The Top 5 Tips to Saving Your Roof from Summertime Stress

Another summer is on its way and now is the time to take a look at your roof and prepare it for summer time stresses that it might experience from heat exposure and summer storms. Below are some easy maintenance ideas that you as the homeowner can do to make sure that your roof makes it through another heatwave.

1.Make Small Repairs Now: As you go about checking areas on your roof make sure to keep a list of repairs that need to be made. Checking around areas where vents, skylights and chimneys are and making sure that they are sealed securely.

2.Trim Your Trees: Nothing helps keep your home cooler than having some mature trees around your home. However, make sure to keep them well trimmed so they do not brush on your roof causing wear on the shingles.

3.Gutters: Having your gutters in good condition keeps the rain water flowing away from your home and doesn’t back up and stand on the shingles causing mold issues.

4.Shingles: Missing or loose shingles, flashing that needs to be fixed, are all things that can easily be seen and fixed before problems occur.

5.Inspection: It is always a good idea to have a licensed contractor come out to inspect your roof. With their education they are able to see things that the average homeowner might miss. The older your roof the more important having an inspection done on it is.

Purpose of Solar Energy

Solar energy in its simplest term refers to the sun generating energy and we use that energy in performing different task. It is not harmful and the equipment which used solar energy for performing different task in your home is very environment friendly. Solar energy plays a very important role in balancing your budget. If we compare solar energy with electrical energy then solar energy is very cost effect. You can easily reduce your electric bill by using solar energy at your home.

No special wiring needed

Another important feature of solar energy is that you have no risk. For using solar energy in your home you have no need of wiring which is sometime very complicated. There are special types of solar energy bulb available in market. The bulbs have special darkness sensors in them which sense the darkness and turn on automatically. You have no need to turn on the solar energy bulbs manually. If there is a light then these bulbs are turn off automatically.

The use of solar energy bulb is very easy. Just purchase the solar energy bulbs from the local store, install it in them and use it. You have no need to worry about long procedures as you need in electrical bulb installation.

Solar energy is very cost effective

Solar energy is very cost effective and beneficial for home use. Another important thing in solar energy is that it will not pollute the environment. It makes your environment very neat and clean that’s why solar energy is said to be environment friendly.

Solar energy systems are easy to maintain

If we compare solar energy systems and electrical energy generated systems then solar systems are very easy to maintain. As we all know the solar systems run with the energy of sun so we have no need to buy fuel for refilling the system. They required maintenance but not as much as electrical system required.

 

Preventing Flood Damage in Your Home

Flooding is one of the most disastrous and unfortunate common phenomena that affects people today. Floods can be quite hazardous and cause serious damages in small or bigger communities and individuals’ homes. If you are living in an area like this, then you should be well prepared in order to avoid serious situations. Preventing flood damage in homes is not difficult if owners take all necessary measures.

Your house should be elevated and reinforced in order to avoid possible flooding. You should also take care of particular elements, such as

• The electric panel
• heaters,
• water pumps
• and any administration panel related to water and heat supply.

You should also take some measures to prevent blockage of drains, which can cause quite a few serious problems. You should install sewer taps and make sure that they are connected to valves that can control water if needed. Sewers and drains are the prime source of trouble in case of flooding and can allow water to enter the buildings and houses if not closed when necessary.

Sealing the walls of the basement and garage with waterproof elements and compounds is also something you need to do. This way, you will not only prevent water from coming in, but you will also make sure that your walls will not absorb moisture.

 

Home Inspectors Help More Than You Many Think

If you’re thinking of buying a particular home, you’re probably aware that you should get a qualified home inspector to examine it. In fact, most offers will include a condition that the property be inspected before the sale becomes final.

A good home inspector will go over the property from top to bottom, inside and out. He or she will look for things like cracks in the foundation, out-dated wiring, repairs that need to be done, and aging components (such as the roof and furnace). The inspector will also provide a timeline for the replacement of any of the major components including HVAC windows, roof, etc.

Basically, a home inspector helps you understand the condition of the home and the related expenses you should expect.

But it can also be very beneficial for a seller to hire a home inspector. Getting your current home inspected before you list it for sale can help sell your property faster and for the best price.

Say you put your home on the market. You get an offer. That offer is conditional on a home inspection. What if the inspector uncovers a major issue, like a leak you weren’t aware of, or some problem with the wiring? The buyer could potentially walk away from the deal.

If, however, you got your home inspected first, you would know about those issues in advance and could deal with them appropriately.

So a good home inspector can be more valuable than you think!

Avoid a Laundry Room Flood in an Upstairs Laundry Room

An upstairs laundry room can create a lot of damage if there is ever a problem. You will learn four tips to protect your home from damage.

• Install a Recessed Washer Box:
  

  These are available at home centers. The recessed box provides connections with shutoff valves for the water supply hoses and a drain for the washer’s discharge hose.

• Install a Washer Tray:

  Place the washer tray under your washing machine. Set the tray tight against the back wall framing and run the drywall down to it. If the machine leaks, the water will be caught in the tray and safely drained away. (Washer trays are available at home centers).

• Make Sure The Supply Hoses Are in Good Shape:

  Check older hoses for cracks and replace if necessary. If you’re buying new hoses, consider the no-burst ones; these rubber hoses are sheathed with braided stainless steel. Be sure to use new hose washers.

• Turn off the Water:

  Turn the watter off to the supply hoses when the washing machine is not in use for additional peace of mind. This is easy to do with a single-lever shut off.

Follow these four simple steps and you can help prevent damage to your home in the event of a laundry malfunction.

6 Secrets of Lowering Home Electric Bill

We are blessed with the innovative technologies and appropriate utilization of energy around us. There are numerous sources of energy that are available to make our living easier. Energy lights up our home every night, keeps us warm in winters, allows us to get entertainment. Energy has made our lives pleasant at all times without any difficulty. Today, it is quite hard to live without energy consumption for daily work. Sufficient energy is available for a lifetime but it does not mean that there is no need to conserve it. In any case, every technology has its own cost. And we have to pay for this cost with cash. Now, you can easily cope with your energy bills. Numerous ways have been derived for lowering home electric bills.

 

1. Good roof coating helps in deflecting heat. This ensures that your home would significantly maintain temperature on the inside.

 

2. The well insulated attic will facilitate you in keeping your entire house cool. Attics are one of the significant parts of any house especially in relation to the cooling system. But attics can only perform this key purpose if it is insulated properly. The attic door should also be sealed make sure that air from the house is not going through it and vice versa. Weather strippers are best to seal the attic door.

 

3. Securing leaks around your house will also aid you in controlling energy lost. These leaks have a great deal of contribution in high cost of home electric bills. Since, leaks make possible for air to go out of the house and vice versa. This results in increase of workload of home’s heating/cooling system. You know that air moves in accordance to air pressure together with temperature. Mostly the temperature inside the home differs from the outside one and air can easily move through these leaks. So, make it sure that leaks are sealed well. Consequently, less work is done by cooling and heating system of your house. Eventually, it cuts down your house electric bill.

 

4. Reduce the thermostat to save a lot of money. 1°C equates the 5% of electric bill savings. So, always keep your thermostat at low temperature. You can keep it further low during sleeping or when you are out of home for saving more money. 68 °F is an ideal temperature of thermostat during winter season.

 

5. Water heaters also utilized a large amount of energy. Therefore, try to limit its use. It is the second largest energy consumer after cooling/heating system of your house. Avoid the use of hot water to wash your clothes because it is the job of detergents to eradicate germs from clothes. This will help you in saving as much as 90% of energy which would be consumed by the washing machine.

 

6. Use of energy efficient materials and appliances around your home is another way to save your money at energy bills. These commercially available items would considerably add to the reduction home energy bills. One of these items is power efficient windows, which deflect the outside temperature from in-flowing into your house.

 

 

Easy And Safe Gas Furnace Repairs That You Can Do

A lot of people consider the furnace as one of their home’s most important piece of equipment, which is very much true most especially during cold winter months, when getting some heat intake is very important. Additionally this is the very reason why knowing how to fix your furnace in case some problems arise can be very invaluable.

• On And Off Problems

If your furnace keeps on turning on and off, this is usually just a simple problem with the unit’s heat anticipator. To start repairing, simply locate your thermostat and open it. When you open the box, you will see inside a small disk that is located in the middle. Take a good look at the disc. You will see that it has a number of calibration notches. Take a closer look and you will find the word “LONGER” on it. Then, try to find a small handle that touches a wire. Once you locate that small handle, turn it towards the word “LONGER”.  After completing the steps, turn on your furnace and let it run for a few hours. If it runs without turning off, then you’re done. However, if the furnace is still turning on and off, just repeat the steps given above. Continue doing so until the problem stops.

• Shutdown Problems

This problem is also an easy one, which is similar to the first problem. All you have to do is remove your unit’s thermostat cover, then follow the said steps in the first problem. But, in this case, what you have to do is turn the clockwise to “SHORTER”, instead of moving it toward “LONGER”. This should fix your problem. If it doesn’t just repeat the steps until you get it working.

• No Heat Generation

If your unit is not generating heat, then the problem is most probably the pilot light. Try checking out your pilot light and see if it is turned on or if it is out. If you find it to be out, then you would have to relight it. In case you do not know how to relight it, simply consult your unit’s manual or contact your manufacturer. This is a relatively easy task that you can do by simply following some simple instructions.

• No Air

If your unit is running but doesn’t blow any air, it is probably a belt that needs to be replaced.   First, you should turn off the power of your unit.  Also, you should turn off the gas from the gas valve which is serving your furnace. Then, remove the door of your furnace cabinet so you can have access to your blower.  When you have full access, check out the number that is stamped on the belt of your furnace. Then, go to your local shop and get an exact replacement of the belt. Once you’ve got the replacement belt, then go back to your furnace cabinet and install the new belt. Generally, you can just slip it on your motor’s smaller pulley then put it on your motor’s blower pulley. Try rotating the blower pulley using your hand, while you hold the belt in place. Be careful from having your fingers caught though. If you get this right, you should be able to get the belt right in place. If it looks a little too tight, then you may need to adjust the motor mount so there can be more slack in the fixture. After adjusting, try to re-tighten the tension again, once you have the belt in the right place. It would be better to check your manufacturer’s specifications regarding the proper tension needed for your unit. Generally, your belt should deflect at least about an inch whenever you press it down.

 

How to Unclog A Slow Sink Drain

If your bathroom sink is slow to drain you may need to unclog the U shaped drain under your sink called a pea trap as well as remove the plunger to clean out the drain.

The tools needed:

The tools you will need are:

• a small bucket
• a large sized bucket
• old toothbrush

Directions for the job:

The first thing you will need to do is to place the small bucket under the pea trap to catch any water that may still be in the drain. You will want to remove the pea trap that is the U shaped pipe under the sink.  There will be two nuts that you should be able to unscrew by hand unless there is a lot of buildup on the nuts.  It there is build up you will also need an adjustable wrench. Loosen the nuts and slowly remove the pea trap from the drain.  Be careful because any water remaining in the drain will start dripping into the bucket. Clear away any visible debris from the drain. Then take the pea trap to a different sink and clear out any remaining debris. Then scrub the pea trap with the old toothbrush and rinse it out well.

Now remove the plunger from the sink by unscrewing the rod attachment from the back of the drain under the sink. Pull the rod out of the attachment. The plunger should be able to be removed from the sink basin now. Look down through the drain even if you can see all the way through the drain may still have hair and other particles in it. With the large bucket under the drain run a small stream of water and gently scrub the drain with a tooth brush. Do this at the basin entrance and from the bottom of the drain. Put the plunger back into the basin carefully aligning the notched opening to the back of the sink.  Then insert the rod back through the opening in the drain and then tighten the nut. Place the cleaned pea trap back onto the drain and tighten the nuts.

 

How to Find a Stud in the Wall

As a home owner you will often times need to know where the studs are located in your walls. Generally studs are spaced sixteen to twenty-four inches away from each other.

Different Methods of Locating Your Stud

• The most accurate way to locate a stud is with a battery operated stud finder. First make sure your stud finder is calibrated. Hold down the calibration button while sliding it along the wall until the lights are green and it quits beeping. Slowly slide the stud finder along the wall, when it starts to beep it is the beginning of the stud and when it stops you have crossed over. You should slide this over the area a couple of times until you locate the center of the stud and then mark it.
• Another way you can find a stud is to place a flashlight on its side against the wall.  Look for where the light changes or you see a slight difference in the wall texture. This indicates where the drywall seams are screwed into the studs. You can follow that seam down the wall and the line should be consistently there and may run into the baseboard.  You can check this by the nails in the baseboards that they may have been filled in with wood filler.
• If you do not have either tool you can knock on the wall. It will have a hollow tone. As you knock over a stud, the sound will become denser.

If you have problems or questions, please contact us at Building Inspections LLC at (513) 793-4677 today. 

Easy Steps For Tiling Your Kitchen Floor

Tiling is one job that most people would rather not learn how to do since it can be scary that you may make some mistakes in the process. However, it is actually a lot easier than what many might think.

Choosing Your Tiles

• Tiles come in different sizes, colors, textures, materials and finishes.
• It can also depend on how you want the room to be and the overall design and feel of the room.

 Measurements and Computations

• Generally, it is better if you tile under the fittings. This is recommended so that if you have to move appliances in the future, like a fridge, then you do not have to lift it up and over the edge of your new tiles.
• You have to get your floor’s width and divide it by the width of one tile. This is to know the number of complete rows that you’ll have.

 Application

• Be sure that you have an even coverage of adhesive placed on your sub-floor. The type of adhesive to use would depend on your sub-floor or the surface you are tiling.

Grouting

• When you are done fixing your tiles on the floor, and after you have allowed enough time for it to dry, then you will have to do some grouting.
• If you have natural tiles, like marble, slate, limestone, granite, travertine, and porcelain, you need to seal them first before you can grout them. You have to use a specialized impregnating sealer so that they will be waterproof and can be more resistant to dirt and staining.
• To finish off, wipe out the excess grouts that are bulging from your tiles using a sponge. Also, use a grout finisher or your finger to smooth out the grout lines. After this, stand back, relax as you wait for your work to dry up!

 

 

Changing a Furnace Air Filter

Regularly changing the air filter in your furnace can improve the air quality in your home and improve your HVAC system efficiency.  It is recommended that you change your air filter every three month.  However, if you have pets, smoke or have allergies you should change your filter more frequently.

 

Before you purchase your replacement filter you need to determine the location of your filter. You then need to determine what type of filter and the size of the filter you need. The most common location of the filter is between the furnace air handler and the return air vent. Some furnaces have filters inside the air handler and the least common location is in the return air vents. The size measurements of the filter should be on the side of the existing filter. If they are not then you will have to use a tape measure and measure it.  You will need to measure the length, width and depth of the existing filter. Be sure to write the measurements down.

 

There are several different types of filter available. Either the light weight or the high efficiency filters. For even better quality there are filters with the HEPA filtration and allergy reduction technology. These filters come in one inch as well as thicker two to four inch versions.  Less common types are electrostatic and re-useable washable filters.

 

When you are ready to change your furnace filter turn your furnace thermostat to the off setting. Remove the old filter being careful to not knock the old dust off of the filter. Before you install the new filter write the date on it for a quick reference in the future. Insert the new filter and make sure the arrows are pointing in the direction the airflow flows through the system. Make sure your filter is secure and then turn your furnace thermostat back on.

 

If you have problems or questions, please contact us at Building Inspections LLC at (513) 793-4677 today. 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum Wiring in your House Do You Need to Rewire It

When home owners first determine there is aluminum wiring in their house they often wonder if they need to replace all their wiring. Rest assured you do not need to do so.

Aluminum wiring was often used between 1964 and 1975 in the electrical wiring of homes.  This wire is silver in color and is visible in the main circuit panel, receptacles and switches.  The protective wiring is marked with an AL for aluminum. The larger sizes are still in use today and work very well. The smaller sizes of 10 and 12 gauged wires were determined to have trouble with expansion, contraction and oxidation. This caused aluminum wiring to be removed from the market in 1975. Another wire that was used was the copper-clad aluminum.  This wire was less reactive but could overheat and result in a fire if there were any loss wiring at the connection points.

This can sound alarming to you the homeowner but you do not need to rewire your home.  All these issues occur at the connection points and are usually corrected in the installation process.  Since the mid 1970’s aluminum wire connections should have been made with aluminum approved, receptacles, switches or ponytail procedures. If your house has aluminum wiring, it is highly recommended that you have your home inspected by a licensed, experienced electrician periodically.

How to Fix Nail Pops

If you notice small bumps protruding from your wall this is likely what contractors call a nail pop.  As new homes settle drywall shrinks causing nails or screws to protrude from the drywall. Here is a list of supplies needed to fix this.

• Phillips screw driver
• nail punch
• hammer
• quick dry spackling compound
• putty knife
• sanding block
• painting supplies

You need to first find out if the protrusion is caused by a screw or a nail.  You can do this by pressing a Phillip’s screw driver into the center of the protrusion.  If it’s a screw the screwdriver will set into the head of the screw and turn letting you know it is a screw.  Simply turn it until it is slightly recessed into the wall.  If the pop is caused by a nail take your nail punch and press over the opening and tap the end of the nail punch with your hammer until the nail is slightly recessed into the wall.

Next apply a layer of quick dry spackling compound over the surface.  Allow this to dry and then sand the surface.  You may need to apply another layer of compound and sand it again.  Once you have allowed this to completely dry you can apply fresh paint over it.

If the nail pop is in the ceiling you will need to set the original nail and then drive in a second nail approximately one inch from the old one or the nail pop could reoccur.

Squeak Be Gone Remedies!

Squeaking doors can be a really irritating problem. Although many would consider it to be a major problem, it isn’t! In fact, it’s a minor house problem that even you yourself can fix, and here’s how to.

 

Stop, Look And Listen

 

First, you should know where that squeaking sound is coming from. You can do this by stopping, looking and listening carefully. You should perform the “swing test” first before you go off buying a whole new door. Start off by making sure that your surroundings is quiet. Then, you should stand on the side of the door in which you remember that the squeak was loudest. When you’re in position already, swing the door in a gentle manner, covering its complete arc. Do this action repeatedly and try to vary the speed while doing so. While swinging the door, you should take note of some factors. Try to note exactly where the squeak comes from. Then try to note when it is loudest. See whether it is loudest when you swing the door fast or slow. Then lastly, find out why exactly the squeak is happening. Finding out why is a very crucial factor, since this dictates what remedy you should use.

General Remedy

 

Once you’ve determined where the squeaks are, you can do two general remedies. First, tighten all the screws in the hinges. Then, get a flat-headed screwdriver. Carefully tap its blade in between the hinge body and the hinge-pin head to separate them. After doing this, get a 3-in-1 sewing machine oil and squeeze in a few drops of it into the small space between the pin-head and the hinge body. If you don’t have sewing-machine oil, you can also use a WD-40, and spray some into the same space.

 

By applying some lubricant in the space, you enable the lubricant to seep in into the remaining length of the pin, which is inside the hinge body. Thus, you give the best lubrication coverage that you can give for the hinge. Doing this would generally resolve your squeaking problems-if you were accurate on determining the source, that is. However, if you pinpointed the wrong source, then most probably your squeak would still be there.

 

All Hope Is Not Lost

 

If you pinpointed the wrong source of the squeak, don’t worry then!  By this point in time, you have determined that the hinges are not the problem. Then, most probably it’s a wood on wood kind of squeak problem. To solve this kind of squeak, you would have to do the squeak test again. After which, you have to release the bind, since the problem may be the hinge binding on the wood. While performing the swing test, heed on how the door’s hinge-side settles into the door-jamb.

 

Also, take note of how it makes a final contact with your door-stop. This is when stop, look and listen wouldn’t be enough, since you would have to make use of touch. If you feel that it has springy feel, when the door is approximately in the closed position, odds are very good that it is hinge-bound. This can be the cause of the squeak since the door is forced to rub with the jamb material. To repair this kind of problem, you need to remove your door by removing the screws on the hinges’ jamb side and leaving the hinges intact with the door itself. Then, you need to chisel out some hinge recesses towards the direction of the hinge barrel. Then, reinstall the door and perform the swing test again. If this doesn’t solve your problem, try chiseling out more recess. It can be a trial and error process. However, it can be fixed.

 

If you have problems or questions, please contact us at Building Inspections LLC at (513) 793-4677 today. 

 

 

 

Affordable Lighting Upgrades You Can Do Yourself

Inside or outside your home, simple lighting upgrades can make a huge difference in the appearance of your home.  A change in lighting fixtures or bulbs might seem like an almost-too-simple answer to small home renovations, but it can really change the entire mood and atmosphere of your home.

1. Outdoor Lighting

The outside appearance of your home is what you choose to display to the outside world.  People who drive by, who come to visit, and your neighbors see the outside display first.  Simple and affordable lighting upgrades can make a huge difference.  Certain fixtures can dress up and enhance what might otherwise be a simple décor.

• Fixtures

Depending on the décor of your home, there are many styles of lighting fixtures for outdoor lighting.  For a more updated and modern look, chrome or metal colored spotlights and track lighting can brighten up your outdoor areas.  If you’re looking for a more traditional or rustic style of lighting, there are lamps and sconces for literally every décor theme.

• Motion Sensors

For security as well as convenience, motion sensors are an excellent lighting upgrade that every home should have.  Motion sensors can be placed at every entrance to the home as well as fence gates and other dark or shadowy areas of your home and yard.  Whenever you or someone else walks by or opens the door, the lights automatically come on.  This is not only convenient to you, but also adds another level of security to discourage intruders.

• Path Lighting

For sidewalks, driveways, or other paths, lighting can be added along the sides for both safety and aesthetics.  Simple lighting along both sides of your driveway not only guides vehicles safely to your home, but also creates a beautiful atmosphere and adds character to your home.

2. Indoor Lighting

In every room of your house, the lighting makes the biggest difference to the atmosphere and décor.  Lighting that is too bright or too dim can change the outcome of your color scheme and decorative additions that you have spent time and money working on.

• Kitchen and Bathrooms

In most homes, kitchen and bathroom lighting is meant to be bright and inviting.  In the kitchen especially, the light needs to be bright enough to see everything you need to without coming across as too clinical. Track lighting is one example of a simple and affordable upgrade for kitchen and bathroom lighting that not only lights up a space well, but can also highlight your décor scheme and add a modern or traditional look depending on your choice of fixtures.

• Living Areas

Consider using a dimmer for the lighting in your living areas. A dimmer can allow you to set just enough light, and change the mood of the room as needed. Decorative lighting should also not be overlooked. Adding small lamps and spotlights around your house, especially near art or decorative pieces, can really update your home.

Simple and affordable lighting upgrades can change the overall look of your home, inside or outside.

If you have problems or questions, please contact us at Building Inspections LLC at (513) 793-4677 today. 

 

 

 

Know Where Your Shut Off Valves are Located & How to Operate Them

It is important as a homeowner to know where all your shut off valves for your home are located and how to operate them.

Water:

For your water supply lines it is important to locate your main shut off valve.  Simply turn your shut off valve till it is perpendicular to the pipe. This will stop the flow of water to the entire house. You should be familiar with the individual shut off valves in your home as well. They are known as isolating valves and they are at your washing machine, sinks and toilets. You will want to know how to shut off these valves in case of a leak or if water starts shooting out of a pipe. The sooner you stop the water the less damage may occur. Exterior faucets may also have isolating valves but because of their exterior nature these valves may not be located by the valve itself. Instead they can be located near an interior sink or by the main shut off valve.

Gas:

You should also know the location of your gas shut off valve. However if you notice a gas leak you should leave your house immediately and call your utility company. In many homes the shut off valve for your gas is located at the meter. A wrench is needed to turn the gas off and on. Some homes have a second gas shut off valve that is similar to water shut off valve. Isolated gas shut off valves have a lever that rotates ninety degrees. When the lever is in line with the pipe the gas is flowing. When it is perpendicular to the pipe the gas is shut off.  There may also be smaller levers that will feed to individual appliances in your home.

Some of your appliances may also have shut off valves at the units themselves. If you shut off the gas supply on appliances keep in mind that the pilot light will go out. This includes furnaces, gas fireplaces and hot water heaters. Once you turn the gas back on you will need to relight the pilot light on each appliance.

If you have any questions about this subject contact Building Inspections, LLC at 513-793-4677 or visit our website at buildinginspectionsllc.com.

How to Replace Weather Stripping

With cold weather coming we wanted to share a home improvement tip with you to help the warm air to stay inside your home and the cold air to stay outside. To reduce your energy bill with a little bit of work – looking at your exterior doors. Replacing worn or cracked weather stripping is an easy & low budget fix.

Watch our video for more info!

If you have any questions about this process, contact us at  http://buildinginspectionsllc.com/contact-us/

 

The Top 10 Areas Commonly Checked by Your Home Inspector

Below is a list of common areas that are missed during home inspections.  This list is intended to inform homeowners of the need to check these areas for possible problems, as well as the need for upgrades or repairs if needed.

 

Smoke detectors sometimes are missed during the inspection process.

 

Electrical fixtures and wiring often are embedded in between double walls or embedded in concrete.

 

Back-flow prevention devices should also be carefully considered, since this helps prevent any untoward flooding in the event of plumbing and waterline leakage.

 

Basement bathrooms and laundry tubs are sometimes also missed in the process because not all homes have these areas and fixtures in their basements.

 

Venting for the dryer should also be considered.

 

Electrical grounding is very important.  Improper grounding could cause major problems from accidental electric shocks and could also cause house fires.

 

Flexible gas connectors, valves and uncapped gas lines should be of paramount concern since the slightest indications of gas leakages can be tragic and disastrous.

 

Indoor furnaces should also be checked.  If not functioning properly problems could range from gas leakage to defective firing systems that could also cause a house fire.

 

Water heaters need to be checked to make sure that they are installed properly.  Pressure release valves must be in proper working order along with the important copper run-off device that should always be checked.

 

Garage door openers or extension cord wiring being used as permanent wiring for fixtures.

 

These are the top 10 commonly checked areas by your Home Inspector for your home safety, security and peace of mind.

 

If you have any questions about this process, contact us at  http://buildinginspectionsllc.com/contact-us/ 

 

 

Purpose of Solar Energy

Solar energy in its simplest term refers to the sun generating energy and we use that energy in performing different task. The energy generated by sun is known as solar energy. It is not harmful and the equipment which used solar energy for performing different task in your home is very environment friendly. It has no risk like electrical equipment. Solar energy plays a very important role in balancing your budget.   If we compare solar energy with electrical energy then solar energy is very cost effect. You can easily reduce your electric bill by using solar energy at your home.

 

Another important feature of solar energy is that you have no risk. For using solar energy in your home you have no need of wiring which is sometime very complicated. There are special types of solar energy bulb available in market. The bulbs have special darkness sensors in them which sense the darkness and turn on automatically. You have no need to turn on the solar energy bulbs manually. If there is a light then these bulbs are turn off automatically.

 

The use of solar energy bulb is very easy. Just purchase the solar energy bulbs from the local store, install it in them and use it. You have no need to worry about long procedures as you need in electrical bulb installation.

 

Solar energy is very cost effective and beneficial for home use. Another important thing in solar energy is that it will not pollute the environment. It makes your environment very neat and clean that’s why solar energy is said to be environment friendly.

 

If we compare solar energy systems and electrical energy generated systems, you’ll notice that solar systems are very easy to maintain.  As we all know the solar systems run with the energy of sun so we have no need to buy fuel for refilling the system. They required maintenance but not as much as electrical system required.

 

As we all know that solar energy is very cost effective because of its source.  Another important benefit of solar energy system is that you need not worry about rates because you get this energy free of cost from the sun.

 

The government is giving incentives to those people who are using developing solar system for their homes. In electrical system you are always worry about fuel rates because their rates change frequently.

 

Solar energy system works autonomously. No foreign energy sources are required for running the system. If the outsource is damaged then your house system will not be affected due to the use of independent solar system.

 

When you are using solar energy it is cost effective but its employment is very expensive. If you want your solar energy system to work properly then you need a proper location for it on your house.

 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Building Inspections, LLC, at 513-793-4677.  One call does it all!

 

 

 

Easy DIY Paint Repairs for Your Home

Paint is considered to be the “clothing” of your home.  Although many paint problems appear unsightly, you can actually be saved from calling a professional painter and spending huge amounts of money.   You can be your very own Picasso when it comes to painting retouches in your home.

 

~  Break Down

All paint, whatever brand it may be, will only last for a specified number of years before the break-down process begins.  When you experience paint break down, it basically means that the first or primary layer on the surface is weakening.  This problem is commonly experienced in old houses that have several paint layers.  When the break down process begins, paint will crack and peel away from the surface exposing wood or drywall.

To repair this, scrape the loose flakes of pain or pressure wash the surface.  Then, using wood putty or spackle, fill in any holes.  Next, use sand paper and fine sand the surface wipe away any dust.  If pressure washing the exterior of the house or if it rains, allow the surface to dry completely.   Wait 24 hours for the surface to completely dry.  Once it is dry, you can start painting.

 

~  Moisture Build-Up

Another cause of paint break down is due to moisture build-up, leak or excessive condensation.  A majority of the time, there is also mildew and mold, which is often experienced in the bathroom or laundry room.  It can also occur because of a leaky roof or outdoor shrubs planted too close to the house.  Paint can also sag down due to moisture and, in this instance, you won’t see any chipping or flake debris.

If moisture build-up is the culprit of paint breakdown, you will most likely be targeting mildew.  If it is an interior surface, a solution consisting of three parts water and one part bleach can be used to kill mildew.  If it is an exterior surface, you can wash it off using an exterior solution intended for pressure washers.

 

~  Fading Color

Another reason for paint break-down is fading color usually experienced on exterior surfaces.  However, it can also occur indoors when specific colors were used for the walls.   Basically, paint color fades when exposed to too much sun.  To avoid this kind of problem, most people try not to use bright and bold colors.  If you have an affinity for deep colors, try to look for hues that have a ruddy or golden tone to them.  Try to find out how much red oxide or yellow oxide colorant was mixed for the specific color that you want.  Basically, if the paint associate says that each colorant has about 1 ounce or so in the tint base to create the color, this paint color will resist fading for a very long period of time.

If we can be of service or if you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Building Inspections, LLC at 513-404-7997, or click here to send us an email.

 

Basic Faucet Replacement

Faucet replacement is a very easy task that almost anyone can do.  Here is some basic information about faucet replacement.

 

 Being Prepared/Choosing Your Faucet

You should pick out a new faucet and have it on hand before you start to remove your old faucet. Having the faucet on hand before removing the old one will make replacement faster and easier.  For bathtubs and sinks, you can get single or double handled faucets.  Generally, faucets have a standard size regarding hookup, depending on their use.  For kitchen faucets, you can usually find units with an 8-inch hookup. Bathroom vanity faucets usually come in 4 inches, while bathtubs come in 8 inches.

 

Tools That You Need

*  Wrench,

*  Channel lock pliers, or

*  Basin wrench

 

Steps to Install a New Faucet

First, you should turn off all water supply lines that are linked to the faucet.  Once you have shut off the water supply you can remove the supply lines coming from both sides of the faucet.  After that, remove the large retainer nuts that secure the faucet to the sink. When done, remove the old faucet from the sink. Clean the area and, once cleaning is done, get the new unit and place it in the holes.  Tighten the retaining nuts and hook up your water supply lines.  Use plumber’s putty or thread tape to prevent leaks or dripping on the joints, specifically in between the faucet and sink, or the supply line and the faucet.  Turn on the water supply and test for leaks and other defects.  If you see leaks, try reinstalling the faucet making sure you securely tighten down each part where they should be.

 

If we can be of service or if you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Building Inspections, LLC at 513-793-4677.  Or email or text us:  http://buildinginspectionsllc.com/contact-us/

 

 

 

Attic Renovations that Give You a Big Return on Investment

Whether you are selling your home now, planning to sell in the future, or are just looking to increase the value of your home, you can do so with relatively simple attic renovations.

 

One of the most recommended upgrades is to finish-out the attic space so that it can be an additional useable and livable area in your home.  Doing so can increase the value of your home, giving you an excellent return on investment.

 

Finished Attic

There are many things you can do with a finished attic. Depending on the size and shape of the room you have to work with, a finished attic could act as an additional office, playroom, man cave, sitting area, or living room.

 

~Attic Bedroom
Renovating your attic into another bedroom is an excellent way to use the space and get a big return on your investment. Another finished bedroom is always a perk when it comes to the value of your home, and a creative use of attic space as another bedroom is a great seller.

 

~Efficiency Apartment
If you really want a huge return on your investment, go the extra mile when renovating your attic and add a bathroom and even a kitchenette to the space.  In doing so, you are creating a second complete living space that can be used as an efficiency apartment.  The extra bathroom and kitchen area will add extra value to your home, as well as being extremely useful.

 

Smaller Projects with Big Payback

If you’re wanting to make some changes to your attic but are not wanting to complete a project as big as finishing the space and making it another living space, or if your attic is not large enough for another room, there are other options.

 

~Attic Insulation
Redoing the insulation in your attic and using Energy Star rated insulation products can increase the efficiency of your home, which can save you a lot of money in heating and cooling costs.  The more energy efficient your home is, the more money you save.

Approximately 40% of home energy loss occurs through the roof of your home.  You can cut this down exponentially by properly insulating unused attic space.  Make sure to add insulation not only along the attic ceiling and walls, but also along the floor to seal off the attic from the living areas of your home.

 

~Attic Fans
Another way to save money with a small renovation is to add an attic fan for home cooling.  These fans circulate and disperse cooled air throughout your home, and in most climates can reduce the need to run your air conditioning systems.

 

All of these attic renovations can provide you with a large return on your investment.  Finishing your attic and converting it into a usable living space can greatly increase the value of your home, and energy saving smaller renovations can save you a lot of money on heating and cooling.

 

Another helpful tip from Building Inspections, LLC.  Call us for all your home inspection needs at 1.513.404.7997.

 

Preparing Your Home for Inspection

Congratulations on the sale of your home.

 

Building Inspections LLC has been chosen to perform the inspection and we have a few suggestions to help make the process a little easier.

It is important that our inspector has access to attics, crawlspace and electrical panels.  If possible, please clear any items that may hinder access to these areas.  Common obstructions include cars parked under the attic access and stored items in front of electrical panels.  Remember, we’ll need access to all areas inside and out.  Your assistance is needed because we are not allowed to move your personal belongings.

 

Clear space around the furnace and the water heater.

 

Cut back any vegetation that is around your home.  Don’t let trees or plants touch your home as insects may get in that way.  Make sure the ground slopes away from the house.

 

Make sure drain spouts are attached to the drain that goes away from the house.

 

Change your furnace filter.

 

Check around sinks & toilets for leaks.

 

Find window screens, if they are not on the windows.

 

Test light switches & outlets.  If there are any burned out light bulbs in the home, please have them replaced prior to inspection.  This helps the inspector determine whether electrical or other issues exist.

 

Light pilot lights and turn on utilities.

 

Provide keys to locked rooms.

 

Identify the main water shut off and gas main valves.

 

If a radon test is part of your inspection is part of your inspection, the EPA sets guidelines which must be followed prior to and during the testing.  Contact us for more information for preparing your home to meet these guidelines.

 

If you have pets please let us know.  If they are unfriendly or will try to escape, have them confined or removed during the inspection.

 

Please realize we typically cannot discuss our findings at the inspection due to confidentiality.

 

If you are requested to repair an item after the inspection, you are welcome to call and we’ll be happy to discuss our findings.

 

Finally, we do ask the purchaser to attend the inspection.  This is so the inspector can give maintenance tips such as changing filters or showing the buyer where the main water shut off is.

 

Our goal is leave the home just the way we found it.  Our inspectors are experienced professionals and will treat your home with respect.

 

You’ll be comforted in knowing that it will assist you in selling your home faster while protecting you after it is sold.

 

If you have any questions about your scheduled inspection, please contact us at 513-793-4677.

Our Services

How does a home inspection enter into the process of buying or selling a home?
Problems with a home can mean big bucks in repairs and despite our best efforts we may not be able to identify these problems ourselves. That’s why when buying or selling a home, it is critical to have a home inspection. A home inspection is an examination and assessment of the condition of a home.

Typically a home buyer will order a home inspection within a couple of days after the acceptance of contract. A buyer can get a recommendation for an inspector from the realtor or ask a friend who recently bought a house who they used.

Usually it takes between 3 and 4 hours for an inspector to make sure you get a thorough inspection. Make sure your inspector belongs to official associations. Ask him how experienced he is, and in what areas does he specialize. You’ll want someone who has done this many times and knows just what he’s looking for. Don’t forget to ask how much the inspection will cost, what kind of a report you are going to get and when you are going to get it. You should get a full report within 24 hours and make sure you can attend the inspection.
An inspector will evaluate a building’s mechanical system, structural integrity and safety items. He will then deliver that information to the client. He will look for defects that the layman may not notice.

He will check your attic for insulation and leaks in the roof. Common cracking is always around. It is not a red flag item. Any moisture intrusion through a foundation should be call for further evaluation. Slower, clogged drains are a major concern for a lot of home buyers. Usually it can be fixed inexpensively with just some drain cleaner or a snake ran through the trap.

At Building Inspections LLC we are happy to include RecallChek with every full inspection we perform. RecallChek performs a thorough examination of over 195 million recalled appliances as listed by the CPSC. As part of your home inspection our trained professional inspector will take note of your appliances make and model numbers. We then enter your appliance information into our RecallChek database and notify you of any currant recalls, including how to get the recalled appliance repaired free of charge by the manufacturer.

For more information on our RecallChek service or schedule an inspection contact us at 513-793-4677.

How to Adjust a Toilet for the Best Flush

Do you have a toilet that always seems to be running? This is sometimes caused by a fill valve that has been set too high, which causes the water level to be higher than the overflow tube.
Toilet fill valves control the flow of water from the supply lines to refill the tank between flushes. Fill valves typically come in two types. One contains an arm with a float connected to the top of the valve. The other type contains a floating cylinder that moves up and down the valve body.

All fill valves are adjustable. Some can be adjusted with a screwdriver and some by moving the float up or down manually. Sometimes there is a spindle you can screw up or down to adjust.
If the water level is too low, it may cause a weak or improper flush. You’ll want to check to see that the water fills to the appropriate line in the tank and readjust if needed. Sometimes the fill valve is adjusted too low and the tank does not fill up with enough water. Those same adjustments you made to lower the water level will fill the tank to the correct height for a good flush.

Check to see if there is an adequate water supply to the toilet. Check the outlet on the angle stop to see if it is a ½” iron pipe connection. A toilet flush requires the additional water that enters the tank once the flush begins. When the water supply lines are too small, they restrict new water from entering the tank fast enough to aid in the flush.

Finally, sometimes the toilet starts to flush but during the process it stops suddenly when a flapper valve reseals onto the flush valve seat. If this happens, usually the flapper valve is not buoyant long enough during the flushing process. Replacing the flapper valve should fix the problem.

Sometimes after all of the adjusting that you can do, you still have a flush that is not strong enough to clean the bowl. Try this. Pour a five gallon pail of hot water into the toilet bowl. Add some Drano. Then go to the water tank and add some Dawn dishwashing liquid into the fill valve. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and flush. If it is still too weak, you may have to do it again.

If you have any questions about this process, call Building Inspections, LLC at 513-793-4677

Self-Closing Doors

Do you have a door that constantly closes on its own when you want it to stay open? This can be a real annoyance.  It was probably not hung correctly to begin with. The door is not level or has twisted slightly.

The first thing to check is whether or not you have a loose hinge. Try tightening the screws. This may solve the problem.  Consider replacing the screws with longer ones to help keep the problem from coming back.

If the door is still closing on its own, it may be that the hinges are out of alignment. Start by standing in front of the door and see if the hinges are vertically in line. If one or more of the hinges are set deeper than the others, you will have an issue with the door swing. Additionally, if you stand in the doorway and look at the hinges from this angle, they should line up vertically again. If they vary to the left or to the right, this could also be the cause of the problem.

The easiest fix is to try and increase the tension of the hinge pin to create more friction. First remove a hinge pin from the door. We recommend removing the middle one using a hammer and a small Phillips head screwdriver or large nail. On a solid surface such as a driveway or sidewalk, tap the side of the pin with the hammer.  You may need to put one end on a small rock so that it will bend just slightly. They bend pretty easily, so don’t hit it too hard.  The goal is to create a very slight bend in the pin. Once you have a slight bend, replace the pin in the door. This bend will create enough friction to keep the door from closing on its own. If this does not work at first, try again on another pin.

If all else fails, try to insert a shim. Remove all the screws from the bottom hinge. Let the door hang loose.Cut shims the same size as the hinge from a cereal box. You may need to cut two or three to fill the space created when you remove the screws. Put the screws back in and you should be good to go.

If you have any questions about this process, call Building Inspections LLC at 513-793-4677

Three Ways To Help Maintain The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioning Condenser Unit

Today, we are going to take a look at three ways to help maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning condenser unit. These tips will help keep your home cool during those hot summer days and can also help lower your monthly utility bill.

1.) The first step is to make sure there is proper air flow to the unit. To do this make sure plants are trimmed back two feet in all directions. Also remove any mulch that has built up around the unit.

2.) Now check to see if the fins on the coil are straight. The fins are the thin parallel metal strips on the unit. They are commonly bent by weed eaters and hail. Bent fins can impede air flow to the unit. To correct the fins, simply take a butter knife or other thin utensil and gently bend them to allow proper air flow.

3.) Finally, it’s time to clean the unit. The first step is to shut off the power. This is important and is done by removing the pull switch from the service disconnect. When the power is off, use your garden hose to clean off debris. This may prolong the life of your unit by making it making the cooling process easier.

After it is clean, restore the power to the unit and enjoy your more efficient and cost effective air conditioning.

For more helpful home maintenance tips visit our YouTube site.