Absolutely! A home inspection is crucial when buying or selling a property. It helps uncover any potential issues or repairs needed, giving a clearer picture of the home’s condition and ensuring you make an informed decision.

Inspectors thoroughly check various aspects of a property, and even well-maintained homes, can often have at least minor concerns. Not all defects need to be repaired prior to the sell, it depends on the severity of the issues found during the home inspections and negotiations between the buyer and seller. Some repairs are negotiable, while others, especially those affecting safety or structural integrity, might be crucial to address before finalizing the sale. Defects and issues found during the home inspection can also be used as maintenance checklist, giving you the insight into anticipated fixes, updates, and finances that may be needed to maintain your future home. The goal is to provide an overall understanding of the property’s condition.

Creosote buildup occurs as a natural byproduct of wood burning. When wood is burned, it releases various byproducts, including smoke, water vapor, gases, and solid particles. These solid particles, known as creosote, can accumulate in the chimney.

• First degree creosote: As the hot flue gases rise and make contact with the relatively cooler chimney walls, they may condense, forming a thin, black or brown soot layer
• Second degree Creosote: Over time, as more wood is burned and more gases flow through the chimney, first degree creosote can become thicker and tar-like
• Third degree Creosote: If the chimney remains dirty and uncleaned, the second-degree creosote can undergo further changes, becoming hard, glossy and extremely flammable. This is the most dangerous type of creosote.

Creosote buildup is more likely when the wood burned is not properly seasoned, when the chimney’s draft is insufficient, or when the appliance used is not operating at the right temperature.

Creosote buildup in a chimney can have several negative effects:

1. Fire Hazard: Creosote is highly flammable. Accumulated creosote in the chimney can ignite and lead to dangerous chimney fire.
2. Reduced Draft: Thick layers of creosote can restrict the flow of exhaust gases and smoke, reducing the chimney’s draft efficiency. This can lead to poor combustion and the release of harmful gases in your home.
3. Smoke Backups: A blocked or partially obstructed chimney due to creosote buildup may cause smoke to back up into your living space instead of safely venting outside.
4. Corrosion: Creosote is acidic and can corrode the chimney liner and masonry over time, potentially leading to structural damage.
5. Foul Odors: Creosote can emit unpleasant odors when it mixes with moisture and heat, affecting indoor air quality.
6. Inefficiency: A chimney with creosote buildup may not draw well, causing your heating appliance to burn less efficiently and waste fuel.

Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent creosote buildup and reduce the risk of chimney fires and other associated problems.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can be harmful when present in high concentrations. Radon inspections are a critical process to check for elevated levels of radon gas and safeguard your home.

When radon gas is trapped indoors, it can accumulate to potentially harmful levels. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is a health concern because it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Radon can enter a house through various pathways:

• Soil – Radon is produced naturally in the soil from the decay of uranium and radium. It can migrate to the surface and enter homes through the soil
• Cracks and Openings – cracks in concrete and foundation, gaps around pipes, sump pumps, and crawl spaces are just some of the areas that radon can seep through
• Well Water – In some cases, radon can enter homes through well water, especially in areas with high radon levels in ground water, when you use water containing radon for activities like showering, radon can be released into the indoor air.

The only way you know is to you have radon is to test!

AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. It is an electrical safety device designed to detect and mitigate the risk of electrical fires caused by arching faults in wiring, cords, and electrical devices.

What is the difference between AFCI and GFCI outlets?

GFCIs are designed to protect against ground faults or ground leakage currents. They detect imbalances in the electrical current flowing a circuit, which can occur when current leaks to the ground – for example, due to contact with water. They are primarily used to prevent electrical shock hazards.

AFCI are designed to detect and mitigate the risk of electrical fires caused by arc faults. They are sensitive to abnormal electrical arching, which can happen when wiring is damaged, cords are frayed, or there are loose connections. AFCIs focus on fire prevention.

How to know the difference in GFCI and AFCI?

GFCI: Look for the outlets with ‘test” and ‘reset’ buttons, these are typically GFCI outlets. They may also have a GFCI label on them. GFCI outlets are often installed in areas near water sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations

AFCI: AFCI protection is usually provided by circuit breakers rather than outlets. Check your electrical panel for circuit breakers with AFCI labels or test buttons. These breakers are often used to protect bedroom and living area circuits.

What if neither AFCI or GFCI is present?

Determine the level of risk associated with the area or circuit in question. Consider factors such as proximity to water sources, the presence of electrical devices, and the age of your electrical system. High-risk areas should have appropriate protection.

Depending on the specific need, you can install AFCI or GFCI protection where it’s lacking. You can retrofit existing outlets with GFCI receptacles or add AFCI.

If you are unsure about the protection in your home, need to identify specific circuits, or the best course of action, it’s a good idea to consult a reputable licensed electrician.

AFCI and GFCI devices are critical for reducing the risk of electrical fires, electric shocks, and other electrical hazards in your home. Ensuring their presence where needed is an essential aspect of home safety.