Below are the 6 most recent journal entries recorded in homeinspectork's InsaneJournal:

Thursday, February 4th, 2010
4:44 pm	Home inspector kansas city Having The Home Inspector Examine The Roof Of The Home You Are Buying Now that you have found a home to buy, now it's time to get it inspected. When the home inspector arrives at the property, one of the first things that will be inspected is the roof. There are seven areas of the roof he be looking at and reporting on. 1. Roof Style - Roof styles vary based on age of the home and the area the home is in. Many older homes have a gable style roof, while many newer homes have hip style roofs. A lot of time it depends on the area and the building practices used in the area. Some larger homes may have a combination of hip and gable depending on the design. 2. Roof Covering - Roof covering come in a variety of materials and styles such as composition shingle, wood shake, standing metal seam, concrete tiles, etc. When looking at the roof coverings, the inspector will comment on the current condition of the materials and search for any areas that maybe leaking or susceptible to leaking. 3. Visible Flashing - The visible flashing is defined as the flashing material that is visible without having to remove the roof covering. Many times the flashing may not be visible. If it is not visible, the inspector will comment in the report that the flashing was not visible or not inspected. 4. Roof Penetrations - Plumbing sacks, gas vents, and roof vents are referred to as roof penetrations because a hole is cut through the roof to allow access to the exterior from the attic. These areas will have flashing or rubber boots around them to prevent roof leaking. Generally any leaking can be determined by the condition of the roof sheathing from inside the attic. 5. Chimneys - During the home inspection, the inspector will comment on whether or not a chimney is present. If the home has a chimney the inspector will examine the flashing and the height of the chimney to be sure it is in working order. 6. Skylights - The inspector will make a comment about whether skylights are present or not. If present he will examine the flashing around the skylight to determine is there is any leaking. 7. Gutters and Downspouts - The inspector will document as to the condition of the gutters and downspouts on the home and if they are in good condition. In addition they should be firmly secured to the house and clean allowing storm water to freely follow off the roof. Closing Remarks How the roof is inspected is mostly determined based on how the roof is configured. A lot of inspectors examine the roof by using binoculars from the ground, by using a ladder at the eaves, or by viewing the roof from a window. Most inspectors do not walk on the roof due to insurance regulations and liability concerns. home inspector kansas city home inspector Kansas city home inspector Kansas city Hubert Miles performs Home Inspections in SC. If you are searching for a Hartsville Home Inspection see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you. home inspector kansas city: radon inspection This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)
4:44 pm	Home inspector kansas city What Should One Look For in a Used Car? Do you are in the market for a nice set of wheels, but with the current state of the economy and the meager amount of money available to you in your bank account you won't have anywhere near enough to even make a down payment on a new car - and with your credit rating you know that you'll never ever qualify for a loan, so it looks like a used car could be your only option. You need something that will not only get you from point A to point B, but something that will be reliable and economical as far as fuel consumption and repairs are concerned. So the question is - what do you look for in a used car to make sure that you are getting the right car for you? First you need to decide what type of vehicle is best for your situation, if you've got four kids that you need to cart around to school, violin lessons and soccer practice, than a two seat sports car or a pick up truck may not be the best car for you or if you'll be using your vehicle for heavy hauling than a Ford Escort or VW Bug are probably out of the question - simply selecting what type of car you need will drastically narrow down the field before you even begin looking. If a car won't properly suit your purpose, even if it's a great deal, it's not the right car for you. Once you've narrowed down the field to the appropriate type of car you can begin to look at other aspects that will have a large bearing on how well a car suits you. You probably have a good idea at this point what type of car you're 'attracted' to, so it would be a good move to do some research on the makes and models that most interest you. A quick search on the internet will give you a good idea of how long certain cars last and what the most common problems associated with them happens to be. Of course these findings are based on a general overview of the individual models so none of this information should be taken as Gospel, but these facts and reviews should at least give you a good idea as to the reliability of the cars that you are considering. When you go to see a car even if you aren't a 'car person', look for obvious things both at first sight and during your test drive. Something that you can pick up on very quickly is the car's mileage. If you are planning on driving your 'new' used car for several years you probably want to steer clear of autos that have close to two hundred thousand miles on them. Some cars last many more miles than others, but few last very well past the one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand mile range. Look for rust, dents and dings and keep all of your senses open as you drive the car - look, listen to and feel how the car drives. Pay attention to any unusual sounds or rumbling as though could be signs of current or impending problems that you'll have to deal with. Once you've found a car that you feel might be right for you, don't just rely on what you've seen - take the car to a reliable mechanic for an inspection. It doesn't hurt to make sure that the mechanic is either one that you have personal experience with or that is an impartial third party - you don't necessarily want to trust a mechanic that has a close relationship with the seller because you may not learn the full truth about the car. A good mechanic will see things that you won't - they will be able to tell you of any problems that need to be attended to immediately as well as any problems that are looming on the horizon. Having a qualified mechanics eyes take a close inspection of the used car you are considering will be the only true way to tell if you are getting a good deal on a car that will last. home inspector kansas city home energy audit home energy audit When looking for car Dealerships in Edmonton be sure to check out Derrick Dodge - the largest Jeep, Dodge & Chrysler dealership in Canada. Providing huge selection on trucks and used cars in Edmonton. home inspector kansas city: home inspectors Kansas city This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)
4:43 pm	Home inspector kansas city The 7 Biggest Dangers Of Buying Property Without A Building Report Anytime you're purchasing new property, you should have all your ducks in a row. Sure, this may be your dream home and you want to close on it before anyone else gets a chance, but jumping before thinking could be the worst decision you make. There are many issues that can be found within a home if you take the time to look for them. Most people when shopping for a home may look to buy a home that has been on the market for quite awhile, hoping the seller will give them a good deal just to unload it. However, a lot of times that a home sits on the market empty it is not properly cleaned and maintained the way it should be allowing infestations of insects and rodents to rid the house. Not getting a home inspected before buying it is just a terrible buying decision. There are so many different companies out there today that do home inspection its really not hard to find. However, Sydney Termite Control has been doing in-home inspections for years and will be the first to tell you how important it is to have your home inspected before you close on it. Here are the seven dangers of buying a home without a building report. Health- Putting your family in a situation where the home that you bought without an inspection could subject them to the infestations we referred to above. This could potentially make them sick within days leading to doctor and hospital visits. Foundation- If you don't have a building report, it's going to be hard to figure out whether or not the foundation is bad. Sure, you can look at it with a naked eye, but if you don't know what you're looking for then you'll wind up missing it. Additions- When it comes time to add onto your home, you may not be able to because of the foundation issues. However, had you been given a building report, you would have caught this in the beginning. Equity or Value- You could end up losing both if you're not careful. Once it's apparent that there is a problem like infestation, the value of your home will drop tremendously. Plus, all the equity you've wanted to build up will be washed away. Neighbor Issues- Let's face it, pests like termites will feed on a home until there is nothing left. If the neighbors get wind of your problem, they will be forced to take action so it doesn't happen to them as well. When something like this is left untreated, the termites will travel to the next closest home. Losing Money- No one who is purchasing anything wants to lose money on what they buy. However, it can be possible to lose money on everything you buy if you don't do the proper research needed to ensure your investment. This typically happens when a person gets so wrapped up in a can't miss deal that they do not get a building report to check for damages. All the costs of repairs that could possibly be in it, coupled with the cost of the home could make you lose money. Repairs- Repairs are a big thing and also a very expensive thing that riddles homes all over the world. Home buying is not always the easiest thing and can be very costly. If you do not get a building report then you too could be setting yourself up in a trap that could cost you a lot of money. These are the seven reasons why you need to get yourself a building report. It really doesn't matter if you are buying your home from a friend, relative, or someone you do not know, it is essential to have one of these in your hand. One small miss in property damage could lead to months or even years of work to get it back to normal, thus leaving your investment return smaller. home inspector kansas city home inspectors Kansas city home inspectors Kansas city Author Information: Darren K. Thompson teaches us ways to Pest Control the house to stay insect freeincluding cockroacheswhich invade our homes unless we undertake a Pest Inspection. Protect your home from pests! home inspector kansas city: home inspection Kansas city This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)
4:43 pm	Home inspector kansas city Preparing Fish Tanks For Your Pest Control Appointment One of the top priorities of a homeowner is to make sure that his home is kept safe from pests. You are going to try your best to make sure that your home is kept insect free, not only for protecting your huge investment, but also for making certain that the value of this valuable property is not depreciated due to a pest attack. We choose to keep safe our selves, our families, and our cherished pets with regular pest control inspections and appropriate management. On treatment day some of us are off to work, some to school, and the pooch and kittens are in the garden - all set! Oops - not so fast. What about the beautiful, meditation-inducing exotic fish in the aquarium; and let's not forget Fluffy the tarantula or Judy the bearded dragon in your son's room. These finned and multi-legged friends of the family must be protected on pest control day. The most important reason to safeguard these creatures is that they are indeed a part of the family and loved by one and some (Sorry, Fluffy.). Another important reason to keep these unique pets safe is that veterinarian visits are expensive, and replacement would be a high-priced endeavor. There are companies out there who will try to persuade you that if the chemicals are safe for humans, they are naturally going to be safe for these aquatic, reptilian, amphibian, and aracnidian creatures. Not true. If you are warm-blooded, and they are cold-blooded, how do you have anything in common with those poor beasties? Taking into view every single Molotov cocktail specifically designed to blast every single insect out of existence, by the use of poisonous chemicals, how can you imagine that they are going to be selective in their choice of what to exterminate and what to leave alive? So, it is time you asked how you could safeguard your fishy, creepy and probably crawly pets. The first point is to make sure that the filter as well as the aquarium is covered extremely well with a double layer of material through which not a speck of chemical contaminated air can pass through. This material has to be sealed properly. Remember that the filter has to be covered extremely well, all the while making sure that the motor does not decide to catch fire, due to overheating or material blocking the air vents. You are definitely not going to keep any food, -- either yours or Tarantella's -- in the area, which is going to be treated for pest control. Everything is going to be sprayed indiscriminately, so naturally, you do not want to eat toxin flavored hamburgers, do you? Also, be sure that every single paraphernalia pertaining to your aquarium or to your reptilian house is moved far away from the area which needs treatment. It is of no use if you manage to save your fish, but use toxins -- through -- the -- air contaminated tubes, feeding apparatus, buckets and filters. The result is going to be exactly the same; your cherished pets, giving up the ghost with a goggle and gasp. Along with moving the food from the area being treated, be sure to also remove or cover any fish or reptilian supplies used in their care. The water buckets, filter equipment, tubes, nets, and feeding utensils should be kept separate during the treatment as well to avoid contact with the air in the location being treated. This simple guide is not only going to save you lot of grief in the long run, but it is also going to keep your cold-blooded pets safe, during the ongoing pest-control activity. home inspector kansas city radon inspection radon inspection Author Details: Darren K. Thompson writes about Insect Control at the website Pink Pest Control Services which offers expert services in Pest Inspection. Protect your home from pests! home inspector kansas city: home inspector This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)
4:43 pm	Home inspector kansas city Mold In Your House Takes Many Forms Buyers have many things to evaluate when buying a home. Things like the condition of the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, foundation, and other building components are the top things buyers are concerned with. Mold is a silent, often unseen issue with homes that many buyers are unaware of. There are many types of mold that can grow in a home. Mold causes not only structural problems, but also potential health problems to you and your family. Mold is difficult to locate as it resides in dark damp areas that are usually in attics, crawl spaces and basements where there are existing problems with ventilation and water leaks. When mold becomes visible on the homes interior, it's time to call in the professionals. It is highly likely that if the mold is visible, the structural components of the home are likely covered in mold. A professional certified in mold can treat and make the needed repairs to remove the mold from the home. The most likely places for mold to form are anywhere that moisture is improperly vented. Potential problems would also occur if the home became flooded and was not completely or properly cleaned and dried after. Leaky plumbing from kitchens and bathrooms and damp basements are other likely candidates. When an inspector checks your home, he may use a moisture meter or a thermal imaging camera. Tools like these allow the inspector to find moisture problems that may not be visible with the naked eye. If moisture levels of 20% or higher are discovered in the home mold could be present as this is an ideal situation for mold to grow. Final Remarks You should have your home checked over by an experienced mold inspector at least annually if there is any worry of mold beginning to grow, or if there has been mold in the past. Mold can be an expensive problem to deal with so be proactive about looking for it, it can save you money in the long run. home inspector kansas city home inspector Kansas city home inspector Kansas city Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA. Get more information on Riverfront House For Sale and River House in the US and Canada. home inspector kansas city: home inspectors Kansas city This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)
4:43 pm	Home inspector kansas city The Foundation Is An Important Part Of Your Home Inspection When hiring a home inspector there are various components to the house they will be looking at to determine the condition of the home. In this article we will be focusing on the foundation and what the inspector will be looking for. When the home inspector begins examining the foundation, the first thing will be to determine what kind of foundation is installed. There are 3 general types of foundations which include the basement, crawl space, and concrete slab. When inspecting the basement, the inspector is limited in what can be inspected depending on if the basement has been finished. One of the main things the inspector is looking for is moisture intrusion from the ground. Evidence of moisture would be visible in the form of staining on the concrete or carpet and cupping or curling of the hardwood flooring. While in the basement, the inspector will also look at the walls and trim for signs of moisture intrusion from the basement walls. The inspector will also examine any exposed framing, electrical switches, outlets, or panels, plumbing pipes, and any mechanical devices such as water heaters and HVAC systems. The inspector will also report on the existence and condition of a sump pump. Crawl spaces should be fully inspected if the head space is at least 18 inches high and free of debris, rodents, spiders, and reptiles. If the inspector can not inspect the crawl space for one of these reasons, it must be documented in the inspectors report. When inspecting the under the home the inspector will be looking at the piers and the foundation walls for stability and any cracking. The inspector will look to see if there is any insect damage to the exposed wood framing. Also, the inspector will look to see if the dryer vents to the exterior, if there are enough wall vents, if the ground is wet from condensation or a plumbing leak, the condition of the HVAC ductwork, and if there is insulation present between the floor joists. When inspecting a concrete slab, the inspector will be limited in what he can look at, especially if the flooring has already been installed. On the exterior the inspector will be looking for cracks in the slab and if the land is graded away from the home correctly. In Closing Every home is different. Some houses also have a combination of two or even all three types of foundations based on the terrain the home in built on. Fully discuss the foundation with the inspector before they visit the home so that they are fully prepared for the inspection. home inspector kansas city home inspectors Kansas city home inspectors Kansas city Hubert Miles is a SC Home Inspector and the owner of Patriot Home Inspections. If you are searching for a Conway Home Inspector see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you. home inspector kansas city: home inspector This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com (Comment on this)