Tag: Plumbing

What First Time Buyers need to know about Home Inspections

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What First Time Buyers need to know about Home Inspections

Home inspection should be a top priority for anyone interested in purchasing a new home. This includes first time buyers. After years of scrimping for a deposit and hard slog at work to climb the career ladder you may be thrilled to finally be able to afford your first house or apartment. You may even be burning with excitement at having finally found your dream house after months of visiting underwhelming or overpriced properties. The last thing you want is anything to spoil it. Getting a home inspector in to examine a property that you are thinking of buying is crucial, however. Even an immaculate and new apartment or a house that looks like a showroom can be hiding costly flaws. They might make you live to regret ever buying the property years down the line.

As a first time buyer you probably won’t have any particularly detailed knowledge of what makes a property sound and how to check a home is in good order, and there is no reason why you should. For example, can you identify what signs give away five or more of the most common roof problems? Or do you know how to tell if a property is at risk of developing a mold problem? Or how about making sure that the wiring is as it should be? Thought not! That is okay because fortunately, a good home inspector will be able to do all of this for you and more.

A home inspection checklist for first time buyers

For your own peace of mind you might consider making sure that you are present during the home inspection of your potential first home. It is useful to have your own checklist of basic tasks which a home inspector should carry out in order to ensure that you get a thorough job. The home inspection should include the following:

* Checks on the structure and foundation of the property: Irrespective of whether a house is built on a concrete slab or full basement, it needs to be resting on a foundation that is able to both take and distribute its weight. It also needs to be capable of withstanding the lateral forces of soil, which can sometimes cause problems with leaks and cracks. It cannot be stressed enough that checking the foundations of a house is absolutely crucial. It is true that first time homeowners can get wrapped up in all of the other things involved in securing a property like bargaining the best price and finding a mortgage. The latter is an especially huge issue for Americans in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis as less mortgages are now available for people buying their first home. This is not just the case in the USA.

In the UK too, for example, qualifying and finding a first time mortgage is the number one concern of people buying property for the first time as banks have been accused of lending less since the financial crisis. As money.co.uk says, “If you’re looking to buy your first home then finding the best first time buyer mortgages is likely to be one of your main priorities”. There is no point on buying a castle built on sand, however, and the fact is that a thorough home inspection to check that a house has solid fundamentals is often a prerequisite for a decent mortgage. After all, it is in the lender’s interest that the property should be structurally sound. Therefore researching your mortgage and getting a home inspection ultimately go hand in hand.

* Inspection of the plumbing system: Plumbing inspection involves a number of different checks. These checks include examining pipes and faucets for leaks and checking the water pressure in the bathroom furthest away from the property’s water source. Other elements of a plumbing inspection might include checking that the water piping in a property has wrapped pipes to ensure that hot water is preserved over the winter and that the water tank it big enough to meet your needs as the prospective new owner.

* Inspection of the heating system and verification of the type of heating system: An examination of the heating system should include a detailed inspection of the venting system and checking the system for possible leaks. An examination of the blower to ensure that there is no lubrication or possible obstructions should also be undertaken, as should an inspection of the furnace’s inside chamber. In particular some furnaces suffer from holes or rust in this area of the furnace. The inspector should also clean the pilots, burners and sensors. They should verify that there is no risk of the furnace overheating by checking its maximum temperature. Finally the crucial carbon monoxide test is imperative. Other checks that should be included in a heating system inspection include ensuring that the air filters in the furnace are clean, checking the vent registers and that the thermostat is functioning correctly.

* Checking that the property’s wiring and overall electrical system is sound and safe: A house inspector should inspect a minimum of six electrical appliances in a house to ensure that the electricity system is functioning as it should. Furthermore, an inspection should also entail a polarity and earth fault loop test on sockets around the property at random; verification of whether adequate protective bonding conductors are in place; and an inspection of the consumer unit.

* Checking to ensure that there are no bug or insect infestations or a potential environment in which an infestation could develop: Wood-destroying insects can be particularly lethal for homes. For example, powder post beetles can lay their eggs in the cracks in unprotected wood and their offspring can start tunnelling once they have hatched. Therefore, a check for insects in the property is imperative.

* Inspection for asbestos: This should entail taking measures to identify the possible location of asbestos in a property and also the concentration of asbestos. It could also involve making a record of all of the materials in a property which contain asbestos and carrying out a risk assessment on those materials.

* Inspection of the well and septic system: If the property has its own well and septic system, then they should be examined. For example, a well’s record should be obtained from the relevant authorities and its location noted. The well casing should be in good condition without cracks and it should drain correctly. The water quality should also be tested by sampling the water for e coliform, E. Coli and nitrate.

Other things that should be checked

There are other aspects of a house inspection that should be on the checklist and the devil is in the detail. For example, the inspector should look around the attic or basement if the property has one and check the windows and doors to ensure that they open and close properly. All closets, walls, ceilings and floors should be examined. Nor should the outside of a property be neglected. A property’s facade and other aspects of the exterior should also be thoroughly examined for any indication of rot or weather damage. The inspector should also make a thorough examination of the roof, either by getting onto the roof or inspecting it with binoculars.

Home Inspection – Common Deficiencies

Real Estate

Only one service should be installed for each dwelling or building. A minimum 100-amp service is needed for a single residential dwelling unit.

Home inspectors in Ontario who take online training from United States may get confused when inspecting residential garages. In Ontario only a fume barrier is required not a fire separation.

US version of basement egress windows. Basements and every sleeping room should have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that opens directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. Where basements have one or more sleeping room, an emergency egress and rescue opening should be installed for each sleeping room, but is not required in adjoining areas of the basement.

Except for basement areas, the window described in Sentence shall have a maximum sill height of 1 000 mm (3 ft 3 in) above the floor.

Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters and beams should not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member (, and should not be located in the middle third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member should not be more than one-quarter of the depth of the member . Notches located in the outer thirds of the member should not be more than one-sixth of the depth of the member.

Minimum height of chimneys should be 3 feet. The top of the chimney should extend 2 feet higher than building or roof with 10 feet. Any portion of the masonry chimney passing through building must maintain a 2 inch clearance from combustibles. This air space provides protection from radiated heat and prevents conduction to combustibles.

A masonry chimney should terminate some distance above a roof in order to provide adequate upward draft in the chimney. Masonry chimneys should extend at least 2 feet higher than any portion of the building within 10 horizontal feet. The minimum height of the chimney should be 3 feet. Any portion of a masonry chimney located in the interior of the building (such as an attic space) should have at least 2 inches of air-space clearance from combustibles. As heat is transferred through the masonry material, any combustible material in close proximity to the heated walls may reach the point of ignition. The air space helps in the dissipation of heat.

When inspecting masonry chimneys the height of chimney must be two feet higher than building or roof structure within 10 feet. The part of the masonry chimney passing through the building is required to have 2 inch clearance from any combustibles locate in building. This protects combustibles from heat transfer from conduction and helps with radiation with a 2 inch air space.

A light fixture should be installed to illuminate the passageway and the mechanical appliance. A control switch should be installed near the entry to the passageway. An electrical receptacle should be installed at or near the mechanical appliance to allow for safe and convenient maintenance and service of the appliance.

In general terms the maximum length of a dryer duct would be 25 feet. After this you would need a dryer exhaust blower installed. Every dryer manufacturer has the type of pipe and length of duct permitted in their installation instructions. It is recommended not to install screens on your exterior vent.

The length of a clothes dryer exhaust ensures that the dryer exhaust blower will be able to push sufficient air volume to take away the moist air and lint. The length can be increased only when the make and model of the dryer is known, or when an approved blower fan calculation is provided.

Many homes have home made S traps and other contraptions under their sink etc. Traps are required to be the P type and have a minimum 2 inch water seal and be attached to an approved venting system.

An appliance used for heating water or storing hot water must be protected by a relief valve. A combination temperature- and pressure-relief valve (or separate temperature-relief and pressure-relief valves) protect a water heater from explosion. They are emergency devices. They are not intended to function continuously.

Plumbers, electricians and HVAC installers have all been known to cut or notch structural supports to install their systems. This can be structurally unsound and expensive to repair.

An open vent pipe that passes through a roof should extend at least 6 inches above the roof. If snow accumulation is expected at various times, the vent height should be increased so that the vent pipe will be at least 6 inches above the anticipated snow accumulation. The height in snowy areas is often determined by the local building official based upon local information. If the roof is used for a purpose other than weather protection the vent extensions should extend above the individuals occupying the roof, at least approximately 7 feet above the roof.

The diameter of bored holes into solid lumber structural members shall not be larger than one-third the depth of the member. Bored holes should be at least 2 inches from the top or bottom edge of the structural wood member, and should be a minimum of 2 inches from any other hole or notch in the member.

Working space in front of electrical panels is a minimum of 30 inches. 36 inches in Ontario. There shall also be a minimum of 30 inches width. If panel is wider than 30 inches the work space must be sized accordingly.

As a Home Inspector knowing plumbing, electrical and building codes is definitely a benefit for the home or business owner. If you don’t know the codes how can a home inspector inform his client of potential problems or expenses.

Professional Home Inspections by Orillia Certified Home Inspections. Read what a professional home insepctor finds at Orillia Home Inspection Defects for your Peace of Mind when buying a home.

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners

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Plumbing

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners. A vent is a pipe or pipes install to provide a flow or air to or from a drainage system to provide a circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage and back-pressure. This has a two fold purpose, one to prevent sewer gases from entering home and also to allow air into system for better drainage.

Direct venting of plumbing fixtures is permitted if a plumbing fixture is close enough (eight feet or less) to the main waste stack pipe (vent), the fixture does not usually require its own plumbing vent piping, and it is considered a direct-vented plumbing fixture.

Wet venting is using a drain from another fixture to supply adequate venting to another fixture, usually a toilet. The theory for wet venting is that the flow in the wet vent portion of the piping will be low because there will only be one occupant in the bathroom and only one fixture being used.

Plumbing smells or noises can be caused by improperly installed drains and vents. There a many cases where improper glue and venting has resulted in sewer gas entering an unsuspecting homeowners property. Improper use of glue, loose connections and vents not vented to exterior can all be attributed to work being performed by un-licensed workers. Always used a trained a licensed plumber when renovating or repairing your homes plumbing system.

There are many different types of choices when it comes to plumbing your home. For water supply, there is PVC, CPVC. PEX, Galvanized Pipe, and copper. Copper and CPVC are the most popular. CPVC is the easiest to install. CPVC tubing is ideal for water supply lines. It’s easy to cut and assemble, using compression of cemented fittings. It’s durable too. Harsh water won’t harm the material, unlike copper, which will erode from acidic water.

That “blub blub” or “glug glug” noise you hear from a building drain might mean that there is a problem with the drain system itself, such as a partial drain blockage, a drain venting problem, a drain odor problem, or even a failing septic system. If a gurgling sound is heard at a sink or shower drain only when a nearby toilet is flushed, or at a sink or shower when a nearby tub is draining, we’d suspect that the building drain-vent system is inadequate.

Many plumbing problems can be fixed by the homeowner and some require the expertise of a licensed trades person. Any plumbing supply problem should be dealt with by a professional as the cost of clean up and repair can far outweigh any savings you may incur.

Building Basics by Angus Real Estate Agents

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Basements, Exterior

Building Basics by Angus Real Estate Agents. If you are building a wall for a home addition, garage or other structure, it is important to be able to read construction drawings to identify all the dimensions for the walls which are given on the floor plan and elevation. The walls are to be laid out the same as on the floor plan, with all measurements followed exactly. The openings for doors and windows must be placed exactly. It is important that the corners be set on the foundation exactly as given on the detail drawing on the foundation plan. Taking measurements from the foundation or floor plan, and transferring those measurements to the foundation, footing or floor slab is the first step in laying out the wall.

Traditional stucco is made of lime, sand, and water. Modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand, and water. Lime is added to increase the permeability and workability of modern stucco. Sometimes additives such as acrylics and glass fibers are added to improve the structural properties of the plaster. This is usually done with what is considered a one-coat stucco system, as opposed to the traditional three-coat method. As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant wall covering. It was traditionally used as both an interior and exterior finish applied in one or two thin layers directly over a solid masonry, brick or stone surface. The finish coat usually contained an integral color and was typically textured for appearance.

In the field of human-wildlife conflicts, probably the most common scenario nationwide is the squirrel in the attic.
Most people become aware that an animal is living in their attic when they hear scampering, or scratching noises above the ceiling. A wide variety of animals choose to live in the attics of buildings, from rats and mice, bats and pigeons, raccoon’s, opossums, and of course squirrels. Most of these animals will oftentimes use other areas of the home as well, from the soffits to the wall voids to the space between floors, so the attic is not the only area you’ll find critters.

A plumbing fixture could refer to a receptacle or device that is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the property, and which demands a supply of water. Or the fixture could discharge waste water, liquid-suspended waste materials or sewage to the drainage system of the property. The fixture could also require both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the property. Plumbing fixtures include water closets, urinals, bidets, lavatories, sinks, showers, bathtubs and floor drains.

There should be at least 15 inches of space from the center of a water closet, lavatory or bidet to any sidewall, partition, cabinet or any other obstruction. There should be at least 30 inches of space between adjacent fixtures. There should be a space of at least 21 inches in front of the water closet, lavatory or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. This clearance is for comfortable, adequate space for cleaning and use of the fixture.

A septic tank is used to hold wastewater while the wastewater’s solids and liquids separate. The heavier solids in the wastewater, called sludge, sink to the bottom of the tank. There it will slowly decompose. A properly functioning septic tank will remove 75% of the suspended solids, oil and grease from the effluent. The lighter, floatable material, called scum, rises to the surface and becomes trapped between devices at the tank’s inlet and outlet, either baffles or sanitary tees. When wastewater enters the tank, it pushes relatively clean effluent, called “the clear zone” that located in the settling area between the scum and the sludge layers, out of the tank.

The Best Barrie Home Inspector provides visial and Thermal Imaging inspections of all major components of your home. A small investment considering the expense of buying property. Visit <a href=”http://www.barrie-home-inspector.com”>The Best Barrie Home Inspector’s Site</a> to arrange an inspection.

Home Maintenance Checklist

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Home Inspection

Home Maintenance Checklist

Homeowners have a duty to make sure their homes are as healthy as they can make them. This ties in to healthy home maintenance, and a healthy home is said to be one that is built, maintained, and then rehabilitated in a way that promotes the good health of its occupants. A few goals that homeowners should have with regards to a healthy home is keeping it dry, orderly, ventilated, contaminant-free, free from pests, secure, and also maintained. Healthy home maintenance will lead to a lessening of allergens, a lower likelihood of injuries resulting from accidents, and also a prevention of sickness.

Spring

Yard & Exterior

Make sure to assess the water drainage in order to see that it flows away from the residence.
Check the whole area of the yard to evaluate whether there are any fall, trip, choking, and sharp-edge hazards. If there are, be sure to remove them from the yard.
If you have a pool on the property, make sure to maintain the fence around the pool so that it is intact.
Assess the year to see whether there are signs of pests in or around it, pests like roaches, rats, termites, or bats. If there are, an exterminator should be called.
Sanitize the window wells and evaluate the drainage.
Clean both the downspouts on the property, as well as the gutters.
Exterior Roof, Walls, Windows

Evaluate to see whether the shingles on the roof are in good condition.
Assess the valley, chimney, and the plumbing vent, and also the skylight flashing.
Check to see that the gutters emit water away from your home.
Assess the attic to see if it has any indications of the roof leaking.
See if any paint is peeling on the outside of the house.
In the area where the deck is connected to the residence, see if there are any indications of leaks.
To see if the flashing of the home is intact, be sure to check the bottom of the doors and windows.
Evaluate the home’s door and window sills to determine if leaks are present.
If the dryer vent needs cleaning, attend to it.
Determine if the exhaust ducts are clear. If not, then clear them.
Basement & Crawlspace

Determine that there are no puddles or wet surfaces here.
Look for the sump pump, and see if its valve is working properly.
Evaluate the floor drain to see if it is working.
Look after the surfaces of the basement by vacuuming them.
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors

Assess the operation of both doors and windows to see that they open and close smoothly.
Appliances

Attend to the screens and dryer vents of appliances by cleaning them.
Attend to the exhaust fan outlets and their screens by cleaning them.
Find the drain pans and coils on air conditioners and clean those.
Evaluate the operation of the dehumidifier, and clean its coils.
Plumbing, Fixtures and Appliances

Assess the drains and the supply time for any leaks that may have occurred.
Evaluate the functioning of kitchen and bathroom fans.
Electrical Equipment

Evaluate any electrical equipment for possibly damaged cords.
Do tests to determine if the ground fault interrupters are working fine.
Analyze carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to see if they are working well.
Garage

Make certain that fuel cans are stored properly.
Ensure that the garage door safety shut-off is in working order.
See if there are any indications of any water damage.
See if there are any indications of the presence of rodents, termites, roaches, or bats.
HVAC Equipment

Replace the filters on any air conditioners.
Fall

Yard & Exterior

Check the whole area of the yard to evaluate whether there are any fall, trip, choking, and sharp-edge hazards. If there are, be sure to remove them from the yard.
If you have a pool on the property, make sure to maintain the fence around the pool so that it is intact.
Assess the year to see whether there are signs of pests in or around it, pests like roaches, rats, termites, or bats. If there are, an exterminator should be called.
Make sure that the outdoor hoses and faucets are drained.
Sanitize the window wells and evaluate the drainage.
Clean both the downspouts on the property, as well as the gutters.
Exterior Roof, Walls, Windows

Assess the attic vents to see that everything is alright.
Make any necessary repairs on glass that has been either cracked or broken.
If the dryer vent needs cleaning, attend to it.
Determine if the exhaust ducts are clear. If not, then clear them.
Basement & Crawlspace

Determine that there are no puddles or wet surfaces here.
Look for the sump pump, and see if its valve is working properly.
See if there are any indications of termites, bats, rodents, or roaches.
Appliances

Clean out any outdoor air intakes along with any screens.
Furnaces, hot water heaters, and boilers should be cleaned.
Both ranges and ovens ought to be cleaned.
Plumbing, Fixtures and Appliances

Evaluate the hot water heater for signs of any leaks.
See if the boiler has any leaks.
Assess if the water meter or main or the well pump is exhibiting any signs of sweating or leaking.
Assess the drains and the supply time for any leaks that may have occurred.
Evaluate the functioning of kitchen and bathroom fans.
Electrical Equipment

Evaluate any electrical equipment for possibly damaged cords.
Analyze carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to see if they are working well.
Garage

Make certain that fuel cans are stored properly.
Ensure that the garage door safety shut-off is in working order.
See if there are any indications of the presence of rodents, termites, roaches, or bats.
HVAC Equipment

Replace the filters on any warm air furnaces.
Set the outdoor air to the heat recovery ventilation setting again.
Attic

Evaluate the attic to see if there are any indications of pests like bats, rodents, roaches, or termites.
Assess if the attic has suffered any water damage.
Make certain that the insulation is in place.
Annual

Exterior Roof, Walls, Windows

Only in the winter, determine if there are any ice dams or icicles that are present.
Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors

Determine if there exist any indications of water damage.
Plumbing, Fixtures and Appliances

Inspect the connections in the washer hoses.
Look at the hoses of the dishwasher to see if any leaks are present.
Inspect the toilet supply and the shut-off valve.
Make sure the connections between the ice maker and the refrigerator’s drip pan are cleaned and assessed.
See if the surrounding area of the shower and the tub exhibits any sign of damage.
See if the drains and the traps under the showers, tubs, and sinks have any leaks in them.
Every two years, be sure to also clean the septic tank.
Electrical Equipment

Once every year, be certain to check all outlets for correct ground, neutral, and hot connections.
Attic

See if the fans still emit exhaust out of the house by inspecting the duct work connections.
As Needed

Interior Walls, Ceilings, Windows, Doors

Repair the doors and the windows, and apply lubricant to them also.
Appliances

Clean the screens that are found on the kitchen range hood.

Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

Tag: Plumbing