Freezing temperatures, howling winds, and ice dams the size of Samurai swords…

Spring is finally here! The birds are singing, daffodils are pushing through the soil, and your house is groaning like it just woke up from a three-month bender.

Truth is, winter is incredibly tough on your home. Between freezing temperatures, howling winds, and ice dams the size of Samurai swords, your beloved abode has been working overtime just to keep you from turning into a human popsicle. 

Now that spring has sprung, your house has a massive “winter hangover.” It’s creaky, it’s leaky, and there’s a distinct possibility it’s hiding some regrettable decisions in the basement.

Here at Peter Young Home Inspections, we know what winter can do! Think of us as the metaphorical aspirin and strong cup of black coffee your home desperately needs right now. To help you nurse your property back to health, we’ve put together this nifty spring recovery guide.

Roofs and Gutters: Curing the Hangover

Your roof took the brunt of winter’s wrath. It wore a heavy bonnet of snow and ice without complaining, but now it’s feeling the aftereffects.

• The Shingle Check: Grab a pair of binoculars (so you don’t actually have to climb a ladder right now) and scan your roof from the yard.
• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Winter winds love to rip these off, leaving your roof exposed to spring showers.
  • The Remedy: If you spot damage, call a local roofing professional to patch in new shingles. Unless you have excellent balance or a death wish, leave steep roof repairs to the pros.
• The Gutter Cleanse: Your gutters are currently stuffed with wet leaves, twigs, and whatever treasures the neighborhood squirrels decided to hoard. Have you heard about the lady who found Elvis in her gutters?
  • The Remedy: Grab a sturdy ladder, a pair of thick gloves, and a bucket. Scoop out the muck, then flush the gutters with a garden hose to make sure the downspouts are clear. Reattach any gutters that are pulling away from the fascia board.

• The Gutter Cleanse: Your gutters are currently stuffed with wet leaves, twigs, and whatever treasures the neighborhood squirrels decided to hoard. Have you heard about the lady who found Elvis in her gutters?
  • The Remedy: Grab a sturdy ladder, a pair of thick gloves, and a bucket. Scoop out the muck, then flush the gutters with a garden hose to make sure the downspouts are clear. Reattach any gutters that are pulling away from the fascia board.

Foundation & Exterior: Treating Dry, Cracked Skin

When the ground freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts. This phenomenon, known as frost heave, can do a number on your foundation and exterior.

• Hunt for Cracks: Take a slow walk around the perimeter of your house. Look for new cracks in the foundation, brickwork, or stucco.
  • The Remedy: Small, hairline cracks can easily be sealed with a polyurethane masonry caulk to keep moisture and bugs out. However, if the crack is wider than a penny or looks like a jagged staircase, skip the DIY and call a structural engineer.
• Check the Grading: The dirt around your house should slope away from your foundation. Winter has a sneaky way of eroding this soil.
  • The Remedy: Grab a shovel and pack some dense topsoil (not mulch, which retains water) around the foundation. Tamp it down so it creates a gentle downward slope away from your house, redirecting rainwater into the yard and out of your basement.

Attic & Basement: Evicting Uninvited Guests

When the temperature dropped last winter, every critter in the neighborhood started looking for a warm place to crash. 

Unfortunately, your attic and basement were the hottest clubs in town.

Check the Grading: The dirt around your house should slope away from your foundation. Winter has a sneaky way of eroding this soil.

• The Basement Sweep:  Go downstairs with a good flashlight. You are looking for moisture, efflorescence (that powdery white stuff on concrete), or a musty smell that screams “mold.”
  • The Remedy: If the air feels damp, invest in a good dehumidifier and let it run continuously. If you find active puddles, trace the source and seal the interior concrete walls with waterproofing paint.
• The Attic Inspection: Pop your head into the attic. Look for shredded insulation, droppings, or daylight peeking through the roof boards.
  • The Remedy: If you find evidence of a rodent rave, you need to evict them. Seal off entry points from the outside using steel wool and caulk (mice can’t chew through steel wool). Set traps inside, or better yet, call a pest control service to play bouncer and clear the room.

Windows & Doors: Fixing Creaky, Leaky Joints

Grab a caulking gun and run a fresh bead of exterior-grade silicone caulk around the window frames.

Winter is notorious for ruining weatherstripping. Expanding ice and shrinking wood can leave your windows and doors feeling woozy and off-balance.

• The Breeze Test: On a windy spring day, run your hand around the edges of your closed windows and doors. If you feel a breeze, your weatherstripping has given up the ghost.
• The Remedy: Peel off the old, cracked weatherstripping and wipe the door jamb or window frame clean. Apply new self-adhesive foam or rubber stripping. For the exterior, grab a caulking gun and run a fresh bead of exterior-grade silicone caulk around the window frames to seal out the spring rain.

Need a Professional Diagnosis?

Nursing a house through a winter hangover takes time, effort, and a keen eye. While this DIY checklist is a great place to start, sometimes you need a professional to give it the real hairy eyeball!

If you notice something concerning, or if you just want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is in top shape for the year ahead, we’re here to help. We’ll comb through your home from the chimney to the basement floor, giving you a comprehensive breakdown of what’s working, what’s not, and what needs a little TLC.

Don’t let your house suffer through spring. Give us a call today , and let’s get your home ready to enjoy the sunshine!

Buying or selling a home in WNC?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Winter Home Hangover: A Guide to Spring Detox appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Selling a house is a lot like dating. You clean up, put on your best face, and strategically hide all your baggage. And as a home inspector, I’m like your first-date chaperone who shows up with a flashlight and a moisture meter, trained to spot the subtle, nervous twitches that reveal everything.

The sheer volume of DIY projects I see is a testament to the collective optimism of homeowners everywhere. Most are innocent – a new light fixture, a freshly caulked tub. But occasionally, I run into a project that screams, “I SAW THIS ON YOUTUBE AT 2 IN THE MORNING AND NOW I NEED IT GONE BEFORE CLOSING!”

My job isn’t to judge your shoddily installed dimmer switch; it’s to uncover the secrets the house has been whispering (or sometimes screaming) behind that suspiciously fresh coat of paint. 

Here are the most common ways sellers try to sweep problems under the rug, and the subtle clues we look for.

Tell-Tale Signs of a Paint-Based Conspiracy

Forget expensive forensic tools. The most common cover-up kit is a gallon of paint, a brush, and a prayer.

1. The Single, Suspiciously Perfect Ceiling

A freshly painted ceiling is a beautiful thing… unless it’s the only freshly painted ceiling in a 40-year-old house. If the rest of the home has the patina of time (the original flat, dusty ceiling paint), and one 10×12 section above the kitchen is blindingly bright white, I put on my detective hat.

• The Problem: Sellers often paint an isolated ceiling to hide a past or active water leak. They fix the plumbing/roof, wait for it to dry, and slap on a coat of Kilz primer and flat white paint.
• The Clue: The paint is often too heavy or too thick in the corners or near the light fixture. Sometimes, if you look closely with a flashlight held at a sharp angle (called “raking light”), you can still see the subtle, ghost-like outline of the original water stain texture beneath the new paint. My trusty moisture meter comes to the rescue here. It’s a non-invasive way to check if the area is dry or if the H2O party is still happening behind the scenes.

2. Fresh Caulk, The Desperate Deodorizer

A bathroom that smells overwhelmingly of new silicone caulk should be treated like a new celebrity marriage: beautiful on the surface, but likely covering some deep-seated issues.

• The Problem: The seller is trying to seal off ongoing moisture problems around the bathtub or shower base. They might have a persistent leak, or they might be trying to stop the flow of a nasty black growth that the caulk will only briefly hold back.
• The Clue: A bead of caulk that is too wide, too uneven, or applied over old, dirty caulk. The most damning evidence? A caulk line that’s perfectly fresh everywhere except for a tiny spot near the floor that has already started to fail. That little failure point gives us a sneak peek into the mold and water damage soiree underneath. It’s the one truth-telling crumb on a meticulously clean countertop.

Exterior Illusions: Where Pride Meets Peril

The inside of a home can hide secrets, but some of the most dramatic cover-ups are right outside the back door.

3. The Deck Built on Books and a Dream

Everyone loves a new deck. It promises summer cookouts, lemonade, and happy memories. But the inspector sees a load-bearing structure, and often, that structure is resting on nothing but good intentions. And we ALL know what was paved with good intentions!

• The Problem: The “skilled craftsman” (read the seller’s cousin’s buddy) skipped the proper footings. Instead of digging down below the frost line and pouring concrete piers, they just put the posts on top of stacked cinder blocks, a pile of rocks, or maybe a few paving stones – a strategy I affectionately call the “Jenga Foundation.”
• The Clue: I check the connection points. Is the deck attached to the house with the correct flashing and bolts? More importantly, I look at the posts. Are they secured to the ground? If I see posts resting directly on the ground, or stacked blocks that are visibly tilted, shifted, or sinking into the soil, that brand-new deck is just a future liability. The best cover-up for a faulty foundation is a lush garden bed planted right around the perimeter of the deck. If the area looks suspiciously overgrown, I’m going to take a peek behind the bushes.

When the Floorboards Speak Volumes

If a house has new flooring, that’s usually a plus, right? Not always. Sometimes, new flooring is the equivalent of putting a strip of duct tape on a sinking ship.

4. The Crooked Carpet or the Sloping Laminate

I love new flooring, but the inspector in me is trained to spot a new cosmetic change masking an old structural issue.

• The Problem: The seller has installed new, trendy flooring to distract from a subfloor that is sloping, sagging, or uneven due to foundation movement or water damage. They figure you’ll be too busy admiring the gray wood-grain laminate to notice how you feel seasick when you walk across the living room.
• The Clue: This requires walking the house, not just admiring it. I’ll look for large gaps between the baseboard and the floor (especially in the corners) which indicate a dramatic slope. If the floor is tile or laminate, I’m watching for loose pieces, cracks that follow a straight line across multiple boards, or a visible “hump” or “dip” in the middle of a room. An uneven floor can’t lie; your eyeballs (and my tightly calibrated digital level) will always find the truth.

5. The Magical Disappearing Attic Access

I’ve seen sellers seal up access hatches with everything from drywall mud to framed pictures to heavy furniture. It’s always a delight to move a giant armoire only to find a perfectly square, freshly painted sheet of drywall where the attic door should be.

• The Problem: They don’t want the inspector to see the unvented plumbing, missing insulation, evidence of rodents, or, worst of all, the DIY structural “improve-ments” erected by Uncle Jerry and a box of nails.
• The Clue: Any room where the attic access is obscured or appears freshly patched is an immediate red flag. We are mandated to check the attic, so if I have to move a 300-pound curio cabinet, I promise I’m bringing my best skepticism (and my back brace) with me. Or, more likely, I won’t try to move it at all, and write in my report that attic access was blocked by the seller.

Final Wisdom: The Inspector’s Mantra

Remember this: We home inspectors are trained to look beyond the lipstick and rouge. We are looking for the consistency of the house’s story. If one part of an old house looks suspiciously flawless, it’s a sign that someone was trying to edit the story.

In the end, it’s a fool’s errand to try to fool an inspector. We’re not trying to kill the deal; we just want to ensure that the buyer’s first night in a new home doesn’t involve an emergency call to a plumber, a roofer, or a structural engineer.

Trust your eyes, trust your gut, and hire an inspector with a high-end flashlight.

Buying or selling a home in WNC?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post The House History Detective: Decoding the Do It Yourself Cover-Up appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Peter Young Home Inspections is open for business to take care of all your home inspection needs.

If you suspect your home was damaged in the recent hurricane, we are offering limited storm damage inspections, such as:

• Roof • Exterior • Basement • Attic • Crawlspace

Please call Peter Young at 828-808-4980 for pricing.

For regular home inspections, please see our contact information below to arrange an appointment.

Winterize your home now to stay cozy

Autumn has passed its prime. Dazzling gold and red are giving way to brown, and the trees are laying down their crunchy, leafy carpets everywhere. As the crisp autumn air becomes cooler, it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months.

A well-winterized home not only ensures comfort but also helps you save on energy costs. By taking the necessary steps to winterize your home, you can enjoy a warm and cozy winter season. Let’s take a look.

The great outdoors

Insulate pipes: One of the most crucial steps in winterizing your home is to protect your plumbing system from freezing temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes, particularly those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Use pipe insulation foam or heat tape to wrap pipes effectively.

Drain outdoor faucets: To prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain them completely. You can also attach a frost-proof faucet cover to provide additional protection. If you don’t have a shut-off for outdoor faucets, protect them with an insulating cover that is available at most home supply stores. Polar Cap is an effective and inexpensive option.

Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof and home’s interior. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.

Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging branches can damage your roof and power lines during heavy snowfall or strong winds. Keep trees and shrubs away from your roof line.

Inspect your roof: A well-maintained roof is essential for keeping your home warm and dry. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, and repair any issues promptly. Consider hiring a professional inspector for a thorough assessment.

Indoor preparations

Check your heating system: Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up of your heating system to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Change the air filter regularly to improve airflow and reduce energy consumption.

If you have a fireplace or woodburning stove, clean the chimney and flue to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Cleaning your fireplace and chimney is essential to remove creosote buildup and prevent chimney fires. Stock up on firewood and ensure your fireplace is in good working condition.

Seal air leaks: Drafts can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent cold air from entering your home. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or insulation foam to seal these areas effectively.

Insulate your attic: Proper attic insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated to minimize heat loss. If necessary, add additional insulation to improve energy efficiency. Click here for an Energy Star article on attic insulation.

Reverse ceiling fans: During the winter months, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise rotation. This will push warm air downward, creating a more efficient heating system.

Additional steps for winter comfort

Wait! There’s more.

Take these additional steps to stay warm and cozy during those cold winter months.

Your preparation will pay dividends in both comfort and in lower energy bills.

• Install Storm Windows or Weatherstripping: Storm windows can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you don’t have storm windows, apply weatherstripping to seal gaps around your existing windows. Here’s a guide to weatherstripping from This Old House.
• Use Thermal Curtains: Thermal curtains can help insulate your home by reducing heat loss through windows.
• Lower Your Thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees can save energy and reduce heating costs.
• Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, optimizing energy usage.
• Keep Your Home Humidified: Dry air can irritate your skin and respiratory system. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and improve indoor comfort.

By following these tips, you can ensure your home is ready to withstand the winter weather and stay warm, cozy, and energy-efficient all season long!

Buying or selling a home in Western North Carolina?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Open for business appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Springtime! What’s not to love? Flowers are regaling you with color, birds are singing merrily. And your house needs some seasonal love. Here’s a springtime home maintenance checklist to keep your home humming along with all that joyous birdsong. A brisk, sunny spring day is the perfect time to assess any winter wear and tear on your home. Starting with the exterior, these are the items you need to check out.

Up on the roof

Old Man Winter can do a number on your roof. If you feel secure on a ladder, take a peek up there to see if there’s anything that needs attention. Look for cracked tiles, torn or missing shingles, and replace them. If damage is serious, call a licensed roofer for an estimate and to make the repairs.

Get your mind in the gutter!

Winter can be rough on downspouts if ice and debris accumulate. Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing. Water dams can cause wood rot around eaves and trim. If the winter was windy, gutters may be loose or falling. If they’re intact, simply reattached them. If damaged, it’s time to replace them.

Check your sprinklers

A few hard winter freezes can play havoc with your sprinkler system. Run the system on a warm, sunny day to make sure it’s functioning properly. Replace any damaged sprinkler heads if you find any. If you didn’t drain your sprinkler system before winter, you may have a burst pipe. Large puddles or ponding may appear at the site of the break when you turn the system back on. If this occurred, it’s best to call a professional. You’ll need to dig up part of the yard and replace the broken pipe.

All hands on deck

Winter snow and ice can be detrimental to your decks, porches, and exterior woodwork.
Check for water stains, discoloration, and warping. If the surface looks compromised, it’s time to pressure wash and stain or reseal.

Look for warped deck boards and loose nails. Be sure railings and steps are secure. Replace and soft or rotting boards as soon as possible.

Forget saying “I don’t do windows!”

Check all your window screens for holes or cracks that can be entry points for insects. Hardware stores sell screen repair kits for small fixes. Many also offer a service, in which you can bring the screen to them for repair.Next, check out all your windows for drafts or leaks. Caulking and weather stripping will erode over time, so it may be time for resealing. 

Springtime is trim time

Early spring is the time to trim branches, shrubs, and trees, especially those that extend out over the roof of your house or look like they’re growing toward utility lines. If you’re not handy with a ladder or chainsaw, hire a professional to do the job.

Up in the attic

Moving to the interior, do a visual inspection of your attic to make sure you can’t see light through the roof. 
Look for signs of rodents or other pests that may have moved in during the cold winter months. Be sure there are no signs of moisture or mold on your insulation.

Look out below

Now’s a good time to check out the basement for musty odors. If the scent is strong, there may be a water leak. Check walls, ceilings, and around the floor for water stains or discoloration. Water or dampness on the floor may indicate poorly positioned downspouts or improper grading around your home. The ground should slope downward and away from the foundation. Water on the walls or ceiling may indicate a plumbing problem. Call in a professional to check that out.

Clean your dryer vents

Clogged dryer vents are real energy wasters, and they’re also fire hazards. Check out the vent where it attaches to the dryer and where it exits the house. If the vent is clogged, you can purchase vent cleaning kits from most home stores. While you’re down there, move the dryer and vacuum under it. 

Don’t neglect the water heater

 It’s easy to take the hot water heater for granted. It works for us 24/7, but we rarely think about it. When it’s not working properly, your power bill will rise. Even worse than that, it can cause extensive damage to your home if its contents begin leaking out. Hard water, rust, and leaks can cause sediment buildup that can damage the heating elements. If you see signs of corrosion at the base of your water heater, or if you see water leaking around it, call a professional immediately to repair or replace it, before major damage happens.

Where there’s smoke…

You’re doing a monthly check of your fire extinguishers, right? Here’s more. During your springtime home maintenance, take a closer look at the hose and nozzle to ensure they are in working condition. Make sure the pressure gauge is “in the green.” If pressure is down, find a service in your area to recharge the extinguisher, or replace it quickly. 

On the subject of smoke, spring is the time to test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries. You need a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement. Do the same check and battery replacement on your carbon monoxide detectors. You can never be “too careful” when it concerning deadly carbon monoxide fumes. 

Over years of living in your home, it’s easy to forget simple maintenance or just not notice problems that are easily fixed. Stick to this checklist every spring, and your home will remain in good shape for many more years to come.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.

The post Here’s a checklist for getting a jump on springtime home maintenance chores appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

A common question that customers ask home inspectors is, “What is included in a home inspection?” Home inspections are essential to the process of buying and selling homes. Financing may hinge upon the findings and subsequent remediation of issues that may be found during inspections. If you’re in the market as a buyer or seller, a home inspection will soon be on your agenda.

Here in part 2, we’ll take a look at:

• Basements/crawlspaces 
• Heating and cooling 
• Fireplaces/stoves 
• Plumbing 
• Electrical
• Interior doors and windows

Look out below!

Not all homes have basements. Some have crawlspaces, and some are built on slabs. A lot of basements are dimly-lit spaces with bare concrete or block walls – places to house the water heater, furnace, electrical panel, or HVAC system. For a home inspector, basements are a great vantage point from which to gain valuable insights into the overall health of your home. From visible cracks in the foundation, to water stains, to telltale signs of pest invasion, a basement tells a story to an inspector’s trained eyes. 

Then there are “finished basements,” with all the amenities, that serve as recreation rooms, home office space, or even separate guest quarters. Since these have finished walls and floor coverings, they can hide issues from the inspector. Still, there are signs, such as a musty smell or dampness, that signal the picture isn’t as rosy as it may appear.

Your inspector checks the foundation for cracks in the walls and floor, and gaps in the fitting of doors and windows. Another sign of foundation damage can be seen outside the basement in uneven ceilings and roof structures.
Unfinished basements can reveal excess moisture and signs of leaks. The inspector looks for leaking pipes, water seepage through windows or wall cracks, and telltale evidence of past flooding and water damage. If the basement ceiling is the subfloor for the level above, the inspector will check for structural integrity and the condition of the insulation. If the insulation is hanging loose and damp, there is a problem with excess moisture, which can penetrate the home.
Basements with water issues or poor air circulation can negatively affect air quality in the rest of the home. The two major issues are the presence of mold from excess moisture and the presence of radon gas in the ground or water supply. Moist, leaky basements usually signal the arrival of pests, such as insects or rodents, which can be potential health hazards.

What’s crawling around down there?
Your crawlspace should be safe and clean. Your inspector must be able to enter safely to check for:

• Foundation cracks
• Moisture and mold
• Wiring problems
• Framing issues
• Insect and vermin infestations
• Ventilation
• Vapor barriers
• Asbestos or other hazardous materials

The first important step in a crawlspace inspection is that the inspector needs to be able to enter safely. Assuming the entry is large enough to pass through, the inspector will first look inside to see if there are exposed construction materials, exposed nails, unprotected electrical wires, standing water, or a strong smell of mold. If these are present, the inspector will not go inside, and the crawlspace will not pass inspection.
Failing a crawlspace inspection is not a Shakespearean tragedy. Chances are good your inspector can make recommendations to remedy the situation.

Can your home FAIL an inspection?
The short answer is NO. However, poor inspection reports may be reasons for axing the deal or renegotiating price. See our blog on this topic for more information.

Blowing hot and cold

Your home inspection will include a check of the HVAC system. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The system includes the integrated components of the home’s heating and air conditioning system, including main units, air handlers, pipes, ducts, electrical components, and central thermostat. It keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, and it also regulates indoor air quality and removes excess moisture through a cycle of inside-outside air circulation.

Home inspectors will check the overall condition of the HVAC system, but they can only inspect what they can see. This includes what can be seen in crawlspaces and attics, such as ducts and vents. Some elements are hidden in walls or under floors, such as pipes and electrical components.

Things that are invisible to the inspector are not included in the inspection. That being said, an experienced inspector knows how to spot signs of potential hidden defects. He may use a moisture detector to pinpoint dampness. Considering the cost of HVAC repair or replacement, it is worth the price to hire an experienced inspector for peace of mind. 

Your HVAC system requires regular maintenance. Click here for a handy month by month guide to HVAC maintenance.

Fireplaces and wood stoves

For many people, winter means it’s time to light the fireplace or woodburning stove. Your HVAC system may keep your home at a steady temperature, but nothing warms your bones on a cold night like a bright, crackling wood fire.

Woodburning appliances must not be taken lightly. My Chimney reports more than 20,000 chimney fires in the U.S. each year. Some are not apparent until an inspector finds the blackened evidence. Others burn so hot that they take out part or all of the home in a fiery blaze. If that’s not bad enough, there’s always the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s why it’s good to have an inspector check out the appliance and chimney before you buy a home, and that’s why we call in the services of a chimney specialist if your home requires a stove, fireplace, or chimney inspection.

If the stove or fireplace is used regularly, it should be visually inspected and cleaned each fall before fire season sets in. Chimney and stove pipe brush kits available at home stores, but if you’re not comfortable on a ladder or on the roof, then you’d be better off calling in a chimney sweep each fall before winter sets in.

The pipes, the pipes…

What does a home inspector look for in a home’s plumbing system? Generally, the inspector will check all sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and outdoor spigots to ensure they are working properly. This also includes installed systems throughout the house. This means anything attached to the home that would require tools for removal, such as a sump pump for removing moisture from the basement.

The inspector checks for leaks or evidence of leaks. A seasoned inspector knows exactly where to look on floors, along the foundation, and on basement walls. Leaking water may indicate that pipes require repair or replacement before they cause water damage to foundations, floors, and ceilings.

I’ve got the power!

Another area of inspection is the home’s electrical system. Once again, the inspector can only check what can be seen. Wiring problems behind walls can be overlooked, however the inspector may find electrical issues in attics, basements, or crawlspaces, such as exposed wires or improper junctions.

The inspector will visit each room and turn on all lights and electrical fixtures. He or she may do a tactile inspection of wall outlets and receptacle plates to ensure they are not warm to the touch. Finally, the inspector will check the main breaker panel to ensure there are no overloaded breakers or faulty connections.  Some older homes still have fuses, rather than breaker panels. If the fuse box is very old, the inspector may recommend that the system be checked by a licensed electrician for safety and peace of mind.

Windows and doors

On the interior side of windows, the inspector will determine if the thermal seal is broken (the glass is going cloudy or there is moisture between the panes). Windows should operate smoothly and not fall when let go, and they should lock securely. There should be no cracked or broken panes, water staining of the wood, and the windows should be painted or stained to protect the wood. Weather stripping around doors and windows must be intact and in place securely.

As you can see, a home inspection is serious business! Without a favorable inspection, a buyer may not be able to secure financing and insurance.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.

The post What’s in a home inspection? Part 2 appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

A common question that customers ask home inspectors is, “What is included in a home inspection?” Home inspections are essential to the process of buying and selling homes. Financing may hinge upon the findings and subsequent remediation of issues that may be found during inspections. If you’re in the market as a buy or seller, a home inspection will soon be on your agenda.   These are the areas covered in most Asheville home inspections:  

• Roof
• Attic/Garage
• Exterior
• Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, and Structure
• Heating & Cooling
• Fireplace
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Permanently Installed Kitchen Appliances
• Doors/Windows/Interior
• Insulation

  Let’s take a closer look. This article is part one, and will be continued next month.

What’s up with the roof?

Your roof is an essential component of an Asheville home inspection. Think of your roof like a turtle’s protective shell. It keeps out the heat in summer, fends off the cold in winter, and keeps your home dry when it rains. That’s why it’s important to be sure your roof is doing the job for which it was intended. Trouble is, small roof issues can be hard to spot, but over time they can be serious. One single point of water entry can transform a rainstorm into a damp, moldy disaster for your ceiling. 

A favorable roof inspection is desirable, since a damaged or deteriorated roof can put the brakes on mortgage financing or insurance coverage.

In addition to its outer covering of tiles, shingles, or other materials, roof systems contain additional components. Plumbing and gas vents, attic fans, skylights, chimneys, and stovepipes that penetrate the roof can be sources of potential leaks, particularly as the home and roof ages. Inspectors routinely leaks in the flashing or sealing around these penetrations. Left unattended, rot and mold will become unwanted visitors, and the cleanup and repairs can be costly. Improperly installed or clogged gutters and downspouts can allow water to seep under shingles and damage what lies beneath.

Inspectors have their own set of rules about walking on rooftops during inspection. Most will not go up on the roof during periods of rain, snow, ice, or wind. Some will walk only on one-story rooftops and only when conditions are right. If inspectors can’t or won’t walk on their roof, they have other ways of seeing what’s up there, such as ladders and binoculars, and flying drone cameras that can get up close and personal with all roof areas and components, without putting the inspector at risk of injury. Call your inspector to find out what methods he or she employs to check your roof during Asheville home inspections.

Can your home FAIL an inspection?

The short answer is NO. However, poor inspection reports may be reasons for axing the deal or renegotiating price. See our blog on this topic for more information.

Things that go bump in the attic

To many homeowners, an attic is just the empty space between the roof and ceiling. To others attics are places to store boxes and items hard to throw away, but hardly, if ever, used. However, your attic can reveal a lot about your home’s condition and reveal problems that may require immediate attention. That’s why inspectors take a close look at what’s in the attic, including your home’s ventilation, insulation, and condition of the structure itself.

In cases of suspiciously high energy bills, mold in the house, and poor air quality, the attic can be quite revealing. Clues about a home’s history reside in the attic. Black, sooty, or painted rafters could indicate there had been a fire in the home. Tunnels in beams and wood shavings on the attic floor may indicate wood-destroying insects.  

Inspectors need safe access to the attic, either an attic hatch or a folding ladder entry. Most inspectors will not enter attics if the only opening is above a staircase. The risk of serious injury or death from a fall is too great.  

Do you hear bumps or scratching sounds coming from your attic? Rats, mice, raccoons, possums, or other critters may have taken up residence there. During Asheville home inspections, your inspector may see the creatures themselves, or find signs of their presence.

What’s up there?

Here’s what inspectors look for in the attic:

• Ventilation: Poor ventilation can reveal as mold, rusted nails and condensation
• Insulation: Your attic should not feel drafty, and insulation should appear whole and complete
• Leaks: Mold, rot, and water stains are tell-tale signs of leaks.
• Pests: Your inspector may find droppings, nests, leaves, acorns and damaged insulation
• Exhaust ducts and vent stacks: These should not terminate in the attic, but should continue through the roof to the outside

What’s outside?

Inspectors give a good going-over to a home’s exterior. The first thing checked is wall covering, such as siding, trim (, and flashing. Generally, inspectors don’t remove any of this material to check beneath. The inspection is done with what’s visible from the outside.

The inspector makes note of the material (stucco, brick, shake shingles, wood, etc.), and looks for evidence of rot, cracking, paint bubbling, rust, bowing and curling.  

Next on the list are exterior doors and windows. The inspector will check the exterior doors and windows for observable damage, such as rot, cracks, and decay. Generally, these include only items visible and accessible at ground level, and do not include screens, shutters, or storm windows.

Walking the walk

In the next phase of Asheville home inspections, the inspector “walks the walk.” To be specific: the paths that lead to the home, such as driveways, walkways, and stairways. The inspector looks for structural integrity and stability, checking for cracked or rotted steps, stair spacing, and secure handrails. Overgrown vegetation, level terrain, and proper pitch (sloped away from the home) are noted. Poor surface drainage and standing water can be detrimental to a home’s structural integrity.  

Decks and balconies may be hiding weather damage or longtime wear and tear. Fresh stain or paint can make it difficult to detect problems. Inspectors carefully check the top and underside for structural issues, such as improper attachment, sagging, improper joist installation, rotted boards, and loose or improper handrails.  

Eaves, fascia, and soffits (those areas that protrude from under the roof) are checked, if visible. The inspector will note any rot, mold, or water damage.  

Next month we’ll continue with part two, and we’ll take a close look at basements/crawlspaces, heating and cooling, fireplaces/stoves, plumbing, electrical, and interior doors and windows.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.

The post What’s in a home inspection? Part 1 appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Every job has its quirks, but sometimes there’s nothing quirkier than the life of a home inspector. You just never know what could be hiding in a house. This month we’ll take a look at some real clunkers. Some are funny. Some are just plain weird. But a few are dangerous.

These are just a few of the many that pop up on a typical home inspection day.

Plumber or sculptor? You decide!

American architect Louis Sullivan taught us “form ever follows function.” 

Maybe that’s what this do-it-yourself plumber was thinking when he concocted this drain sculpture beneath a bathroom sink. 

Or maybe he was drunk!

Clothes smelling odd lately?

This dryer vent is hooked into the sewer line and held in place with duct tape.   Hopefully those fuzzy dryer sheets can take out some really serious odors. If you ask me, this whole situation just stinks! 

Dirty tricks

The builder left a huge pile of dirt and junk in the basement of a brand new house. Now the only way to get it out would be with a shovel and wheelbarrow.   The owners decided instead to seal off the area. Now would be a good time for them to give us the “dirt” on the builder! 

Doing their part for cleaner air

Here’s a vacuum cleaner tube being used as a plumbing vent extension. Perhaps the homeowner was concerned about air pollution and was ready to vacuum the sky.   Maybe if all homes had this, we could reduce greenhouse gases significantly. Or maybe not. 

On the rocks!

Here’s a “tiny house” being supported on a pile of rocks. It’s only a matter of time until the house starts slipping and sliding. 

There are right ways and wrong ways to support structures. This is the quintessential example of the absolute wrong way!

It’s in the can!

Those can lights come in cans for a reason. Here’s a can light without the can. This leaves wiring exposed and subjects nearby insulation to heat – both potential fire hazards.

This is a perfect example of when NOT to kick the can down the road!

It’s a gas, gas, gas!

This is an unsafe way to run a gas line, as the concrete block may damage the line causing a leak.  Gas lines should be run through a PVC pipe at the foundation.

Gas must be taken seriously, always. Installed improperly it can cause serious injury, fire, explosion, or death.

Blowing hot and cold

When your HVAC ducts are disconnected, it’s a great way to heat or cool your crawlspace instead of your house. This home’s heating and cooling bills must be going through the roof, even though the treated air is blowing under the floor.

Buying or selling a home?

Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.

The post Funny, strange, and dangerous things that pop up during home inspections appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.

Living in the NC mountains in winter has its own set of challenges. While this area is paradise to many, chances are good that you sometimes get cold during the winter months. One problem is that many homes (especially older ones) are not well insulated. Warm air leaks out, and cold air leaks in. One big culprit for heat loss is your attic. Is it insulated well? Is it even insulated at all? You’ll need to take a look up there and see. Asheville attic insulation can make a big difference in your comfort and bills in winter.

The first thing to figure out is how to get into your attic. Some homes have attic hatches. These are rectangular openings in the ceiling with a board inside. You’ll need to climb up a ladder to push the board up into the attic, and then climb inside. A word of caution: If you don’t see a plywood walkway up there, don’t go in. Just stick your head up to look around and take stock of what you see. 

Other homes have pull-down ladders that take you right up into the attic. These make it very easy to get up there, but they provide a huge area for warm air to escape from your heated space. This can be remedied by an attic stair cover, which can be custom-crafted by a professional, or purchased in pre-made kits from a home improvement store.

Whichever way your home provides for attic access, it’s time to peek your head up there. 

Take A Look Around

First, do you see a plywood walkway on top of some of the boards? If so, you can safely walk or crawl on this plywood area. If there is no plywood, the only place you can walk safely is on the wood beams that run across the attic floor. Step off those beams and you can end up crashing through the ceiling, resulting in serious injury or even death. So be careful!

Now that you’re looking around, can you see the floorboards, or are they covered in some kind of material? The material between these boards is attic insulation. If all you see is bare floorboards, then there is no insulation up there. Why is this a problem? As we learned in school science class, warm air rises. So if you’re spending a tidy sum to heat your house in winter, and your attic is not insulated, much of that heat is being sucked out of your room and into the attic. The spiders may thank you, but it is a serious waste of energy and money.

So if you see no insulating material, or just a very thin layer of insulation, you are wasting money and energy. It’s time to get your attic insulated properly to stay toasty and save some bucks during those cold winter months.

There are a number of ways to insulate your attic. Some are fairly inexpensive, while others can set you back quite a bit. For the sake of comparison, let’s separate attic insulation into two categories: Do-it-yourself and professional installation. For the do-it-yourselfer, the most common choice is batt insulation.

Going Batty!

For their ease of installation, batts are the favorite choice of weekend fixers. Batts are generally packaged in rolls of varying thicknesses and standard widths. The thicker the batts, the better the insulation. They come in 16 or 24 inch rolls to fit between joists or studs in a home’s framing structure. You can buy them with or without a foil facing that serves as a vapor barrier. In colder climates, the vapor barrier should be facing down against the drywall underneath. That’s how to do it with Asheville attic insulation.

Batts are best for attics with standard joist spacing, few obstructions or penetrations to work around, and attics tall enough to get around in during installation. You will have to cut the batting to fit the length of the spaces you’re putting it over. Batts, especially the fiberglass kind, can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. So alwayswear long sleeves, gloves, a dust mask, and safety goggles during installation.

Batts come in a variety of materials. The most popular is fiberglass, but they also can be purchased in cellulose, mineral wool, and cotton. The best way to install them is to be sure they are thick enough to reach the top of the joists when you lay them in there. It may take two layers, depending upon the thickness you have chosen. The thicker the material, the better the insulation. Once the batts reach the top of the joists, another layer running perpendicular across the top will give you the best bang for your buck. That’s because the joists themselves can let cold air move between them. Covering them in the other direction adds another layer of protection.

If this sounds like a mystery, it’s really not. Click here to see a great video from Lowes on attic batt insulation and installation. 

Filling In the Gaps

The other option for do-it-yourselfers is loose fill, in which insulation materials are packaged in bags and blown into place to your desired depth using machinery you can rent from home supply centers. This works best for the following types of attics:

• Attics with irregular joist spacing (something other than 16 or 24 inches)
• Attics with multiple obstructions and penetrations that could interfere with laying down batting
• Attics where existing insulation needs improvement or deepening
• Attics with minimal headroom for maneuvering

Loose fill insulation comes in three main types: The most common type is cellulose, made from recycled paper products treated with boric acid for insect deterrence and flame resistance. If you buy enough bags from a home improvement store, you might be able to negotiate use of the blower machine for free. Remember, the more you spray, the higher the insulation value becomes. Don’t be chintzy. You don’t want to take all that time and effort and still not have adequate insulation. A good rule of thumb is to spray at least 8-12 inches of the material in your attic for effective insulation. 

Loose fill also comes in fiberglass and mineral wool, but these are generally more expensive than cellulose. Fiberglass also settles more, so a deeper layer is needed to achieve the same effect.

WARNING: Don’t spray any of these materials without adequate protection. Wear long sleeves, a dust mask, and protective goggles.

Pro Options

There are other options for Asheville attic insulation. These include open-cell and closed-cell foams. However, installaAtion of these materials is better left to professionals. 

For Reluctant Homeowners

Not the type to climb up into your attic to see what’s up there? No problem! Call Peter Young Home Inspections today, and let us find out how your installation stacks up against cold winters and hot summers.

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home? Get an inspection first to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Click the link below to arrange an appointment.

The post Asheville attic insulation saves money & energy appeared first on Peter Young Home Inspections.