• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Yelp
Call Us: 904-395-1900
Inside & Out Property Inspectors
  • Home Inspections
    • What’s Included
    • Infrared Thermography Inspection
    • New Construction
    • Pre-Drywall Inspection
    • Warranty Inspection
    • Deck Inspections
    • Sewer Scope
    • Mold Inspection
    • Pre-Slab Inspection
    • Stucco
    • Manufactured Home Foundation Certification (HUD) Inspections
  • Commercial Inspections
    • Commercial
    • Rental Inspection
  • Pest Control
    • Termite Inspection
    • Termite Treatment
    • Mosquito Treatment
    • Rodent Exclusion
  • Insurance
    • Wind Mitigation
    • 4 Point Inspection
  • About
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Standards of Practice
    • Code of Ethics
    • Testimonials
  • Service Areas
    • Inspections
      • Commercial
        • Jacksonville
        • Jacksonville Beach
        • St. Augustine
        • St. Augustine Beach
        • Ponte Vedra Beach
        • Crescent Beach
        • Vilano Beach
        • Green Cove Springs
        • Nocatee
        • Hastings
        • Palm Valley
        • Sawgrass
      • Residential
        • Jacksonville
        • Jacksonville Beach
        • St Augustine
        • St Augustine Beach
        • Green Cove Springs
        • Nocatee
        • Ponte Vedra Beach
        • Vilano Beach
        • Crescent Beach
        • Hastings
        • Palm Valley
        • Sawgrass
        • Neptune Beach
    • Pest Control
      • Jacksonville, FL
        • Termite Treatments
      • St Augustine
        • Termite Treatments
      • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
      • Nocatee, FL
      • Crescent Beach, FL
      • Vilano Beach, FL
    • Insurance Inspections
      • Wind Mitigation Inspection
        • Jacksonville, FL
        • St. Augustine, FL
        • Green Cove Springs, FL
        • Nocatee, FL
      • 4 Point Inspection
        • Jacksonville, FL
        • St. Augustine, FL
        • Green Cove Springs, FL
        • Nocatee, FL
    • View All Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Schedule
  • Free Quote
  • Menu Menu
Buying a house with mold

Buying a House With Mold

March 26, 2021/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by BJ Johnson

House hunting can be enjoyable and stressful at the same time.  It becomes even trickier when you find a home you really love and the home inspection shows there are issues and possible mold in the home.  Do you walk away from buying a house with mold? Or do you have it tested and continue with the buying process?

Let’s take a look at the options.

Are You Buying a House with Mold? Get it Tested First

If the inspection report shows there may be mold, you need a mold test to know for sure. Home inspectors are not mold inspectors but some home inspection companies have mold inspectors on staff so you can ask.


After the company you choose tests for mold, results are sent to a lab for review and then they will give the final answer. Once lab results are in, you need a licensed mold assessor in Florida (or the state where your home is) to review and write protocols on how to remediate. The assessor may work for the home inspection company you chose or you need to look for a reputable company that has licensed mold assessors on staff. Then, a remediation company can come in to do the repairs.  If it comes back that there is mold, it is a toss-up whether to buy the home.

There are all different kinds of mold out there and they affect people differently.  Some molds, even when the home is mitigated, will still irritate family members and cause health issues, no matter if you get it out of the home.  While on the other hand, some mold is small enough that it can be taken care of and the culprit can be fixed.

There is mold, now what

There is Mold, Now What

The mold inspection test comes back positive for mold.  The licensed inspector will provide a report about the type of mold and the amount of space it covers. If it is less than 10 square feet or 5×2 area space, you can clean it easily.  However, if it is more than 10 square feet, there is an issue and mitigation may or may not be needed.  Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide if it is smart buying a house with mold.

Cause of the Mold

The licensed mold inspector should be able to tell you what is causing the mold.  It can be:

A leaky window – the seals may be worn down or the window doesn’t close all the way.

Negative grading in the yard – we aren’t talking about grades of A’s and F’s, we are referring to the slope of the land. The slope needs to go away from the home so the water drainage is toward the street.

Drainage in the yard is bad – this can also cause structural and foundation issues and allow for you to be able to walk away from the home.

There is a water leak inside the wall . This can be hard to see and you will need to have a home inspector check it out further.

Issues on the top of the house

Issues on the Top of the House

Clogged gutters – these allow water to run into the home and cause mold to grow where the water leaks in.

Eaves on the home are leaking and need fixing so water is not getting too close to the house.

Downspouts are not far enough away from the home. They should extend at least 6 feet but 10 feet is ideal to carry the water away from the home.

Crawlspace and Attic Issues

Crawlspace– the crawl space is a high humidity area and can have mold growth. However, this can often be taken care of easily.

Mold in the attic– mold can grow in the attic due to moisture because of leaks in the ceiling.  Humid air in the home going into a low humid attic can cause moisture.  Just like the crawl space, this is common and can be fixed.

Other Causes of Mold

Flooding– sometimes there is flooding that has occurred in the area.  Asking the licensed mold assessor or the home inspector if this may be the one-time issue that caused the mold growth is a good idea.

Air handler leaking water– if the air handler or AC unit is clogging or having issues with running, it can leak water. This will be the start of the mold growth.

Who Pays to Get Rid of the Mold

If it is found during the home inspection that the buyer paid for, the seller should pay for the removal of the mold.  However, they are not required to (depending on state rules.)  This is where the buyer can have the upper hand and ask for a negotiation of the sale price of the home.  The seller can say, “yes” and pay for it or take the amount it will cost off the sale price or the seller can say, “no” and leave the sale price as is.

This is why having a realtor is a good idea so they can help you negotiate and counter offer.

Remember that getting rid of the mold is great, but you need to know what caused it. Once you know what caused it, you can fix it.  If not, then you are just putting a bandied over it and it will be back.  Contact a professional to find the source and to quote a price to fix it.  This can also be negotiated.

If You Are the Seller

Check your attic and crawlspace first before putting your house up for sale as these are the places where the mold occurs more frequently.

Walk around the home and take a look to see if mold is growing in any of the rooms or they smell musty.

Pre-listing inspection if you suspect mold in the home –this will allow you to know what is going on in the home that maybe you can’t see before you list the home for sale.

Buying a House with Mold Can Cause Appraisal Issues

Depending on the type of mold and the amount, it could lower the value of the home.  This could also cause a lender to back out and not loan you the money.  Furthermore, check with lenders before you really love a home to make sure that they will still finance a loan for you if there is mold in the home.

Get an Estimate of the Cost to Remove the Mold

Mold removal can vary from hundreds of dollars to over thousands. The amount may be more than you are willing to pay.  These are things to think about when deciding if you want to purchase the home.

Future prevention of mold tips

Future Prevention of Mold Tips

If you buy the home, here are some prevention of future mold tips

  1. Check around roofs, windows, and pipes for any leaking.
  2. If you have flooding in the home, everything must be dried. Also, you need to check for mold on carpet.
  3. Ventilate areas in the home and make sure humidity stays low. If you live in the south, running the AC on “auto” is recommended.
  4. Upgrade air filters in the home to Merv 11 or 13 will keep allergens out.
  5. Basement – don’t put carpet down there. Consider tile or another type of flooring so you can keep it clean.

When to Call a Professional

Call a mold assessor to diagnose if there is mold. Additionally, contact a professional if mold is found in the home and you need an estimate of how to get rid of it. This may help you in deciding if it is worth pursuing purchasing the home or not.

Conclusion

Buying a home is a stressful time. When you find out the home you are in love with has mold, it might make you think twice about the purchase. However, don’t throw in the towel yet. Take the time to find out the extent of the mold and the expense to get rid of it. Consulting your realtor is a great idea as well.

We will look for signs of visual mold when inspecting your home in Jacksonville and St. Augustine . However, you will need mold testing to know for sure if there is a mold issue.

Are you in need of our mold inspection services ? Leave us a comment below

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Buying-a-house-with-mold-scaled.jpeg 1707 2560 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2021-03-26 11:46:402021-03-26 11:46:42Buying a House With Mold
Why the Cheapest Inspector is Often Not the Best

Why the Cheapest Inspector is Often Not the Best

June 7, 2018/in Uncategorized/by aaron

Home inspections are a stressful part of any home-buying process. An inspection report could show that your dream home is full of nightmare problems! But it could also save you thousands of dollars and years of unwanted surprises.

The Realtors over at Round Table Realty help buyers through the inspection process everyday. Buyers rely on RTR agents to help them meet home inspection deadlines and to decide on what types of inspections a home requires. Those agents are relying on us here at Inside & Out to highlight anything that could affect the value of a home or it’s insurability. Using modern tools like an infrared camera to find hiding issues, combined with years of experience, we can help Realtors save their buyers from surprises.

Not long ago, Round Table Agent Alan Levinson told us a story of a buyer he helped with the purchase of a home. He recommended Inside & Out for the inspections, but the buyer chose a company that offered less for a lower cost. Alan respected the buyer’s decision and after receiving the inspection report (which was minimal), he reminded them that they would not have any negotiating power after the sale of the home if unseen problems popped up.

Sure enough, several months later the buyer was surprised to find that an ongoing leak under the guest bathroom sink led to a full-on bathroom flood! The bathroom floor had to be replaced, not to mention the sink had to be fixed! Alan was devastated for his client, but was reminded why tools like infrared cameras cost a little more up front but save buyers in the end. Round Table Realty agents recommend Inside & Out Inspectors by name regularly thanks to our thorough, accurate, and professional reports. They get exactly what they need in order to continue to negotiation process on behalf of buyers, ensuring that big ticket items be address in the price of the sale.

No matter how many times you buy a home, getting that inspection report is scary! But we at Inside & Out want you to know the good, the bad, and the really really bad long before you sign on the dotted line.

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pexels-photo-1006060-1.jpeg 1099 1920 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2018-06-07 16:54:552018-06-07 16:54:55Why the Cheapest Inspector is Often Not the Best
Wind Mitigation and Homeowners’ Insurance

Wind Mitigation and Homeowners’ Insurance

September 19, 2017/in Uncategorized/by aaron

If you live in Florida, then you have probably heard about wind mitigation – the process of
implementation of specific building methods and techniques focused on limiting and reducing the
damage that comes as a result of intense winds.
Unfortunately, Florida has a long history of hurricanes. According to official statistics, the State of
Florida has been hit by over 200 hurricanes in the last 150 years. In addition, the occurrence of strong
winds that cannot be classified as hurricanes (under 74 miles per hour) can cause damage to buildings
too and these strong winds are not rare in Florida.

Discounts on Insurance Premiums

What does wind mitigation include?

The wind mitigation techniques are focused on different parts of the home. For instance, they are
reinforcing the garages by strengthening the windows, checking door-track strength and more.
Furthermore, replacing glass doors with impact-resistant doors is another great technique that can
protect homes against strong winds. Roof deck attachments, roof shape, roof covering, secondary water
resistance, protection of openings – these are just some of the many wind mitigation techniques used
today in Florida.

Wind mitigation and homeowners’ insurance – is there any connection?

The answer to this question is affirmative. The insurance rates are closely related to the level of risk
associated with a certain item – in this case, homes. So, to put it in simple words, insurance is focused
on evaluating and handling risk. Obviously, if you live in an area where strong winds are able to cause
damage to your property like Florida, you should expect higher homeowners’ insurance rates. However,
by using wind mitigation techniques, you will be able to cut these expenses.
Wind mitigation techniques are used to make any home less vulnerable to the risks brought by strong
winds. By taking good care of the windows, doors, walls, and roofs, your home can be prepared for
these winds.

Hurricane force winds blowing in Florida

Using wind mitigation inspection

In order to reduce the homeowners’ insurance rate, you should call a professional home inspector that
provides wind mitigation inspection. The main objective of an inspection like this is to find out the
preparedness of a home to deal with strong winds. A wind mitigation inspection will analyze the
features of the building that are usually affected by hurricanes and strong winds like concrete block
construction, hip roof, the presence or absence of shutters and similar protective items for the
openings, and few other things.
A Florida homeowner looking for homeowners’ insurance can provide the results of the wind mitigation
inspection to the insurance company in order to get discounts. Of course, if you want to get discounts
like this, you should follow the recommendations of the home inspector you have hired. These
professionals will suggest changes, upgrades, and repairs in your home that will make it harder for
almost any type of wind to cause damage. Those interested in using wind mitigation inspection services
should look for a licensed home inspector with experience in this field. By doing this, they can
significantly reduce the cost of homeowners’ insurance and protect their homes.

(1) https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/hurricane/hurricane.htm

(2) https://www.floridadisaster.org/Mitigation/Documents/Wind%20Mitigation%20Booklet%20.pdf

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Inside1-2.jpg 271 601 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2017-09-19 15:22:132021-05-24 18:57:12Wind Mitigation and Homeowners’ Insurance
Florida Maintenance Tips

Florida Maintenance Tips

August 10, 2017/in Uncategorized/by aaron

Home maintenance is crucial for keeping a home in top value. Even though the climate in Florida is mild
and doesn’t cause problems, homeowners should still take care of their homes on a regular basis. Of
course, some of the maintenance activities should be conducted more frequently than others. The
following is a list of Florida maintenance tips divided into different categories.
On a monthly basis

– Replace the air filters of your HVAC system

air filter being replaced

– Inspect, and after that, clean or replace kitchen ventilation hood filters
– Flush all the toilets and run warm water through the sinks. This is especially important in the
bathrooms that are not used frequently.
On a quarterly basis
– Inspect your home’s exterior drainage. In this way, you will ensure that there is nothing that
causes standing water to puddle for over 24 hours and that all water regardless of its source is
not ending in your home’s foundation.
– It is highly recommended to test the GFCIs (Ground fault circuit interrupters) for normal
operations by tripping the test buttons and resetting them after that manually. In case they
don’t trip or rest, call a licensed electrician.

– Inspect and clean all the exterior vents. Check whether the air flows freely and that each vent
has a fully functioning damper to prevent back flow of outside air and to keep insects or small
animals from entering your home.
– Lubricate all overhead garage door hinges with high-quality garage door lubricant.
– Inspect and clean all weep holes on the windows to ensure proper water drainage.
On a seasonal basis
– Call a licensed HVAC contractor to service your HVAC system every six months. In this way, you
will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and optimize its work.
– Inspect and caulk these areas two times a year as needed:
 Bathrooms and kitchen
 Flushing areas
 The siding
 Around all wall penetrations (fireplace, duct work from vents, faucets, hose and chimney
vents)
 Around window and doors
 Interior settling or shrinkage cracks on the sheetrock and trim
 Mortar or stucco cracks

A man is cleaning a clogged roof gutter from dirt, debris and fallen leaves to prevent water damage and let rainwater drain properly.

A man is cleaning a clogged roof gutter from dirt, debris and fallen leaves to prevent water damage and let rainwater drain properly.

– Make sure that the gutters are free of debris that could prevent free water flow. In addition,
make sure that you have splash blocks at the base of the gutter downspouts to help deflect
water away from your home’s foundation.
– Inspect and adjust the sprinkler system to avoid spraying your home. Adjust the timers for your
county’s watering days to optimize the use of water.
On an annual basis
– Drain and refill your hot water heaters. It is possible that you will have to do this more
frequently – it all depends on the current water conditions in your area.
– Inspect and test the hot water heater TPR valve.
– Inspect the garage door/s, rails, and lock system. Adjust and lubricate if needed.
– Clean the faucet aerators and inspect the plumbing fixtures for potential leaks.

Leaky pipe

– Clean and sharpen the garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning
(foaming) product into the disposal.
– Inspect your home’s fire extinguishers and replace them if needed.
– Replace the batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.
Follow these maintenance tips to keep your home’s value and your quality of life.

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Inside1-1.jpg 435 504 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2017-08-10 15:19:502021-05-24 18:07:26Florida Maintenance Tips
How to Choose the Right Home Inspector

How to Choose the Right Home Inspector

July 24, 2017/in Uncategorized/by aaron

In order to make sure that you are paying a reasonable price for the home you want to buy, you should definitely hire a home inspector. There are hundreds of home inspectors out there ready to help you with this task. However, not all of them are equally skilled, experienced and reliable. Good home inspectors will help you learn more about this process, keep you safe from making poor real estate decisions, anticipate future repairs and more. In other words, hiring a home inspector is one of the smartest things that you can do. So, how to choose the right one?

  1. Experience

     Just like in the case of many other professions, experience is one of the most important things when selecting a home inspector. The home inspector you choose should have at least a few years of experience.

  1. Certificates/Credentials

     Another thing that you should take into consideration is their credentials and certificates. The perfect home inspector must have a formal training and they also must possess a certificate that will confirm the completion of a reputable licensing program. These training programs are usually complex and they confirm their capability to conduct a proper home inspection. (1) In addition, the best home inspectors are following the latest trends and news in this area and they are upgrading their education all the time.

Internachi
3. Charges

Every future homeowner has a certain budget and every home inspector has specific charges for the home inspection services they provide. Before hiring one, you must learn more about these charges. There are situations when the home needs major improvement that was noticed by the home inspector. After the repairs are done he (or she) will have to come back and conduct another inspection. It is good to know whether they will charge you for the revisit or not. You definitely don’t want to work with a home inspector that charges hidden fees.

4. Check a sample of their inspection reports

If you want to make sure that you are dealing with a reliable home inspector, you should also ask them for a sample of their reports prepared for other clients. Generally speaking, thorough reports contain between 20 and 50 pages. They also include high-quality photos of the problematic parts of the home. Make sure your inspector has a modern, easy-to-understand home inspection report so you’re not left scratching your head trying to sift through a 100-page PDF.

5.Guarantee 

Many people agree that it is a smart idea to ask the home inspector whether he is providing a guarantee for the work done and the home inspection report that he presents. In this way, you can determine whether he is a true professional

6. Full-time home inspector

     Finally, it is highly recommended to work with a full-time home inspector. We can all agree that the best home inspection services are provided by full-time home inspectors.

We hope that these tips will help you make the right decision.

  1. https://icaschool.com/state-licensing/florida-home-inspection-licensing/
  2. https://www.angieslist.com/articles/whats-included-home-inspection-report.htm
https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Apic-3.jpg 384 534 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2017-07-24 20:46:462021-05-24 15:38:45How to Choose the Right Home Inspector
Using IR to help find hidden damage or moisture

Using IR to help find hidden damage or moisture

July 10, 2017/in Uncategorized/by aaron

Using IR to help find hidden damage or moisture

     Home inspections are conducted for many different reasons. For instance, they are used to help get

homeowner’s insurance and they can help you determine the condition of the home too. That’s why

there are thousands of home inspections conducted in the USA every year. Of course, not all of them

are the same – some of these inspections are better than the others.

     In the recent period, many homeowners use home inspections to identify hidden damage or moisture

with the help of infrared technology. This is what every successful home inspection company has in its

offer and Inside & Out Property Inspectors is not an exception. Infrared technology or IR technology is

focused on detecting infrared radiation which is a type of electromagnetic radiation just like UV

radiation, radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays. (1) But, how exactly does IR help people find hidden

damage or moisture?

     During this process, home inspectors use special infrared devices that are able to see heat. So, they are

non-contact devices that can identify infrared heat and turn it into an electronic signal which is

ultimately converted into an image on the device’s display. (2) Every object radiates a certain amount of

heat and this is how this special IR inspection can help. The heat detected by the IR device is quantified

in a very precise way. An experienced user of a device like this can easily assess the level of heat-related

issues in your home. Obviously, you need professionals like the ones from Inside & Out Property

Inspectors to get the most from this activity.

     Ordinary home inspections where IR devices are not used will determine problems that are visible. With

an IR device, you will bring the home inspection to another level and find problems that are not visible

to the naked eye.

     For instance, if you suspect that there is a problem with moisture in your home, but you cannot detect

the source, you’ve got two options – to drill holes in the walls or to use an IR device. Obviously the latter

is much more helpful. As we all know, moisture can lead to mold growth and mold is associated with

many illnesses. In addition, mold can damage the structure of your home. But, moisture issues are not

the only thing that you can detect with IR technology.

IR inspection can help homeowners detect conditions like unbalanced loads, open circuits, loose

connections, overloads, defective equipment and more.

     Thanks to IR, people will reduce unscheduled downtime and extend equipment life. They will also find

increased levels of moisture even behind walls which mean lower risk of mold growth. This also means

lower repair costs because you will know exactly where the problem is located. The IR technology is

here to prevent disastrous failures and keep the integrity of your home.

Once the IR inspection is finished you can expect at least three benefits. First of all, this inspection gives

you precise information about the current condition of your home without the use of invasive methods.

Finding issues like energy or insulation problems, HVAC issues or occurrence of moisture has never been

easier.

     If you are planning on using home inspection services, make sure that the home inspector uses infrared

technology. This is by far the best home inspection in terms of effectiveness and convenience. Inside &

Out Property Inspectors is offering high-quality IR services to every home owner in Florida at a

reasonable price. The best part is that this activity is part of the regular home inspection provided by

Inside & Out Property Inspectors.

(1) https://www.livescience.com/50260-infrared- radiation.html

(2) https://www.lifewire.com/definition-of- infrared-817726

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Blog3.jpg 381 606 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2017-07-10 14:59:422021-05-24 18:54:47Using IR to help find hidden damage or moisture
Florida Home Maintenance Checklist

Florida Home Maintenance Checklist

December 6, 2016/in Uncategorized/by aaron

Florida Maintenance Tips:

On a monthly basis:

  1. Clean or replace air conditioning filters. If you have an energy recovery system (air exchange system), remember that these filters also need to be cleaned or replaced.
  2. Inspect, clean or replace kitchen vent hood filters (non-charcoal filters).
  3. Flush all toilets and run water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.

On a quarterly basis:

  1. Check the exterior drainage conditions to ensure that nothing is causing water to stand in puddles for more than 24 hours and that water from any source is not draining toward your foundation.
  2. Check your GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) for proper operations by tripping the circuit interrupter buttons and then resetting them. If they will not trip and reset, contact your Customer Care Department for service or information on what to do.
  3. Inspect, lubricate and clean all of your exterior vents. Make sure that air flows freely and that each has an operable damper to prevent back flow of outside air and to keep small animals from entering your home.
  4. Lubricate all overhead garage door hinges with white lithium spray.
  5. Inspect and clean all weep holes for water drainage (windows).

On a seasonal basis:

  1. Every six months, inspect and service either your heating or air conditioning system, depending on the season.
  2. Twice a year, you should inspect and repair the following caulked areas, as necessary.
  • Kitchen and bath wet areas.
  • Flushing areas.
  • Window and door seals.
  • Around all penetrations (hose, faucets, duct work from vents, fireplace and chimney vents).
  • Vinyl, aluminum or wood siding.
  • Stucco or mortar cracks.
  • Interior settling or shrinkage sheetrock cracks.
  1. If you have a basement and it has a sump pump, check to make sure it is operating properly, clean the pump screen and remove any soil buildup from the well.
  2. Clean and repair gutters. Make sure gutters are free of material that could prevent free flow of water. Make sure you have splash deflectors at the base of the downspout to deflect water away from the home.
  3. Inspect and adjust sprinkler systems. Set your timers for the proper season to ensure enough, but not too much water per station.

On an annual basis:

  1. Drain and refill your hot water heater(s). This may be necessary on a more frequent basis if you live in an area with extremely hard water.
  2. Inspect and test your hot water heater safety valve.
  3. Inspect your garage door(s), rails and lock system; adjust and lubricate, as necessary. Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution.
  4. Service your lawn mower and yard equipment (blowers, edgers and trimmers).
  5. Clean your faucet aerators and inspect your plumbing for leaks.
  6. Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning (foaming) product into the disposal.
  7. Inspect or have tested your home fire extinguishers.
  8. Replace smoke alarm batteries.
https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Florida-Home-Maintenance-Checklist-.jpeg 688 1030 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2016-12-06 22:46:372021-04-02 18:14:53Florida Home Maintenance Checklist
Keep Your Windows Working Proper

Keep Your Windows Working Proper

August 11, 2016/in Uncategorized/by aaron

How to make sure your windows and doors open, close, lock and unlock easily for years to come.

Don’t you love how easily your windows and doors open and close? Keep them operating smoothly by performing these steps:

  • Vacuum dirt from sill and track areas regularly, and before each washing.
  • Check to make certain that drainage or weep holes are clear of dirt or obstructions. Weep holes can be found outside the window or door in the bottom of the frame. Use a small, soft bottle brush to clear openings.
    Note: If the window is ‘stacked”, there may be weep holes between units.
  • Moving parts in hardware components and tracks and rollers should be lubricated regularly. In salt-air environments like Jacksonville Florida, this can mean at least monthly.
  • Check weather stripping around operable window and door panels to be sure it seals evenly.
  • Adjust sliding door rollers for proper height clearances. Most door rollers can be adjusted with a screwdriver through access holes in either the end or side of the sliding panel at the bottom. Be sure to lift the panel to take the weight off of the roller during roller adjustment.
  • Roller screen doors can be adjusted to glide smoothly. Use a screwdriver – often in all four corners – to make adjustment.
  • After making roller adjustments, it may be necessary to also make adjustments in the lock strike placement. Most strikes may be adjusted by loosening screw fasteners, moving the strike plate and retightening. Check for proper lock operation.


    How to maintain aluminum windows in coastal areas:

  • Use mineral spirits to remove any salt deposits, dirt, etc.
  • Use a light soap and water solution to wash windows, and rinse well.
  • Apply a light car wax solution to the extrusion annually. Do not apply wax without cleaning the windows first. This is especially important in corrosive environments where salt deposits may be sealed to the extrusion by the wax, allowing the salt to continue to do what it is known to do – corrode the extrusion.
    In corrosive environments it is recommended that windows be rinsed regularly to reduce salt deposit build-ups and ease the annual cleaning process. This is especially true for anyone living near the ocean where salt water spray reaches the home.
https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/blog02.jpg 550 834 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2016-08-11 22:53:532021-04-02 18:23:04Keep Your Windows Working Proper
What is Radon?

What is Radon?

August 11, 2016/in Uncategorized/by aaron

Is This Dangerous Substance Lurking in Your Home?

Radon DiagramRadon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless substance that emits alpha radiation, a dangerous chemical that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. behind cigarette smoking. In fact, Radon is estimated to cause some 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year, according to the Surgeon General’s office. Many homes have radon levels that exceed standards set by the U.S. EPA, but many homeowners don’t know it.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a result of the breakdown of uranium. It is generally found in soil and rocks and occasionally in well water. Most people are exposed to radon by breathing it in their homes, workplaces, or other buildings. Radon danger is especially high in underground caves, mines, tunnels, etc. Dangerous Radon levels have been detected in every U.S. state, and some 8 million homes – or 1 in every 5 – have high levels. Children seem to be at higher risk than adults for health problems related to the substance.

There is only one sure way to know if there is Radon present in your home, and that is to test it. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of exposure to Radon and many people are unaware that they are affected until months or even years have passed.

Radon detection kits are available in many stores and online. Home inspectors and certified contractors can also check your home for this dangerous substance. Kits can be short-term (a few days) or long term (several months) and will provide varying amounts of accuracy. The EPA recommends testing every floor below the third floor of a home or building.

The good news is that the problem can be fixed. Levels can be lowered by sealing wall and floor cracks and through more complex steps such as adding pipes and fans below the slab of your home.

For more information, visit the EPA’s site at https://www.epa.gov/radon

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dreamstime_s_84018096_ejvmgs.jpg 533 800 aaron https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png aaron2016-08-11 22:41:282021-09-01 14:03:08What is Radon?

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Is It Worth Replacing Windows Before Selling A House?
  • How to Adjust the Water Level in a Toilet?
  • How To Fix Gurgling Bathroom Sink
  • How Long Does Stucco Take To Dry
  • How To Hide Kitchen Vent Pipe

Archives

Inside and Out Property Inspectors Logo

SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION TODAY!

 
Contact Inside & Out Property Inspectors Inc. today to schedule your home inspection with an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector in Northeast Florida.

Offering a discount of $20 off to active military, veterans, and first-responders.

Call 904-395-1900 Get a Quote
Certified Master Inspector
Northeast Florida Association of Realtors
Fabi Logo
Jacksonville 7945 Pine Lake Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32256  |  St. Augustine 52 Tuscan Way, St. Augustine, Florida 32092

© 2019 Inside and Out Property Inspectors All rights reserved | Website by WolfPack Advising
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Yelp
  • Contact
  • DIY Home Maintenance Videos
  • Approved Contractors
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap
Scroll to top