What’s a Home Energy Audit, and Why Should I Get one?

A home energy audit is something many homeowners choose to have done on their home. Simply put, a home energy audit is used to quantify a building’s overall thermal performance. It also identifies the efficiency of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and thermostat.

energy audit from First Choice Inspectors

The Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit can help point out some important energy concerns that you may have from high energy bills and comfort levels with the home.

Here are some of the major benefits to a home energy audit:

  • Shows energy use for a given time period
  • Suggested energy improvements each year
  • Identify cost effective ways to improve comfort and efficiency

With these benefits, it is much needed for homeowners and building owners to consider getting an energy audit by a professional like First Choice Inspectors. We use thermal imaging canning, videoscope borescopes to check for missing or deficient insulation. Our moisture detection tools are used to check moisture levels.

What does a Home Energy Audit Include?

A home energy audit from us will include a written report with photos and thermal imaging overlays. This is necessary to estimate energy use given climate criteria, thermostat settings, roof overhand, and orientation. The audit can also include interviews of the homeowners, so that we can understand your patterns of energy use over time. An energy audit isn’t meant to embarrass the homeowner, it’s meant to help the homeowner understand their energy uses and how to improve them, so that you can save money and the environment.

Why Choose First Choice Inspectors

At First Choice Inspectors, we specialize in home inspections in the Chicago area. We have the expertise and experience to help you get an energy audit done on your home. If you have concerns for your home’s energy, then we’re the right people to call. Contact us at 773-429-9711!

The Importance of a Home Inspection on a New Home

Looking for a new home is an exciting time, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Whether the home is old or newly built, it is recommended that every home buyer hires an independent home inspector like First Choice Inspectors to provide a home inspection for the house.

home inspector doing inspection on new home

New Homes Can Have Issues Too

Just because you’re purchasing a new home does not mean you will be fine if you bypass the home inspection. The surprising fact is that sometimes new homes are poorly engineered. Oh no, really? It should not be that surprising, but some people expect the house to be perfect.

First Choice Inspectors checks everything –

A new or old home will go through the same inspection. This means that they’re examining the entire home’s integrity.

  • Structural components such as joists, rafters, beams, exposed supporters checked for defects
  • Attic will be checked for water penetration
  • Windows, frames, doors, and automatic garage door checked for safety features and function
  • HVAC system inspection, Duct work, Heat and cooling sources in every room inspected
  • Plumbing and Electrical inspection
  • Foundation inspection

All of these things are incorporated in a new and old home inspection, so that the buyer feels confident in their home. If any of these things are problems and you don’t get a home inspection, you may have to pay for major repairs down the road. This is why we recommend a home inspection for a new home purchase.

Here are the Benefits

Ultimately, as a new buyer, you’ll be saving money on costly repairs when you get a home inspection before purchasing a new home. If there are significant problems, it will help your search for a different home. You’ll also be aware that not every new home is perfectly built.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, whether it is new or old, always get a home inspection done by a professionally independent home inspector like First Choice Inspectors. Contact us at 773-429-9711!

 

If You Have an Old Home, Asbestos Might Be in It

Many older homes built before 1980 contain asbestos in the floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and other parts of the home. If you’re a new homeowner, you’ll want to make sure your old home that you purchased does not contain asbestos. If it does, you’ll need to have it removed. First Choice Inspectors can help you with inspecting all your home’s components.

Man holding magnifying glass to home

The Health Hazards of Asbestos

Inhaling asbestos can happen without your knowledge and medical issues can happen over a period of decades if exposed to this dangerous substance. Symptoms and conditions may not appear until years later of living in the home.

Friable Asbestos – This means that the asbestos contains materials that are dangerous. Friable asbestos are fibers that can be disturbed. This is what we have to be cautious about. Many materials contain asbestos, but they aren’t harmful because the material is stable. This is what has to be inspected.

Here are some health hazards:

  • Asbestosis (high exposures over a long time) – Breathing becomes much more difficult because of scarring in the lungs.
  • Pleural Disease – Non-cancerous lung condition when plaque and fluid build-up occur around the lungs.
  • Lung Cancer – Malignant tumor that blocks lung’s passages. Smoking tobacco and exposure to asbestos increases chance of lung cancer.
  • Mesothelioma – This is a rare cancer of the membrane that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Signs could appear 30-40 years later after long exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos Removal

This is not conducted by First Choice Inspectors, but we can come in and inspect your home for any disrupted asbestos that may be in your home if it was built before the 1980s. Asbestos can be found in many materials, but it isn’t always harmful.

The cleanup of asbestos is governed by state and federal regulations. It can become tricky because the mechanism of demolition and isolating the fibers for safe removal is a major factor.

Contact First Choice Inspectors for a home inspection of your old home. We can determine if the asbestos in your home is hazardous when considering demolition or renovation. Contact us at 773-429-9711!

 

Flooding Prevention and Restoration: What Homeowners Need to Know

Whether from a torrential rainstorm, heaps of melting snow, or a leaky dishwasher, flooding can cause massive damage in your home. What’s more, clean-up can be extremely time-consuming and expensive, especially without expert advice. That’s why Redfin rounded up flooding prevention and restoration experts from Bend to Atlanta. Read on to see the best tips for protecting your home against flooding and what to do if you’ve already been affected!

Country house in a storm

First Choice Inspectors: At First Choice Inspectors, LLC, we recommend that all homeowners that have basements or crawl spaces install a drain tile system and sump pump system with a battery backup system which will help to divert water away from the foundation of the house. We also recommend that the grading to the property provide sufficient water runoff so the property is not sitting at the bottom of a hill. After a home floods it’s important to get the pros in and fix the flood damage by installing proper waterproofing materials and make sure that no mold is growing. Proper remediation is very important before restoration!

Valley Home Inspections: 

1. Check all angle stops (shut off valves) at least once a year to make sure they are operational. If you see signs of corrosion, you will want a professional to evaluate. Angle stops are located under all sinks, at the water connections for your toilet (usually behind the toilet) and laundry hose bibs.

2. Check all windows and doors for cracking (including any decorative trim over the window or door), these should be sealed to keep the water out.

3. Take a look at your water heater, do you see dripping or corrosion on a valve? If so, don’t ignore it. We see many water heaters that have been ignored with the water seeping into the areas around it. Addressing early on can save thousands in repairs.

4. Showers and tubs. These are used almost daily. When you see water dripping out a corner, corrosion along the door tracks, or cracks in the surfaces (very common between the tub or shower floor and the surround), take measures to repair immediately. If water gets into these areas it will seep behind the adjacent walls, and given the right environment, it will grow mold.

House to Home Inspections: While it is not possible to fully eliminate the possibility of flooding in the home, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the chances of experiencing a flood or at the very least to minimize the amount of water that could affect the home. Extend the downspouts at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation or into a subsurface drain that runs out to the edge of the property, preferably downhill. Grade the soil to slope away from the foundation, roughly ½” per foot for at least 10 feet. This will help to direct water away from the foundation. Installation of a French drain system can also help to direct surface water away from the foundation. Proper installation of a sump pump either in the basement or in the crawlspace will also help mitigate water intrusion.

Flood repair and restoration work can be very expensive, costing up to tens of thousands of dollars and while not guaranteed to prevent flooding these simple steps will help to minimize water around the house and improve the overall quality and comfort of the home.

Brick Restoration: After home flooding has occurred, it’s often necessary to replace the framing around the bottom course of the home. If that’s needed, or you want to opt for the extra protection anyway, you can choose to have an Ice and Water Shield waterproof membrane installed around your home between the brick and the framing. Those that are safe from high water might still suffer damage from heavy rains. For this, we recommend having the chimney and brick veneer checked yearly for any cracks or holes in the brick and mortar which can lead to water leaks or more serious damage in the long run.

Ocean Breezes Home Inspections: The most important thing you can do is air everything out immediately. Floodwaters bring in mold spores, and with new construction practices things don’t dry out like days of old. If the water got inside, walls will most likely need to be gutted, inside and out. I’ve been called many times for inspections and testing where a remediation company or contractor did not open up the outer walls. The house wrap holds moisture in – thus allowing for mold even when the inner walls were gutted.

Advanced Look Property Inspections: As Advanced Look Property Inspections, LLC is one of Metro Orlando’s Best Home Inspectors, we know one of the most important systems we inspect and talk to our clients about is the plumbing system, because after “Wind”, non-weather related water damage and flooding is the insurance industries number 1 area of claims due to broken pipes or appliances like washing machines, dishwashers or water heaters having an issue.

A little precaution can go a long way when it comes to maintaining your plumbing and appliances but it is well worth it when you think of all the personal items (pictures, papers …) you’re protecting if you keep everything from a water problem in your home. Nowadays with all the “Smart Items” for your home, you can go one step further and install a Water Sensor System in your House. Some just send out a basic notification that there’s a problem at home through an app, (which I don’t recommend). Others can actually turn the water off to prevent any further leaking/flooding in your house. The latter is sure to increase the value of your home and some insurance companies will give you a discount on your Home Owners Policy for having that protection and they all cost less than your deductible. Sounds like a win win to me : ).

DryFast Property Restoration: Add insulation to outside walls that contain pipes. Exterior walls can get much colder than inside walls. If you have plumbing in outside walls, you may want to add an extra layer of insulation to ensure that your pipes are protected. If you see moisture or mold on the interior wall surface, surface cracks or nail pops, or your walls feel cool to the touch, consider reinsulating to add protection.

Home Inspection Headquarters: Water comes from 2 areas, outside or inside. Efficient lot drainage and water removal systems at the exterior of your home is the best way to keep outside water out. Then you want to protect your interior pipes and get your plumbing system evaluated every year by a professional. Do these things and you’re doing it right!

Reliable Basement Services: There is no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach to waterproofing and flood prevention. The more information and history you can give a professional waterproofing contractor, the better they should be able to design a complete system for your unique home. Everything – gutters, yard drainage, drain tile systems, sump pumps, catch basins, etc. – should be considered. Do not buy into gimmicks and quick-fixes; all waterproofing and flood prevention is a VERY important long-term investment in your home.

Flood Pros: Keeping water far away from the house is the best advice we can give. Shut off water when you leave the house more than a day, check and test your sump pumps annually ensuring that the drainage pipe is not frozen or clogged, USE downspout extensions – they work great!

Integrity Restoration: Water damage is a progressive condition. While there is almost no mold problem we can’t later resolve, the best mold problem is none at all. If you act within the first 48 hours of materials becoming wet, mold can almost always be prevented by professional assessment and mechanical structural drying (meaning dehumidification, air movement and air filtration for your protection). My best advice is to call a reputable certified professional as soon as you realize that water damage has occurred.

Common Sense Inspections: Proper Drying is Important: What is most important is how fast and how well the flooded areas are dried. If there was a fire you would not let it put itself out. With moisture you must not let it dry itself out. Many times a person will think that moisture was removed, when in fact enough moisture was left behind to allow mold to start growing. If a minor amount of moisture is lingering inside the wall cavities, behind the baseboards, in the carpet, or under the carpet padding it will likely be weeks before it all dries up, by that time the mold starts forming as visible sports on your walls. Many mold remediators and carpet cleaning companies will focus efforts on drying the room that flooded and neglect nearby rooms where water flowed hidden inside wall cavities and under carpet or even tile.

Sacramento Home Inspections: A quick online search will show a wide array of enterprising flood prevention techniques and equipment in action, but the reality is most people are not so proactive or enterprising when it comes to flood prevention. This is one of the reasons why U.S. homeowners who have a mortgage and who live in a “special flood hazard area,” are required to buy flood insurance; whereas if the property is in a moderate-to-low-risk area federal law does not require flood insurance. It is highly recommended, however, because historically about one-in-four flood claims come from these ‘moderate-to-low-risk’ areas. That is worth thinking about, especially when considering the devastating impact a flood will have on a residential building and therefore one’s bank account.

Yellow Hat Inspections: Shingles, Tiles, and Openings are Paths to Intrusion over Time, (STOPIT). We need to stop water intrusion before it becomes a flood! Over time, a small leak can do as much damage as a catastrophic flood so remember STOPIT! Shingles, Tiles, and Openings are Paths to Intrusion over Time, (STOPIT) and we need to stop it before it starts! Water is a devious opponent. We need it but in the right place. Water intrusion through roof shingles or tiles can create paths into our homes. The invasion is often only visible some distance from where it started. You might have a musty smell or a small stain on a wall or ceiling which may indicate a significant problem. You need to pay attention to these little clues!

Craftsman Home Inspections: Floods aren’t always due to actual flooding from Mother Nature or weather. Many home floods come from very preventable sources. At Craftsman Home Inspections LLC in Colorado, we suggest being proactive by self inspecting your water heater on a regular basis – at least every 3 months. Simply look for signs of rust, water-related damage or active leaks, even very slow ones. Look at the TPR valve, and follow the discharge tube. If the discharge tube is warm towards the bottom and it’s wet at the end of the tube/pipe then you should have the TPR valve and water heater serviced by a professional plumber. If rusting is present on the exterior of the water heater, then you should have it serviced to prevent a future leak and the inevitable water damage. Many floods in-home begin at the water heater.

Another way that a homeowner can be proactive in preventing water-related damage is to have a certified or licensed home inspector perform a sewer inspection before you purchase your home. In a professional sewer inspection, the inspector will be able to locate root intrusion (blockage), low spots, or damage and suggest repairs. This can be a big help to protect the home from future backups and flooding. This also allows you to negotiate repairs before you own the home. A professional Home Inspector will also look for signs of past flooding in basements or crawlspaces like stains on base trim or drywall repairs low on the walls.

Armchair Builder: Probably the best way to avoid major flood damage is to detect the water prior to the damage occurring. A simple, ten dollar water alarm placed near the basement sump crock will alert owners with a high pitched sound when water breaches the top of the sump crock and reaches the floor. So if the sump pump stops working or is overwhelmed by large amounts of groundwater, the alarm will notify the occupants that action must be taken immediately to avoid damage to furnaces, water heaters, and owner possessions. And probably the best part about these water alarms…there is absolutely no effort required for installation. Just put the battery in and set the unit on the floor.

Signet Home Inspections: When inspecting a house for potential homebuyers, unless there is an access panel (and there usually is not), most home inspectors will not fill a bathtub to check the overflow for leaks due to it being hidden from view and the possible damage it may cause should it leak. Because of this unseen flooding potential, it may be prudent for the homebuyer to have the seller confirm serviceability by either filling the tub to the overflow level to be sure it does not leak (which can cause damage if it does) or calling a professional plumber to remove and inspect the overflow tube and its rubber gasket which can begin to deteriorate after approximately 10 years. Of course, if you already own the home, the same precaution applies to you the owner.

Timberline Inspections: Central Alabama is always prone to flooding issues regardless of whether the structure rests in a flood zone since we see an average of 54 inches of rain annually, so we have had our share of experience with it. The absolute first thing that needs to be done is the exterior drainage controlled and the source of the moisture eliminated. Even with excess rains, this can typically be solved using a combination of gutters, swales, and landscaping. Every 1000sqf of roof space with 1 inch of rainfall deposits an estimated 600 gallons of water directly next to your home and foundation. Before any repairs start you need to dry the interior once the water is controlled to ensure mold does not set in. Fungal growth will typically start in less than 48 hours so dehumidifiers and air movement are absolutely essential.

Radon Test Before Basement Remodel

It’s time to work on your basement finally. You have a plenty of ideas for what you may want your basement to end up being. It could mean you want an extra bedroom or a comfortable lounging area. You could also make it into a man cave for yourself. The most important thing to do before starting the project is testing for radon.

radon testing for basement remodelImportance of a Radon Test

Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that happens naturally in some homes. It has radioactive properties that are a health hazard to people and can cause cancer if exposed to it over time. Some areas in the country produce more of this gas than others, so it’s important to test for this.

Radon usually seeps through cracks and gaps in the home, whether that’s in solid floors, walls, service pipes, water supply, etc. In the basement, an uncovered sump pump can release this gas into your home.

Radon can be found in the soil underneath the home. This is how it can seep into cracks in the home. When the radon decays, the radiation is released from the gas, which can cause a plethora of health issues over a long period of time.

Here are some health hazards:

  • Radioactive particles can get trapped in lungs
  • Long-term health issues (cancer)
  • Smoking and radon = higher risk for lung cancer

First Choice Inspectors specialize in home inspection services including radon inspection for your home. If you’re looking to remodel your basement and turn it into a place to hangout with the family, it’s vital for your family’s safety and health to get a radon test done.

First Choice Inspectors

We take pride in our home inspection services for the Chicago area. Our inspectors have been trained and certifies to check your home for many issues, from structural to mechanical, and environmental concerns. Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today to get a quote on a radon test before you turn your basement into the lounge room you’ve always dreamed of having.

Why It’s Important You Clean Out Your Gutters

Some homeowners don’t realize how important it is to clean out gutters when they get clogged after the fall season with leaves and other debris. It’s extremely important if you don’t want any damage to your house to happen.

If gutters are clogged from debris built up in the fall season, serious problems can happen to your home if not taken care of properly.

Clogged guttersDamages to Your House

Gutter build-up can lead to many different problems including:

  • Roof Damage – if debris is built up in the gutters, water won’t be able to flow as easily away from the house and roof. The excessive water needs to be drained out somewhere, which means if it stays, then it can cause roof damage and water leaks in your home.
  • Broken Gutters and Fascia Damage – gutters clogged with wet leaves, sticks, and other debris can get very heavy after time. The gutters will then break away from the fascia causing more damage to the house and roof.
  • Leaks – clogged gutters can cause roof leaks if they aren’t cleaned out. The standing water will, over time, cause rotting in the roof, which then can cause water leaks inside the house and other damages to occur including mold and mildew build-up in the home.

What should you do to prevent these problems to your home?

The simple solution is to clean out your gutters after a wet, fall season. This will only help you save time and money in the future to your home.

If you suspect damages to your home, it also may be a good idea to get a home inspection done. You may be experiencing problems, but you’re not sure exactly what is causing them.

At First Choice Inspectors, we have the right services to help you identify and solve problems or concerns you have with your home. Contact First Choice Inspectors at 773-429-9711 today, and we can help you get to the bottom of the problem.

What Is Knob and Tube Wiring and Why Is it a Safety Hazard?

Knob and Tube WiringIf you’re thinking about buying an older home, be sure to keep an eye out for knob and tube wiring. This outdated style of wiring, commonly used in homes built between 1880 and 1950, is considered obsolete and may constitute a safety hazard. Here’s what you need to know:

How Does It Work?

Knob and tube wiring utilizes copper conductors that are protected and insulated by porcelain tubes. Along their length, the tubes are supported by porcelain knobs that are nailed to nearby studs and joists. When the wires enter a wall or switch, they are protected by a “loom.” The loom is made of flexible cloth or rubber insulation. Note that knob and tube wiring cannot support three-pronged appliances because it lacks a ground wire.

Is It Dangerous?

Knob and tube wiring is not inherently unsafe. Rather, it can become hazardous due to age, improper modifications and situations where building insulation envelops its wires. Because it has no grounding conductor, knob and tube wiring is also more vulnerable to fires than modern electrical wiring.

Is It Legal?

While knob and tube wiring is not permitted in any new construction, there is no safety code that mandates its complete removal.

Should You Have It Removed

Ultimately, this may depend on your budget. It’s expensive to completely rewire a house, but damaged or improperly modified knob and tube wiring is a serious fire hazard. It’s always best to have a professional electrician evaluate the situation.

A thorough home inspection can help uncover knob and tube wiring, along with other issues that affect older homes, such as faulty insulation, foundation issues and more. If you’re in the Chicago area, call First Choice Inspectors at (773) 429-9711 to get your free quote today.

Keep an Eye Out for Drum Traps in Old Homes

Trap ReplacementIf you’re in the market for an older home, it’s important to look for outdated plumbing and electrical components that might need to be replaced with more modern alternatives. A drum trap, for example, is an obsolete style of plumbing trap that can be found in many old homes. These traps are prone to clogging, and they even constitute code violations in some areas. Fortunately, drum traps are typically easy to spot.

What do drum traps look like?

Look for a reservoir shaped like a coffee can that’s located in the floor alongside a tub, mounted in a closet or hidden behind an access panel. If the drum trap is in the floor, you might be able to see a circular metal cover flush with the floor. You may be able to find drum traps suspended under the flooring in a home’s basement as well.

Why were they used?

Drum traps were designed to capture debris and prevent sewer gas from entering the home. In theory, homeowner would regularly open the trap and clean it to avoid clogging; however, this rarely happened in practice. Try to clean the drum trap now, and you may find that the cover has corroded and can’t be easily removed.

What problems are they associated with?

Clogging is a major issue. Clogs are especially difficult to address with a snake, since water flows into the trap at one level and out at another. Moreover, the metal reservoir can rot out, causing the trap to leak.

What should you do?

The best option is to have drum traps replaced with a more modern design, such as a P-trap. This is an easy and inexpensive fix that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

A thorough home inspection can help uncover drum traps, along with other issues that are common in older homes, such as foundation problems, insulation gaps and more. If you’re in the Chicago area, call First Choice Inspectors at (773) 429-9711 to get your free quote today.

These Improvements Can Boost Your Home’s Resale Value

Painting a WindowThinking about selling your home? Some home improvements offer a better ROI than others when it comes time to put your home on the market. Today we’ll consider a few renovations that can significantly improve your home’s resale value.

Make a Good First Impression

When it comes to job interviews, first dates and home sales, first impressions matter. Refreshing your landscaping and adding a fresh coat of paint to your home can go a long way toward increasing its resale value and making it easier to sell in a competitive market. According to one study conducted in 2016, a complete landscaping upgrade can offer an estimated 105 percent return on investment.

Give Your Siding a Facelift

If you currently have dated vinyl siding, consider replacing it with modern fiber cement siding. Not only will your home look more attractive in realtors’ photos, it will also be better-protected against harsh weather conditions.

Update the Kitchen and Bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom improvements are perennially effective ways to increase resale value. Don’t have the budget for a complete redo? Replace worn tile or outdated fixtures to give these high-traffic rooms a cost-effective makeover.

Replace Your Windows

Energy-efficient tinted or double-paned windows can increase your home’s resale value and reduce your energy bills during the summer and winter.

Add a Deck

Buyers will imagine themselves relaxing with a cold drink in the summertime—and pay thousands more for your home.

When you’re ready to start house hunting, you can count on First Choice Inspectors to give you an honest, thorough home inspection so you can get the best possible deal at the negotiating table. To learn more, feel free to give us a call at (773) 429-9711 today!

Invest in a Chimney Sweep Now to Prevent Fires Next Winter

Chimney Sweep It may seem far off now, but when winter rolls around again you’ll look forward to the cheer and warmth of a roaring fire in your living room. However, if you don’t maintain your chimney during the warmer months, it can constitute a serious fire hazard.

Our advice? Invest in a chimney sweep now to prevent fires next winter.

What’s dangerous about an unswept chimney? One word: creosote. When you burn wood in your fireplace, the smoke travels up the chimney where it cools and forms condensation. As that condensation hardens, it leaves an oily residue called creosote.

The problem with creosote is that it’s highly flammable. If you don’t have it removed periodically, it can accumulate and create a major fire risk. A mere eighth of an inch of creosote can quickly catch fire. Any stray spark or ember from the fireplace can ignite the creosote, posing grave danger to your health and property.

The solution to creosote accumulation is to schedule an annual chimney sweeping and inspection.

A professional chimney sweep can get rid of any hazardous creosote accumulation and ensure that your chimney and fireplace are safe to use again next winter. Don’t wait until it gets chilly again—the best time to book your sweeping and inspection is during the warmer months, when your chimney is not in use.

Still have some lingering concerns about the safety of your home and its chimney? Feel free to give the team at First Choice Inspectors a call to get your free inspection quote today!