Home Inspection Articles | House Inspection News

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in millions of building and construction applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was praised for its heat resistance, strength, flexibility and insulating properties. Asbestos is still regarded as one of the most hazardous building materials. The path to purchasing a new home is an investment of a lifetime, insuring stability and unity for you and your family.

Potential home buyers or those seeking to remodel older homes should be aware asbestos exposure can lead to many health ailments. If your home was built before 1980, there is a chance it may contain asbestos.

However, this does not mean you should be devastatingly alarmed. With the proper precautions and a professional home inspection, exposure to asbestos can be easily prevented. There are now many eco-friendly options that replace the need for asbestos.

If you find asbestos in the home, you shouldn’t panic. At the same time, you shouldn’t take it lightly. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a serious concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. If you believe that your home contains asbestos, a home inspection could be extremely important for safety, health and investment reasons.

The frequent inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause a severe lung ailment known as pleural mesothelioma. This form of asbestos lung cancer takes the lives of thousands every year. With a latency period that lasts from 20 to 50 years, it isn’t until the later stages of progression when physicians usually are able to accurately diagnose. This also affects accurate mesothelioma prognosis for patients.

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it’s posing no apparent risk. If it’s in bad shape, it could be a problem. If an inspector deems the substance harmful, the removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. Depending on the condition of the asbestos, many experts feel it is better to seal it off than remove it.

Recycled building materials that are viable options to asbestos include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene foam. These environmentally sustainable products can also reduce annual energy costs by 25 to 35 percent. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation. These new environmentally-sustainable alternatives create healthier, quieter and more energy efficient homes in the 21st century.

Home Inspection

Before a potential buyer conducts a home inspection of your property, you have to make sure that the property is well-prepared. Any problem found on your home can be used as a means to slash some amount off the selling price and you would not want that. Your property must be in good form in order for you to sell it at your desired price.

Plumbing System
Before a home inspector walks through the house, you must have all leaks and clogs fixed. The inspector might check for clogs and leaks by testing appliances like the dishwasher. Even the water pressure will be checked by simultaneously using faucets and toilet flush. You also have to make sure that your septic system is working well.

Electrical System
Another area that is always checked during home inspection is the electrical system. The electrical panel and the configuration of the circuit breaker must be sufficient to satisfy the needs of the home. In most houses, an electrical panel with 125 amps works best. Also, remember that individual circuits must not be overloaded.

Bathrooms and kitchens should have ground fault circuit interrupters. The receptacles are supposed to function well. They have test-reset buttons that the home inspector will most likely use to make sure they are really functioning.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Home inspectors are likely to check every appliance in your home. They will make sure that the air conditioning and heating systems of your property work properly and efficiently. They will closely check structure and foundation. Condition of smoke detectors is also likely to be found in a home inspection report.

Tips on Preparing for a Home Inspection

• Before planning on selling your property, make sure everything is in good shape. If not, work on them. However, keep in mind that no property is without flaws. Home inspectors might see some of them and mention them in the home inspection report. In such case, do not be easily discouraged.
• Study your contract. It is where you can find the list of systems that have to be working well prior to closing.
• It may also be stated in the contract that you are not obliged to fix the home problems. However, it can be a cause for your buyer to withdraw. Whatever decisions you come up with, be sure they are reasonable.

Home Inspection

When buying a property, getting a home inspection is one of the first decisions to make. How do you know if you should or should not hire a home inspector?

Having your prospect property inspected can definitely relieve you of a lot of stress. During inspection, you get the chance to know about the condition of the home. Knowing about the needed repairs early on can save you considerable amount. When the home inspection report reveals that there are home problems that have to be fixed, you have an option to either have the home price slashed or ask the present owner to shoulder the cost of fixing the problems. Either way, you save money.

Early detection of problems during home inspection not only takes care of the present – it also gives assurance that you will not be encountering problems in the near future. Aside from the fact that your finances secured, more importantly, it protects the safety of you and your family.

A home inspector can give you a professional evaluation of the property. You can expect to get honest and unbiased evaluation, one that you cannot always expect from the home seller. You will have enough knowledge not only about the general structure of the home but also the different systems in it.

The first step in home inspection service is a visual examination of the property. The inspector goes around the house before preparing a home inspection report. It is advisable to attend the inspection so you would be able to ask relevant questions to your inspector. A good inspector is one who is able to answer your questions clearly and in a manner that you can understand very well.

You must look for some important details in a home inspection report. The first few things to pay attention to are the foundation walls, the roofing, the bathrooms and kitchen, the electrical and plumbing systems, and air conditioning and heaters. Another important thing that your home owner must check out for is the presence of leaks and moisture that could be sources of mold growth.

When choosing a home inspection company, look for one that has undergone training and certification. It is advisable to choose a company that is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Home inspection is a significant step in a home sale. It is necessary that you hire only the most qualified people.

Home Inspection

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Home Inspection