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A professional home inspector determines the condition of a home
by looking for "signs" that tell a story. These signs
indicate that a problem does exist or will exist in the future.
After 30 years of growth, home inspecting is fast becoming an exacting
science thanks to a thorough understanding of these "signs".
You can dramatically improve your overall knowledge of homes by
reviewing the list of "warning flags" shown below. At
the very least, you’ll feel confident that when home inspectors
examine properties, they know what they are looking for.
Interior Leaks (Skylights, below flashings and
valleys, at chimneys, in the attic, and at other roof penetrations)
- Red Flag #1 - Gutters should always slope toward the
downspouts.
- Red Flag #2 - Look for fuel lines coming out of the
ground. Underground tanks can be a significant environmental concern.
Age is a major consideration.
Chimneys
- Red Flag #1 - Check for movement away from the wall,
deterioration close to the top, repointing, water penetration,
or excessive cracking.
- Red Flag #2 - Drafting problems at draft controls or
bonnets and view doors. Evidence for this is condensation, soot,
high humidity, depending on the type of fuel used.
- Red Flag #3 - Unusual noise at the heater. Simple vibration,
worn motor shaft, burner problems, and air flow problems.
- Red Flag #4 - Check for burn marks on the cabinet of
fossil fuel burners. This indicates firebox deterioration and/or
a maligned or oversized burner.
- Red Flag #5 - Air flow at duct registers. If it is
too low, it may be because of a dirty filter, a slow fan speed,
or due to improperly designed or sized ductwork (either too large
or too long). If the air flow is too high, it may be because of
small ductwork or because the fan’s speed is too fast.
Heat Exchanger
- Red Flag #1 - Look for excessive rust at the bottom
or on the walls of the unit.
- Red Flag #2 - Look for uneven burn patterns.
Boilers (water or steam)
- Red Flag #1 - Check for leaks, check the pressure and
look for excessive rust or corrosion.
- Red Flag #2 - Check the relief valve for evidence of
past problems.
- Red Flag #3 - Steam or water distribution (radiators
and convectors, etc). In a steam system look for corrosion at
the shut-off and air control valves, and for leaks at steam return
lines. Check the altitude pressure in a hydronic water system
to help determine if the radiators, etc. have water. Remember
that one pound per square inch (PSI) will lift water 28".
(4.34 PSI equals 10’)
Heat Pump
- Red Flag #1 - Age is a consideration. 10 to 15 years
is the typical life expectancy. The outside unit should be close
to level and clear of shrubs, etc. two feet all around the unit
and five feet above. Leaves and debris should be cleared from
the outside coil. When the system is operating, check for an acceptable temperature difference across the inside coil. Check the temperature at a supply register and at a return register. A 13 degree to 20 degree Fahrenheit is acceptable in most cases.
- Red Flag #2 - Check for a heat source in each room
of the house.
- Red Flag #3 - Check the heat pump back-up. If electric,
the temperature rise should be a minimum of 10 degrees above the
prevailing supply temperature. If there is a fossil-fuel back-up,
the temperature rise should be a minimum of 25 degrees in most
cases.
Electric
- Red Flag #1 - Check for frayed service cables. Water
can enter and follow the cable into the meter socket and main
panel. This can be a fire safety hazard. Look for rust in the
panel at metal contacts and on the bottom of the panel.
- Red Flag #2 - Wire insulation should be reasonably
flexible. Dry, easily cracked or falling insulation indicates
the wire is undependable and a fire safety concern or hazard.
- Red Flag #3 - Check for proper over-current protection:
14-gauge wire = 15 amps, 12-gauge wire = 20 amps, and 10-gauge
wire = 30 amps (single conductor, copper wire).
Plumbing
- Red Flag #1 - Check the type of service pipe: copper,
plastic, steel, or lead. The concerns vary depending on age and
overall situation. Call a professional home inspector with details
about your situation.
- Red Flag #2 - Check the water supply pipes:
-Copper: This is a dependable material. However, wells with acidic water can cause failures. Pinholes surrounded
by green patina indicates a failure has taken place.
- Steel: Dependable for 40+ years. Oxidation/rust causes failure in 40 to 75 years, depending on usage and local water. Rust spots on the exterior of the pipe is an initial failure.
- Plastic: Dependability of this type is unknown. Previous concern has been with the joints of the supply piping. New projected dependability is promising.
- Lead: Installed in the 1800’s and early
1900’s, lead is a dependable material that is inherently
soft. Some concern is that lead occasionally leaches into the
water.
- Red Flag #3 - Check the drain pipes:
- Cast iron is dependable for 50 to 90 years.
The location, slope, and usage cause variables. The first failure
typically occurs in the top of the horizontal piping, generally
eight to 20 feet below or past the vertical section of the wet
vents. Cracks in the top of the horizontal piping are visible
if the pipe is visible. Check the lower end of the vertical piping for evidence of water or failure.
- Steel drain pipes are dependable for 50 to
100 years. Rust spots on the exterior of the pipe indicates initial failure is taking place.
- Brass and copper pipes are
very dependable. Failures are usually workmanship related.
- Lead pipes are also dependable. 50 to 100 years is an approximate life expectancy. This material is relatively soft. Problems usually result when it is replaced.
- Red Flag #4 - Check for the location of the plumbing
vents. These are needed for smooth and proper drainage. Toilets
typically have 3" and 4" vents and can be found through
the roof local to the toilets. Sinks and tubs are connected to
these vents. Fixtures that are not close to toilet vents, need
local vents.
- Red Flag #5 - Gently rock toilets and sinks to determine if they are secure.
- Red Flag #6 - Check below sinks for evidence of current or previous leaks or taped or Red Flag caulked drain or supply pipes.
- Red Flag #7 - Check the water pressure. We recommend
using the bathroom located at the highest point in the home. Open
the tub spout (not the shower head), flush the toilet, and open
the sink all at the same time. The worst pressure will be reflected at the sink faucet. Check the shower head pressure separately.
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Water Heater
- Red Flag #1 - Check for leaks and/or stains on, around,
or below the water heater.
- Red Flag #2 - Check for burned paint on the cabinet.
This indicates a burner safety problem.
- Red Flag #3 - Check for evidence of drafting problems
in the burner compartment and at the draft control or bonnet.
Excessive rust will be present. Look for a distorted/deteriorated
baffel in the tank flue. It is just above the burner, and indicates there is a draft or burner problem. Use a small mirror and flashlight to determine this.
Basement/Crawl Space
- Red Flag #1 - Water penetration: Soil residues on the
floor indicate water penetration is from the grades and not a
water table below the basement. Whitish deposits on the walls
are typically efflorescence due to the absorption of water by
the masonry. The deposits are sodium from the lime in the masonry
materials. Concentrations of deposits indicate the highest concentration or accumulation of exterior surface water.
- Red Flag #2 - Whitish stains on the floor may be mineral
deposits which outline the existence of water which is dried.
- Red Flag #3 - Inverted cone shape stains in corners
indicate water from downspouts which has accumulated close to
the wall and entered the basement or crawl space. Installing downspout
extensions or splashblocks is the solution.
- Red Flag #4 - Dirt floors act as evaporator plates
and contributes to excessive moisture/humidity to the air.
- Red Flag #5 - The presence of a sump pump may indicate
previous or existing water penetration which may be being controlled.
- Red Flag #6 - Check the floor or surface drains for
evidence that they are not functioning properly. Look for stains
or debris at or around the drain.
- Red Flag #7 - Handrails should be present at all stairs
for safety.
Structure
Cracks:
- Red Flag #1 - A general rule of thumb is as follows:
- Vertical and horizontal cracks are not structurally related
unless there is lateral movement (e.g., bow or sheer, etc.)
- Diagonal cracks, not step cracks, are typically structurally
related.
Wood Joists:
- Red Flag #1 - Check for crushed wood at joist-bearing
points. This will typically be accompanied by a separation of
the subfloor at the subject joist(s).
- Red Flag #2 - Cracks in or with the grain of the joists
are generally not a concern unless they are all the way through
the joist.
- Red Flag #3 - Cracks perpendicular to the wood grain
are failures.
- Red Flag #4 - Holes for plumbing, electrical, or other
mechanical functions should be small and close to the center of
the joists.
- Red Flag #5 - Check posts or piers for deterioration.
The majority of problems will occur at the bottom of the posts.
- Red Flag #6 - Concrete floors typically do not support
the structure and cracks are only related to the expansion/contraction
characteristics of the floor. The slab on a grade construction
needs concrete slabs which do support parts of the structure.
Termites:
- Red Flag #1 - High moisture or humidity is conducive
to insect survival.
- Red Flag #2 - Mud tunnels are the best evidence. Look
for medium brown tunnels found on masonry or wood. The size can
vary but 1/8" to 3/16" is most common.
- Red Flag #3 - Check wood building components which
come in contact with or are close to soil/earth.
- Red Flag #4 - Check for evidence of movement or previous
repairs/improvements.
Interior
Hardware:
- Red Flag #1 - Appliance springs and locks (dishwashers
and ovens) should be in working order. Also check door and window
locks.
- Red Flag #2 - Check operability of kitchen appliances.
- Red Flag #3 - Check kitchen and bath cabinets. Look
at the drawer guides, hinges, overall operation, quality, workmanship, and age. Note: The worst drawer is typically the silverware drawer due to the frequent use.
- Red Flag #4 - Check the countertops for scratches,
chips, wear, separations, and see if they are secure.
Floor coverings:
- Red Flag #1 - Hardwoods and softwoods. Look at the
quality of finish and workmanship. Look for stained carpet (pet
stains) or excessive wear.
- Red Flag #2 - Sheet goods and tile. Look for excessive
wear, cuts, scratches, and stains.
- Red Flag #3 - Marble, ceramic tile, and masonry. Look
for excessive wear, surface scratches, cracks, mortar or grout
deterioration, and if the structure is designed support.
Walls and ceilings:
- Red Flag #1 - Cracks typically occur in plaster ceilings
in one direction at approximately 30-40 years. Cracks perpendicular
to these cracks typically occur at approximately 50-60 years.
Premature cracking may be evidence of a problem or concern.
- Red Flag #2 - Check stairs for consistent risers, adequate
tread depth, and hand rails.
- Red Flag #3 - Ceramic tile in bath tubs typically fails at the faucets first and then on the side wall toward the front. This failure is caused by deterioration of the wall materials behind the tile, not the tile itself. Repairs/improvements should include a waterproof material in lieu of water resistant material behind the tile.
Windows:
- Red Flag #1 - Check the sash joints at the top and
bottom rails and stiles. If these joints are separate, it may
be difficult to salvage the window. Tight or secure joints indicate an acceptable sash.
- Red Flag #2 - Check to see if the counterbalance is
operating smoothly, the window closes properly, and that the overall condition of the paint and glazing is good.
- Red Flag #3 - Awning and casement windows will have
operating mechanisms which should be checked. Larger windows of
this type will generally have more problems than smaller windows.
- Red Flag #4 - Southern exposure problems include weathered windows, and paint and glazing problems.
- Red Flag #5 - Northern exposure problems include rotted sills due to moisture.
Insulation and Ventilation:
- Red Flag #1 - Ventilation is necessary if insulation
is present.
- Red Flag #2 - The best ventilation is "high/low"
due to natural thermal convection.
- Red Flag #3 - Condensation evidences include:
- Rust on roofing nails.
- Dark stains on the wood adjacent to nails.
- Stains on attic floor and eroded spots in the insulation.
- Discoloring of the roof sheathing. The first are to discolor
is the north side at the lowest portion of the roof.
- Excessive discoloring (very dark staining), delaminating, and
deterioration of the sheathing.
- Cupping of the roof shingles due to absorption of moisture from
the sheathing.
The first three evidences listed above would be considered
minor. Action is needed when the evidences indicated in numbers
4, 5, and 6 show up.
Fireplace:
- Red Flag #1 - Check damper door operation if there
is one present.
- Red Flag #2 - Check to see if the chimney is high enough.
It should be two feet above the roof or any structure within 10’.
- Red Flag #3 - Check the firebox-to-flue ratio. The
flue should be 1/12 the size of the firebox opening, or larger.
- Red Flag #4 - Look up and down the inside of the chimney
for evidence of deterioration.
- Red Flag #5 - Metal chimneys have more drafting concerns
than masonry chimneys because they dissipate heat quickly and
may not evacuate smoke and moisture when or if they are not warm
enough.
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The only thing more devastating than the loss of all your possessions
in a house fire is the loss of life. A fire in the home can bring
about both tragedies quickly, especially if a family is not prepared.
The following guide, designed to assist homeowners in determining
the degree of fire safety within their homes, offers a number of
ways to develop a sensible approach to everyday fire prevention.
A little prevention can save a lot of heartache.
- Discuss the subject of fire and its prevention with all members
of the family. Develop a sound fire prevention program for your
home, along with an escape/action plan in case of fire. Schedule
periodic family drills.
- Record the telephone number of the closest fire department (also
police and rescue squad, if any) at all telephone locations. Call
and inquire if an official fire prevention inspection is available.
- Be sure upper floor bedrooms have easy escape routes via windows with adequate openings. Do not block key windows with air conditioners or security devices. Provide inexpensive rope ladders if upper floors are more than a reasonable jump for children.
- Provide solid-core doors for bedrooms (and close at night).
A solid door will serve as a fire shield far longer than hollow
or louvered doors. Close openings around pipes and ducts that
run between floors so they won't act as flues in case of fire.
Also, if ceiling or attic ventilating equipment is installed,
make certain it can be shut tightly when not in use, thereby preventing fire-drawing drafts.
- Install heat- and/or smoke-sensitive fire alarms in strategic
areas (hallways, kitchen, basement, etc.).
- Discard partially filled cans of little-used, combustible products.
Store necessary cans and bottles in a cool, ventilated location
out of reach of children.
- Replace small and unsteady ashtrays with heavier, larger-based
ones with wide-angled rims. Also, keep matches in a central metal
container and out of reach of children.
- Check all household appliance cords and their plugs regularly
and replace or repair those that have become frayed, loose or
broken. Never use undersized extension cords for high-wattage
appliances or tools. Also, do not overload circuits.
- Place portable fire extinguishers at strategic locations in
home (hallways, kitchen, basement, etc.) and instruct family on
proper use. Check the charge on each unit semiannually. Be sure
extinguishers are of type appropriate for most-probable types
of fire (electrical, grease, etc.).
- Ground outdoor TV antennas securely to prevent them from conducting
lightning into your home. Install a lightning rod to divert power
to ground.
- Call local utility company at first major sign of trouble (gas
odors or fumes, downed electrical lines, etc.).
Be sure to dedicate time to implement these fire prevention and
preparation strategies. It may be one of the most important things
you do this year.
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In the United States, a burglary occurs roughly every 15 seconds.
Burglars entered more than 2.1 million homes in 1991. The possibility of your home being next is very high, unless you do something about your security. And, yes, you can do security yourself.
You the homeowner can assess and upgrade your home security without being a security expert. You don't have to hire an alarm company. You don't have to wait for the police crime prevention specialist to tell you what is needed. Security is a lot like common sense, and once you realize it is common knowledge, it's simple.
Estimates are that at least one home in twenty in the United States was broken into in l991. That was the number reported. If all break-ins were reported, the number would be more like one in four. The average victim reportedly lost about $1,300.00, but all losses were not listed. Many homeowners do not report their losses to the police, because it gets printed in the local papers. The total loss, therefore, is much higher.
In this day of two income families, more and more people are away
from the home during the day, and burglars take over. Many burglars
simply enter through doors since many are hollow core. Even if such
a door is locked, it can easily be smashed in.
It is impossible to keep a determined burglar out, but if you discourage him for a few minutes, add delay time and exposure to police patrols, he'll usually go where the "picking's easier."
Tool List
All the tools and the skills needed to install home security are
simple household tools and the skills one acquires from normal household maintenance. Below is a list of tools and some helpful hints on designing and installing your own security electronics and hardware.
- Hammer (claw-hammer for pulling nails)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Awl (sharp point for starting nails and screws)
- All purpose electrical tool for cutting and striping coatings
off wires
- Small pry bar (12 to 15 inches long)
- Finish nails for pinning of windows
- Small three-eighths' inch (3/8") electric drill (also called
a drill motor)
- Assorted three-eighths' inch (3/8") drill bits
- Roll of electrical tape
- Utility knife
- Electrical screw-on electrical connectors
- Cloth for cleaning up and wiping up grease
- Keyhole saw
- Plaster of Paris, and trowel
Some jurisdictions require the final electrical connections, including home alarms and associated electrical equipment, be accomplished by a licensed electrician. Check with your local building inspector. As an alternative, try wiring your electronics into a standard electrical outlet. Plug into the nearest standard and existing wall plate or receptacle. Some alarm manufacturers make a clamp that fits over the electrical plug securing it in place.
Target Analysis
In home security, the burglar's targets can be obvious. They include:
- Your bedroom for jewelry, watches, and even hidden money under
the mattress
- The dining room for silverware and valuables
- Any room with portable electronics, radios, tape players, computers, etc.
In essence, the criminal's target is any item that can be grabbed
in haste and carried on the person out of your home.
A burglar spends only about three minutes in your home, and the
professional knows what he's looking for. It doesn't take long,
but planning a security system can make it that much more difficult
and may make the burglars choose another home.
Setting Up Inner Defenses
Even with precautions, a burglar may still get into your home.
Once there, slowing down his spree is key. Try converting a closet
into a vault by installing a dead bolt lock to the door. This will
definitely strengthen your inner defenses. Also, restricting access
from one part of your home to another via deadbolts, etc., will
give the burglar yet another obstacle to overcome if he should break into your home.
Installing a burglar alarm is like having an insurance policy.
You hope you never need it, but it is comforting knowing the alarm
is there. Burglar alarms stop an intruder before he enters your
home, but can also be costly. Cost saving methods involve using
interior and exterior lighting, pads under rugs, and motion detectors.
Remember no home cam be made 100 percent burglar-proof, but, by
making it extremely difficult for the burglar to enter your home,
you will discourage him.
Security Awareness
Like preparing your family with fire drills, all residents of your
home should be aware of your security features. Security drills
train all members of the household and give hands-on operations
or performance checks. Even young children can be taught how to
use a computer pad alarm system.
Reduce Criminal Opportunity
By reducing the criminal's opportunity, you reduce your risk of
begin burglarized. Remember not to leave bicycles, major toys, lawn
mowers, etc., outside when you have finished using them. Ladders
are also stolen often. Criminals like loose ladders to reach and
burglarize the upper floors or to enter above ground windows, balconies, or doors of a home. With a ladder, they can bypass the locking devices and sometimes the alarm system.
Alarm Systems
If an alarm system is installed, insure that all residents know
how to turn the systems on and off. Assure that they are familiar
with the control pad to arm the system, and set entry and exit alarm
delays. Have emergency phone numbers handy to call in case of accidentally setting off the alarms, e.g., record them on a small sticker on the phone. Everyone should know where these numbers are recorded.
Door and Window Locks
Deadbolts, peepholes and door chains, and window locking pins are
useful only when they are used. It doesn't help to have them if
the window or door is left unlocked when you leave home. The best
protection is not only to install security devices, but to employ
them.
Security Lighting
Security lighting that is not turned on does not provide security.
Make sure all members of the household know which light switches
are for security lighting and that they know how to "arm"
them by turning them on, or simply by not turning them off. Label
the light switches so that all will know what switches are always
in the On position. Make sure that timers are not accidentally turned off.
Lastly, always know who is at the door before opening it. Make
sure that children know their responsibilities for personal safety,
including their names, home addresses, and telephone numbers. Impress upon them the dangers of strangers.
Houses Aged 8-15
Serious Problems Can Have Home Owner Reaching Deep Into Pockets
During the years 8-15 the problems typically found in a house will
be much the same as those found during the previous period only
now the manifestations are more serious. You will also begin to
experience your first round of expensive appliance repairs.
Site
- Backfield areas may now have sunk up to eight inches or more
and wet basement problems start to develop particularly at patios
and stoops.
- Plantings may have outgrown their space and may be too large
to transplant.
- Poorly built retaining walls are now beginning to show significant
deterioration.
- Sidewalks and patios not built on compacted soil may now need
removal and replacement.
Envelope
- Lower-grade roof materials, particularly those associated with
flat or low pitch roofs, will wear out before 15 years.
- Look for damaged downspout ends and splash blocks that do not
slope and direct the water away from the house.
- Paint and caulk may now be in any condition and windows may
be painted shut.
- In the places where good drip edge practices were ignored there
will be rot developing, such as along cornice lines, window sills, and door and window trims.
Structure
The house now have enough history to get a good indication of its
stability. Serious soil conditions will have manifested themselves
and typically show up as failures in the basement walls. Marginal
soil conditions may take longer to affect the foundation, and trouble may only be triggered by losing control of the drainage patterns
outside.
Weaknesses in the framing structure begin to have real aesthetic
impact. Some sagging around stairs and bathroom walls is normal
in houses built within the last 20 years; but if the house was built with proper attention to supporting the heavy points, there should not be any excessive cracking.
Electric
There still should be no obsolescence other than fixtures outside.
The same do-it-yourselfer warnings apply. There is a possibility
of aluminum wiring but this is generally characteristic of slightly
older houses. The GFI circuitry may be very limited or defective.
Plumbing
Two key items come due for replacement during this period.
- Well pumps last about 10-12 years on the average depending on
type and the amount of grit in the water.
- Water heater elements usually go after about eight years and
tanks rust out after about 12-14 years.
- Deterioration of copper piping may be noticed on houses with
wells and unbalanced pH.
- Improperly maintained bathroom tiles may now be loose from the
wall with the associated damage elsewhere.
- Check the sump pump.
Heating and Cooling
- Heat pumps will only last about 8-12 years, more with good maintenance, much less without.
- A/C units tend to last a little longer because they don't run
all year but they are very suspect after 14 years. It is possible
to replace just the compressor to make it last eight more years.
- Poorly maintained gas furnaces may wear out in this time. Humidifiers and electric air cleaners may be in any condition.
Attics & Interior Finish
- Style changes may necessitate changing wallpaper, and carpets
will be worn out in this time frame.
- Kitchen appliances will start needing repairs and the dishwasher will be worn out or, hopefully, replaced.
- Disposals and laundry equipment will either be replaced or functionally obsolete.
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