As a first time home owner you really made me feel comfortable in buying my new home. Great suggestions and tips. You were kind and patient. Nice follow up after the home inspection, I was very impressed! Thank You!
Posts Tagged ‘Home Inspector’
Home Inspectors Discuss Need For A New Roof
It’s coming up on Fall, and if you need a new roof on your home, now is the time to have one installed. Before you start, there are a few things you should know. You need to make sure and take the entire roofing system into account and not just think about the shingles. The best shingles out there cannot protect your home if any one of the other components of the roofing system is not working or performing properly.
What is “Roofing System” and how do I choose the correct one for my home?
The first thing you need to know are the signs that a roof will need to be replaced. Just like I do when performing a home inspection, you will need conduct a visual inspection of the roof and it’s components. Do this either by walking the roof, viewing from a ladder or from the ground using binoculars of the roof is steep. If you are not comfortable with this process, check out the Rochester and Southeastern MN yellow pages for a reputable roofing contractor.
Some signs that you may need a roof replacement include algae or moss growth on the shingles, damaged flashing around the chimney or other roof openings and vents, curling, buckling, blistering, missing shingles and or tabs, and or rotten wood on the underside of the roof as seen from the attic.
The next step is to make sure you understand what a roofing system is so you will know what questions to ask after you have chosen a contractor. It’s pretty easy if you think of your roof as serving three important functions. Does it protect your home from the elements? Is there adequate ventilation? Does it add to the beauty of your home?
- Underlayment provides your roof protection against water seepage between the roof deck and the shingles.
- Ice and water barriers help to protect your roof’s eves and valleys from Ice, Snow, and driving rains.
- Shingles provide beauty and protect your home from the elements.
- Hip and ridge shingles add extra protection to the ridge line of your home.
- Gutter systems will work better if they have protection or a system in place that will prevent leaf and debris build up and clogs
- Adequate ventilations will allow your attic to breath, reducing heat and moisture build up and preventing mold growth.
- Your home’s insulation keeps the heat in and the cold out, helping to reduce energy consumption and maintain comfort.
It is best if you can choose one manufacturer for all components of your roofing system. Manufacturers design their systems for maximum performance.
Keep in mind that choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing products. Use references from friends and co-workers, or your local building materials center. Be sure to check out contractors’ license status before you start asking for bids. Also remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best deal. You need to make sure everything you need is covered and that you are comparing apples to apples before you make a decision.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Sarah & Kirk F, Dover, MN
Thank you for the professional and thorough home inspection. As first time home buyers, it was wonderful that you labeled the main shut off valves, and gave us a home maintenance guide. We feel comfortable knowing that you are a phone call away! Thank you for your expertise!!
Rochester MN Home Inspectors Discussion On Avoiding Home Repair Scams
Your doorbell rings and you aren’t expecting company. You go to the door and there stands a salesman or contractor. It’s that time of year here in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area where the roofing contractors show up after a storm, and the driveway sealers want to give you a deal on your driveway.
Here are a few tips to avoid getting taken by a home repair scam artist. If you haven’t called and scheduled an appointment with a contractor regarding roofing, painting or black top sealing, and you’re not interested, don’t even listen to the person at your door. Tell them you are not interested and simply close your door. Some of these people will try high pressure and or scare tactics to try and engage you. These guys may offer a free inspection and report along with estimates for repairs. Be very wary of cash payments deals, which usually means that no written contract will be offered. Another tip off of scam artists are out of state license plates and toll free phone numbers and addresses. Selecting a contractor for home repairs requires common sense and a little bit of homework.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com
Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Shares Sump Pump Basics
Sump Pump
The sump pump protects your home from groundwater forcing its way down through the soil into that hole in the ground we call a basement. A drain tile system below the basement floor will channel water into the sump pump basket. When the water level hits the float in the sump basket, the sump pump lifts this water to the surface outside or into an underground storm sewer pipe that drains away from your home.
The sump pump and drainage system is separate from the sanitary sewer system that drains waste water from your home to the septic system or to a sanitary sewer treatment plant. Your sump pump should not discharge to the sanitary sewer.
During the home inspection, a home inspector will look for indication of water in the sump basket, and will test that the sump pump operates. Test your sump pump every few months. Start the pump by adding water to the sump basket or by lifting the float. The pump should start when the water is 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor slab. The water in the sump basket should be clear, without roots or debris. Watch to be sure the pump removes water from the crock.
The pump may have a float on the end of a rod or wire. Be sure the float operates easily and can’t rub against the sump basket or the cover. If the float sticks, the pump will not run, and your basement could have some flooding.
If the pump is older and worn, rusty, or noisy, it should be replaced. The pump should be securely mounted in the sump basket. The power supply should be from an outlet, not an extension cord, and the plug should be securely fastened to the outlet.
If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted in the sump basket. The second pump could have a float set for a higher water level so that the second pump only runs if the first pump fails. If you live in an area in Southeastern MN where the electrical power fails during storms, I would consider a battery backup for the pump system.
You might also want to consider installing an alarm that will alert you if the sump pump fails. This could save considerable damage from flooding that could result from this failure. Options range from expensive home alarm systems to a simple battery-operated water alarm. You can pick up a water alarm at your locat building supply center.
The Water Detector is a palm-sized unit operated by a 9-volt battery. When in contact with water, it continuously emits an alarm for up to 72 hours. The unit will float and continue to sound an alarm during a flood.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com