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13Oct
3 Things to Avoid When Hiring a Home Inspector

3 Things to Avoid When Hiring a Home Inspector

So, you are planning to buy a house? Well, it is a big investment and you don’t want to end up making the wrong choice. So, your first step should be hiring a home inspector. 

A house inspector will inspect your house. It helps in assessing the house before purchasing it and avoiding any unwanted or costly surprises. Starting from the ceiling to flooring along with plumbing and air supply has to be checked to ensure it is functioning efficiently. 

If you don’t have the right experience and training, you should not perform a home inspection all by yourself. But if you hire a professional home inspector, an experienced and qualified person will check out each system and area of the house that is often missed by a real estate agent or a home buyer. 

When you get the home inspection report from the home inspector, you can be confident about buying the house or renegotiating by taking into account the repair cost. In fact, a majority of the homeowners depend on the home inspector to tell them whether to buy the house or not. The report from the inspector is sure to point them in the right direction. 

Buyers or sellers tend to look for a home inspector who they think will tell them just what they want to hear. However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to sway the client in a certain direction. They inspect the house and report while leaving the decision in the hands of the clients. 

However, to make sure that you are getting a legit report, you need to ensure you are hiring the right home inspectors. If you fail to hire the right inspector, it will lead to improper assessment or inspection of the property you are willing to purchase. 

In order to select the right home inspector, here are some basic errors you need to avoid. 

1. Hiring on the Basis of Price

In case you select the home inspector quoting the lowest price on a home inspection and is considerably lower than the average price, you should expect a below-average inspection of the property. Obviously, this is not something you want. 

A professional home inspector is certified by a personal home inspector association. They have to be registered with the regional real estate board, have the needed tools, inspection camera, and reporting software. In order to be certified, a professional inspector has to spend a lot of money. So, you need to consider this when you are hiring a home inspector. Avoid hiring the cheapest inspector. 

2. Hiring Your Realtor’s Preferred Home Inspector 

Since you are the buyer, it is your choice and responsibility to choose the home inspector. Be that as it may, when you are working with a realtor, several agents keep a list of the home inspectors that they recommend to their clients. 

But a real estate agent who is ethical will not try to sway you towards a specific inspector. In fact, if the buyer asks, they are going to provide a short list of inspectors that they have already worked with and are confident recommending. But the list of the inspectors by your real estate agent might leave out many qualified inspectors. Moreover, if they are maintaining a list of vendors, there is a possibility that the vendors have paid a fee to the broker or the real estate agent. 

Hiring the inspector suggested by the real estate agent might not be the worth thing to do. However, it is always better to do your due diligence and look for an inspector on the basis of your expectations and needs. 

3. Not Having an Idea about What to Expect from the Inspector

You might be hiring a home inspector for the first time but you need to know what to look for in a home inspector. 

For instance, a standard inspection takes about 2-3 hours but it might take more time based on the home size. So, when you are looking for a home inspector, you should ask him/her for an adequate timetable.

Buying a home is a considerable home investment and you have to be sure of how well the last owners have taken care of things. Thus, it is understandable to expect a thorough inspection from the home inspector. It should cover every little of the property, including the mold or lead paint. 

Before hiring an inspector, you need to ensure what the inspection covers. Usually, a property inspection isn’t accompanied by foundation analysis, checking of termites, or completes roof inspection. You can ask the inspector you are considering to provide you with a sample inspection report. It will help you to learn what standard inspection is. Also, it will help in understanding the questions you should ask the inspector you want to hire. 

Bottom Line

The home inspection industry has transformed and evolved with time. So, before you hire the right inspector, you need to take several things into account. Gut inspection tends to reveal a lot when it comes to the instant of the person. However, basing your decision just on instincts might not be a good idea. To avoid making mistakes, you should check references. After reading this review, you might have a wealth of information but it always helps to find what the previous customers of the inspector have to say about him/her. Check the referrals and then reach out to them. If you want, you can also check out the testimonial section. 

To hire the right home inspector to make sure that you avoid the mistakes given above. It is always recommended that you only purchase a home after getting it inspected. It helps in finding the outstanding problems that have to be addressed before the property deal is complete. Also, after hiring the inspector, do not simply leave the inspection to him/her. Make sure you attend the inspection along with a professional. This gives necessary insight into the results.

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24Sep
What To Look For In A Home Inspector

What To Look For In A Home Inspector

Finding the right home inspector for your house’s home inspection is no easy feat. From price to training and experience, there is a variety of variables one should consider when it comes to choosing a home inspector. Choosing the right home inspector can be the difference between having a quality home inspection and having a subpar inspection. But in order to find the right home inspector, you must know what to look out for. Here are a few things to look for in a home inspector. 

Certifications 

Every home inspection agency should have a variety of certifications that prove their efficiency in home inspections. These certifications can be earned in various fields, such as certifications to inspect homes in certain states, mold certifications, and even a certification for a radon inspection. Over the past several years, Sound Structure Home Inspection has earned a number of certificates that prove its efficiency and experience within the home inspection field. Their certifications include but are not limited to: 

  • Florida Home Inspection License 
  • Certified Mold Inspector
  • Community Association Manager 
  • Florida Wood Destroying Organism Inspector 
  • Home Advisor Certified 
  • HVAC 2-Year Certification 
  • Wind Mitigation Inspector 

These certifications prove that Sound Structure Home Inspection is truly an industry leader when it comes to home inspections. 

Don’t Let Your Real Estate Agent Sway You 

Sooner or later, everyone will need a real estate agent to help them sell their house. But that doesn’t mean that real estate agents always have your best interests in mind. When it comes to selling a home, real estate agents only want to make a final successful deal, and sometimes this involves choosing a home inspector. A home inspection may bring up issues that may not have been discussed or realized previously. This can sometimes delay the sale of a house and thus delaying your real estate agent’s payday. Unless you deeply trust your real estate agent, you should choose a home inspector on your own. 

Consider The Services Offered 

Usually, home inspectors offer a variety of services that exceed the initial home inspection. From mold testing to radon testing, home inspectors can be certified in a number of areas. Sound Structure Home Inspection offers numerous services for its clients. These areas are service include: 

  • Initial Home Inspection 
  • Mold Inspection
  • Radon Inspection 
  • Wind Mitigation 
  • Home Advisement 
  • HVAC Maintenance 

These services further prove the amount of hard work and experience that Sound Structure Home Inspection has in the world of home inspections. 

Pricing 

A home inspection shouldn’t break the bank or put a dent in your wallet. Taking pricing into consideration when choosing the right home inspector is incredibly important when examining the worth and value of your home. Sound Structure Home Inspection offers a variety of financing options that will help you get the best possible home inspection at an affordable and reasonable price. Pricing changes depending on the amount of square footage for your home, but they always come in at an affordable price. 

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10Sep
Fireplace Safety Tips For Families

Fireplace Safety Tips For Families

When winter comes around, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a breathing fire to keep warm. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic night in or for some late-night smores with the entire family. And while a fireplace is a perfect centerpiece for any living room, it can also bring a handful of hazards and dangers to your home. From a potential fire to tainted air supply, a fireplace needs to be taken care of in order to avoid certain risks. Here are a few fireplace safety tips to keep you and your family safe and secure. 

Keep A Window Cracked Open 

It’s no secret that fires create smoke. And it doesn’t take a genius to recognize that it’s harder to breathe in a room filled with smoke. It’s usually recommended to keep a window close to the fire cracked so that the smoke from the fire has some sort of exit within your house. Keeping a window cracked open while starting a fire is an excellent way of keeping your home’s air clean and safe to breathe in. 

Inspect Your Chimney Periodically 

You can’t have a fireplace without a chimney. This is why your chimney should be checked and inspected on a regular basis. Before winter comes around, it’s usually recommended to have your chimney inspected for any cracks in the foundation, loose bricks, or even missing mortars. If not appropriately inspected, all of these problems could lead to future hazards for both your chimney and fireplace. A roof inspection is typically included in most home inspections. 

Trim The Limbs Off Your Wood 

Most homeowners use tree branches and outside twigs as firewood to fuel their home fires. But while this is a free option that can save you money on firewood, most branches come with multiple limbs hanging off the central branch. It’s important to trim these limbs off before placing your wood in the fireplace due to the fact that they can result in a fire hazard as well as restricting proper draft airflow in your fireplace. Trimming the limbs of your firewood is highly recommended when it comes to using outside branches as firewood. 

Use A Fireplace Guard 

Sometimes, while tending to a fire inside, embers and pieces of wood will fly out of the fireplace, resulting in a possible fire. A fireplace guard is used to keep your home safe from these wayward embers. It is usually recommended that you never burn wood without a fireplace guard to avoid a possible fire hazard. A fireplace guard acts as a sort of protection for both your house and your fireplace. It eliminates the possibility of embers or pieces of firewood from falling out of your fireplace and into your house. This reduces the chances of a possible fire or any other hazards. 

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27Aug
Preparing For A Home Inspection

Preparing For A Home Inspection

Everyone likes to be prepared. Whether it’s prepping for an interview for a job you really need or studying all night to ace your algebra final, being prepared has always helped anyone out in a bind. But there’s one thing we forget to prepare for: our home inspections. No matter how stable or clean your home is, every home will need a home inspection at one time or another. A home inspection is used to determine the value and worth of a home being sold. Aspects of a home such as mold, stability, and even radon levels are examined during a home inspection. But how does one make sure that their home is up to standard before the examination? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to preparing your house for a home inspection. 

Provide Open Access 

Home inspections or thorough and detail-orientated. So it’s best to make sure that the home inspector has easy access to the entire house. This means clearing the clutter away from areas such as the basement, attic, and even under all of your sinks. A home inspector’s job is not an easy one, so make sure to make it easier for them by doing the proper cleaning beforehand. 

Check Your Roof Beforehand 

A roof is one of the most important aspects of any home. Without it, we would all be susceptible to the exterior forces outside our homes. Hiring a roof inspector before a home inspection is an excellent way of ensuring that your roof is up to date and in tip-top shape. Whether or not you get a roof inspector before your home inspection, a home inspector will spend a considerable amount of time inspecting your roof, so it’s best to make sure that your roof is presentable. 

Replace All Of Your Dead Light Bulbs 

Home inspectors will check all of your light bulbs, and if they find any dead ones, they may suspect that it is due to faulty wiring, which will lead to points against your home’s value. Avoid this by taking time out of your day to making sure that all of your home’s light bulbs are working fine and that they are all in order. 

Make Sure All Of Your Toilets Are Running Properly 

One of the most annoying problems a home can have is a running toilet. And you better expect your home inspector to inspect each and every toilet in your home thoroughly. While running toilets are common problems that we tend to ignore, they can also take away from your home’s overall value during a home inspection. Fixing a running toilet is easy and inexpensive, so it’s a good idea to make sure that all of your toilets are fixed before your home inspection. 

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30Jul
Sound Structure Home Inspection Services

Sound Structure Home Inspection Services

Every business is just the sum of what they offer their consumer base. It’s the products or services you offer that make your business stand out from the competition. This is why Sound Structure Home Inspection takes great pride in the variety of services we provide for our clients at affordable and reasonable rates. From radon testing to the actual home inspection, Sound Structure offers services for homeowners of any kind. We strive to be the best and to deliver the best possible service matched with excellent customer care. Here are just a few of the services that Sound Structure Home Inspection has to offer. 

Radon Testing 

In the past, we’ve discussed the dangerous side effects and hazards of radon and the importance of a radon test. There is a wide range of hazardous effects of radon, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and even lung cancer. For those unaware of the sometimes lethal gas, radon is a gas that naturally occurs outside and can seep into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. While radon is seemingly harmless outside, when it becomes compacted in the confines of a small house, it can become deadly. What makes radon so scary is that it cannot be seen or smelled, so a professional test is necessary for determining your house’s radon levels. Sound Structure Home Inspection offers its service of radon testing at a one-time fee of $170. Keep your family and home safe with Sound Structure’s in-depth radon testing. 

Mold Inspection 

Mold exposure is sure to deplete your home’s overall value and worth on the market. Unfortunately, mold is incredibly common in both homes and apartments. It usually grows in areas with a lot of moisture, such as leaks and pipes. Mold grows especially well on objects such as cardboard, ceiling tiles, and even wood products. Like radon, mold can lead to a number of health side effects and other dangerous hazards. Some of these side effects include heavy sneezing, runny noses, and even asthma attacks. Mainly those with chronic lung disease, children, and the elderly are most affected by mold exposure. Unlike radon, mold can be both smelt and seen, so this gives you an ample amount of time to figure out a solution for the problem. Sound Structure Home Inspection offers a mold inspection for two different prices. It is only $225 when you purchase both a mold inspection and a home inspection but $325 when you purchase just the mold inspection. 

Home Inspection 

The service that Sound Structure is most known for is our home inspection service. As we’ve said before in previous posts, a home inspection is vital to determining the true worth and value of ones’ home. A passing home inspection can be used as leverage whenever it comes time to put your home on the market. Many aspects of a home are examined during a home inspection, such as roofing materials, crawl space safety, and even cracks and holes in the home’s foundation. Depending on your home’s square footage, Sound Structure offers home inspections for a variety of prices. 

 

 

 

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14Jul
Preventing Drowning And Other Pool Dangers

Preventing Drowning And Other Pool Dangers

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Kids running around everywhere, making it impossible to watch them all. The loud screams and splashes of water synchronizing to the point where you can’t tell if those screams are happy anymore. It’s a scene that would make even the strongest of us a complete nervous wreck. Yes, we’re talking about your typical backyard pool party. What’s supposed to be a relaxing act of leisure ends up becoming a stressful, frenetic mess. So why do we put ourselves through it then? 

There is a variety of precautions one can take in order to make their pool a safe environment for the whole neighborhood. From building a fence alongside the edge of your pool to installing a pool alarm to prevent your kids from swimming at any time, there are multiple ways of protecting your loved ones from the dangers of a pool. Here are a few tips on preventing drowning and other pool dangers. 

Take Swimming Lessons With The Whole Family 

The best way of avoiding accidental drowning is to ensure that your entire family knows how to swim in the first place. Taking swimming lessons is an excellent way of learning how to swim safely and efficiently. It’s also a great opportunity to share a fun activity with your entire family. Swimming lessons are constantly offered at affordable rates at local and public pools, your local YMCA, the USA swimming chapter, and even the community parks and recreation department. So beat the heat for next summer by getting prepared with local swimming lessons. Not only is it fun, but it may just save a life as well. 

Install Proper Barriers And Covers For Your Pool 

Installing barriers around or over your pool is another great way of preventing accidental drowning. Whether it be a simple four-foot-high fence or an extensive covering to put over your pool when not in use, installing a proper and sturdy barrier is the only way of preventing smaller kids from using your pool when you’re not around. There are specific rules and recommendations that come along with building a fence around your pool. First off, it’s usually recommended that your fence is no taller than four feet and is entirely climb-proof from young children. It’s also important to carefully consider where you install your fence’s door latch. Most builders recommend installing the door latch at least 54 inches from the ground. This way, most young children are unable to reach the latch to open the fence door. 

Install Pool Alarms 

Most drownings go unnoticed until it is too late. This is because young children who drown are unable to scream or yell for the help of their parents or chaperone. Installing a pool alarm is the perfect way to be alerted to any accidental drownings before it is too late. Most swimming pool alarms can detect the waves coming off the water’s surface and alert you when any disturbances or strange occurrences. 

 

 

 

 

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02Jul
Types Of Home Inspections You Should Be Aware Of

Types Of Home Inspections You Should Be Aware Of

Every home soon after a while will need a home inspection. But depending on the issues at hand, you might not know what kind of home inspection your house will need. There is a variety of problems that every home experiences from time to time. Issues such as mold, radon, and even pest control can occur within any house. And the type of home inspection your house needs depends entirely on the sort of problem your home is experiencing. While there is always the option of having one extensive home inspection cover every base of your home, it’s crucial to have singular inspections for specific problems periodically. Here are some of the home inspections that every homeowner should be aware of.

Roof Inspections 

The one thing every home has is a roof. And the one thing they all share is that they experience normal wear and tear from time to time. From broken gutters to poor installation and blistering to leaks, various problems come along with roof installation. Water leaks are one of the most common and annoying issues that come along with ceilings. These leaks can result in damage to both your walls and roof, leaving behind nasty water stains that are next to impossible to cover up. Leaky chimneys are another common problem with most roofs. Leaking chimneys can result in water stains and other markings on both your chimney and walls. Having a roof inspection every so often is an excellent way of avoiding these roofing problems and ensuring that you have a stable roof over your head. 

Mold Inspection 

Whether you want to admit it or not, no home is perfect. This is especially true with homes that find themselves infested with mold. In the past, we’ve spoken extensively about mold and the side effects it can have on you and your home. Mold can result in multiple health defects as well as diminish the value and worth of your home. It is usually recommended that you get a mold inspection the moment you spot mold within your home. The quicker you solve your mold issue, the least amount of damage the mold can cause. For more information on a mold inspection, click here.

Radon Testing 

Like mold inspection, we have spoken about radon testing extensively in a previous blog post. And like mold, radon is a dangerous breakdown of radioactive elements from the earth. However, what makes it worse than mold is the fact that radon can neither be seen nor smelled. Usually, radon is released by well water and can enter your home through the cracks in your foundation. The results of radon can be dangerous and can even lead to cancer for you or your loved ones. It’s usually recommended to have your house tested for radon twice a year in order to ensure the safety of your loved ones and your home. 

 

 

 

 

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17Jun
Major Home Inspection Issues

Major Home Inspection Issues

No matter what kind of home you have, odds are you’ve been through a home inspection or two. Whether you live in a mansion or in a cardboard box on the side of the road, every home and establishment requires a home inspection from time to time. For those unaware of the process, a home inspection is a simple look-through of ones’ home to determine the value and worth of the said home. Home inspectors look for numerous problems such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and even structural issues. But some inspectors keep an eye out for specific and distinct issues. Here are a few prominent home inspection issues that home inspectors specifically look for. 

Heating And Cooling System/HVAC 

No one likes to be too hot or too cold. This is why any home’s HVAC unit system is one of the most important components of any home. Not only are heating and cooling system issues incredibly common, but they are also commonly more severe when they are not taken care of. This is why a home inspection is so crucial to fixing any home’s heating and cooling system issues. It’s generally known that most heating and cooling system units have a lifespan between ten and twenty years. It is usually recommended that you have your heating and cooling system checked out by a technician once or twice a year. 

Pests And Termites 

No matter how perfect our homes are, it seems as if we can never rid our homes entirely of those pesky pests and termites. And with summer right around the corner, it’s more important now than ever to rid your home of all bugs once and for all. While a home inspector will be more than willing to recommend an exterminator, it’s usually important to do some research on local exterminators and what kind of pests and bugs they specialize in. The next time you see a creepy-crawly in the corner of your eye, make sure to call your local exterminator before the problem gets out of hand. 

Roofing Issues 

Everyone knows that the roof is the most critical part of any home. Over the course of any home’s life, roofs and homes go through normal wear and tear, such as tears in the foundation, mold and moisture problems, and even damaged shingles. Home inspectors are trained to look out for any issues within both the roof and its foundation. Outside conditions can cause extensive damage to your roofs, such as weather conditions, radiation, and even erosion. It’s usually recommended that you have your roof checked by an expert periodically to stay on top of any crucial issues that may damage your roof if not taken care of. 

 

 

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04Jun
Weather Conditions That Can Affect Your Home

Weather Conditions That Can Affect Your Home

Even as much as we hate to admit it, our homes are not perfect. But you want to know something secret? No one’s home is! Every home goes through normal wear and tear as the years pass. Maybe they are problems that can be fixed, and maybe they aren’t. No matter what the case is, though, no home is perfect. And sometimes this happens because of mother nature. 

There is a wide range of weather conditions that can affect your home and cause your home exterior damage. From the pounding rush of harsh winds to the sting of hail pelting down onto the roof, the weather is known for harsh it can be, especially for a home. Luckily for you, there are certain precautions you can take in order to protect your home from these awful weather conditions. Here are certain weather conditions that can affect the exterior of your home. 

Hail And Snow 

Everyone loves a winter wonderland…until it causes the roof to cave in. As we said above, hail and snow can cause severe damage to the foundation of your home, specifically the roof of your house. Hailstorms are not a universal problem as they only occur in some regions of the world. But when they do occur, they can cause a great deal of damage to your roof due to their heavy impact. These hail and snowstorms have the potential to rip apart your roof’s shingles while also forming tears and cracks in the foundation of your roof. It’s highly suggested that one has their roof inspected after any snow or hailstorm. 

Rainfall

Now, this may seem like an obvious pick, but it’s still important to spend some time on it. Rainfall can result in a number of problems for your roof. From leaks to water stains, rain has a way of diminishing the strength and foundation of your roof until it needs to be fixed or just replaced altogether. Rain can also do damage to the sides of your home as well as the home’s foundation. Now, it would be too much to have a home inspection every time it rained, but it is still recommended that you have a professional inspect your home if you find apparent damage after a rainstorm. 

Heavy Winds 

We all know that the sharp whistle of the wind can be the perfect noise to sleep through. But sometimes, this wind can cause ever-lasting effects on the exterior of your home. From something as extensive and dangerous as a tree branch being brushed through a window to something as minor as your shingles or siding being chipped away, heavy winds have a variety of side effects that can end up damaging the value and worth of your home. These winds can result in loosen shingles or even holes and cracks within the foundation of your roof. If these problems are not solved, they can end up growing in size and become a pricy penny to have fixed.

 

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26May
Why You Should Have A Home Inspection For A New Home

Why You Should Have A Home Inspection For A New Home

We tend to think that the homes we buy are perfect. That they are in tip-top shape with nothing to fix. So if this is the case, you don’t need a home inspection, right? Wrong! Even the cleanest and most perfect homes are subjected to minor issues and problems. This is why even brand new homes need home inspections. As strange as it may sound, new homes need home inspections just as much as regular homes. 

Most of the time, we get a home inspection before we purchase a home or make an offer. We do this in order to get a grasp on what is right and what is wrong about the house. So we don’t usually think to get a home inspection when it comes to a newer home we just built. We could not be more wrong in this decision. Even the newest of homes, even ones just newly built, need home inspections. Here’s why. 

Even New Homes Have Foundational Problems 

Believe it or not, but even newly built homes can have foundational problems. From faulty wiring to issues with the plumbing, there is an assortment of problems that every new home encounters. Everyone assumes that county inspectors do everything they can when it comes to inspecting newly built homes. But sometimes, this is not always the case. Often, minor issues and errors such as plumbing and wiring can be overlooked when it comes to county inspectors doing an initial home inspection. While these home inspections are supposed to be up to par and extensive in their research, this is not always the case for certain homes and houses. This is why it is so important to get a home inspection for your home, no matter how new it is. 

The Benefits Of A Home Inspection 

There is a wide range of reasons someone would get a home inspection for their house. From understanding the actual value and worth of their home to getting an expert’s opinion on a certain problem, a home inspection offers a variety of benefits. Getting a home inspection regularly is a great way to keep up with the issues and problems your home has. This way, you can fix these issues and problems before they get out of hand and cost you a pretty penny. Home inspections can also be used as a negotiating tactic when it comes to selling or purchasing a house. For example, let’s say you are deciding to buy your first home, and a problem with the plumbing is spotted during a home inspection. You can use this as leverage to lower the asking price of the home. And if you’re a seller, you can offer a home inspection on your dime in order to ensure that your prospective buyers actually purchase the house in the end. 

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