A common electrical issue that home inspectors find is electrical outlets that have hot and neutral wires reversed, or reversed polarity. While this is generally an easy fix, uncorrected it presents a potential shock hazard for a home’s occupants. Reversed polarity occurs when an electrical outlets wiring is installed backwards (hot in the neutral [...]
Mold growth on a home’s soffits and adjacent components, such as fascia boards and gutters, can be a mysterious and frustrating condition for a homeowner. Soffits are the exterior horizontal undersize components at the eaves of a home. They are typically made of wood but can also be made of vinyl or other materials. [...]
Drainage pipes are an essential component of every home’s plumbing system. Drainage pipes are part of a home’s DWV (Drain Waste Vent) system and provide the avenue in which water and waste leave the home. These pipes terminate either into the city sewer system or into a private septic system. One of the potential [...]
A common issue that we find, particularly in older homes, is downspouts that terminate next to a home’s foundation. When a home’s roof structure has a gutter system installed, the downspouts, which are integrated into the gutters, are responsible for discharging the bulk of the roof water runoff. When this water is not routed [...]
Fiberglass batt insulation has been installed in residential construction since the 1930s. Fiberglass batts are easy to install and are used to slow the spread of cold and heat in a home. Common areas to find fiberglass batts are in walls, ceilings, and floors. Fiberglass batts can be a good insulator when properly installed. [...]
A common defect that we find during a home inspection is water heaters that are not properly strapped to prevent damage or injury during a seismic event. Each state has different regulations regarding seismic strapping for water heaters and it generally correlates with the seismic risk in that area. Seismic risk in Oregon and [...]
A disconnected dryer vent is a common issue that presents a safety and health hazard for a home’s occupants. Dryer vents are often routed through inaccessible areas, such as attics and crawlspaces. Because it is common for dryer vents to be out of view, it is also common for them to be neglected. Dryer [...]
Clogged sinks are a nuisance and can negatively affect the day-to-day operation of your plumbing system. Most of the time a clogged sink can be easily repaired by a homeowner using a few inexpensive tools. However, if the following repairs do not alleviate the issue, the clog may be the result of a more [...]
Siding deterioration and moisture penetration can be detrimental to a home if not addressed. Moisture that penetrates the siding material can seep into the substrate and framing causing structural issues. Moisture penetration also creates a conducive condition for mold and mildew growth. Additionally, improperly installed siding can create an avenue for wood destroying organisms. [...]
When functioning properly an automatic garage door is a convenient component of a home that helps to protect homeowners and their possessions. A malfunctioning garage door opener, on the other hand, can be a significant safety hazard. Modern garage door openers should have two automatic reverse features installed. They should reverse when resistance is applied [...]
