Getting your home ready for the home inspection

It is always good to revisit this issue from time to time. Hopefully, this will be a good refresher for experienced real estate agents, and some value added service to new real estate agents. 

A big concern that we see from both seller and real estate agents when it comes to the home inspection, is the amount of time that we, the home inspector, is at the house conducting our home inspection.  Our goal is to do a complete inspection, and not overlook any item. However, there are times when a home inspection may take longer than it should. A main reason is that the home is not properly prepared for the home inspection. If we can't get to an important area because of clutter or furniture blocking access, then that may take time to move.  For example, during a recent Woodmere home inspection, access to the attic was located in a master bedroom closet. Unfortunately, the homeowner had tons of clothes blocking the access door. We had to take time and remove the items prior to getting into the attic.  During a Farmingdale home inspection, a electrical subpanel was partially blocked by a cabinet. Again, we took time to gain entry to that sub panel.

With this in mind, we created a "Sellers guide to getting your home ready for the home inspection" and we want to share it with everyone, especially real estate agents.  By following the tips we provide, the home inspection process can be speed up. We hope that you find it useful.  We have even provided a printable version which is located at the end so that you can provide your homeowners with it so they can be prepared.

You can read the sellers guide to getting your home ready for the home inspection here. 

For all your Long Island Home Inspection needs, call How's My House Home Inspections at 516-732-7595.

Holiday safety precautions

As the holidays are just about here, many people are winding down from work for the much needed break or vacation. As you enjoy this time of year, here are some final tips to keep you, your familiy and your home safe.

Fireplaces

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.  

Toys and Ornaments 

• Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.  

 

Children and Pets 

• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
• Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
• Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
• Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
• Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
• Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
• Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.  

 

Security  

• Use your home burglar alarm system.
• If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers. 
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

Enjoy the hoilday season. How'My House home inspections performs home inspections in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens. 

This is what you should learn from your home inspection.

Quite often, our clients ask us what exactly they will learn from a home inspection when buying a house in Nassau or Suffolk County.  Although that list can be a quite extensive, we've narrowed it down for a brief overview.

• First and foremost, is the house structurally sound, and safe to live in?
• What is the age and general condition of the roof?
• Attic and crawlspace condition. This includes insulation coverage and thickness, as well as any water penetration issues, past or present.
• Are the heating and cooling systems operating as designed?
• Are the plumbing fixtures in working order and free of leaks?
• Determine the location of the main water shutoff, determination of piping material; supply, waste and venting.
• What is the location and condition of the electrical service and panels, including breakers?
• Are the kitchen appliances perform as expected?
• Are there any environmental issues in the home; asbestos, mold, radon, or termites?
• Does the seller have maintenance records they are willing to give?

While this list is not exhaustive, it is a good start for new homeowners to understand what a general home inspection should reveal.

A home owners should never hesitate to ask a potential home inspector to explain what information the home inspection is expected to produce. And never feel uncomfortable asking for references. You'll want to learn as much as you can about your home inspection company BEFORE the inspection.

As always, How's My house Home Inspections is available to inspect your home. We inspect homes in all towns throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens

10 things you should know about mold

The question of mold always comes up during a home inspection.  Prospective buyers always have a concern if there is any mold in the house, as was the case this week during a Huntington Home Inspection.  All was well until we inspected the boiler room.  The inside wall showed signs of mold growth...apparently from a previous water tank leak. 

So here are some mold basics.  First off, the key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly, and fix the water problem.  It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.  Wash mold off of hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mold is everywhere, but can be controlled to a certain degree. For more information on Mold, download this guide from the EPA.

If you have concerns about Mold, How's My House Home Inspections will perform an evaluation for you.  To schedule a home inspection, call us at 516-732-7595

The Home Inspection Process Explained

If you are buying or selling a home, a home inspection, in our minds is mandatory.  The task of getting a home inspector and wondering what will be involved can be overwhelming.  To help understand the process, take a look a this video.  It should clear up many questions.

If your looking for a home inspection to be done on Long Island, Nassau, Sufflok, Brooklyn or Queens, give us a call. 516-732-7595

First Time Home Buyer Tips

For a first time home buyer, our current real estate market may look very frightening, but its really quite the opposite. Mortgage rates continue be be at historic lows, and there is an abundance of homes available, both by homeowners and banks.  Both offer tremendous deals with proper due diligence and hours of walking through homes to find the one that is right for you. Here are some tips from investopedia to help make your first time home buying experience a pain free one.

• What type of home best suites you. Maybe you want a condo/co-op where you won't have much responsibility for maintaining the home. Or maybe you want a fixer up house that you can get a good deal on but will require hours of sweat equity. Or, maybe you want a no hassle home that is in move in condition.
• Before you start looking at homes, know your finances.  How much home can you afford, how much of a mortgage can you qualify for.  Don't waste time falling in love with a home that is simply out of your financial reach.
• Do you want to go about the home search buy yourself, or use the experience of a real estate agent.  A good real estate agent to help steer you in the right direction for many issues.
• You found your home now what. Make sure you have a good real estate lawyer and a good home inspection company.  Both can help save thousands of dollars and help avoid a real estate nightmare.
• Be prepared and know what the appropriate closing costs are. There is nothing wore than sitting at the closing table and being blind sided for fees that you had no idea you would have to pay. A good attorney and mortgage lender will help with that
• Be prepared to put money into your new home.  There is no doubt that something will go wrong in the home, or you will want to upgrade items in the home.  This is where a good home inspection report will help you.
• Enjoy your home and don't worry about the housing market.  If you plan to stay in your home for a number of years. the housing market will stabilize, but don't expect to make a killing on your home like in the past.

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming and time consuming, but with the right help, and with maximum knowledge, now is probably a great time to buy. To gain in depth knowledge about buying your first home, read through this article by Investopedia.