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NORTH GEORGIA HOME INSPECTION- TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS
These are the issues that keep popping up on the “most reported list” in our inspection reports:
- If you are on a well water system, an inline sediment filter and a lightning arrester at the pump switch are advised.
- If you are on septic system, be careful what you put down the drain. No sanitary napkins or paper diapers, no condoms, grease, egg shells, or coffee grounds. No rooted plants growing in the drain field area. No heavy single axle vehicle in the absorption field. We recommend the use of the product Ridex, a septic cleaning and stabilizing agent.
- Metal roofs make noises due to moisture under metal, contraction/expansion due to heat and sun, causing metal movement. If attachment screws work loose because of this movement, usually on the first two horizontal screw lines, they need to be replaced with longer screws.
- Wood burning fireplace needs dry hardwood firewood, no pine. An annual chimney sweep should be done to remove creosote. This should be done by a professional sweeper. If you don't have an outside air source on your fireplace, it is advisable to crack open a window close to the fireplace for combustion air for the fire. Don't forget to close your damper when there is no active fire to retain the heat inside the house rather than allowing it to escape out the chimney.
- Liquid petroleum gas (LPGAS) tanks are usually leased tanks which you will have to assume the lease on or find a new supplier. Least expensive time to buy this gas is late July and August. The colder it gets, the higher the price of the gas. If you are getting low on gas, you may notice a “rotten egg” smell in the house.
- Gas furnace and gas hot water heaters, see above for screen cover on outside pipes to prevent “critter entry” which will stop up the systems.
- Electric heat pump furnace systems need REGULAR filter replacement. When the blue light comes on your thermostat, it indicates that the back up heat strips is working. The Emergency (emht) heat setting will show a red light on the thermostat and this is total resistance heat which is expensive heat. It's best to set the temperature at 68 degrees on regular heat and leave the thermostat alone. If you have a new house with back filled dirt around your foundation, this dirt will settle and your outside unit may become unlevel. Outside units should be LEVEL.
- Liquid petroleum Gas logs are hard to light if the pilot has been off due to moisture collecting in the lines. Our advice is to leave the pilot light on, since it doesn't use that much fuel.
- Vapor barrier of 6 mil. black polyethylene total ground cover in the crawl space is advised to prevent ground moisture in the area which will lead to mildew on your sub floor.
- Carpenter bees, we've got them, big black bees that bore holes in your wood, and then the woodpeckers attack the holes. Advice is to keep a very good exterior wood finish. We've had good luck with the Sikken product.
- Mildew of the exterior siding. The garden sprayer is your new best friend with 100% bleach solution. Remember to WASH up, let sit for a while, then RINSE down. Washing down will streak the siding.
Contact Chuck Handte Building Inspections today to receive a quote for your inspection of a home or commercial property. Other services available upon request.
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