Why Get a Pre-Purchase Home Inspection

What are property inspectors?
Property inspectors are people who have a look at your property, evaluate the highs and the lows of it and also highlight areas that need development, give you a cost estimate and get all the information they've gathered in a paper called a pre-purchase property inspection report. Aside from going quite deep into what should be done with the property in the future, the report can help to market the property properly. There will be many little things that you won't notice by inspecting the property by yourself, unless you're a home expert... which you probably aren't.

Possible problems with property reports.
Things that aren't included in a pre-purchase property report are:

·         Reports of places that weren't or couldn't be inspected (that can happen in very few cases like having a waterfall or caves in your property).

·         Termite inspection (be careful with this one, especially if the property is located in the south states); estimated repair costs.

·         Things like chimneys and fireplaces, alarms and electric wiring. Be sure to check those out by yourself, or else you can be severely disappointed when purchasing the property. Furthermore, some of the specifics of a property can be left unchecked because of the weather (like leaks and rising damp). Some minor defects can be checked by property inspectors for additional fees - ask the inspectors for details. The Inspections are usually done in up to three days.

Vendors use inspection reports for advertising to potential buyers, but the reports have virtually no value since an independent report is what matters to the customer, and any report from the seller can be written off as biased. So a property inspection is usually done because a client requested it, not a buyer.

Overall.
Pre-purchase property inspection reports are a great way of saving time... and money. Basically, Pre-purchase inspections are a service that acts like insurance against:

·         Bad property pricing.

·         Possible dangerous conditions in properties that have a lot of land on them.

·         Properties with defects (e.g. house with a broken plumbing system).

They are most certainly vital if you plan on investing A LOT of money in a single property. Remember that they don't act as a lawful document and you cannot complain if there are some misunderstandings or unstated things in the report. That's why it is crucial to choose a reputable inspection company (or an individual) to do your property inspection.

A pre purchase property inspection gives the buyer of a house peace of mind. The purpose of any property inspections are to establish any structural faults of possible future problems

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

What Do Home Inspector Look For When Doing a Roof Inspection

A vital component of a complete home inspection is the inspection of the current roof. From the outside of the home, on a peaked shaped roof, your home inspector will be able to make a visual inspection from the ground. To get a closer look he or she may use binoculars. Every home inspection company is different, some may or may not climb a ladder and walk up on your roof for safety reasons. From the inside of the home, if possible through the attic or opened crawlspaces, an additional look may be taken which is as important as the exterior inspection. 

From the outside the focus will be on the following things:

1.	The covering of the roof: Are there broken pieces, is there bubbling? The home inspector will try to gauge the age of the roof and can let you know the roof material and design..
2.	Items penetrating the roof: Your inspector will inspect the exterior skylights, vents, exterior of the chimney and anything else coming from the roof along with their flashings.
3.	Roof framing: The outside frame of the roof will be checked for rotting, deflection, etc.
4.	Drainage: At the time of the roof inspection, the gutters and downspouts or drainage system is typically checked to.make sure water drains properly off the roof.
5.	Obstructions: Your roof will be checked to make sure tree branches and leaves are not touching the surface along with other obstructions that may decrease the lifespan of the roof.

From the inside the inspection will focus on:

1.	The Decking: Signs of rot, holes, breaks, and leaks.
2.	Items Penetrating Outward: The area around vents and other items penetrating out are checked for signs of leaks..
3.	Inside Framing: The inside framing is checked for signs of rot, breaks, etc.

Those are the basics that make up the inspection of your roof. Your home inspector will provide you with a summary of this aspect of the complete home inspection process and can help make recommendations if needed. 

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Why Should I Get a Home Inspection

Pre-Purchase

Buying a home is the single most expensive purchase most of us will ever make. For a few hundred dollars you can use the services of a home inspector to get a much better idea of the homes physical condition than you would otherwise have known. Most states require that the purchase and sales agreement have a clause allowing you the right to have the home inspected to your satisfaction or get a full refund of your deposit. Exercising this right is definitely in your best interest. Large and costly problems may be brought to your attention before you buy the home, leaving you in a position to renegotiate the terms of the sale or just walk away from the deal. You may prefer to have the seller make repairs, or you may negotiate a price cut. The choice is yours. You will be in a far more difficult position if problems are discovered after the deal is closed. Just remember: Buyer beware. If the time allowed for the home inspection is unrealistic then insist on having it extended -- three weeks should be enough. Allow time for possible lab results.

Pre-Sale

Before you put your house on the market, you may want to seriously consider the benefits of having it inspected. Without a doubt, this is the best time for a home inspection for all involved. All too often, a home inspection is performed as a final contingency of a sale with little time to absorb its impact. Any reported deficiencies at this time of high emotional stress can easily be blown out of proportion causing an over reaction and possibly the death of the deal. People are far more receptive to such deficiencies when they are disclosed to them up front, perhaps while they are viewing the home for the first time. The additional benefits to a seller are fewer renegotiations, less surprises, a better selling price, less likely litigation for improper disclosure and an increased chance that a deal will close. Having a pre-sale inspection given to a buyer does not remove the buyer's responsibility to perform their own due diligence and have their own inspection of the property.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Should New Homes Be Inspected

Often a client will call and ask me why they should spend the money on a home inspection for a newly built home. After all, shouldn’t a brand new home be perfect? I have two words for those clients: Construction Oversight.

Construction oversights are when in the process of building a home the installation of components or systems are inadvertently left out. A quality home inspection will find construction oversights and then the contractor can take care of them before the close of the real estate transaction. About 20% of the homes I inspect are new construction and about 90% of those homes have a few oversights.

Common oversights that I find include incomplete electrical systems, incomplete plumbing, gutters that are incorrectly installed, missing roofing components, fireplaces that are incomplete and many others. The reasons construction oversights occur vary from inadvertent omissions to just plain bad construction practices. The building of a new home is a complex choreography of many subcontractors. Each subcontractor is dependent on everyone doing their jobs in a given time frame. When there are delays the scheduling of the subcontractors quickly becomes a nightmare. Subcontractors may be working on many homes at one time and without careful coordination inadvertent oversights occur. An experienced home inspector will find these problems and help reduce the headaches of the buyer before they purchase the home.

In addition to my regular home inspection practice, I inspect new homes for mortgage companies during the construction process. This type of inspection is called a phase inspection. The mortgage company depends on my inspection before they release funds to the contractor for further construction. An inspector who completes phase inspections will have the experience to find construction oversights in the completed home. For clients who are purchasing a custom built home it is wise to hire an inspector to act as their advocate to make sure the quality of construction is the best possible. Home inspectors who participate in the construction process help prevent costly mistakes for the home owner.

The home inspector also helps you understand your new home and its systems. I like to show the new home owner where to reset circuit breakers for various systems like the garage or outdoor electrical outlets. I inform the new home owner on what to expect in the first year. For example, it is typical to have a few nail pops here and there as the home settles. I point out areas of the yard where settling may occur and how to prevent drainage issues that may result in a wet basement. The builder also may offer a home warranty and I set a date to remind the new home owner when their warranty is about to expire. I would not count on the builder to remind you when your warranty is about to expire, some builders are counting on a short memory. I offer the service of doing a follow up inspection to find specific issues that the builder should address when servicing the home warranty before it expires. In many cases I uncover warranty issues which cost more to resolve than the cost of the follow up inspection and I like to save my clients money.

Hiring an experienced home inspector to complete a diligent inspection of your newly constructed home is a wise decision. Be informed about your new home and make a successful transition. A home inspector who works for your best interests will find those oversights that may affect your pocket book and your family’s safety.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Aluminum Shake Shingles

Aluminum, imitation cedar panels are 4 feet long by 12 inches wide,

and are packed in cartons (25 pieces per carton) that cover one square

(100 ft.) . Each panel is fastened down with three nails, and in areas

where high winds are prevalent, four screw shank nails that penetrate

to a minimum of 11/2 inches into the roof sheathing are recommended.

The nailing is done along the nailing flange of the panel.

Before the aluminum panels are applied, a new or recovered roof

should be covered with a number 30 felt.

The shake panel is installed from left to right, beginning at the lower

Left hand comer of each area to be covered. Begin with any size panel

that has a factory formed right end. Lock the first panel into the starter

strip, making sure it is completely seated and fitted into the cap or

channel on the left side. Secure each panel with three equally spaced

screw shank nails, driven into solid sheathing. Nail the left end of panel

first, then the right end, and then the middle.

For more information about Aluminum Shake Shingles or home inspection

issues please contact Home Inspection Carolina at http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Charlotte Home Inspector Finds Coat Hanger Used For Pipe Support

While performing a home inspction in Charlotte, NC, I found a coat hanger being used as a drain line support. Coat hangers have many uses but this isn't one of them.
Http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com
Http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com
Http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com
Preston Sandlin
Home Inspection Carolina
704-542-6575

Home Inspection Carolina Is Using Infrared Cameras

Home Inspection Carolina has recently added infreared scanning to there services. In this videa Preston Sandlin demonstrates how this camera works. It allows you to see things that are invisible to the naked eye. Home Inspection Carolina has added infrared imaging and scanning to there home inspection services. Infrared sees heat and thus allows you to see things that aren't visible to the naked eye. When you do an infrared scan you looking for anomalies in temperature. When the anomalies are found it usually means there is a moisture leak or missing insulation, an electrical or duct problem. The infrared camera allows the Charlotte home inspector to literally see through walls. For more information on infrared scanning or home inspections cantact Home Inspection Carolina at http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

Preston Sandlin
http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com

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Invisible Leak Found on a Charlotte Home Inspection with Infrared

A plumbing leak was recently found in a masterbedroom from a infrared scan the Home Inspection Carolina did. Home Inspection Carolina has added infrared imaging and scanning to there home inspection services. Infrared sees heat and thus allows you to see things that aren't visible to the naked eye. When you do an infrared scan you looking for anomalies in temperature. When the anomalies are found it usually means there is a moisture leak or missing insulation, an electrical or duct problem. The infrared camera allows the Charlotte home inspector to literally see through walls. For more information on infrared scanning or home inspections cantact Home Inspection Carolina at http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

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Infrared Camera Lets Charlotte Home Inspector See Through Walls

Roof Leak Found on Charlotte Home Inspection Using Infrared Scanning

Charlotte Home Inspection Company Supports Breast Cancer Research

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Home Inspection Carolina in Charlotte NC inspectors will be wearing pink for the month of October.  We will also be giving 25 % of our net for that month to Breast Cancer Research.  You have no idea how hard it was to get these "good ole boys" to wear pink.

 What is breast cancer?

Collections of cells that are growing abnormally or without control are called tumors. Tumors that do not have the ability to spread throughout the body may be referred to as "benign" and are not thought of as cancerous. Tumors that have the ability to grow into other tissues or spread to distant parts of the body are referred to as "malignant." Malignant tumors within the breast are called "breast cancer". Theoretically, any of the types of tissue in the breast can form a cancer, cancer cells are most likely to develop from either the ducts or the glands. These tumors may be referred to as "invasive ductal carcinoma" (cancer cells developing from ducts), or "invasive lobular carcinoma" (cancer cells developing from lobes).

Sometimes, precancerous cells may be found within breast tissue, and are referred to as ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS). DCIS and LCIS are diseases in which cancerous cells are present within breast tissue, but are not able to spread or invade other tissues. DCIS represents about 20% of all breast cancers. Because DCIS cells may become capable of invading breast tissue, treatment for DCIS is usually recommended. In contrast, treatment is usually not needed for LCIS.

Am I at risk for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women in North America and Europe. Close to 200,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2001. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women behind lung cancer. The lifetime risk of any particular woman getting breast cancer is about 1 in 8 although the lifetime risk of dying from breast cancer is much lower at 1 in 28. Men are also at risk for development of breast cancer, although this risk is much lower than it is for women.

The most important risk factor for development of breast cancer is increasing age. As any woman ages, her risk of breast cancer increases. Risk is also affected by the age when a woman begins menstruating (younger age may increase risk), and her age at her first pregnancy(older age may increase risk). Use of exogenous estrogens, sometimes in the form of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) may increase breast cancer risk, but use of oral contraceptives most likely does not increase risk. Family history is very important in determining breast cancer risk. Any woman with a family history of breast cancer will be at increased risk for developing breast cancer herself. Furthermore, known genetic mutations that increase risk of breast cancer are present in some families; these include mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Between 3% to 10% of breast cancers may be related to changes in one of the BRCA genes. Women can inherit these mutations from their parents.. Genetic testing for mutations should be considered for any woman with a strong family history of breast cancer, especially breast cancers in family members less than 50 years, or strong family history of prostate or ovarian cancer. If a woman is found to carry either mutation, she has a 50% chance of getting breast cancer before she is 70. Family members may elect to get tested to see if they carry the mutation as well. If a woman does have the mutation, she may choose to undergo more rigorous screening or even undergo preventive (prophylactic) mastectomies to decrease her chances of contracting cancer. The decision to undergo genetic testing is a highly personal one that should be discussed with a doctor who is trained in counseling patients about genetic testing. For more information on genetic testing, see Let the Patient Beware: Implications of Genetic Breast-Cancer Testing, Psychological Issues in Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer, and To Test or Not to Test? Genetic Counseling Is the Key.

Some factors associated with breast cancer risk can be controlled by a woman herself. Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), drinking more than 5 alcoholic drinks/ week, being overweight, and being inactive may all contribute to breast cancer risk. These are called modifiable risk factors.It is important to remember that even someone without any risk factors can still get breast cancer. Proper screening and early detection are our best weapons in reducing the mortality associated with this disease. For further information about breast cancer risk factors, see Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool,and Risk Factors and Breast Cancer

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

 

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Fall Home Maintenance Tips to make Your House Ready for Winter

As we see the fall season is coming with shorter days and falling leaves, it's time to get your home ready for the winter. Fall home care involves more than raking leaves and storing garden furniture/equipment. It requires attention to your roof and gutters, your foundation, faucets and windows, and even your ceiling fans.

Even though we are still enjoying nice weather and winter seems far away, now is a great time to begin preparing. If you do a bit at a time before winter hits the tasks are not at all overwhelming.

Long winter can be hard on some houses, so here are some tips to prepare your home for the increased cold and moisture.Some of things I already done for my house There are things that most homeowners don't even think of that can make a huge difference.

The following are some tips to make sure you're ready for the winter months, thses all tips not only good for house but also save you money on heating cost.

During the fall season, before the weather grows colder it's important to prepare for the winter months to help prevent costly damage later on. Below are fall preventative home maintenance tips that every homeowner should follow.

Here are things to do inside home:

1.    Air Vents-Make sure that your dryer and all other (intake, exhaust and forced air) fans vents are working

2.    Range hood filters-Check and clean range hood filters on a monthly basis

3.    Nightlights- Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs

4.    Heating Sytem:- Have a heating professional check your heating system (furnace) every year

5.    Pilot Light-Turn ON gas furnace pilot light.

6.    Humidifier-Clean humidifier, if one is used.

7.    Door locks- Check all window and door locks for proper operation

8.    Water leaks- Water leaks can happen anywhere in the house, but they occur most frequently in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms.

9.    .Frozen pipes-Insulate your water pipes with foam sleeve.This will save more money

10.  Fire escape Plan- Check your fire escape plan with your family.

11.  Showers and bathtubs - Discoloration or soft areas around floors and walls near showers or bathtubs may be your first indication there is a leak. Check caulking at joints where the walls meet the floor or the bathtub, looking for cracks or mold. If either is found, clean and remove loose material and apply new sealant. If the shower walls or floor are tiled, a leak may develop if there are cracks or missing areas of grout.

12.  Sinks - Check under the sink for signs of leaks from water supply lines or drainpipes.

13.  Toilets - Placing inappropriate objects or too much toilet paper in the bowl can accidentally clog toilets, especially low-flow toilets now required in homes. Hanging bowl deodorants are frequently the culprits. These objects can lodge deep in the plumbing system, and can block the line or create an obstruction that grease and other materials can cling to - eventually causing blockage. In addition, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode some of the internal components, eventually leading to a leak.

14.  Washing Machine - Inspect washing machine hoses regularly for wetness around hose ends and signs of bulging, cracking or fraying. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance program.

15.  Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order. They can literally save your life.

16.  Inside Caulking- Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom and kitchen fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

17.  Fans – Turn the fan off, clean and oil the motor, clean and dry the blades and reverse the air flow direction to push warm air down.)

18.  Furnace filter - Replace your furnace filter regularly to save your heating bill.

19.  Batteries-Replace batteries in smoke detectors and test the smoke alarms.

 

Here are things to do outside your home:

1.    Bird nests- Remove any bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures

2.    Weather-stripping– Even insulated windows and doors require additional reinforcement for winter. Weather-stripping reduces drafts and saves on heating bills.

3.    Caulking- If we caulk window and door casings that will keep out air and water. If the house has wood siding with window frames that stand out from the siding, caulk the top and sides of the frame. Don't caulk under the sill which space should be left open to allow moisture inside the wall to escape. If your house is brick or stone, with window frames that are set into the finish material, caulk all four edges of each frame - where the brick mould meets the masonry.

4.    Faucets – For those who do not have freeze-proof faucets, it is important to shut off the indoor water valve and make sure the outside faucet is completely drained. Also winterize your hoses.

5.    Air conditioning-Cover outside air conditioning units.

6.    Gutters – Ensure there are no leaves or other debris in your gutters in order to prevent overflow and leakage during heavy snow or rain. Consider purchasing gutter shields if your gutters frequently fill with debris

7.    Temperature sensitive material- Move all temperature sensitive material (water pipes etc) to warmer storage areas.

8.    Gas-powered lawn equipment- Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone

9.    Attic-Inspect attic for insulation and leak stains

10.  Chimney- - Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper

11.  Outside Paint- Check outdoor paint for peeling, cracking and coverage.

12.  Roofs- Check any missing, curling, cupping, broken or cracked shingles.Check if there is any deterioration around the flashing at chimneys, vents and other junctions

13.  Wood Siding-Repaint wood siding as needed

14.  Low Spots-Fill in any low spots around the house so water drains away from the foundation.Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into your basement

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

North Carolina Real Estate CE at Sea

Recently Superior School of Real Estate had their continuing education at sea in the Eastern Mediterranean.  Bill Gallagher usually has a CE at Sea every two years or so.  This cruise left from Venice  August 28, 2010 and returned to Venice on August 4^th, 2010.  Bill Gallagher taught the North Carolina Mandatory Update on the day at Sea; August 3^rd.  Bill as always did a great job and all the students learned a lot but the main attraction on the trip was the ports of Call.  The stops included Split, Croatia, Corfu Greece, Athens Greece, Mykonos Greece, Olympia and of course Venice.  I have been on three of Bill’s CE getaways and this one was the most fun.  Most of the students eat together and hung around together and great time was had by all.  I highly recommend taking Bill’s CE at Sea the next time he offers it.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

When Do You Need a Building Permit

You don't need a permit to finish this basement" it will only increase your property taxes. If you hear this from a contractor, dont walk....run away from him. He just dosn't want anybody checking up on his work and he might not even be liscensed and insured. After he is paid and gone you will now be responcible for this unpermitted work. Sadly I find unpermited addition or repairs all the time when I perform home inspections in Mooresville, Lake Norman and Charlotte NC. If you want to get the addition or repair permitted after the fact the inspector could require you to open up the walls.....all the walls. So when is a building permit required and when is it not required? Watch this video of Moorresville home inspector Preston Sandlin's kids explain when you need a building permit.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill, Mooresville, or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com . The have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin
Home Inspection Carolina
http://askthecharlotteinspector.com
http://charlottenchomeinspector.com

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Fox News Interviews a Charlotte Home Inspector

Recenty Morgan Fogarty of Fox News Charlotte interviewed Charlotte Home Inspector Preston Sandlin about an alrming trend. Some Charlotte Buyers are opting out of the cost for the inspection to save a little money. According to NACHI The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average repair cost for a home being bought is a little over $1600. The average inspection cost is $350-$400. Its a no brainer to get a home inspection. Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin says he had a house with $60,000 worth of damage. Morgan Fogarty says the only time you may not want to get an inspection is if your are buying a house from your parents. For more information about home inspection vist Preston's site http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com or http://www.charlottenchomeinspector.com

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Fall is the Best Time To Aerate and Seed Your Lawn

Has the long hot summer taken a toll on your yard. Has the fescue died and been replaced with clover, chickweed, crabgrass and bald spots? Do you want to get that fine manicured fescue lawn look back? If so then this video is for you. In this video Charlotte home inspector Preston Sandlin expains the steps to aerate and seed your lawn.

1. Mow the lawn as low as you can.

2. Rake the thatch

3. Spray round up on heavily weeded areas and let dry.

4. Aerate the lawn. Aerate areas where you srayed the round up extra heavy.

5. Seed the lawn with spreader.

6. Fertilize the lawn with starter fertilizer.

7. Lime your yard with spreader.

8. Water.

Follow these steps to aerating and seeding your yard and I promise you will have a lush beautiful green fescue lawn like I have here in Charlotte NC. The Fall is the best time to aerate an seed your lawn as fescue loves temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. If you aerate and seed in the Fall your lawn has the rest of the Fall and the Spring to mature for next Summer. Fescue goes dormant in the Winter. Fescue just has a hard time when it is 90 and above becausse it is a cool season grass. I hope this video helps you to have a beautiful manicured lawn.

If you need any information on aerating and seeding your lawn or home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina. They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit. We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience. Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin
http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com
http://www.askthecharlotteinspector.com
Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market

Not everyone who relocates has the luxury of doing it when school is out and the yard looks beautiful. If you're forced to sell your house and/or buy a new one outside peak season, you might have to work a little harder and think creatively.

Anyone who has bought or sold a home has heard the standard advice: Find a good agent, be aware of local home values, fix up the house you're selling and research school districts and crime rates where you're buying.

"It's all good advice, but it's not always enough," says Rich Novak, assistant vice president of Home Solutions, with USAA, a full-service financial services provider serving military personnel and their families. "Families who need to move quickly during a tough real estate market may need to go the extra mile to close a sale."

Keep these five themes in mind from the moment you start planning your next move:

1. Dig deeper: You probably already know to use neighboring home values as a comparison point for selling or buying. But in today's market, some additional homework can pay off. If you need to sell quickly, for example, keep a close eye on what other houses are selling for in your neighborhood and stay ahead of the market by pricing yours lower. In the wake of the bursting real estate bubble, it's also important to have a heightened awareness of foreclosures, both where you're selling and buying. As unfair as it seems, any foreclosures on your street can put a dent in your home's market value. And if foreclosures are still prevalent in the neighborhood you're moving to, it could be a warning sign that values could continue to drop after you buy.

2. Be involved: Just because you're working with a realtor doesn't mean you can't do some of your own legwork.

"The first 10 days on the market are the most critical to selling a home because new listings tend to get the most attention from buyers," says Brenda Wall, relocation director with ERA Colonial Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas. "Anything a seller can do to get their home ready to sell before putting it on the market would be helpful, including de-cluttering, cleaning, painting if needed and making the home look spacious and bright."

The Internet and social media have opened limitless new strategies to sell your home and find your next one. Try Craigslist, Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube. And don't be shy, say real estate agents. When you're selling, post pictures that show your home at its best and upload a narrated video tour - because that's what you'd want to see as a buyer. At some real estate agencies, a video tour is becoming the new requirement for sellers.

3. Accept a helping hand: Take advantage of a wide range of services, beyond your local realtor's, that could help you streamline the buying and selling process. Some cost money, such as home "staging" services that can help whip your house into selling shape. Others are free, such as relocation benefits offered by some employers, or the military's Homeowners Assistance Program. One free service actually helps you while you are out and about looking for a place to live. For example, Home Circle from USAA provides free home search services on the Web and through an iPhone app that gives you access to the same comprehensive listing information real estate agents use, driving directions to the homes you've searched and organization of pictures taken to help you keep track of all the homes you've seen. Chances are you qualify for some type of assistance through an employer, the government, or an association you belong to - you just have to ask.

4. Get creative: Sometimes it takes out-of-the-box ideas to seal a deal. If you know that a potential buyer is wavering on whether to make an offer on your house, buck convention by making a "reverse offer," where you try to win the sale with an attractive price. Sellers might also sweeten the pot with extra incentives. Money toward closing costs or prepaid homeowner's dues are common buyer incentives, but why not set yourself apart by offering a free trip to a beach resort?

If you're the one buying but can't find the perfect house, ask your agent to look up houses that were recently taken off the market. You might be able to request a "one-time showing" and get a bargain price on a house the owners thought they couldn't sell.

5. Remain flexible: According to the experts, buyers and sellers should keep their pride in check and be willing to make some concessions, especially in a tough market. That means not haggling over minor repairs or refusing to leave behind the chandelier your potential buyer loves. Factor in the cost of keeping up your home for several more months versus just accepting a lower selling price today.

"Always think in terms of the bigger picture. Don't lose a deal over $500," says Jodi Van Wagner, a Coldwell Banker agent in the Pensacola, Fla., area.

Even in the most sluggish real estate market, an early start and an open mind are two of the best strategies to make your next move go smoothly.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

How To Do a Lead Safe Renovation

Renovating your home can be daunting. The last thing you want to worry about is the possible lead-related health risk of some common renovation tasks. Sanding, demolition and siding and window replacement can all disturb lead-based paint, placing you and your family at risk of lead poisoning.

Because of these risks, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program to help protect homeowners. As of April 22, the legislation requires that workers, including contractors, painters and maintenance personnel, be trained to use lead-safe work practices. Additionally, renovation firms must be EPA-certified.

Because these common remodeling practices can be dangerous to a family's health, it's important for you to learn about a contractor's lead-safe practices before delving into such projects.

"While this legislation does not directly apply to product manufacturers, it has proved to be a challenge for the industry as a whole," says Rich Black, a replacement channel specialist with Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of home remodeling and building products. "So manufacturers like Ply Gem have taken a lead on this initiative and are working with customers to organize EPA certification-training programs so that they, in turn, can provide clarification and peace of mind to homeowners."

What does the legislation entail?

Under the EPA, the legislation:
* Applies to all remodeling/renovation projects on homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978 that contain lead paint.
* Is related to on-site work practices.
* Renovation workers must take an eight-hour training course to become certified on lead-safe practices.

Exemptions include:
* Housing built in 1978 or after. If you are not sure what year your home was built and whether or not it contains lead-based paint, it is the contractor's responsibility to confirm that information.
* Housing for the elderly or disabled, unless a child under the age of 6 lives or is planning to live in the home.
* Homes with no bedrooms, including studio apartments and dormitories.
* Homes declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.
* Minor repair work using 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less of exterior space.

Questions all homeowners should ask

When meeting with a home improvement company or renovation firm, the representative should bring up the issue and provide a government-issued certificate from the EPA showing that their firm has installers who are certified in lead-safe renovation practices. If they do not provide this documentation, homeowners should question if the company is certified.

Also, beware that this legislation may increase the cost of some renovation projects, so homeowners should be careful not to fall for a lower bid from a non-certified contractor.

What the EPA-certification entails

"Before hiring a contractor or renovation firm, it's important to understand the basics of the legislation and what you should expect from your home improvement company," says Keith Pigues, chief marketing officer of Ply Gem.

By law, at least one certified installer needs to be on the job site, with a valid certificate, if it was built before 1978 and contains lead-based paint. To become certified, the contractor must attend an eight-hour course that includes education on the dangers of lead-based paint, hands-on learning of safe demolition, installation and disposal of the debris, as well as a final examination. Those who have taken the course can then provide on-the-job training to his or her helpers, who must also be able to provide a certificate to the homeowner.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

Cheap Fall Fix Ups

The ebbing sun and dropping mercury in the garden thermometer signal the end of summer. The shorter, cooler days also mean you might be coming back inside from the great outdoors to discover your home could use a little pizazz. After all, you spent the past few months soaking up the rays while you worked and played in your yard rather than inside the house.

It takes only a few quick fixes, combined with some creativity and elbow grease, to transform the rooms where you spend most of your time. In a weekend or less, you can make your home go from stale to striking for the fall season ahead.

As you look around the house, ask yourself this, "If I could fix only one thing in each room, what would that be?" These answers are your quick fixes. Not all home decorating ideas require a great deal of time or money but can transform a tired-looking room into something truly eye-catching.

"Sometimes all it takes is one or two small changes to completely transform a space," says Christopher Prebel of Pratt & Lambert Paints. "You'd be surprised how even the tiniest updates really make a difference."

Study your foyer, for starters. It's the first thing guests see when they enter your home. What can you do to make it more inviting? Maybe it needs a little more color. Add a colorful rug to the entry way and maybe a floral arrangement to the console by the front door. Or maybe less clutter? A small storage bench can reduce clutter - shoes, school bags and sports equipment - to a minimum and add a clean, inviting look to this first-impression space.

If your house is like any other, the kitchen likely is the other main gathering place for both family and visiting friends. These high-traffic areas usually can use fresh paint more frequently than other rooms. While high-quality paints might cost more upfront, you'll get a solid return on your investment because using a high-quality paint extends the time between repaints and keeps your room looking its best as long as possible.

An excellent choice for your home's most well-loved room is Pratt & Lambert. In 2010, Pratt & Lambert was named the interior paint Award Recipient by J.D. Power and Associates, ranking "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Interior Paints in the U.S."

Paint companies have teamed up with your favorite local paint dealers to make color selection nearly effortless. Most dealers now offer hundreds of color strips in sophisticated displays and some even offer actual paint samples - 2-ounce containers of paint tinted in popular colors so you can take it home and try it without the long-term commitment of buying a gallon or more.

Next, what about your living room? Is it too austere? Does it sit unused? While it might be out of your budget to change the furniture, you can warm it up and make it a space where people want to sit and visit by getting rid of those formal, outdated window treatments. Dress windows with light blinds or sheer curtains that provide privacy but allow light to filter through. You might also want to rearrange the furniture into a grouping that's less formal and more inviting.

Chances are, you and your family think your family room is pretty great, but even your favorite lounging space always can use a little upgrading to keep it modern, fun and welcoming. One easy change for this often-used space is new throw pillows. Add a splash of fresh color to the familiar simply by swapping out pillows on couches and chairs or adding a nook of colorful floor pillows for family members who prefer to sprawl on the floor to watch TV and play video games. Or, if you feel your sofa looks tired and worn out, maybe you'd rather invest in a new slipcover to bring a fresh look to the room and transform your old sofa into something new and special. New lamps also can update a room almost instantaneously.

When you're doing your fall upgrades, don't forget the bathroom. For a small investment, you can transform the space with some fresh paint and a new faucet. If you're looking for an even bigger change, you can accessorize it further with a mirror in a finish that matches the faucet, as well as coordinating robe hooks and towel bars.

"Putting a fresh spin on any home's decor doesn't always mean you have to think big," Prebel says. "Small changes can easily transform a space from boring to beautiful in less than a weekend, even on the tightest of budgets."

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector

What is the Big Deal With Polybutylene Piping

I have seen a lot of polybutylene piping in my 15 years of performing home inspections in Charlotte North Carolina.   Polybutylene piping is a grey piping that was used primarily in the 80’s and up to the mid 90’s.  It is a form of plastic pipe that was used to replace the more expensive copper piping used previously.  There were two basic problems with polybutylene.  The first was the first generation polybutylene piping that had polybutylene fitting and elbows. This pipe is the type you see on the right in the picture.   Well these fittings and elbows would fail under pressure and this is a supply line and you can just imagine the results.  Well they fixed that problem by adding copper fittings and elbows.  These pipes were much better.  The problem now was the pipes becoming bridle if the water was chlorinated like it is in most municipalities.  The chlorine would make the pipes bridle and they would fail.  There are some other problems associated with polybutylene too.  An example is that they can’t be exposed to sunlight very long.  A lot of the piping rode in the back of the truck in direct sunlight on its way to being installed.  This too would contribute to the pipes failing.  For more information on polybutylene pipes go to http://www.homeinspectioncarolina.com.

If you need home inspection information or you are in need of a great home inspector in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill or Rock Hill areas contact Home Inspection Carolina.  They have performed over 23,432 home inspection and will not let you buy the money pit.  We have over 100 years of combined home inspection and construction experience.  Please give us a call (704) 542-6575

Preston Sandlin

Home Inspection Carolina

Ask the Charlotte Inspector