Whether it is a seller’s pre-inspection or a buyer’s purchasing inspection; when the home inspector shows up on your doorsteps, it’s best to be prepared. 

1. Utilities ON – Gas/ Electric/Water.  An inspection includes all of the homes systems and appliances. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule. 

2. Pilot Lights ON – If your pilot lights are not lit, then important items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace will not be inspected.  The inspector can not light it. 

3. Access to Attic/Basement/Garage -Clear access to basement/ attic/garage. Move boxes away from the walls. Leave the opener/key if the garage is unattached. 

4. Access to Heating/AC Systems/Water Heaters - Remove items blocking access to these systems i.e. furniture boxes, bookcases, furniture. 

5. Exterior Points – Clear paths and debris. If possible trim back landscaping. 

6. Buyer’s 2nd Look – A clean house can give the buyer an impression that the home has been maintained well. Note: this will not affect the home inspectors report. 

7. Start Time – The inspection will start with the exterior, time outside varies by the size and the issues. 

8. Documents – Make available any pertinent documents i.e. tank removal, new roof receipt, electrical upgrade etc.. 

9. Pets - Take pets out of the house or off the premises if possible.  

10. Duration – Inspection times vary. An average house takes approximately 2 hours.

Bill Root 

Roots Home Inspection
908 769-0028
908 917-0028
bill@rootshomeinspection.com 

 

 Visit us on the web at www.rootshomeinspection.com 

Top Five (5) Electrical Red Flags:
·        Knob Tube Wiring
·        Aluminum Wiring
·        Federal Pacific Electrical Panel
·        Fuse Box – instead of Circuit Breaker
·        Main Service under 100 amp
Bill is trained to identify these pit falls before the buyer’s home inspector puts up a red flag. Insurance companies require certification from an electrical contractor for the above issues
Other issues include

• Open junction boxes
  
• Outlets and switches missing covers
  
• Loose wires
  
• MULTITAP/S in the electrical panel

These items can be easily corrected. Call Roots Home Inspection for a pre-inspection of your listing and prevent the delays in the sales process.
Licensed Electrician referral – Hunter Electric (908) 654-0287 – jimhuntersr@comcast.net

 Compliments of Bill Root

    office 908 769-0028 
    cell    908 917-0028
 

    bill@rootshomeinspection.com
Find us on the web www.rootshomeinspection.com

Summer Heat and Attic Ventilation

Heat Rises. Rising heat will get trapped in the Attic, if proper ventilation in not in place. Attic ventilation includes:
 

              - Fans ( Roof, Peak, Whole House)
              – Vents (Soffit, Peak, Roof or Ridge)
              – Windows
    
Excessive heat, without ventilation, can lead to mold or delaminated sheathing.
 

Manual Solution – Open the windows periodically for ventilation. Clear clutter or blockage from vents. Unassisted Solution – Add vent or fan. Attic fans with a thermostat & humidistat help eliminate damaging moisture & heat.

Compliments of Bill Root Home Inspection
908 917-0028
908 789-1406
bill@rootshomeinspection.com
 

Find us on the web http://www.rootshomeinspection.com

Did you know that 1 1/2 inches of rain fall drops about 650 gallons of water on the average roof top. Roots Home inspection suggests you make the following check to help keep water away from the house & from penetrating foundation:

1) Check sealing around the exterior of the house. This includes the bed joint, and all windows, doors, and the siding materials.

2) Check that gutters are functioning correctly. Make sure all gutters elbows and down spouts are connected properly. Check that all gutters are free of leaves and other debris.

3) Add splash plates & extensions to the gutters and downspouts. Suggest adding 6 ft long downspout extensions. Downspouts concentrate all that water from in only a few spots and lead to water penetration.

4) Correct negative sloping of exterior ground. If the ground slopes towards the home’s foundation water can flow toward the house & causing a damp/wet basement or crawl space

5) Test your sump pump before the beginning of the rainy season. The most common time for a sump pump to fail is the first heavy rain; since it has not been used for months. Pour a bucket or two of water into the pit to test.

6) Add waterproof coating to basement foundation walls if needed.

If these steps do not eliminate the water penetration concerns, additional repairs/steps will be needed

Compliments of Bill Root……

908 917-0028

908 789-1406

Bill@rootshomeinspection.com

www.rootshomeinspection.com

1.      Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2.      Ensure pets won’t hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
3.      Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a “Light is inoperable” report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4.      Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
5.      Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
6.      Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as “conducive conditions” for termites.
7.      Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
8.      Unlock areas the inspector must access – attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
9.      Trim tree limbs to 10′ from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
10.  Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.
Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!

Post Compliments of :Bill Root
Roots Home Inspection
908 789-1406
908 917-0028
bbbroot@hotmail.com

Find us on the web at www.rootshomeinspection.com

The EPA has many interesting guides available online for consumers.  I have included this link to the RADON GUIDE for home buyers and sellers. Radon is a radioactive gas that is known to cause cancer. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. If radon levels are above what is considered safe there are ways to fix the problem. This guide also gives a few interesting facts on radon and possible health effects associated with exposure to radon.

Each year, fires kill more Americans than any other natural disaster. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 80% of fire deaths occur in residences. While no home can ever be completely fireproof, there are many steps you can take to greatly reduce the risk of fire for your family and your home:

Smoke detectors are the most important part of your home fire safety! Make sure your home has smoke detectors at least in every bedroom, and test them frequently.

Use appliances wisely. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that an appliance needs to be shut off and either repaired or replaced. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Never overload circuits or extension cords. Don’t place cords or wires under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.

Portable heaters need at least three feet of space from any combustible materials.

Fireplaces should be used with fire screens, and chimneys should have annual cleanings.

Have at least two fire extinguishers in your home, with one in a designated place in the kitchen.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.
Extinguish candles before going to bed or when leaving a room.

If smoking indoors, always use an ashtray and exercise caution. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S.

Properly inspect and maintain your home’s heating system. Poorly maintained heating systems cause many fires.

Consider the installation of a home sprinkler system. Such systems are now much more affordable and greatly diminish the risk of fire injuries.

These are just a few ways that you can make your home a safer place from fire. More information can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, www.usfa.fema.gov, or by contacting your local fire department.