Defect of the Week

Twice in the past week, furnace flue pipes were found to be venting into the attics. This is a very serious problem as it can lead to structural problems for the house and can be deadly for the occupants. And what's more, it's a problem you would be unaware of when you buy your new house because you're not going to stick your head into the attic and check the flue pipe. That's why you hire me.

Whether the furnace flue pipe is installed improperly or has simply become disconnected for some reason, furnace exhaust gases that collect in an attic can cause mold problems, lead to wood rot, and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they backdraft into the living areas of the house. The furnace should be vented to the outside where the gases and the moisture dissipate harmlessly. Frequently, when a roof is being replaced, the flue pipe is lifted up by the roofers. This can cause the vent pipe sections to disconnect if they weren't properly screwed together and that creates a leak for the gases to escape into the attic. Other times, as in the past week, improper remodeling work might vent the gases just into the attic in order to save time, money and effort. Regardless, it's a fatal flaw that I always check for during an inspection. And, since it's the Defect of the Week, you see that it is a fairly common occurrence.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.

Reason #5,804 to have your house inspected

A brand new house, costing $300,000, was in beautiful condition. Until I poked my head into the attic during my recent inspection and saw that there was no insulation whatsoever.

So many misconceptions exposed in just one inspection:

1. A new home doesn't need to be inspected
2. An expensive home doesn't need to be inspected
3. The builder is offering a one-year warranty, so I don't need an inspection
4. No one has ever lived in this house, so there can't be anything wrong with it
5. Newly constructed houses don't need to be tested for radon - this house was tested and has a radon gas problem

Imagine your reaction when your heating and cooling bills were, literally and figuratively, through the roof in your brand-new, expensive home. And, the builder's warranty might eventually get you some insulation but it won't reimburse you for your gas and electric bills.

New houses can have as many defects as older houses. Sales price doesn't indicate quality. Warranties simply mean that you will live with problems before they are discovered and corrected. And all houses, new or existing, should be inspected before you buy so that you know the condition of the property at the time of the inspection and can negotiate to get necessary repairs done before you move in.

You're focused on floor plans, aesthetics, neighborhoods, and other factors when looking to buy a house. Let me look at the other aspects of the property for you and then give you a complete, written report (including photos) detailing my findings. Unless you want to climb a ladder, squeeze through an attic access, and see for yourself if there's adequate insulation in the house.

Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and more, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.