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Past articles below:
Durham on the Rise: Overview of Downtown Developments
Original Content by Carl Johnson
To say Durham, NC is booming is an understatement. The city of Durham has grown in population year after year with an over 7% increase since 2019 and estimates to be nearly 300,000 by 2023. Durham’s unique location gives the benefits of the great outdoors that North Carolina offers, mixed with the resources of successful higher education institutions, such as Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
As companies move into the area to take advantage of Durham’s population pool, mixed-use commercial space and bio-lab research & development drive the need for new facilities as well as housing. Durham on the Rise, a recent article featured in Durham Magazine, highlights over thirty developments being constructed and proposed which will change Downtown Durham, while many are preserving the historical drive of Durham too! Below are some key locations to keep an eye on!
Brightleaf District
Located in the former Watts and Yuille tobacco warehouses Brightleaf Square has been transformed since 1981 to a location that houses restaurants, realtors, and offices while restoring its unique architectural design and history. Brightleaf Square offers shoppers local family owned stores from fashion to books and covers a wide range of culinary professions such as breweries to asiain fusion. In 2019, the historic property was purchased with nearly 200,000 Sq Ft mixed-use space, including Brightleaf Square, and propose to open the Brightleaf District to expand to even more areas including bringing in new Biotech companies!
The Grove
The Grove is a new housing development featuring 62 townhomes at 512 Gordon Street. With the hopes to incorporate natural beauty into the downtown lifestyle, The Grove is being built in four phases with construction starting in early 2020. The designer of The Grove have made sure to include key features such as Rooftop Terraces, tree-lined walkways, and spacious home offices. 75% of phase one homes have already sold out and phase two options are now available!
American Tobacco Campus Expansion - Phase 1
This 700,000 Sq Ft mixed-use project is being built on the west side of the already established American Tobacco Campus. The builders propose covering the 8 acres with 350,000 Sq Ft of space with creative offices for tech and biotech companies, a 14-story high-rise with over 300 multifamily units, and 100,000 Sq Ft of commercial space with a focus on grocery, shops, restaurants/draft, and theater. Their goal is to start construction in early 2022.
The Novus
Located at 400 W. Main Street, The Novus is proposed as demolition of the existing South Bank building site. The project covers nearly 2-acres of land and is to be mixed-use including condos, apartments, and ground-floor retail space. Construction is slated to begin in 2022 on these modern and luxury units in the Five Points neighborhood.
Durham Belt Line Trail
Located on the abandoned Norfolk and Southern rail bed, the City of Durham is in the process of acquiring the track surrounding downtown Durham and turning it into a bike trail. The city hopes to connect all areas of Durham so that all neighborhoods can enjoy what the city offers. The Durham Belt Line trail wants to break cultural and economic barriers that are created with modern developmental construction and displacement, by giving walking and bikeable access to the city's new developed areas to low-income communities.
Downtown Durham sounding like a fantastic place to live and grow? Click here to contact Carl and our company today to see how we will help you be a part of the area!
Original Content by Carl Johnson
To say Durham, NC is booming is an understatement. The city of Durham has grown in population year after year with an over 7% increase since 2019 and estimates to be nearly 300,000 by 2023. Durham’s unique location gives the benefits of the great outdoors that North Carolina offers, mixed with the resources of successful higher education institutions, such as Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
As companies move into the area to take advantage of Durham’s population pool, mixed-use commercial space and bio-lab research & development drive the need for new facilities as well as housing. Durham on the Rise, a recent article featured in Durham Magazine, highlights over thirty developments being constructed and proposed which will change Downtown Durham, while many are preserving the historical drive of Durham too! Below are some key locations to keep an eye on!
Brightleaf District
Located in the former Watts and Yuille tobacco warehouses Brightleaf Square has been transformed since 1981 to a location that houses restaurants, realtors, and offices while restoring its unique architectural design and history. Brightleaf Square offers shoppers local family owned stores from fashion to books and covers a wide range of culinary professions such as breweries to asiain fusion. In 2019, the historic property was purchased with nearly 200,000 Sq Ft mixed-use space, including Brightleaf Square, and propose to open the Brightleaf District to expand to even more areas including bringing in new Biotech companies!
The Grove
The Grove is a new housing development featuring 62 townhomes at 512 Gordon Street. With the hopes to incorporate natural beauty into the downtown lifestyle, The Grove is being built in four phases with construction starting in early 2020. The designer of The Grove have made sure to include key features such as Rooftop Terraces, tree-lined walkways, and spacious home offices. 75% of phase one homes have already sold out and phase two options are now available!
American Tobacco Campus Expansion - Phase 1
This 700,000 Sq Ft mixed-use project is being built on the west side of the already established American Tobacco Campus. The builders propose covering the 8 acres with 350,000 Sq Ft of space with creative offices for tech and biotech companies, a 14-story high-rise with over 300 multifamily units, and 100,000 Sq Ft of commercial space with a focus on grocery, shops, restaurants/draft, and theater. Their goal is to start construction in early 2022.
The Novus
Located at 400 W. Main Street, The Novus is proposed as demolition of the existing South Bank building site. The project covers nearly 2-acres of land and is to be mixed-use including condos, apartments, and ground-floor retail space. Construction is slated to begin in 2022 on these modern and luxury units in the Five Points neighborhood.
Durham Belt Line Trail
Located on the abandoned Norfolk and Southern rail bed, the City of Durham is in the process of acquiring the track surrounding downtown Durham and turning it into a bike trail. The city hopes to connect all areas of Durham so that all neighborhoods can enjoy what the city offers. The Durham Belt Line trail wants to break cultural and economic barriers that are created with modern developmental construction and displacement, by giving walking and bikeable access to the city's new developed areas to low-income communities.
Downtown Durham sounding like a fantastic place to live and grow? Click here to contact Carl and our company today to see how we will help you be a part of the area!
Dangers of Radon: EPA Recommendations
Original Content by Carl Johnson
Change in Radon Remediation, Now between 2-4 pCi/L
Did you know that the EPA changed the recommendation to remediate Radon on November 29, 2021? They now recommend that if levels are between 2 - 4 pCi/L and up that you take actions to remediate the radon! Previously it was if levels were 4 and up. Radon is measured in “picocuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.”
This comes as a surprise to many as the recommendation changed from 4 to 2 pCi/L recently. It may be just as surprising to learn that next to cigarette smoking, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (www.cancer.gov). Luckily there are easy to take steps to test and remediate radon to help ensure the safety of yourself and your family in your home!
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in trace amounts in our atmosphere. As a homeowner, knowledge about radon is essential to ensure your health and well-being. Outdoors, radon disperses on its own, but can become trapped inside homes and buildings, where it can accumulate to dangerous levels. Radon can get into homes through openings and cracks in foundations. If radon gets to a dangerous level, it can cause lung cancer. It’s estimated that thousands of Americans a year have lung cancer associated with exposure to radon (ww.epa.gov). Home properties with private water wells may want to also consider radon testing for the water. Municipal water levels get tested regularly per their regulations but there have been reported issues of radon in private wells in North Carolina (HPW Advice Regarding Radon Document).
Thankfully, there are effective and relatively simple ways to test for radon levels in homes and buildings. Once radon levels reach a concerning level (between levels 2 and 4 pCi/L), treatment and remediation options are widely available. The options for testing radon include home test kits or hiring a certified radon tester to come to your home. The NC Radon Program highly recommends hiring someone to take care of testing for you. Three organizations which list certified testers are as follows:
National Radon Proficiency Program
National Radon Safety Board
Inspector Nation
DIY home tests are also available to order online. There are both short-term and long-term tests. For more accurate results regarding the levels of radon in your home over time, choose the long-term test. If your time is limited, do a short-term test. However, if the short-term test reveals levels 2-4pCi/L, you will also need to follow up with a long-term test. Find your DIY Radon home test here:
Accustar - https://www.accustarlabs.com
Air Chek - http://www.radon.com/radon_airchek/
Dr. Home Air - https://www.doctorhomeair.com/radontest/
Pro Lab - http://www.prolabinc.com/radon-test-kits.html
RTCA - http://www.rtca.com/shop.asp
RSSI - http://rssi.us/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1
When it is determined that radon levels are potentially dangerous (level 2 pCi/L and up), remediation should be administered in the home/building. Remediation simply means reducing the levels of radon. Depending on the structure, there are different ways radon reduction can be accomplished. Sealing cracks and openings may help to prevent radon from coming in, especially through foundations and basement floors. Sometimes a special exhaust system is installed to help radon disperse from the home to reduce levels. Special skills and training are needed to remediate for radon. The average cost is about $1200 and up, though it can be more or less depending on what is necessary in the home. An experienced contractor should be hired to evaluate and make adjustments to your home to address radon levels. Today two national organizations certify radon professionals:
For further information on Radon and Radon Home Remediation, take a look at:
The Environmental Protection Agency:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_a_citizens_guide_to_radon.pdf
The North Carolina Radon Program:
http://www.ncradon.org/Home.html
Original Content by Carl Johnson
Change in Radon Remediation, Now between 2-4 pCi/L
Did you know that the EPA changed the recommendation to remediate Radon on November 29, 2021? They now recommend that if levels are between 2 - 4 pCi/L and up that you take actions to remediate the radon! Previously it was if levels were 4 and up. Radon is measured in “picocuries per liter of air,” or “pCi/L.”
This comes as a surprise to many as the recommendation changed from 4 to 2 pCi/L recently. It may be just as surprising to learn that next to cigarette smoking, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (www.cancer.gov). Luckily there are easy to take steps to test and remediate radon to help ensure the safety of yourself and your family in your home!
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in trace amounts in our atmosphere. As a homeowner, knowledge about radon is essential to ensure your health and well-being. Outdoors, radon disperses on its own, but can become trapped inside homes and buildings, where it can accumulate to dangerous levels. Radon can get into homes through openings and cracks in foundations. If radon gets to a dangerous level, it can cause lung cancer. It’s estimated that thousands of Americans a year have lung cancer associated with exposure to radon (ww.epa.gov). Home properties with private water wells may want to also consider radon testing for the water. Municipal water levels get tested regularly per their regulations but there have been reported issues of radon in private wells in North Carolina (HPW Advice Regarding Radon Document).
Thankfully, there are effective and relatively simple ways to test for radon levels in homes and buildings. Once radon levels reach a concerning level (between levels 2 and 4 pCi/L), treatment and remediation options are widely available. The options for testing radon include home test kits or hiring a certified radon tester to come to your home. The NC Radon Program highly recommends hiring someone to take care of testing for you. Three organizations which list certified testers are as follows:
National Radon Proficiency Program
National Radon Safety Board
Inspector Nation
DIY home tests are also available to order online. There are both short-term and long-term tests. For more accurate results regarding the levels of radon in your home over time, choose the long-term test. If your time is limited, do a short-term test. However, if the short-term test reveals levels 2-4pCi/L, you will also need to follow up with a long-term test. Find your DIY Radon home test here:
Accustar - https://www.accustarlabs.com
Air Chek - http://www.radon.com/radon_airchek/
Dr. Home Air - https://www.doctorhomeair.com/radontest/
Pro Lab - http://www.prolabinc.com/radon-test-kits.html
RTCA - http://www.rtca.com/shop.asp
RSSI - http://rssi.us/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1
When it is determined that radon levels are potentially dangerous (level 2 pCi/L and up), remediation should be administered in the home/building. Remediation simply means reducing the levels of radon. Depending on the structure, there are different ways radon reduction can be accomplished. Sealing cracks and openings may help to prevent radon from coming in, especially through foundations and basement floors. Sometimes a special exhaust system is installed to help radon disperse from the home to reduce levels. Special skills and training are needed to remediate for radon. The average cost is about $1200 and up, though it can be more or less depending on what is necessary in the home. An experienced contractor should be hired to evaluate and make adjustments to your home to address radon levels. Today two national organizations certify radon professionals:
- •National Radon Proficiency Program - Find nationally certified radon measurement and mitigation professionals in your area.
- •National Radon Safety Board - Find nationally certified radon measurement and mitigation professionals in your area.
For further information on Radon and Radon Home Remediation, take a look at:
The Environmental Protection Agency:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-12/documents/2016_a_citizens_guide_to_radon.pdf
The North Carolina Radon Program:
http://www.ncradon.org/Home.html
Is Your Crawlspace Sick?
Original Content by Carl Johnson
The crawlspace… that creepy dark underground of your house that you were afraid of as a kid. Where you left the baseball if it rolled too close or where you ran from because you thought you heard a scratching noise coming from behind its entrance. As an adult the crawlspace doesn’t strike you with the same fear of monsters lurking under the house, but it is an area to be wary of. Best homeowner practice is to make sure your crawlspace is properly cared for before it turns into something that is bad for your house and unhealthy for you.
Designed to be the support for your home’s living area, the crawlspace is a narrow area between the ground and first floor of your home which gives easy access to electrical and plumbing. This space is typically unfinished and can be a dirt floor, which may cause issues if not cared for properly. You should not store items in the crawlspace that will be affected by moisture and air quality, as this area can result in the perfect combination for mold and other bacterial growth. Below are two of the most common dangers the occur in unhealthy crawlspaces:
Mold and Fungus grow easily in the dark, moist environment of the crawlspace. The mold spores are the source of many common allergies, and when airborne, can result in cold-like symptoms to those in the house. Molds and Fungi may also cause issues during the sale of a house, and it can be costly to find remediation options.
Pests also find the crawlspace to be the perfect habitat. Since the crawlspace is supporting the foundation of your home, any wood consuming pests (such as termites and ants) can pose a major threat to the home’s structure. Luckily, these pests are noticeable and remediation options are readily available. Checking your crawlspace on a regular basis will ensure that any damage that is done by pests is noticed before it becomes a costly problem.
One of the key repeating factors that leads to these dangers of an unhealthy crawlspace is moisture. Management of moisture levels in your crawlspace will save you both money and future health issues. Any time there is moisture present, you are welcoming any number of molds, pests, and other dangers. The natural environment of a crawlspace is dirt and moisture which is why a vapor barrier is the number one recommendation to controlling any moisture issues.
Vapor Barriers are plastic liners that are laid on the floor of the crawlspace to damp proof the area and keep moisture from getting into the space. The vapor barrier helps control moisture entering the area as well as pests, allergens, and it even provides a layer of insulation to help temperature control the living area in the rooms above. It is important to have a vapor barrier that is of high quality, and the material itself should have the recommended thickness of 20-mil to do its job properly.
Depending on the design of the crawlspace, the walls can also be covered in the vapor barrier, or a seal can be applied if it is exposed foundation. This will help ensure that your wall foundation remains strong and keeps out wood rotting pests and molds.
Installing a vapor barrier, keeping an eye on the crawlspace by periodically checking in on its condition, and taking corrective action as soon as an issue arises are key factors that keep your crawlspace healthy. In the long run, doing so will help you yourself stay healthy and away from mold exposure as well as keep your house strong. A strong crawlspace will save you financial burdens over time and help with any future sale of your house. Don’t be afraid of your crawlspace anymore! Keep it healthy and enjoy the benefits of a strong healthy home!
It is my hope that this article will give you some guidance to have a healthy and happy home! Should you find any of these issues in your home please give me a call. I can provide recommendations on who to contact and what your next steps should be.
Click here to learn about giving your home a refresh in the new year!
© 4RE Marketing - all rights reserved 2022
Original Content by Carl Johnson
The crawlspace… that creepy dark underground of your house that you were afraid of as a kid. Where you left the baseball if it rolled too close or where you ran from because you thought you heard a scratching noise coming from behind its entrance. As an adult the crawlspace doesn’t strike you with the same fear of monsters lurking under the house, but it is an area to be wary of. Best homeowner practice is to make sure your crawlspace is properly cared for before it turns into something that is bad for your house and unhealthy for you.
Designed to be the support for your home’s living area, the crawlspace is a narrow area between the ground and first floor of your home which gives easy access to electrical and plumbing. This space is typically unfinished and can be a dirt floor, which may cause issues if not cared for properly. You should not store items in the crawlspace that will be affected by moisture and air quality, as this area can result in the perfect combination for mold and other bacterial growth. Below are two of the most common dangers the occur in unhealthy crawlspaces:
Mold and Fungus grow easily in the dark, moist environment of the crawlspace. The mold spores are the source of many common allergies, and when airborne, can result in cold-like symptoms to those in the house. Molds and Fungi may also cause issues during the sale of a house, and it can be costly to find remediation options.
Pests also find the crawlspace to be the perfect habitat. Since the crawlspace is supporting the foundation of your home, any wood consuming pests (such as termites and ants) can pose a major threat to the home’s structure. Luckily, these pests are noticeable and remediation options are readily available. Checking your crawlspace on a regular basis will ensure that any damage that is done by pests is noticed before it becomes a costly problem.
One of the key repeating factors that leads to these dangers of an unhealthy crawlspace is moisture. Management of moisture levels in your crawlspace will save you both money and future health issues. Any time there is moisture present, you are welcoming any number of molds, pests, and other dangers. The natural environment of a crawlspace is dirt and moisture which is why a vapor barrier is the number one recommendation to controlling any moisture issues.
Vapor Barriers are plastic liners that are laid on the floor of the crawlspace to damp proof the area and keep moisture from getting into the space. The vapor barrier helps control moisture entering the area as well as pests, allergens, and it even provides a layer of insulation to help temperature control the living area in the rooms above. It is important to have a vapor barrier that is of high quality, and the material itself should have the recommended thickness of 20-mil to do its job properly.
Depending on the design of the crawlspace, the walls can also be covered in the vapor barrier, or a seal can be applied if it is exposed foundation. This will help ensure that your wall foundation remains strong and keeps out wood rotting pests and molds.
Installing a vapor barrier, keeping an eye on the crawlspace by periodically checking in on its condition, and taking corrective action as soon as an issue arises are key factors that keep your crawlspace healthy. In the long run, doing so will help you yourself stay healthy and away from mold exposure as well as keep your house strong. A strong crawlspace will save you financial burdens over time and help with any future sale of your house. Don’t be afraid of your crawlspace anymore! Keep it healthy and enjoy the benefits of a strong healthy home!
It is my hope that this article will give you some guidance to have a healthy and happy home! Should you find any of these issues in your home please give me a call. I can provide recommendations on who to contact and what your next steps should be.
Click here to learn about giving your home a refresh in the new year!
© 4RE Marketing - all rights reserved 2022
Inspecting Your Home: Types of Inspections Available
Original Content by Carl Johnson
Your offer is finally accepted on your dream home or maybe you just accepted a fantastic offer on your house, and now you have to make it through the… Home Inspection! This often dreaded and stressful step for most buyers and sellers seems to be the last big hurdle to get over while dealing with home buying or selling. But what actually is a Home Inspection? What is this Radon you hear about? Do you really need to test for Microbial Growth? The list of names you hear while reviewing options for an inspection can seem daunting and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! To help you better understand what is best for your situation, read our list below of inspections we often recommend to our buyers, or items you should expect to have done to your home as a seller! Some of these inspections may be required for the purchase of the home depending on the type of mortgage being financed, while others are options you may want to add for peace of mind. Overall you should consult your real estate agent and financial institute for any questions, they are here to help!
Home Inspection
A full home inspection is often requested by the buyers, and is carried out by a certified home inspector. This type of inspection is very common and will include a head-to-toe exterior and interior check over of the home. Your real estate agent can often recommend a trusted inspector to do this work. You can be present during the inspection after the inspector is done with the inspection. Once the inspection is done the inspector presents their finding to the buyer and buyer agent. This is a great time to ask questions and understand more about what the inspector found. Feel free to ask questions to your inspector. They area happy to help.
In general you can expect to have the following areas of the home inspected: a visual look at the foundation/structural, roof, and a check on the basics of the HVAC, plumbing & electrical. The process can take a few hours and at the end you will receive a detailed report of items, ranging from general notes to any areas of concern. The inspector may recommend professional contractors look into some areas in more detail, but in the end it is up to you, the buyer, to review the report and decide what is important to you about the home. Your real estate agent is more than happy to help with any questions, an agent's experience is invaluable!
Radon Inspection
Danger is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of radon! Though the inspection is nothing to be worried about. Often done by the same home inspector, a small box will be placed in the lowest livable area of your home for 2-3 days. It really is that simple! The resulting recorded radon levels will determine if remediation action needs to be taken. The EPA recommends a second test if your levels are between 2-4pCi/L or higher, though the decision to pursue it further depends on the buyer's requests.
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
The inspector doing your full home inspection will take notes on any noticeable wood destroying insect damage they find. As a buyer you may choose to have a certified pest control inspector do a report on their own if the home has in an area of concern, or request this after you have read your initial home inspection report. The purpose of this report is simply to evaluate and relay the presence of any wood destroying insects in the home. Based on the report’s results it is the buyer's option to request any corrective action to be taken.
Water Analysis
You can choose to have a water analysis done on your home as a buyer which will test the quality of the home’s water and check for contaminants and pollutants. The test is simple and may even be offered by the inspector doing the full home inspection. Some of the basic results shown in the water analysis are: chlorine, lead, fluoride, and coliform bacteria levels, as well as pH imbalances which can lead to water hardness.
HVAC Service
The home’s HVAC system will get a basic check over during the full home inspection but you have the option to have a fully certified HVAC professional come out and give a detailed report. This report will be a thorough review and assessment of all parts related to the heating and cooling systems on the house. From voltage testing to safety controls, an HVAC Service can be a good option if you are questioning the age of the systems, what to know about future risks or costs, or if you are wanting to make sure everything is running safely and efficiently!
Microbial Growth Testing
Whether you see any mold and other microbial growth or not in the home, there may be some present. The microbial growth test can determine if there is any growth and at what levels. Simple swab tests are taken in specific areas of the home and lab results will be provided, along with remediation recommendations if necessary. Mold in the home can cause irritations, respiratory issues, skin rashes and more.
Roof Inspection
The roof inspection is again an area your full home inspection will cover, but it will only be a basic review by looking at the roof from all vantage points. A separate roof inspection is something we would recommend to our buyers depending on the age of the home, or if there are any noticeable issues. Per the home inspection, as a buyer you can request a certified professional contractor come out and give a detailed roof inspection and a list of recommended repairs if necessary. A roof inspection does both an exterior and interior review including ceilings, attic, and interior walls looking for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs of water damage caused from a poor roof structure.
Septic and Well Inspection
This inspection is only for homes that have a septic and well system in place. Because a septic tank and well are out of sight they are often out of mind, that is, until an issue arises. Having a professional contractor perform an inspection can give you a heads up of your systems to make sure they are safe for your family and avoid costly issues in the future. A septic inspection will include locating the tank, inspecting the inlet and outlet baffles, and checking the operational level of sewage. The inspector may also dig a test hole in the septic bed area to ensure good trench conditions and below-grade effluent level of sewage. The well inspection can consist of a flow test, which is done to check the water for bacteria and other harmful contaminants, and a general inspection of the equipment to make sure it is operating properly.
Electrical Inspection
Your full home inspection will do a basic review of the home’s electrical system. Though depending on the house’s age and any noticeable issues you may request an electrical inspection be done by a certified electrician. It is important to make sure the house is up to code and all wiring is connected properly and safely per the National Fire Protection Association. During the electrical inspection the following areas of your home will be reviewed: circuits, wires, outlets, service panel, and the electric meter. Ensuring that everything is up to code ensures that your home meets the minimum safety standard set by NFPA.
Plumbing Inspection
Depending on the age and condition of the home a full plumbing inspection may be performed. The inspection will look at the home's plumbing system to seek out pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes, all of which can cause property damage. The certified plumber will most likely take photos, record details in their final report, and can suggest corrective action if any needs to be taken.
Window Inspection
Your home’s windows are for much more than aesthetic. Windows help make the home and its HVAC systems run properly and protect against the elements. Your general home inspector will check for proper function of the windows and screens, note any rotted or cracked window frames, sashes, or paneling, and recommend if they think a contractor will need to come and inspect more. It is up to you as a buyer to decide if you’d like further inspection into the windows, and depending on the home’s age we would recommend it for issues that arise out of the windows in the future can be costly.
As you might have gathered, your full home inspection covers a majority of these areas. However, there may be times that you want or need a second opinion or a more detailed report regarding a specific area of your home. If you have any questions regarding the information above, reach out to Carl Johnson Real Estate, it is our pleasure to provide you with resources to help keep you informed.
Check out other Original Content written by Carl on Getting Ready for a Mortgage!
Original Content by Carl Johnson
Your offer is finally accepted on your dream home or maybe you just accepted a fantastic offer on your house, and now you have to make it through the… Home Inspection! This often dreaded and stressful step for most buyers and sellers seems to be the last big hurdle to get over while dealing with home buying or selling. But what actually is a Home Inspection? What is this Radon you hear about? Do you really need to test for Microbial Growth? The list of names you hear while reviewing options for an inspection can seem daunting and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! To help you better understand what is best for your situation, read our list below of inspections we often recommend to our buyers, or items you should expect to have done to your home as a seller! Some of these inspections may be required for the purchase of the home depending on the type of mortgage being financed, while others are options you may want to add for peace of mind. Overall you should consult your real estate agent and financial institute for any questions, they are here to help!
Home Inspection
A full home inspection is often requested by the buyers, and is carried out by a certified home inspector. This type of inspection is very common and will include a head-to-toe exterior and interior check over of the home. Your real estate agent can often recommend a trusted inspector to do this work. You can be present during the inspection after the inspector is done with the inspection. Once the inspection is done the inspector presents their finding to the buyer and buyer agent. This is a great time to ask questions and understand more about what the inspector found. Feel free to ask questions to your inspector. They area happy to help.
In general you can expect to have the following areas of the home inspected: a visual look at the foundation/structural, roof, and a check on the basics of the HVAC, plumbing & electrical. The process can take a few hours and at the end you will receive a detailed report of items, ranging from general notes to any areas of concern. The inspector may recommend professional contractors look into some areas in more detail, but in the end it is up to you, the buyer, to review the report and decide what is important to you about the home. Your real estate agent is more than happy to help with any questions, an agent's experience is invaluable!
Radon Inspection
Danger is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of radon! Though the inspection is nothing to be worried about. Often done by the same home inspector, a small box will be placed in the lowest livable area of your home for 2-3 days. It really is that simple! The resulting recorded radon levels will determine if remediation action needs to be taken. The EPA recommends a second test if your levels are between 2-4pCi/L or higher, though the decision to pursue it further depends on the buyer's requests.
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
The inspector doing your full home inspection will take notes on any noticeable wood destroying insect damage they find. As a buyer you may choose to have a certified pest control inspector do a report on their own if the home has in an area of concern, or request this after you have read your initial home inspection report. The purpose of this report is simply to evaluate and relay the presence of any wood destroying insects in the home. Based on the report’s results it is the buyer's option to request any corrective action to be taken.
Water Analysis
You can choose to have a water analysis done on your home as a buyer which will test the quality of the home’s water and check for contaminants and pollutants. The test is simple and may even be offered by the inspector doing the full home inspection. Some of the basic results shown in the water analysis are: chlorine, lead, fluoride, and coliform bacteria levels, as well as pH imbalances which can lead to water hardness.
HVAC Service
The home’s HVAC system will get a basic check over during the full home inspection but you have the option to have a fully certified HVAC professional come out and give a detailed report. This report will be a thorough review and assessment of all parts related to the heating and cooling systems on the house. From voltage testing to safety controls, an HVAC Service can be a good option if you are questioning the age of the systems, what to know about future risks or costs, or if you are wanting to make sure everything is running safely and efficiently!
Microbial Growth Testing
Whether you see any mold and other microbial growth or not in the home, there may be some present. The microbial growth test can determine if there is any growth and at what levels. Simple swab tests are taken in specific areas of the home and lab results will be provided, along with remediation recommendations if necessary. Mold in the home can cause irritations, respiratory issues, skin rashes and more.
Roof Inspection
The roof inspection is again an area your full home inspection will cover, but it will only be a basic review by looking at the roof from all vantage points. A separate roof inspection is something we would recommend to our buyers depending on the age of the home, or if there are any noticeable issues. Per the home inspection, as a buyer you can request a certified professional contractor come out and give a detailed roof inspection and a list of recommended repairs if necessary. A roof inspection does both an exterior and interior review including ceilings, attic, and interior walls looking for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs of water damage caused from a poor roof structure.
Septic and Well Inspection
This inspection is only for homes that have a septic and well system in place. Because a septic tank and well are out of sight they are often out of mind, that is, until an issue arises. Having a professional contractor perform an inspection can give you a heads up of your systems to make sure they are safe for your family and avoid costly issues in the future. A septic inspection will include locating the tank, inspecting the inlet and outlet baffles, and checking the operational level of sewage. The inspector may also dig a test hole in the septic bed area to ensure good trench conditions and below-grade effluent level of sewage. The well inspection can consist of a flow test, which is done to check the water for bacteria and other harmful contaminants, and a general inspection of the equipment to make sure it is operating properly.
Electrical Inspection
Your full home inspection will do a basic review of the home’s electrical system. Though depending on the house’s age and any noticeable issues you may request an electrical inspection be done by a certified electrician. It is important to make sure the house is up to code and all wiring is connected properly and safely per the National Fire Protection Association. During the electrical inspection the following areas of your home will be reviewed: circuits, wires, outlets, service panel, and the electric meter. Ensuring that everything is up to code ensures that your home meets the minimum safety standard set by NFPA.
Plumbing Inspection
Depending on the age and condition of the home a full plumbing inspection may be performed. The inspection will look at the home's plumbing system to seek out pipe corrosion, clogs, leaks, and burst tubes, all of which can cause property damage. The certified plumber will most likely take photos, record details in their final report, and can suggest corrective action if any needs to be taken.
Window Inspection
Your home’s windows are for much more than aesthetic. Windows help make the home and its HVAC systems run properly and protect against the elements. Your general home inspector will check for proper function of the windows and screens, note any rotted or cracked window frames, sashes, or paneling, and recommend if they think a contractor will need to come and inspect more. It is up to you as a buyer to decide if you’d like further inspection into the windows, and depending on the home’s age we would recommend it for issues that arise out of the windows in the future can be costly.
As you might have gathered, your full home inspection covers a majority of these areas. However, there may be times that you want or need a second opinion or a more detailed report regarding a specific area of your home. If you have any questions regarding the information above, reach out to Carl Johnson Real Estate, it is our pleasure to provide you with resources to help keep you informed.
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