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Category Archives: Home Inspection

Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

DIY Home Maintenance

Home Maintenance

There are many things you can regularly check to ensure your home is in tip-top shape.

And by staying on top of home repairs, you can potentially save yourself from unexpected and costly repairs.

Keep in mind that while checking your home, if you come across some serious issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

If you’re the type of person who prides themselves on being “on top of things” or you generally like to be aware of what’s going on in your home, this post will be just what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re the complete opposite and find that you’re often catching up in different situations, this post will be helpful for you too.

It’s easiest to tackle this list if you break it up by seasons. As we are drifting out of summer, we will begin with the Fall checklist.

Fall Projects

As moderate temperatures begin to settle, it’s time to pick up your rake and head outside.

This will be an essential time to prep your home for winter, especially if you live in a harsher environment.

  • Clean gutters
  • Inspect deck for any loose nails or screws
  • Inspect roof for any damage
  • Drain sediment from water heater
  • Insulate exposed pipes
  • Check/clean fireplace
  • Tend to cracks and gaps in driveway or walkway
  • Check for frayed wires

Winter Projects

Make it through another cold season without any problems by checking these items off your to do list!

  • Check toilets and sinks for leaks
  • Inspect hose on washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker
  • Test sump pump
  • Inspect and replace any bad weather stripping around doors and windows
  • Keep an eye on steps and handrails in case of ice
  • Trim trees and shrubs near your house

Spring Projects

  • Check roof and clean gutters
  • Change AC air filter
  • Schedule a septic system inspection
  • Check concrete slabs for cracks and fill accordingly
  • See if outside faucets suffered from freeze damage
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Summer Projects

  • Review foundation for drainage issues
  • Check basement and crawl spaces for moisture
  • Keep an eye on any pests (termites, ants, etc.)
  • Clean AC filter and bathroom vents
  • Scrub away any mold or mildew build up outside the home

Incorporating these monthly practices into your routine will prove beneficial in the long run.

Remember that these lists are meant to serve as a helpful guide to important home maintenance projects, but if you are serious about taking care of your home and your wallet then you should follow a few more tips monthly, regardless of the season:

  • Clean/replace HVAC filters
  • Clean garbage disposals and kitchen drains
  • Clean range hood filters

How often do you check these items off your to-do list? Are you having doubts about something you found?

While you can be on top of the ball and actively work to keep your home in good shape nothing can replace the touch of a pro.

If you come across anything concerning or you want a professional opinion don’t hesitate to call us today!  

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Energy Savings, Home Inspection

Don’t Let Insulation Problems Bury You

Insulation Problems

HomeAdvisor calls insulation “the best investment you can make in a long-term residence” due to projected savings in utilities over time.

On average, families spend $1,900 on utility bills a year; heating and cooling make up 54% of utilities. Proper insulation can cut costs by 40%!

Ensuring proper and functional insulation is in your home will prevent a long list of problems over time.

Some of the most common troubles that stem from poor insulation include:

  • Drafts, feeling too cold in winter and too hot in summer
  • High energy bills
  • Erratic temperatures throughout rooms
  • Moisture that can lead to mold

Good insulation is something that matters for both current homeowners and those in the market for a new place. It’s also particularly relevant for owners of old homes as many people assume that poor insulation is just a quirk of having an aged home, which is untrue.

Whether you’re buying a new home or currently own one it is important and possible to have efficient insulation that will save you trouble down the road.

There are many types of insulation and various benefits for each one, but we are going to focus on some common issues that you can easily monitor and address to ensure your home remains problem-free.

1. Windows and Doors

Regularly check for worn weathers tripping and if you find it has deteriorated you can easily replace yourself. If you see that your windows need to be replaced, but you’re not quite ready to tackle the project invest in some thermal curtains for a temporary solution.

Cellular shades and shutters are the most efficient window coverings as they create a barrier between the window and the room. When it comes to the doors, adding a rubber flap at the bottom or installing a draft guard can be helpful.

2. Outlets

In older homes, outlets and light switches can be a huge source of heat loss thanks to improper insulation around outlets, light switches, and breaker boxes.

The fix here is easy, just buy some insulating gaskets made for outlets and install around your home.

3. Attic

The most common topic to come up when discussing poor insulation is the attic. Improper insulation is common and problematic in the attic, leading to various problems like drafts, moisture, and then spiral into bigger issues like structural damage.

Add weather stripping around the access point of your attic and look for insulation devices made specifically for attic doors to prevent a draft.

These are just a few of the most common problems due to poor insulation, but remember they are only temporary fixes.

If you’re worried that you have a bigger problem on your hands, especially in the attic, don’t waste time on calling in the pros!

We Can Help

Schedule an inspection with us today and let us put your mind at ease! Our team of qualified inspectors will provide you with a thorough inspection and report.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection, Pest Control

9 Ways to Keep Termites Out of Your Home

Termites

The average termite repair costs a homeowner $3,000, that’s an amount that could easily damage a family’s savings and bring on unnecessary stress.

Termites are absolutely an issue you don’t want to (and can’t) ignore, we’ve talked about how to look for a potential termite problem, but today we are going to give you some ideas to prevent the problem from ever occurring.

The Scary Truth

Avoiding termites at all costs should be your goal, while getting an exterminator or buying poisons may seem like a simple solution dealing with termites is without a doubt a nightmare.

A single termite colony can be made up of between 300,000 to one million “workers.” In addition, one termite queen can lay thousands of eggs per day and live 30-50 years.

In just six months serious structural damage can occur, and in only two years a home can be destroyed by these pesky invaders.

If these numbers seem startling to you, that’s because they are! The best solution to a termite problem is never to have one.

What You Can Do

Once you’re sure you don’t already have an infestation, don’t waste time in termite proofing your home.

 

  1. Regular Check-Ups: Why skimp on something that can only benefit your biggest investment, your home? We do a full WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) inspection and offer a 90 day warranty.

 

  1. Watch Your Roof: Repair broken tiles and check for damp areas which create moisture that may attract termites.

 

  1. Be Mindful of your A/C: Keep your air conditioning unit‘s moisture release away from your home’s foundation.

 

  1. Declutter: Cardboard boxes full of papers and old photos, especially in the attic, are a food source for termites. An easy fix is to swap your cardboard for plastic boxes. If you store things in your garage keep items away from the walls, otherwise termites now have a direct route into your home.

 

  1. Foolproof Floors: Place a termite barrier when building a new home if you have wooden floors and be sure to monitor any potential termite damage regularly.

 

  1. Furniture Placement: If you have wooden furniture, keep it away from walls and consider making the switch to another material, like metal.

 

  1. Shut the Front Door: For that matter, keep all doors and windows closed during swarming season. Swarming season occurs in the spring when termites with wings (swarmers) like to come out.

 

  1. Clear the Yard: Avoid burying waste lumber or letting decaying vegetation pile up, g., fallen branches, roots from plants, and scrap wood.

 

  1. Restrict Wood to Ground Contact: Use concrete supports to raise wooden beams, like those for decks, patios, fence posts, etc., off of the ground. Termite-resistant and treated fence posts are a possibility if you don’t want to use a material other than wood.

 

While these tips are an excellent strategy in preventing termites, regular check-ups will be necessary. If you’re serious about dodging this nightmare, then you must be proactive.

We Can Help

Call us today and let our team of pros put your mind at ease.

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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 Inspection

Kicking Off the Summer!

crawfish boil

Last Thursday, we got together with some of our most valued partners and customers to kick off the summer with an authentic Cajun crawfish boil!

While the threat of storms may have scared off a few, in the end, 100 people showed up to help us celebrate!

The guys at Louisiana Hot Tails showed us just how the pros really do crawfish and set us up with an awesome spread.

There were tons of prizes, and everyone had a great time. A huge thanks to all of our sponsors who made the event possible and especially to everyone who showed up.

EIG Crawfish BoilIt was a true Texan night full of good food, great music, and even better company!

If you couldn’t make it this time due to weather or otherwise, you were missed! Be sure to keep an eye out for an invitation to next year’s event!

At EIG we love to find any opportunity to have a good time.

Image attribution.

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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