HVAC Systems
Appliance Makeovers to Die For
It is probably fair to say that most significant home improvement projects usually encounter challenges along the way; be they surprises inside the walls, unexpected construction related problems, or unplanned cost overruns. However, appliance makeovers in particular also have the potential to create unintended consequences, some of which can be a matter of life and…
Read MorePreparing Your Home for an Inspection
There is no doubt that the inspection process adds another level of stress to the transaction, however, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a, “nail biter”. Addressing a few typical home care and safety issues is not only an important part of normal maintenance, but can also do a lot to facilitate the inspection. The…
Read MoreZinsco Electric Panels
There is no question that electrical issues, especially those related to panels themselves, rank high on the list of home inspection findings. One problematic panel in particular, Zinsco, was widely installed as early as the 1950’s and through to the 1970’s. They were later manufactured for a time by Sylvania and are still commonly found…
Read MoreAre your gas appliances backdrafting?
The energy crisis of the 1970’s is often remembered for gasoline reaching the unthinkable price of $1.00 a gallon and restrictions on filling your car to odd or even days. For the building industry the energy crisis marked a change in the way we thought about construction – a change exemplified by the transition from…
Read MoreDon’t Forgo the Building Permit
Home inspectors are often challenged by structural modifications, additions and electrical, mechanical or plumbing installations which have been performed without the benefit of a building permit. With the ever growing trend toward doing it yourself and the abundance of advertising encouraging the homeowner to be their own contractor, the frequency of un-permitted projects seems to…
Read MoreInspections Identify Furnace Heat Loss
Nobody needs to be reminded about the high cost of heating fuels, especially those with struggling budgets. Identifying air leaks and heat loss from central forced air heating units is therefore an important part of the home inspection process. Certainly there can be significant issues with heat loss from the duct system in the attic…
Read MoreNavigating Through the Home Inspection Report
For inspectors, there are many different reporting formats to choose from which operate on a variety of data collection methods. These may range from a simple written checklist to a sophisticated computer generated report where information is entered on a PDA. Regardless, there are some basic components to look for in any professionally prepared report:…
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