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Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection

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Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection
Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection

What are the BIGGEST Red Flags During A Home Inspection?

So, you found yourself a home, put in an offer and negotiated the price and terms.  Congratulations!  That is the first step! Now, you send your earnest money deposit to escrow and then schedule your inspections.

Did you know that the inspection phase is one of the steps where most deals fall apart?  You will have a specific timeframe to get your home inspection, termite inspection and any other investigations on the property completed.

It’s recommended that you do not waive your home inspection!  It’s the most sensitive and vital part of your transaction next to getting your loan. Find out what’s included in your home inspection:  Biggest Red Flags During A Home Inspection

While there could be many potential issues with any home, here are a few of the biggest red flags during a home inspection:

Foundation and Drainage

A buyer won’t know how to assess a building’s foundation, and that’s why it’s one of the most important aspects of an inspection. Your home inspector will look closely at any cracks and abnormalities in the foundation.
Easily-fixed foundation or drainage issues generally aren’t reasons to pass on a house, but  if there are piling issues in the foundation, that might be a safety problem, and safety issues are often non-starters.

As for drainage, houses should be mounted higher than the street level, so that there’s a pitch and the water drains properly. We also want to make sure the gutters are pitched correctly, so that water cascades away from the house.”  Sometimes the drain system can be clogged with roots and debris which can cause the property to flood during a rainstorm.

 Mold

Mold sounds scarier than it really is, and is normally associated with water damage, which is common in many houses or apartments. Mold may not be an unusual addition to an inspection report, and can often be remediated.

Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. For example, someone may have put a wet towel in a closet and it was up against the wall.  If that towel stays wet for a prolonged time, mold on the wall will start to form.  Once the towel is removed, the mold will die as it will no longer be “fed” to keep it alive.  A little water and bleach sprayed on the area will remove the black, dead mold.

For more information visit:  home inspections in Orange County

Coastal Property Inspections is a boutique home inspection company in Orange County, CA, and services Orange County, San Diego County and the surrounding areas.

Please give us a call to book your inspection today!  949-396-9595

 

What Is a Home Inspection

Home Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers

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If you’re looking to buy a new home, you may want to print this home inspection checklist so you can refer to it when it’s time to do your home inspection!

Home Inspection Checklist
Chris doing doing a home inspection

Home Inspection Checklist For Home Buyers

So you are at the fun part of your new home search!  While you and your agent are touring, make notes on each home and if you see something that is unusual, make a note.  If the home makes your top two or three, you can refer to your notes when re-visiting.

Pay attention to these common trouble spots:

Outside the house

  • Exterior: Are the gutters and downspouts properly attached, and do they drain away from the house? What kind of siding is on the home? Is it in good repair?

  • Roof: Do you see stains, dark spots or even moss? Any missing shingles or tiles? Ask when the roof was replaced.

  • Foundation: Do you see any big cracks? Are there trees close to the foundation? Does any part of the ground near the foundation seem soggy, squishy or sunken?

  • Windows and doors: Do they open and close easily? Do any seem misaligned? Do you see any signs of moisture around the frames or between the panes?

    Also while you are walking the property, look for power lines, train tracks, busy streets, barking dogs, nosey neighbors etc!

     

     

Inside the house

  • Smells: Do you notice any unusual scents? (The real estate agent’s cookies baking in the oven don’t count! Think odors that might indicate the presence of mold or mildew.)

  • Attic and basement: Can you see any signs of moisture or water intrusion? If the attic or basement is unfinished, what kind of insulation do you see? Is it in good condition?

  • Heating and cooling: What systems are in place, and are they functional? Look for a serial number or manufacturing date to get a sense of the system’s age. If there’s been a replacement, is the old system still in place? (For example, if the home was converted from oil to propane, is there still an oil tank on the property? An improperly decommissioned fuel tank can be hazardous.)

  • Plumbing: How’s the water pressure? Do the fixtures work? Any signs of leaks in under-sink cabinets? How old is the water heater?

  • Electrical: Do all light switches work? Are all the outlets grounded? (If you spot any that are two-prong, those are definitely not grounded.) Does the house have an older electrical panel with fuses, a newer one with circuit breakers or both? Outdated wiring can be a hazard in itself and a hassle to upgrade.

  • Major appliances: If appliances like the oven, refrigerator, washer or dryer are included with the sale, what’s their condition?

If you don’t already have a lender or Realtor to work with, we’d be happy to match you up with a great team of professionals to help you buy your dream home! No cost to you.  CoastalPropertyInspect@gmail.com

After completing the home inspection checklist:

Hang on to your home inspection checklist notes and photos for the official inspection. A professional home inspector will examine the property for anything that could, should or must be fixed.  You will have an opportunity to review all issues that the home inspector found during the comprehensive inspection usually once the inspector has completed the inspection.

The home inspection is a vital step to take before you get the keys to your new home. While you’re getting ready to schedule the inspection, consider these other important actions.

Your inspection contingency

You are purchasing the most expensive item in your life.  Don’t SKIP the inspection.  Some sellers may have chosen to do a pre-inspection for the purpose of getting all of the items repaired.  If they have the inspection report, please review it, but we highly recommend that you have your own home inspection.  You will usually get a fixed time such as 17 days (or less if negotiated by the seller) to do all your inspections and get a response over to the sellers.

No matter how badly you want that specific property, it’s in your best interest to pay for a professional home inspection. Protect yourself further by making sure there is an inspection contingency in your purchase contract.

Including this condition gives you time to complete necessary inspections and get estimates of needed repairs, and it allows you to negotiate with the seller — or back out of the sale entirely, if something dire pops up.  This also will include the termite inspection.  

If repairs are needed, determine which are the most urgent, then negotiate with the seller. You could ask them to complete the repairs, but to keep the sale moving and give you control over the work, request a credit due at closing or a reduction in the sale price instead unless the item is big (and could get bigger) then have the seller perform the repair (such as a leak in the shower wall).

Pay attention to seller’s disclosures

Here in California,  home sellers are required to disclose any known property defects. There are two sets of disclosures:  Transfer Disclosure State and the Seller’s Property Questionnaire.  These will have some vital information on material defects that are known to the seller.  

Your Realtor will get the sellers’ disclosures after an accepted offer.  You have several days to review and sign off on them.  Different states have different disclosures and requirements.  

If you see something on the disclosures that you have questions about, ask your agent to inquire about it so you have a clear understanding of the issue.  Your home inspector will also be able to inspect any area a little more closely for you if you have any concerns.

In summary, use this home inspection checklist as a tool to help you as you are looking for your new home!  Choose your home inspector wisely and make sure you discuss your concerns with them.

Coastal Property Inspections is InterNACHI Certified as a Professional Home Inspector in Southern California.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss your upcoming home inspection, please call Chris:  949-396-9595

www.CoastalPropertyInspect.com

Gas Furnace Inspection By Your Home Inspector

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What You Should Expect On Your Gas Furnace Inspection by Your Home Inspector

Real estate agents and home buyers don’t really want to know every detail about how a furnace works or how to inspect a  gas furnace, but it helps to understand what your home inspector looks at when doing a gas furnace inspection to be able to inform you of the condition. NACHI.ORG sets the standards for each component in the home to be inspected, and the furnace has its own checklist that each certified inspector will utilize.
During your home inspection, the inspector will locate and document where the thermostat is located and if it’s working.
The the home inspector will check these following components and make notes along the way about the condition and information about the furnace. The gas furnace inspection will  include and be written in the home inspection report:
Gas Furnace Inspection
Gas Furnace Inspection

đź”·Basic info: will explain about the furnace, what type, age, location, size, etc

đź”·System Notes: Definition of the type of furnace
đź”·Gas Supply: What type and condition of the gas supply
đź”·Regulator and Control: The gas pressure regulator will be checked if it’s working condition
đź”·Burners: The inspector will make sure the burners are working properly and if they ignite and make notes about the flame
đź”·Heat Exchanger: The exchanger will be inspected for cracks, rust, excess dirt
đź”·Ignition system: This will be check for pilot safety, defective ignition and make notes of this system
đź”·Blower/Motor and Inducer Fan: These will be inspected and condition and recommendations will be noted
đź”·Fan/Limit Switch: This device controls the internal temp of the furnace
đź”·Plenum: The box or portion of the ductwork attached to the furnace. The inspector will make notes of the condition
đź”·Air filters: Will make notes on the type and size and whether it is clean, dirty and needs to be changed
đź”·Ducting: The inspector will check the distribution of air through the vents and make notes
đź”·Wiring: this will be checked and noted
There may be other items of your gas furnace inspection that will need to be noted and inspected but the above items are the most common.
If you would like a copy of the Nachi Furnace Checklist, please message us, text or call.
Call Chris if you have any questions: 949-396-9595

5 Critical Concerns: Home Inspectors OC

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What are the 5 critical differences between home inspectors in Orange County and how to choose the right home inspector for you!

  1. Certified Professional Inspector
    InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector

    MAKE SURE THE HOME INSPECTOR OC IS CERTIFIED:  Here in California, home inspectors do not need to be licensed!  Pretty much anyone can do it and there are no checks and balances.  Make sure your home inspector is a Certified Home Inspector.  For Example:  InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector designation.  The inspector would have had to complete an entire program to get their certification which consists of 300+ hours of training.  It’s pretty in depth with completing courses on each topic, passing tests, passing the final exam and applying that knowledge to actual home inspections. See what is included in a professional home inspection?

  2. IF YOU HIRE A LARGE COMPANY OR FRANCHISE:  Even though you think you are hiring an experienced inspection company with many inspectors, you may get a newbie or an inspector that may not be certified.  Make sure whomever gets assigned to do your inspection is certified and knowledgeable.
  3. Infrared Thermal Imaging
    Infrared Thermal Imaging

    MAKE SURE YOUR INSPECTOR USES CURRENT TECHNOLOGY:  With today’s home inspections, there should be no reason why a moisture issue wasn’t detected during the home inspection.  Every inspector should be using an infrared thermal imaging camera.  No excuses.  Some large companies don’t because they don’t want to invest in the cost of the camera for each inspector. Don’t do it.  You’re not getting a full inspection.

    1. Another tool is a drone.  With our roofs here in CA, it’s not a great idea to actually get up on the roof and inspect it as it may break tiles as well as the inspector will not be able to walk the entire roof to check for defects with the chimney, flashing and gutters.  Every home inspector should have a drone to do a complete roof inspection. Again, franchises and larger companies usually do not include drones for their inspectors.
  4. COMMUNICATION, PATIENCE, AND THE ABILITY TO ARTICULATE TO THE HOME BUYER:  Your home inspector should be answering any questions you have during and after the inspection.  Usually during the inspection, some home inspectors request the home buyer wait until after they are finished with the inspection to ask questions.  The home inspector will have a summary report ready to review with the agent and home buyer and will be able to articulate the issues in a calm, non-alarming manner.  Purchasing a home is a huge deal for people and understanding the condition is super important.  Your home inspector should be able to communicate in a fluid, intelligent, professional manner without making the buyer scared of common issues.
  5. Home Inspection Report
    Home Inspection Report

    THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO THE HOME INSPECTION:  It may not sound paramount, but the home inspection report is as critical as the actual home inspection.  Many home inspectors do not provide a professional easy to understand report within a timely manner.  This means the home buyer and their agent will have to painstakingly go through the report and decipher issues on their own and may take hours.  Many reports are incomplete, use poor grammar and lack proper written thought.  You can ask for a Sample Report BEFORE you hire your home inspector to see what you will be receiving after your inspection.  This is highly recommended.  The report should be color coded and in a logical order.  Your home inspector will be able to discuss any questions about the report as well but many inspectors fail to do this in a timely manner do to time constraints or lack of customer service skills.

    1. You purchase transaction is on a “time is of essence” for the home inspection contingency.  This means you have a specific amount of time to inspect the property and respond to the seller with any requested repairs.  A good home inspector in OC will have your report written and emailed to you within 24 hours; however, most inspectors fail to do this.  Writing a great report takes 2-3 hours or more depending on the issues and size of property.  The home inspectors that usually work for franchises or multi-inspector companies are being rushed to pump out more inspections which doesn’t leave time to do the reports timely and with quality.

This article was written by Suzanne Martin, Co-Owner of Coastal Property Inspections in Orange County CA. Home Inspectors OC and the surrounding areas!

If you have any questions about home inspections in Southern California and would like to talk with the Owner and Certified Professional Inspector, Chris Knappett, please call directly at 949-396-9595.

 

Luxury Home Inspector: What To Expect

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What is a luxury home inspection and what should buyers and sellers expect from their home inspector?

Luxury Home Inspector Orange County
Luxury Home Inspection

If you are a luxury home buyer or a luxury home seller, your needs for a home inspector may be a little different from buying a standard home.  Why?  There are specific needs surrounding a luxury home inspection  such as privacy concerns and custom features and size of the home.  These make luxury home inspections a little more challenging.

Are you consider selling a luxury home?  If so, a pre-listing inspection luxury home inspection could be very helpful for you to get your home ready for sale.  A luxury home buyer will expect the home to be in turn-key condition if the home is market price.  The pre-listing inspection will give you a maintenance summary of all the items you can repair/replace or spruce up to get buyers to see all of the benefits and beauty of your luxury home rather than the items needing repairs.

A Luxury home is usually $1.5m or higher and has special or extra features for a luxury home inspector to inspect.  Some luxury features include spas, pools, theaters, wine cellars, high end appliances, multiple furnaces and air conditioners, and more.

What To Expect

Whether you are doing a pre-listing inspection or you have an accepted offer and the buyer is doing their home inspection, there are certain expectations that all parties have:

  • How long will the inspection take?  This depends on the size of the home, number of  bedrooms and bathrooms, if the property has a pool and/or spa, outbuildings, casitas, number of furnaces and AC units.
    • Example:  if your luxury home is 4,500 square feet with 4.5 baths, 5 bedrooms, 2 furnaces/AC units and a pool will take 4-5 hours depending on if others are present and asking questions.
  • Will the luxury home inspector answer questions during and after the inspection?  Yes.  You may ask your luxury home inspector questions during the inspection keeping in mind that questions prolong the time it takes to complete the inspection.
    • After the luxury home inspector has completed the inspection, they will go over a “summary” of all findings with you while explaining and showing any issues found.  This can be 20 minutes to an hour depending on the depth and amount of questions.
    • After the luxury home inspection is completed, your luxury home inspector will have your comprehensive report emailed to you within 24 hours.  You and your agent may ask further questions about the report and the condition of any items of concern.
    • Even after months of moving into your new luxury home, you may call your luxury home inspector with questions!  We love providing excellent client services.

Resources and Connections

When working with a Luxury Home Inspector, you will have access to other professional services.  Coastal Property Inspections, your luxury home inspector in Orange County, provides a list of resources on their website for you to review and vet on your own.  While you are performing your luxury home inspection, ask for suggestions!

Do Your Homework When Choosing A Luxury Home Inspector

Not all home inspectors have the same credentials, skills or experience.  Do not go by price.  You know what they say about price – “you get what you pay for”.  Call the luxury home inspector directly and have a nice chat to see if  you both are on the same page with expectations.  Ask….

  • Are they Certified?
  • How many inspections have they done?
  • Do they work for a large corporation or are they a boutique company?
  • Do they use technology such as infrared thermal imaging, drones for the roof, etc., to assist in providing the highest level of service?
  • Do they provide a full droning of the roof, chimney, gutters, etc?
  • Do they use infrared in bathrooms, around vulnerable moisture areas and radiant heating?
  • Do they inspect all appliances and structural components?
  • How long will it take for the report to be sent to you?
  • Will they answer questions in the future should they arise?
  • Do they stay on top of inspection trends and education
  • Ask what they did before they were inspectors.  This may be interesting and or eye opening.

A Luxury Home Inspector should provide the highest level of service, communication and professional skills and is a must to have on your next purchase or sale.

Chris Knappett and Suzanne Martin
Chris and Suzanne

This article is written by Suzanne Martin, wife and business partner of Chris Knappett, Certified Professional Luxury Inspector with Coastal Property Inspections in Orange County CA.  We invite you to call Chris directly to talk about his services and approach to giving you the best luxury home inspection in Southern California!

Call Chris:  949-396-9595 or email him at Chris@coastalpropertyinspect.com

We Build Relationships Around Homes!

www.CoastalPropertyInspect.com

Top 5 Consequences With Deferred Maintenance

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Top 5 Consequences With Deferred Maintenance

In the long run, keeping your home in good condition on a regular basis outweighs deferring the fixes and repairs to a later time!

By Suzanne Martin, RE Broker and New Agent Trainer

Deferred Maintenance
Deferred Maintenance

 

What is deferred maintenance?

Deferred maintenance is when you postpone repairing issues in your home because of cost, time or just procrastination.  Although the items may appear non-emergency items, fixing it today may be a lot less expensive than having it turn out to be an emergency repair.  Items like leaky pipes under sinks, painting the outside of the house, cleaning your roof and gutters just to name a few.

Here are the Top 5 Consequences with Deferred Maintenance

  1.  Painting the exterior of your home
    1. If you don’t keep a nice coat of paint on the exterior of your home, paint will be chipping and peeling off.  This means that water can start being absorbed by your siding.  In some cases, it could cause the house to have to be resided!  By touching up your home between complete paint jobs, will help create the barrier you need to keep water from being absorbed.  It also look so much better to have a nice, fresh coat of paint on the house.
  2. Roof
    1. Depending on the type of material used for your roof, you will want to maintain a clean roof free of moss and tree debris.  Make sure you trim your trees back so the trees cannot rest on the roof and hurt the materials.  Also replace any cracked or broken shingles\tiles so water cannot get onto the sheathing.   Keeping your roof clean can extend the life of the roof.  Deferring maintenance on the roof could cost you thousands of dollars should you need to replace it.
  3. AC/ Furnace
    1. Furnaces and AC units should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.  Home inspectors will suggest an annual clean and tune up.  Dirt, cobwebs and other materials can aid in the erosion of the interiors of the furnace and AC.  By cleaning and inspecting on a regular basis, you will increase the life of your units and save you thousands of dollars from not having to replace.  Also, change those filters every few months!  It’s easy and healthier, too.
  4. Leaky plumbing
    1. You can totally tell when you have a leaky pipe under your sink.  Please.  Just fix it.  It’s a simple fix but if you let it go, you can have a huge consequence later.
      Leaky Plumbing
      Leaky Plumbing

      That leaky little pipe can cause mold behind the sink in your wall, get into the flooring and cause a lot of wood rot.  A $50 fix can actually end up costing you several thousands of dollars!

  5. Deferred maintenance issues when selling
    1. This is the Top 5 Consequence with deferred maintenance! When you have your home on the market and the buyer’s see all of your deferred maintenance, it looks like you haven’t taken care of the house and they would automatically think the home is in not good condition.  You will end up selling your house for a lot less than if you kept up with your deferred maintenance!

After reading the top 5 consequences with deferred maintenance, I hope you consider keeping up with your home’s repairs.  It’s a lot easier to do a repair, one here and one there as opposed to several big and costly items because you’ve deferred the maintenance.

If you are considering putting your home on the market, perhaps you can consider getting a home maintenance inspection.  The home inspector will do a complete home inspection which will outline all of the issues you need to repair or replace.  This could save you a ton of money when negotiating with your buyer.

For more information on home maintenance inspections, give Chris Knappett, Certified InterNACHI Professional Inspector, a call at 949-396-9595 or visit Coastal Property Inspections website.

Thank you for reading our blog on the Top 5 Consequences With Deferred Maintenance

Swimming Pool Inspections

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Gunite, Coping and Blowers oh my!!

Whether you are buying a home with a swimming pool or already have a swimming pool of your own, summer is here, and it’s time to get your swimming pool inspection! This will ensure your pool is in tip-top shape so you can have some worry free summer time fun!

What is involved in a swimming pool inspection? 

Making sure that the pool meets California safety regulations of course, but also the physical condition of the swimming pool, surrounding area, water condition, and accessory equipment too.  Its your peace of mind.  As your certified professional Home and Swimming Pool Inspector, Coastal Property Inspections is here to help you!  So your peeps, your pups, and your pals, can play and stay safe all summer long!

Circulation, Filtration and Disinfection.., wait, what..? 

Did you know that a typical efficiently functioning swimming pool, fully circulates itself 2-3 times per day? This is called turnover, and it is part of the delicate precision of keeping your pool healthy and happy. No-more slinging bucket fulls of sanitizing chemicals into the deep-end, to clear up that green murky algae laden mess, lets avoid that path completely, you really don’t want that, it’s not good for anybody.   

I have/want a swimming pool.. Now what-where to start..?

To understand a swimming pool or spa, you must follow the path of the water. Water from the pool or spa (not both at the same time) enters the equipment system through a main drain on the floor, through a surface skimmer at the surface level on the side of the pool, or through a combination of both main drain and skimmer. It travels to a three-port valve (if there is no spa, there will be no such valve) and into the pump, which is driven by the attached motor. From the pump, the water travels through a filter, and up to solar panels (if so equipped), to the sanitizer, then back to the heater, and back through three-port valves continuing to the pool or spa return lines back into the pool and spa (remember, not at the same time). Round and round we go,  viola!!

 Swimming Pool Inspection

 What are some of the items that will be inspected by a certified swimming pool inspector?

  • Swimming Pool surface (gunite)and bottom drains
  • Deck surround, coping, tile, walkways, ladders, and stairs
  • Diving boards, deck rails, and slides
  • Fencing, gates, and latches
  • Lights, switches, bonding, and electrical
  • Equipment; pump, filter, heater (incl. Solar if equipped), blower and plumbing lines
  • Sanitation system (Chlorine, Saltwater, UV, or Ozone) 
  • California (Bill 442/Oct 2017) seven drowning prevention safety features provided as an informational assessment.

Do you need this?  YES! 

How long does a swimming pool inspection take?
A typical pool inspection will take about 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on size and accessibility. 

How much will the swimming pool inspection cost?
A standard swimming pool inspection as a stand-alone inspection will cost between $200-$250

A Swimming Pool Inspection as a part of a scheduled Home Inspection will cost between $100 and $150. 

What else? 

Every swimming pool inspection performed by Coastal Property Inspections includes a fully detailed swimming pool inspection report, and it's sent to you within 24 hours! We will also provide you with a customized swimming pool maintenance plan to help you maintain your swimming pool.  

If you are considering a swimming pool inspection, give us a call. The peace of mind for you and your family is well worth it.  Any questions or comments, please contact us or leave a comment below. We are Coastal Property Inspections and we're here to help..!

For more information on Coastal Property Inspections, please click here.

Call Chris Knappett, Certified InterNACHI Professional Home Inspector, Pool Inspector, Certified Drone Roof Inspector and Infrared Thermal Imaging Specialist.  949-396-9595

 

15 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners

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15 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko
The following items are 15 must-have tools for homeowners, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.  Here are the 15 Must-Have Tools for Homeowners!
Standard plunger
1.  Plunger
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers — one for the sink and one for the toilet.

 

2.  Combination Wrench Set

One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

3.  Slip-Joint Pliers

Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

4.  Adjustable Wrench

This is another one of the 15 must-have tools for homeowners!Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

Caulking gun

5.  Caulking Gun
Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.
6.  Flashlight
None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.
7.  Tape Measure
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure — not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best.  Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

8.  Hacksaw
A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

9. Torpedo LevelTorpedo level
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle — not merely close.

10.  Safety Glasses / Goggles
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11.  Claw Hammer
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own.  Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice and one of the 15 must-have tools for homeowners.

12.  Screwdriver Set
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers areWire cutter sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute.  Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.

13.  Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails.The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14.  Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty and dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary face masks will not stop.

15.  Duct Tape
This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.
Thank you to the InterNACHI Gromicko’s for this post on 15 Must-Have Tools For Homeowners!
For more home inspection information, visit www.CoastalPropertyInspections, your Orange County Home Inspector!
To Book your Orange County Home call 949-401-8996 or BOOK ONLINE

What’s The Difference Between EIFS and Stucco

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What’s the difference between EIFS and Stucco? 

Watch this short video and find out!  Chris Knappett, InterNACHI certified home inspector, will explain!

If you are a homeowner or wanting to buy a home in Souther California, you will have EIFS or stucco on your home.  This material is good for our weather as we do not have a lot of rainfall and it’s dry and sunny!

For more information on  Stucco read more here on the Nachi website:

 

To learn more about Coastal Property Inspections or to book your inspection call us at 949-401-8996 or visit our  www.CoastalPropertyInspect.com

 

My Hose Fitting Is Fused To The Faucet!

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Why does hose stick to the faucet?
Yikes! Why is my hose stuck to the faucet? What should I do?

Yikes! My hose fitting is fused to the faucet!  What should I do?

Have you ever wondered….why aluminum hose fittings will fuse to your brass hose bibbs?

The next time you are outside, check out your hoses that are attached to  your home to make sure you can easily remove the hose from the faucet.  If you can, this means you have the right type of hose fitting for your spigot/faucet.  If you cannot remove the hose from the faucet, this means you have dissimilar fittings, and they may possibly be fused.  It’s a fairly common issue, and perhaps you have an aluminum hose fitting that fused to the brass hose bibb

My hose fitting is fused to the faucet!  Here’s what you can do…

After looking at your hose situation and you discover you have an aluminum fitting attached to a brass hose bibb,  here’s a suggestion:  remove the couplings from any brass connections after every use. If you do not, the aluminum will fuse to any brass connection! This is a result of galvanic corrosion: A condition that occurs between two dissimilar metals when pressed together. Aluminum and brass are far apart on the dissimilar metals chart and will corrode and fuse quickly. The more water that is present, the faster the corrosion and fusing reaction will occur.  So, if. you use your hose frequently, always detach your hose from the faucet/spigot after you are finished.  Otherwise, if you don’t this fusing will cause a costly plumbing repair as the entire faucet body may have to be removed and replaced with a new one.  
For this and other informative home-related topics, call us at (949) 401-8996 or visit https://coastalpropertyinspect.com/