New water heaters are going to be larger from now on due to requirements for more insulation in the tank area. That could mean a lot for your existing house or the house you're now looking to buy. Some water heaters are tucked away neatly in little closet-type rooms. When those water heaters need to be replaced, the new units may not fit into those small rooms. New tanks are taller, so, even a free-standing water heater that currently doesn't have anything else near it will perhaps need new plumbing and vent pipes for its replacement due to the bigger, taller size of the new unit.
If you choose a high-efficiency water heater, it will need to be vented differently to the outside. So, a new water heater simply may not fit in the space occupied by the old one because it is larger, shaped a little differently, and may need to be vented through an outside wall, away from windows and doors. In other words, replacing a water heater could get kind of complicated in the future. Something for you to keep in mind and plan for when looking to buy a 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.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Rain, rain, go away
There were just four days in this month of May when it didn't rain in Kansas City. Maybe five, depending on what happens today. March 22nd's blog post included tips on preparing for our rainy season - clean out your gutters, improve the drainage around your house's
foundation by sloping the ground away from the house, and, keep the gutters and
downspouts free from debris.
But the ground is so saturated now, even those preventative measures may not have kept water out of your basement. Houses that usually stay dry in heavy rains are getting wet this month. The Kansas City Star newspaper quotes a foundation contractor as saying, "When that water table in the ground gradually starts to increase...our basements literally become pools waiting to fill up." What to do now?
First, protect your belongings by getting them off the basement floor. Then, make sure your sump pump, if you have one, is plugged in and working. Yes, make sure it's plugged in. An amazing number of sump pumps are unplugged by home owners for various reasons. Make certain that yours is working. And do the preventative measures mentioned above. If water is still getting into your basement, it's time to call a professional contractor. Or, learn to tread water.
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 own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
But the ground is so saturated now, even those preventative measures may not have kept water out of your basement. Houses that usually stay dry in heavy rains are getting wet this month. The Kansas City Star newspaper quotes a foundation contractor as saying, "When that water table in the ground gradually starts to increase...our basements literally become pools waiting to fill up." What to do now?
First, protect your belongings by getting them off the basement floor. Then, make sure your sump pump, if you have one, is plugged in and working. Yes, make sure it's plugged in. An amazing number of sump pumps are unplugged by home owners for various reasons. Make certain that yours is working. And do the preventative measures mentioned above. If water is still getting into your basement, it's time to call a professional contractor. Or, learn to tread water.
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 own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Defect of the Week
Three different houses in one week had furnace filters that were installed
backwards. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but it really is. First of all,
the filter itself is designed with wire or cardboard reinforcing on one side.
If the filter is installed backwards, that reinforcement can’t protect the
filter material from being sucked in towards the blower, which can cause
serious damage to the blower. When installing your filter, check to see if
there is an arrow on the edge of the filter. That arrow should point towards
the furnace, not back into the return air duct.
Most people think the filter’s job is to keep the house clean. It does, to some extent. But, the filter’s most important job is to keep the blower and all of the interior parts of the furnace and air conditioner clean. That way they work more efficiently. A dirty filter restricts air flow through the heating and cooling system, causing it to overheat and age faster. So, change your filter regularly.
And, another thing to remember is that your "furnace" filter doesn't just work when the furnace is running. Most heating and cooling systems in houses run air through the filter for the air conditioner, too. So now is the time to check your furnace filter, look for the arrows indicating the direction of airflow, and make certain that it installed correctly. Or, have me check it when I'm inspecting the house for you. You will, literally, breathe easier.
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.
Most people think the filter’s job is to keep the house clean. It does, to some extent. But, the filter’s most important job is to keep the blower and all of the interior parts of the furnace and air conditioner clean. That way they work more efficiently. A dirty filter restricts air flow through the heating and cooling system, causing it to overheat and age faster. So, change your filter regularly.
And, another thing to remember is that your "furnace" filter doesn't just work when the furnace is running. Most heating and cooling systems in houses run air through the filter for the air conditioner, too. So now is the time to check your furnace filter, look for the arrows indicating the direction of airflow, and make certain that it installed correctly. Or, have me check it when I'm inspecting the house for you. You will, literally, breathe easier.
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.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Indoor air quality
It's time to open the windows, let in some fresh air, and enjoy springtime in Kansas City. As you do that, take some time to also check on any problems with your indoor air quality that might have developed over the winter.
We're all saddened by the story from Maryland of the family of eight killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. And in four different Kansas City home inspections in the past few weeks, I discovered gas leaks inside the houses.
Your furnace, either in your existing house or in the one you're looking to buy, had a rough winter heating season. Get it checked by a professional to make sure it's still burning efficiently and venting carbon monoxide fumes outside of the house. The same is true if you have a gas water heater. It will be running all year long, not just during the winter.
And, for gas leaks, just use your nose to detect the gas odor. As the ground shifts during periods of freezing and thawing, gas pipes move. That can put stress on pipe joints and create deadly and explosive leaks.
So, while you're enjoying the fresh outside air after a season of being indoors, take some precautionary steps to ensure your health and safety next winter.
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.
We're all saddened by the story from Maryland of the family of eight killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. And in four different Kansas City home inspections in the past few weeks, I discovered gas leaks inside the houses.
Your furnace, either in your existing house or in the one you're looking to buy, had a rough winter heating season. Get it checked by a professional to make sure it's still burning efficiently and venting carbon monoxide fumes outside of the house. The same is true if you have a gas water heater. It will be running all year long, not just during the winter.
And, for gas leaks, just use your nose to detect the gas odor. As the ground shifts during periods of freezing and thawing, gas pipes move. That can put stress on pipe joints and create deadly and explosive leaks.
So, while you're enjoying the fresh outside air after a season of being indoors, take some precautionary steps to ensure your health and safety next winter.
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.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
It's time to clean up
Time for some spring/summer maintenance on your house as we get ready for the rainy season and the heat. First, clean out your gutters. Whether you're buying or selling a home, or just maintaining the one you live in, it's time for this twice-a-year chore.
It's easy to remember to do this in the Fall because all of the falling leaves clog things up. But, it's just as important to do in the Spring now that the blossoms from flowering trees are down and the maple tree "helicopter seeds" are next. Clogged gutters and downspouts lead to overflows and back ups that can put water in your basement. The clogs keep rainwater from flowing away from your house's foundation. Instead, it seeks out the cracks in your basement walls. So, now's the time to improve the drainage around your house's foundation by sloping the ground away from the house. And, keep the gutters and downspouts free from debris.
Then, check the condition of the outdoor section of
your air conditioner. It should be relatively level and the outer coil should be
clean. Dirt, pollen, cottonwood fluff, dryer lint and vegetation can clog the
outdoor coil, causing it to work harder and waste money. I don't recommend
power washing the outer coil. That is too harsh and can damage the coil or
force the dirt farther into it. Gently brushing the debris down off of the coil
or washing it with a garden hose is better. Some types of condenser units do
need professional cleaning because of their design.
Thirdly, check the drainage on the interior part of your air conditioner, usually right above your furnace. If the drain hose is clogged, it can flood your furnace and ruin it. Once, a client buying a million-dollar condo simply said, "This inspection just paid for itself" when I opened the closet door to the air conditioner and found the drain pan overflowing, flooding the furnace and the floor, and starting to get the carpet wet. Make certain that the drain hose/pipe is near a floor drain or whatever your system is supposed to drain into. Sadly, simply seeing water flow doesn't necessarily mean that everything's okay. Remove the furnace's access panel and look for water. Remove the drain hose from the air conditioner and check for current or future clogs.
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 own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
Thirdly, check the drainage on the interior part of your air conditioner, usually right above your furnace. If the drain hose is clogged, it can flood your furnace and ruin it. Once, a client buying a million-dollar condo simply said, "This inspection just paid for itself" when I opened the closet door to the air conditioner and found the drain pan overflowing, flooding the furnace and the floor, and starting to get the carpet wet. Make certain that the drain hose/pipe is near a floor drain or whatever your system is supposed to drain into. Sadly, simply seeing water flow doesn't necessarily mean that everything's okay. Remove the furnace's access panel and look for water. Remove the drain hose from the air conditioner and check for current or future clogs.
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 own Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
New houses need to be inspected
In one week recently, three different clients had me inspect the newly-constructed house each was buying. It's easy to think that a new house won't have any problems or issues for me to find. Sadly, that's not the case. So please remember that a new house needs to be
inspected just as much as an older house does.
Previous posts on this blog have detailed some of the problems I've found in newly constructed homes. Here's a quick recap of inspections of different new houses: the water supply valve on a toilet didn't work so the toilet didn't work; the kitchen exhaust fan wasn't connected to the vent so turning the fan on blew drywall dust all over the kitchen; no insulation in the attic; the kitchen sink spray hose couldn't extend from its resting place, the dishwasher's drain hose and the spray hose were tangled up under the sink; the drain pipe of a whirlpool bathtub in the master bath hadn't been connected to anything; no heating or cooling in the laundry room on the second floor, floor tile covered the air vent; the control wire for the furnace had been connected to the doorbell instead of the house's thermostat; no power cord was connected to the kitchen garbage disposal.
Yes, your builder's warranty covers things in your just-built home. Yes, you have a year to make a list of what needs to be repaired. Getting a Kansas City home inspection from Complete Home Inspection BEFORE you move in, though, gets you a jump start on that list and allows you to get many of those things fixed before you take occupancy. While warranties may protect you, the time lost, the inconvenience and the frustration you'll experience can only be handled by getting a Complete Home Inspection for your new property. So let me handle your final walk-through for you. Put my experienced eye to work for you and your family.
Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and new construction final walk-throughs, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
Previous posts on this blog have detailed some of the problems I've found in newly constructed homes. Here's a quick recap of inspections of different new houses: the water supply valve on a toilet didn't work so the toilet didn't work; the kitchen exhaust fan wasn't connected to the vent so turning the fan on blew drywall dust all over the kitchen; no insulation in the attic; the kitchen sink spray hose couldn't extend from its resting place, the dishwasher's drain hose and the spray hose were tangled up under the sink; the drain pipe of a whirlpool bathtub in the master bath hadn't been connected to anything; no heating or cooling in the laundry room on the second floor, floor tile covered the air vent; the control wire for the furnace had been connected to the doorbell instead of the house's thermostat; no power cord was connected to the kitchen garbage disposal.
Yes, your builder's warranty covers things in your just-built home. Yes, you have a year to make a list of what needs to be repaired. Getting a Kansas City home inspection from Complete Home Inspection BEFORE you move in, though, gets you a jump start on that list and allows you to get many of those things fixed before you take occupancy. While warranties may protect you, the time lost, the inconvenience and the frustration you'll experience can only be handled by getting a Complete Home Inspection for your new property. So let me handle your final walk-through for you. Put my experienced eye to work for you and your family.
Whole house inspections, condo inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and new construction final walk-throughs, we do it all for you. Call or E-mail today to schedule your Complete Home Inspection, 913-268-0222, www.completehomeinspectionkc.com.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Why you need a roof inspection
Imagine if you were buying your Dream House and then
found out it needed a new roof before you could get insurance. That
would be a very nasty surprise. Some people have even moved into their new house with a temporary certificate of insurance, only to find out later that their insurance company won't insure the house's existing roof. If, instead, you had the roof inspected as part of your Complete Home Inspection during the home-buying process, you'd be able to negotiate with the seller and get the roof situation handled ahead of time.
Roof inspections have had most of the fun and excitement taken out of them in the last few years due to changes in homeowner's insurance underwriting. Today, depending on what we find, you may not be able to get homeowner's insurance for your new house.
It used to be that, in a roof inspection, I'd use various clues to ascertain the age of the roof and then weigh all of the evidence to give you an idea of how many years your Dream House's roof might last. Now, if the clues indicate that the roof is more than fifteen years old, you probably won't be able to get homeowner's insurance. It doesn't matter how much life we may think the roof has left. Underwriter's simply won't write the policy.
The same is true if I find that the existing roof has three layers of roofing material on top of each other, or only two layers, if the lower layer is wood shingle. You won't be able to get homeowner's insurance until the roof is replaced. That's something you need to find out during the home-buying process. And that's the kind of knowledge you'll get from your Complete Home Inspection. Then, armed with your home inspection results, you can get, in writing, confirmation from your insurance company that they will cover the roof.
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.
Roof inspections have had most of the fun and excitement taken out of them in the last few years due to changes in homeowner's insurance underwriting. Today, depending on what we find, you may not be able to get homeowner's insurance for your new house.
It used to be that, in a roof inspection, I'd use various clues to ascertain the age of the roof and then weigh all of the evidence to give you an idea of how many years your Dream House's roof might last. Now, if the clues indicate that the roof is more than fifteen years old, you probably won't be able to get homeowner's insurance. It doesn't matter how much life we may think the roof has left. Underwriter's simply won't write the policy.
The same is true if I find that the existing roof has three layers of roofing material on top of each other, or only two layers, if the lower layer is wood shingle. You won't be able to get homeowner's insurance until the roof is replaced. That's something you need to find out during the home-buying process. And that's the kind of knowledge you'll get from your Complete Home Inspection. Then, armed with your home inspection results, you can get, in writing, confirmation from your insurance company that they will cover the roof.
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.
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