The furnace and air conditioning units are very important when considering a home to buy.

Inspectors will determine if the air conditioning cooling systems are working properly and if they have indoor and outdoor components that work with gas and refrigeration functions.

The inspector will also look at the furnace and heating systems to determine that they are functional. There are several types of heating systems including many variables for type of energy used. The inspector will indicate the age of the existing heating units and expected life expectancy of such units. They will tell you of care and maintenance issues you will need to be concerned with for the life of the unit.

The inspection of the temperature control units in a home is an important step to take before making a home purchase.

The bones of the building are it’s structure. During inspectionn and inspector will look at the exterior first determining how the struction works with the ground and enviroment. The inspector will look at the angle of the ground, the landscaping, and vegetation. He will look at decks, stairs, and handrails built onto the structure for hazzards.

The basement and crawl spaces will be examined to make sure they meet industry standards for size and ventilation. The inspector will make recommendations for changes if they do not meet these standards. Basements should have a ceiling height of at least 6 foot 8 inches and crawlspaces should house electrical, plumbing, or heating systems. They are not meant for human habitation.

The inspector will check the roof structure for drainage issues and wether it is flashed properly to prevent leakage. Inspectors will climb to the roof and look for damage, discolorations, and moss on the roof material.

The doors and windows will be examined making sure they open and close properly. The walls will be checked for soundness and movement damage due to weather. The walls will be checked for any moisture damage. The functionality of the exterior wall coverings will be examined.

The inspection of structure is a pretty intense over all inspection where almost all sections of the home are examined.

Radon enters homes from cracks in the exterior parts, gaps around pipes, openings inside of walls, or your water system. It won’t hurt your house, but can make you more likely to get certain cancers.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from natural decay. It is also radioactive.

If you are concerned with radon levels in your home. We (Clarksville Home Inspection) do offer a service that will check your homes levels. Inspectors take a sample of the air over a period of time. The initial measurements can tell most of the story. Some smart homeowners monitor radon levels periodically. This will get a sense of a home’s true air quality and levels of this gas.

If your home has high levels, installing a simple ventilation fan or installing suction fans in basements or even under basements can usually solve the problem. The radon reductions measures usually cost about $1200 with a variance of about $400 on that either up or down. These measures are very effective though in controlling radon.

Who wants a house that doesn’t have good plumbing? During a home inspection, the inspector will check your pipes. It is important that pipes are not leaking and are passing water in and waste out properly.

Plumbing is a common cause of water damage including rot and mildew.

It is recommended to have all lead pipes replaced for health reasons so that drinking water doesn’t pass through them.

The major piping options are copper, galvanized steel, or polybutylene. Copper is the most expensive, but also most reliable. Galvanized steel is competent, but hard to inspect because it can buildup corrosion inside of the pipes with will constrict water flow making the home owner have to rotate one water usage at a time. Polybutylene pipes have been found defective and buyers should inquire about replacements and if they will qualify for class action lawsuit settlements that will replace the pipes.

Plumbing can be expensive especially exterior pipes that are corroded. It is very important that pipes, sinks, and other water items function properly the keep the structure of the home strong.

A home inspection of the plumbing is a very important step in the buying experience because it can prevent a lot of future expenses.

The foundation is the framework which supports your home at the edges and keeps it in place. It prevents it from moving in the earth that it resides. The foundation also protects against moisture and cold. Foundations are built differently based on location where you live. The presence of a basement also affects what materials are used for a foundation.

Cracks in a foundation can lead to water leaks, structural defects, and vulnerablilties in natural disasters like earthquakes. Settling will occur over time usually making slight cracks and unevenness, sometimes this can be more dramatic though.

A home inspector will figure out what type of foundation your home has and examine it for potential defects. Inspections include both internal and external exam focused primarily in the basement or crawl space. You can expect to pay 15% of a new home budget on the foundation.

The 4 main types of foundations are:

1. Stone, mortar, and brick which were used in the oldest homes and are prone to cracking and leaking.
2. Concrete and steel reinforcements this is a good type of foundation to have because they are easier to inspect and have more insect protection than some of the other types.
3. Concrete slabs are just a single piece of concrete. These are the most difficult to inspect because most of the foundation is hidden. They also are more favorable to insect infestation.
4. Cement block foundations are common amoung homes with basements. These type are fairly easy to inspect, but the smallest of cracks can lead to major damage.

Whatever the type of foundation your home has inspectors will look for moisture pooling or penetrating the smallest cracks or hairline cracks that form in the walls. In severe cases walls will begin to buckle and slant especially at the corners. Dirt may begin to seep into the basement or the floors will drop.

Some foundation settling will almost always happen especially in older homes, but inspection can help determine the amount of damage and if repairs are needed. Sealing and reinforcements may be all it takes to sturdy up a home with early signs of problems and prevent very expensive repairs in the long run.

Kitchens are often the most expensive rooms to upgrade, but here are a few simple steps that if done one at a time can really improve a kitchen without busting your homes budget.

• New handles and hinges – Yeah, simple cheap and beautiful. New handles can change the look of your cabinets dramatically.
• New Fronts – Replace old glass panels with new clear or frosted panels. They will really improve the look of the panels.
• Paint – Nothing changes a room like paint. The kitchen is no exception to this rule.
• Clean – Yeah, this is hardly an upgrade. You will love the difference it makes though.
• New Curtains – Curtains in the kitchen can set the mood for the entire room.
• New Faucet – A new faucet can make an old sink look new again.
• New Countertop – This is the most expensive thing on the list, but probably well worth the cost. A new countertop in laminate or tile is fairly affordable, but can make a kitchen look night and day in a very short time frame.
• New Floor – Quick stick tile floors can really improve the looks of an old outdated floor.
• Last, but not least – Add Lighting – Under cabinet lighting can really make a dramatic effect or a new chandelier. New lights brighten any space.

You can do simple updates on a kitchen and make major improvements even on the tightest of budgets.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Clarksville Home Inspection we can help with all your inspection needs.

If you are spending over $1900 on energy bills a year the EPA says you could save an additional 20% by taking the following steps.

Maintain heating system – Most heating systems require at least an annual check up and most need air filters replaced quarterly.

Seal any air leaks – Drafts and air leaks mostly occur in basements and attics. Seal these leaks with insulation, caulk, and other materials. If you finish any unfinished sections, be sure to add insulation when doing this work.

Use programmable thermostats – You can program the thermostat to be at a cooler temperature while you are at work or away extended times and during the night while you are snuggled in your bed fast asleep. This could save you up to $150 a year in energy.

Switch to energy-efficient products – A lot of times you can save money and utility bills by switching to more energy efficient products, so you can switch your heaters, insulation, furnaces, and of course windows. You get a double savings in your wallet with a lot of these purchases. You also get a better looking newer product. You may qualify for tax savings on top of the utility savings as well.

Energy Star labels – The EPA and department of Energy work together making the Energy Star label rankings. Energy star products use less power and reduce greenhouse gasses. So when you are shopping for something anyways and there is an option with an Energy Star sticker on it, consider making that your selection. It will probably pay in the long run.

Conduct an energy audit – The US department of Energy has a home energy calculator (http://hes.lbl.gov/) that can help you determine your homes trouble spots. Use it and put that knowledge to good use.

It pays to be a smart shopper and look out for the environment at the same time.

If you have any questions, contact Clarksville Home Inspection we are there for your home inspection needs.

What would a home be without a roof over our heads? This is one of the most important structure of a home. The inspector will examine the slope of the roof, it’s condition, and common risks with roofs of that slope. The inspector will look for affecting vegetation and whether it looks prone to leaking.

Flashing installed wrong is the cause of most leaks. Flashing is what connects the roof to the home along other parts of the home like roof vents, chimneys, windows, etc. Flashing can be many different materials, but is usually a type of metal.

The gutters and drainage system will be examined to make sure water is properly drained away from the foundation to help prevent moisture damage.

There are several types of roofing material. Asphalt or composition roofing is the most common in this area. Shingle roofs generally last 15 to 30 years depending on the slope and climate.

The other types of roofing seen sometimes include rolled roofing, wood shingle, metal, tile, or slat roofing. There are some buildings that have flat or built up roofing structures as well.

Inspectors will determine which roofing type you have and what the expected life of that roof is. They will look for areas prone to leaking and suggest repair possibilities.

A foundation holds a house above ground, prevents it from moving along with the earth it sits in, and helps protect against both cold and moisture. A foundation’s structure varies depending on when a home was built, the climate in which the home was built, and whether or not the home was built with a basement or atop a crawl space. The appearance and nature of cracks in a foundation can foreshadow water leaks, structural issues and vulnerability in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Often, cracks and unevenness are due to “settling.” Settling can be minor or more dramatic. It happens over time to almost all structures.

During your home inspection, an inspector will determine which type of foundation your home has and examine it for potential defects. Foundation inspections involve both a review of the home’s interior, usually focusing on the basement or crawl space, as well as its exterior, where foundation cracks and shifts are often apparent. According to data in This Old House, the average U.S. house weighs 50 tons and the average foundation weighs 7.5 tons; when it comes to new construction, foundations may account for eight to 15 percent of the total cost of a new construction project. These are figures worth keeping in mind if you’re evaluating a home with foundation issues.

Older homes may be built with stone, mortar or brick foundations, all of which may be prone to leaks and cracks over time. However, most homes built in the latter half of the twentieth century are constructed on foundations made from a combination of concrete and steel reinforcements, which are built in several different ways. Poured concrete foundations are typically reinforced with steel and considered favorable. Concrete slab foundations consist of a flat piece of poured concrete; slab foundations are difficult to inspect because much of the foundation is hidden, and they are also can be more conducive to insect infestation. Cement block foundations (built from “concrete masonry units”) often occur in homes with basements, but even the smallest of horizontal cracks in such foundations can be a sign of repairs to come.

Brick foundations occur mostly in older homes and are prone to seepage, settling and crumbling or aging of bricks. Stone foundations are also common in older homes and they are prone to settling and seepage.

Regardless of the type of foundation your home is built on, there are several key signs inspectors look for in determining a foundation’s condition. Foundation damage, in its earliest stages, tends to manifest itself in the form of cracks or heaving, moisture pooling or moisture penetrating hairline cracks which have begun to appear in walls. In the most severe cases, a home’s walls may begin to slant or buckle, especially around the corners, and the floor may begin to drop; mud or clay may also begin to seep into the basement.

Some foundation settling or damage may be inevitable, particularly in an older home, but an inspector can help you determine the degree of danger or needed repairs to the home. Depending on the type of foundation your home has, sealants and reinforcements may be able to combat any early signs of trouble for many years to come.

A home inspection is a little bit like an annual check-up at the doctor, only in this case the patient is your new home! Home Inspectors first assesses the skeleton, or structure, of your property, then reviews the property’s major systems. Home Inspectors tend to start by looking at a home’s foundation, then move on to other large-scale structural elements – such as its walls, roof, basement and crawl space, windows and doors, and how well attached decks, porches, sidewalks and related construction have been built. Then the inspection narrows in on specific systems, such as heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.