Things to Check Before You Turn on Your Furnace This Season

Things to Check Before You Turn on Your Furnace This Season With the Fall season approaching, it won’t be too long before the colder months are upon us, which means that it won’t be long before you’re depending on your furnace to keep your home’s interior warm and comfortable. Heating a home for several months can put your furnace under quite a bit of stress, so there are a few things you should double check before you turn it on to ensure it functions effectively.

Have you cleared everything away from the furnace?

Over the course of the summer, items can build up on and around your furnace. From cleaning rags to children’s toys and other household items that you don’t have room for elsewhere, it’s easy to allow stuff to pile up near your furnace. Before you turn your furnace on, move these items away and make sure it has plenty of clearance to allow for proper airflow. If left unchecked, these stray items can constitute a fire hazard as well.

Have you replaced your furnace filter?

Your furnace filter cleans the air that circulates through your furnace and HVAC system. This filter can pretty filthy over time, and when it does, it will reduce the efficiency of your furnace. It will also allow dust, germs and other pollutants to become airborne in your home. This can have a detrimental effect on your air quality, and even make you and your family sick. Make sure you have a fresh filter to start the season off right.

Have you had your furnace inspected recently?

If you have a fairly new furnace, you might be able to get away without having a furnace inspection. Generally speaking, however, you should have your furnace inspected at least once a year. This will allow you to deal with any potential technical issues and keep your furnace up and running all winter long. Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today or visit us online for more information!

Common Sources of Asbestos in Old Homes

Owning a home is a great responsibility. From purchasing to reconstruction, you have total control over the home-owning process. One thing you don’t have control over, unfortunately, is where asbestos might be hiding in your home, especially if it was constructed before 1975. Here are four areas where you might find asbestos in an old home.

Check the Ceiling

Asbestos was a common feature of old ceiling tiles and roof shingles, so look up! Asbestos becomes a safety hazard when it’s made airborne, and ceiling fans may move asbestos dust around without your knowledge. If your ceilings are in rough shape, asbestos fibers can come loose and contaminate the air in your home.

Check Your Pipes

Asbestos dust can also become airborne when old asbestos insulation around boilers and pipes begins to break down. Transite pipes, which were used extensively in water distribution systems during the mid-1900s, also contain asbestos cement. If these pipes aren’t replaced before the cement starts to break down, they may release asbestos fibers into your drinking water.

Tread Lightly

Are you thinking about replacing old floor tiles? Try to find out when the tiles were installed first. Asbestos tiling was extremely popular from the 1920 to the 1960s, and you can even find them in homes built as recently as the 1980s. If you suspect you might have asbestos floor tiles in your home, consult a professional home inspector before replacing them.

Walls

Before you decide to tear that ghastly 70s-style kitchen wall out, find out what it’s made of. Many older homes were constructed with fire-resistant sheets, which, when drilled or demolished, can release asbestos into your home.

The only way to know for certain whether your old home contains asbestos material is to have it examined by a professional home inspector. Give yourself some peace of mind, and schedule an inspection with one of our certified and trustworthy professionals today. Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today or visit us online for more information!

How to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

Home Inspection Report Getting ready to schedule a home inspection prior to selling your home? If so, it’s a good idea to prepare your property for the inspectors before they arrive. Today we’ll look at a few simple steps you can take to make sure your home inspection go as smoothly as possible.

Make sure home inspectors can access every room in your home.

Do you typically keep your garage locked? Do you have an office in your basement that is usually off-limits to outsiders? Is there a crawl space access door that’s blocked by a piece of furniture? You need to make sure a home inspector can check out every part of your house. That means unlocking doors, creating clear paths to hard-to-reach areas, and providing access to unfinished spaces in attics and basements.

Clear out space around utilities.

There are many people who use their utility rooms as added storage. They may have boxes and other items piled around their water heaters and electric panels, for example. If this sounds familiar, be sure to declutter these areas so that a home inspector can access your utilities without having to wade through a pile of personal belongings.

Compile documents related to maintenance and repairs.

Have you renovated your home in recent years or tackled a large repair project? Home inspectors and buyers will want to see records of this work, so put together a folder with documents related to the maintenance and repairs you’ve had done during your time in the home. You may not have documentation for every little maintenance item you’ve worked on in the home, but you should at least have records of any major renovations, upgrades and repairs you’ve made.

Once you’re ready for your home inspection, feel free to give us a call or contact us online for your free quote!

Keep These Tips in Mind Before Buying a Foreclosed Home

Buying a foreclosed home can be a worthwhile investment, but only if you’re careful to buy the right home. You can start by making a realistic budget that includes more than just the purchase price. It’s also always important to remember that you might have to spend more money on renovations and fixing the place up.

Include Renovations in Your Budget

Don’t let the attractive sticker price fool you. Some foreclosures can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate. Before you start shopping around, determine how much you’re willing to spend on renovations and include that figure in your overall budget. You should also consider what types of renovations you’re willing to take on. You probably want to steer clear of homes with foundation issues or serious water damage, for example.

The Time of Vacancy

Homes can quickly fall into disrepair when they’re not occupied. Homes that sit vacant for months or years at a time are prone to pest infestations, plumbing issues, sewage backups and more. The exterior might look fine, but there may be serious problems hiding just beneath the surface. If a home has been vacant for more than a few months, approach with caution.

Has the Home Been Winterized?

This is especially important here in the Chicago area. When unoccupied homes aren’t properly winterized, sub-zero temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. This, in turn, can cause costly water damage and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. If the home you’re looking at has been vacant during the winter, make sure the utilities were effectively winterized to prevent this type of damage.

Invest in a Home Inspection

You should get an inspection anytime you buy a home, but it’s especially important when you’re shopping for foreclosures. A comprehensive home inspection can identify serious structural and mechanical issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. It can also give you a better idea of just how much the home will cost to renovate. By spending a few hundred dollars on a home inspection now, you can save many thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

At First Choice Inspectors, we offer inspections designed specifically for foreclosed homes. To learn more, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today.

What Problems Could Affect a Home’s Foundation?

When buying a new home, there are many things to consider. You want to find something that has enough bedrooms and bathrooms in it for your family. You also want to find something that has been updated and that matches your personal style. And then, there are things like the local school system and property taxes that you will have to think about prior to making an offer. However, before you agree to buy a home, one of the most important things you need to do is check its foundation to ensure that it’s sturdy and problem-free.

Cracked Foundation

A cracked foundation is one of the worst problems that you can have as a homeowner. The structural integrity of your entire house rests upon the strength and support of the foundation, so if there is a crack anywhere in it, it needs to be addressed and fixed immediately. Nevertheless, that isn’t the only issue you might encounter with a home’s foundation.

House Settling

Excessive settling is also an issue for many homeowners. Just about all homes settle into the ground and sink a little bit over the years. However, there are some homes that are built on top of soil that is not meant to hold up a house, and they tend to sink more than others. It could lead to a big headache down the line for you if you are living in a home like this.

Home Inspections are a Must

If you are in the process of buying a home, it’s important for you to work with a home inspector to gauge how healthy the foundation of the home is. You shouldn’t enter into a binding contract to buy a home until you know for a fact that the foundation is going to hold up for you. Otherwise, you might end up spending an arm and a leg over the years trying to repair your foundation.

First Choice Inspectors can take a look at the foundation of a home you are looking to buy and inspect it for any structural damage. We can also analyze the other parts of a home to point out any potential problems to you. Call us at 773-429-9711 today to schedule an appointment with one of our inspectors.

Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer

Summer will be here before we know it. It won’t be long before you are relying on your home’s HVAC system and, more specifically, your home’s air conditioner to keep your house cool. But before you start using it on a regular basis, you should take the time to prepare it for the summer season.

Here are some tips for getting your A/C unit ready for warm weather.

Inspect the Outdoor Condenser

Did you cover your condenser to protect it from the elements during the winter? If so, now is the time to remove your cover and put it away until the fall. It’s also time to inspect the panels on your condenser to make sure they are intact and free of any debris. Additionally, you should check to make sure you don’t need to repair or replace the insulation that should be wrapped around your consensus’s suction line. In general, take a look in and around the condenser to make sure it appears to be in good working order.

Indoor Air Handler Unit

Before you start using your A/C unit at the start of the summer season, you should change your air filter. You should also make sure the coil drainage hose is set up properly and ready to carry away any condensation once your A/C is turned on. It’s also a good idea to clean dirt, dust and debris from the air vents and return grills in your home.

Make Sure the A/C Unit Works When Turning it On

Once you have inspected all of your A/C equipment inside and outside of your home, you should turn your HVAC system on to make sure everything works the way it should. If you hear any unfamiliar noises coming from your A/C unit or you don’t feel any cool air coming out of your home’s vents, you could have a hidden issue within the system. It’s better to find this out now when the temperatures are still mild outside rather than waiting for the first heat wave to learn that your A/C system is broken.

Want to make sure your HVAC system is in good working order? Give us a call today at 773-429-9711 to learn more about the mechanical services we include in our professional home inspections at First Choice Inspectors.

Don’t Forget These 5 Essential Spring Maintenance Items

5 Essential Spring Maintenance Items Long winters can subject your home to some serious wear and tear. Snowmelt can reveal all sorts of issues of varying severity that went unnoticed throughout the cold season. It’s important to take care of these maintenance items quickly in order to protect your home from further damage. The spring is the perfect time to get out and tackle these molehills before they become mountains. In this entry, we’ll look at a few simple steps you can take to protect and preserve your home this spring.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters serve an important purpose – directing rainwater safely away from your home. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool and pour down the exterior surface of a house, which can eventually lead to mold, mildew, and even rot. If you notice vegetation blocking your gutters, you’ll want to clean them sooner rather than later.

Get a Termite Inspection

Moisture from snowmelt can cause the wood around the base of your home to decay, creating an ideal feeding ground for termites. Often called “silent destroyers,” termites can wreak havoc on the wood framing in a home. If you notice any rot around the foundation of your home, a termite inspection should be a high priority on your spring to-do list.

Clear Dryer Vents

Clogged dryer vents not only reduce the efficiency of your dryer; they also constitute a fire hazard. Be sure to clear any lint from the inside of your dryer vent as soon as you are able to do so.

Inspect Your Washing Machine Fill Hose

While you’re cleaning your dryer vent, you may as well check the fill hose on your washing machine for any signs of wear as well. A broken fill hose can flood your laundry room with water in minutes. If you see any cracks in the hose, pick up a new one from your local hardware store.

Touch Up Paint

In addition to serving an aesthetic purpose, paint also helps to seal and protect your home from moisture damage. If you notice any paint peeling, be sure to touch it up with a fresh coat.

Concerned about the condition of your home this spring? Give us a call today for a consultation.

Beware of These Common Household Electrical Hazards

Electrical Fire Many electrical devices and appliances are invaluable household tools, but they can also constitute dangerous safety hazards if you’re not careful. The first step toward preventing electrical hazards is educating yourself about them! Today we’ll address a few of the most common fire hazards to keep an eye out for in your home.

Overloaded power strips

Surge protectors are designed to prevent dangerous electrical surges, but they can still be overloaded with too many appliances. This is why you should never create chains of power strips by plugging them into one another. It’s also a good idea to replace old, outdated surge protectors with new ones periodically.

Appliances placed too close to water sources

You’re probably well aware of the fact that water and electricity don’t mix, but that doesn’t stop some people from using devices like blow dryers and radios in wet bathrooms. These hazards are also quite common in kitchens, where plumbing issues can cause electrical appliances to short out and generate sparks. Clean up liquid spills as soon as you notice them, and be especially careful about standing on wet floors while using handheld electrical appliances.

Outdated electrical wiring

If the electrical wiring in your home hasn’t been updated in several decades, it could be more prone to fire hazards than modern wiring. Worn-out insulation can leave wires exposed to moisture, for example. If you’re not sure about the condition of your home’s wiring, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to make sure it’s safe and up to code.

Do you have some lingering questions or concerns about the electrical system in your home? Feel free to give us a call or contact us online to request an inspection today!

Signs It Might Be Time For a New Roof

What are some signs you need a new roof? Well, for starters, consider the roof’s age. Most roofs last between 20 and 25 years, so if the roof hasn’t been replaced in several decades, it might be time to call First Choice Inspectors to come take a look and see about a possible replacement.

Have you noticed shingles are missing, darker in some areas, curled or buckling? Shingles aren’t meant to last forever, and they sure do take a beating over time thanks to wind, rain, sunlight, snow and ice. If you’ve noticed any inconsistencies with your shingles, or granules from shingles have become loose and are collecting in your gutters, it might be time for a new roof.

Perhaps the biggest sign that you need a new roof is when there’s a hole in it such that light (and rain) come inside your home. The roof is supposed to protect you from the elements. If there’s a giant hole– or even a small one–then the roof isn’t fulfilling its purpose. Holes in the roof can lead to water damage in the attic and walls of your building. They can also let in birds, insects, rodents and wild animals.

Finally, most neighborhoods have homes that were built around the same time, so if your neighbors are getting roof replacements, chances are you should too.

First Choice Inspectors can check your roof to see if everything is in order, or if there are problems with the chimney flashing, vents, drainage or shingles. First Choice Inspectors can offer a full inspection service complete with a comprehensive report. People in and around Chicago trust First Choice Inspectors to go up on their roofs, examine them, and then climb back down with details about its specific condition. Call First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 to schedule your professional roof inspection today.

The Importance of an Energy Audit on Your Home

First Choice Inspectors regularly perform energy audits in and around Chicago. An energy audit involves professionals doing a comprehensive examination of a home or building’s thermal performance. In other words, where are the leaks?

Heating and cooling a building costs money, and when there are leaks, the heat or cool air you’re paying for might literally be going right out the leaky window. An energy audit involves checking around windows, skylights, and doors to measure the leakage rate of air to see how well seals are performing– or aren’t. In addition, walls and ceilings and floors are checked for leaks as well. Most people choose to have energy audits done in order to save money on their heating and cooling bills. Leaks can be stopped and therefore energy is no longer wasted.

First Choice Inspectors can provide a written report with photos to show a home or building owner exactly where leaks occur. Thermal imaging overlays can be included when necessary in order to estimate energy use given local climate criteria, thermostat settings, roof overhang and other factors. A home or building owner can get a good idea of how making certain changes could effectively save them money over time.

Specifically, First Choice Inspectors use sophisticated methods such as thermal imaging scanning and videoscopic borescopes to find problem areas.

Common problems an energy audit can find include leaks in the air conditioning duct system, worn-out insulation, and windows/doors in need of sealing and caulking.

Besides talking with home or building owners about their energy bills and energy habits that may be raising their bills, an energy audit from First Choice Inspectors can also include a list of repairs to be done to improve the home’s thermal performance, therefore lowering overall energy bills– oftentimes up to 30%.

Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today or visit us online for more information!