1. Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit and Components.Remove any leaves, spider webs and other debris from the unit's exterior. Trim foliage back several feet from the unit to ensure proper air flow. Remove the cover grille to clean any debris from the unit's interior. 2. Inspect the Condensate Drain Line. Inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris. If the line becomes blocked, water will back up into the drain pan and overflow, potentially causing a saf

A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a device used in electrical wiring to disconnect a circuit when unbalanced current is detected between an energized conductor and a neutral return conductor. Such an imbalance is sometimes caused by current "leaking" through a person who is simultaneously in contact with a ground and an energized part of the circuit, which could result in lethal shock. GFCIs are designed to provide protection in such a situation, unlike standard

1) Roof shingles look for missing or not lined up properly which happens with severe winds. 2) Gutters and downspouts – may need cleaning and/or repairs in the spring after the trees are green. 3) Windows and doors – may need maintenance, especially when made of wood. You need to check the caulking that seals gaps where they meet your home's siding. Wood rot occurs where there's water on window sills, door thresholds & the vertical kick plate just below a door. 4) Fascia (ver

4 Outdated and Unsafe Electrical Panels. 1. Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Panels. FPE electric panels’ circuit breakers fail to trip when they should (when there’s a short circuit or circuit overload). This problem has lead to thousands of fires across the United States. 2. Zinsco Panels The circuit breakers inside many Zinsco panels melt to the main ‘bus bar’. This means the breaker can’t ever trip, even when there’s a short or overloaded circuit. So if there ever is a sho

1. Don’t Make Assumptions about New Construction. No matter what the builder tells you or how many papers he shows you, always contract with a licensed and experienced home inspector when purchasing either a new home or an existing one. 2. Attend the Inspection. Even though you will receive a full and detailed written report after your inspection it’s important that you follow the inspector through the home during it. That way, you’ll not only know what issues the house has,

Many termite problems can be prevented. The most important thing to do is to deny termites access to food (wood), moisture and shelter. Follow these suggestions: 1) Have at least a 2-inch clearance between the house and planter boxes, or soil-filled porches; 2) Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact, such as trellises, fence posts, stair casings and door facings (they can be put on masonry blocks or on treated wood); 3) Separate shrubbery from the house to help make it easier to

1)Start with a visual inspection from the interior and exterior of your home. On the outside you should look for areas where the old caulking has failed, revealing the gap between the window or door frame and your home's siding. Inspect the threshold under each door, looking for daylight or other obvious signs of an opening that is too big and needs to be sealed shut. Make sure that the weather stripping around the windows and doors is in good condition, making note of any da

1) Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. 2) Clean and repair roof gutters regularly 3) Keep indoor humidity low 4) Check walls, windows and pipes for condensation or moisture. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. #Homeinspection #Homeinspector #realestate #LA#SD

A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a device used in electrical wiring to disconnect a circuit when unbalanced current is detected between an energized conductor and a neutral return conductor. Such an imbalance is sometimes caused by current "leaking" through a person who is simultaneously in contact with a ground and an energized part of the circuit, which could result in lethal shock. GFCIs are designed to provide protection in such a situation, unlike standard

Identify and Repair All Leaks and Cracks The following are common building-related sources of water intrusion: windows and doors: Check for leaks around your windows, storefront systems and doors. roof: Improper drainage systems and roof sloping reduce roof life and become a primary source of moisture intrusion. Leaks are also common around vents for exhaust or plumbing, rooftop air-conditioning units, or other specialized equipment. foundation and exterior walls: Seal any cr

1) Asphalt Shingles. Cost of installation $1,500 – $9,000. Asphalt shingles is the most commonly used residential roofing material used on roofs in the United States. Asphalt shingles vary in quality. 2) Tile: Cost of Installation $9,000 – $15,000 Tile is one of the more expensive materials used for roofs. 3) Metal: Cost of Installation $2,500– $17,000 Metal is a common material used for roofs. There are different types of metal roofing available. The types of metal used vari