Destress by Bringing the Outdoors In
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Your Seattle, WA Home Inspection Company
Seattle Home Inspection
Seattle Home Inspection
- Home
- About
- Meet The Team
- Why Hire Us?Structural Inspections and Home Inspections in King County, Snohomoish County, Skagit County, and Pierce County Less than 10% of your home is visible on a walk through. I don’t need a home inspection, I’m buying new There are several reasons that the ‘PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC stands out among the competition: WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Thank You! I will certainly pass your name along. I appreciate not only your thoroughness and professionalism, but also your comments that will be tremendously helpful to me in the future. While I don’t anticipate having the gas or electric company locking up services, knowing where the cut-off switches are is important information to me. I appreciate your tagging the cut-off valves to the furnace and hot water tank. My memory seems to fade with age and that will be a help in case of an emergency. I also promise to never, ever block the vents in the furnace space! Take care.” — Peg Terp “Thanks for the timely and very professional inspection you did on the property at 107th Ave. SE in Bellevue. It’s always a pleasure working with someone who gives 110% to his clients. I will be recommending you to others in the near…
- ServicesReal Estate Property Inspections. Commonly called “Home Inspections,” Buyers appreciate us, because we help them gain enough information about that home to make an informed decision to buy or not to buy. We’ll look it over top to bottom, up and down, inside-out. We’ll tell you about it in ways you can understand and we’ll give you an on-site report so you can use it to your advantage. Sellers appreciate us, because we let them know where the surprises are – the ones they didn’t know about – the ones that might delay or even stop the sale. They can have the items repaired, or price the home more reasonably for QUICK SALE. Termite Inspections Wood Destroying Insect Inspections are another inspection service we provide. New Construction We do Phase Inspections for new home construction. Ideally, we do three inspections during the construction of the home. Phase One: We inspect the conditions before the concrete is poured covering up problems. Phase Two: We inspect the framing and stub-in for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical before they put the insulation and drywall in. Phase Three: We inspect the final product, before you sign the final papers. Pool and Spa Inspections A typical…
- Buyers Home Inspection
- Single Family Home Inspection
- Condo & Townhouse Inspections
- Multi Family Dwelling Inspections
- Seattle Floating Home InspectionWe have inspected many Floating Homes in the Greater Seattle Area. We will provide a Quality Home Inspection. This is much like a land home inspection. We can supply a Diver to do the underwater inspection at the same time or refer you to a qualified Diving Company. We will inspect all of the structural and mechanical features of the home. The Diving Company will provide a inspection report on the Floatation type and condition, the stringer condition and under water mechanicals.
- Other Specialty HomesWe provide inspection services for specialty homes including: Mobile Homes Log Homes Earth Bermed Homes Geodesic Domes Barns and Arenas Call us today for further details
- Seattle New Construction Inspections
- Seller’s Home InspectionWho Else Wants To Sell Their Existing Home For More Money, In Less Time, With Less Hassle… Dear Home Seller: Making the decision to sell Your home is a huge step for most homeowners. But once the decision is made to sell, then making your home Marketable should be your number one goal! We understand the emotional attachment You have to your home but you must be realistic about the home as well. No home is perfect and as soon as you realize THAT you are on your way to making your home more Marketable. And remember, making your home the most marketable it can be should be your number one goal! Potential home buyers want to purchase a home that is in tip-top shape, no matter the age of the home. That’s why having a Pre-Listing Inspection make complete sense. Also: a) Having a home inspection before you put your house on the market will allow you to understand any current or potential problem areas with the home that can be resolved before the buyers arrive. Therefore, your home will be in better condition for viewing, making it more marketable and this will help you attain the maximum selling…
- Seattle Air Quality SamplingThe air in your home could be making you sick Know what’s in the air you breathe Why You Should Test Your Air with Home Air CheckTM Professional The only composite home air quality assessment Monitors for hundreds of airborne chemicals and hidden mold growth with single air sample One test covers 2,000 sq. ft. Identifies pollutants that could make you sick Helps answer “What’s that smell?” Identifies solvents possibly used by Meth labs Identifies sulfur compounds found in contaminated Chinese drywall Formaldehyde test available (additional charge) Sample collected by PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC Convenient-contractor handles all testing & shipping Referrals or recommendations to improve air quality Clear and concise analysis reports Reports total VOC and mold levels Predicts VOC sources giving you an action plan Delivered to you within a few days of testing Peace-of-mind at an economical price 2-for-l air quality assessments: VOCs and active mold growth Costs less than mold spore testing of a home No drilling of holes in walls necessary (as with mold spore testing) Detailed chemical analysis available (additional charge) Maintaining good indoor air quality is important for your health. According to the EPA, indoor air quality poses a greater health hazard than outdoor air pollution, with pollutant levels averaging 2 to…
- Seattle Pool and Spa Inspections
- Seattle Sewer Scoping
- Seattle REO Winterization ServicesPreventing Frozen & Burst Pipes: Winterizing The Plumbing System So The Heat Can Be Turned Off The water supply is shut off. Water heater is drained while faucets are opened after the energy source is turned off. Fixtures and appliances are drained. Using compressed air we blow out all remaining water in the plumbing system. RV antifreeze is added to all drain traps, toilets, and appliances to prevent damage from freezing. The furnace can hold water too, so we add it to the condensate drain. Signage is posted at all doors, plumbing fixtures and electrical panel. . If the temperature inside a house gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) it’s likely that the water supply pipes and the drain traps will freeze. When water freezes it expands 9 percent, and if there is no room for expansion it’s possible that the pipe will burst. When the ice thaws the pipe will leak, and in the supply system this leak could occur anywhere. Fixing a burst pipe can be expensive, but the damage from uncontrolled water leakage can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. Believe me, you do not want to experience the hassle and expense of having a…
- Seattle Commercial Inspections
- Buyers Home Inspection
- ContactProfessional Home Inspection Serving Woodinville, Kirkland, Redmond, and the Greater Seattle Area Contact Property Inspector LLC Today (425) 985-3289 King, Snohomish, Pierce, Skagit Counties propertyinspectorllc@hotmail.com or fill out the following form: [contact-form 1 “Contact form 1”] Professional Home Inspection Services In King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Skagit County King County Snohomish County Skagit County Pierce County Bellevue Duvall Issaquah Kenmore Kirkland Lake Forest Park Mercer Island Redmond Renton Seattle Shoreline Snoqualmie Woodinville Edmonds Everett Gold Bar Lake Stevens Lynnwood Marysville Monroe Snohomish Sultan Call for Additional Cities in Skagit County Call for Cities in Pierce County
- Our Reviews
- Schedule Now
- Info
- Free Reports
- Home Inspections Video
- Sample ReportWe have included a sample inspection report so that you can see what is involved. [Click here to see the report] [caption id="attachment_33" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Click image for Full Size"][/caption] Roofing Sliding Trim Windows and doors Heating and cooling systems Electrical systems Plumbing Foundation Visible framing Drainage Interior wall and ceiling coverings Kitchen appliances If possible, please attend the inspection yourself.The inspections usually take around three to four hours to complete, depending on the size, type and condition of the property. New Construction Inspections We can perform a single inspection after the house is completed or several inspections at different stages of construction, including: Footing: An inspection of the condition and size prior to placement of the concrete. Foundation: An inspection of the foundation wall thickness, height and water-proofing prior to back filling of soil against the foundation. Framing (Pre-Drywall): An inspection of the entire frame of the home after all mechanical rough-ins (electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing) are complete. Final: An inspection of the completed home.
- How to find the Right Home InspectorWas Your Last Home Inspector Blind? OK, it’s not a particularly “nice” question, but a lot of folks complain that their previous home inspectors did a bad job. So, we’ve prepared some things you need to know to choose the right home inspection company. We hope you’ll choose PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC, but just to be fair, here are the things you need to know. Learn Seven (OK, 8) Things You Must Know To Find the Right Home Inspector 1. Hire a Full-Time Home Inspector for the Best Results: Truth is: most of the 1,000+ inspectors who have left the business in Washington in the last five years were part-time. They couldn’t keep up with the industry demands and the educational and training requirements needed to make a business successful. How would you feel if someone does a home inspection for you, and you find out a few months later they left the business? A professional, full time home inspector conducts a minimum of 250 or more inspections a year – while part-time or inexperienced inspectors conduct 50 to 100 inspections a year. We do over 400 per year. 2. Get A Home Inspection From The Owner Of The Company: Nobody…
- Service AreasProfessional Home Inspection Services In King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Skagit County King County Snohomish County Skagit County Pierce County Bellevue Duvall Issaquah Kenmore Kirkland Lake Forest Park Mercer Island Redmond Renton Seattle Shoreline Snoqualmie Woodinville Edmonds Everett Gold Bar Lake Stevens Lynnwood Marysville Monroe Snohomish Sultan Call for Additional Cities in Skagit County Call for Cities in Pierce County
- Sample Contract
- Standards of Practice
- Mold InformationDefining Mold – The presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors should be addressed immediately. In all instances, any source(s) of water must be stopped and the extent of water damage determined. Water damaged materials should be dried and repaired. Environmental sampling is then recommended to determine the type and extent of the existing mold. Mold is a structural, health and environmental problem. some mold defects can’t be seen and will only be detected through sampling. Stachybotrys This mold is a slow growing fungus. It grows well on high cellulose materials like straw, grass, saw dust, lumber and drywall plaster board or ceiling tiles. Like a fungi, it requires a moisture source. About15 species of Stachybotrys can be found worldwide, but it is most common in the Western U.S. Generally, this mold grows where the relative humidity is above 55 percent or the material is water-saturated. In studies conducted in North America, Stachybotrys was found in 2 to 3 percent of home environments sampled. Disease – Stachybotrys atra spores are breathed into the lungs. Persons with chronic exposure to the toxin report cold or flu-like symptoms with sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and general malaise.…
- Radon InformationWhat is Radon? Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family. Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and build up to high levels. [Click here for map of Radon zones] What you should know about Radon Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. This is because when you breathe air-containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to find out about your home’s radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing of all homes below the third floor for radon. You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very…
- Tips for Selling Your HomeIs Your Home Physically Fit? To give your home a competitive edge when it’s time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition. This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection. According to home inspection experts, approximately half the resale homes in the market today have at least one significant defect. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent major, costly problems from developing in the first place. If you have been putting off those repairs, now is the time to make them. A Home Seller’s Check List Over the years, ASHI has identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyer’s home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home’s appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale. The following 6-point checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals. 1. CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS After size, style, and location, a home buyer’s primary concern is the condition of the home’s basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most…
- EIFS – Exterior Insulation and Finishing SystemsWhat are EIFS? Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board make of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco. The Potential Problem with EIFS… The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its…
- Lead-Based PaintExposure Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name implies, contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such paints. Lead-based paints in good condition pose little risk but those that begin to peel, chip, chalk, or crack do pose a health risk. As lead-based paint products degrade lead can be released into the surrounding environment in the form of dust. Lead dust can also be formed and become airborne when lead-based paint is sanded or scrapped. Painted surfaces when rubbed together can also produce lead dust. The lead dust can settle and then become airborne again when disturbed by sweeping, vacuuming, or just walking through a contaminated area. Chips of paint flaking off of exterior surfaces can even cause ground contamination. Health Risks Lead poisoning can occur when lead is ingested if inhaled and the concentration of lead in the body will grow over time with continued exposure. Physical symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include: damage tothe brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed physical development, hearing problems, and chronic…
- Pest Identification Chart
- Home
- About
- Meet The Team
- Why Hire Us?Structural Inspections and Home Inspections in King County, Snohomoish County, Skagit County, and Pierce County Less than 10% of your home is visible on a walk through. I don’t need a home inspection, I’m buying new There are several reasons that the ‘PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC stands out among the competition: WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Thank You! I will certainly pass your name along. I appreciate not only your thoroughness and professionalism, but also your comments that will be tremendously helpful to me in the future. While I don’t anticipate having the gas or electric company locking up services, knowing where the cut-off switches are is important information to me. I appreciate your tagging the cut-off valves to the furnace and hot water tank. My memory seems to fade with age and that will be a help in case of an emergency. I also promise to never, ever block the vents in the furnace space! Take care.” — Peg Terp “Thanks for the timely and very professional inspection you did on the property at 107th Ave. SE in Bellevue. It’s always a pleasure working with someone who gives 110% to his clients. I will be recommending you to others in the near…
- ServicesReal Estate Property Inspections. Commonly called “Home Inspections,” Buyers appreciate us, because we help them gain enough information about that home to make an informed decision to buy or not to buy. We’ll look it over top to bottom, up and down, inside-out. We’ll tell you about it in ways you can understand and we’ll give you an on-site report so you can use it to your advantage. Sellers appreciate us, because we let them know where the surprises are – the ones they didn’t know about – the ones that might delay or even stop the sale. They can have the items repaired, or price the home more reasonably for QUICK SALE. Termite Inspections Wood Destroying Insect Inspections are another inspection service we provide. New Construction We do Phase Inspections for new home construction. Ideally, we do three inspections during the construction of the home. Phase One: We inspect the conditions before the concrete is poured covering up problems. Phase Two: We inspect the framing and stub-in for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical before they put the insulation and drywall in. Phase Three: We inspect the final product, before you sign the final papers. Pool and Spa Inspections A typical…
- Buyers Home Inspection
- Single Family Home Inspection
- Condo & Townhouse Inspections
- Multi Family Dwelling Inspections
- Seattle Floating Home InspectionWe have inspected many Floating Homes in the Greater Seattle Area. We will provide a Quality Home Inspection. This is much like a land home inspection. We can supply a Diver to do the underwater inspection at the same time or refer you to a qualified Diving Company. We will inspect all of the structural and mechanical features of the home. The Diving Company will provide a inspection report on the Floatation type and condition, the stringer condition and under water mechanicals.
- Other Specialty HomesWe provide inspection services for specialty homes including: Mobile Homes Log Homes Earth Bermed Homes Geodesic Domes Barns and Arenas Call us today for further details
- Seattle New Construction Inspections
- Seller’s Home InspectionWho Else Wants To Sell Their Existing Home For More Money, In Less Time, With Less Hassle… Dear Home Seller: Making the decision to sell Your home is a huge step for most homeowners. But once the decision is made to sell, then making your home Marketable should be your number one goal! We understand the emotional attachment You have to your home but you must be realistic about the home as well. No home is perfect and as soon as you realize THAT you are on your way to making your home more Marketable. And remember, making your home the most marketable it can be should be your number one goal! Potential home buyers want to purchase a home that is in tip-top shape, no matter the age of the home. That’s why having a Pre-Listing Inspection make complete sense. Also: a) Having a home inspection before you put your house on the market will allow you to understand any current or potential problem areas with the home that can be resolved before the buyers arrive. Therefore, your home will be in better condition for viewing, making it more marketable and this will help you attain the maximum selling…
- Seattle Air Quality SamplingThe air in your home could be making you sick Know what’s in the air you breathe Why You Should Test Your Air with Home Air CheckTM Professional The only composite home air quality assessment Monitors for hundreds of airborne chemicals and hidden mold growth with single air sample One test covers 2,000 sq. ft. Identifies pollutants that could make you sick Helps answer “What’s that smell?” Identifies solvents possibly used by Meth labs Identifies sulfur compounds found in contaminated Chinese drywall Formaldehyde test available (additional charge) Sample collected by PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC Convenient-contractor handles all testing & shipping Referrals or recommendations to improve air quality Clear and concise analysis reports Reports total VOC and mold levels Predicts VOC sources giving you an action plan Delivered to you within a few days of testing Peace-of-mind at an economical price 2-for-l air quality assessments: VOCs and active mold growth Costs less than mold spore testing of a home No drilling of holes in walls necessary (as with mold spore testing) Detailed chemical analysis available (additional charge) Maintaining good indoor air quality is important for your health. According to the EPA, indoor air quality poses a greater health hazard than outdoor air pollution, with pollutant levels averaging 2 to…
- Seattle Pool and Spa Inspections
- Seattle Sewer Scoping
- Seattle REO Winterization ServicesPreventing Frozen & Burst Pipes: Winterizing The Plumbing System So The Heat Can Be Turned Off The water supply is shut off. Water heater is drained while faucets are opened after the energy source is turned off. Fixtures and appliances are drained. Using compressed air we blow out all remaining water in the plumbing system. RV antifreeze is added to all drain traps, toilets, and appliances to prevent damage from freezing. The furnace can hold water too, so we add it to the condensate drain. Signage is posted at all doors, plumbing fixtures and electrical panel. . If the temperature inside a house gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0° Celsius) it’s likely that the water supply pipes and the drain traps will freeze. When water freezes it expands 9 percent, and if there is no room for expansion it’s possible that the pipe will burst. When the ice thaws the pipe will leak, and in the supply system this leak could occur anywhere. Fixing a burst pipe can be expensive, but the damage from uncontrolled water leakage can easily reach into the thousands of dollars. Believe me, you do not want to experience the hassle and expense of having a…
- Seattle Commercial Inspections
- Buyers Home Inspection
- ContactProfessional Home Inspection Serving Woodinville, Kirkland, Redmond, and the Greater Seattle Area Contact Property Inspector LLC Today (425) 985-3289 King, Snohomish, Pierce, Skagit Counties propertyinspectorllc@hotmail.com or fill out the following form: [contact-form 1 “Contact form 1”] Professional Home Inspection Services In King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Skagit County King County Snohomish County Skagit County Pierce County Bellevue Duvall Issaquah Kenmore Kirkland Lake Forest Park Mercer Island Redmond Renton Seattle Shoreline Snoqualmie Woodinville Edmonds Everett Gold Bar Lake Stevens Lynnwood Marysville Monroe Snohomish Sultan Call for Additional Cities in Skagit County Call for Cities in Pierce County
- Our Reviews
- Schedule Now
- Info
- Free Reports
- Home Inspections Video
- Sample ReportWe have included a sample inspection report so that you can see what is involved. [Click here to see the report] [caption id="attachment_33" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Click image for Full Size"][/caption] Roofing Sliding Trim Windows and doors Heating and cooling systems Electrical systems Plumbing Foundation Visible framing Drainage Interior wall and ceiling coverings Kitchen appliances If possible, please attend the inspection yourself.The inspections usually take around three to four hours to complete, depending on the size, type and condition of the property. New Construction Inspections We can perform a single inspection after the house is completed or several inspections at different stages of construction, including: Footing: An inspection of the condition and size prior to placement of the concrete. Foundation: An inspection of the foundation wall thickness, height and water-proofing prior to back filling of soil against the foundation. Framing (Pre-Drywall): An inspection of the entire frame of the home after all mechanical rough-ins (electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing) are complete. Final: An inspection of the completed home.
- How to find the Right Home InspectorWas Your Last Home Inspector Blind? OK, it’s not a particularly “nice” question, but a lot of folks complain that their previous home inspectors did a bad job. So, we’ve prepared some things you need to know to choose the right home inspection company. We hope you’ll choose PROPERTY INSPECTOR, LLC, but just to be fair, here are the things you need to know. Learn Seven (OK, 8) Things You Must Know To Find the Right Home Inspector 1. Hire a Full-Time Home Inspector for the Best Results: Truth is: most of the 1,000+ inspectors who have left the business in Washington in the last five years were part-time. They couldn’t keep up with the industry demands and the educational and training requirements needed to make a business successful. How would you feel if someone does a home inspection for you, and you find out a few months later they left the business? A professional, full time home inspector conducts a minimum of 250 or more inspections a year – while part-time or inexperienced inspectors conduct 50 to 100 inspections a year. We do over 400 per year. 2. Get A Home Inspection From The Owner Of The Company: Nobody…
- Service AreasProfessional Home Inspection Services In King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Skagit County King County Snohomish County Skagit County Pierce County Bellevue Duvall Issaquah Kenmore Kirkland Lake Forest Park Mercer Island Redmond Renton Seattle Shoreline Snoqualmie Woodinville Edmonds Everett Gold Bar Lake Stevens Lynnwood Marysville Monroe Snohomish Sultan Call for Additional Cities in Skagit County Call for Cities in Pierce County
- Sample Contract
- Standards of Practice
- Mold InformationDefining Mold – The presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors should be addressed immediately. In all instances, any source(s) of water must be stopped and the extent of water damage determined. Water damaged materials should be dried and repaired. Environmental sampling is then recommended to determine the type and extent of the existing mold. Mold is a structural, health and environmental problem. some mold defects can’t be seen and will only be detected through sampling. Stachybotrys This mold is a slow growing fungus. It grows well on high cellulose materials like straw, grass, saw dust, lumber and drywall plaster board or ceiling tiles. Like a fungi, it requires a moisture source. About15 species of Stachybotrys can be found worldwide, but it is most common in the Western U.S. Generally, this mold grows where the relative humidity is above 55 percent or the material is water-saturated. In studies conducted in North America, Stachybotrys was found in 2 to 3 percent of home environments sampled. Disease – Stachybotrys atra spores are breathed into the lungs. Persons with chronic exposure to the toxin report cold or flu-like symptoms with sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and general malaise.…
- Radon InformationWhat is Radon? Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family. Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and build up to high levels. [Click here for map of Radon zones] What you should know about Radon Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. This is because when you breathe air-containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to find out about your home’s radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing of all homes below the third floor for radon. You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very…
- Tips for Selling Your HomeIs Your Home Physically Fit? To give your home a competitive edge when it’s time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition. This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection. According to home inspection experts, approximately half the resale homes in the market today have at least one significant defect. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent major, costly problems from developing in the first place. If you have been putting off those repairs, now is the time to make them. A Home Seller’s Check List Over the years, ASHI has identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyer’s home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home’s appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale. The following 6-point checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals. 1. CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS After size, style, and location, a home buyer’s primary concern is the condition of the home’s basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most…
- EIFS – Exterior Insulation and Finishing SystemsWhat are EIFS? Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board make of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco. The Potential Problem with EIFS… The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its…
- Lead-Based PaintExposure Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name implies, contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such paints. Lead-based paints in good condition pose little risk but those that begin to peel, chip, chalk, or crack do pose a health risk. As lead-based paint products degrade lead can be released into the surrounding environment in the form of dust. Lead dust can also be formed and become airborne when lead-based paint is sanded or scrapped. Painted surfaces when rubbed together can also produce lead dust. The lead dust can settle and then become airborne again when disturbed by sweeping, vacuuming, or just walking through a contaminated area. Chips of paint flaking off of exterior surfaces can even cause ground contamination. Health Risks Lead poisoning can occur when lead is ingested if inhaled and the concentration of lead in the body will grow over time with continued exposure. Physical symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include: damage tothe brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed physical development, hearing problems, and chronic…
- Pest Identification Chart
