Author: silvistermasi

A home inspection gives buyers an unbiased evaluation of the home’s condition. By taking some important steps to prepare the property for inspection, your sellers can avoid some basic problems that might otherwise affect a clean inspection report. Since a home in good condition can command a better price, they will benefit as well.

• Prior to the inspection, repair any damaged steps and walkways and seal cracks in the driveway.
• Re-caulk around exterior doors, windows, check flashing and replace any missing or damaged shingles.

Inside the home, relatively minor fixes can improve the home inspection results.

• Repair leaky faucets and fixtures, and repair grout around tubs and sinks.
• An electrician should inspect receptacles and switches and make any needed replacements or repairs.
• Replace any cracked or broken window glass, and loosen any windows that are painted shut.
• Have the fireplace and chimney cleaned and checked by a professional.
• Arrange service appointments for the furnace and central air conditioning so that any issues can be addressed before the home inspection.
• If the home has battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, put in fresh batteries and install additional units if any are missing. Hard-wired detectors should be tested as well.

Here are some tips to help the inspection process go smoothly:

• The owner will need to provide keys to any locked areas, and allow access to the attic, crawl space, garage and yard.
• Be sure that the home inspector has access to components such as electrical panels, the main water shut-off and gas meter. Move objects from around the water heater, furnace and central air conditioning unit so that the inspector can reach them unimpeded.
• In cold winter climates, clear walkways of snow and ice for safe access to the home.
• Pets should be taken out of the home or crated for their own safety and that of the home inspector. Dogs in particular can be disruptive, and some may become distressed by having an unfamiliar person in their “territory.”

It’s always a good idea for residents to store small valuables and medications out of sight and in a secure location for peace of mind. One option is for them to simply take these items along when they leave during the inspection.

An inspection-ready home presents itself best for evaluation and makes the entire process go more smoothly.

A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, is an inexpensive device designed to protect people from electrical shock in the home. They should be installed in any area with potential risk for electrical shock with a direct path to the ground, especially areas with plumbing. GFCI receptacles are commonly installed in bathrooms, along kitchen counters, in garages, unfinished basements, outdoor outlets and near swimming pools and spas. A GFCI monitors the electrical current leaving from and returning to the receptacle. If there is a mismatch in the currents, the GFCI will shut off the receptacle immediately, protecting people from serious electrical shock.

GFCIs have various configurations, including the standard GFCI receptacle with “test” and “reset” buttons. Homeowners should test these monthly to ensure proper operation. If the GFCI fails to trip or can’t be reset, it should be replaced. There are also remote GFCIs, which protect standard receptacles in the circuit. These should always have a visible label indicating GFCI protection, because there is no way to tell otherwise that a receptacle is or isn’t protected. Another option is a GFCI breaker, which is installed at the electrical panel and protects the entire circuit. These can be identified by the presence of test and reset buttons on the panel.

An arc fault circuit interrupter, or AFCI, is designed to prevent electrical fires in the home. This is a relatively new type of circuit breaker that detects arcing in an electrical circuit, shutting down the affected circuit before it causes a fire. Arcing can be caused if an electrical cable is punctured or cut by something as simple as hammering a nail into a wall. Other potential causes of arcing include frayed extension cords, loose electrical connections, and old and/or cracked insulation on electrical wires and cables.

An AFCI breaker fits into the electrical panel in place of a standard circuit breaker. AFCI breakers are much larger than standard breakers and have a test button. They may not be available for older electrical panels, so retrofitting with AFCI breakers is not always possible. In addition, old wiring may have been subjected to years of poorly-executed modifications, which AFCIs may or may not compensate for. It is always best to check with a qualified electrician who can assess your panel and electrical components before making the decision to install AFCI breakers.

If you’re welcoming ghouls and goblins to your door this Halloween or taking your kids for trick or treating, everyone will have even more fun when care is taken to reduce holiday hazards. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Keep pathways and porches well lighted for easy navigation. Look for and remove any tripping hazards such as garden hoses and low potted plants that children may not be able to see.
• Never use candles as outdoor decorations. People, costumes and pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire. Use small battery-operated lights instead. There are some that look just like small votive candles and provide the same effect without the flame.
• If using decorations such as dried corn stalks or straw bales, be sure to keep them away from any flames or other possible fire sources.
• Trick-or-treaters should use flashlights to guide their way from home to home. This will also help them be more visible to drivers. Stick to familiar neighborhoods, and visit only homes where the lights are on.
• Be sure that any costumes are labeled as flame resistant. This makes them safer, but does not mean they are completely flame proof. Avoid overly long and loose sleeves, and be sure the length allows the child to walk normally.
• Make sure masks fit properly and allow the wearer to see clearly. Alternatively, face paint is a good option for a safe and fun disguise.
• Children should refrain from eating their goodies until a parent can examine the treats for opened or damaged wrappers or any off-limits ingredients.

When driving, be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters that may dart out into the street unexpectedly. Drive slowly and cautiously, and make sure your headlights are on.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors!