Home Inspections

June 29 2023

High Humidity in the Home

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Information inspection, Maintenance, prevention, Repairs, Summer

Why Humidity is a Problem and What to do About It Living in a damp climate like the Pacific Northwest can lead to issues around the home, specifically regarding humidity. Humid air inside the home can feel heavy and uncomfortable; in some cases, it can also be unhealthy. While there may be a variety of causes for humidity in the home, there are also accessible solutions that can help, too. Read on for information about what to do when your home is feeling too humid. What are common causes of humidity in the home? During hot, muggy summer weather, humidity can enter your home if it’s not properly sealed and if your HVAC system isn’t working properly. Air leaks caused by open gaps or seams can draw humidity inside. And an HVAC system that is outdated or incorrectly sized can also lead to a humid-feeling home. A good choice for high-humidity is an air-source heat pump, which transfers heat from inside your home to the outside. Another common cause of humidity in the home can be using appliances for cooking, drying clothes, washing dishes, or taking showers. These activities add more moisture to the air and can make it uncomfortable […]

May 31 2023

Most Common Home Inspection Repairs in the Seattle Area

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Home Maintenance homebuying process, homeowners, inspection, Maintenance, Repairs, tips

Given Seattle’s climate and unique geography – wet seasons, steep hills, and an abundance of greenery — homes in our area tend to present specific issues. These issues are usually identified during home inspections, and there are repairs you may need to consider if you’re moving into a Seattle-area home. Here are some common home inspection repair issues and tips on how to resolve them. Sewer Lines Homes in the Tacoma area specifically are subject to side sewer inspections as part of the entire home inspection process. But, homes outside of Tacoma can also benefit from these inspections due to common issues related to plumbing that occur in our area, like rootbound pipes, offset joints, sagging, broken pipes, and clogs. Professional sewer cleaning services can repair rootbound pipes by using a high pressure water hose with an attached blade to cut through the roots. In extreme cases, sections of pipe may need to be replaced. Roof Issues The roof is the first point of contact that a home has with the Pacific Northwest’s infamous rain. Over time, rain breaks down debris, like leaves, and that process causes mold, which in turn wears away shingles. This leads to leaks that can […]

May 15 2023

Common Fixes Before Moving In

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Information homebuying process, homeowners, inspection, Repairs

After you’ve completed the home inspection, signed the mortgage papers, and packed up all your things, moving into a new place may still require some work. While the home inspection identified issues that needed to be repaired before you moved in, there may be smaller fixes that still need to be done to make your new house a home. Make the most of your fresh start by completing these common fixes for moving into a new home. Change Your Locks One of the very first tasks to take on after you move in is changing, or rekeying, the locks. If you are moving into a home with previous owners, definitely take the time to change the locks because you cannot be sure who may have an extra set of keys that allows access to your property. A newly built home with no previous owners won’t require this step, but keep reading below for more quick fixes. Pest Control Older homes in urban areas usually need more attention when it comes to pest control, but these fixes are a great idea for new homes, too. Install door sweeps at the bottom of all exterior doors to act as a barrier between […]

May 1 2023

Why Get an Inspection for a New Home:

Robert Jones Construction, Home Inspections, Information homebuying process, inspection, tips

Common Questions about New Construction Inspections Newly constructed homes are attractive to potential buyers because without previous residents, it seems less likely that a new home will have problems. But, newly constructed homes can also have structural and mechanical issues that you should be aware of, which is why new builds need inspections, too. Some newer homes are built with speed, rather than quality, in mind, which can lead to costly repairs down the road. Here are some reasons why new construction homes also need inspections. Why get an inspection for a new home? You should get an inspection for a new home, just as you would a previously-owned home because sometimes builders make mistakes, and you need to be aware of these problems before moving in. An inspection for a new home may reveal hidden issues that should be addressed with repairs or maintenance before you start living there. How many inspections does a new home need? A newly built home can have up to three inspections before residents move in. The first is called a foundation inspection, which happens before concrete is poured for the foundation. This inspection looks at how the ground has been excavated and graded, […]

April 21 2023

Problems to Look for When Buying an Old Home

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Information homebuying process, homeowners, inspection, tips

Older homes certainly have unique features that newer homes can lack, like built-in bookshelves, hardwood floors, crown moldings, and stained glass windows. Some older homes also boast high quality materials; for example, walls are more likely to be built with plaster and lathe, making them more soundproof. While you may be excited about the possibilities of living in an older home, there are still common issues to be aware of. Read on for information about problems to look for when buying an old house. 1. Foundation The foundation supports a house’s entire structure, so issues with a foundation are critical to the overall safety and livability of any home. As a foundation ages, these issues may occur: If an inspector notices any of these warning signs of a damaged foundation, you should schedule some repairs. 2. Lead Paint Homes built prior to 1978 are likely to have lead paint, which has since been banned from consumer use because it is toxic, especially for young children. It’s possible that an old house may have a coat of lead paint underneath layers of newer, safer paints. If an inspector discovers the presence of lead paint, it can be removed safely with the […]

March 27 2023

Tips for Keeping Your Home Sale Ready

Robert Jones Home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Information homeowners, inspection, sellers, tips

When it comes to real estate, first impressions matter. That’s why you want to make sure your home looks its best before you put it on the market. Potential buyers want to see themselves in a fresh, clean home that’s been well-maintained. Here are some tips to help you keep your home sale ready inside and outside without doing any major or expensive upgrades. Consider Curb Appeal When you decide to list your home, aesthetics are everything. Be sure your house looks attractive from the street by completing these minor improvements to the front exterior: Care for the Backyard Buyers like a well-maintained backyard that they can see themselves spending time in, so consider these updates: Freshen Up Interiors Potential buyers love walking into a home that feels bright, clean, and airy. Here’s how you can create that feeling in your home: Minor Repairs People want to see a home in good condition, so little things like these matter: Once you’ve completed these tasks, you can call a professional home inspector to get more information about the systems in your home that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Call South Sound Inspections to schedule a pre-listing inspection that will give […]