Chasing the leak -- Infrared Home Inspection
Latent moisture leak
Many homeowners have encounter this scenario: an odd or somewhat mildewed smell where moisture shouldn't be-- like your bedroom or your closet in the bedroom-- then have no idea what to do concerning it. If you've ever found yourself touch inspecting the walls and carpet, patting around feeling for water, then you know precisely the trouble. Water is somewhere in your house that it shouldn't be but you simply cannot find it. Houston Home Inspection Infrared
A small drip can go on for many years before the damage emerges but during that time, the water can saturate padding, stain ceilings, gradually rot wood, and destroy window and door seals. It can even cause mold in your home and water is among the biggest problems for homeowners with basements.
Even if the water and moisture damage really isn't visibly evident, the damage is continuing and triggering a domino effect of lost energy through damaged seals and wet insulation. Those energy losses can wreck your utility budget and when they raise slowly with time, it's easy to suspect something besides a little misplaced water.Houston Home Inspection Infrared
The job of an infrared house inspector commonly involves chasing water-- specifically, chasing moisture where it shouldn't be and revealing it (ideally before too much damage is done). You really don't have to suspect a leak or drip to really want an infrared home inspection to point out the repairs you might make early on either. Infrared is merely the most effective tool we have for chasing after water in your home.
An infrared home inspection can find:
Condensation leaks-- particularly whenever they are hidden behind drywall or inside cabinets
Hidden leaks-- especially in ceilings and floors just where the leak is concealed between levels
Slab leaks-- that can trigger mold and mildew to develop and affect the stability of your slab with cracks
HVAC leaks-- which can cause energy losses and are often concealed faraway from view
Roof and attic leaks-- these cause considerable damage to the ceiling and long term damage to the roof itself.Houston Home Inspection Infrared
Homeowners who have had their home fixed recently and then find that the leak is still occurring are often misguide just because the contractor who did the repair work made an educated estimate regarding where the water was coming from without tearing your house apart. Infrared can verify those assumptions and ensure that the repair is effectively done right.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
Thursday, January 21, 2016
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
10 Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining to Home Inspections
Investing in a home is a big step for many people. It is a wise move, and typically a mandatory requirement by a financing source, to have the house inspected before purchase. This step will help the prospective home buyer weed through the lemons on the housing market and become aware of issues that need attention before purchase.
1. Is It Okay to Perform the Inspection Myself? Houston Home Inspector
Inspecting your own potential home is never recommended. Home inspectors are specially qualified to look for things you may miss. Unless you are a home inspector yourself, seek out a professional. Many states or financial creditors require a licensed inspector to perform the inspection.
2. What Is the Cost of a Home Inspection?
The price of a home inspection normally comes out of pocket for the potential buyer. Look around and speak with a variety of home inspectors, particularly if you have never used one before. Keep a running list of comparative information on every inspector. Costs can vary, depending upon the size of the house and the region in which you are making your purchase. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a normal range may be around $300 and $500.
3. What Is Covered Under This Inspection?
Not all home inspectors cover the same things and each state has legal requirements for home inspections. This does not ensure that the inspector you pick will automatically inspect for those required items. Before calling your list of inspectors, ensure you that you educate yourself on the list of state requirements for inspections.Houston Home Inspector
4. Just how much Experience Does the Inspector Have?
Inquire about the inspector's level of experience and request references. Inspectors who are confident in their service should willingly provide you with a list of references that can confirm they provide quality service.
5. How Long Will the Inspection Take?
Understanding the length of time for an inspection is important because you normally have to plan a time with the real estate agent and the current owner for the inspector to check out the house. Since an inspection normally involves examining pipes, wiring, roofing, and areas that could be difficult to reach, it may demand hours to complete. The home inspector you select should provide you with an accurate estimate of how long the inspection is expected to take.
6. Does the Inspector Need to Specialize in Residential Inspection?
Inquire about an inspector's specialties. There are numerous types of real estate, and all need varying forms of inspection before purchase. Commercial real estate is different from residential real estate, which is different from multi-family real estate.Houston Home Inspector
7. What Type of Inspection Report is Generated and How Long Does it Take to Provide?
In many states, a report showing that an inspection was completed and just what the inspection discovered is required before buy. As with the specific state requirements for what is inspected, there is usually a requirement for what is listed on the form.
8. Is Anyone Permitted or Required to Show up at the Inspection?
The home inspection is an useful experience for you as a home buyer and future home owner. The inspector ought to permit you to attend the inspection. You will have the ability to see first hand what potential problems exist now or may arise soon. Recognizing what looks typical and what a problem looks like can help you later in maintaining your home.
9. Is it Possible for a Home to Fail an Inspection?
The inspection is designed to tell you exactly what should be fixed on the house. There may be some requirements that our home needs to meet in order for your financial lender to lend you the money for the home. This does not mean that the house has "failed" the inspection and will not be able to be sold.Houston Home Inspector
10. What Happens if There Are Issues Found During the Inspection?
There are potential problems which can come up during inspections. The seller of the home is not automatically needed to repair any problems that the inspector finds. As the buyer, you can negotiate for the repairs to be made before you buy the home. If the seller is not ready to do the repairs for you, you will need to make other arrangements or terminate the contract. If you still wish to purchase the house but are not able to get the financial lender to authorize the loan until the repairs are made, you may need to make the repairs at your own expense.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
Investing in a home is a big step for many people. It is a wise move, and typically a mandatory requirement by a financing source, to have the house inspected before purchase. This step will help the prospective home buyer weed through the lemons on the housing market and become aware of issues that need attention before purchase.
1. Is It Okay to Perform the Inspection Myself? Houston Home Inspector
Inspecting your own potential home is never recommended. Home inspectors are specially qualified to look for things you may miss. Unless you are a home inspector yourself, seek out a professional. Many states or financial creditors require a licensed inspector to perform the inspection.
2. What Is the Cost of a Home Inspection?
The price of a home inspection normally comes out of pocket for the potential buyer. Look around and speak with a variety of home inspectors, particularly if you have never used one before. Keep a running list of comparative information on every inspector. Costs can vary, depending upon the size of the house and the region in which you are making your purchase. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a normal range may be around $300 and $500.
3. What Is Covered Under This Inspection?
Not all home inspectors cover the same things and each state has legal requirements for home inspections. This does not ensure that the inspector you pick will automatically inspect for those required items. Before calling your list of inspectors, ensure you that you educate yourself on the list of state requirements for inspections.Houston Home Inspector
4. Just how much Experience Does the Inspector Have?
Inquire about the inspector's level of experience and request references. Inspectors who are confident in their service should willingly provide you with a list of references that can confirm they provide quality service.
5. How Long Will the Inspection Take?
Understanding the length of time for an inspection is important because you normally have to plan a time with the real estate agent and the current owner for the inspector to check out the house. Since an inspection normally involves examining pipes, wiring, roofing, and areas that could be difficult to reach, it may demand hours to complete. The home inspector you select should provide you with an accurate estimate of how long the inspection is expected to take.
6. Does the Inspector Need to Specialize in Residential Inspection?
Inquire about an inspector's specialties. There are numerous types of real estate, and all need varying forms of inspection before purchase. Commercial real estate is different from residential real estate, which is different from multi-family real estate.Houston Home Inspector
7. What Type of Inspection Report is Generated and How Long Does it Take to Provide?
In many states, a report showing that an inspection was completed and just what the inspection discovered is required before buy. As with the specific state requirements for what is inspected, there is usually a requirement for what is listed on the form.
8. Is Anyone Permitted or Required to Show up at the Inspection?
The home inspection is an useful experience for you as a home buyer and future home owner. The inspector ought to permit you to attend the inspection. You will have the ability to see first hand what potential problems exist now or may arise soon. Recognizing what looks typical and what a problem looks like can help you later in maintaining your home.
9. Is it Possible for a Home to Fail an Inspection?
The inspection is designed to tell you exactly what should be fixed on the house. There may be some requirements that our home needs to meet in order for your financial lender to lend you the money for the home. This does not mean that the house has "failed" the inspection and will not be able to be sold.Houston Home Inspector
10. What Happens if There Are Issues Found During the Inspection?
There are potential problems which can come up during inspections. The seller of the home is not automatically needed to repair any problems that the inspector finds. As the buyer, you can negotiate for the repairs to be made before you buy the home. If the seller is not ready to do the repairs for you, you will need to make other arrangements or terminate the contract. If you still wish to purchase the house but are not able to get the financial lender to authorize the loan until the repairs are made, you may need to make the repairs at your own expense.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
HomeQuest Inspections PLLC (Standard Inspections)
Home Quest Inspections
Standard Home Inspection
In Texas, a home inspection is plainly defined and controlled by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Inspectors in the state of Texas must be licensed by law.
A home inspection is NOT an inspection to determine full code compliance. Why? because codes change regularly, leaving most existing homes in Houston non-compliant with the current codes. Codes are regularly used and talked about during the inspection but keep in mind a home inspection has more to do with functionality of systems in the home. Be wary of anyone saying a structure is fully up to code. You can not see behind walls or under foundations. Home Inspector Houston
Home inspections are visually based. If I cannot see it or get to it reasonably, I can't check it without having special provisions that are outside the scope of the SOP (Standards of Practice). Everything beyond the standard visual inspection must be agreed to by the client/owner and inspector, and will most likely included extra fees. For instance, cutting a hole in a wall to inspect for moisture damage is not covered in the visual inspection. Just bear in mind the keyword Visual and you most likely will not be shocked by much. I do make every attempt to get into access panels and observe behind items when feasible. Home Inspector Houston
Items to be checked must be Accessible and Readily Accessible. There is a difference between the two. Accessible means there may be a removable panel hindering access to an item requiring inspection. Removing and reinstalling a panel that was manufactured to be easily removed is fine, so long as it isn't sealed. For instance, an access panel to the water pump and electric components of hydrotherapy tubs can be sealed shut with caulking/paint. It has now become inaccessible and will be noted in the report as such. (If I were to cut that seal and damage the finish, the owner will be very upset.) Readily Accessible indicates absolutely nothing is in the way of or obstructing the item being inspected. For example, raising carpet or moving furniture or piles of magazines and pictures to observe a wall outlet receptacle is not considered readily accessible. An inspector wants to see every one of these items but is courteous enough not to put your belongings at risk by moving them. It is always best when you know an inspector is coming to have items moved before he arrives to ensure the most accurate inspection. Home Inspector Houston
Below is a sample list of items you might see on your inspection report according to TREC's standards of practice.
- A written opinion as to the performance of the foundation
- Visible framing
- Exterior cladding
- Ventilation of crawlspaces and attics
- Site drainage (how rainwater gets away from the property).
- Roof covering materials (asphalt shingle, clay tile, slate).
- Attic visible framing members (rafters, joists, rafter ties, collar ties, bracing).
- Performance of doors and hardware.
- Performance of windows and hardware (window treatments such as blinds or curtains are not part of the inspection).
- Visible points of moisture penetration during time of inspection.
- Fire separations between garage and living space or between multi-family dwellings.
- Emergency escapes and rescue openings.
- Insulated windows that are obviously fogged.
- Safety glass in hazardous locations.
- Stairway compliance (step riser heights, nosing, tread depth).
- Handrail heights and proper location.
- Fireplaces and chimney.
- Attached balconies, carports and porches.
- Guardrails (different than handrails).
- Electrical service from the power pole into the building.
- Grounding electrode system.
- Missing electrical panel covers or electrical receptacle cover plates.
- Conductors (electrical wires) not protected.
- Electrical cabinet and panel board location.
- Electrical panel labeling of circuits.
- Bonding and grounding of electrical appliances and equipment.
- Proper presence of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter, electrical "plug" with buttons on it).
- Proper presence of AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter).
- Copper and aluminum wiring deficiencies.
- Doorbell operation.
- Smoke alarm operation and location.
- Home heating equipment.
- Venting of gas combustion appliances.
- Home cooling equipment.
- Cooling performance opinion.
- Location of water meter.
- Main water shutoff to home.
- Presence of visual active plumbing leaks.
- High/low water pressure.
- Deficient water supply piping.
- Faucet flow adequacy.
- Draining adequacy of sinks, basins and tubs.
- Dishwasher operation in normal mode.
- Range hood operation and venting.
- Gas or electric range operation.
- Oven temperature within range (within 25 degrees @ 350 degrees F).
- Microwave operation (must be built in, not a free standing microwave).
- Garage door operation and safety.
- Dryer exhaust properly vented (it shouldn't just terminate into the attic).
Note: You may not see all of the above items in the inspection report if there is no issue with them at the time of inspection. You may also see many other items not listed here. My knowledge base is very extensive. Home Inspector Houston
Optional Systems not included in a standard inspection include: irrigation sprinkler systems, pools, outbuildings, private water wells and private sewage disposal systems (septic). Each of these optional system items will include additional fees. Home Inspector Houston
I hope this page has provided a little insight to guide your expectations of the inspection. I look forward to working with you!
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
Standard Home Inspection
In Texas, a home inspection is plainly defined and controlled by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Inspectors in the state of Texas must be licensed by law.
A home inspection is NOT an inspection to determine full code compliance. Why? because codes change regularly, leaving most existing homes in Houston non-compliant with the current codes. Codes are regularly used and talked about during the inspection but keep in mind a home inspection has more to do with functionality of systems in the home. Be wary of anyone saying a structure is fully up to code. You can not see behind walls or under foundations. Home Inspector Houston
Home inspections are visually based. If I cannot see it or get to it reasonably, I can't check it without having special provisions that are outside the scope of the SOP (Standards of Practice). Everything beyond the standard visual inspection must be agreed to by the client/owner and inspector, and will most likely included extra fees. For instance, cutting a hole in a wall to inspect for moisture damage is not covered in the visual inspection. Just bear in mind the keyword Visual and you most likely will not be shocked by much. I do make every attempt to get into access panels and observe behind items when feasible. Home Inspector Houston
Items to be checked must be Accessible and Readily Accessible. There is a difference between the two. Accessible means there may be a removable panel hindering access to an item requiring inspection. Removing and reinstalling a panel that was manufactured to be easily removed is fine, so long as it isn't sealed. For instance, an access panel to the water pump and electric components of hydrotherapy tubs can be sealed shut with caulking/paint. It has now become inaccessible and will be noted in the report as such. (If I were to cut that seal and damage the finish, the owner will be very upset.) Readily Accessible indicates absolutely nothing is in the way of or obstructing the item being inspected. For example, raising carpet or moving furniture or piles of magazines and pictures to observe a wall outlet receptacle is not considered readily accessible. An inspector wants to see every one of these items but is courteous enough not to put your belongings at risk by moving them. It is always best when you know an inspector is coming to have items moved before he arrives to ensure the most accurate inspection. Home Inspector Houston
Below is a sample list of items you might see on your inspection report according to TREC's standards of practice.
- A written opinion as to the performance of the foundation
- Visible framing
- Exterior cladding
- Ventilation of crawlspaces and attics
- Site drainage (how rainwater gets away from the property).
- Roof covering materials (asphalt shingle, clay tile, slate).
- Attic visible framing members (rafters, joists, rafter ties, collar ties, bracing).
- Performance of doors and hardware.
- Performance of windows and hardware (window treatments such as blinds or curtains are not part of the inspection).
- Visible points of moisture penetration during time of inspection.
- Fire separations between garage and living space or between multi-family dwellings.
- Emergency escapes and rescue openings.
- Insulated windows that are obviously fogged.
- Safety glass in hazardous locations.
- Stairway compliance (step riser heights, nosing, tread depth).
- Handrail heights and proper location.
- Fireplaces and chimney.
- Attached balconies, carports and porches.
- Guardrails (different than handrails).
- Electrical service from the power pole into the building.
- Grounding electrode system.
- Missing electrical panel covers or electrical receptacle cover plates.
- Conductors (electrical wires) not protected.
- Electrical cabinet and panel board location.
- Electrical panel labeling of circuits.
- Bonding and grounding of electrical appliances and equipment.
- Proper presence of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter, electrical "plug" with buttons on it).
- Proper presence of AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter).
- Copper and aluminum wiring deficiencies.
- Doorbell operation.
- Smoke alarm operation and location.
- Home heating equipment.
- Venting of gas combustion appliances.
- Home cooling equipment.
- Cooling performance opinion.
- Location of water meter.
- Main water shutoff to home.
- Presence of visual active plumbing leaks.
- High/low water pressure.
- Deficient water supply piping.
- Faucet flow adequacy.
- Draining adequacy of sinks, basins and tubs.
- Dishwasher operation in normal mode.
- Range hood operation and venting.
- Gas or electric range operation.
- Oven temperature within range (within 25 degrees @ 350 degrees F).
- Microwave operation (must be built in, not a free standing microwave).
- Garage door operation and safety.
- Dryer exhaust properly vented (it shouldn't just terminate into the attic).
Note: You may not see all of the above items in the inspection report if there is no issue with them at the time of inspection. You may also see many other items not listed here. My knowledge base is very extensive. Home Inspector Houston
Optional Systems not included in a standard inspection include: irrigation sprinkler systems, pools, outbuildings, private water wells and private sewage disposal systems (septic). Each of these optional system items will include additional fees. Home Inspector Houston
I hope this page has provided a little insight to guide your expectations of the inspection. I look forward to working with you!
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
Infrared Inspection
Infrared Home Inspection
All inspections performed by Home Quest Inspections are improved with Infrared Thermal Imaging, which puts the latest infrared inspection technology to assist in finding problems and deficiencies. Our infrared cameras were originally created for the military to enhance night vision. By applying this technology to home inspections and commercial building inspections, an infrared camera can frequently detect potential issues that are beneath the finished surfaces of the home, providing you the chance to repair them before they become critical problems.Home Inspection Fulshear
Infrared thermal imaging technology is invaluable when applied to home inspections because it can frequently spot hidden problems. Some issues that are identified by infrared technology consist of water intrusion in the walls, floors, and ceilings, plumbing leaks, overloaded electrical components, and more. Thermal imaging improves our ability to determine the source of energy losses, moisture intrusion, and recognize other issues that may be more difficult to find with a normal visual inspection.Home Inspection Fulshear
An infrared camera uses radio graphic infrared to detect very small variations in the temperature of surfaces. The images an infrared camera captures are so detailed that you cans see small variations in temperature on the surfaces of walls, floors, ceilings, and more. Those temperature contrasts indicate hidden characteristics of a home, such as the presence or absence of insulation, the location and connectivity of water pipes, and whether your home has energy leaks among other things. Because the infrared camera sees temperature differences, the timing of an infrared home inspection in the summer months, when the components of a building are warmed up can be harder than in the winter depending on where your home is located. The sun and wind can change the temperature of the roof, the walls, and other components of a home and it can make it harder for the infrared camera to detect the temperature differences it need to point out problems with the structure or systems.Home Inspection Fulshear
At Home Quest Inspections we take a systematic and in-depth approach to each and every inspection.
We only uses high end, high-resolution infrared cameras from FLIR, the world leader in infrared thermography equipment. Our emphasis is quality, not quantity, therefore we limit the quantity of inspections that we book and therefore gives our inspectors more time to examine with infrared. You are welcome to be present to watch and ask questions throughout the course of the inspection. In the end of the inspection We are happy to give an in-person walk through demonstration of key findings to be sure that you are familiar with the issues, their locations and the possible impacts they may have to the home.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
All inspections performed by Home Quest Inspections are improved with Infrared Thermal Imaging, which puts the latest infrared inspection technology to assist in finding problems and deficiencies. Our infrared cameras were originally created for the military to enhance night vision. By applying this technology to home inspections and commercial building inspections, an infrared camera can frequently detect potential issues that are beneath the finished surfaces of the home, providing you the chance to repair them before they become critical problems.Home Inspection Fulshear
Infrared thermal imaging technology is invaluable when applied to home inspections because it can frequently spot hidden problems. Some issues that are identified by infrared technology consist of water intrusion in the walls, floors, and ceilings, plumbing leaks, overloaded electrical components, and more. Thermal imaging improves our ability to determine the source of energy losses, moisture intrusion, and recognize other issues that may be more difficult to find with a normal visual inspection.Home Inspection Fulshear
An infrared camera uses radio graphic infrared to detect very small variations in the temperature of surfaces. The images an infrared camera captures are so detailed that you cans see small variations in temperature on the surfaces of walls, floors, ceilings, and more. Those temperature contrasts indicate hidden characteristics of a home, such as the presence or absence of insulation, the location and connectivity of water pipes, and whether your home has energy leaks among other things. Because the infrared camera sees temperature differences, the timing of an infrared home inspection in the summer months, when the components of a building are warmed up can be harder than in the winter depending on where your home is located. The sun and wind can change the temperature of the roof, the walls, and other components of a home and it can make it harder for the infrared camera to detect the temperature differences it need to point out problems with the structure or systems.Home Inspection Fulshear
At Home Quest Inspections we take a systematic and in-depth approach to each and every inspection.
We only uses high end, high-resolution infrared cameras from FLIR, the world leader in infrared thermography equipment. Our emphasis is quality, not quantity, therefore we limit the quantity of inspections that we book and therefore gives our inspectors more time to examine with infrared. You are welcome to be present to watch and ask questions throughout the course of the inspection. In the end of the inspection We are happy to give an in-person walk through demonstration of key findings to be sure that you are familiar with the issues, their locations and the possible impacts they may have to the home.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
HOME OWNERS SHOULD KNOW
Home Owners Must Know
Turning the key in a lock that no landlord has access to, reading in a hammock in your own backyard and painting your dining room bright red - what can be more exciting than making the leap from renter to first-time homeowner? Getting swept up in all the enthusiasm is a wonderful feeling, but many first-time homeowners lose their heads and make missteps that can threaten every thing they've worked so hard to earn. Home Inspection Sugar Land
Don't be among those people; take a few moments to ponder these seven practical concerns that will help guarantee that your first home becomes the location of luxury and financial liberty you've expected.
1. Don't Spend too much on Home furnishings and Renovation
You've just turned over a huge portion of your life savings for a down payment, closing costs and moving expenses. Money is limited for most first-time homeowners - not only are their savings depleted, their monthly expenses are often higher also, due to the new expenses that come along with home ownership, such as water and garbage bills, and added insurance.
Everybody would like to customize a new home and upgrade what may have been temporary apartment furniture for some thing nicer, but don't go on a large spending spree to improve every little thing all at once. Equally as important as getting your first home is staying in it, and as nice as solid maple kitchen cabinets might be, they aren't really worth risking your new standing as a home owner. Give yourself time to adapt to the expenses of home ownership and rebuild your savings - the cupboards will still be waiting for you when you can more adequately afford them. (For further reading, see To Rent Or Buy? The Financial Issues.).Home Inspection Sugar Land
2. Don't Ignore Important Maintenance Items.
One of the new costs that accompanies home ownership is making repairs. There is no landlord to call if your roof is leaking or your toilet is blocked (on the plus side, there is also no rent increase notice taped to your door on a random Friday afternoon when you were anticipating a nice weekend). At the same time you should exercise restraint in acquiring the nonessentials, you shouldn't disregard any problem that puts you at risk or could get worse over time, turning a fairly small problem into a significantly larger and more expensive one.
3. Hire Qualified Contractors.
Don't try to save money by making improvements and repair works yourself that you aren't trained to make. This may seem to contradict the first point somewhat, but it truly doesn't. Your home is both the location in which you live and an investment, and it deserves the same level of care and attention you would give to anything else you value highly. There's absolutely nothing wrong with painting the walls yourself, but if there's no wiring for an electric garage door opener hardware in your garage area, don't cut a hole in the wall and start playing with copper. Hiring experts to do work you don't know how to do is the best way to maintain your home in top condition and avoid hurting - or perhaps killing - yourself. Home Inspection Sugar Land
4. Get Help with Your Tax Return.
Even if you hate the thought of paying money on an accountant when you typically do your returns on your own, and even if you're already feeling broke from purchasing that house, hiring an accountant to make sure you complete your return correctly and take full advantage of your refund is a good idea. Home ownership considerably changes most people's tax circumstances and the deductions they are eligible to claim. Just getting your taxes professionally done for one year can give you a template to use in future years if you wish to continue doing your taxes yourself.
5. Keep Receipts for Home Improvements.
When you sell your home, you can use these expenses to raise your home's basis, which can help you to maximize your tax-free earnings on the sale of your home. In 2008, you could have earned up to $250,000 tax free from the sale of your home if it was your primary residence and you had resided there for a minimum of two of five years before you sold it. This assumes that you owned the home alone - if you owned it together with a spouse, you could each have gotten the $250,000 exemption. (To learn more about how having a spouse can affect your tax return, read The Tax Benefits Of Having A Spouse and Happily Married? File Separately!). Home Inspection Sugar Land
Let's say you purchased your home for $150,000 and managed to sell it for $450,000. You've also made $20,000 in home improvements over the years you've lived in the home. If you have not saved your receipts, your basis in the home, or the amount you originally purchased your investment, is $150,000. You take your $250,000 exemption on the proceeds and are left with $50,000 of taxable income on the sale of your home. However, if you saved all $20,000 of your receipts, your basis would be $170,000 and you would only pay taxes on $30,000. That's a huge savings: in this case, it would be $5,000 if your minimal tax rate is 25 %.
6. Don't Confuse a Repair with an Improvement.
Sadly, not all home expenses are treated equally for the purpose of determining your home's basis. The IRS considers repairs to be part and parcel of home ownership -some thing that preserves the home's original market value, but does not improve its value. This may not always seem true. For example, if you bought a foreclosure and needed to fix a lot of broken stuff, the home is obviously worth more after you fix those items, but the IRS doesn't care - you did get a discount on the purchase price because of those unmade repairs, after all. It's only improvements, like replacing the roof or adding central air, which will help reduce your future tax bill when you sell your home.Home Inspection Sugar Land
For gray areas (like remodeling your bathroom because you had to bust open the wall to repair some old, failed plumbing), consult IRS Publication 530 and/or your accountant. And on a non-tax-related note, do not mislead yourself into thinking it's OK to spend money on something because it's a necessary "repair" when in truth it's actually a fun improvement. That isn't good for your finances.
7. Get Properly Insured.
Your mortgage lender requires you not only to acquire homeowners insurance, but also to buy enough to totally replace the property in case of a total loss. But that's not the only insurance coverage you need as a homeowner. If you share your home with anyone who relies on your income to help pay the mortgage, whether it's a girlfriend or a child, you'll need life insurance with that person named as a beneficiary so he or she won't lose the house if you die unexpectedly. Likewise, you'll want to have disability-income insurance to replace your income if you become so disabled that you can't work.
Also, once you own a home, you have more to lose in the event of a lawsuit, so you'll need to ensure you have excellent car insurance coverage. If you are self-employed as a sole proprietor, you may need to consider forming a corporation for greater legal protection of your assets. You may also wish to purchase an umbrella policy that picks up where your other policies leave off. If you are found liable in a car accident with a judgment of $1 million against you and your car insurance only covers the first $250,000, an umbrella policy can pick up the rest of the slack. These policies are usually issued in the millions. Home Inspection Sugar Land
Conclusion.
With the great freedom of owning your very own home comes great responsibilities. You must manage your finances well enough to keep the home and maintain the home's condition well enough to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Don't let the excitement of being a new homeowner lead you to bad decisions or oversights that jeopardize your fiscal or physical safety.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
Turning the key in a lock that no landlord has access to, reading in a hammock in your own backyard and painting your dining room bright red - what can be more exciting than making the leap from renter to first-time homeowner? Getting swept up in all the enthusiasm is a wonderful feeling, but many first-time homeowners lose their heads and make missteps that can threaten every thing they've worked so hard to earn. Home Inspection Sugar Land
Don't be among those people; take a few moments to ponder these seven practical concerns that will help guarantee that your first home becomes the location of luxury and financial liberty you've expected.
1. Don't Spend too much on Home furnishings and Renovation
You've just turned over a huge portion of your life savings for a down payment, closing costs and moving expenses. Money is limited for most first-time homeowners - not only are their savings depleted, their monthly expenses are often higher also, due to the new expenses that come along with home ownership, such as water and garbage bills, and added insurance.
Everybody would like to customize a new home and upgrade what may have been temporary apartment furniture for some thing nicer, but don't go on a large spending spree to improve every little thing all at once. Equally as important as getting your first home is staying in it, and as nice as solid maple kitchen cabinets might be, they aren't really worth risking your new standing as a home owner. Give yourself time to adapt to the expenses of home ownership and rebuild your savings - the cupboards will still be waiting for you when you can more adequately afford them. (For further reading, see To Rent Or Buy? The Financial Issues.).Home Inspection Sugar Land
2. Don't Ignore Important Maintenance Items.
One of the new costs that accompanies home ownership is making repairs. There is no landlord to call if your roof is leaking or your toilet is blocked (on the plus side, there is also no rent increase notice taped to your door on a random Friday afternoon when you were anticipating a nice weekend). At the same time you should exercise restraint in acquiring the nonessentials, you shouldn't disregard any problem that puts you at risk or could get worse over time, turning a fairly small problem into a significantly larger and more expensive one.
3. Hire Qualified Contractors.
Don't try to save money by making improvements and repair works yourself that you aren't trained to make. This may seem to contradict the first point somewhat, but it truly doesn't. Your home is both the location in which you live and an investment, and it deserves the same level of care and attention you would give to anything else you value highly. There's absolutely nothing wrong with painting the walls yourself, but if there's no wiring for an electric garage door opener hardware in your garage area, don't cut a hole in the wall and start playing with copper. Hiring experts to do work you don't know how to do is the best way to maintain your home in top condition and avoid hurting - or perhaps killing - yourself. Home Inspection Sugar Land
4. Get Help with Your Tax Return.
Even if you hate the thought of paying money on an accountant when you typically do your returns on your own, and even if you're already feeling broke from purchasing that house, hiring an accountant to make sure you complete your return correctly and take full advantage of your refund is a good idea. Home ownership considerably changes most people's tax circumstances and the deductions they are eligible to claim. Just getting your taxes professionally done for one year can give you a template to use in future years if you wish to continue doing your taxes yourself.
5. Keep Receipts for Home Improvements.
When you sell your home, you can use these expenses to raise your home's basis, which can help you to maximize your tax-free earnings on the sale of your home. In 2008, you could have earned up to $250,000 tax free from the sale of your home if it was your primary residence and you had resided there for a minimum of two of five years before you sold it. This assumes that you owned the home alone - if you owned it together with a spouse, you could each have gotten the $250,000 exemption. (To learn more about how having a spouse can affect your tax return, read The Tax Benefits Of Having A Spouse and Happily Married? File Separately!). Home Inspection Sugar Land
Let's say you purchased your home for $150,000 and managed to sell it for $450,000. You've also made $20,000 in home improvements over the years you've lived in the home. If you have not saved your receipts, your basis in the home, or the amount you originally purchased your investment, is $150,000. You take your $250,000 exemption on the proceeds and are left with $50,000 of taxable income on the sale of your home. However, if you saved all $20,000 of your receipts, your basis would be $170,000 and you would only pay taxes on $30,000. That's a huge savings: in this case, it would be $5,000 if your minimal tax rate is 25 %.
6. Don't Confuse a Repair with an Improvement.
Sadly, not all home expenses are treated equally for the purpose of determining your home's basis. The IRS considers repairs to be part and parcel of home ownership -some thing that preserves the home's original market value, but does not improve its value. This may not always seem true. For example, if you bought a foreclosure and needed to fix a lot of broken stuff, the home is obviously worth more after you fix those items, but the IRS doesn't care - you did get a discount on the purchase price because of those unmade repairs, after all. It's only improvements, like replacing the roof or adding central air, which will help reduce your future tax bill when you sell your home.Home Inspection Sugar Land
For gray areas (like remodeling your bathroom because you had to bust open the wall to repair some old, failed plumbing), consult IRS Publication 530 and/or your accountant. And on a non-tax-related note, do not mislead yourself into thinking it's OK to spend money on something because it's a necessary "repair" when in truth it's actually a fun improvement. That isn't good for your finances.
7. Get Properly Insured.
Your mortgage lender requires you not only to acquire homeowners insurance, but also to buy enough to totally replace the property in case of a total loss. But that's not the only insurance coverage you need as a homeowner. If you share your home with anyone who relies on your income to help pay the mortgage, whether it's a girlfriend or a child, you'll need life insurance with that person named as a beneficiary so he or she won't lose the house if you die unexpectedly. Likewise, you'll want to have disability-income insurance to replace your income if you become so disabled that you can't work.
Also, once you own a home, you have more to lose in the event of a lawsuit, so you'll need to ensure you have excellent car insurance coverage. If you are self-employed as a sole proprietor, you may need to consider forming a corporation for greater legal protection of your assets. You may also wish to purchase an umbrella policy that picks up where your other policies leave off. If you are found liable in a car accident with a judgment of $1 million against you and your car insurance only covers the first $250,000, an umbrella policy can pick up the rest of the slack. These policies are usually issued in the millions. Home Inspection Sugar Land
Conclusion.
With the great freedom of owning your very own home comes great responsibilities. You must manage your finances well enough to keep the home and maintain the home's condition well enough to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Don't let the excitement of being a new homeowner lead you to bad decisions or oversights that jeopardize your fiscal or physical safety.
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CHILDPROOFING YOUR HOME
Childproofing Your Home
10 Safety Methods to Safeguard Your Children
About 2-1/2 million children are hurt or killed by dangers in the residence each year. The good news is that many of these cases could be avoided by using simple child safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you purchase ought to be sturdy enough to avoid injury to your child, yet simple for you to use. It is necessary to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in your house, make sure they re-secure safety devices. Just remember, too, that no device is entirely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them. You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. Here are some child protection devices that can help prevent many injuries to children. Home Inspector Katy
1 Use Security Latches and Locks for cupboards and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that help avoid poisonings and other accidents. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help stop youngsters from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects. Search for security latches and locks that adults can effortlessly mount and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for kids to reach hazardous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging ought to be stored, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.
2 Use Security Gates that can help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from hazardous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or spaces that have hazards in them. Search for security gates that children can not dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close easily. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall surface are more secure than "pressure gates." New security gates that satisfy safety specifications display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, make sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are big enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.Home Inspector Katy
3 Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help avoid kids from entering areas and other locations with conceivable hazards. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep kids out of places with risks, including swimming pools. Make sure the door knob cover is strong enough not to crack, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting accessibility to possibly dangerous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many type of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks must be used along with fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that need to be re-secured after each use, are often not a reliable barrier to pools.Home Inspector Katy
4 Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help stop burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for controling water temp can help avoid burns. Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumbing professional may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.
5 Use Smoke Detectors on each level of your home and close to bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke alarm are vital safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke alarm once a month to make sure they're operating. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries a minimum of once a year or take into consideration using 10-year batteries.
6 Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help protect against serious falls. Check these safety devices routinely to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are ineffective for preventing children from falling out of windows.
7 Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help stop injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers may be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Make sure to look for bumpers that stay firmly on furniture or hearth edges.Home Inspector Katy
8 Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help stop electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution. Make sure the outlet guards can not be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children can not choke on them.
9 Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help stop CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Homes that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.Home Inspector Katy
10 Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds. For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
10 Safety Methods to Safeguard Your Children
About 2-1/2 million children are hurt or killed by dangers in the residence each year. The good news is that many of these cases could be avoided by using simple child safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you purchase ought to be sturdy enough to avoid injury to your child, yet simple for you to use. It is necessary to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in your house, make sure they re-secure safety devices. Just remember, too, that no device is entirely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them. You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. Here are some child protection devices that can help prevent many injuries to children. Home Inspector Katy
1 Use Security Latches and Locks for cupboards and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that help avoid poisonings and other accidents. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help stop youngsters from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects. Search for security latches and locks that adults can effortlessly mount and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for kids to reach hazardous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging ought to be stored, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.
2 Use Security Gates that can help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from hazardous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or spaces that have hazards in them. Search for security gates that children can not dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close easily. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall surface are more secure than "pressure gates." New security gates that satisfy safety specifications display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, make sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are big enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.Home Inspector Katy
3 Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help avoid kids from entering areas and other locations with conceivable hazards. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep kids out of places with risks, including swimming pools. Make sure the door knob cover is strong enough not to crack, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting accessibility to possibly dangerous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many type of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks must be used along with fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that need to be re-secured after each use, are often not a reliable barrier to pools.Home Inspector Katy
4 Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help stop burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for controling water temp can help avoid burns. Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumbing professional may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.
5 Use Smoke Detectors on each level of your home and close to bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke alarm are vital safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke alarm once a month to make sure they're operating. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries a minimum of once a year or take into consideration using 10-year batteries.
6 Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help protect against serious falls. Check these safety devices routinely to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are ineffective for preventing children from falling out of windows.
7 Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help stop injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers may be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Make sure to look for bumpers that stay firmly on furniture or hearth edges.Home Inspector Katy
8 Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help stop electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution. Make sure the outlet guards can not be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children can not choke on them.
9 Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help stop CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Homes that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.Home Inspector Katy
10 Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds. For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
HOME MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
Home Maintenance Check List
When buying a home, the majority of people probably first consider the fiscal responsibility. Don't let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor that home ownership also requires. Much like regular oil changes for your car help keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from potential problems and wasted money.
It can be intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you're a new homeowner. It's a long list-- there's no denying that. The good news is that you can do most of it yourself without much experience. Google is your buddy, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to help you out.
In order to maximize your productivity and effectively get all of these tasks done, you might want to create a home maintenance calendar yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. We've provided tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and biannually. We've also given you a list of tasks to be performed seasonally. Not every expert agrees as to which task needs to be done in which season, so this isn't a black and white list, necessarily. Do what works for you and your schedule, and as long as all these things get completed, your home will be happy for years and years to come.Home Inspector
Monthly
Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that's not always vital. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you'll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I've also been told by handymen to choose less expensive filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters.
Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around answer seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You're welcome. Clean range hood filters. If you've never considered doing so, you're in for a real "treat" when you get that filter off the hood to clean it for the first time. The Family Handyman suggests simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you're good to go.Home Inspector
Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). We'll assume you have and know how to use an extinguisher. This inspection doesn't need much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a trash bin or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
Quarterly
Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. One more simple task; your detectors should have a "test" button. If the alarm sounds, you're good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn't sound, it's possible there's simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won't detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn't work, you'll likely need a new detector.
Test garage door auto-reverse feature. In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test monthly by placing a 2 × 4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensing units if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn't immediately go back up, you have a problem.Home Inspector
Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly relates to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don't use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other type of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
Check water conditioner, add salt if needed. You shouldn't need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.
Biannually
Test your water heater's pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion accumulation, which guards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more productively.
Give your house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months with your whole family, and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, cleaning every nook and cranny (including the basement), etc. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust develop over years and years will help keep your home in tip-top shape.Home Inspector
Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. I 'd never heard this before, actually. I just presumed you changed it out when it started giving you the low battery beeping noise. This tip was in everything we researched, however. With something as important as this, you can't be too careful, and batteries won't break your bank. Change 'em out every six months.
Vacuum your refrigerator coils. I actually uncovered this tip from a refrigerator repairman, and our research confirmed it. The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home's total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Gradually, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice. You can save up to $100 a year by doing this, and it's not at all a difficult task.Home Inspector
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
When buying a home, the majority of people probably first consider the fiscal responsibility. Don't let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor that home ownership also requires. Much like regular oil changes for your car help keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from potential problems and wasted money.
It can be intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you're a new homeowner. It's a long list-- there's no denying that. The good news is that you can do most of it yourself without much experience. Google is your buddy, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to help you out.
In order to maximize your productivity and effectively get all of these tasks done, you might want to create a home maintenance calendar yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. We've provided tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and biannually. We've also given you a list of tasks to be performed seasonally. Not every expert agrees as to which task needs to be done in which season, so this isn't a black and white list, necessarily. Do what works for you and your schedule, and as long as all these things get completed, your home will be happy for years and years to come.Home Inspector
Monthly
Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that's not always vital. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you'll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I've also been told by handymen to choose less expensive filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters.
Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around answer seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You're welcome. Clean range hood filters. If you've never considered doing so, you're in for a real "treat" when you get that filter off the hood to clean it for the first time. The Family Handyman suggests simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you're good to go.Home Inspector
Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). We'll assume you have and know how to use an extinguisher. This inspection doesn't need much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a trash bin or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
Quarterly
Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. One more simple task; your detectors should have a "test" button. If the alarm sounds, you're good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn't sound, it's possible there's simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won't detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn't work, you'll likely need a new detector.
Test garage door auto-reverse feature. In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test monthly by placing a 2 × 4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensing units if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn't immediately go back up, you have a problem.Home Inspector
Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly relates to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don't use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other type of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
Check water conditioner, add salt if needed. You shouldn't need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.
Biannually
Test your water heater's pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion accumulation, which guards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more productively.
Give your house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months with your whole family, and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, cleaning every nook and cranny (including the basement), etc. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust develop over years and years will help keep your home in tip-top shape.Home Inspector
Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. I 'd never heard this before, actually. I just presumed you changed it out when it started giving you the low battery beeping noise. This tip was in everything we researched, however. With something as important as this, you can't be too careful, and batteries won't break your bank. Change 'em out every six months.
Vacuum your refrigerator coils. I actually uncovered this tip from a refrigerator repairman, and our research confirmed it. The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home's total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Gradually, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice. You can save up to $100 a year by doing this, and it's not at all a difficult task.Home Inspector
Choose HomeQuest Inspections PLLC
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