Brantwood Home Inspections

10/24/2018

Hiring an inspector before you list your home reduces the request for repairs, improves the success of the sale, and helps the seller have more control in negotiations.

03/11/2018

Ahhhh Spring is trying hard to make an appearance.

10/15/2017

Ummm there may be too much going on in this box!

10/14/2017

Perhaps the most common problem connected with a water heater is water that isn't as hot as you want it to be. This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat or a defective heating element. Check the following when your water is not hot enough:

Electric water heater
Make sure that the power is connected. Reset the thermostat.
Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
Insulate the hot water pipes.
Replace the heating element or thermostat.
Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
Gas water heater
Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit.
Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.
Insulate the hot water pipes.
Clean the gas burner and replace the thermocoupler (a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically if the pilot flame goes out).
Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.
Other common problems and possible solutions
Hissing or sizzling noises: Sediment may have collected in the tank. Drain the tank until the water clears. Remove and soak elements in a pan filled with white vinegar for up to an hour and scrape off the collected scale.
Leaking pressure-relief valve: Replace valve.
Leaking water supply pipes: Tighten the fittings. If that doesn't work, shut off the water and replace the fittings.

10/08/2017

If water stands in your yard for hours or even days after a moderate rain, you have poor drainage, which can be caused by heavy, compacted soils or improper grading. If this occurs near your home’s foundation, it can lead to nasty moisture issues in your basement or crawlspace. Fortunately, a French drain or re-grading the property can usually solve this problem

10/01/2017

Don’t rely on ventilation alone to take care of moisture in the attic. The best protection against condensation and mildew in the attic is a dry basement or crawlspace. Also important is an airtight ceiling.

Most homeowners and builders believe that attics should be vented. If you walk down to your local lumberyard and lean on the counter, the employees and nearby customers will offer a variety of opinions about why attics need to be vented. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that the statements you he...

09/20/2017

Many things may contribute to your home’s water-stability and potential for damage. Erosion of external grading material is a common cause for slow leaking, making homes with basements especially prone to water damage. Water leaking into your home can cause damage to the foundation or allow health-troubling mold to grow.

09/15/2017

Furnace and air conditioner
A typical furnace is used year-round—central air conditioners also use the furnace’s blower—so get the unit inspected annually.

Signs of a problem:

Cracks and corrosion indicate damage or deterioration and may require an expert’s closer inspection.
Gas odor could indicate a leak in a gas furnace or other gas appliance. Leave the house immediately and contact a professional to investigate.

09/09/2017

09/06/2017

What Are My Options if a House Inspector Finds That the Roof Is Bad?
Roof problems don't have to be deal-breakers.
A bad home inspection has the potential to derail a real estate transaction, especially if what's uncovered is an expensive problem, such as a leaky roof. You do have other options besides taking the home as-is or walking away. With a little creativity with the terms of the purchase agreement, you can craft a deal that doesn't bust your budget.