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Author Archives: Garrett Hand

Categories Home safety

Shining a Spotlight on Crawl Spaces

crawl spaces

When you think about home inspections, many things come to mind, like the foundation, HVAC system, or electrical systems.

Although these are key factors in your home, many people don’t consider the importance of the home’s crawl space as it’s a typical ¨out of sight, out of mind¨ situation.

While they’re usually small and seem petty, they can actually host a number of problems that can affect your home inside and out. We’re going to look at some common issues with crawl spaces that you can address before putting your home on the market.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the crawl space gives inspectors a truly thorough look at the home’s integrity and energy efficiency.

If there were low quality renovation attempts or defects that occur naturally over time, an inspection of your crawl space will reveal them.

Affected Air Quality

If the moisture content of the air is left unmonitored, it can make it easier for mold and rot to attack the insulation or wooden beams under your home.

Thanks to rainy weather or lack of vapor barriers, this mold and rot will flourish and eventually lead to the release of mycotoxins that can make their way into your home via floorboards.

A large percentage of your home’s air comes through the crawl space meaning if you have mold there it can compromise the air quality inside your home.

Fix It

Regular check-ins with your crawl space is the best step in prevention, including insulation checks if you already have it. Also, make sure that downspouts and gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation.

Beginning of Energy Efficiency

The common advice for saving on energy bills is to insulate your attic, but your home’s crawl space can also have a dramatic effect.

An uninsulated crawl space could be costing you big bucks by allowing significant heat to escape your home. Homeowners report saving 30-50% on energy bills after installing insulation. A well-insulated crawl space = a warmer home in the winter.

Fix It

Call a professional and get insulation installed.

Critter Infestation

Even if you think your crawl space is safe from rodents and other pests, the truth is the tiniest hole makes this area fair game for any critter.

Typical infestations include rats, squirrels, skunks, and snakes.

None of these are exactly the cuddly creatures you want to run into at home. Additionally, the little ¨gifts¨ they may leave behind can fester and affect air quality inside your home.

Certain furry friends, like squirrels, can cause more trouble by chewing through insulation, vapor barriers, or electrical wiring.

Fix It

Investigate and seal any entry points, then eliminate all food sources. Don’t store food in your crawl space and be sure to clear out any decomposing plants or animals. If you find that your infestation is serious, you should call a professional.

We Can Help!

Maintain the quality of your home by regularly checking your crawl space, or call us to take a look!

The more proactive you are with this aspect of your home, the less problems you’re likely to run into.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

3 Reasons to Walk Away from a Deal

home inspection

Most people realize the importance of needing a home inspection as buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your life.

For many, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the charm of a house or even the potential you imagine when looking at new homes, but the reality is once you get that home inspection report back there will be a few marks and possibly some that are worrying.

A report with a few marks is definitely enough to cause anxiety, but what you decide to do with the report will largely depend on your tolerance level. For some, they will stick around and tackle the problem while others would rather cut their losses and continue with the search.

However, there are red flags that both realtors and home inspectors agree on as signs to kill the deal and move on. If you come across these issues, you may want to think twice before proceeding.

1. (Major) Foundation Issues

 Cracks and other irregularities in the foundation can be extremely expensive, upwards of $10,000, to repair. Aside from this, you must consider the fees for landscaping repair to correct the problem if an excavation is necessary.

While some foundation repairs are minor and may only cost you a couple of hundred dollars, you can only be sure after contracting a licensed structural engineer to assess the problem.

Many seasoned home professionals agree that first time buyers should avoid major foundation issues as they may lack the funds and experience to take on this problem

2. Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

Much like shoulder pads and mom jeans, these plumbing pipes are a product of the ‘80s.

These pipes were initially favored as cheap alternative to copper, but are more likely to leak and could cause issues like mold, structural damage, or the headache that goes with a burst pipe.

Most homeowners haven’t replaced the pipes if they haven’t personally encountered an issue. Save yourself the trouble from having to deal with this potentially disastrous problem.

3. Buried Oil Tanks

While more common in areas with harsher winters, such as the Northeast, this American tradition is one that could haunt your home today.

Before electrical heating, many had underground tanks that sent propane to the house throughout winter. Obviously, there is a handful of possible problems that could come from this, but common ones are leaks (that lead to soil contamination), sink holes, and drainage problems. Much like the foundation issue, a tank removal will cost you well into the thousands.

Finding these tanks can be tricky, if they’re active, you’ll see two pipes coming up from the ground. If they were shut off, there won’t be any outward evidence.

Fix or Fold?

In the end, the choice to stop the buying process or decision to tackle the issues will be your decision. Your financial standing and how much you’re comfortable with shelling out will be the biggest factors.

This is just another reason why a home inspection is an investment for your future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

4 Summer Plumbing Problems to Watch for

plumbing

Most people assume that colder months bring the most problems for their plumbing systems, but there are risks that you must be on the lookout for during summer.

Warmer weather brings on a set of unique plumbing issues for new and old homes alike.

We’re going to list a few things that you can stay on top of and monitor yourself, so your summer vacation budget doesn’t end up going towards fixing a plumbing disaster!

1. Disposal Problems

Between the kids home eating more meals and perfect BBQ weather, your garbage disposal is probably seeing a little more action than it’s used to. The extra stress is fine if you’re careful about what’s going into the disposal.

The good news, garbage disposal clogs are totally preventable! Follow these steps to ensure a problem free disposal all year long.

Different products can affect your disposal in a variety of ways from dulling blades to sticking to the disposal. Avoid putting these things down the disposal:

  • Grease or oil
  • Potato peels, carrots, corn cobs, and other firm produce
  • Greasy bones and seeds or pits
  • Starchy foods like rice or pasta (which will cling to your disposal)

Pro-tip: Run cold water when using your disposal and every so often toss a peel from a citrus fruit, such as an orange or lemon, to clear any waste and eliminate odors.

2. Sprinkler Issues

Many people want to maintain a beautiful green lawn during summer. This will require some prepping in the weeks leading up to the season.

Be sure to check your sprinkler heads and clean them regularly before the season begins.

Always look to make sure sprinkler heads are lowered before mowing your lawn and if you suspect a leak try to address the problem before your water bill suffers a spike.

Pro-tip: For a simple clog, use a paper clip to clear the hole, but if you’re dealing with a more serious clog, unscrew and soak the head before cleaning with a wire.

3. Heavy Toilet Use

Something many don’t consider is that with your kids home all day the toilets are getting used more often, increasing the likelihood of clogs.

There aren’t too many preventive measures to take here, except maybe a conversation with your kids about what should and shouldn’t be going down the toilet.

Check out this site for a more comprehensive guide, but a short list of no-nos include:

  • Gum
  • Tampons
  • Food
  • Excess tissue/toilet paper

A quick chat with your little ones at the beginning of summer vacation can save the family from annoying clogs and you from extra plunger time!

4. Washing Machine Leaks

Sunny days means more pool time and outdoor activities, which can lead to a lot more laundry for you and your washing machine. There are a few easy things that you can do to avoid overloading your washing machine:

  • Spread out laundry over a few days if possible
  • Check your hose for kinks, leaks, and cracks
  • Stay at home when running the machine (if possible) to monitor any issue that may arise

Pro-tip: Move the machine a few inches from the wall to prevent kinks and if you have to replace your hose, consider a stainless steel hose as they last longer than rubber.

We Can Help!

After working hard all year long don’t get bogged down by these potential plumbing issues, stay on top of your home and make sure you know what’s going on. If you suspect an issue, don’t hesitate to contact us for a professional opinion.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Advantages of a Home Warranty

Home Warranty

Home warranties cover many of your home’s crucial systems and appliances, but they must be in working order before the contract is entered into with the warranty company.

A home warranty inspection is an important inspection service on any homeowner’s home inspection checklist.

Home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance, which is required by mortgage companies.

It covers things like your home’s structure or items in the event of a fire, a home warranty is optional and usually come as a part of your purchase contract when buying a new home.

You’ll want to get an inspection before your warranty runs out to avoid paying out of pocket for any repairs or replacements of major appliances (think A/C unit).

Some examples of typical items covered under home warranties include:

  • Water heater
  • Electrical systems
  • Refrigerators

Every home warranty is different, but all are designed to help you manage the costs of unexpected home repairs. Often the homeowner will only pay the service fee for the contractors.

If you have an issue with an appliance covered by your warranty all you have to do is get in touch with your warranty company, and they’ll send a technician to repair or replace.

So, what are the benefits of a home warranty?

Minimal Stress

Possibly the biggest pro of a home warranty is that it gives you the ability to relax. The typical leaky toilet or broken A/C won’t snowball into a major financial crisis, and you can get the problem solved ASAP.

Less Work for You

When you need a repair you don’t have to spend time searching online or calling friends for recommendations, you just have to contact your warranty company, and they’ll send the service person to you. If you’re not handy or don’t have time to track down a contractor yourself, a home warranty is a great asset.

Yours May be Free

If you’re buying a new home, your warranty may be covered for the first year. This is an increasingly common practice among sellers as it encourages buyers.

Help You Sell

If you’re on the other end of this situation and looking to sell your home, offering a year of home warranty can go a long way with buyers. This can act as a reassurance that your home is in good working condition and won’t be a nuisance for the potential buyers.

Of course, all of these benefits are only possible if your warranty is still valid. Often homeowners who receive a home warranty from a new home purchase are not alerted of the expiration of their warranty. Take advantage of your warranty today!

We Can Help!

Getting a warranty inspection BEFORE the warranty expires can uncover any deficiencies that you can take to your home warranty company and show them exactly what needs to be fixed. If you’re buying a new home, let us at EIG be the ones to give you the peace of mind that everything is in working order.

Schedule an inspection today, and we’ll see you within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Pest Control

Common Summer Pests and How to Fight Them

fight pests

Longer days and warmer weather are the makings for a fun summer, but unfortunately, this time of year also attracts some unwanted visitors into our homes – pests!

Insect and pest activity will increase with warmer weather as many start to forage for food.

And you should take immediate action to prevent a real problem from taking over your time and your space. Although annoying, preventing an insect infestation doesn’t have to take over your time or your wallet!

We have some easy tips and DIY tricks that you can apply to keep your house pest free all summer long!

The National Pest Management Association cites the three most common summer pests as mosquitoes, ants and ticks. While there are certainly more annoying guests that can invade your home, we’ll focus our tips around these three.

1. Mosquitoes

For most Texans dealing with mosquitoes in the summer is nothing new, but particularly in North Texas, the problem can be really harmful.

While these pests don’t necessarily invade your home, they will interfere with your outdoor BBQ or relaxing deck time.

Some of the easiest ways to limit exposure to mosquitoes include:

  • Staying inside during peak mosquito times, usually dusk and dawn.
  • Drain standing water from birdbaths, gutters, ponds, etc.
  • Install yellow ¨bug lights¨ on outside deck areas that don’t tend to attract as many bugs as incandescent lights.
  • Invest in a large fan for your deck, as mosquitoes are generally weak fliers the strong wind will keep them away.
  • Regularly check windows, screens and doors for any issues to keep mosquitoes out of your home!

2. Ants

Possibly the most annoying home invader, ants can cause serious issues if they get in and remain undetected.

While not directly detrimental to your health, a growing ant colony can lead to lots of stress and potential structural damage to your home.

Check out these easy, inexpensive ways to keep these unwanted guests out of your home!

  • Clean, clean, clean. Keeping a clean home (especially areas around windows, sinks, and cracks). A great natural home cleaner is one part vinegar and three parts water.
  • Keep food stored and crumbs off the floor.
  • Seal cracks and small holes on the exterior of your home.
  • An excellent, inexpensive tool (and safe for homes with pets or children) is cornmeal. If you find the entry point of a colony of ants in your home, leave a plate with some cornmeal on it and wait. Ants can’t digest this, and it will slowly kill a colony.

Remember, if you have a total infestation then it’s time to call a professional.

3. Ticks

For those who spend a lot of time outside or have pets inside the home, you’re more susceptible to ticks.

Accumulated dust, hair and dirt in carpets or rugs in darker areas of the house that don’t get fresh air or sunlight are all factors that ticks thrive on.

  • If going out, use a product with at least 20% DEET, wear long pants/sleeves and a bandana if going into wooded areas. Be sure to check yourself and family members thoroughly upon returning home.
  • Mow your lawn regularly.
  • Remove leaf litter, like sticks, grass clippings, or leaves.
  • Create a barrier between your yard and wooded areas by adding wood chips or gravel, which make an uncomfortable obstacle for ticks to cross.

These tips should serve as a solid base of preventive measures to take in protecting your home and your loved ones from these pesky creatures all summer.

If you find yourself with more than the basic pest issue, don’t hesitate to seek professional services.

Let us know what measures you’re already taking to keep your home pest free!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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