This is a list of issues we commonly observed during home inspections and is intended to help real estate agents quickly identify what is going on and what their client needs to know about it.
Uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics can pose a significant danger to homeowners. Not only do they have the potential to clog in the winter and cause the dryer to perform poorly, but they can also lead to fires. Here, we’ll discuss why uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics are dangerous and what homeowners can do to mitigate the risks.
What are uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics?
Uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics are exactly what they sound like: dryer vents made of metal that are located in attics and are not insulated. These types of dryer vents are typically used when it is not feasible to vent a dryer outside through a wall or crawlspace/basement. Instead, the vent is run through the attic and outside through a soffit or gable vent. Most often I’ll find these on a slab home.
Why are they dangerous?
The danger of uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics lies in the fact that they can easily become clogged with lint and debris, especially in the winter months. When the warm, moist air from the dryer meets the cold air in the attic, condensation can occur, which can cause the lint and debris to become wet and sticky. This can lead to clogs and blockages in the vent, which can reduce the efficiency of the dryer and increase the risk of a house fire.
In addition to the risk of clogging, uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics can also lead to health hazards. Lint and debris that are trapped in the vent can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
What can homeowners do to mitigate the risks?
First important step is to have the metal dryer vent insulated. This will help to prevent condensation from occurring and reduce the risk of clogs and blockages. Insulation can be added to the vent using a variety of materials. It is important to make sure that the insulation is installed properly and does not impede the flow of air through the vent.
There are several things that homeowners can do to mitigate the risks of uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics. As with all dyer vents, have the vent cleaned regularly, ideally at least once a year. A professional cleaning service can remove any lint and debris that has accumulated in the vent and ensure that it is free of blockages.
In conclusion, uninsulated metal dryer vents in attics can pose a significant danger to homeowners. By having the vent cleaned regularly, insulating the vent, and considering replacement options, homeowners can reduce the risks and ensure the safety of their homes and families.
Having a storm shelter under your porch can provide a safe haven during severe weather, but it’s important to ensure that the space stays dry and free of mold. Moisture and mold growth on the ceiling of an under the porch storm shelter can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
Moisture can enter the storm shelter in a number of ways. Shrinkage cracks in the foundation or a missing vapor barrier. But we find that condensation in the winter months causes condensation on cold concrete leading to condensation and mold growth.
Mold growth is a common problem in damp environments like storm shelters. Mold spores thrive in humid conditions and can quickly spread across walls, ceilings, and floors. Mold can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
How to prevent mold in your storm shelter.
To prevent moisture and mold growth in your under the porch storm shelter, it’s important to take a few preventative measures. Here are some tips to help keep your storm shelter dry and mold-free:
Install a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air, making it less likely that mold will grow. Choose a dehumidifier that is designed for use in small spaces like storm shelters.
Insulate the bottom of the concrete. When it gets cold outside, the concrete gets cold as well. The bottom of the concrete is in contact with the warmer/moist air and condensation forms on the surface.
Fix any leaks: If you notice any leaks in the storm shelter foundation, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. This will help prevent further moisture from entering the space.
Use mold-resistant materials: Often builders will leave the wood forms in place. Use materials that are resistant to mold growth. If you finish the area, make sure it’s performing well first.
Regularly inspect the space: Regular inspections can help you catch moisture and mold problems early on. Check the ceiling, walls, and floors for any signs of mold growth or water damage.
By following these tips, you can help prevent moisture and mold growth in your under the porch storm shelter. Keeping the space dry and mold-free will not only protect your health but also ensure that the shelter is ready to use when severe weather strikes.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and charcoal are burned. When inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be transported to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. This can lead […]
As a real estate agent, a home inspection can be daunting after putting in weeks, months, or even years of effort with a client. While there are various reasons a deal may fail, such as credit issues, appraisal, or buyer’s second thoughts, a failed home inspection is a common cause. However, it can be prevented. Here’s some advice from an experienced inspector’s perspective on how to avoid home inspection leading to contract termination.
Inspectors Are Not Killers
Home inspectors are curious by nature. We like to know how things work, and we enjoy teaching. As a seasoned home inspector with over a dozen years of experience and conducting more than 5,000 home inspections, I’ve observed a common pattern that leads to transaction cancellations. Contrary to what some real estate agents may believe, the house or the inspector is not often at fault. The problem usually stems from the buyer’s expectations needing to align with the home inspection findings.
The client is expecting something different than what the report reveals. They are entering the transaction with the expectation that their 1957 home on a crawlspace is perfect because it has new granite countertops. Imagine their surprise when they discover a long list of issues they’ll need to consider. It may seem tempting to point fingers at the inspector for being too thorough in conveying the house’s condition, but this implies ill intent on the inspector’s part. The better solution is for buyers to understand the property before signing the contract.
I’ve recently dedicated much of my time to creating educational content for agents and clients. I can tell you that out of 5000+ homes, I’ve never wanted to kill a deal. I want to avoid dragging a buyer from house to house. In fact, the third inspection is FREE because I actually would like the buyers to find a home just as bad as they do.
Through my experience, I have identified 3 reasons buyers cancel a deal after the inspection. By being aware of these common pitfalls, agents and buyers can take proactive steps to ensure a smoother transaction.
1.Better Reporting
The home inspection process has undergone significant changes in recent years. The home inspection industry is still evolving, and technological advancements have led to rapid innovation. A quality home inspector now provides buyers with a comprehensive report comprising 40-80 pages of detailed information. Reports often include high-resolution color photos, videos, diagrams, and links to additional resources. And Home inspection resources have greatly increased, and the level of available information is leaps and bounds beyond what was available 12 years ago. I, for one, certainly know more than I did when I started.
This abundance of information and data can be both beneficial and overwhelming for homebuyers. On the one hand, they have access to more information about the home they’re considering than ever before. But on the other hand, they may need help processing all the facts presented in the report.
This is why agents are crucial. They help buyers navigate this information overload, guiding them to make informed decisions during the home-buying process.
2. Unprepared
Unfortunately, there are no courses in high school or college that educate individuals on the workings of a house or identify potential risks in residential buildings. Even professional real estate agents often receive limited training on evaluating properties and detecting issues, mainly relying on on-the-job experiences. This lack of education has become even more pronounced with a new generation of homebuyers who may have yet to have hands-on experience in home maintenance and repair. This lack of knowledge and experience can create challenges for buyers and agents alike.”
3. Expectations
The home buying process has become even more complex with the evolving expectations of buyers. Today’s buyers now demand a higher level of luxury and comfort in their homes, which starkly contrasts with what was considered acceptable just a few decades ago. People want more expensive and sophisticated properties. As a result, the focus is placed on visual aspects, and functional components are neglected. Both when preparing a house for the market or even owning one.
Moreover, the current market conditions characterized by tight inventory and high competition add an extra layer of stress to the buying process. In such a fast-paced environment, buyers have less time to make informed decisions, leading to an increase in multiple offers and impulsive buying. This rush in the decision-making process increases the likelihood of buyer’s remorse.
Real estate agents must be equipped with the right knowledge and skills to guide clients through this complex process, ensuring they make informed decisions and avoid any regrets later on.”
A Better Approach
As discussed, the primary reason why deals fail after a home inspection is due to the mismatch of expectations between the buyer and the actual state of the house. Unfortunately, this can often result in blame being placed on the inspector or the property itself. This is why it’s crucial to approach home inspections with a realistic understanding that all houses have problems. However, the right house is still a great find for the right person.
As a home inspector, I have seen many properties that are in deplorable conditions. I will inevitably write a 100-page report with red flags all throughout. The client will get the report, send me a great review, and buy the house! And here is why they don’t back out… a house in that condition announces that it has significant issues. All the client wants to know is what the issues are. On the flip side, on a well-built little starter home with a handful of deferred maintenance issues, I will write a modest report with zero red flags, and the buyer will walk away. This is because the buyer is not prepared that all homes have issues.
I am asked every day, “Would you buy this house?” And my answer is almost always the same. I joke about it not having enough bedrooms and then say that is not a question I am prepared to answer for you. I don’t know how long you’ve been looking, your finances, or any other qualifiers. I am just here to accurately document the property’s condition so that you can make a well-informed decision on whether to buy it at the desired price.
Are Home Inspectors Sometimes Responsible For Killing Deals
Home inspections are essential to the home-buying process as they thoroughly examine the property. This is done to identify potential issues or red flags that need to be addressed and to educate the homebuyers. A home inspection process is subjective; what one inspector finds to be an issue might be ignored by another. We can often report on the same problem differently. It is important to remember:
Not all reports are the same.
Not all inspectors are the same.
Not all standards are the same.
Inspections are not all-encompassing.
Because of this, there is sometimes a perception that home inspections can hinder the buying process, causing delays and causing deals to fall through. As stated earlier, the difference in a client’s reaction to a report is based on their expectations. Another example would be the more recent practice of making offers where the buyers can inspect but won’t ask for repairs. The buyers expected they wouldn’t be able to ask for things in the report, so they were fine with that outcome. And in this recent market, they were happy just to get an accepted offer. So the buyer’s expectations were the deciding factor, not the report findings.
The home inspection industry could take steps to prepare inspectors for their role better. Providing more experience and resources to inspectors would help ensure that they are better equipped to relate their findings clearly, concisely, and with context. A home inspection’s aim is to help buyers understand the significance of the issues and how they may affect the property in the long term.
In addition to improving inspector resources, the real estate industry can also do more to educate buyers and agents on what to expect during a home inspection. This can help buyers come to the inspection with realistic expectations, leading to a smoother, more positive experience. One of the biggest challenges first-time home buyers face is their lack of experience in buying a home. They often start at the lower end of the market and may be unaware of the issues commonly found in older or lower-priced homes. A better-informed buyer will likely be more satisfied with the home-buying experience. An example is; seasoned homeowners are rarely deterred at all by an inspection report because they know all homes have issues.
I am not aware of what specific requirements real estate agents must meet in Kentucky to get licensed. However, I believe that increasing the education and training available to agents would benefit everyone involved in the home-buying process. An agent who has a greater understanding of the ins and outs of a home and its systems can provide valuable insights to their clients, helping them make better-informed decisions.
In conclusion, home inspections play a crucial role in the home-buying process. Helping to identify issues and allowing buyers to make more informed decisions. Educating agents and buyers on the home inspection process can help ensure that home inspections are seen as a positive, helpful step in the home-buying journey. This will lead to happier clients, better referrals, and more prosperous home buyers.
Anti-tip brackets are safety devices designed to prevent ranges from tipping over, which can be especially dangerous for children and elderly adults. Appliance manufacturers have required these brackets since 1991, and home inspectors often recommend their installation. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 38 fatalities occurred between 1980 and 2008 due to range tipping. This is a significant number, highlighting the importance of properly installing anti-tip brackets in homes.
It’s worth noting that many new construction homes still lack these brackets, even though they are required for safety. This is why home inspectors need to check for the presence and proper installation of anti-tip brackets during inspections. (How to check on your own) The CPSC has a PDF explaining how to check for the presence and proper installation of these brackets, which can be found here: pdf. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that the bracket is installed correctly and effectively serves its intended purpose.
So, where can you find the requirement for an anti-tip bracket on a range? The requirement is indirectly outlined in the Kentucky Mechanical Code, specifically in Chapter 3 under Section 304.1. This section states that equipment and appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and these instructions must be available on the job site at the time of inspection. Therefore, if a manufacturer requires an anti-tip bracket, it becomes a code requirement by extension.
In conclusion, anti-tip brackets are essential safety devices designed to prevent ranges from tipping over. These brackets have been required by appliance manufacturers since 1991 and are indirectly required by the Kentucky Mechanical Code. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that the bracket is installed correctly and effectively serves its intended purpose. Home inspectors should check for the presence and proper installation of these brackets during inspections, and homeowners should ensure that their ranges are properly equipped with anti-tip brackets for the safety of all household members.
Leaking T&P valves, why they leak, and how to fix.
Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves are designed to be a safety measure. If the pressure in the system becomes too high, the valve will open. This happens when the system is closed. This means a pressure regulator, or some device, prevents water from flowing in two directions. In most instances, there will be an expansion tank installed. Because when all the water is drained from the tank, like during a shower, the tank is filled with cold water. As the water heats to 120° it expands. If all the outlets are closed, the water will build up pressure in the system as the water expands. The expansion tank is designed to absorb this pressure increase. If the expansion tank has failed, and they often do, the T&P valve will open up and release some water and thus reduce the pressure on the system. When this happens over and over, the valve can get blocked and remain slightly open, resulting in a continuous leak. Often people assume that the T&P valve is the problem when it is typically a failed expansion tank. You can check your expansion tank by tapping it. If it sounds solid and full all the way thru, it has likely failed and will possibly leak itself—more on that in a different post.