Category: News

Asbestos: To Worry Or Not?

Posted on September 27, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Many homeowners are concerned about the possibility of asbestos in the home and the health hazards associated with it. Breathing asbestos fibers over a long period of time can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

For years, asbestos was widely used in various materials such as wall and ceiling insulation, vinyl flooring, insulation for heating ducts, pipe wrap for water heating systems, roof tiles, acoustic ceiling tiles and much more. While the use of asbestos in construction has been greatly reduced, many of these materials are still present in thousands of homes. If there is a suspicion of asbestos in the home, homeowners will need to contact an expert to sample and confirm its presence. A visual inspection cannot determine whether a given material contains asbestos.

Is it always a problem? It’s important to know that asbestos poses a health risk when the fibers become airborne, which can occur if materials are crumbling or damaged. If there is minor localized damage, it can be professionally repaired by encapsulating the asbestos fibers with a specialized sealant. If the asbestos in products is in good condition, the best course of action may be to leave the asbestos-containing materials alone. Newer materials that contain asbestos are designed to encapsulate the fibers, preventing them from being released into the environment.

The biggest risk is for homeowners or other non-professionals to attempt asbestos removal. Disturbing asbestos usually makes it dangerous. If it must be removed, it’s a job for an expert who will also properly dispose of it. In some cases, such as a home renovation, asbestos removal is the only option.

Should Condominium Buyers Get a Home Inspection?

Posted on September 21, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Condominium buyers sometimes underestimate the value of a home inspection – or sometimes want to forego it altogether. But a home inspection can be just as important for condo buyers as it is for buyers of single-family homes in terms of making an informed purchase decision, or simply becoming educated about the home. Here are some of the questions we hear:

Does the condo inspection cover more than just the subject unit? Usually not. Common areas and items such as the roof, exterior walls, elevators and foundation are not normally part of the scope of a condo inspection because their condition and upkeep are the responsibility of the homeowners’ or condominium association, not the individual owners. HVAC components exclusive to the individual unit would be included in the condo inspection.

Will condo buyers receive a comprehensive inspection report? By nature, a condo inspection covers fewer areas than a standard home inspection, but the report should cover each of the included items or systems with the same amount of detail as a single-family home inspection.

Should buyers plan on attending the condo inspection? It’s always a good idea for the buyer to accompany the home inspector during the inspection. Not only will they learn about the home’s condition, but the inspector may point out features or functions the buyer may be unaware of. Attending the inspection also provides the opportunity to ask questions during the process, providing further insight on the home.

The builder claims the condo doesn’t need a home inspection because the development is new. Is that accurate? New construction doesn’t always mean everything is okay. In fact, issues very often come to light during the first year or two after a building is completed. Occupancy inspections by local building departments check primarily for code compliance and are not equivalent to a home inspection.

By learning as much as they can about the condo they’re considering, your buyers are more likely to end up satisfied with their purchase.

Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

Posted on September 1, 2018 by onlineimage - News

The days are getting noticeably shorter, and maybe there’s a nip in the air – sure signs that fall is on its way. Now is the perfect time to put these ideas on your to-do list and get your home in shape before winter rolls in.

Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause mold problems and even structural damage.

Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Although you should always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, you can do a preliminary survey safely from the ground using binoculars.

Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them – they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the seams between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can freeze and burst, causing leaks and potentially serious water damage.

Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic inspections at no charge, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting a fire this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

Happy fall to you from everyone at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors.

Why Do You Need a Home Inspection?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by silvistermasi - News

Almost inevitably, the subject of the home inspection will come up during the buying process. Some buyers may be inclined to skip the home inspection; there is so much else going at that time that it may just seem like another task to check off the list. However, a professional home inspection is the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the condition of the home they’re considering – an unbiased evaluation that can provide much-needed peace of mind at a stressful time. This information can prove extremely useful and help avoid unpleasant surprises.

A professional home inspection includes a visual assessment of the home’s systems and structural components, including heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, roof, foundation, walls, chimneys, doors, and windows. Appliance systems as well as heating/cooling and plumbing are tested to ensure proper operation. These evaluations are then included in the written inspection report, which should include detailed findings and identify any potential concerns. The report should also indicate any recommended repairs based on the inspection results. At that time, you might recommend that the seller complete needed repairs, or if they choose not to, that the cost of doing the repairs be reflected in the selling price.

However, in many of today’s overheated real estate markets the home inspection contingency may be waived in order for an offer to be considered at all. In these cases, a home inspection is still extremely important because it allows buyers to learn about the home and provides comprehensive picture of the home’s condition. Some buyers are now opting to have a home inspection after the purchase has gone through so they can plan for future repairs, upgrades, or address other issues.

To get the most out of a home inspection, buyers should accompany the home inspector during the process. This allows for asking question on site and getting any needed clarification about potential issues that come up along the way. It’s a great way to get to know the home and locate key items such as key shutoff valves, the breaker panel and more. Attending the inspection will also provide a better understanding of any repair recommendations.

The home inspection is truly a key part of a smooth transaction and a confident purchase. Not only that, the inspection report will serve as a reference for details about the home for years to come.