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Author Archives: Garrett Hand

Categories Home Inspection

Why You Need a New Home Inspection

new home inspection

Everyone’s goal in selling their home is to find the red flags before negotiations begin and make the most money possible.

Getting an inspection before listing will ultimately save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

A serious buyer will more than likely require a home inspection before sealing the deal, but the pre-listing inspector will not be the same one doing the buyer’s inspection.

The inspector hired by the seller will identify hidden problems and necessary repairs that, once addressed, will ultimately raise the value of your house.

If you receive an A grade, or near, you can hand out copies of the report to potential buyers to showcase the condition of your home.

Save Money

A pre-inspection gives you a heads up on any repairs or problems potential buyers will want you to address. You then have the time to compare costs for different issues and a variety of contractors.

Any issues that show up in the buyer’s inspection report will ultimately lower your asking price, tackle these head on before listing!

A pre-inspection report will also allow you to disclose all problems upfront and this can protect you against claims buyers could make later.

The fewer problems your home has, the faster it will likely sell.

Quick Sales Process

Lessen the time of back-and-forth negotiations and have your house market ready. When repairs are already identified and completed your home will be more attractive to buyers.

Pre-inspection reports will reassure buyers that no major surprises are waiting for them and they’ll feel more comfortable making an offer.

Spotlight Attractive Features

As long as you’re not trying to sell a fixer-upper, a pre-inspection can highlight the selling points of your home.

Whether it’s an electrical upgrade or seriously cool swimming area, instill the confidence in buyers that there are no problems to be found.

Now you know the benefits of a pre-inspection, but what are some things you can do to prepare for the inspection? Check out our tips to ensure a successful inspection:

  • De-clutter: Clean out those spaces below your bathroom or kitchen sinks, move any boxes out of the way, and clear the path to water heaters and other appliances.
  • Full access: Give inspectors complete access by unlocking garages, gates, sheds, etc. and moving any items blocking the path to attics or basements.
  • Turn on lights: Make sure light bulbs work, even in areas of little use like basements or storage spaces.
  • Pull out the paperwork: Provide your inspector with documentation of home maintenance and repairs. This will include roof, chimney, water heater inspections and any insurance claims.
  • Check for clogs: Go through your home and check each sink by running water. Take care of slow drains with store-bought clog removers or contact a plumber for any seriously clogged drains.

Check out what our seller’s inspection provides and give yourself the upper hand in negotiations by avoiding any surprises in an inspection report.

Schedule an inspection with us today.  We guarantee an inspection within 48 hours, and we’re open 7 days a week!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

Safety Tips for Your Fire Pit

fire pit safety

For many homeowners, the backyard has become a prime medium to show off their decorating skills and hosting abilities.

A simple deck and grill just don’t do the trick nowadays with many people opting to upgrade and accessorize with ponds, outdoor bars, and extravagant flower beds.

The latest accessory to pop up in yards across the country is fire pits. Whether you already have one or are considering adding it to your home, there are many things you should keep in mind to guarantee safety.

1. Do Your Homework

Before getting started with an elaborate design for your fire pit, check out your local ordinances.

Some cities and counties ban any open burning, so save yourself the time and money by confirming your community’s guidelines.

Before Using

Once you’ve checked your city’s rules follow these tips:

  • Follow the fire pit’s manual and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure of something.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and brush up on how to use one if you don’t know or it’s been a while.
  • Place your fire pit, at a minimum, 10 feet from any other structure and ensure that it’s not in an enclosed area without proper ventilation.
  • Remember, surface matters. Place your fire pit on non-flammable surfaces like concrete and avoid a wooden deck or directly on the grass.

While Using

You’ve gone through all the proper procedures, and you’ve got yourself a regulation fire pit. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while enjoying your new yard accessory:

  • Keep an eye on it. Don’t leave kids or pets unattended with a burning fire.
  • Fire pit does not equal a garbage disposal. While using paper to start a fire is recommended, be mindful of what you’re tossing in the fire and don’t overload with paper, trash, or logs.
  • Avoid using soft woods, like pine or cedar, as they are more likely to “pop” and can spread embers.
  • Accidents are inevitable, keep a bucket of sand or a hose nearby as an extra safeguard.

2. Extingusihing Your Fire

Your family smores night is coming to a close, and you can’t wait to jump in bed, BUT this is perhaps the most important time to remember your fire pit duties. At the end of your use it’s critical you adequately extinguish your fire:

  • Pour enough water over your fire to completely soak coals or wood. Continue until there’s no steam.
  • Stick around until all logs have burned out and the embers have had time to cool fully.
  • Don’t discard ashes into anything combustible like a trash can, paper bag or compost pile.

3. AdditionalTips

  • Screens can add extra protection against the wind and flying sparks.
  • Use heavier chairs and position them far enough away from the fire to prevent any accidents for family or guests.
  • Don’t wear flammable materials (like nylon) and avoid loose-fitting clothes.
  • Take your time when building a fire, don’t toss gasoline or wads of paper on a growing fire. Be patient, and you’ll have a safe fire in no time!

 Do you have a fire pit in your backyard? Let us know why you love it and any other safety tips you follow!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Common Home Hazards after Reroofing

common home hazards after reroofing

Unpredictable Texas weather can take a toll on your home, especially your roof, thanks to heavy hail, strong winds and torrential downpours that can wreck your roof and venting systems.

This combination of less than ideal weather makes roof repairs routine and necessary (especially in Summer months). Have you recently had a roof installation or repair?

If so, it’s important that you check your water heaters and heaters for problems left behind by roofers. There are two common issues after a roof repair that can pose a serious problem to your home:

  1. Felt paper or shingles are not installed with the required minimum 1” clearance and touch the vent pipe, which is a fire hazard.
  2. Vent pipes have become disconnected and vent CO gas into the attic or garage.

Improperly vented gas fired appliances can be a fire hazard and potentially cause carbon monoxide entrapment in your home. Consider installing a CO detector, even after an inspection.

Most roofers will perform an inspection after a reroofing or installation, but you should perform one yourself to ensure you and your family’s safety by reviewing your:

  • Water heater
  • Furnace
  • Stove and other gas appliances

While this is a serious topic, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress or worry. There are some things you can do to ensure your home is safe.

Preventative Measures

It’s important to note that inspection of your water heater, heater, and vents should be checked regularly, especially after heavy storms, not just reroofing. Stay on top of any potential problems in your home by frequently reviewing:

  • Venting exit on the roof for debris or blockages.
  • Venting systems for a puncture, this is serious, and you should not attempt to patch yourself. Improper patching can lead to a CO build-up in your home.
  • Flue vent piping from gas appliances (especially your water heater) to ensure pipes have not become loose or disconnected.

After checking for any issues, you can also clean and dust your gas appliances after turning them off and letting them cool down; routine upkeep will also ensure a smooth-running appliance.

Professional Assessment

So, you’ve reviewed your gas appliances, and you’re not sure what you’ve found, or you’d feel better with a professional opinion.

Here are some examples of the in-depth items you can expect a professional inspector will be looking at when they come to your home:

  • Proper installation and correct ventilation of appliances.
  • Air pressure fluctuations or airway blockages.
  • Misaligned vent stacks, common after construction projects.
  • Pipe joints are connected and air tight to prevent leaks.
  • Proper clearance as mandated by building codes.
  • Flue pipes have proper labeling.
  • Flue clearance from combustibles is sufficient.
  • Gas clothes dryers are vented with proper, inflammable material.
  • Safe venting of combustion products from the water heater.

Have any doubts or questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us give you the peace of mind that your home and family is safe from any fire or CO hazards. We’ll see you in 48 hours or less!

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Quick Guide to Pool Inspections

pool inspections

With summer weather coming, especially here in Texas, many of us are itching to spend our free time outside relaxing by the pool and catch a break from the heat.

Pools can be the most valuable asset to a home, providing family and friends with a place to spend time together, but it can also be a huge headache if not properly maintained.

Easy UpKeep

  • Keep your furry friends out! We all love our family pets, and it’s fun to have your beloved dog splashing around with the kids, but their fur can actually clog up essential systems. If you absolutely can’t keep your dog out of the pool be sure to use a net to get out any fur left behind.
  • Clean your pool’s walls. This isn’t the most glamorous aspect of having a pool, but you’ll save yourself from a nasty algae problem if you regularly clean off debris with a soft brush.
  • Check your chlorine use. The use of chlorine is supposed to help keep those swimming in it from getting sick, but make sure you don’t have too little or too much.
  • Prepping your pool before the freezing temps hit will not only keep your pool clean, but it can also prevent burst pipes or cracks.
  • Keep the cover clean during winter. Regularly brush leaves, debris, and water from the top of the cover to keep the cover in good condition and make your Spring cleaning that much easier.

When to Get an Inspection

Whether you’re buying a new home or looking to make sure your current pool and spa area are highly functioning, an inspection can do wonders for preserving this popular asset of your home.

Are you buying or selling a home with a pool? Get an inspection to ensure everything is in order or gain some leverage in the bargaining process.

Tips for Your Pool Inspection

Pool problems can be costly to repair and difficult to spot for the average person so an inspection can be a wise investment for homeowners and buyers. If you’re buying a home with a pool, spa, or hot tub an inspection is essential.

  • Inspect while operational. A proper inspection will take place when you uncover your pool, and it is running and clean.
  • Water clarity. The water should be clean and clear enough to see the drains at the bottom; this is the fastest way to check water quality.
  • Evaluate all systems. A good inspector will review everything from ladders to filtration systems and pumps. This is why it’s important that the pool is operational so the inspectors can properly evaluate all areas of your pool.
  • Get a written report. This will be useful when closing on a home to document any standing problems in your negotiations.

A pool inspection will help you identify potential hazards and help you with how to move forward with any necessary repairs. Overall, an inspection is a small price to pay to ensure your pool is in tip-top shape and avoid any springtime surprises that you’ll feel in your checkbook.

We Can Help!

Schedule your inspection with us today! We’re open 7 days a week and guarantee an inspection within 48 hours.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

How to Tell a Great Inspector from a Bad One

home inspector

Not all home inspectors are created equal. If only it were as easy as opening up the phone book and selecting the first inspector on the list. Unfortunately, not all inspectors come with the same skill sets or best intentions.

To save you a headache and disadvantage of hiring a bad inspector, here’s how to identify a great inspector.

They Want You Around During the Inspection.

Requesting you to be present during an inspection is a profound sign of your inspector’s honesty. They’re clearly not trying to hide anything and want you to feel confident in their work.

It also allows full clarity on what the inspection covers, saving you both time in follow-up questions. If you decide to opt out of being present or are too busy, simply having the option is an immense comfort.

They Offer Sample Reports and References.

During the vetting process, the inspector offers a wealth of information and reviews, relevant to their work. Whether on their website or sent directly from the inspector, a trusted recommendation holds extreme value and credibility.

They Refer You to Online Reviews of Their Services

The best inspectors will refer prospects to their online reviews. The most reputable sources for reviews are Angie’s List, Yelp and Google. Read through at least a handful of reviews to gain a well-rounded understanding of who you’re doing business with.

They Offer Clear Expectations of What They Include in Your Inspection

Before paying for your services, you should have a clear cut agreement and understanding of what they include in their inspection. Your inspector will likely have a standard list of inclusions, but you can always ask for additional services at an extra cost.

They Have a Professional Website

The quality of a website says so much about the quality of the business. If their website is messy, disorganized and “amateur” in appearance, you can assume the same goes for their way of doing business.

An important area to check out is their contact info; do they have an office address, company email and phone number? These are necessities and should be easily accessible for potential clients.

They Provide Quick and Reasonable Quotes

Once you’ve requested a quote, you shouldn’t have to wait days or weeks for a reply. If a quote seems unreasonable, shop around and see what the market has to offer. You don’t have to settle for an offer; you don’t feel comfortable with.

They Have a Detailed “About” Page

Transparency is key. If a company displays photos and bios of their inspectors and owners, you’re in good company. It helps to put a friendly face to the person inspecting your home and shows the company wants you to know, trust and like them.

They Don’t Mind Answering Your Questions (Even If You Have a Lot!)

A home inspection is a big deal! An inspector should never intimidate a client by scoffing at or being annoyed with their questions. If you get the impression, you’re somehow inconveniencing them with your inquiries, best to find a better alternative.

They Have Depth and Breadth of Experience

Check how long your inspection company has been in business and the experience behind their inspectors. An experienced professional can identify potential issues and respond to your inquiries much more knowledgeable than a beginner.

We’re confident EIG hits all the markings of a great inspection company. We’d love to prove it to you with your next inspection! Schedule yours today.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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