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Category Archives: Home Inspection

Categories Energy Savings, Home Inspection

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Water Heater

During a home inspection, we always check water heaters. As the colder months are moving in it is extremely important that you take necessary measures to maintain your water heater.

Not only will keeping a well maintained water heater increase the value of your home, but it will ensure you avoid any major hazards or damage within the home.

What’s the Big Deal?

Worst case scenario with a poorly maintained water heater is that it becomes a ticking time bomb, almost literally. If there is a gas leak near the water heater, the small ignition flame could cause an explosion.

On the other hand, if safety measures fail in your water heater an extreme amount of pressure could build up leading to a dangerous water rocket of sorts.

Hopefully, these potential hazards are reason enough for you to make water heater maintenance a priority.

What Can You Do?

The best first step to take is to review the owner’s manual that came with your water heater if you can’t find it then check the manufacturer’s website for a copy.

If you feel that you are not comfortable handling the water heater yourself then don’t push your luck, call in a pro. Some things you can do to maintain your water heater are:

1. Check the Pressure Valve

Both gas and electric heaters have a temperature and pressure valve. Wearing goggles and gloves check the valve after turning off electricity or the pilot light.

2. Flush the Tank

Thanks to sediment buildup in the tank your heater’s efficiency can be affected. Flush the tank each time you check your pressure valve.

3. Lower the Temperature

Ideally, your heater’s temperature should be set between 120 -130◦F. Anything higher can cause serious burns as well as damage to your water heater.

4. Appropriate Insulation

Fiberglass wraps can maintain hot water and are easily installed by plumbers.

5. The Right Model

Make sure your water heater is up to date and right for your home. Generally, water heaters have a lifespan of 8-10 years and should be replaced soon after hitting the ten year mark.

6. Annual Appointments

Just like you go to the doctor for a yearly checkup, your water heater could benefit from a professional checkup each year too.

A pro will ensure that the safety mechanisms are in place and there are no leaks or drips.

Things to Look For

Leaks and drips coming from your water heater can be symptoms of a greater problem.

Faulty water supply connections are the most common culprit when it comes to leaks. Easily fix this issue with compression fittings.

Drips from the temperature and pressure relief valve usually mean a thermal expansion tank is needed.

In electric water heaters, the most common problem is turning the power on before the tank is full of water, leading to a burnt out upper heating element and no hot water.

Make sure the tank is full before turning on the power and if your upper heating element is burnt out it can be easily replaced.

We Can Help

At EIG we want to make sure your home is in tip top shape if you’re getting ready to sell or buy remember that your water heater is an important factor of the home.

If you’re ready for a home inspection, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Fall

Warmer weather is starting to disappear, leaves will be falling, and soon teen girls everywhere will be buzzing about pumpkin spiced lattes. Yes, the signs of fall are upon us.

Just as the seasons change, so do our own needs and concerns within our homes. If you live in a colder climate, you don’t want to be caught off-guard and unprepared.

Prepping your home in anticipation of the colder months can prevent unwanted repairs or even the devaluation of your home.

Follow our advice to “Fall-proof” your home and ensure you don’t run into any unnecessary problems.

Inside the House

1. Check for Drafts

Replace any seals or caulks around windows and doors or buy heavier, insulated drapery for windows to keep your house cozy.

2. Furnace Inspection

Contract an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the filter.

3. Winterize AC

If you live in a colder area that won’t use central air conditioning consider covering your outdoor unit.

 

Exterior of the House

1. Review Your Roof

Remove leaves or debris from flat roofs and check for loose or broken shingles/tiles.

2. Clear the Gutters

Prevent clogging by removing all debris and draining outdoor faucets in colder areas.

3. Inspect Siding

Look for any cracks or holes.

4. Chimney Maintenance

If you regularly use a wood fireplace have it professionally cleaned and inspected.

5. Look at the Trees

Make sure there are no dying, low hanging or rotten limbs that could fall on your home or a power line.

6. Install Storm Windows

Replace screens with more appropriate coverings.

7. Tend to Patio Furniture

Remove, clean and cover cushions or bring outdoor furniture indoors.

 

In Your Garage

  1. Test your generator
  2. Keep extra gas handy
  3. Service summer equipment – Empty fuel in your lawnmower, clean trimmers and get any necessary repairs taken care of so when spring rolls around your tools are ready to go!

Deep Clean

Although many attribute spring to be the season of cleaning, fall is actually the time to start. Slash your spring cleaning list by getting on top of your chores earlier in the year.

  • Dust closets when swapping out summer clothes for sweaters.
  • Wash walls, baseboards, switch plates and light fixtures.
  • Steam clean stone surfaces.
  • Inspect grout, especially around showers and backsplashes.

Preventative maintenance can save you big on emergency repairs and wasted energy costs.

Add value to your property by properly keeping up with your home’s needs—taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid a full-blown crisis down the road.

We’re here to help!

If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you won’t want to neglect the fall home maintenance guide. Additionally, make things much easier on yourself by calling in the pros!

At Elite Inspection Group we are bridging the gap between homeowner and inspector.

We offer extended services, easy and efficient scheduling, and once we’re finished, we will take you through the report in terms that you can easily understand.

If you’re ready for your home inspection today get in touch with us here!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Pass Your Pre-Sell Inspection With Flying Colors

Pre-Sell Inspection

When it comes to home inspections, many people think they’re only for prospective buyers, but getting an inspection before selling is actually a great idea.

It is an investment that will save you big on time and money in the long run.

Home inspections are one of the most mismanaged aspects of the home selling process and skimping on the pre-sell inspection can give the buyers the upper hand in negotiations.

Pre-Sell Inspection

A pre-list inspection will give you a strong standing to make a deal that satisfies you.

Take a look at these benefits of a pre-sell inspection.

1. Goodwill Gesture

Show buyers that you are willing to go beyond the expected and you have nothing to hide.

This will allow buyers to have a certain peace of mind when considering your home.

2. Save Money

This pre-sell inspection will make you aware of any issues before listing. Your home is more likely to sell fast if it is problem-free.

3. Spotlight Special Areas

Show off any upgrades or assets your home has to offer with a seller’s inspection.

Want to know how to ace your seller’s inspection, let’s take a look.

Sellers Inspection

If you want to help buyers truly appreciate the condition your home is in, take these steps before your inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Clear Access

Make sure all clutter is removed, and critical areas like furnace, water heater, AC units, and attics are easily accessible to the inspector.

2. Turn on the Lights

Replace any bulbs and make sure light fixtures are in working order.

3. Open House

Keep doors and gates unlocked for your home inspector.

4. Be Honest

Let inspectors know from the start of any flaws your home has. This could be a busted light fixture or broken tile.

5. Clean Filters

Change out filters in the HVAC system.

6. Check Monitors

Are your fire alarm and carbon monoxide monitors working? If not, replace them. If you aren’t sure, it’s time to check!

7. Look for Cracks

Any cracks in a window or a broken screen will show up in a report. Address these issues before the inspection.

8. Top Off Appliances

Make sure everything that should have a cap (gas lines, chimneys, etc.) that require caps should be covered. This can keep debris like leaves or animals from clogging.

9. Look at Your Vegetation

Do your trees need a trim? Take care of any low-hanging or dying branches.

10. Open and Close Everything

Check all your windows and doors to make sure they are working properly. Don’t forget to jiggle some doorknobs too!

11. Call a Pro

When in doubt if you come across a problem you’re not sure how to address, call a professional.

We Can Help!

Speaking of professionals, we are a team of highly skilled and qualified inspection pros. Use our advice to ensure a painless and effective seller’s inspection.

Check out our seller’s inspection services where you can find copies of our two types of inspection reports.

If you’re not sure which inspection you need, just give us a call, and we can help you schedule the best inspection for your home today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

8 Ways to Keep Calm During Your Next Move

moving

The U.S. Census Bureau reported over 36 million Americans moved homes in 2016. Moving homes is usually one of the top most stressful events people go through in their life.

The thought of having to pack up every single thing you own just to unpack it again can be overwhelming.

If you or a loved one is about to take on a move, then stick with us for some hacks to make your move sweeter and stress-free.

Today we’re going to review some of the best tips to make your move easier

1. Take Pictures

The small stuff is what usually makes us the most aggravated, don’t waste a single second trying to remember where all those cords behind the TV go or how you had your bookshelf arranged.

Take photos before packing, and you’ll be able to re-create your home in no time easily.

2. Purge

Separate your clutter into three groups: Sell, Donate and Toss. For big price items take a few pictures and try to sell online, or if time permits host a garage sale.

Donate non-saleable items and toss the junky stuff. When it comes to clutter in the kitchen eat your way through all the small stuff you have lying around the pantry and fridge or host a potluck with friends as a farewell to your old home.

3. Make Time to Pack

Clearing your calendar and allowing yourself large chunks of continuous packing will be more efficient than small spurts of packing time throughout the week.

Ask for a day off and don’t make any plans, devote yourself solely to packing and organizing.

4. Avoid a Tangled Mess

Wind your extension cords and loose cable into old toilet paper rolls to save space and a headache when packing.

5. 20 x 20 Rule

If you find it difficult to “purge” your things, consider the $20 in 20 minutes rule. Is it something that if needed you could find it in 20 minutes for under $20? If so, let it go for now!

6. Stock up on Boxes

I know we just gave you tips on how to get rid of clutter, but accumulation isn’t always a bad thing.

This is true especially when you’re going to need lots of boxes and packing materials. Ask friends or grocery stores for old boxes that you can use during your move.

7. Delegate

Don’t take on too much; it’s okay to ask for help.

For smaller chores look at the app TaskRabbit to get help for things like breaking down furniture or organizing boxes.

8. Home Inspection

If you’re selling your old home, you’ll benefit greatly from a professional home inspection. Let us help you get the most money out of your home!

A pre-listing inspection will give you ammunition in the negotiation process. Before you take even one box into your newly purchased home be sure, you’ve had a buyer’s inspection, save yourself from falling into the money pit by signing a contract without all of the information.

Those were our top tips in preparing for a move, next week we’ll address some commonly forgotten tasks as well as give you some resources to make moving hassle-free.

Are you about to make a big move? Make your life easier by calling in the pros today!

 Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Don’t Let These Tips Slip Your Mind During a Move

Move

We already know that moving can be a complete disaster in both practice and emotionally speaking if you don’t properly prepare.

Perhaps the easiest way and most important aspect of moving will be getting a full, professional home inspection; whether it’s a seller’s inspection or buyer’s inspection.

Get the most bang for your buck and save yourself from future problems by letting us assess your home!

In our last post we talked you through some important tips to maintain sanity while moving, but today we want to go over some crucial factors and resources that will be key in crafting your stress-free move.

Because moving, especially if you have a large family, can be incredibly taxing it’s no surprise that you will forget a few things, some of which may feel unforgettable. We’re here to help you in planning your big move.

1. Change the Locks

You don’t know who has keys to your new home, don’t take any chances and have the locks changed before moving in.

2. Steam Clean

Give your new home a fresh start by having the carpets steam cleaned before moving in furniture.

This will require a little planning, and you can save money by renting or borrowing a steam cleaner and doing the work yourself.

Again, if you don’t have the time look for a professional service or hire hourly help from TaskRabbit.

3. Fight off Unwanted Guests

No, we don’t mean nosey neighbors! We’re talking about the little critters like termites, ants and or mice. Tackle this issue before moving in to save yourself frustration.

4. Moving Survival Kit

This should be done before packing the major items in your home and should stay with you during the move, aka in your car.

This could be a few bags that have all the things you’ll need right away medications, some clothes, food, new keys, pet supplies, etc.

Some key items to include: Passport and important documents (because you want to keep them close), garbage bags, cleaning supplies, a utility knife, flashlights, and toilet paper will be useful.

5. Remember the Outdoor Items

Often people forget the small stuff in the backyard, like the bird feeder, wind chimes, or the statue you got for Mother’s Day. Bring these things inside when packing, so you don’t leave them behind.

6. Prepare Appliances

Especially the big ones. If you’re taking your refrigerator, you need to make sure it’s ready to go at least 24 hours before the move. It should be completely dry and empty before moving.

7. Let the Post Office Know

Fill out the change of address form at least two weeks before moving to ensure your mail arrives to your new location.

8. Color Code

Assign each room a color then put that color on the outside of the box. For example, say all the kitchen boxes will be yellow then you paint a small, visible area of the box yellow.

Additionally, this can help movers by letting them know which color goes to which space.

What are some other tips you like to use when moving? Have you recently purchased a house or are looking into buying one?

Stay away from the money pit by letting us do your home inspection, call the pros today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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