homebuying process

July 10 2023

Things People Try To Hide From Home Inspectors

Robert JonesHome Inspections homebuying process, homeowners, inspection

A typical home inspection involves an objective assessment of a home’s many systems, including the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation and basement, and HVAC. While home sellers in Washington state are required to disclose maintenance issues, home inspectors cannot assess every single nook and cranny of a home. And unfortunately, some unscrupulous home sellers can attempt to cover up issues to mislead buyers. Here’s an explanation of how home sellers may try to hide issues and a list of the most common problems they try to hide. How Do Home Sellers Hide Repair Problems from Potential Buyers? Home inspectors cannot enter rooms or areas of a home that are obstructed or locked. Home sellers can take advantage of this by blocking off or locking rooms that have repair or maintenance issues. Inspectors also cannot move heavy furniture, so if a couch or bookshelf is standing on a section of flooring in poor condition, it may be missed during inspection. While inspectors use tools and technology like thermal imaging cameras, most home inspections are based on visual observations. Roof Issues The American Society of Home Inspectors does not specify how roof inspections should be performed, so home inspectors are tasked with “observing” […]

May 31 2023

Most Common Home Inspection Repairs in the Seattle Area

Robert JonesHome 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 JonesHome 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 JonesConstruction, 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 JonesHome 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 […]

February 22 2023

Thermal Imaging FAQs

Robert JonesHome Inspections homebuying process, homeowners, inspection, Maintenance, thermal imaging

What is Thermal Imaging and What Qualifies an Inspector to Use It? A home inspection is an important step in the process of buying a house, or if you’re determining what repairs need to be done in your current home. Thermal imaging is a type of technology that amplifies the typical home inspection by providing detail and information about a home’s components that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Thermal imaging can help detect energy loss, moisture, hot spots, plumbing leaks, and more. Because these issues usually take a while to present themselves visually, thermal imaging can catch warning signs so you have time to complete necessary repairs. Read on to learn how thermal imaging works, why it’s important, and what qualifies a home inspector to use the technology in your next home inspection. What Is Thermal Imaging? Thermal imaging is a non-invasive technology that detects temperatures and moisture levels on surfaces like walls, ceilings, floors, and around windows and doors. As an inspector passes a camera over certain areas, it produces a color-coded “heat map” to show where a home may be losing heat through door and window cracks. Hot areas are usually indicated by yellow, red, white […]