By BLTadmin | January 24, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: Tips for New Buyers
The client did not have a Hamilton home inspector present during his new home PDI, Pre-Delivery Inspection. We could have caught all the deficiencies, cosmetic, systems, components and lessened the family stress instead of waiting for the 1 year new Hamilton home inspection. The above photo shows the location of an electric clothes drier in a new townhouse development. The client was concerned about others problems that I will mention in detail on another Hamilton home inspection blog. The drier exhaust vent was extremely long, the slope was like a roller coaster, in addition to, the (4) 90 degree elbows required to exit at an external wall. Each elbow represents approximately 8 to 10 linear feet, therefore, the exhaust vent was approximaelty 40 feet long. The other observation was the flexible vent material and black duct tape to seal the connections. The implication of the vent connector being too long is possible blockage by built up lint, heat build up, creating a possible fire hazard, for additional information concerning the causes of drier fires check the web and you will be surprised how many fires start because of overheated drier exhaust vents due to lint build up. Due to a poor layout of services, the client must now relocate the plumbing and electrical service for the washer/drier to achieve the safest vent connector length for the drier.
By BLTadmin | January 1, 2011 | No Comments
Tags: New Home Inspection Tips
BLT Home Inspections performs many new home inspections. Home inspections Hamilton and home inspections Waterdown are growing in number. New home inspections are an education for the first time buyer, many of whom have no practical knowledge or handyman skills of their own. New home inspections may or may not discover deficiencies in the home’s systems or components. The home inspector will be there with the buyer through the PDI, Pre Delivery Inspection, 30 Day Inspection and/or 1 Year Inspection. During the Hamilton home inspection, Waterdown home inspection or Burlington home inspection process it is critical that the buyer and home inspector concentrate on details, the home inspector will provide digital photos, email report and a Home Reference Manual. Many first time buyers believe the price of a new home inspection is not affordable or not necessary, however, if you always rely on the builder, friend, relative or family member to look after your best interests you are sadly mistaken. The friend, relative or family member may only be giving you advise based on his or hers own experience and not the correct technical knowledge with respect to building and home maintenance issues. The buyer should be familiar with the new home warranty plan and deficiency report deadline dates, missing the reporting deadlines can be very costly in completing the required service work as noted. Consider very carefully and ask yourself what will I gain from the home inspection, will I gain more knowledge than I already have, will I be a more educated second time buyer especially if I decide to purchase an older home, if the answer is “YES”, then a new home inspection is worthwhile.
Soffit not completed, weather, vermin entry Attic insulation has voids, heat escapes into attic
into wall and roof system and possible mold formation
By BLTadmin | December 26, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Service supply piping
The Hamilton home inspector for BLT Home Inspections observed during his Hamilton home inspection a lead water supply service line. The home inspector informed the client during his Hamilton home inspection that the home was built pre 1940′s and studies have concluded that lead service piping is a potential health hazard, lead could enter the potable water. The Hamilton home inspector advised the client to seek additional information from municipal, provincial or federal health authorities concerning lead in potable water. There are a couple of ways to eliminate the lead from the drinking water, one is to investigate municipal programs to remove the lead service piping and install a copper service line, secondly, to install an in line filtration system to remove the lead contaminants.
By BLTadmin | December 21, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Lead,S Trap,Steel
The home inspector for BLT Home Inspections during his Hamilton home inspection observed steel water pipe supply in the basement. The presence of steel piping during any Hamilton home inspection or Waterdown home inspection would indicate an older home probably pre early 1950′s. Steel water supplies rust from the inside, decreasing water volume, pressure and usually leak at the threaded connections. The home inspector would advise the client to replace all steel water supplies on a maintenance schedule based upon their budget plans. Insurance companies may also voice their opinion regarding replacement due to the possibility of water leakage. Replacement of hot water and horizontal piping would be the first sections to replace if on a maintenance and budget schedule, otherwise, replacement of all steel supply lines is advisable.
The other Hamilton home inspection, is a basement observation, a “S” trap under the concrete laundry tub, in addition, the material happens to be lead, again, we are talking definitely pre 1950′s home construction. The home inspector will then check the incoming water line and determine if the line is lead, steel or upgraded to copper. A “S” trap is not allowed in residential construction, siphoning of the trap can remove water and allow sewer gases to be emitted into the house causing an unhealthy home environment. “S” traps are commonly found in basement renovations, I believe mostly due to poor planning and space conservation, with a little ingenuity “S” traps could probably be avoided. The home inspector would advise the client to change the “S” trap to a “P” trap or monitor the existing trap for sewer odors.
Home inspections Hamilton, home inspections Waterdown, home inspections Burlington and home inspections Stoney Creek , older homes are challenging, the home inspector must communicate to the client accurate information, but, in a manner that does not seem to be overwhelming, especially to the first time home buyer.
By BLTadmin | December 3, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Panel Location
The location of an electrical sub panel must be located with the same care as a main panel. The Burlington home inspector during his Burlington home inspection, did not mention the location of the sub panel to the seller’s real estate agent. Some backgroung information, Sundays I visit open houses, I met a new agent and she had a concern and asked if I would kindly advise her, so I did. The basement was finished and the sub panel was hidden in a closet with linen tight against the panel front. The agent thought the location of the sub panel was incorrect and I confirmed her suspicion. The house was sold and the Burlington home inspector did not mention the sub panel location in his home inspection report as a deficiency. When are people going to wake up and research the home inspector’s qualifications, experience and forget about price discounting and agents’ lists. I do not know how the home inspector was choosen, but, obviously it was a wrong decision.
By BLTadmin | December 1, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Home Inspection Observations
The Hamilton home inspector recognized the cracked concrete foundation had signs of efflorescence at the bottom of the wall. Efflorescence is a white powdery substance indicting the presence of moisture, but, does not necessarily indicate water seepage into the basement. A Hamilton home inspector will educate his client to the fact that all cracks have the potential to allow water seepage into the basement area. The home inspection may not be able to determine if the crack travels through the foundation, evidence of efflorescence could indicate a potential leak source and the home inspector should advise the client to seek the advice of a licensed basement contractor. The home inspector should inspect the exterior to determine if any visible signs contribute to the water seepage such as poor grade, discharge from downspouts and make a recommendation to correct such deficiencies. Non visible problems that can contribute to basement water problems are, clogged weepers and soil conditions below grade. The home inspection also discovered that the support wall had no bottom plate and was positioned on the gravel bed, without a solid footing, settling of the support area resulted in cracks in the wall and ceramic tile floor. The home inspector recommended a concrete footing and bottom plate.
The Waterdown home inspection of a new home discovered possible drainage problems from the weepers. New home inspections, often observe dirt laden water from the weepers built up in the sump pit clogging the pump operation, resulting in a pit overflow. Sump pumps are required in rural areas, high water table areas and century homes for better drainage and remodeling of basements due to poor drainage. All sump pumps should have a back flow preventer to stop the pump from recycling and in areas where excessive water is drained and possibly a pump backup in case of hydro blackouts. BLT has performed considerable new home inspections throughout the Golden Horseshoe area, Hamilton home inspections, Waterdown home inspections, Burlington home inspections and Ancaster home inspections.
By BLTadmin | November 15, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Home Inspection Observations
BLT Home Inspections performs many home inspections in the older neighbourhoods of Hamilton, Waterdown and rural areas. Century homes typically have stone foundations and no weeping tiles for water drainage, these types of basements were not meant to be a living space. Home inspections of century home basements will uncover damp and sometimes wet conditions. The floors are typically dirt and sometimes concrete poured over a dirt floor and the mortar between the foundation stones is usually deteriorating and must be repointed. A BLT home inspection may also point out efflorescence on the stone wall as seen in the photo, which is an observation that indicates possible moisture problems. Mold is another home inspection obersvation that accompanies damp, wet basements. The home inspector will also point out the cast iron waste stack as seen in the photo, which is another indication of an older home dating back to at least to the 1940′s and earlier. Prospective clients who are interested in century homes must be aware of the problems associated with stone wall foundations.
By BLTadmin | October 3, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Home Inspection Tips
Many clients are not prepared for Hamilton home inspections or Waterdown home inspections, I understand you are nervous and anxious, this is a huge investment. When you are interviewing various home inspectors ask what type of home inspection report you will receive, does the Hamilton home inspection report include digital photos and an email report or does the home inspection report contain checked boxes and no photos. Photos and brief explanations are easy to understand and can be recalled easier and clearer at a later date. You want a home inspection report that points out maintenance issues and major deficiencies, in other words, detailed and thorough. Once you have chosen your Hamilton home inspector or Waterdown home inspector, review the home inspection contract and make sure you understand the limitations of the home inspection, review the Standards of Practice. Make a list of questions to ask during your Hamilton home inspection or Waterdown home inspection, all good inspectors will either have an answer or will get an answer for you in short time.
By BLTadmin | September 17, 2010 | No Comments
Tags: Home Inspection Tips
Hamilton home inspections an Waterdown home inspections are performed to a mandatory home inspection check list called the Standards of Practice. We can call the Standards of Practice a check list for our purpose of discussion, the S.P. is to provide the client with information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home. The purpose of the Standards of Practice is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for fee paid Hamilton home inspections and Waterdown home inspectoions. Searching through the web site of BLT Home Inspections, you can download the Standards of Practice and review its’ content prior to a home inspection. Home inspection check lists do not exist, however, the Standards of Practice will answer all your questions, if not, please submit a question and I will answer to the best of my ability. BLT Home Inspections not only performs work in Hamilton and Waterdown but through out the Golden Horseshoe area.
By BLTadmin | August 26, 2010 | No Comments
Tags:
Choosing a competent home inspector is essential when selling or buying a home. Many Realtors have their chosen few and usually give their clients a list to chose from. You ask yourself, is the home inspector qualified, is he experienced in the type of home I want to buy or sell, does the inspector belong to a professional organization and is the inspector continually upgrading his/her skills. If the answer is yes, that is great, but, one of the most important skills of home inspection is how are his/her communication skills to relate what was observed to his client, so the client can make an informed decision. It is your responsibility to source the best home inspector, it is easy to rely on the agent to give you names and offer discounts for certain inspectors. Mike Holmes has a TV show featuring bad inspectors, but, he does not tell you the whole story. When choosing a home inspector check out testimonials, referrals from friends or past clients and do not go price shopping with inspection specials or discounts. You get what you pay for, no matter what promise they offer, bad or inexperienced inspectors are out there and they are getting business at your expense. Hamilton home inspections are increasing in numbers due to increased sales, competition is growing, so when searching for Hamilton home inspectors there are a lot to from, doing your due diligence will payoff in the long run.
