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Thought You'd Like To Know
According to Inman News . . . You get what you pay for!
Home inspection fees vary widely, depending on the size, age and complexity of the home, and according to the level of experience of the home inspector you hire. A quality inspection may cost from $300 to $500 or more. Those who are new to the profession typically charge lower prices to attract business, but home inspection is a process where you truly get what you pay for. Price shopping is a very risky way of choosing an inspector, given the costly consequences of undisclosed defects.
As for the age of a home, this has little or nothing to do with the amount of problems likely to be found. An old home, in fact, could have fewer problems than one that was just built. A home that appears run down and deteriorated could have fewer serious problems than one that appears well maintained and immaculate.
Regardless of age or cost, it's always a mistake to buy without a home inspection.
JANUARY IS NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH
Indoor Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. Protect your family. Test your home. During the month of January, EPA works to raise the public's awareness about radon and the importance of testing for radon - especially in homes and schools. The EPA, working in concert with Federal, State, and local governments as well as volunteer organizations, conducts many different programs to educate Americans about the indoor radon health threat. About 1 in 15 homes has high radon levels.
If you haven't tested your home, do it now during National Radon Action Month. If you have further questions about radon, please click on "Our Services" then Environmental Hazards, then Radon. Thank you.
MARCH - March Awareness Week Puts National Spotlight on Ground Water
Nearly half our nation's population receives all or part of its drinking water from the ground, yet for most people ground water remains a bit of a mystery. This lack of knowledge can be a problem, particularly for the owners of private household wells, who bear responsibility for maintaining their own water quality.
To help address this issue, National Ground Water Association (NGWA) sponsors National Ground Water Awareness Week, which is scheduled for March. Four themes will be emphasized during Awareness Week: (1) Ground water protection; (2) Ground water conservation; (3) Well maintenance; and (4) Water testing.
For well owners, water quality problems can be caused by new sources of biological or chemical contamination, but not always. Sometimes a well or septic system in need of repair contribute to contamination of one's well water supply.
That is why NGWA recommends an annual water well check-up. An annual well inspection can often catch problems before they affect water quality. NGWA provides an inspection checklist in the Awareness Week section of its www.wellowner.org web site. It includes:
(1) A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), pressure tank and pressure switch contact, and general water quality (odor, cloudiness, etc.).
(2) An inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements.
(3) A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and anything else of local concern.
(4) A concise, clear, written report delivered to you following the checkup that explains results and recommendations, and includes all laboratory and other test results.
Well owners also should know that proper storage of hazardous materials such as chemicals, fertilizers and oil can be important to protecting their water supply. Animal waste also can be a threat to water quality if too close to the well head.
And well owners also are encouraged to use water wisely. There is no shortage of ground water nationally, but demand on a local or regional basis can create water scarcity. It only makes sense not to waste water.
(1) Fix leaky toilets or faucets to save thousands of gallons of water a year.
(2) Use water-efficient appliances.
(3) Use low-flow shower heads and water-efficient toilets.
(4) Avoid wasting water on the driveway, sidewalk or street when watering outside.
(5) Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
(6) Consider other ways to recycle or conserve water.
To learn more about these issues and National Ground Water Awareness Week, go to www.wellowner.org
Many people will buy a new or existing home this year. While the majority of homeowners are on the right track with obtaining a home inspection for buying, selling and maintenance purposes, the difference in quality, and therefore, the protection of a homeowners' financial interests, can best be realized when the inspection is performed by an experienced, professional home inspector. April is National Home Inspection Month, and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminds consumers about the importance of having their home professionally inspected.
April is the perfect time for a home inspection. The busy buying and selling season is not yet in full swing, and it is just after the winter months when weather can be especially tough on a home.
Spring is also a time when homeowners begin annual cleaning rituals and start preparing for summer activities or even a home purchase or sale. Whatever the reason, consumers in the market for a home inspection need to remember that the person chosen to do the inspection is just as important as the inspection itself. Working with an ASHI Certified Inspector is a homeowner's best assurance of a home inspector's proven qualifications and professionalism.
It's important for customers to hire an ASHI Certified Inspector so they can be sure that the inspection includes the following major areas outlined in the ASHI Standards of Practice: Structure - including basements and crawl spaces; Exterior Surfaces - including siding, decks and grading of soil; Roof Coverings; Plumbing Systems; Electrical Systems; Heating and Air Conditioning Systems; Interior Surfaces and Components; Insulation and Ventilation and Fireplaces and Chimneys.
Customers can learn more about these areas by taking an audio-guided Virtual Home Inspection at www.ASHI.org. This online tool simulates an interactive tour of a home's 10 major systems, in accordance with ASHI's Standards of Practice, providing an overview of each area, along with photos depicting common problems and defects. Although not meant to replace an inspection of their home, the tour provides great information for first time homebuyers, sellers or people interested in learning more about a house and what to expect from a professional home inspection.
April also marks the anniversary of ASHI's founding in 1976, making it the oldest and most respected non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America.
ASHI has made significant progress in the 30 years since its founding. ASHI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics set the professional bar for the industry and is recognized or written into law in many jurisdictions. Previously, Home inspectors learned from each other because formal continuing education didn't exist. Now--ASHI provides one of the best continuing education programs available. Depending on one's learning style and preference, home inspection credit can be earned through ASHI sponsored events, from the convenience of home, at a local community college or at an ASHI endorsed classroom course.
ASHI has reached many milestones on behalf of the home inspection profession. There is nothing more endearing than homeownership and home inspectors have become a big part of that.
For More Information:
Homebuyers who wish to know more about the American Society of Home Inspectors may contact the organization at 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Phone: 800.743.2744. Or visit the ASHI Web site at www.ASHI.org to locate a ASHI Certified Inspector and for valuable consumer information regarding home inspections.