Grace Home Inspection

5 Steps to a safer backyard

2011-07-22T14:09:00.002-04:00

With all the pool parties, pup-tent sleepovers and barbecues held in the summer months, the backyard gets a lot of use. Even so, only half of U.S. homeowners with backyards have actively taken steps to prevent injuries in their outdoor areas, according to the Home Safety Council.

Help protect your family and guests with these safety measures:

Scan play equipment for danger. Look for sharp objects, rusty nails and weakening joints and support pieces. Cover the surface below the equipment with wood chips, mulch or pea gravel, so children have a soft place to land. And examine the area for potential strangulation hazards. According to the Home Safety Council, a child’s head can be trapped in openings 3.5 to 9 inches wide.

Establish a grill zone. Keep the grill well away from the play area, and designate the space a “no-play zone” for both kids and pets. Place the grill at least 3 feet away from your home, deck and other flammable objects.

Childproof the pool. On average, 200 young children drown in pools and spas each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Install a childproof fence and self-closing gate around the pool—it may even be a law in your area. Install gate locks and a pool alarm, and always keep a careful watch while kids are in the pool.

Verify that your deck is attached to your home using anchors and bolts, not nails, which can slip out over time. If you have an older deck, consider having a professional inspector examine it to make sure it is safe.

Keep gasoline, pesticides and harmful outdoor chemicals stored out of the reach of children. Leave them in the original containers so they’re easily identified, and promptly put them away in a locked cabinet or bin after use.

Foreclosure Inspection

2011-07-13T16:36:00.002-04:00

So, you want to buy a house cheap, and you look to the foreclosure market. Considering the over-abundance of these properties and just how little many of them are going for, it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon and buy up. And it may pay off as a long-term investment. But, like any other major purchase, you should know as much as you can about a property before you buy it, which is why home inspections, performed by certified InterNACHI inspectors, are necessary.

Unfortunately, many real estate agents, who don’t like bargaining with banks, are advising clients that home inspections are of no value as a bargaining tool, since banks don’t negotiate on “as is” properties. As an added disincentive, banks selling properties “as is” have no legal responsibility for any lurking defects. While the agent's advice to forgo an inspection as a means to negotiate on the price may be logical, it is startlingly counter-intuitive, and possibly even negligent. Would you buy a car without knowing whether it has a transmission? The same premise holds true for a house, regardless of whether you intend to live in it, or fix it and flip it. The Realtor may be trying to salvage a deal that could possibly be scrapped if an inspector uncovers damage that the bank is unwilling to pay for, and you, as the buyer, have to realize that the agent's advice is not in your best interest. In this case, they’re putting you at risk in order to ensure they get their commission.

Any Realtor advising against an inspection on a foreclosure (or neglecting to recommend that one be performed) is ignoring the likelihood that, long before the previous owners stopped making mortgage payments, they deferred required maintenance tasks. Moisture intrusion leading to leaks and mold are just a few of the major problems commonly found by inspectors in foreclosed properties. Tales abound of bizarre discoveries in abandoned properties, from wild boars to colossal bees nests. Former owners may loot their own properties, taking with them anything they can pry up or unscrew, and leave behind trash and junk that you have to pay for to have removed.

There are also stories of foreclosed properties that have been intentionally vandalized by their former owners in acts of retaliation against their banks. In one infamous case in early 2010, an Ohioan bulldozed his $250,000 home after the IRS placed liens on his carpet store, and then threatened to take his house. The damage done by the owner was apparent, but there are probably less extreme situations where the damage isn’t as obvious, making a home inspection of utmost priority.

You should always get a home inspection before buying a property, especially when you’re buying a bank-owned foreclosure. In such cases, it may be impossible to find out how well the home was cared for, or whether major damage was done right before the past owners left the property. Ask the bank how much time you have after your initial offer to have an inspection performed, and schedule one immediately. If it goes well, you’ll enter into the deal with peace of mind and a better idea of what repairs you’ll have to deal with. That alone is worth the price of an inspection. If the inspection reveals a costly disaster, you can back out of the deal and save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Breathe better air

2011-05-03T22:26:00.003-04:00

Research shows that air quality is often worse indoors than outside. Moisture, pets, smoke, appliances and furnishings can all pollute indoor air, creating minor irritations and possible health risks. One or more of these pollutants may be harming your health:

Gases. Formaldehyde from building products can irritate your eyes, nose, throat or skin and allergies. Radon can seep through soil into foundations.
Mold. Inhaling or touching mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions or asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Certain types of household cleaners, floor polish and paint produce VOCs that irritate lungs and can cause cancer. Fumes from an idling car inside an attached garage can infiltrate your home. The chemicals in mothballs and—ironically—some air fresheners carry health risks too.
Combustion. Tobacco contains 50 substances that cause cancer, respiratory infections and heart disease. Using a wood-burning fireplace in an airtight home also spells respiratory trouble. Carbon monoxide can leak from a faulty furnace, water heater or stove vents.

To improve the air quality in your home and protect your health:

Eliminate sources. Stop smoking (or take it outdoors). Check for radon and defend yourself against carbon monoxide. If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, be sure to operate it safely and maintain it properly.
Improve ventilation. Vent humid bathroom and kitchen air directly outdoors. Add a heat exchanger to increase ventilation without wasting heating and cooling dollars.
Dry out. Promptly repair plumbing leaks and any resulting water damage. Check that rain and melting snow flow away from your house, and seal openings where mold-loving moisture can infiltrate siding. High humidity increases the likelihood of mold. Keep the indoor humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. Use a moisture or humidity gauge to check it.
Clean the air. Replace your furnace filter regularly. Portable air cleaning devices may help reduce the levels of indoor air pollutants, but they may not decrease the adverse health effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Safeguard your home

2011-01-26T22:16:00.003-05:00

According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations:

81% enter through the first floor;
34% of burglars enter through the front door;
23% enter through a first-floor window;
22% enter through the back door;
9% enter through the garage;
4% enter through the basement;
4% enter through an unlocked entrance;
2% enter through a storage area; and
2% enter through anywhere on the second floor

The 2% that enter on the second floor sure are determined and only 4% enter through an unlocked entrance. Either people do a good job of locking their homes or someone is not too bright.

Consider the following safety measures:

Exterior Doors

Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
Doors should be free of signs of rot, cracks and warping.
Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
If a mail slot is present, it should be equipped with a cage or box. Mail slots that are not equipped with cages or boxes have been used by burglars to enter homes. If no box or cage is present, burglars can insert a contraption made of wire and cord into the mail slot and use it to open the lock from the inside.
If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
Spare keys should not be hidden in obvious locations. Burglars are very good at finding keys you believe are cleverly hidden. The best place for a spare key is in the house of a trusted neighbor. If keys must be hidden near the door, don’t place them in obvious locations, such as under a doormat, rock or planter.
Install a peephole in doors so you can see who is on the doorstep before you open the door.
Consider installing bump-resistant locks. “Bumping” is a technique developed recently that can open almost any standard lock with less effort than is required by lock-picking. This technique uses "bump keys," which are normal keys with slight modifications. Lock companies such as Schlage, Primus and Medeco manufacture a number of locks that offer some bump-resistance.

Pet Doors:

Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. Don’t install a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock.
Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well.

Sliding Glass Doors:

They should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms.
They should not be able to be lifted from their frames.
A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.

Illumination:

Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
When you are not home, a few lights should be left on.
It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.

Windows:

All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
Consider installing bars, grilles, grates or heavy-duty wire screening. Be aware that barred windows must be equipped with a quick-release mechanism so occupants can quickly escape during a fire.
Windows should not be hidden by landscaping or structures. If landscaping or structures cannot be moved, lighting can be installed around the windows.

Landscape and Yard:

Shrubs and trees should not obscure the view of entrances. Shielded entrances can provide cover for burglars while they attempt to enter the residence.
Fences are helpful burglar deterrents, although they should not be difficult to see through.

While the House is Vacant:

A loud radio can be used to make burglars think someone is home. Timers can be used to activate radios and lights to make the home appear occupied.
A car should always be parked in the driveway. A neighbor’s car can be parked there so that it appears as if someone is home.
The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.

Other Tips:

Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. If you don't own a dog, place "Beware of Dog" signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.
If no security system is installed, you can post security alarm stickers around the yard anyway.

Make Your Appliances Last

2011-01-20T15:54:00.002-05:00

Nearly 10,000 residential appliance fires break out each year, causing more than $200 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. With any appliance, if you notice frayed wires, overheating, unusual smells, tripped circuit breakers, sparks or sputters, immediately turn off the appliance and call a service contractor. Contact the manufacturer, as well.

Problems with clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators with icemakers and/or water dispensers can lead to water damage. Check for signs of leaks around these appliances and don't ignore small leaks that can lead to bigger problems.

Here are some simple maintenance steps that will help keep your big appliances running safely and efficiently:

Electric ranges: Clean cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup. Keep flammable materials, such as towels and potholders, away from the cooktop and oven elements.

Gas ranges: Remove the cooktop grills, burners, and drip pans and wash them in soapy water to improve performance and reduce the risk of fire.

Refrigerators: Vacuum dust from the coils behind and underneath your refrigerator to allow proper airflow. If the unit has an icemaker, check the water-supply tube for leaks.

Dishwashers: Use a soft brush to clean the gaskets around the door and frame to prevent food debris from weakening the seal and causing a leak.

Washers: Replace dry, cracked or brittle hoses before they leak. Clean the tub by running the washer empty for a full cycle at a high temperature setting, using two cups of vinegar or lemon juice instead of detergent.

Dryers: A dirty lint filter can cause the dryer to overheat and start a fire. Clean the filter after every load and periodically clean out any lint trapped behind the dryer. Have the interior and venting system occasionally cleaned by a service

January is National Radon Month

2011-01-18T23:22:00.002-05:00

Choose the best test, you can test for radon two ways:
DIY tests. Buy radon test kits at home centers or through National Radon Program Services. Testing takes two days to a year in a closed-up house before you return the test to a laboratory for the results. Radon levels vary daily, so longer tests mean greater accuracy. Retest after making repairs.

Professional tests. A trained radon professional's electric monitor shows how radon levels fluctuate during the test period. Home buyers may trust professional tests more because they are performed independently of home sellers.

Fix the problemIn general, treat radon reduction like any home improvement and obtain multiple bids before hiring a contractor. Fixing most radon problems costs $800 to $2,500, according to the National Radon Safety Board, one of two organizations maintaining lists of radon contractors. The National Environmental Health Association offers a list of questions to ask your radon contractor. The EPA has links to your state's radon control agency.

Advantages of Solar Energy

2010-06-28T11:37:00.002-04:00

In the wake of the greatest environmental disaster, here are some facts about solar energy.

Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be unchangeable. Solar power for home energy production has its flaws, but they're dwarfed by the advantages listed below:

Raw materials are renewable and unlimited. The amount of available solar energy is staggering, roughly 10,000 times that currently required by humans, and it's constantly replaced. A mere 0.02% of incoming sunlight, if captured correctly, would be sufficient to replace every other fuel source currently used by humans.
Solar power is low-emission. Solar panels produce no pollution, although they impose environmental costs through manufacture and construction. These environmental tolls are negligible, however, when compared with the damage inflicted by conventional energy sources: the burning of fossil fuels releases roughly 21.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.
Solar power is suitable for remote areas that are not connected to energy grids. It may come as a surprise to city-dwellers but, according to Home Power Magazine, as of 2006, 180,000 houses in the United States were off-grid, and that figure is likely considerably higher today. California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have long been refuges for such energy rebels, though people live off the grid in every state.
Solar power provides green jobs. Production of solar panels for domestic use is becoming a growing source of employment in research, manufacture, sales and installation.
In the long run, solar power is economical. Solar panels and installation are high initial expenses, but this cost is soon offset by savings on energy bills. Eventually, they may even produce a profit on their use.
Solar power can mean government tax credits. U.S. federal subsidies credit up to 30% of system costs, and each state offers its own incentives. California, blessed with abundant sunshine, and plagued by high electric rates and an over-taxed grid, was the first state to offer generous renewable-energy incentives for homes and businesses.
Solar power is reliable. Many homeowners favor solar energy because it is virtually immune to potential failings of utility companies, mainly in the form of political or economic turmoil, terrorism, natural disasters, or blackouts due to overuse.
Solar power conserves foreign expenditure. In many countries, a large percentage of earnings is used to pay for imported oil for power generation. The United States alone spends $13 million per hour on oil, much of which comes from Persian Gulf nations. As oil supplies dwindle and prices rise in this politically unstable region, these problems continue to catalyze the expansion of solar power and other alternative-energy systems.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-17T22:07:00.000-04:00

And finally the moment we have all been waiting for (drum roll)

1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house.
As much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a few ways that energy bills can be reduced through adjustments to the heating and cooling systems:
Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy.
Periodically replace air filters in air conditioners and heaters (every 3 months)
Set thermostats to an appropriate temperature. Specifically, they should be turned down at night and when no one is home. In most homes, about 2% of the heating bill will be saved for each degree that the thermostat is lowered for at least eight hours each day. Turning down the thermostat from 75° F to 70°F, for example, saves about 10% on heating costs.
Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat saves money by allowing heating and cooling appliances to be automatically turned down during times that no one is home and at night. Programmable thermostats contain no mercury and, in some climate zones, can save up to $150 per year in energy costs.
Install a wood stove or a pellet stove. These are more efficient sources of heat than furnaces.
At night, curtains drawn over windows will better insulate the room.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

2. Install a tankless water heater.

Demand water heaters (tankless or instantaneous) provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs. Demand water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses required by traditional storage water heaters. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

3. Replace incandescent lights.

The average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Traditional incandescent lights convert approximately only 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), can reduce energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used. Here are some facts about CFLs and LEDs:

CFLs use 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
LEDs last even longer than CFLs and consume less energy.
LEDs have no moving parts and, unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-10T07:14:00.001-04:00

4. Seal and insulate your home.

Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient -– and you can do it yourself. A tightly sealed home can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. An energy auditor can be hired to assess envelope leakage and recommend fixes that will dramatically increase comfort and energy savings.

The following are some common places where leakage may occur:

electrical outlets;
mail slots;
around pipes and wires;
wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;
attic hatches;
fireplace dampers;
weatherstripping around doors;
baseboards;
window frames; and
switch plates.

Because hot air rises, air leaks are most likely to occur in the attic. Homeowners can perform a variety of repairs and maintenance to their attics that save them money on cooling and heating, such as:

Plug the large holes. Locations in the attic where leakage is most likely to be the greatest are where walls meet the attic floor, behind and under attic knee walls, and in dropped-ceiling areas.
Seal the small holes. You can easily do this by looking for areas where the insulation is darkened. Darkened insulation is a result of dusty interior air being filtered by insulation before leaking through small holes in the building envelope. In cold weather, you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm, moist air condensing and then freezing as it hits the cold attic air. In warmer weather, you’ll find water staining in these same areas. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires. Cover the areas with insulation after the caulk is dry.
Seal up the attic access panel with weatherstripping. You can cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foam board insulation the same size as the attic hatch and glue it to the back of the attic access panel. If you have pull-down attic stairs or an attic door, these should be sealed in a similar manner.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-07T22:25:00.001-04:00

5. Install efficient shower heads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

Low-flow shower heads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;
Low-flow toilets. Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern, low-flow 1.6-gallon toilet can reduce usage an average of two gallons-per-flush (GPF), saving 12,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow toilets usually have "1.6 GPF" marked on the bowl behind the seat or inside the tank;
Vacuum-assist toilets. These types of toilets have a vacuum chamber which uses a siphon action to suck air from the trap beneath the bowl, allowing it to quickly fill with water to clear waste. Vacuum toilets are relatively quiet; and
Dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets have been used in Europe and Australia for years, and are now gaining in popularity in the U.S. Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a 1-gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste, and a 1.6-gallon flush for solid waste. Dual-flush 1.6-GPF toilets reduce water consumption by an additional 30%.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-05T09:39:00.000-04:00

6. Use appliances and electronics responsibly.

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. The following are tips that will reduce the required energy of electronics and appliances:

Refrigerators and freezers should not be located near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents, or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to warm areas will force them to use more energy to remain cool.
Computers should be shut off when not in use. If unattended computers must be left on, their monitors should be shut off. According to some studies, computers account for approximately 3% of all energy consumption in the United States.
Use efficient “Energy Star”-rated appliances and electronics. These devices, approved by the DOE and the EPA’s Energy Star Program, include TVs, home theater systems, DVD players, CD players, receivers, speakers and more. According to the EPA, if just 10% of homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.7 million acres of trees.
Chargers, such as those for laptops and cell phones, consume energy when they are plugged in. When they are not connected to electronics, chargers should be unplugged.
Laptop computers consume considerably less electricity than desktop computers.

top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-03T21:35:00.001-04:00

7. Install daylighting as an alternative to electrical lighting.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home's interior. It can be achieved using the following approaches:

Skylights, it is important that they be double-pane or they may not be cost-effective. Flashing skylights correctly is key to avoiding leaks;
Light shelves, light shelves are passive devices designed to bounce light deep into a building. They may be interior or exterior. Light shelves can introduce light into a space up to 2½ times the distance from the floor to the top of the window, and advanced light shelves may introduce four times that amount;
Clerestory windows, clerestory windows are short, wide windows set high on the wall. Protected from the summer sun by the roof overhang, they allow winter sun to shine through for natural lighting and warmth; and
Light tubes, light tubes use a special lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce light intensity from the midday sun. Sunlight is channeled through a tube coated with a highly reflective material, then enters the living space through a diffuser designed to distribute light evenly.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-02T21:09:00.001-04:00

8. Insulate windows and doors.

About one-third of the home's total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors. The following are ways to reduce energy lost through windows and doors:

Seal all window edges and cracks with rope caulk. This is the cheapest and simplest option.
Windows can be weatherstripped with a special lining that is inserted between the window and the frame. For doors, weatherstrip around the whole perimeter to ensure a tight seal when closed. Install quality door sweeps on the bottom of the doors, if they aren't already in place.
Install storm windows at windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.
If existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don't work, they should be repaired or replaced.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy continued

2010-06-01T15:12:00.000-04:00

9. Cook smart.

An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. The following recommendations and statistics illustrate less wasteful ways of cooking:

Convection ovens are more efficient that conventional ovens. They use fans to force hot air to circulate more evenly, thereby allowing food to be cooked at a lower temperature. Convection ovens use approximately 20% less electricity than conventional ovens.
Microwave ovens consume approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens.
Pans should be placed on the correctly-sized heating element or flame.
Lids make food heat more quickly than pans that do not have lids.
Pressure cookers reduce cooking time dramatically.
When using conventional ovens, food should be placed on the top rack. The top rack is hotter and will cook food faster.

Top 10 Ways to Save Energy

2010-05-31T10:37:00.000-04:00

Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons:

Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions' financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous in most parts of the U.S.
It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted to be more energy-efficient.
It increases indoor comfort levels.
It reduces our impact on climate change. Many scientists now believe that excessive energy consumption contributes significantly to global warming.
It reduces pollution. Conventional power production introduces pollutants that find their way into the air, soil and water supplies.

Here we go:

10. Change the way you wash your clothes.

Do not use the “half load” setting on your washer. Wait until you have a full load of clothes, as the “half load” setting saves less than half of the water and energy.
Avoid using high-temperature settings when clothes are not that dirty. Water that is 140 degrees uses far more energy than 103 degrees for a "warm" setting, but 140 degrees isn’t that much better for washing purposes.
Clean the lint trap before you use the dryer, every time. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will prolong the amount of time required for your clothes to dry.
If possible, air-dry your clothes on lines and racks.
Spin-dry or wring clothes out before putting them into a dryer.

Come back each day for a new way to save energy........

Electrical Safety continued

2010-05-28T20:50:00.001-04:00

Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
Frayed wiresires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old and damaged appliance cords immediately.
Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances, such as space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least 3 feet from all heaters.
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch, as well as lights that flicker. Use safety closures to childproof electrical outlets.
Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

Electrical Safety

2010-05-26T19:35:00.000-04:00

Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Some safety tips to remember:

Never use anything but the proper fuse to protect a circuit.

Find and correct overloaded circuits.

Never place extension cords under rugs.

Outlets near water should be GFCI-type outlets.

Don't allow trees near power lines to be climbed.

Keep ladders, kites, equipment and anything else away from overhead power lines.

Indoor Air Quality

2010-03-02T13:56:00.004-05:00

Do you have mold problems or questions, contact Biotek Environmental for all your answers.
Click on Indoor Air Quality above.

Aluminum Wiring

2010-03-02T13:25:00.002-05:00

Between approximately 1965 and 1973, single-strand aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper branch-circuit wiring in residential electrical systems due to the sudden escalating price of copper. After a decade of use by homeowners and electricians, inherent weaknesses were discovered in the metal that lead to its disuse as a branch wiring material. Although properly maintained aluminum wiring is acceptable, aluminum will generally become defective faster than copper due to certain qualities inherent in the metal. Neglected connections in outlets, switches and light fixtures containing aluminum wiring become increasingly dangerous over time. Poor connections cause wiring to overheat, creating a potential fire hazard. In addition, the presence of single-strand aluminum wiring may void a home’s insurance policies.

Aluminum wiring should be evaluated by a qualified electrician who is experienced in evaluating and correcting aluminum wiring problems. Not all licensed electricians are properly trained to deal with defective aluminum wiring. The CPSC recommends the following two methods for correction for aluminum wiring:

Rewire the home with copper wire. While this is the most effective method, rewiring is expensive and impractical, in most cases.
Use copalum crimps. The crimp connector repair consists of attaching a piece of copper wire to the existing aluminum wire branch circuit with a specially designed metal sleeve and powered crimping tool. This special connector can be properly installed only with the matching AMP tool. An insulating sleeve is placed around the crimp connector to complete the repair. Although effective, they are expensive (typically around $50 per outlet, switch or light fixture).

14 tools/items every homeowner should have.....

2010-02-25T00:03:00.003-05:00

1 Plunger

2 Flashlight

3 Pliers

4 Caulking Gun

5 Wrench Set

6 Tape Measure

7 Hacksaw

8 Level

9 Claw Hammer

10 Screwdriver Set

11 Wire Cutters

12 Safety Glasses

13 Dust Mask

14 Duct Tape

Getting screwed after foreclosure

2010-02-03T16:07:00.001-05:00

Banks coming back looking for more money

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Mortgage-lenders-pursue-cnnm-3107909798.html?x=0

Garbage Disposals

2010-02-02T15:26:00.002-05:00

If a garbage disposal discharges into a septic tank, it can place significant strain on the septic system. The amount of waste that enters the tank, particularly grease and suspended solids, will increase considerably. This load increase requires that the septic tank be pumped more often than would otherwise be required. The additional strain will also reduce the life span of the septic system. Septic systems can be designed to accommodate food waste but, in general, they are not.

Maintenance and Operation Suggestions:

Put only small quantities of food into the disposal at a time. Large food scraps should be cut into smaller pieces before entering the disposal.

Never put anything down the disposal that is not food or water. Bottle caps, aluminum foil, and other non-food items can damage the disposal or get stuck in piping.

Run water while using the disposal, and for approximately 30 seconds after you turn it off. Food scraps will flow through the piping more easily if they are pushed along by water. Cold water is better than warm water for this purpose because it will force fats and grease to congeal and harden, allowing them to move more easily through pipes. Warm water can be run through the disposal while it is not in operation.

Ice can be used to clear off solidified grease and other debris from the blades in a garbage disposal.The garbage disposal should only be used to grind non-fibrous, leftover food. If in doubt as to whether something can be put in the disposal, err on the side of caution and put it in the trash instead.

The following items should never be put in a disposal:

Items that are hard enough to dull the blades, such as shells from shellfish or bones;
food that is highly fibrous, such as cornhusks, artichokes, pineapples, potato peels, asparagus, or celery should enter a disposal only in small quantities or avoided entirely. These foods take a long time to grind and can clog the disposal or the plumbing. Grease, household oils or chemicals should be avoided.

Pet Allergies

2010-02-01T13:17:00.002-05:00

Many allergic individuals are unwilling to give up the source of their allergies – their beloved cats and dogs. To find out more about the biology behind these allergic reactions, which cats and dogs are less likely to cause reactions and more, check out this article on pet allergens.

Super Bowl Week

2010-02-01T12:26:00.002-05:00

Who will win-Colts or Saints?

The Saints win the party http://www.neworleans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=320365&Itemid=2603

Chinese Drywall

2009-10-19T22:19:00.002-04:00

"Chinese Drywall," also called odorous gypsum wallboard, has been an issue in new and remodeled homes in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. The drywall has been determined to emit chemicals that cause sulfide odors, black discoloration of metal fixtures, electrical components, and domestic water piping, as well as corrosion of HVAC components leading to failure. There are also reports of health effects associated with the drywall.

Moisture in crawl spaces

2009-10-05T12:54:00.002-04:00

If you have condensation on the ductwork and floor joists in your home's crawl space, usually outside air is the source of the moisture. It is often better to close foundation vents in the summer. Make sure that groundwater is not draining into the crawl space and there is plastic sheeting (vapor barrier) greater than 6-mil over the earth to prevent soil moisture from evaporating into the crawl space.

Plant a tree to shade your home

2009-08-21T16:00:00.002-04:00

Shading a home is one way to reduce air-conditioning (AC) costs.

Tall tree with spreading canopies are best for blocking the sun. These trees should be planted on the south side of the home, 10 to 15 feet away from the house.

Broad, short trees are useful for blocking the morning and afternoon sun during the hot summer months. These trees should be planted 20 to 50 feet away from the east and west walls of the home.

Tree should be placed so that when they mature they will be at least 15 feet away from power lines. Also, when trees shade a yard, grass and landscaping do not need watering as often.

Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees will also help reduce AC costs.

Electrical Safety Tips

2009-08-20T16:20:00.002-04:00

Accidental contact with electrical currents can cause injury, fire, extensive damage and even death. You can prevent electrical accidents by remebering a few summer safety tips:

Be aware of power lines, especially when using metal ladders, pool skimmers or pruning poles.
Never trim trees near power lines
Avoid using electric yard tools when it is raining or the ground is wet.
Do not step into a flooded area, such as a basement, when water could be in contact with electrical outlets.
Stay away from downed power lines

Septic Tips

2009-06-06T05:02:00.001-04:00

10 Tips to Keep Your Septic Tank System Friendly

Municipal Sewage Plants spend millions of dollars each year insuring proper and safe operation of the community Sewage Treatment Plant. Your home Septic Tank and Leach Field is your sewage treatment plant. For the safety of your family, pets, and neighbors, please consider these helpful tips to provide a cozy environment to allow the Septic Tank System to do its job effectively. A failed system is unhealthy and may threaten your property value. To better understand how a home sewage treatment septic tank works, please click on the link.

Never pour or flush cleaning agents with bleach or strong disinfectants down the drain. Use the new sodium based enzyme automatic dishwasher detergent. Other detergents contain high concentrations of caustic and chlorine bleach. These chemicals will kill the friendly bacteria in the septic tank just like they do when used for cleaning topical surfaces to kill micro-organisms and bacteria.
Never put motor oil, paint, paint thinners, gasoline, pesticides or herbicides down the drain. These substances are toxic to the septic tank bacteria and micro-organisms.
Never pour cooking oil, fats, grease, or coffee grounds down the drain. Avoid the use of garbage disposals on kitchen scrap material. These elements are one of the main problems associated with improper functioning of the tank. The grease and solids build up in the tank and eventually gets out into the drain field stopping the leaching ability. Abusing your septic tank increases the chance of future problems.
Never flush cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, or associated applicators into the septic tank. Some parts will never decompose (regardless of what is advertised) and will require pumping out.
Limit the use of bleach based toilet bowl and drain cleaners because they are harmful to the friendly bacteria and micro-organisms in the septic tank.
Use only high-quality white toilet paper. Some colored paper dyes contain chemicals that are toxic to the septic tank function.
When doing laundry, try to do full loads and space the washing frequency throughout the week. Use only low phosphate detergent. Leaching of phosphates cause aquatic algae to bloom. The water in your leach field either evaporates or eventually merges with ground water flowing into the rivers and streams, fertilizing the algae, which is very harmful to aquatic life.
Never divert your rain gutter downspouts or sump pump into the septic tank. Sounds silly, but this will overload the tank and push the floating grease scum layer and bottom solids layer out into the leach field. Do not laugh because some have done just that.
Never drive your car or heavy vehicle over the septic tank or the drain field. You may damage the tank structure or worse yet, make an unauthorized smelly entry causing real damage and costing you real money.
Plant large trees at least 20 feet away from the drain and leach field. The canopy blocks the sun light minimizing evaporation and may cause root damage to the drain and leach field.

As a homeowner, you alone are responsibility for the proper function and maintenance of your Household Septic Tank System. You can be a good neighbor and extend the life of your system or you can continue to abuse the system causing failure. A failed system is illegal, unhealthy, threatens your property value, and may cost thousands of dollars in repair or replacement.

Radon

2009-04-28T00:35:00.001-04:00

Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is hazardous to inhale. Build-up of radon in homes is a health concern and many lung cancer cases are attributed to radon exposure each year. About 12% of lung cancers and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. The Surgeon General of the United States has issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. Dr. Carmona, the Nation's Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. He also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in Georgia, particulary Cobb County.

For more information on Radon check out www.radon.com

Standards of Practice

2009-04-16T00:47:00.002-04:00

A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

A Home Inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.

A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the real property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

For more information please refer to the link above.

Code of ethics

2009-04-16T00:43:00.003-04:00

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. InterNACHI members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their business.