreinforced Concrete Foundations
We have written and illustrated a document on unreinforced concrete foundations. The document covers many of the common modifications that local home inspectors find on pre-1950s foundations. Some modifications include foundation caps, curb walls, additions, saddle-caps and cuts in grade.
The document can be found at: https://www.inspectionhelper.com