April 2006 Volume 2 Issue 4

Recent surveys by U.S. and Canadian home inspectors resulted in a list of the most frequently found problems in the homes they have inspected:

1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
This was by far the most frequently found problem, reported by 35.8% of the survey respondents. It is responsible for the most common of household maladies: water penetration of the basement or crawl space.

2. Improper Electrical Wiring
A significant number (19.9%) chose this item as the most common home defect, which includes such situations as insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring connections.

3. Roof Damage
Although reported by only 8.5% of the respondents as the most common problem, roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing, was considered by inspectors to be a frequent problem.

4. Heating Systems
Problems in this category include broken or malfunctioning operation controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal.

5. Poor Overall Maintenance
Even the novice home buyer is usually aware of this situation, demonstrated by such signs as cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures or appliances. See the rest of the problems and notes at (Home Hints eNews)

Back to top

Foundations - Insulation Will Save Money

Homes being constructed today are more energy efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. However, the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. Heat loss from an un-insulated, conditioned basement may represent up to 50% of a home's total heat loss in a tightly sealed, well-insulated home. Foundation insulation is used primarily to reduce heating costs and has little or no benefit in lowering cooling costs. In addition to reducing heating costs, foundation insulation increases comfort, reduces the potential for condensation and corresponding growth of mold, and increases the livability of below-grade rooms.

Back to top

Air Quality - What Can an Air Filter Do for You?

Traditionally, air system filters were designed to protect the heating and cooling fans. With increased air quality awareness, some filters are now being installed to reduce exposure to particles that can affect your health. There is a wide variety of air system filters available. However, you may find it confusing to select one which is suitable. There is a really good article at the (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) website which provides guidance to help select an air system filter.

Back to top

Plumbing - Drip, Drop, Splash and Bang!!

Got some leaky faucets? Have an aerator that splashes all over? Ever hear a slamming or banging noise in your water pipes when someone shuts off a faucet? Find out how to stop the leaks, splashes and bangs in a really good article at (H2ouse.org).

Back to top

Air Conditioning - New AC Minimum-Efficiency Standards in Effect

The SEER-13 air conditioning requirement is back. As of January 2006, air conditioning manufacturers must produce units with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of at least 13. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner. President Bush lowered the minimum to SEER-12 shortly after taking office, but a consumer lawsuit, joined by several states, forced a reversal to SEER-13. Builders and re-modelers have typically installed the previous minimum SEER-10 units, and the new requirement could double or triple the equipment cost, HVAC contractors say. Plus, an upgrade change out will no longer be a simple swap. "You can't put a high-SEER unit on an old evaporator coil and expect it to work," says North Carolina HVAC contractor Dwayne Akers. Fans and coils must match the new appliance, he says, which usually means a new cabinet to fit the bigger parts and possibly new ductwork. Residential service contracts may not cover some of the additional costs necessary for a property owner to replace an older air conditioner with a new SEER-13 unit. The specific terms of the residential service contract will specify the extent of any coverage, as well as any costs to the property owner. In some areas, SEER-13 appliances can significantly reduce energy bills and strains on the electric grid. But, says Akers, the switch will "drastically raise the cost to the consumer". In mild climates, homeowners may never recoup the additional upfront cost.

Sources: TexasRealEstate.com and Find Articles.com.

Back to top

According to National Association of Realtors existing-home sales rose in February following five months of decline, indicating a stabilization in the market. Total existing-home sales - including single-family, town homes, condominiums and co-ops - increased 5.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.91 million units in February (from an upwardly revised pace of 6.57 million in January), but were 0.3% below a 6.93 million-unit level in February 2005. Read the article on the (Realtor.org site).

Back to top

You've heard "as slow as molasses in January?" Well once, a long time ago in Boston, molasses flowed more than 35 mph, causing death and destruction! Warm temperatures caused a gigantic storage tank to burst sending 2,320,000 gallons (14,000 tons) of spilled molasses in a wall more than eight feet high sweeping through the streets. It demolished buildings (literally ripping them off their foundations) upended vehicles, and buried people and horses. People tried to outrun the torrent, but were overtaken and either hurled against solid objects or drowned where they fell. More than 150 people were injured and 21 were killed. It took more than two weeks to clean up and there are those who claim that on a hot summer day in the North End, you can still smell the molasses . Sounds like an urban myth, but it is an amazing true story you can read about at (About.com) and (Snopes.com).

Back to top