The Clocks Fall Back November 6!

Hello,

Just wanted to reach out to you this week and remind you that Sunday, November 6, Daylight Saving Time ends. Don’t forget to roll back that clock an hour on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

I also like to use the time change to remind me to perform some basic home maintenance tasks.
Perhaps this list will help you as well:

• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test batteries and replace.

• Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.

• HVAC: Change filters, if required.

• Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.

• Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.

• Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.

•Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.

• Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.

• Range/Stove Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.

A little regular maintenance can save thousands down the road when you decide to list your home.

Hope you’re well, and enjoy that “extra hour” of sleep!

Steven

The results are in for the “Is a Home Inspection Important Poll”.

#1: Always

#2: Important when purchasing an “as is” property.

#3: I had an inspection done on my last purchase.

Thanks for your input.

Also I asked if Donn Anderson of Anderson Home Inspection would like to comment on this topic. Donn has an amazing amount of knowledge, experience and just happens to be a very nice guy.

Enjoy Donn’s comments.

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Some friends of ours bought a home several years ago with the intention of gutting the place and therefore felt that a home inspection was not necessary. They went down to the studs and did a fantastic rehab. The housewarming party was smokin’. Yep, they never checked the fireplace and when they used it the first time, at the party, the house burned to the ground. No one was injured.

A home inspector is required to inspect a fireplace. Not an inspection like you would get from a certified chimney sweep or a member of the National Fireplace Institute, but if they would have asked me to inspect the home prior to purchase, I always recommend following the advise of the National Fireplace Institute and have a level II inspection preformed.

On a less happy note, I was an Expert Witness in a law suit a few weeks ago. The attorney for the injured party contacted me and asked if Home Inspectors were required to inspect hand railings. That was it. I said yes, and wrote a letter to that effect. I was one of the co-authors of the jurisprudence exam for Home Inspectors in WI and even include a copy of our Standard of Practice to everyone of our clients. The person who bought the property decided not to have a home inspection under the impression that the only reason to have an inspection, was to negotiate a better price on the property. Since the property was being purchased from a friend at a good price, the feeling was that it was not necessary to have an inspection. A short time later, a tenent at the property reached for the handrail on the steps and the handrail pulled out of the wall. That person was very seriously injured and will never be able to do many of the things we all take for granted.

Home Inspectors are licensed in WI by the Dept of Regulation and Licensing. We are “required” to report on Material Adverse Facts – something that significantly reduces the functionality or structural integrity of components or systems and something that poses a significant health or safety risk to the occupants. It’s not just about the money, it’s about health and safety too. When I was asked my opinion about not having a home inspection, I said I thought it was foolish. On my drive home I wish I would have said it was irresponsible. I know that sounds strong and opinionated especially coming from someone who earns a living inspecting homes. The comment is not meant to be self serving. Think about that person that was injured, realize that if that person fell and landed in such a way that the worse that could happen, did happen. Now think of that person being the person that you love the most. For the price of a home inspection, lives can be changed forever.

Donn Anderson

Anderson Home Inspection