Real Estate Inspections

Do-It-Yourself: Guide to Interior Decorating

2011-06-10T12:50:26-07:00

(ARA) - How do you feel about your home décor? If you're tired of it, and know it needs some updating, but are afraid to act, you're not alone. Fear of change is the number one reason people live in spaces they don't really like.

With the summer holiday season just beginning, now is the perfect time to try something different. A good place to start is by deciding which look you like best. Among the most popular: Traditional, Contemporary, Mission, French Country, Asian and Retro.

Here's a crash course for you on what each of the looks entail:

Traditional décor is known for its balanced symmetry, classic lines and darker woods combined with subdued colors and tones.
Contemporary offers subtle sophistication with its simplicity, texture, clean lines and contrasting colors.
Mission adds timeless and classic appeal with its simple, clean lines, dark stained oak and earthy colors.
French Country features distressed wood, ceramic accessories and colors you'd find in nature, like sunny yellow, fiery red and bright grass green.
Asian features neutral backgrounds, layered wood tones and intricately detailed accessories.
Retro features furniture and décor reminiscent of things past.

Not sure which look would best suit your style? Turn to the Web for help making a decision. Some of the best home decorating sites out there right now are www.charleskeath.com, www.homevisions.com and www.wards.com. All three sites are filled with color pictures that pair furniture with complementary accessories in each of the popular styles. Additionally, HomeVisions offers a "Shop by Style" option, which groups products by style including furniture, bedding, accessories, lighting, rugs and more.

Log on to the various Web sites for decorating ideas. If you'd prefer paper catalogs, call (888) 918-4000 to request one from Charles Keath Home; (800) 227-7598 for one from Montgomery Ward. The HomeVisions store is available online at www.homevisions.com.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Designing a Bathroom with Form and Function

2011-06-04T11:20:33-07:00

(ARA) - In bath design, function has always come before form. But today's homeowners expect their hardworking bathrooms to go beyond hygienic and practical functions. For some, a bathroom should be wired to 21st-century technology for ready access to information and entertainment. For others, the dream bath is a home spa for a welcome spiritual and physical retreat. Other homeowners want their bathroom to do double duty as a personal gym or dressing area.

The good news about designing a bathroom: anything is possible. Whether you're building from the ground up or renovating your existing space, you have lots of products and storage options at your fingertips. You can also find practical conveniences that give a stylish, new twist to form and function.

Functional Faucets Go High-Tech

More manufacturers are incorporating the latest gadgetry into faucets to make them even handier - and smarter. JADO recently introduced a collection of lavatory, tub and shower faucets designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who is making a splash in the United States with his minimalist building designs. Nouvel incorporated electronics into the faucets for temperature control and touch-sensitive operation. The chrome-finished faucets have thermostatic valves that deliver the water at just the right temperature, and you can program them to save your favorite volume and temperature settings.

Small Conveniences, Big Luxury

Manufacturers are also working at warp speed to create new bathroom luxuries and conveniences. Recent tubs, for example, tend to be larger and deeper. Some tubs help keep themselves clean and/or are bacteria resistant so you can spend more time enjoying them and less time cleaning them. Others offer heated walls and ergonomic backrests. Even the traditional bubble bath has gotten more sophisticated with manufacturers providing built-in aromatherapy, chromatherapy or hydrotherapy features. In the shower, you'll find products with multiple heads at multiple heights in multiple positions, body sprays, preset individual temperature controls, built-in seats, and steam and tanning units. Even floors and towel bars may be heated.

Stylish Storage Solutions

Homeowners who want to relax in peace - away from everyday gadgetry - can find low-tech yet high-impact designs. When it comes to storage solutions, new designs feature moveable parts to make the most of any space. For example, Porcher added a mirrored storage cabinet and vanity to its L'Expression Suite of Zen-inspired products and furniture. Like a revolving door, the suite's Totem Mirror System turns on a pivot to give you a full-length mirror on one side and storage compartments on the other. There's a central drawer for cosmetics (or whatever you like to keep handy and hidden), adjustable glass shelves, a side hook to hang a bathrobe, and a bottom drawer that opens to more storage. A wood-finished, matching vanity offers storage beneath the sink basin, along with a chrome towel bar.

No matter how functional you want your bathroom - from high-tech to low-maintenance and relaxing to fully-wired - there's a design to fit your needs and style.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Moisture: The Most Destructive Force

2011-05-27T11:28:32-07:00

Of all of the defects we look for in a home inspection. This is why moisture detection is so important. Moisture is always the one that causes the most concern. Moisture is one of the worst enemies your home can have. It can cause your clothes and furnishings to mildew, ruin interior surfaces, reduce the insulating value of your insulation, cause squeaky floors and nail popping, cause paint peeling and stains on the walls and ceilings, and can ruin the structural frame of your house through fungus growth and rot.

Moisture detection levels in a home depend on a variety of different factors such as lifestyle (showering, cooking, heating and cooling), number of occupants, leaks and ground/atmospheric moisture. Moisture wants to move from areas of high vapor pressure to areas of low vapor pressure. Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by water molecules in a mixture of air. When a home is being heated, moisture wants to move outside, and when it is being air-conditioned, moisture wants to move inside.

Since Sacramento's climate is generally dry, moisture in homes is usually caused by plumbing problems or building envelope (roof, window and wall) failures. The most destructive leaks are the slow leaks that go unnoticed for a long time. These can occur under sinks, behind dishwashers and refrigerators, and in bathrooms, or long term exposure to sprinklers. This creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth. While not all mold is toxic, it can lead to musty odors, deterioration of the house, and aggravate people with allergies.

Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity and nurture mold. The first step in a moisture problem remediation is to quickly and accurately locate through moisture detection and remove all sources of moisture. Infrared cameras can show you what's wet and what's dry by highlighting differences in temperature due to thermal mass variations. IR cameras can help find the ultimate source with little or no physical disassembly of the premises and minimal disturbance of inhabitants.

What can you do to control moisture?

Bathroom vents can remove excess moisture from showers and baths. Often people do not use the bathroom fan because it is noisy, or they don't want to let it run while they are gone from the house. We recommend using it! If not, leave the door open when you are done. Closing the door traps moisture in you bathroom which can cause a lot of problems. One great solution is to install a timer switch to control the fan after you exit the bathroom.

Kitchen vents, if vented to the outside, can remove excess moisture from cooking. Range hood fans that vent back into the room can remove smoke and odor by passing the exhaust through a filter, but they do not remove moisture from steam. If your house or condo is small, and you have a recirculating vent (one that blows back into the kitchen), be sure to leave a window open.

Clothes dryers that are not vented properly can produce large amounts of moisture in a house or garage. We recommend that you do not use a lint trap. These are considered a fire hazard, and they allow lots of warm, moist air into you house or garage. Even if your dryer vents to the outside, periodically check the duct for obstructions or built-up lint. This is a fire hazard, and can lead to blockage which will force the dryer to vent into the house.

Ventilation of your garage, crawlspace and attic are a must. Do not block the vents in your garage. There are several reasons for this. In many houses the furnace, water heater, and washer and dryer are located in the garage. These all create heat in addition to parking a car in the garage. If there is evidence of moisture present you can create a perfect environment for mold. Be sure you have enough ventilation for your crawlspace and attic. The general rule is that you should have one square foot of ventilation of every 150 square feet of crawlspace or attic space. If you have had a room addition added to your house, be sure proper ventilation was installed.

Another big help in avoiding moisture problems is drainage, both around and under the house. This includes rain gutters and proper grading which direct water away from the structure. Good drainage will get rid of surface water and high ground water before they become a moisture problem. If you house has a raised foundation, consider installing a vapor barrier on top of the dirt.

Many homeowners will experience high humidity conditions in a new home the first year it is occupied. One reason for this is the amount of water that is present in the paint, plaster, concrete and other building materials. This moisture must be evaporated before the house thoroughly dries out. This problem usually corrects itself after the first year. If it does not and moisture problems persist, look for other causes of moisture problems and then correct them.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

DIY Inspector: Checking Your Foundation.

2011-05-20T13:07:04-07:00

Each year during the annual winterization of your home, it is good practice to include a self inspection of your home’s foundation. After all, without a healthy foundation you can’t have a healthy home.

Of course, inspecting the your home’s many areas is good practice at any time of year; however, it has been found that January is the most ideal for the foundation as the summer soil shrinkage has completed and the spring showers have yet to begin.

Self inspecting your foundation is a simple process that requires only an individual’s vision and the ability to manoeuvre around the home free of obstacles.

To begin, walk around the outside of your home looking closely for any cracks or shifting of blocks. Make sure to look for any areas where snow can build up against the house and melt into come warmer weather. This type of moisture intrusion can cause significant damage.

Be sure to also check any brick areas around the outside of the home as well as the areas where brick meets concrete.

You may see small cracks in both the concrete and the brick areas; this in normal but should be closely monitored to make sure that they do not get bigger.

In addition to inspecting the actual foundation, many other areas of your home can indicate significant foundation issues.

To start, look at each of the home’s windows and doors. Check for visible gaps between the frame and the window or door as well as any cracks that may be extending out from the corners of each window and door. Additionally, be sure to look for any separation of door or window from its frame or exterior finish.

The inside the home can show many indicators relating to problems with the foundation. For example, the floors within the house may show cracks, sudden drops or rises, and/or separation of the floors from the walls. The ceilings are also an area to be closely inspected; looking once again for any cracks, drooping, and/or drywall tape buckling, pulling or ripping.

Any settlement issues or other problems found will not disappear on their own. In fact, it is likely that they will continue to grow worse until the foundation can no longer support the home itself.

If you happen to cross any of the issues mentioned it is best to contact a professional licensed home inspector who can not only confirm your findings but can also check for further damage or issues that may be present. The home inspector can also direct you to the necessary organizations in order to repair any damage found.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Home Decorating Ideas: Laminate Floors Offer Beauty As Well As Durability

2011-05-13T14:04:17-07:00

(ARA) - You might not give your floors much thought -- until it comes time to replace them. Then you realize that there are many options out there. For busy families whose floors need to stand up to kids and pets, laminate flooring is an excellent choice.

Laminate flooring has been a fashionable option in Europe for more than 20 years, and it's rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. The most common designs have a wood grain appearance; some are made to look like stone or marble. Laminates are designed to look good for many years with a minimum amount of maintenance.

Laminate flooring consists of four main components that are bonded together. A wear-resistant decorative surface made of resin-based melamine/aluminum oxide is bonded to a moisture resistant wood composition-based core. A balancing backing is bonded to the underside of the core. On the top is a clear cap sheet of aluminum oxide, which provides the protection and stain resistance. Since the resin-filled wear layer is so dense, it becomes extremely difficult to stain, scratch or burn.

Ease of installation is one factor that contributes to the popularity of laminate flooring. It uses a tongue and groove interlocking system, which can be installed over the top of an existing substrate. Plywood, concrete slab, sheet vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring or virtually any other basically flat hard surface is a suitable base for laminate.

Most brands of laminate flooring require that the joints be glued with specially formulated, water-resistant glue placed between the tongue and grooves of every plank. However, Alloc, Inc., located in Racine, Wis., has a patented glueless interlocking system that provides strong, tight joints without messy glue or special tools.

Because installation is so simple, and because you can walk on your new floor immediately (no waiting for glue to dry), beautifying your home with new laminate flooring is truly a project you can do in a weekend. "Installing a laminate floor, especially with our glueless system, is a lot easier than people think," says company president Claes Wennerth.

No matter what your décor or your lifestyle, you can find a laminate floor to fit your needs. Alloc's laminate flooring can be used in virtually any area of your home, such as kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and bathrooms.

Taking care of a laminate floor is even easier than installing it. To keep your floor looking like new and avoid scratches, simply vacuum or dust mop regularly to remove loose dirt or grit. Glides or cushioned bottom protectors under chairs and table legs also help prevent possible scratching, and floor mats at all outside doorways keep dirt from coming inside.

Alloc products are backed by the best warranties in the industry, covering five areas: joint integrity, stain resistance, fade resistance, wear resistance and water resistance.

To find an Alloc dealer in your area, or to get more information on available patterns and installation procedures, call (877) DO-ALLOC or visit the company's Web site, www.alloc.com.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Tying Styles Together in the Kitchen

2011-05-06T14:36:10-07:00

(ARA) - Though an eclectic design looks easy to accomplish - a little bit of this and little bit of that, it's actually one of the most difficult looks to successfully achieve.

What is eclectic? It is a vibrant, individual style that doesn't adhere to any one major style or rule. It is a comfortable mix-and-match attitude; it's the yin and yang of design style that must be met with balance. It is not a jumble of whatever catches your eye.

Typically, eclectic is a combination of two major design styles such as contemporary, traditional, casual or Asian. It takes a lot of careful planning, good taste and an eye for stylish design to make it work. A great start in identifying your favorite styles is to clip magazine pictures and keep them in your wish file. Consult a certified kitchen designer to help you tie your favorite styles together.

One of the most effective ways to achieve the eclectic look is with custom cabinetry. Because custom cabinetry is made specifically to your specifications, you can control the look and feel of each piece. A custom manufacturer, such as Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, which has been crafting custom cabinetry for over 35 years, can craft cabinetry in just about any style imaginable. They do not carry any inventory; each kitchen is built to the homeowner's specifications.

"Everyone has their own style. We're seeing a mix of styles in one design," said Vince Achey, VP of sales and marketing for Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. "With custom cabinetry, unlike stock cabinetry, you can have several different doorstyles, colors and wood species all in one kitchen space. It's all about what you want."

Once you identify your styles, you must have a working knowledge of the five basic design principles: line, color, texture, mass and form. Understanding the principles is the key to making an eclectic design fabulous.

Line. Line creates movement and directs the eye. Lines can be straight, curvy, horizontal, diagonal or vertical. All of the elements in a room may offer line: the architecture, fabrics, furniture, appliances and especially cabinetry. Cabinetry lines can be used to move the eye towards the work area, the eating area or even into another room. Be careful, too many lines can make the space feel busy and confusing but too few lines can leave it feeling empty and unfinished.

A balance of high and low base cabinetry can direct the eye to an architectural feature such as a skylight or even a fabulous piece of art. For example, use a low bump out cabinet with a wooden block top for cutting veggies to complement a higher marble top cabinet used for making candy. Different cabinet depths can also move the eye around the room with a balance of in and out.

Color. Eclectic design works best when the elements relate in some fashion. Try combining different shades of the same color on different pieces of cabinetry. Use a base color of creamy vanilla with a coffee piping detail on very traditional wall units, but balance it on a sleek contemporary island done in the same tone of cream but with a coffee glaze. Though the pieces differ in style, they relate to each other through color. Mixing wood species and tones is another way to connect elements. Use grandmother's antique maple sideboard with your contemporary wenge cabinets.

"A custom cabinetry shop will be able mix and match finishes and wood species for your desired effect," said Achey. "At Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry we have a department specifically dedicated to custom colors. About 25 percent of the finishes we do each year are custom colors."

Texture. Texture can be used to create balance and connection. Texture adds visual interest. The texture of a rustic antique armoire juxtaposed to refined, smooth enameled cabinetry is quite striking. This typifies the yin and yang aspect of eclectic design.

Mass. Mass refers to the amount of visual weight or space an object appears to have. A balance of visual weight creates balance and harmony of proportion. For example, a large island with many drawers and solid doors has a lot of visual weight whereas a taller one with glass fronted doors appears visually lighter. An easy way to create a difference in visual weight is to adjust the height and shape of the toe kicks. If some cabinets go flush to the floor, add a four inch toe kick with an apron to one of them. This will make the piece look as if it is an individual piece.

Form. This refers to the actual shape of the elements of the room. The walls, furniture, doorways, accessories and appliances all have form. If the room is tall and slender, then the best choice for cabinetry should be tall and slender. The elements' form should echo the form of the room's architecture - no matter what the decorating style.

Taking the five principles into account, today's sense of style, desire for personal expression and the need for functionality all create the perfect foil for an eclectic kitchen. Use old with new, mix tones and colors, combine rough natural elements such as stone with smooth marble or primitive art with contemporary cabinetry. Remember, eclectic is about balance that creates character, beauty and fun.

To inquire about Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, call (800) 447-9006 or visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Home Improvement Tips to Save You Time and Money

2011-04-29T11:19:01-07:00

(ARA) - A little preparation and pre-project know-how can help save the average do-it-yourselfer time and money, both of which can be used to enjoy more time with family and friends and less time working around the house.

Dean Johnson, co-host of the nationally syndicated home improvement TV series "Hometime," offers up the following home improvement tips that will help you work smarter, not harder:

Make Maintenance Routine

By far, the easiest way to save yourself time and keep expenses down is by keeping your house in good working order to begin with. This requires some planning and skill, but in the long run could help you avoid spending lengthy hours making repairs, not to mention the costs involved.

"Naturally, most people tend to focus on the exterior of their homes during the summer, but it's important not to forget about the interior," says Johnson. "There are some simple monthly jobs that should be completed to keep appliances and mechanicals in working order."

For example, start in the kitchen and inspect the dishwasher for leaks. A leak that isn't caught in time could ruin your flooring, and possibly your sub-floor, as well. Then, move to the kitchen range hood and clean the fan filters to prevent clogging -- a potential fire hazard. Also, be sure to wash out the refrigerator frost-free drain pan to keep it in proper working order.

In the bathroom, inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads to prevent build-up and potential clogging. If you notice build-up on fixtures, tubs or shower doors, you may have a hard water problem. But, don't worry, 85 percent of homes do. Hard water contains significant levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium that can cause scale and lime build-up on sinks, faucets and water-using appliances, decreasing their life and making them less efficient. And don't forget the time it will take you to scrub things clean -- time that could be spent outdoors enjoying the weather.

Johnson goes on to say, "To combat hard water have a professional test your water to determine its hardness. If you do have hard water, consider purchasing a water softener, such as the 2040c from Kinetico. It's a compact unit that possesses superior water softening capabilities for very hard water applications. And unlike other bulky, unattractive water softeners, there's no need to hide it thanks to its fashionable, modern appearance. Just remember, in the long run, not treating hard water could prove more difficult for your pocket book to tolerate than installing a water softener."

Remodel the Right Way

According to Census Bureau statistics, home improvement projects account for almost 75 percent of the $198.6 billion American homeowners spent in 2004 on their homes. However, starting a remodelling job, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, can be a frightening prospect for a homeowner. To ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, a well-thought-out, detailed plan is the first step in any large remodelling project.

One of the most popular home renovation projects is updating the kitchen. When formulating your plan for the kitchen, take into consideration two thoughts: form and function. Typically, kitchens are designed in U-shaped, L-shaped and galley configurations, but a remodel is your chance to start from scratch and truly create the kitchen of your dreams. Carefully analyze how you currently use the kitchen and what design changes would make it more convenient and practical for your individual needs.

"Think about the space in terms of several work centers or stations that allow multiple people to complete tasks simultaneously," said Johnson. "Work centers are a little less formal than the traditional U-, L- and galley-shaped designs but have been growing in popularity in recent years. Adding an island, for example, creates an additional two to four small work stations along its perimeter."

In addition to pre-project planning, also take some time to think about post-project goals. Consider investing in some items that will protect your new kitchen investment and ensure your water-using appliances will last for years to come. This could be preventing hard water build-up with the use of a water softener, or simply purchasing cleaning products specifically designed for those appliances.

No matter what projects you might be tackling this summer, remember it's always better to work smarter, rather than harder. Routine maintenance and pre-project know-how can be the key to saving your summer.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

One of the Easiest Ways to Spruce up A Bathroom: Taking a Look at the On Demand 905 Power Steamer

2011-04-22T14:46:03-07:00

(ARA) - The holiday season will be here before you know it and guess what that means... time to get the house ready for all the guests who will soon descend upon you, and there's a lot to do.

In addition to sweeping the floors, vacuuming, dusting and changing the linens, this is the time of year a lot of people give their guest bathroom a facelift. It is, after all, a room that will soon be getting a lot of use.

One of the easiest ways to transform a bathroom from drab to fab is by removing the old, ugly wallpaper, so why don't more people do it? "A lot of people put off projects involving wallpaper removal because they dread the idea of working with harsh chemicals. What they don't realize is that good old fashioned steam works just as well if not better, and it's a lot more environmentally friendly," says Denis Tierney, product manager at Wagner Spray Tech, makers of the new On-Demand 905 Power Steamer.

In addition to being extremely effective at wallpaper removal, as it softens glue for easy removal almost instantly, the On-Demand 905 Power Steamer comes with a dozen attachments that make it a versatile cleaning tool.

The machine's jet nozzle with fingertip control allows the user to choose between a continuous and intermittent stream of steam - so they can get as much or as little steam as they need for a particular job. It is useful in the bathroom for cleaning mold, mildew and water stains off shower stalls, tubs, floors and sinks; in the kitchen for cleaning grease and grime off cook tops and ovens; and for removing grime from barbeque grills.

Also included is a squeegee that can be used to clean windows and tile; and an attachment specifically for cleaning dirty floors. In bedrooms, living and family rooms, steam cleaning is an effective and environmentally friendly way of killing mites and reducing allergen levels in carpets. The machine also comes with two extension tubes that make it easy to use in hard to reach places.

The On Demand 905 Power Steamer is available in hardware stores and home improvement centers nationwide. For more information, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com or call (800) 328-8251 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

How a Home Inspection Can Help You

2011-04-13T12:58:00-07:00

As many are becoming aware, a home inspection is a critical part of the home buying and home selling process. In today’s market of above-average foreclosed homes, this is especially true.

Karl McIntyre, a Milton area real estate agent, shares with us the many reasons why having a home inspection is important. For more information regarding the home inspection process, visit here.

Special thanks to Karl McIntyre.

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For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.

Worried About High Energy Costs? Check Your Home’s Insulation.

2011-04-01T14:24:18-07:00

Half of all homes in the U.S. are currently under-insulated resulting in heat loss and higher than necessary energy costs. To help control the amount of energy your home is losing on a regular basis, it is best to make sure that you home’s insulation is to code and is in good condition.

This is a simple process allowing many homeowners to take care of this process themselves. As many homeowners may not wish to put small holes in the walls in order to see or are unable to accurately measure the amount of insulation present, a home inspector can be helpful; performing specific tests to ensure your home’s excellent health.

By making use of infrared technology, an inspector is able to perform a thermal insulation inspection scan, an air infiltration/heat loss scan, as well as other tests able to quickly and accurately report what is happening behind the scenes (in this case: the walls). Infrared technology has proven to be invaluable in saving time and costs typically required in identifying and correcting issues related to the issues of heat loss, energy efficiency, moisture intrusion and more.

A Quick Run Through

As mentioned above, a quick scan of your home’s current insulation levels can be done fairly easily.

The most popular step is to check behind the home’s electrical outlets. STOP: make sure to turn OFF your home’s electricity before you begin!

Once the electricity in your home has been turned off, remove the cover plate to an outlet and gently probe into the wall with a stick or screw driver. If there is some slight resistance, insulation is present.

Another option available is to create a small hole within a closet, behind a sofa, or another location that is not easily seen when entering a room, and to peer inside.

Of course, both options will tell you if insulation is present or not; however, both do not let you know if there are sufficient amounts of insulation or if all locations / walls are insulated. This is where a home inspector can be of help.

In addition to checking within the walls, it is important to check the attic and the basement / crawlspace. These areas of your home can create a large amount of energy loss if under-insulated.

A basement should have all walls insulated, at least the top of the foundation wall and first floor perimeter. Ideally, the insulation for this area should be an R-value of 19 or greater.

Within the attic, weather stripping should be present around the attic door, making sure that the door closes tightly and does not allow for any drafts to pass through the opening. In addition, all openings such as around pipes, ductwork and the chimney, should be sealed with insulation and a vapor barrier should be covering the entire insulated floor. Make sure that all attic vents are not blocked by insulation.

The video here provides an excellent visual for checking your home’s insulation. Thanks to How Stuff Works Videos for sharing their expertise.

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To schedule an inspection of your home’s insulation within Sacramento or the San Francisco Bay Area please call 800.411.0840 today.

For home inspection services in the Sacramento and Bay Area please contact Golden State Home Inspections at 800.441.0804 or visit http://www.goldenstatehomeinspections.com.

For more information, we are available on Facebook as well.