Home owner tips and information

Most properties I inspect that are in foreclosure have greater problems: 1.  Usually the utilities have been off a long time, thus no A/C and lots of mold.  2.  Also, the sink p-traps dry out so it smells like a sewer. 3.  The evicted owners vandalize the property removing anything of value: ligh...

Every home in Florida should have a full gutter system to drain water off the roof and direct it away from the house.  In a two inch rain, a 2500sq.ft. house will shed more than 3100 gallons of water!! Without gutters the soil around a house becomes saturated, which will lead to errosion, uneven ...

Impact windows are high tech, can be expensive, but will avoid the cost of shutters, plus they are great sound proofing, and they prevent breakins. Every impact window sold should come with a certificate or a special label indicating it was tested and certified to meet Florida Building Code (FBC)...

Attic insulation is measured by Resistance (R) to the flow of heat.  Different materials provide different insulation capacities.  General, one inch of insulation will provide an R value of 2-3 units.  So, six inches of insulation will provide a rating of about 12 to 18. Insulation is usually fib...

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters prevent electrocution and should be installed: 1.  within 6 feet of any sink 2.  along all kitchen counter areas 3.  at any and all outside outlets 4.  at all garage outlets They can either be present at the outlet receptacle or may be installed in the electrical...

Smoke detectors need to be installed in every sleeping room and each hallway leading to sleeping areas.  There must be a smoke detector on each level of a residence. The smoke detectors (new homes) should be directly wired  to 110V, with battery back-up, and they should be interconnected.  So, wh...

The National Electric Code or NEC is updated about every three years. The NEC is actually maintained and updated by the NFPA, National Fire Protection Association. NFPA manages, maintains, and updates 300 codes and standards on a regular basis.  The NEC is volume number 70 of their 300 codes. The...

In Florida anyone may claim to be a home inspector.  It's a frightening situation. Your are best to hire an individual who: 1.  Can demonstrate their education and experience. 2.  Is an engineer with years of experience. 3.  Is fully insured for General Liability, Errors and Ommissions, and is bo...

Some key points when considering who to hire for a termite inspection in Florida: 1.  Hire an independent inspector, one who does not sell termite treatments. 2.  He/she must be an employee of a Certified Pest Control Operator (CPCO) licensed in Florida 3.  The inspector must show you their state...

 Put up and Shut Up           The dastardly winter of ‘07/'08 has finally departed the northerly regions of the U.S.  Now, a great flock of snowbirds will migrate up I-95 and I-75 to return to family, friends, and fair weather, leaving behind a vast number of empty homes and condominiums.  If you...