Topics related to energy efficiency.

Why would a homeowner want an inspection performed if they aren’t selling their home?

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Introduction

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and stressful experiences you will ever encounter. You have so many questions about what to look for, who should handle the transaction, how to get the best financing terms, etc., that it can be easy to forget about other important details. One of these details is having a home inspection performed before closing on your new home. The benefits are numerous—from helping save money on repairs down the road to gaining peace of mind knowing everything works well at this current moment in time—and they’re all worth considering if you’re buying or selling real estate in any way shape or form!

Even if you aren’t selling your home, it is important to stay on top of necessary maintenance.

Even if you aren’t thinking about selling your home, it is important to stay on top of necessary maintenance. Regular inspections help you identify problems before they become serious and costly issues. A thorough inspection can also reveal hidden issues that may impact the value of your property.

A good inspector will find things that need attention now or in the future, so that when it comes time for an inspection again (or even when you go through the process of buying another home), there won’t be any surprises waiting for you!

The inspector will check for issues that could affect the value of your home.

The inspector will check for issues that could affect the value of your home. If you’re selling, you want to make sure the home is in good shape so that it will sell quickly and for top dollar. If you aren’t selling and just want to keep a comfortable living environment, then an inspection can help identify problems that could cause health issues or even lead to fire hazards (which would not only be dangerous but also cost money).

If there are no major issues with your house after an inspection, then one less thing has been taken care of before moving forward with any other plans!

When you have an inspection performed, a list of the items inspected is provided and shows you what needs attention.

There are many reasons why you should have an inspection performed on your home. If you’re planning to sell the property, having it inspected can help ensure that the house you are selling is in good condition. The inspector will provide a list of items that need attention, whether they be repairs or maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters or replacing filters in HVAC systems. This way, when potential buyers come through for their walkthroughs, there aren’t any surprises waiting for them!

If you’re not planning on selling but would like some peace of mind about what condition your home is currently in (or isn’t), then getting an inspection done could be useful too! It’s important for homeowners everywhere – regardless if they’ve recently bought their first home or have been living there for decades – because we never really know when something may break down unexpectedly until after it happens…and by then it might be too late.”

An inspection can give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in good working order.

The main reason to get a home inspection is peace of mind. If you know that everything is in good working order, there’s no need to worry about future problems or expensive repairs.

When buying a house, it’s easy to have blinders on when looking at the property itself–you can get caught up in how beautiful it is and forget that there may be issues hiding behind closed doors or under the floorboards. A professional home inspector will go through every inch of your house with a fine-toothed comb, checking for leaks and cracks in pipes; noting any wear and tear on electrical fixtures; inspecting windowsills for rot; looking under sinks for signs of water damage (and making sure they’re properly secured); etc…They’ll even check things like light switches/outlets/circuits for safety issues (such as loose connections), which could potentially save you from having an electrical fire down the road!

A homeowner should always keep up with routine maintenance checks on their property’s systems, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing, energy efficiency, electrical wiring and more.

Regular inspections can help you keep your home in good shape and prevent major problems. They also allow you to stay on top of important maintenance tasks, such as replacing the air filters or checking faucets for leaks. Finally, they allow you to find out what needs attention before it becomes an emergency–and that’s especially important if you live in an older home with aging systems.

If there is any damage during an inspection, it may be minor enough that repairs are affordable without selling your house (for example, repairing a cracked window pane). But if more serious issues arise during an inspection–such as mold growth caused by water damage–you may need more money than what you could get from selling your house at this time (or perhaps ever). In this case, having access to funds from other sources could mean the difference between being able to fix these issues or being stuck living with them indefinitely

Conclusion

So, the next time you think about having an inspection performed on your home, don’t let the thought of selling it stop you. Even if you aren’t planning on moving anytime soon, it’s always a good idea to stay on top of your property’s maintenance needs and get them taken care of before they become major problems that cost more money than expected. And who knows? Maybe this little checkup will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in good working order!

8 Most Common Issues Found on Home Inspections

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Introduction

The purchase of a home is often the largest investment you’ll ever make. It’s also a huge responsibility—one that comes with many considerations and anxieties. You have to consider how much you can afford, whether your family will like the neighborhood, and even how many bedrooms are in the house. One thing that doesn’t always get as much attention is making sure that your new home isn’t falling apart before you even move into it! That’s where home inspections come in: they’re an opportunity for professionals to look over your potential new property and give you peace of mind about any issues they find that could pose problems later down the road (like water damage or mold growth). However, not all issues found on home inspections are created equal—some can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars to fix while others aren’t as costly or even necessary for repair. So what exactly should a buyer expect when having their new abode inspected? Below we outline eight common issues found during home inspections:

Mold growth

Mold growth can be dangerous, and a home inspector will look for signs of it during inspections. Mold is common in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or crawl spaces. It can also be found growing on walls or ceilings as well as in carpets or on furniture.

Mold can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. In rare cases, it may even lead to more serious infections like eye infections or skin rashes (also known as allergic contact dermatitis). If you have an allergy to mold then this is something that should be considered when looking at homes with potential mold issues.

Mold grows best in warm temperatures so inspecting your home during fall/winter months will help you identify any possible sources of moisture before they start growing out of control over the next few months!

Water leaks

Water leaks are a common problem in homes, and they can often be difficult to detect. There are several different types of water leaks that can occur:

  • Leaks around windows and doors
  • Leaks from the roof or ceiling
  • Leakage on pipes or under sink fixtures

Water leaks can lead to mold growth, mildew growth, rotting wood, structural damage, and even electrical problems. Water leaks should be checked for as soon as possible because if left untreated for too long it could cause foundation issues or flooding.

Insulation deficiencies

Insulation is a must for energy efficiency. Adding insulation to your home can help you save on heating and cooling costs. You may want to consider insulating an existing home or adding insulation to a new home. Insulation can be added to the attic, walls, and floors of your home. If you have a basement, you may also want to add insulation there so that it stays dryer than normal basements tend to be

Electrical problems

Electrical problems can be a fire hazard, and they’re not always easy to fix.

  • Electrical problems are fairly common, but they can also be expensive to fix.
  • It’s best to try and avoid electrical problems by planning ahead and having your home inspected before you buy it.

Cracked foundation problems

Foundation cracks can be caused by a number of issues, including:

  • Poor drainage
  • Water pressure from irrigation systems
  • Ground shifts that occur over time due to changes in soil temperature, moisture levels and erosion

If your home inspector finds cracks around your foundation, there are many ways to repair them. The cost of repair will depend on the size and depth of the cracks. Cracks can also be an indicator of other foundation issues so it’s important for you to contact an expert who can assess whether or not your home needs additional work done.

Negative drainage

Negative drainage is when water flows away from the house. This can lead to basement or crawlspace moisture, which can damage your property and be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

A home inspector must look for signs of negative drainage, including:

  • Poorly draining front and backyard areas that show standing water after a rainstorm.
  • Sunken areas in your lawn, indicating poor grading or surface drain problems.

Although it’s hard to fix this issue without major renovations, there are a few things you can do to prevent it:

Landscaping problems

If you’re considering installing a water feature or plan to build a deck, you should be aware that many homeowners make the mistake of not having proper drainage in place. This can result in water pooling on your property, which can lead to ponding and soggy soil that alters the landscape’s appearance and potentially damages your house’s foundation.

Another common landscaping problem is an overgrown lawn or garden. If there are large areas where grass has been allowed to grow without being mowed or trimmed for some time, it may be difficult for you to maintain your yard properly going forward because it will require more attention than would otherwise be necessary during this time period when you are trying hard to keep up with all of your other duties as well as handle any renovation projects underway at home such as kitchen remodeling projects that require new cabinets installed throughout much larger areas than originally anticipated before starting work so there was no room left over from our initial estimate given by another contractor who didn’t know what they were doing

Plumbing leaks

If you have a plumbing leak, it could be costing you more than just the water bill. A leaking pipe can cause damage to your home and even lead to mold growth. Plumbing leaks are often hard to spot, so it’s important that your inspector checks for them during their inspection of your home.

  • What causes plumbing leaks?

The most common cause of a plumbing leak is when a pipe becomes corroded or otherwise damaged over time. This can happen due to age, wear and tear from being exposed to harsh chemicals or high heat (such as hot water heaters), or simply poor installation practices by subcontractors at the time of construction/remodeling projects.

Common issues found during home inspections are sometimes costly to fix.

Common issues found during home inspections are sometimes costly to fix.

  • Mold: This can be an expensive problem, depending on the severity of it. You may need to replace drywall or flooring and possibly the entire bathroom if it’s not salvageable.
  • Water leaks: If your home has a leaky roof or plumbing issue, you will likely incur significant damage in your home over time from water damage and mold growth.
  • Insulation deficiencies: If your attic isn’t insulated properly, your utility bills could skyrocket by $200-$300 per month!
  • Electrical problems: Electrical shorts/faults often lead to fire hazards as well as shorted-out appliances like lights or electrical outlets that cause them not to function properly at all! Be sure these issues are fixed so they don’t become a problem later on down the road!

Conclusion

Home inspections are beneficial for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can get an idea of what’s wrong with a house before they buy it, while sellers can take advantage of their knowledge to make necessary repairs in order to sell their homes quickly at the best price possible. If you want to avoid spending money on costly repairs later down the road, it may be worth getting one done right now!

How to change your furnace filter

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Introduction

When it comes to the comfort of your home, there are few things more important than a properly functioning furnace filter. It keeps the air in your house clean, so you don’t have to worry about dust or other debris circulating throughout your abode. Regularly changing the filters in your furnace is essential for maintaining good air quality, but you should also make sure that you’re replacing them with the right size and type of filter. Changing out your filter regularly will ensure that it continues to work properly and protect against pollutants from entering into your home’s interior space.

Turn off the electricity to your furnace.

  • Shut off the power to your furnace.
  • If you have access to the breaker box, turn off that circuit breaker for a minute or two.
  • If there is an electrical fuse box in your home, pull out any fuses in that circuit and leave them out for a few minutes.
  • Open up the filter compartment of your furnace and remove the old filter (if applicable), making sure to put it somewhere safe where it won’t get dirty or damaged while replacing it with a new one later on!
  • Carefully remove as much dust and debris from the inside as possible by brushing around with a broom handle until all visible buildup has been removed from within before installing new filter(s). Be careful not to damage any other parts like wiring when doing so though!

Locate your furnace filter.

The first step to changing your furnace filter is locating it. You will find the furnace filter in one of three places:

  • In the air ducts (where warm air travels from the furnace through holes in the ductwork)
  • In a return vent for an individual room or zone within your home (these are often located near windows or doors)
  • In an air return (a large, box-like structure that collects and distributes cooled air throughout your home)

Remove the old filter.

  • Remove the old filter.
  • Unscrew the filter from its housing, and pull it out of the unit. You may have to clean off any dust or dirt that’s accumulated on either side of the filter before you remove it from its holder; this will make installation easier later on.
  • Install a new one—and don’t forget to clean it first!

If you skipped step 1, go ahead and do this now: install a new furnace filter with your hands or pliers (if necessary). If not done already, wipe down both sides of the new filter for easier installation next time around. Don’t forget about cleaning off any excess dust/dirt from both sides of your current furnace and its housing unit before proceeding to Step 3 below!

Check your owner’s manual for the right size and type of filter you need.

Check your owner’s manual for the right size and type of filter you need. If you don’t know where your owner’s manual is, check with the manufacturer or ask someone who works at a hardware store where they might keep records of which filters work best with their equipment.

Install the new filter with the arrows pointing toward the blower motor.

  • Make sure you have the right size filter. The filter should be slightly larger than your furnace’s air inlet opening.
  • Make sure you have the right type of filter. Use a pleated or high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) filter for best results, as they are specifically designed to trap dust and other particles that may otherwise circulate through your home or office. Some filters come with center grids while others do not; if you’re unsure which arrangement is best for your home, consult with an HVAC technician before purchasing replacements.
  • Make sure you have the right filters for your furnace. Don’t forget about any other heating systems in your home—you’ll also need replacement filters for those!

Replace the doors or panels on your furnace and restore power to your furnace.

  • If you have a gas or oil furnace, check the pilot light first to see if it’s working properly.
  • Turn on your circuit breaker and flip the main switch back on; this should restore power to your furnace.
  • Wait at least 15 minutes before trying to turn on your furnace again—this gives time for all of its components to cool down and allows them to operate properly again when turned back on.

Mark your calendar for when you need to replace it next time, using a highlighter or other marker that will remind you how long it’s been since the last replacement.

Mark your calendar for when you need to replace it next time, using a highlighter or other marker that will remind you how long it’s been since the last replacement.

  • Use a calendar. If there are no markings on your filter, use a pencil to mark the date of its last change in large letters on the top or side of the filter.
  • Make a note on your phone, tablet or computer. A reminder might say something like “Change furnace filter” along with today’s date, or just “Filter.”

Wash out any air registers in your home that are dusty, at least once a year, more often if you have pets or smokers in your house.

Changing your furnace filter is a great way to keep your home comfortable, but it’s also important to know when you should replace it. Here are the guidelines for how often you should change your filters:

Every month – if you have pets or smokers in the house

Every 3 months – if dust is noticeable on surfaces around your house (like floors)

Every 6 months – if mold has formed on walls or ceilings

Every 12 months – if there are cracks in the paint or woodwork of your home

Every 2 years – if you have allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems that might be exacerbated by dust and pollen particles in the air you breathe; if there is visible mold growth inside; if there are signs of distress on window sills etc., such as peeling wallpaper or wallpaper curling up at edges; or if homeowners hire professional cleaning services to clean their homes more than once per year

MERV ratings aren’t everything but changing your filters correctly is essential.

MERV ratings aren’t everything but changing your filters correctly is essential. MERV ratings are based on particle size and not the type of filter.

You need to change your filters regularly.

Need help buying the correct furnace filters?

We found this site to be particularly useful when researching filter efficacy and efficiency. You can find it HERE.

Conclusion

Replacing your filter is one of the easiest ways to improve the air quality in your home. It’s also one of the most affordable and effective ways to keep your furnace running smoothly for years to come. If you’re not sure how often to change it, consult your owner’s manual or call someone who can advise you on whether it needs replacing now or later.

Free 30-day Home Warranty!

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Guard Home Warranty

3 Arrows Property Inspection has teamed up with Guard Home Warranty – one of the largest home warranty companies in North America to offer FREE 30-day home warranties to all of our inspection clients!

What is a Home Warranty and how does it work?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of appliances and home systems that break down over time. From air conditioning systems to kitchen appliances, home warranty plans help cover damage and malfunction caused by everyday wear and tear. When something that is covered by a home warranty contract breaks down, the homeowner puts in a Service Request Ticket with us and then selects a licensed service provider of their choice to examine the problem. If it’s determined that the needed repair or replacement is covered by the warranty, we will authorize the contractor to complete the work. As a covered homeowner, you only pay a small service call fee, similar to a deductible.

What are some of the benefits of a Home Warranty?

Home warranties are a hedge against expensive repairs and the uncertainty that inevitably comes with homeownership. By budgeting a little every month for the coverage, you can be protected against large financial costs by having to repair or replace the major systems in your home like the furnace, water heater, electrical panel, etc. Good home warranties even cover appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. A few years ago the compressor failed in my refrigerator and I was told by a local repairman that it would be over $900 to repair! Thankfully we had a home warranty that covered the repair and when it failed again, Guard Home Warranty came to the rescue and made it right by replacing the refrigerator.

No one wants to purchase a home only to have the air conditioning system (A/C) break in the middle of their first summer living there. Home warranties are designed to give you peace of mind about things like that.

Here’s how a Guard Home Warranty can help:

  • Protects you from unplanned expenses. A warranty could help you cover the cost of repairing expensive appliances and systems that break down when you don’t have the money to cover it yourself.
  • Saves you time and hassle. If a home system or appliance breaks, all you have to do is make a claim with your warranty company and they’ll handle the rest. You don’t have to waste time collecting contractor quotes or tinkering with repairs yourself.

Forbes magazine recently published an article about the benefits of home warranties. Perhaps they are a good fit for your home and your family! Scan the QR code to sign up today!

Summer Home Maintenance Tips

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With the end of summer looming on the distant horizon (we aren’t excited either) there are some things we can do to help maintain and improve the value of our home.

1. Check your roof and your home’s exterior and make any necessary repairs.

Your roof system is the second most expensive component in a house (next to your foundation) and protects not only the structure but also the home’s contents. Start with inspecting around the eaves for loose debris that might have accumulated there. Whenever you see gunk or leaves, collect and remove it. Next, inspect your roof’s flashing or metal strips typically found around chimneys, vents, satellite dishes, and skylights. It can loosen during a harsh rainstorm or hailstorm, causing potential water leakage. Finally, inspect the covering itself – the shingles, tiles, or metal panels. Check for impact damage, loose sections or fasteners backing out. If you do climb up there – please be careful or hire a competent professional to check it out on your behalf.

2. Give your deck a once-over.

Check your deck system for any rot or age-related damage. Have them replaced. Pour water on your deck to see if the boards should be resealed. If the water beads into small puddles, it is okay. If it sinks into the wood, you should reseal it to protect against water damage. This is also a good time to check for loose fasteners or evidence the deck could be pulling away from the house.

3. Clean your grill

Gas grills: Close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about half an hour. Then, let the grill cool. Use a grill brush to sweep the inside and wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner. Then clean out all the drip trays.

Charcoal grills: Empty the grill racks and wipe away any dust or residue. Use hot water, dish soap, a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill. Be sure to let your dry all surfaces before using it next.

4. Give your lawnmower a tune-up

Keeping your lawnmower in top shape will help avoid performance issues and help increase reliability. The grassy buildup in your lawnmower can invite rust and clog the discharge chute, leaving clumps on your lawn. Routine cleaning can help ward off future problems, so take time this month to do a checkup. Disconnect the spark plug and remove the blade before dislodging debris with a putty knife and wire brush. Use a hose to spray away any remaining clippings.

5. Upgrade old windows and doors. Replace damaged screens.

Windows should shut properly to maintain temperature control. Check the caulking or sealant around indoor and outdoor windows and replace if necessary. Also check for water stains on with windowsills as well.

6. Schedule a cleaning for your HVAC system

Reaching out to your HVAC contractor now could help increase air conditioning efficiency and nip any heating issues before it gets too cold outside. Ensure that the fan is functioning well, the coils are clean, there isn’t faulty wiring that could cause a fire and pay particular attention to the noises the appliance is making. If it doesn’t sound correct – it probably isn’t! Don’t forget to change your filter. Here is a great website digging a little deeper into HVAC maintenance.

7. Power wash the outside of your home.

The Tennessee heat and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow faster on your home’s exterior, particularly if you have vinyl siding. Use a power washer with a mildew remover compatible with your siding.

8. Prune your flowers, bushes, and trees. Add new additions to your garden.

If you were unable to get to your home’s garden during the spring, it’s not too late! The summer is a fantastic time to work on your green thumb, to beautify the appearance of your home. Consider adding mulch to the garden beds, which create a clean appearance. Mulch reduces weeds and locks in moisture, keeping plants healthier during the hot temps. Also, prune flowers, bushes, and trees, so they’re away from your home’s exterior, roof, and central AC unit.

9. Check your home’s insulation.

This is particularly important for homes more than 15 years old. You can find insulation issues pretty much anywhere throughout your house, from the front door to the attic, to cracks in your garage door (especially if the garage is attached). With higher cooling costs in the summer, now is time to seal any insulation gaps you may encounter. Adding insulation is a great low-cost method of lowering your heating and A/C bills.

10. Inspect your attic and crawlspace

Check both the crawlspace and attic for evidence of pests, insects, water damage, mold, or mildew. Turn off the lights to check for any sign of peeking daylight. Sunlight visible through gaps in flashing could allow insects or water intrusion. Crawlspaces are particularly prone to humidity-related issues as well.

Be an all-season homeowner with these useful tips. Maintaining your home during the heat of summer is just as crucial as other seasons. If you would like a professional inspection of your home to help guide you in maintaining your home, please book an inspection today!

Thomas Recke, ACI

ASHI Certified Inspector

Owner of 3 Arrows Property Inspection

Taking Care of Your Attic

attic

Care for Your Attic & Your Attic Will Care For You!

Your home is most likely one of the largest investments if not THE largest in your lifetime. Maintaining your investment is important to both you and your bottom line. Taking care of your attic is critical in ensuring the long-term comfort and longevity of your home. Learning what to look for and how to properly maintain your attic is simple when part of a regular homeowner maintenance plan. Here are a few helpful tips.

Keep it Cool!

Attics are HOT in the summer. Tennessee attics have it even worse with our elevated humidity and hot temperatures in the spring and summer months. Ensuring proper ventilation is key and will help prolong your attic structure and components (sheathing, framing members and even the shingles) and help keep your cooling bills under control Check to make sure your soffit vents (if present) are free of obstructions and screened off to prevent rodent and insect entry. If your roof is more than 15-20 years old, additional ventilation can be added or even a mechanical vent fan to help force air changeouts too.

Fix Gaps and Openings

A leaky roof encourages rodent and insect intrusion and nesting, water damage and rot and it can also help introduce allergens into your living space. Check your attic for any gaps, which can cause a host of structural problems elsewhere in your living space if left untreated. Additionally, have a professional come out frequently to inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles.

Keep It Insulated

Insulation is critical to help your home conserve energy and maximize comfort. Proper insulation can also extend the lifespan of your roof covering or shingles. Although you may already have insulation, it could be damaged, compacted or old, so make sure to inspect it periodically. If necessary, add some more insulation – you should always have at least 10 inches of fiberglass or cellulose or even a bit more like 12 to 16 inches would be beneficial. Here is a great article from This Old House.

Locate and Remove Pests

Rodents and pests are always on the lookout for a new home. Careful preparation can help make sure you don’t have any unwanted free loaders! If you believe you may have critters living in your attic void, call a team of professionals to safely and effectively remove them.

Identify and Remove Asbestos

Some insulation materials from the early 1900s can contain asbestos. You can learn more at the EPA’s informational website. If your house was built in the early 1900s and you believe you might have asbestos insulation, give us or a qualified contractor a call to check it out. Since asbestos exposure can be a big problem, eliminating it from your home will ensure your family’s safety.

As always, 3 Arrows Property Inspection is here to help. If we can be of service in anyway, please give us a call and let us know what we can do.