The lilac print wallpaper in your bedroom may not be your style. And if your house is on the market, that lilac print wallpaper is probably not your prospective buyer's style either. Removing wallpaper is easier than you may think and it has a big impact on a home's appearance. In fact, removing aging, sagging wallpaper is one of the least expensive ways to improve a home's resale value and shorten its time on the market, according to a survey of real estate appraisers.

"While many people dread removing wallpaper, it's one of the simplest ways to give a room a fresh, updated look," says Rust-Oleum brand director Andrea Topper. "And, with a little know-how and the right tools, it's easier than most people think."

Topper offers this advice for "painless" wallpaper removal in three easy steps:

Step 1 - Score the wallpaper: Most wallpaper has a waterproof surface, so it's necessary to score it so the wallpaper stripper can penetrate and loosen the glue underneath. Use a wallpaper scoring tool like Zinsser PaperTiger, a palm-held tool that perforates the wallpaper without damaging the wall. Move PaperTiger in a circular motion to make as many holes as possible, using light pressure. The more holes you make, the faster and easier it will be to remove the wallpaper.

Step 2 - Apply a wallpaper stripping solution: Next, apply a wallpaper stripper like Zinsser DIF Quick Wallpaper Stripper, an environmentally friendly wallpaper stripper that removes wallpaper in just two minutes. DIF Quick loosens the glue underneath the wallpaper to make wallpaper removal quick and easy. Simply spray the ready-to-use solution on the scored paper starting at the top and working your way down, making sure the wallpaper is thoroughly wet.

Step 3 - Remove wallpaper: Use a tool like the Paper Scraper to remove the loose wallpaper without surface damage or hard work. If any glue remains after the paper has been removed, spray the area with more stripping solution, wait a few minutes and remove the glue with the scraping tool or a sponge and rinse with clean water. Before you know it, you will have removed all the wallpaper, and your room will be ready for redecorating.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Have you ever come home and noticed a cracked window that wasn't there before? Did you think I am going to kill some neighborhood kids only to find out the exterior screen was untampered with? What caused this cracked window. In this home inspection video Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin shows a cracked window and broken seal and explains how it happened. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina. They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Charlotte NC home inspector Preston Sandlin shows how to inspect or test a GFCI outlet. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interupter which trip with the slightest differentation in the voltage. This is for protection. GFCI are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garage, and the exterior. Watch this video to see Preston test a GFCI outlet that trips in the garage. This GFCI in the garage also had a freezer plugged up to it which can be a whole other problem.If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina. They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Charlotte NC Home inspector Reveals Sweating Duct on Vacation Home In Hilton Head SC. While on vacation in Hilton Head SC Preston Sandlin nots a sweating ceiling in the screen in porch. It turns ou there was duct there that wasn't insulated enough causing condensation to build up on the ceiling where those ducts are. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina. They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.askthecharlottinspector.com

The age of metals is passe, at least when it comes to household furnishing materials. Polymers, plastics and other synthetic materials are replacing metals everywhere. One such new material that is rapidly replacing copper as a plumbing pipe material is PEX (Cross Linked Polyethylene). In this article I'll discuss some of the known PEX pipe problems that one must know about before PEX pipe installation in the home plumbing system.

About PEX

PEX is a modified form of polyethylene. The cross linking of polymers within polyethylene strengthens the material. Due to the cross linking, it can now withstand a wide variation of temperatures from freezing point till about 200 degree Fahrenheit. It is also reinforced to withstand chemical corrosion and is flexible in nature.

PEX Piping Advantages Over Copper Tubing

Before we talk about problems with PEX pipe, let us have a look at the advantages of using this material as an alternative to conventional materials like copper pipes. One major advantage that PEX pipes have over their metal counterparts is its flexibility, which makes PEX tubing installation considerably easier. PEX piping and fittings are easier to put together as there are no bends required when turning corners.

They can be used in conjunction with metal and PVC pipes. You can use PEX pipes for transmitting hot, as well as cold water. It expands and contracts under heat changes, reducing the chances of pipe burst and leaks. The installation of shut off valves at the supply lines with PEX tubing enables easy repair. These are some of the advantages that PEX has over conventional copper piping. Now that you have an idea about the pros of PEX piping usage, we are in a better position to analyze its cons, or PEX pipe problems.

Problems With PEX Pipings

Every material used in technology comes with its share of shortcomings, as a perfect material is a myth. One prime requirement in usage of a material is that it should be able to withstand variable conditions under which it may be used. PEX comes with its share of shortcomings that are exposed through its use in the real world, as opposed to controlled lab conditions. Here are the major PEX tubing problems that need to be taken into consideration.

PEX is Currently Non-Recyclable
One of the most significant PEX pipe problems is that it is non-recyclable. That means, there is no way of getting discarded PEX materials back in use. Research is on to figure out ways of effectively recycling this material, which is also used in radiant floor heating installation.

Rodent Menace
A reported problem with PEX piping is that it is vulnerable to rodent menace. Rodents can chew into PEX piping, causing leaks. That is why, adequate measures need to be taken to get rid of rodent infestation.

Limited to Internal or Underground Use
One prime PEX piping problem is that it cannot be used for outdoor plumbing. The reason is that it cannot withstand severe subzero temperatures or very high temperatures. It also cannot withstand exposure to solar radiation for long. That is why manufacturers specify its usage to be limited to indoor or underground use. So, in case of outdoor plumbing, there is no substitute for copper, PVC or other kinds of metal plumbing.

Bacterial Growths
When water usage is limited in a plumbing system and there is clogging of water, a possibility of bacterial growth layers developing within a PEX pipe is real. However, this problem can be easily taken care of through a periodic clean up of pipes.

These were some of the prominent PEX pipe problems that you must consider before you plan to go for installing PEX tubing. The problems are minor, except recycling problem which needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

There are some special considerations when buying a foreclosure that might not be a consideration when purchasing a normal house.  The first of these considerations is to make sure that the water and power are turned on.   Usually these houses are vacant and the bank has had them locked up and winterized.  While this protects the house from a pipe rupture going unchecked or an AC running 24-7 it does not make a thorough home inspection possible.  The agent or representative from the bank is going to have to do this as home inspectors can't do this because their insurance will not cover this. 

Since the electricity has been off for a long time no air has been ventilating.  This is a problem because with no air circulating moisture has a hard time escaping.  When moisture gets trapped in a house it will cause mold and mildew.  This mold and mildew gets worse over time.  You really need to air circulating again.  If any mold area is more than ten square feet it needs to be remediated professionally according to the EPA.  If it is less the ten square feet you can clean it yourself with a water and bleach solution. 

Since the water has been off for some time a lot of the gaskets and washers actually dry out.  When you turn the water back on it leaks where these gaskets were.  In my experience as a home inspector here in Charlotte NC I have found more plumbing leaks in houses that have had the water turned off and then turned back on than any other type of house.   When I inspect a foreclosure I fully expect to find some plumbing leaks.  Here is a little test anyone can do to see if they have leaks in their pipes.  Make sure everything is off and go out to your meter.  If it is moving at all you have a supply line leak somewhere.

When we perform regular home inspection for a normal non-foreclosure house most of the items that are found are usually fixed prior to closing.  The items are fixed before the buyer moves in at the sellers expense.  Foreclosure houses are sold "as-is" and then the buyer has to fix the issues one his/her own.  Here is the problem.  Sometimes these problems cost more than you or the contractor estimated and you have to eat the extra costs.  You also can't blame the home inspector as long as he pointed it out in the first place.  The other thing to watch for is unscrupulous contractors who give you a low price to get the job and then once they have your house opened up they tell you it is going to be more money.  When hiring a contractor make sure you get plenty of references and tell them to give you worst case scenarios for expenses. 

I hope these tips have helped you with the home inspection process of buying a foreclosure.  If you want more information or have any questions please go to Home Inspection Carolina or Ask the Charlotte Inspector.

When ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at No. 2.

"Monthly energy costs have become an important factor in the decision-making process for homeowners looking for a new water heater," says Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmentalist. "That's why manufacturers are introducing new technologies that increase the energy efficiency of their products." In order to find the right water heater for your lifestyle, Begley points out that you need to consider both the performance of the machine and the monthly energy costs associated with it.

Your first option is a conventional water heater. These models typically include a glass-lined tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A 40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two or three people, while a larger family may need a 50- to 80-gallon tank.

A tank-type water heater can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. A natural gas model is generally the least expensive in terms of monthly energy costs, with an electric model costing up to three times as much to heat the same amount of water. Most homeowners simply select the type of water heater that matches their current fuel source.

A conventional tank-type water heater can operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 percent efficiency, depending on the brand. In other words, 75 cents of your heating dollar goes into heating the water, and the other 25 cents is lost.

Within the past 10 years, manufacturers have begun promoting another option - the tankless water heater. These models typically deliver about 82 percent energy efficiency. Compared to a conventional water heater, your savings will typically range from $30 to $75 per year.

A tankless water heater uses a very large burner to heat the water as it passes through a copper pipe on its way to your sink, washing machine or shower. These models are measured in gallons per minute.

If you don't use a lot of hot water, it can run almost indefinitely without running out. However, if you exceed the capacity of the machine, you will notice a drop in either temperature or water pressure.

A drawback to a tankless model is the initial cost. The unit typically has a price tag between $800 to $2,000, plus another $1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Compare that to a conventional water heater, which usually runs about $300 to $500 for the unit and another $300 to $500 for installation. That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 difference.

The third option is a hybrid unit. As the name implies, the hybrid combines the technologies of a conventional and tankless water heater. The result is a product that performs better than both technologies with energy efficiency at 90 percent or above.

A hybrid allows you to have back-to-back showers or simultaneous showers because of the stored hot water in the hybrid design. The installation of a hybrid water heater is the same as a conventional model, however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to $1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option available today, homeowners should consider a solar thermal water heating system," Begley says. "These units include a solar thermal collector that goes on the roof of the home in order to supply up to 70 percent of the total energy needed to run the unit." A solar thermal system is typically more expensive, but right now they are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total installed cost in addition to other state and local utility rebates.

Homeowners looking for a conventional electric model have a new "hybrid" option to consider. "These water heaters include a heat pump that literally pulls heat out of the surrounding air, like an air conditioner in reverse," Begley says. "As a result, they are more than twice as energy efficient as a traditional electric model." This efficiency can translate to savings over $360 each year. These hybrid electric models qualify for the federal tax credit and there are also additional state and local utility rebate programs to encourage the adoption of these products.

If your current model is more than eight years old, you may even consider proactively replacing the older, less efficient model for one of the newer, more energy-efficient models and start saving right away.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Advantages of Obtaining a Prelisting Inspection

Advantages of  a pre-market inspection:

· The seller can schedule the inspections at the seller's convenience.

· It might alert the seller to any items of immediate concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.

· The seller can assist the inspector during the inspection, something normally not done during a buyer's inspection.

· The seller can have the inspector correct any misstatements in the inspection report before it is generated.

· The report can help the seller realistically price the home if problems exist.

· The report can help the seller substantiate a higher asking price if problems don't exist or have been corrected.

· A seller inspection reveals problems ahead of time, which:

· might make the home show better.

· gives the seller time to make repairs and shop for competitive contractors.

· permits the seller to attach repair estimates or paid invoices to the inspection report.

· removes over-inflated buyer-procured estimates from the negotiation table.

·  

· The report might alert the seller to any immediate safety issues found, before agents and visitors tour the home.

· The report provides a third-party, unbiased opinion to offer to potential buyers.

· A seller inspection permits a clean home inspection report to be used as a marketing tool.

· A seller inspection is the ultimate gesture in forthrightness on the part of the seller.

· The report might relieve a prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions, before they walk away.

· A seller inspection lightens negotiations and 11th-hour re-negotiations.

· The report might encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.

· The deal is less likely to fall apart, the way they often do, when a buyer's inspection unexpectedly reveals a last-minute problem.

The report provides full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.

 

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in the garage or basement, a canister receives dust and debris sucked by the force of a motor from wall outlets, which are located for the homeowner's convenience.   While many Americans are unfamiliar with central vacuums, they are not new inventions; the idea dates back as far as the 1850s in Sweden, where horse-powered fans were used to create suction through in-wall plumbing. Horses were later replaced by servants, who pumped giant bellows or pedaled stationary bicycles, until electric motors eventually took over. Shortly thereafter, however, portable vacuum cleaners became available, and central vacuum systems were largely forgotten due to their relative expense. Their hibernation ended by the 1990s when growing house sizes and concerns over air quality combined with the availability of cheaper plastic piping, more powerful motors and refined filtration systems. Yet, even today, American homes are dependent on portable vacuum cleaners, in contrast with Canadian and Scandinavian homes, where central vacuum systems are more common.   Central vacuum systems boast some advantages over portable units, some of which are as follows:

• They are long-lasting. Their motors can handle more usage than typical portable units. Warranties, too, are usually longer for central units.
• They are quiet. Because the motor is located outside the living area, users are not subjected to noise created by the motor, which can be excessive and stressful.
• They can be retrofitted into older houses, or built into new construction.
• They are a good investment. Just as a kitchen renovation or new deck will make a home more valuable, many buyers will pay extra for a house equipped with a central vacuum.
• They are hypo-allergenic. Unlike portable vacuums, which recycle air back into the room, dust-laden air is blown into the outdoors from central vacuum systems. One comprehensive study conducted at the University of California at Davis' School of Medicine compared portable to central units and concluded that "a central vacuuming system would best provide [allergen removal] as it would be installed outside the living area of the dwelling and/or vented outdoors."
• The system is easy and safe to use. There is no heavy equipment to carry from room to room, and no electric cords to trip over or catch on furniture.

Types of central vacuum cleaners available include:

• cyclonic, in which air is spun in a canister and exhausted to the outdoors. Location is critical for these units, as it is possible for exhausted, debris-laden air to find its way back into the house through open windows. The filter must be removed and cleaned periodically;
• inverted filter, in which the dirt enters the vacuum canister amidst a tornado-like swirl of air. The canister must be emptied periodically, and always outside of the home. Allergy sufferers may find disposal unpleasant, as mold and other debris become airborne; and
• disposable bag, in which dirt is sucked into a paper bag in the same fashion as for portable units. This is perhaps the cleanest and most hygienic method available, as mold spores, bacteria and other debris are physically separated and stored in a bag from which they cannot escape.

The disadvantages of central vacuum systems include:

• price. A good system can cost $1,500, which is significantly more expensive than even premium portable vacuum cleaners;
• damage caused by items sucked up inadvertently. With greater power comes higher risk that large items will be sucked up, potentially causing damage to the unit. Tales abound of units becoming jammed or broken when they swallow, often at the hands of children, broken jars of jelly, toilet water, and even pet birds. Portable units are usually too weak to readily suck up items that can cause them to break;  
• a system compromised by weak suction.  Such a problem may be due to obstructed pipes or exhaust, an excessively dirty filter, or a full canister that needs to be emptied. If the unit does not operate at all, the motor might be broken, a breaker may have tripped, or the wiring may be defective.

In summary, central vacuum systems are convenient, powerful and expensive home-cleaning devices.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

What is C.L.U.E.?   C.L.U.E. stands for "Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange" and is a claims history database that enables insurance companies to access consumer claims information when they are underwriting or rating an insurance policy. As C.L.U.E. reports play an increasingly important role in real estate transactions, inspectors will find their clients more curious about how C.L.U.E. reports can affect them.  

C.L.U.E. was created in 1992 and is administered by ChoicePoint, a data aggregation company. Roughly 600 homeowners' insurers (about 90% of insurers) contribute claims data to the database. Most insurers renewing existing policies do not access C.L.U.E. reports at renewal, largely because they already have loss histories for these properties in their own databases. Many buyers now stipulate that a C.L.U.E. report on a home must be included with the real estate transaction.

What information is included in a C.L.U.E. report?

The report contains consumer claim information provided by insurance companies. Policy information, such as date of loss, type of loss, and amounts paid, and a description of the property covered, is all included in the report. Only loss history information within five years prior to the current date is stored in the database. No other sources of data, such as credit reports, civil lawsuits, criminal records or legal judgments, are incorporated into C.L.U.E. reports.

How can C.L.U.E. reports benefit potential homebuyers?

C.L.U.E. reports let potential home buyers know about water damage, mold, and other issues that can make it difficult or even prohibitively expensive to insure a home. Without viewing the report, big trouble may be brewing for buyers who simply assume that they will receive an insurance policy for their new home.

Imagine a typical real estate transaction, in which the property sells, ownership is transferred, the buyer gets the keys, and the real estate agent gets paid. But a few weeks later, the buyer gets a letter from their insurance company rescinding the policy due to a previous claim. Many mortgage documents state that a property must remain insured. If the homeowner can't find insurance elsewhere, they can be forced into paying the mortgage company's premium insurance rates or foreclosing on the home. Understandably, many of these situations result in lawsuits:  buyers sue the seller for non-disclosure, the home inspector and the real estate agent if they did not insist upon obtaining an inspection or C.L.U.E. report for their client. This entire situation may have been avoided if a C.L.U.E. report had been ordered by the seller and reviewed by the buyer.

Note that you cannot order a C.L.U.E. report for a home that you are merely interested in buying. Only current owners, insurers and lenders for the property can order C.L.U.E. reports. However, you can request that the current owner of the property order a C.L.U.E. report for you to view.

Why should inspectors care about C.L.U.E. reports?           

During a buyer's inspection, the inspector is tasked with exposing the property's dark secrets that may make its purchase less desirable for the buyer. While this process traditionally involves inspection for current defects that affect the safety or functionality of household components, buyers should be concerned with previous defects that, as detailed above, can create nightmare scenarios after the house has been purchased.

If the inspector finds evidence of major damage that has since been repaired - even if the repair has made the component safe - he should advise his client to request that the seller order a C.L.U.E. report, if this has not been done already. Flood damage from four years prior, for instance, can make a property uninsurable under a new policy. Even if the inspector finds no such evidence, it couldn't hurt to mention the report to the prospective buyer.

How do you get a C.L.U.E. report?

Homeowners can get an electronic or mailed copy of their own C.L.U.E. report for a small fee, depending on which state they reside in. If a homeowner lives in Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, Vermont or New Jersey, they are entitled to a free copy of their consumer report.   In summary, C.L.U.E. reports play an important role in real estate transactions. Inspectors should be ready to inform their clients about the ways in which these reports can affect their ability to receive future insurance coverage. 

 If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

When it comes to do-it-yourself projects that will save money on energy costs, many new products on the market make it possible to save hundreds of dollars over time, with just a few hours of easy installation.

Few of these products come close to the long-term benefits of installing a radiant barrier in your attic. There's even a federal tax credit (available on your 2010 federal tax return) to help you recoup a portion of your purchase price, saving you up to $1,500.

A radiant barrier works in your home similar to the way a reflective foil car shade works in your car. Just as a car shade keeps the interior of an auto cooler when it's parked in the sun, radiant barriers keep your home's interior cooler when installed in your attic where the sun's radiant energy is absorbed.

The Florida Solar Energy Center has conducted numerous studies on radiant barrier installation and found that, under peak daytime heat conditions, the total heat transfer allowed down through attics can be reduced by as much as 40 percent, which can significantly reduce a home air conditioning system's cooling loads.

Of course the design of your home makes a difference: Whether it is a one-story or two-story home, the home's age, the type of roof, whether your roof has shade, your HVAC system's efficiency, the type of insulation installed and local energy rates all contribute to your potential for individual cost savings.

The warmer months provide a good time for consumers to take advantage of the potential benefits of radiant barrier installation, according to Rick Jordan of EcoRite Products, a major radiant barrier manufacturer.

"I don't know of any product that is this easy to install that does as much for reducing the stress on your heating or cooling systems as a radiant barrier," Jordan says. "On average, attics that have radiant barriers installed are 30 degrees cooler than they were before the product was installed. That equates to a significant amount of heat that is not baking down through the ceiling of a home, causing the air conditioner to work harder."

Experts say the use of radiant barriers dates back at least 50 years, with some of the earlier concepts developed by NASA. Home builders and scientists have known for decades the benefits of foil-based radiant barriers. In recent years, green builders in particular have latched onto the concept, routinely specifying and installing radiant barrier products in the attics of the homes they build to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the structures.

Universal Forest Products, one of the nation's largest building products companies, has created an entire division dedicated to products for do-it-yourself consumers. The company recently introduced an ENERGY STAR rated product, called Enerflex Radiant Barrier, that is easy enough for almost anyone to install, with no special tools required.

"Enerflex looks a lot like quilted aluminum foil. It is made of a durable, highly reflective, double-sided material that you install to the underside of a roof between the rafters. From an installation standpoint, it couldn't be easier," Jordan says. "There is no need to secure the product with adhesive, so installation moves quickly."

Jordan notes that the federal government offers a tax credit that's worth investigating. Qualified taxpayers can save 30 percent of the cost of installing a radiant barrier - up to $1,500 -through the American Recovery Tax Credit.

"Installing a radiant barrier should be viewed not so much an expense as an investment. Homeowners are paid back over time through lower utility bills, particularly in the summer, but wintertime savings can also be realized," Jordan says.

In the winter, a radiant barrier basically performs in reverse, helping to keep rising heat from the home's interior from escaping through the roof. Radiant barriers typically are twice as effective in the summer months as in winter months.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

So you are thinking about finishing that basement and actually using some of that exercise equipment that is doubling as a laundry line right now.  Maybe you want to have a billiard room instead of a Christmas ornament depot.  Maybe it isn't the basement your thinking of finishing maybe it is that garage carport thing you want to turn into another bedroom.  Hey it's only storing a motorcycle you haven't ridden in three years anyway.  Whatever the reason you are thinking about finishing an unfinished area of your house the question always becomes do I need a building permit for that?  Usually the answer that question is usually yes with a capital Y.  Let me see if I can explain.

As a home inspector in Charlotte NC for over 15 year I have seen my share of unpermitted additions and rooms being finished.  The dead giveaway that it wasn't permitted is that the space has been added but the HVAC is still the same size as before.  Sadly I have seen people try to get these permitted later only to find the code inspector had them strip of the drywall so he could see the plumbing and the electrical wiring.  This is sad position to be in.

You might say well why even bother with a permit.  First of all if there is a leak or fire insurance might well deny your claim if there is an unpermitted addition. Also you might have trouble selling your house with an unpermitted addition.  It is the law.  It is also possible that the county could file a lien on you for back property taxes for under reporting square footage.  So when is a permit needed.

•1.       Any work on your house over $5000

•2.       The addition, replacement or repair of load bearing members or structures.

•3.       The extension, alteration, or installation of any plumbing system.

•4.       The alteration, extension, or installation of any heating or cooling system.

•5.       The use of material not included in the code

•6.       The addition of roofing, excluding replacement of like grade of fire resistant roofing.

No you may get a contractor who tells you don't need a permit.  He may say you will only wind up paying higher property taxes.  The reality is that he might not even be licensed, bonded, or insured.  He doesn't want somebody checking up on him and he maybe planning to take some shortcuts. If you have a contractor spewing some garbage like that, don't walk, run away from him.  Remember that you as the property owner will be ultimately responsible for these repairs and the contractor will have been paid and long gone.

So go ahead get that solo flex dusted off and finish that basement or garage but remember to get a permit.  If you use a contractor make sure he is licensed, ensured and bonded.  Make sure he pulls and closes all necessary permits.  Many property permits can be checked online these days.  If you have any permit or home inspection questions please visit our website at Charlotte NC Home Inspector and Ask the Charlotte Inspector.

When I was a kid we would take two soup cans and tie a string between them and make some homemade telephones.  As a mater of fact those homemade phones actually worked better than my new Iphone.  Anyway soup cans should be used for soup and telephones, but not for flue pipe for water heaters.  Even us telephone making kids knew this was not approved piping.  I know there are codes and there are exceptions to codes and I am not a code expert but I am pretty sure soup cans as flue pipes aren't aloud on any codes or exceptions. I found this on a home inspection in Charlotte NC today.  The guy should have stuck with making phones. 

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

You hold the hose and then plug in the Christmas lights.  No thanks I shocked enough just seeing this.  While inspecting a home today I found a hose bib directly over an electrical outlet.  Not a smart idea and a little dangerous.  To make matters worse The GFCI did not trip so would would continuely get juice.  My question like the chicke and egg thing is who was there second "The plumber or the electrician?

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

 

 

 

As Americans head outside to tend to their lawns and repair their houses, it's just as important to consider what might be happening out of sight, deep inside the home.

Termites, which are found in every state except Alaska, live in colonies that eat continuously. These wood-destroying pests eat homes from the inside out, making their presence difficult to detect. Termites annually cause more than $5 billion in damage, and the destruction termites cause is not normally covered by homeowners insurance, leaving owners to pay an average of $3,000 in out-of-pocket costs for repairs, according to Terminix.

"In most cases, it's easy to tell when a house is in need of repair. Either the paint is chipping or the roof is leaking. But that's not usually the case with termite activity," says Paul Curtis, a Terminix entomologist. "Because termites are often active in the least visible areas of a home, it can be difficult for the homeowner to tell whether they have a termite problem or not."

Usually, homeowners will only be able to tell they have a termite infestation during swarm season. That's when winged, reproductive termites leave their colonies and establish new ones.

A swarm can be identified by the large number of flying termites and by the discarded wings they often leave near doors and windows.

"Termites do not discriminate. They eat wooden framing, support beams and the wood flooring inside your home the same way they would a tree in the forest," Curtis says.

While swarming only takes place during certain times of the year, termite colonies never stop eating, even to rest or sleep. Unless evidence of a swarm is discovered, or damage is severe enough to be noticed, a trained professional will most likely be required to identify the presence of termites within a home.

Although eliminating termites requires the help of a trained professional, homeowners can take the following proactive steps to make their homes less inviting to these wood-destroying pests:

1. Fix the roof or plumbing leaks. The moisture from these allows termites to survive above ground.

2. Clean and repair gutters. Gutters that do not drain properly can allow water to accumulate near the foundation.

3. Eliminate wood-to-soil contact. Any wood that simultaneously touches the soil and the home can provide termites with direct access to the structure.

4. Keep mulch or soil from being piled against the home's siding. Soil or mulch allowed to pile up against the home can hide termite activity.

5. Avoid storing items in the crawlspace. Pieces of scrap lumber, boxes or even books can serve as a food source for termites.

6. Maintain adequate ventilation in crawlspaces. Termites prefer moist conditions. Eliminating moisture can help make the environment less suitable to them.

7. Use a mesh screen on all windows, doors and ventilation openings. Screening will help prevent winged termites from entering the home.

8. Schedule an annual inspection with a trained professional. Prompt treatment and regular inspections can save thousands of dollars in damage repair.

If you need home inspection or termite inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

While perfoming an inspection matthews home inspector Preston Sandlin found a dent in the tilled shower which was really odd because backer board would not allow a dent like this. Well it turns out that this tile was actually mounted on drywall instead of boakboard whick is a big no no. All of this tile in this walk in shower will have to be pulled down. Backer board will have to be installed and then it will need to be retiled. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, Belmont Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin Home Inspection Carolina

Selling your home is tough in this market today. You want to do everything you can to put your house in the position to sell. Also if you do have a contract on the house you don't want it to fall apart at the home inspection. In this video Vetren Huntersville home inspector Preston Sandlin shows you some tips on how to prepare your home for that home inspection and what the home inspectors will be looking for. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin Home Inspection Carolina http://askthecharlotteinspector.com

Buying a home is the biggest investment of most people's lives. Please don't trust somebody with this important job just because he offers some sort of special. Do your homework, ask around, Who is the best Home Inspection Company in the Charlotte Nc area. A lot of people are going to tell you Home Inspection Carolina. What makes Home Inspection Carolina the best Home Inspection Company in Charlotte NC? The have 8 home inspectors with over 100 years of combined home inspection and contruction experience. We truely inspect every house as if we were inspecting it for a family member. The following is a testimonial we received. Can't imagine a better experience. Jonathan was extremely helpful and professional. He answered my questions and fully explained his process, what to look for, etc. That is why I specifically asked for him to come back out for the re-inspection. Working with the office was very efficient and your web site was very informative and a breeze to navigate. The Inspection Report itself is the most thorough and detailed report I have seen in any of my previous three home sales. Thank you for your services and the peace of mind I have knowing that Home Inspection Carolina was looking over my shoulder. -Lewis McKnight Address of Property Inspected: 9900 Julliard Drive, Mint Hill, NC 28227 We offer 1year guarantee on our home inspection report and a one year termite guarantee. No other Charlotte area home inspection company does this. You can get a sample report by going to our website. If you mention this inspection promotional video you will receive $20 off your home inspection. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin Home Inspection Carolina http://askthecharlotteinspector.com http://charlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_TBvW...

"You don't need a permit to finish this basement" it will only increase your property taxes. If you hear this from a contractor, dont walk....run away from him. He just dosn't want anybody checking up on his work and he might not even be liscensed and insured. After he is paid and gone you will now be responcible for this unpermitted work. Sadly I find unpermited addition or repairs all the time when I perform home inspections in Mooresville, Lake Norman and Charlotte NC. If you want to get the addition or repair permitted after the fact the inspector could require you to open up the walls.....all the walls. So when is a building permit required and when is it not required? Watch this video of Moorresville home inspector Preston Sandlin's kids explain when you need a building permit. If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill, Mooresville, or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575 Preston Sandlin Home Inspection Carolina http://askthecharlotteinspector.com http://charlottenchomeinspector.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_TBvW...

With the downturn in the economy over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of homes have gone into foreclosure, offering a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Americans to buy a home at an unheard of price, sometimes 30 percent or more off the most recent sale price.

Buying a home is always a challenge. Buying a foreclosed home presents unique challenges, however. You need to be willing to hunt, put up with lenders who offer surprisingly little information about the properties they've taken back, real estate agents who have little experience or incentive in selling foreclosed homes, and loan officers who demand nearly perfect credit ratings to obtain a loan in today's tight-fisted market.

Foreclosed properties are typically referred to as REOs (real estate owned by the lender), according to FindLaw.com, a leading online resource for legal information, and are owned by the lending institution or government agency that backed the mortgage. For one reason or another, the owner failed to make payments on the loan and the lender foreclosed on the property (repossessed it).

Banks and other home-lending institutions are not in the business of owning property. They're in the business of making money on the money they lend. So it's in their best interest to sell a foreclosed property, and they are often anxious to do so. Properties of all types, including single-family homes and condominiums, can be foreclosed. Depending upon local regulations and traditions, some lending institutions will sell their properties through real estate agents who specialize in REO properties, while other institutions will sell foreclosed properties through auctions conducted by a county sheriff.

Because of the volume of foreclosed homes currently on the market, a growing number of lenders have turned to selling properties through heavily advertised public auctions in which dozens or sometimes hundreds of properties are sold in one or two days. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has sold foreclosed properties through local auctions for many years, typically announced in the classified sections of local newspapers. Potential buyers submit bids on the day of the auction, accompanied by a certified check for a percentage of the bid price. The highest bidder usually gets the home.

Buying a foreclosed property can be risky if you are not familiar with the procedures involved. Such a sale may not include the safeguards that are present in a traditional sale, such as a lender and a title insurance company. Therefore, if you plan to buy foreclosed properties, says FindLaw.com, it is important to familiarize yourself with the process and consult with a lawyer who specializes in this area.

Here are some other tips from FindLaw.com about buying a foreclosed home:

* Not all foreclosed properties are good deals. It seems like foreclosed properties are everywhere these days; however, not every property is a smart purchase. Search for a foreclosed property as if you were buying a home in a hot market. Start by researching neighborhoods that you really want to live in, then get in your car and drive through the neighborhood looking for properties that aren't kept up as well as neighboring properties.

* Find an experienced real estate agent. Some sellers of foreclosed properties, including lenders that have repossessed a property, may refuse to work directly with the buyer. Find a real estate agency that has experience in dealing with foreclosures and is willing to represent you.

* Hire a real estate attorney. All states have different laws and regulations involving foreclosed properties. You may need to consult with a real estate attorney specializing in foreclosed properties to assist you. Buying a foreclosed home can be a very complex and time-consuming process in some states; the right attorney may be able to help you cut through the red tape.

* Check the assessor's office. Many counties now include vital ownership and tax information on their Web sites about residential property, including the identity of the owner, the previous price paid for the home, and how much the property is being taxed. Knowing what the previous owner paid for the property will help you gauge its potential worth now.

* Tour and inspect the property. It's vital to inspect any property before buying it, but it's absolutely critical when buying a foreclosed property. Many foreclosed homes are not kept up or have been abused by their former owner and may require thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance. If the property is located in a neighborhood with a lot of potential, investing to rehab a property may be worth the money.

* Have your financing lined up. Over the past two years, many lenders have tightened their lending standards and are only offering loans to those who have solid credit ratings and the long-term means to pay for a home. Sellers of foreclosed properties are leery of buyers who don't have their financing together. Like buying a home at the top of the market, it's in your best interest to offer the most solid financial package in order to win the home you want.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina   http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com .  The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

http://askthecharlotteinspector.com

http://charlottenchomeinspector.com