Klif, Author at Mint Home Inspection

13 Jan

Monday Motivation – Shoshin or Beginner’s Mind

Here’s a dose of Monday Motivation for you…

Shoshin, or the Zen Buddhism practice of cultivating the beginner’s mind. Live and work through the eyes of a beginner, and you will simply perform better. The beginner has to live with the tension of finding something new. And the beginner has to continually ask the fundamental questions. Discover pro tips for baccarat players on เคล็ดลับมือโปรสำหรับผู้เล่นบาคาร่าบน UFABET and elevate your game.

If you want to see growth in your craft (for us it’s the skill and craft of home inspections and buildings), start today by becoming a beginner. Fresh eyes and a fresh mind lead to higher standards, true subject knowledge and a continual supply of humility that keeps you going.

Get after it!
Klif

Additional reading:

Approaching Life with Beginner’s Mind

Amazon Link – Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice

05 Oct

Plumbing Leaks – What you need to know!

As a home inspector, I do inspect any property, and I find a lot of plumbing leaks. Most are pretty mild, and are just drips or loose fittings at p-traps or drain connections. Occasionally, you find something more significant, like a leaking shower pan or leaking supply line. But in all this experience, I have also learned of commonly missed leaks that you as a home owner should know about. And be assured, that Murphy’s Law still exists and applies to plumbing. So being a home owner long enough equals dealing with a plumbing leak or two, sometimes using professionals like plumbers bellingham wa or this plumbing company in Everett, WA can be a good choice to fix this.

But great news! Knowing some basic information can make handling the situation much easier. So let’s get to it!

First, if you are unsure about a plumbing situation, hire a plumbing service or an emergency plumber in Martinsville, IN to come investigate. Their fees pale in comparison to a leak left unattended or not noticed. Typically the leak is relatively easy to fix compared to damage caused by the leak over time. Warehouse floor coating specialists can provide insights into protective coatings that enhance the resilience of your flooring against potential damage.

Second, check your appliances. Disposals, dishwashers and laundry washing machines are frequent culprits, in part because they are designed these days not to last forever and if you need to get new appliances and move them you can get Tail Lift Specialists for your truck as well. The manufacturers have long realized that it’s cheaper and more profitable to build these appliances as largely throw away appliances that get replaced once an issue occurs but brands now a days also user services of portable appliance testing uk to make sure their products are great. Do yourself a favor and check around and under these appliances monthly or simply be on the look out for any changes when you use them. While less common to leak, because the appliances are more durable, keep an eye on hot water heaters and any water conditioning systems.

Third, toilets. Your toilet should be firm at the base and at the tank. Any movement should be repaired by a licensed plumber. Toilets are only connected to the home via a wax ring and two bolts secured at the base. Children climbing on toilets, house guests, or an accidental pump while cleaning could be all that it takes to loosen a toilet. If you notice any signs of instability, it’s crucial to address them promptly with slab water leak repairs to prevent potential water damage beneath the floor. Additionally, once the toilet wax ring has been disturbed, the ring is compromised and should be professionally reset to ensure there isn’t a small leak (going unnoticed) to the subfloor. You may also want to check your drains if you need to call in a drain cleaning service.

Lastly, while not as common, I would really underscore shower pan replacements. I see a lot of shower pans that are put in by homeowners or contractors that are willing to cut corners. Most jurisdictions require a building permit to be pulled when altering a plumbing system, which includes updating or re-creating a shower pan. If you’d like to update your bathroom and are willing to do some work yourself, great! But pull a permit for the work and I’d recommend hiring a licensed plumber to complete the most sensitive procedures, like the shower pan, while if you need heat water for your shower having an oil tank can be useful for this, so using Oil Tank Installers can be the best choice.

So there you have it! Easy ways to have peace of mind when it comes to plumbing in your home such as a water softener system and being a proactive home owner, when it comes to water inside your home, will save you thousands in future repairs. Contact plumbing installation services for additional guidance.

If we can be of service with a home inspection, please reach out to Mint Home Inspection, LLC.

Anyway, for industrial spray painting services, please visit https://commercialspraypainters.co.uk/respraying-vs-recladding/ or contact us for guidance.

We’ll be glad to help you!

Klif

704.641.0143

03 Nov

Aluminum Wiring – Where to go for Information?

Aluminum wiring was used in branch circuit wiring within homes from 1965 to the mid 1970s. And it’s been estimated that this wiring was installed in around 2 million homes during that time. Aluminum wiring used in these branch circuits (the circuits that run your outlets and lights) has been shown to be a fire hazard unless approved methods for connections are implemented by a electrician.

It’s important to understand the facts and to understand the next steps. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has some solid publications on the topic.

See their 1974 News Release on the wiring: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/1974/CPSC-Safety-Recommendations-For-Aluminum-Wiring-In-Homes/

See their publication on Aluminum wiring: https://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/118856/516.pdf

The bottom line is that if your home has aluminum wiring in single strand branch wires, you have several options per the CPCS publication. But you need to have a competent electrician to inspect all the connections and to ensure the proper steps have been taken to ensure safety.

At Mint Home Inspection, I am always looking for the presence of aluminum wiring during an inspection, and work hard to communicate to my clients about their particular situation. It’s all about communication and keeping things in perspective.

Please consider Mint Home Inspection, LLC for your next home inspection.

Have a great day.

12 Oct

Vapor Barriers in the Crawlspace

Vapor Barriers in the crawlspace. They are simple, often overlooked, and really provide great benefits to the home and the homeowner. So let’s get into it!

Look at the big picture and you’ll notice that a fallen tree limb left on the ground will decay and begin to rot. You’ll also note that the wood trim in your bedroom, has a relatively low moisture content and is not rotting. So that’s a good starting point for thinking about crawlspaces. Crawlspaces most often are dirt floors providing access to the systems of the home. They are sort of in-between places, that are covered from the rain, but still exposed to the outdoor temperature and humid air of the south. These dirt floors are getting moist from the air and from the drainage around the home. And if something isn’t placed to stop that moisture from entering the air, then the wood subfloor and framing will absorb that moisture leading to decay or becoming inviting for wood destroying organisms. If you need fire protection, visit https://www.intumescentpaintingcontractors.co.uk/.

Crawlspace without a vapor barrier

But the great thing about vapor barriers is that they are very simple. In the most basic form, you just need a roll of 6mm plastic, which is available at all home improvement stores. Have someone roll this plastic out over the entire crawlspace, and you’re done. Simple! It is a messy job, often with little room to work, so I recommend hiring someone to do it except for the ardent do-it-yourselfers. You can also visit http://airductcleaning.uk/ to create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

An added benefit is that having a crawlspace moisture barrier helps keep the musty old house spell out of your home, making it a major win for such a small improvement, especially when complemented with professional ac repair service, which ensures your home’s comfort and air quality remain optimal year-round. Also, consider the attic insulation alongside these improvements for enhanced energy efficiency and better temperature regulation in your home. To know how energy-efficient a building is, get a commercial epc report. For an extra boost in air quality, consider a dual fuel hvac system. According to experts like air conditioning service columbus oh, these systems use both electricity and natural gas, providing efficient heating and cooling, ultimately contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Explore the comprehensive insulation services offered by https://sprayfoaminsulationexperts.co.uk/ for more information and solutions tailored to your needs.

Schedule regular heating and ac repairs to maintain the efficiency of your hvac system. Also, to ensure good-quality air comes from the unit, it needs to be regularly checked and ask for help from cooling and heating services in Olympia WA. If you notice any issues with your furnace, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional furnace repair technician or furnace tune up services.

A cautionary note: I can’t tell you how many homes I’ve seen where the trash can is filled with an old dirty plastic moisture barrier, and the crawlspace is now a bare dirt floor. Often, if I get the opportunity to ask, the answer is that the plastic was dirty, and the homeowner or handy man thought it was a good idea to remove it to “clean up the crawlspace.” Little did they know how much work that plastic was doing 365 days a year. Similar to addressing Asbestos Roof Replacement, maintaining the integrity of your home’s infrastructure is crucial for long-term safety and efficiency.

Does your home have a vapor barrier? Does it cover the entire crawlspace? Does your home suffer from musty odors after rainfalls? What’s the moisture level on your subfloor? These questions are answered in every home inspection I do.

Vapor barrier installed

Now you know the basics of crawlspaces and vapor barriers. They are simple, but so helpful.

If you’re seeking protective paints and coatings for residential and industrial applications, learn more about the Rustoleum paint reviewer.

Please consider Mint Home Inspection, LLC for your next home inspection. I inspect every home, and write every report. I am committed to excellent customer service.

Klif Wommack

704-641-0143

16 Sep

Preparing for Fall in Five Simple Steps

Fall. It’s my favorite season.

And honestly, it has nothing to do with these craft brewers putting pumpkin and spices into their beers. Honest.
No, but in addition, to pumpkin beer, I also love fall for the cooler mornings wearing my Funny Socks, the fresh air into the home with the windows kept open, and the call to go camping (buy 45 acp ammo here) or find a lake for some canoeing.

With all of the fun to be had, the changing of the seasons is also a great time to finish off a checklist for the house for example fixing the floors, with the use or resources from sites like epoxy-resinflooring.co.uk, also is important to make sure it’s good to go for the cooler temperatures and the upcoming winter.

So I present… Preparing for Fall in Five Simple Steps:

HVAC System Serviced

The cooler temperatures are coming. And your HVAC systems will start to get used here shortly. This is a great time to have your system serviced and get furnace maintenance. You save on natural gas if your system is running in the most efficient manner possible. And in addition to efficiency, having your system serviced by Sun Air Tampa allows for repairs to take place before the unit stops working. This is a huge convenience play on your part. The HVAC service companies are always very busy during and after the first round of winter weather. But you, if you hire an expert in furnace and a/c repairs now, while in the fall, will reap double rewards: a system working at its best, and not having any delay in getting your trusted company to your home. Solar also offers great potential to save money on your monthly utility bill. The initial investment to hire the best solar panel installers can be costly, but it can be worth it in the long run. You can check out solar for warehouses & distribution centres to get an idea. Or, check out solar systems for agriculture for larger properties.
Seal Up Air Leaks around Doors

Doors that let cold air into your home can really impact the comfort of the immediate space. So on a particularly windy or cold day, run your hand across the opening between your home and the door. You should feel nothing. If you sense air or a temperature difference, you might benefit from new or additional weather stripping while for the roof is useful to get a lantern roof company so you can have great light in your house as well. This is a 10 minute activity that will really provide dividends when the cold weather strikes. Look for door weather stripping at your local home improvement store, and if you need more partitions around your home you could use curtain walls from https://curtainwallinginstaller.co.uk/near-me/west-midlands/.
Trim Back Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can grow quite a lot over the course of a Spring and Summer. And a tree that once was a good bit away from your home, is now touching your siding or leaning over onto your roof. In a few minutes with clippers or a tree trimmer, you can cut this vegetation back, and if you need to work with tall trees you can get equipment from cherry-picker-hire.uk to help you with this. Doing it now in the fall will keep it manageable, instead of having it build up. Your gutters, siding, brick work, and roof will all last longer if they are kept clear of trees and shrubs.
Wash & Touch-Up the Windows

Washing your windows is probably not high on your list. But hey, it will help you see those changing fall leaves all the better. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just give them a little love with a glass cleaner and move to the next one while if you get glass movable walls for your home or office, using a glass cleaner is useful for this. And while you are visiting those windows, did you notice anything? Caulk falling out of a window trim piece? With a tube of caulk, rated for exterior use, touch up any of those gaps. Smoothing it over, and wiping any excess off with a rag. This will help to keep the rain out.
Disconnect Hoses and Cover Hose Bibs

If you garden or spend time outside, you might have your hose permanently hooked up to the hose bib. Fall is a good time to disconnect those hoses and put them in storage. Your hoses will thank you for the time out you’re giving them, and it allows for your to cover your hose bibs. Covering your hose bibs with winterizing covers, is a great way to keep them from freezing up with the winter weather. There are several out there on the market. They’re just under 3 dollars. And if they do freeze up, there is a chance a leak could occur, which would likely result in a plumber service call. You can save the headache by installing the covers. Simple to attach to the hose bib as well.

There it is! Most of the list is free or nearly free, and the items that do require some money (HVAC and Ventilation Cleaning service being the largest) have a real and tangible payoff. A quick and easy fall preparation checklist that could get done before lunch.

Now where is that pumpkin spiced ale when you need one.

Affordable Remediation and Emergency Services

Phone: (732) 540-7900

Url: https://affordableremediation.com/mold-testing-removal-remediation-in-toms-river/

1415 Hooper Ave

Toms River, NJ 08753

12 Sep

CSST – What is it?

CSST stands for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. It’s often a smooth yellow tube that is used as an alternative to the black iron piping for natural gas appliances. It was introduced to the U.S. in the 90’s. There are number of advantages to CSST. The largest advantage is that it is a flexible tubing, which allows for fewer connections between the gas supply and your gas appliance. This makes installation faster, less expensive, and provides fewer joints for leaks.

With this tubing, it’s important for it to be properly grounded and bonded. Lightening strikes can send electric surges through your home. In some cases, as stated by eXp Realty experts, that surge could include the CSST, if it’s installed in your home. Allowing that energy to escape through the homes grounding system, allows for it to safely return to the earth. In some cases, where the tubing isn’t grounded or bonded, lightening strikes and it’s associated surge has lead to pin-hole leaks in the tubing. These leaks combined with the energy of the lightening have also caused fires (reference).

Not to worry though, every home inspection by Mint Home Inspection, LLC, includes a check for the correct bonding and grounding of CSST. If your home has CSST, and it isn’t grounded appropriately, a licensed electrician can makes the necessary changes to fix the issue.

Want more information, check these resources out:

http://www.csstsafety.com/Images/CSST-Direct-Bonding-Tech-Bulletin.pdf

10 Sep

Keeping Things in Perspective

Keeping things in perspective. It’s important for life. It is also important as you head into a Home Inspection.

Home Inspections are unique. It is a service in which a professional spends three hours or more looking at your home, trying to find every broken, missing or nearly worn out thing.

And getting the inspection report or listening to the home inspector’s comments can be overwhelming if everyone isn’t working to keep the inspection in perspective.

So here are some tips and reminders to help. Plus a story as a bonus.

Let’s start with the story. My neighborhood is a mill house community that was built in the 30’s. The homes are old but generally well cared for some even have a partition wall for separating the rooms or creating private spaces. Sliding Room Dividers are also a great option. Check out sites like https://partitionwalls.uk/ to learn more. Well, my neighbor has an old shed that has seen better days. The paint has worn off the hardwood siding, and the roof shingles are missing in many places. There are no gutters, no foundation to speak of, and there is a literal forest that has started to grow in its abandoned interior, and that may cause an accident, prompting a call to a California personal injury lawyer. I would guess it hasn’t received a lick of maintenance in the past 60 years.

AND YOU KNOW WHAT? It is still standing. Yes, it might have passed the point of no return, but hey, it is just amazing that it is still standing.

So this brings me to a few tips and reminders to help with keeping things in perspective.

Homes are pretty tough. They are durable. So even if there is an issue, a capable contractor can give you a reasonable quote after the inspection to be used at the negotiation table.
Trust your Real Estate Professional. They have been through this before and can help with understanding the nuances of your particular circumstance.
Not every problem needs to be fixed. My reports have clear comments and pictures that outline each item identified. Additionally, expect every home to have a “Honey-do-list.” Some of the items can be postponed, when additional time or money is available.
Things wear out. Water heaters, roofs, AC units, and doors all have a continuum of useful life left. For instance, if you’ve ever noticed hot water out of cold tap,
, it could be a sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its useful life. This doesn’t mean that any item approaching the end of its serviceable period is necessarily bad. Rather, it’s highlighted in a report to educate you that budgeting for its replacement is a prudent and expected part of home maintenance. When a door wears out, you might need the services of a locksmith Port Kennedy to ensure proper fitting and security measures. Similarly, if your floors show signs of wear, considering a resin screed installation can provide a durable and long-lasting solution. Upgrading to Fireproof Flooring is also worth considering for added safety and protection. If you have issues with your tank systems, consider the professional industrial tank cleaning services available at https://tankcleaningservices.uk/industrial-tank-cleaning/ to keep everything in top shape.
Remember the big picture. Homes at the most basic level are intended to keep you out of the elements, and to give you a place “inside” to live your life. So if I had to pick the top three items to be focused on with a home, it would be, in order of importance, the foundation, the roof, and the major mechanical systems. Yes, other items are important, but those three being sound is a great start. If you want to stage your home before selling, visit sites like https://house-staging.uk/show-home-staging/. It’s the big picture.

Please know that as my client, I am always willing to talk about your home or report comments. I view this to be a important part of my customer service.

For your next home inspection, please consider Mint Home Inspection, LLC. I am here to serve you. Contact me at 704-641-0143.

Thanks.

09 Sep

Recalls on Home Products

Here is a great resource for any homeowner. Your home is filled with products, and many of them are directly associated with the function of your home. Smoke detectors, doors, kitchen appliances, and locks to name a few.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has a dedicated place for announcing product recalls. Here’s the link: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/

And behold, today a recall was issued for a limited number of Bosch Security System fire alarms. The alarms failed to alert after installation tests and are being recalled.

They also have a place to search for past recalls based on product or company. So it can be a handy stop if you suspect an issue with a product in your home as well. If you’re having problems with plumbing, it’s best to call a portland plumber.

I thought it was a good little known resource.

If you have questions about your home or want to know more about home inspections, feel free to drop me a line at http://www.minthomeinspection.com/contact/.

08 Sep

Simple Fix #2 – Anti-siphon for Hose Bibs

If the Stove Anti-tip Device is a simple fix and commonly on home inspection reports, then let me introduce you to it’s cousin, the Anti-siphon for hose bibs. They are not glamorous, but without them, the water in your house could start to taste like, well…like drinking out of a garden hose. Literally.

Charlotte Water even suggests disconnecting your garden hose if you’re noticing off-flavors in your tap water. Yuck! Check it out here.

So if you are a home owner, do yourself a favor and pick a few of these up next time you’re at a Home Improvement store. The expensive ones are only $8 (link). To install them, you just screw them on the hose bib. Super simple. And if you’re planning to sell anytime soon, this is one more thing that won’t be on the report.

08 Sep

Simple Fix #1 – Stove Anti-tip device

You are preparing to sell your home. Great! Exciting! The home buyer’s home inspection report will likely have an assortment of items. But there is one thing that is almost always on the report. And you can fix it now for around 12 bucks.

It’s the stove anti-tip device. It attaches to the wall behind the stove and fits around the stove’s feet to keep it tipping forward should someone fall against the opened door. And the fix, will mean one less item in the report, and additional safety for children around your home. Easy!

Here is a link to a common brand’s anti-tip device: Amazon link. Again that’s for $11.19 with free shipping.

Call Mint Home Inspection at 704-641-0143 for your next home inspection.

Klif

Fall. It’s my favorite season.

So I present… Preparing for Fall in Five Simple Steps:

HVAC System Serviced

Seal Up Air Leaks around Doors

Trim Back Trees and Shrubs

Wash & Touch-Up the Windows

Disconnect Hoses and Cover Hose Bibs