Information Archives - South Sound Inspections

Sep 20 2021

5 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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Things To Do Around The House This Fall

As fall approaches, it’s important to prepare your home for the cold temperatures that winter will bring. In addition to common landscaping tasks like raking leaves and pruning back shrubs, your home requires maintenance and preparation during the fall to prevent damage that can occur from cold winter temperatures. Here are the top five fall home maintenance tips that will keep your home warm and inviting and prevent wintertime damage.

1. Make Sure Your Roof Is In Good Shape

In addition to trimming trees around your roof to prevent damage from fallen branches, fall is a great time to clean gutters and ensure they’re well-anchored. This task can also include checking that downspouts are clear to avoid ice dams during the winter. Inspect the roof for warning signs like loose or damaged shingles, warping, or black algae stains. You should also check that roof flashings—the thin metal material that directs water off the roof—are in good shape.

2. Heating System Check

Fall is a great time to test your furnace and thermostat, change the air filters, and clean the heat exchanger. If you have hot water radiators, test those, too. After that, clean the ducts and check that your humidifier is in good condition. Insulation is also part of what keeps your home warm, so check attic insulation and ventilation to ensure your home retains heat during the winter.

3. Check Foundation For Cracks

Ice or water seeping into existing cracks could spell trouble come spring. This is why you should caulk and seal openings where water can enter and form ice that can lead to long-term damage. You can also look out for leaning walls, sloping floors, or cracks in walls or floor. Getting your chimney checked and filling in any cracks should also be a part of this process.

4. Ensure Doors and Windows are In Good Shape

Fall is the time to replace those screen doors with protective storm doors while also checking that all other windows and doors in the home are sealed properly. You can also take time to make sure that the frames and weather stripping are in good condition. Another key step is to draft-proof doors by installing new weather stripping or sweeps on the bottoms to prevent hot air from escaping.

5. Prep Your Plumbing System

This fall, you should drain your garden hose before storing it and turn off the valve for exterior water. Prevent damage from frozen pipes inside your home by checking the pipes’ insulation. Keep in mind that you may need to re-install insulation around the pipes if it has broken down or otherwise needs to be replaced. An additional safeguard in this process is installing heat cables for vulnerable pipes. As a last step in prepping your plumbing system, take time to service the water heater so you have access to hot water throughout the winter.

For more home maintenance and inspection advice, call South Sound Inspections for quality evaluations and expertise.

Sep 06 2021

New Construction Homes Have Problems, Too!:

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10 Problems to Look For in New Builds

Although older homes get a bad reputation for requiring costly maintenance and repairs, newly constructed homes have their fair share of problems, too. If you are purchasing new construction, you should be aware of some possible issues. Here are 10 problems you might see with new construction.

1. Foundation and Structure Problems

New construction means newly poured concrete that dries out as the water ingredients evaporate. With this in mind, be aware of cracks in sidewalks and driveways caused by shrinkage and ground movement. If the new construction was built quickly, you should also watch out for uneven floor or roof trusses.

2. Dirty Duct Systems

Building a new home is messy, and during the course of construction and installation, heating and air ducts are bound to get dirty. If the HVAC was installed first and was turned on during the rest of construction, it’s possible that dust, dirt, and debris from the remaining construction process were sucked into the ducts.

3. Grading and Drainage Mistakes

Ideally, water should flow away from your home; but, if new construction was not properly done, water can move toward a new build’s foundation. The ground around a newly constructed home should be highest near the foundation and then slope down to prevent water build-up. An incorrect slope could result in water and moisture build-up in basements or crawlspaces.

4. Poor Electrical Wiring

Newly constructed homes may have issues with incorrect wire size, improperly secured wiring, unprotected wiring, and poor connections. It’s important to make sure your newly built home is wired to provide enough light and power for your needs.

5. Plumbing Issues

Some plumbing problems that newly constructed homes encounter are leaky or clogged pipes, running toilets, or blocked drains. Many of these issues result from rushed and improper installation, and sometimes pipes get clogged when construction debris builds up in the plumbing system. Faulty or poorly installed water heaters can also lead to plumbing problems in new construction.

6. Siding Installation Problems

Vinyl siding warps and buckles if not installed correctly in new homes. Vinyl siding also reacts to heat, so homes newly built during hot summer months could experience problems. If the siding was installed quickly without proper insulation, it can affect the temperature inside your newly built home (and your electric bills!)

7. Door Problems

New builds may have problems with improperly fitted doors that can let in hot or cold air. It’s also possible that exterior doors may not latch properly. Other issues to be aware of include crooked door panels, creaking sounds, or floor marks from the door being imbalanced or unlevel.

8. Window Installation Issues

Window issues typically occur in new builds when windows are installed after the siding. The main issue to look for is air leakage, which can be caused by improper window openings, no caulk at the nailing flange (or at mitered window corners), poor nailing fastening, or the windows not being level.

9. Common Wall Problems

Nail pops are a common problem in newly constructed homes. As the house settles and undergoes a normal drying process, the heads of nails can protrude from the drywall. While it’s not a great look for a new home, it’s not a huge issue and can be easily fixed.

10. Flooring Issues

Poorly laid floors are a common issue in newly constructed homes. If wooden floors are not laid properly, they can buckle and warp with changes in temperature and humidity. You should also look out for scratches and drag marks that occur after heavy construction equipment was moved around the floor during the building process.

Even if you’re buying a newly constructed home, it’s still worth getting a qualified home inspector like South Sound Inspectionsto check out these common issues before you move in.

Aug 23 2021

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

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9 Things Home Inspectors Look For During The Inspection

The home inspection is an important step when purchasing a home, so you’ll want to know what’s in store for inspection day. The purpose of the inspection—which may take between two and four hours depending on the size—is for buyers to get a full understanding of the condition of the property, including all repair and maintenance issues.

During the process, home inspectors use special tools to determine the presence of asbestos, mold, or decay. The home inspector is an experienced and knowledgeable third-party who gives you unfiltered assessments of the home’s condition so you know what to expect for repairs and maintenance in your new home.

Basement and Crawlspace

When home inspectors examine a basement or crawlspace, they look for excessive moisture, debris, ventilation issues, and mold. Home inspectors can also see what renovations were done in the home previously based on the condition of the crawlspace or basement.

Electrical

The electrical portion of the inspection includes the wall panel, breakers, and outlets. Home inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and multimeters to catch any hot spots that indicate issues with wiring or circuitry, such as ungrounded circuits or degraded components.

Structure

This part of the inspection includes the foundation, bearing walls, beams, joists and trusses, piers and posts, floor slabs, the roof, and chimneys. The home inspector looks for gaps between walls and floors, cracks in basement walls or around doorframes, and deteriorated roof shingles.

HVAC

Home inspectors test heating and air conditioning units (the furnace and an indoor or outdoor A/C unit) by turning them on and off, and will look for cracked duct work or rust around the furnace or A/C units.

Plumbing

Your home inspection will include the main water shut off, drainpipes, service caps, vent pipes, and gas service lines. Home inspectors identify sediment buildup, broken thermostats, and clogged or overflowing sewer lines, and may use thermal imaging cameras to spot leaks in walls.

Bathroom

While examining the bathroom, the home inspector will ensure the proper condition of ceiling and wall paint, floor tiles, doors and windows, electrical outlets and lighting circuits. The inspector will also run the water and flush the toilet to check proper pressure and drainage.

Laundry Area

This stage of the inspection includes an examination of the washer hose, washer and dryer electrical, dryer vent, dryer gas line, washer drain, and floor drain.

The goal of South Sound Inspections is to provide an honest, transparent assessment of a home’s condition. After the inspection, you can also expect some practical, cost-saving tips for maintenance and repairs, and information about major safety hazards that need professional attention.

Aug 09 2021

Home Inspections: TV vs Reality

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What TV Gets Wrong About Home Inspections

So you’ve binge watched some reality TV home renovation shows and think you know all about home inspections. Well, think again, because not everything you see on TV reflects the reality of home inspections.

Shows like “Holmes on Homes” feature action-packed demolition montages with contractors sledgehammering through drywall and cranes knocking down brick facades; however, the reality of home inspection is quite different.

Here’s how you can separate fact from fiction when it comes to home inspections on TV versus the reality of everyday inspecting.

Home Inspectors Promote Saving Money

The reality is that a home inspector’s primary goal is informing home owners about repair issues and how they can save money on those repairs. In contrast, the goal of TV show home inspectors and renovators is to get higher ratings.

Unlike the expensive and extreme home makeovers you see on shows like “Holmes on Homes,” home inspections usually result in practical, cost-saving repair advice that home owners can do themselves. For example, during one episode of “Holmes on Homes,” a homeowner was concerned about a water stain on a ceiling directly below a bathroom. In order to address the issue, Holmes removed the entire ceiling assembly to reveal the root of the problem—uncaulked joints in the bath tub above. Removing the ceiling assembly was an expensive strategy, when in reality, all the homeowner had to do was caulk the bathtub joints and problem solved!

A knowledgeable home inspector could easily identify the source of the water stain and recommend a less expensive and less intrusive way to repair it; but, of course, knocking out a ceiling makes for better TV. After all, more drama equals higher ratings!

The Cons of Reality TV

While it may be fun to binge watch reality TV home renovation shows, too much binge watching without developing proper knowledge and experience about home inspection can lead everyday home buyers to believe they know more than an expert home inspector.

As these shows become more popular, so too have lawsuits against home inspectors. Emboldened by what they see on TV, some homebuyers take home inspectors to court to dispute minor defects that were missed during an inspection. Most of these suits miss the mark of professional negligence and are eventually thrown out. But, given the highly litigious society we live in, that doesn’t stop people from filing a suit in the first place.

To keep the reality TV wheel turning, producers create plot lines involving inscrutable home inspectors or contractors trying to make a quick buck. However, the fact is that professional home inspectors understand the risks involved with conducting inspections and do everything in their power to avoid negligence of any kind.

A Final Word

What you see on TV is the result of weeks of production and editing. The storylines are often determined before shooting even begins, so the finished product is more similar to a scripted TV drama than “reality.” In the process of editing, producers filter out dialogue and action that slows down the pace of the storyline; but, those slower moments we don’t see are where the real work of home inspection happens.

The nitty-gritty and sometimes tedious work of home inspection may not make for the most compelling TV, but it is important for money saving ventures and to better understand the complete condition of your home.

If you’re ready to swap manufactured TV drama for reality, schedule an appointment with South Sound Inspections today!

Jul 27 2021

Summer Home Maintenance Tips

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8 Home Projects for the Summer

Now that it’s summer, you might have some more motivation to complete home maintenance tasks, but you’re not sure where to start. Here’s a list of easy-to-complete summer home maintenance tasks that don’t require an expert to complete, and are perfect to do before it gets cold and rainy again! Follow these preventative maintenance tips to ensure your home looks great for the season and is protected from surprise repairs during the colder months.

1. Power Washing

If you’re lucky enough to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, you’re also familiar with its drawbacks: mold and mildew that builds up on exteriors. A great way to combat this negative effect of our natural environment is pressure washing your deck, porch, driveway, siding, or brick exterior. You can rent power washers from your local Home Depot or Lowes. Before you rent, choose amongst four different colored tips standardized for specific angles. Red is for a zero degree angle that shouldn’t be used up close on any surface; yellow is for a 15-degree angle that’s great for washing concrete; green is for a 25-degree spray ideal for blasting away mildew on the deck or siding; white is for a 40-degree spray for windows and siding; and black is for a 60-degree angle more suited for simply wetting a surface.

One word of caution: avoid power washing any exteriors that were painted prior to 1978. The paint can be fragile and flake off, so it’s best to call a professional in that instance.

2. Repair or Re-paint Exteriors

After you’ve power washed siding, concrete, or a wooden deck, the next step is repairing or re-painting chipped, cracked or faded paint to protect it from the elements.

The best way to tackle this task is by first making sure to repair any cracks or holes with caulk and wait for a warm, dry and not-so-windy day to complete the paint job. Apply at least two layers of paint for maximum protection and check every couple of years for signs of moisture or cracking.

3. Clear Roof and Gutters of Debris

After the spring storms, leaves and debris are likely to clog your gutters and litter your roof. Wait for a few consecutive dry days to tackle the gutters and the roof. To start cleaning the gutters, grab a ladder, some gloves, a bucket, and a trowel. Begin cleaning around the downspout, using your gloved hands and a trowel to remove debris and place it in the bucket. After clearing debris, fit your hose with a spray nozzle and flush the gutters, being careful to avoid getting too much water underneath the roof shingles.

After taking care of the gutters, check the roof for debris and use a leaf blower or broom to remove branches or leaves. And in a moist Pacific Northwest climate, also check for algae growth and use an algae-resistant spray after you’re done cleaning the roof.

4. Inspect and Repair Fencing

Fences are another exterior feature constantly exposed to the elements that need proper care and maintenance. If you have wooden fences, clean and pressure wash the wood to remove mildew, moss, or graying, and then coat with a UV-and-water repellant coating.

For metal fences, remove rust with a wire brush and apply a rust converter to places that already have rust. You can also use a primer on the metal fence or a car wax to protect aluminum fences from additional rust build-up.

5. Check Your Air Conditioning Unit

Life during the summer is pretty unbearable with A/C, so take care of your indoor or outdoor unit. For an indoor unit, start by cleaning the evaporator coils and replacing the air filters; finally, check for leaks in the refrigerant that can cause your AC to run but not actually cool your home.

For an external unit, start by removing debris around it and then remove the cage to clean and straighten the fins. You can also gently vacuum the fins to get rid of dust and build-up. Finally, spray the unit with a coil cleanser. Rinse off the cleanser in 15 minutes after it’s adhered to the dirt on the coils.

6. Clean Ceiling Fans and Windows

Ceiling fans tend to work overtime during the summer, so be sure to brush them free of dust and dirt to ensure indoor air quality.

This simple job can be done with a step-ladder and some moist paper towels. For tougher build-up on fan blades, use a sponge to scrub off dust or dirt.

You can also clean your windows inside and out. Start with some Windex and paper towels on the inside, then a gentle spray of water from the hose for the outside. Follow up the outside windows by scrubbing them with a soft microfiber cloth soaked in a mix of dish soap and vinegar. Dry the windows with a squeegee, wiping it clean after each pass.

7. Fix or Replace Exterior Doors

Examine wear and tear on exterior doors by looking for sagging, drafts, or leaks. To remedy these issues, you may need to realign the doors, weatherseal them, install new components, or replace the door system.

To begin caulking and weathersealing your doors, check for old, damaged caulk and remove it with a putty knife. Then, apply a new, silicone-based caulk with a caulk gun around the doorframe to protect against drafts.

8. Check Windows for Leaks

Similar to doors, windows can be a big culprit when it comes to hot or cold air escaping, and some caulk and a caulk gun are your best friends in this process.

Start by checking around the windows for drafts and apply caulk to areas to be sealed, making sure that caulk sticks to both sides of the window seam. You can also do the same with weatherstripping tape, a high-density rubber foam applied around the window.

Now that you’ve gotten a head start on easy-to-complete preventative maintenance, be sure to call South Sound Inspections for jobs that require a professional!

Jul 13 2021

Skipping the Home Inspection

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What Buyers Should Know Before Waiving a Home Inspection

You know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, when you skip a home inspection, a bad judgement call can end up costing you big money. In this hot real estate market, some buyers are skipping home inspections in an effort to compete with multiple-bid offers. While skipping, or waiving, the home inspection can make your offer more attractive to a seller, there are risks involved that you need to consider before choosing this option. After all, a home is a huge investment, and ensuring that your home is in good shape is a critical first step in the home buying process.

The Purpose of a Home Inspection

Home inspections minimize risk for homebuyers and happen after a seller has accepted an offer from a buyer. The purpose of a home inspection is to inform the buyer of the home’s condition from every angle: electrical, structure, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living space, and laundry. The home inspection can take up to three hours, depending on the size of the home. Inspectors use a wide range of technology to observe every nook and cranny of the property, from drones that observe the rook, to thermal imaging cameras that detect moisture in walls and ceilings, plumbing system leaks, and hot spots related to defects in electrical components.

As a neutral third party, home inspectors have no horse in the home buying race, so they provide a transparent, objective assessment that gives the buyer full knowledge— good and bad—about the property.

If the inspection reveals issues, the buyer can use that information to negotiate the home’s final cost with the seller, especially if there are safety issues, like faulty electrical wiring, cracks in a foundation, mold, or even asbestos. Sellers are then responsible for covering major repairs found during an inspection. After all, you don’t want to live in a place that falls apart when you start unpacking those moving boxes!

What You Risk When Waiving an Inspection

There are definitely short-term gains to waiving an inspection: you get to the front of the bid line and beat out dozens of other offers so that you can finally get your dream home.

But, when you skip an inspection, you risk a lot, too. Some of these risks can be minor—maybe the dishwasher leaks, or the gutters need to be cleaned out. However, some can be incredibly costly and can impact your safety, like exposed wiring, sewer line problems, or structural failures.

Rather than the seller paying to repair these huge issues, the burden falls on you (and your wallet) to address major electrical, foundation, or plumbing problems in your newly purchased property. When you decide to skip an inspection, be sure that you have the finances to deal with any surprises, and be careful when you make this gamble.

How You Can Protect Yourself (and Your Money!)

Even if you skip an initial home inspection as part of the home buying process, you can and should have the home inspected after completing the purchase. A home inspection after you move in can still yield important information about repairs that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and livability of your new home.

You can also opt for a quick walk-through inspection, or what’s sometimes called a “walk and talk” when you first visit a property and before you even make an offer. This less intensive option is not as in-depth as a traditional hours-long inspection because it takes place during a showing, but it’s better to have an expert set of eyes, even for a short time, on the property before purchase. These shorter inspections are done with less equipment and don’t go into as much detail, but can still reveal issues readily noticeable to a home inspector’s well-trained eyes.

Whether or not you waive an inspection is entirely up to you, but you can be sure that South Sound Inspections is here to support you on your home buying journey!

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