Reminders

Our Carnes Home Inspections Website has a new link, check out our new section Carnes Home Inspection Maintenance Checklist that has home maintenance reminders that should be completed, when you move in, each month, in the fall/winter/summer/spring.

It is cooling down, if you haven't disconnected and drained your garden hoses, go do it today!  If you have any questions about our home inspection checklist or new home construction inspection checklist, check out the website, give me a call, or shoot me an email!

- Kim

Carmel, IN - Most Affordable Major Housing Market

The National Association of Home Builders reported that Carmel, Indiana was the "most affordable housing market" and that 98.5% of the homes that were sold "to households earning the area's median family income of $66,900."  If you would like more information about that article, here is the link to take you there.

If you are looking at moving to the Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, or greater Indianapolis area and would like more information about Carnes Home Inspections, please visit our website and feel free to call or email any time!

-Kim

Indianapolis Explosion

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and the family members  who were effected by this horrible event.  No one wants to feel like they are unsafe in their own home.  Safety is on everyone's mind and I thought it would be appropriate to make sure you are aware of a few steps you can take to keep your family safe.  You can take a Natural Gas Safety IQ Test, read up on some Natural Gas Safety Tips, find out more information on how to Detect a Leak, and remember to ALWAYS Call Before You Dig.

I know we posted about this last month, but if you didn't take the time to make sure your family can turn off the electricity, natural gas, and water in your home should something need to be done, please DO THAT THIS WEEK!

Your safety and the safety of your family will NEVER be worth saving a couple hundred bucks.  When buying a new home be sure you know EXACTLY what you are getting.  No matter who you hire to do your home inspection, be sure you take all the necessary steps to keep your loved ones safe and protect the biggest investment of your lifetime.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call anytime!

-Kim

Winter Reminder

As it starts to cool down, don't forget to bring in your hoses from outside.  Freezing can cause damage to the exterior faucets, be sure to detach your hoses, drain the water and store for the winter.

-Kim

Fridge Maintenance

Most appliance companies recommend cleaning your refrigerator coils at least once every six months.  Has it been longer than six months?  Have you EVER cleaned the coils?  Here is a quick informational video that explains the process http://www.ehow.com/video_4419298_clean-refrigerator-coils.html

Looking for more information about our Home Inspection Services?  Check out CarnesHomeInspections.com 

-Kim

Garbage Disposal

Has your garbage disposal been forgotten about for quite a while?

Clean the disposal blades quickly by grinding up some ice cubes.

Does it smell funny? Try baking soda or grinding up some citrus fruit rinds.

Need a home inspection?

Give me a call!

-Kim Carnes

Carnes Home Inspections Website

Fall Air Quality Reminder

•Don’t forget to change your furnace filter this month.

•Check the air conditioning coils outside to make sure no grass or debris has collected around there this summer.

•Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint.

•Adjust any dampers that may be closed from the warmer summer to regulate house temperature this winter.

•Does your furnace work?  Does the gas kick on and stay on?  Check that out this week before you find out the hard way on a cold winter morning.

Need help?  Give me a call or check out our website.

-Kim

Household Safety

If something terrible were to happen and you needed to turn off the water, gas, and or electric to your home could you do so?  Could other family members?   What about a sink or toilet?

Make sure this week that all family members know where these emergency shut off switches and valves are located and how to turn them off.

Need Help?  Give me a call, send me an email, or check out our Home Inspection Website

-Kim

I recently inspected a newly constructed home that had ceramic tiles in the shower.  The grout had not been sealed by the builders and they recommended that the new owners do that quickly to prevent a buildup of mold or mildew that could ultimately stain their brand new beautiful tile shower.  Here is some information about grout that you may find useful: http://suite101.com/article/all-about-grout-a166663

Are you going to be building, buying, or selling a house in the Indianapolis, Westfield, or Carmel area?  If so I would love to discuss how my services could benefit you and expidite this process.  Feel free to call, email, or check out the Carnes Home Inspection Website.

-Kim

Concrete Care

The Concrete Network has an abundance of information about caring for concrete and concrete surfaces.  Their website can be found by clicking http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/maintaining/.  

Cold winter months are hard on your concrete surfaces.  If you are looking for a selaer you could use on your driveway, here are a few reviews for the Quikrete Sealant sold at Lowes http://reviews.lowes.com/0534/3029171/reviews.htm . 

If you are looking to put an epoxy sealant down in your garage to protect the ground and make it look nicer, here is a link that discusses that process http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20174654,00.html from This Old House.

If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call, send me an email or check out our Home InspectionWebsite

-Kim

Replacing a Faucet

One quick and easy way to add a fresh new look to a bathroom or kitchen sink is replacing the faucet.  Here is a link to the Lowes Facuet Replacement Page with more information about the tools you need and step by step instructions to finish a project.

Getting ready to build, buy, or sell?  Check out the Carnes Home Inspection Homepage to set up your inspection today!

Repaint Refrigerator with Chalkboard Paint

Do you have an older refrigerator that is looking a little shabby on the outside?  This is an article about a simple project that will leave your fridge looking new and fresh. Click here to access the chalkboard fridge paint article.  

Home Inspection Checklist

We will also finish our inspection with a look in the attic and the fireplace if you have one.  We will look at:

Fireplace
· The fireplace and open and close the damper door, if readily accessible and operable
· The hearth extensions and permanently installed components
· Report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth or material surrounding the fireplace, including the fireplace opening’s and clearance from visible combustible materials.

Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
· Insulation in unfinished spaces
· The ventilation of attic spaces
· The mechanical ventilation systems
· Inspect the condition of roof trusses
· Inspect for open electric boxes or open wiring
· Report on the general absence or lack of insulation in unfinished spaces.

Home Inspection Checklist - Plumbing

It is important to be sure that the plumbing in your new home does not have any plumbing issues, especially since many of these can be beneath or behind walls, ceilings, or floors.  We will check:

Plumbing
· Determine whether the water supply is public or private
· Verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shut-off valve
· Inspect the water heating equipment, including venting bracing
· Verify the presence or absence of temperature- and pressure-relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves
· Inspect the condition and operation of the toilets and other fixtures
· Water-test sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage
· Interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets
· The drain, waste and vent systems, including all shut-off valves and fixtures;describe any visible fuel storage systems
· Drains and sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats
· Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow of the home fixtures
· Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the installation and identification of hot and cold faucets
· Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs
· Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components that do not operate

Home Inspection Checklist - Windows & Doors

When looking at your windows, doors, and interior, Carnes Home Inspections will closely examine:

Doors, Windows & Interior
· The operation of a representative number of doors
· The walls, ceiling, steps, stairways and railings
· Report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways and railings
· Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available), and then by the installed automatic door control
· Report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at the proper height above the garage floor
· Report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when the garage door opener is in use and report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

Home Inspection Checklist - Electric and HVAC

Another part of our home inspection process takes a look at the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (also referred to as HVAC) as well as the electrical components of your home.  A few things we look for include:

Heating & Cooling
· The heating system, using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and heating method and report as in need of repair a heating system that does not operate
· Report if the heating system is deemed inaccessible
· The central cooling equipment, using normal operating controls.

Electrical
· the service drop/lateral
· The meter socket enclosures
· The means for disconnecting the service main and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled
· The panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses)
· The service grounding and bonding
· A representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles viewed and deemed to be AFCI-protected
· Test all GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs
· Service entrance conductors and conductor insulation
· Service entrance cables
· Any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled
· Inspect for the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible
· Any tested receptacles in which power was not present, the polarity was incorrect, the receptacle was not grounded or secured to the wall, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate properly, and evidence of arcing or excessive heat
· The presence of smoke detectors
· Any deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weather heads and clearances from grade or rooftops, as they may require repair.

Want more information about what we look for?  Check out our home inspection checklist!

Kim's Favorites - Which Wich

Looking for a fantastic sub shop?  Which Wich located just off 31 in Carmel right by the Meijer could be just what you are looking for.  The entire process is my favorite part.  You walk in and grab a brown sack and a Sharpie.  You mark the meats, bread, cheese, toppings, toasted or not, etc.  They have everything from Gyro subs, to meatball, chicken salad, peanut butter and banana, all the way to more typical subs like turkey, ham, or roast beef.  Want jalapenos and garlic or feta cheese and oregano on your breakfast or seafood sub?  I wouldn't recommend those combinations, but fill in the bubble on your paper bag and in five minutes or so it will be made just the way you want it.

Check out the Which Wich Menu  if you would like.  

Got any suggestions of a restaurant I should try?  Send it my way!

Home Inspection Checklist - Basement

Buying, building, or selling a home with a basement anytime soon?  Our inspection process closely examines basements to look at:

Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace
· Basement
· Foundation
· Crawlspace
· Visible structural components
· Wood in contact with or near soil
· Report on the location of under-floor access openings
· Report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed
· Report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed, such as, but not limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor slopes
· Report on any cutting, notching or boring of framing members that may present a structural or safety concern.

More information about our Home Inspection Checklist can be found on our website.

Home Inspection Checklist - Exterior

Do you know what to look for in a home inspection?  It is important to know what you are getting when you purchase a home.  When we perform a home inspection we begin with the exterior of the home.  A few things we will examine on the exterior include:

Exterior
· Siding, flashing and trim.
· All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fasciae
· Vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure
· Report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways, balconies or railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter
· Inspect a representative number of windows
· Describe the exterior wall covering.

Roof
· Roof Covering
· Gutters
· Downspouts
· Vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations
· The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

You can find more information on our Home Inspection Checklist page on the Carnes Home Inspection Website

Home Inspection Checklist

Your home inspection should give you peace of mind about the house you are purchasing. Home inspections can check for a multitude of problems or even potential problems.

Here is a brief list of what to look for in a home inspection or what I will inspect:

• Exterior

• Roof

• Basement, foundation, crawlspace

• Heating and Cooling

• Electric

• Doors, windows, interior

• Plumbing

• Fireplace

• Attic, ventilation, insulation

If you would like more detailed information about each of these areas, please check out my Home Inspection Checklist page on our Carnes Home Inspection website.

Kim's Favorites

Bub's Burgers in Carmel, IN

Located right on the Monon Trail in the Downtown Carmel Arts District, this place is a great time.  Sitting outside and watching people go by is never a dull thing and the food is great.  They have a one pound burger called the Big Ugly will get your picture on the wall if you eat it.  The burgers are seasoned very well and just about everything on the menu is great.  Ice cream is great and milkshakes are tasty.  Click Here to visit their website if you are looking for more information.

Moving to Carmel soon?  Building a house in Westfield? Looking for a home inspection?

Click Here to visit the Carnes Home Inspections website

Award Winner

Congratulations to Carnes Home Inspections for winning the Best of Carmel 2012 award!

Check out our Home Inspections Website

Kim's Favorites

Kim's Favorites will take a look at local events, places, restaurants, even athletic teams.  Today's favorite is the Westfield Football Team.

Head Coach Jake Gilbert comes into his second year as the head coach at Westfield High School.  If you would like to check out their homepage, you can visit http://gorocksfootball.com 

For a recent article about Devin Reece who played for The US national team, click here

Good Luck This Year Shamrocks!

Looking For a Westfield Home Inspection?  Carmel Home Inspection?  Indianapolis Home Inspection?

Check out the Carnes Home Inspections Website

Water Heater Safety

In light of the recent hot water heater explosion that was in the news...here is some information from the Ohio Department of Commerce on Hot Water Heater Safety:

Do-It-Yourself Maintenance of Electric AND Gas-Fired Water Heaters:
When water is heated, calcium carbonate settles to the bottom of the tank. This sediment reduces the efficiency of your water heater, as well as its storage capacity and eventually its lifespan. To combat the effects of this natural process, drain water from your tank two to four times a year (more often if you live in a hard-water area). To do this, first turn the water heater off. Then simply attach a length of garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and empty several gallons into a floor drain or bucket. Typically the water will look rusty or brown.

Occasionally sediment sticks inside the valve after you drain it, preventing it from resealing tightly. Opening and closing the valve a few times will usually flush the sediment out of the valve. Finally, remember to turn the water heater back on as the last step of the process.

On most water heater models, there is a safety device known as the temperature-pressure relief ("T & P")
valve located at or near the top. If an excessively high temperature or pressure were to build up in your

What really matters in a home inspection?

http://www.nachi.org/matters.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Here is an article about three deadly mistakes a homeowner should avoid!

http://www.nachi.org/3.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

10 steps to quicken your home inspection

http://www.nachi.org/tentips.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Here is a quick article with some roofing information

http://www.nachi.org/roofs.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

What do you know about mold?  Do you want to learn more about mold?

http://www.nachi.org/mold.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a mold inspection for your home, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

What do you know about lead?  Here is an article with some lead information

http://www.nachi.org/lead-consumer.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Home Inspection Reports

Having your home inspected soon?  Here is what to expect when you get your home inspection report back

http://www.nachi.org/home-inspection-reports.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Mistakes Home Buyers Make

Buying a home soon?  Know someone who is?  Here is an article with some common home buyer mistakes to avoid

http://www.nachi.org/3.htm

If you have any questions or would like to set up a home inspection, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Downtown Westfield Mural

Here is a Fox 59 video clip of the downtown mural in Westfield

Building Process

Building a home or know someone who is?  Here is a link to an article about the home building process.

http://www.nachi.org/building.htm      

If you have questions about what is being built or just want to verify that everything is being built correctly, I would be more than happy to go through the house with you.  My website has more information about our New Construction Inspections as well as Home Inspections

City of Westfield

Here is an animated flyover clip of the new Grand Park coming soon to Westfield

Spring Home Maintenance Reminders

Since we are just starting this new section in the blog, we thought we would start with a quick reminder from spring time.  Next year it will be sent out on the first day of spring (3/20/13) but for now here you go with the first edition of Home Maintenance Reminders:

• Turn OFF gas furnace/fireplace pilot lights 
• Test sump pump and water alarm
• Remember to check GFI outlets, turn on and off circuit breakers, check smoke and carbon manoxide detectors next time we change clocks with daylight savings time
• Clean windows as you replace screens.  Make any necessary repairs to screens
• Flush out hot water tank to remove any sediment -  owner's manual will have how to information
• Test temperature and relief valve on hot water tank - owner's manual will have how to information
• Vacuum under fridge, clean condenser coils & Defrost freezer when ice is 1/4" thick
• Clean out basement and under decks
• Tune up lawnmower
• Rake & aerate lawn
• Clear gutters and downspouts, be sure water flows away from the house
• Turn toilet water supply off and then back on to prevent buildup and or rust that can cause the valve to get "stuck" over too many years of not being used

We will have more reminders in the weeks to come that include information about:

• When to change furnace filters
• When to change fridge water filters
• When to pour water down drains that are not used
• Etc.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kim Carnes.  

His information is available on the Carnes Home Inspection Website

Why Home Inspections Have Become More Important

The Washington Post published an article that talks about the importance of having a home inspection and why it is even more important now than it has been in the past. You can click here to see the full article on the Washington Post website.  The article talks about a few clauses you can write into your contract:

There are several ways of contracting for an inspection. You can insert a clause that permits you to void the contract if you don’t like anything in the inspection report in your sole and absolute discretion. You can insert a clause that permits you to void the contract only if your inspection report reveals a defective condition or building code violation. A third situation is that you may conduct an inspection for informational purposes only. In the last situation, you are required to go to settlement even if your inspection reveals problems.

The most important part is knowing what you are getting with your new home.  You don't want any surprises coming along later on down the road.

Looking for a Carmel Home Inspection?  Give us a call or check out the website to see what we can offer.  

Carnes Home Inspections, Proudly serving Westfield, Carmel, Indianapolis, and beyond. 

What's in Your House?

Here is a link to an article about biological pollutants in a household

http://www.nachi.org/pollutants.htm

Asbestos

Questions about Asbestos?  Here is a link to an article with more information

http://www.nachi.org/asbestos.htm

Sign Up For House Maintenance Reminders

Whether you are a first time home buyer moving in next week, building a new house in the next couple months, or you have been living in the same house for forty years, no matter your situation…your house needs maintained.

How many times have you forgotten to change your furnace filter, only to find out seven months later that your furnace has been working overtime to try and get air moving? Have you ever turned your toilet water supply valve on and off just to make sure there is no buildup that could cause the knob to stick?

Maybe you have a sink in a bathroom that the kids moved out of or is never used…have you ever poured water down the drain to make sure the water in the drain trap isn’t all evaporated and allowing sewage gas in your house?

The Carnes Home Inspection Blog is going to help you remember those things. We will post weekly, monthly, semi annually, annually, and seasonal reminders to help you stay on top of home maintenance. You have a few choices if you are interested in following these updates:

1. Just visit the blog every so often and see what has been posted recently

2. Follow the blog via email – there is a link to sign up for the blog on the right side

3. Friend us on Facebook – All of our blog posts automatically get posted to our wall

4. Follow us on Twitter – All of our blog posts automatically get tweeted

The yearly schedule is being compiled as we speak, we will post it when it’s finished. The schedule will get added into our calendar and the blog will automatically post reminders. I hope this is helpful to you and if you have any suggestions for things we leave out or could add, we would love to hear from you so feel free to leave comments.

Kim

Home Inspection Homepage

Building A Home?

I had a young couple ask me what inspections you can do when you are building a new home and if you even needed an inspection?

The inspection steps that I recommend for new home inspections or construction inspections include:

• Pre-Slab Inspection (With or without a basement): To ensure that all elements under your home (that will soon be covered with cement) are problem free 

• Pre-Drywall Inspection: It is important to inspect your home before drywall is hung so that you can identify any potential problems before it becomes messy and expensive to fix them. A pre-drywall inspection will make sure any potential plumbing, electrical, structural, heating & cooling, and framing issues are addressed before they are covered up. 

• Final Inspection: We offer final inspections to walk you through your new home and make sure there are no problems and your new home is ready for you to move in and enjoy. Peace of mind that everything was built safely and correctly is our goal. 

Do you have to get them? No...not if you know what to look for and trust that your builder and all the subcontractors they hire won't make any mistakes. Or if they do make mistakes they will get them fixed and fixed the right way.  Ultimately what you are trying to prevent is something being done wrong and either not fixed, or fixed wrong...that holds up just long enough until you are no longer under warranty and then it ends up coming out of your pocket down the road.  Usually something that could have been fixed (often for cheaper) from the get go.

If you don't have someone who knows what to look for and you don't want to get multiple inspections, I would encourage you to at least get a Pre-drywall inspection so you can make sure everything is in order before it gets covered up with a wall and be sure you pay careful attention at your final walk through.


 The price of an inspection is quite small compared to the 30 year investment you are getting ready to make. Be sure you know exactly what you are getting when you close!  I would be more than happy to go through your entire house with you and make sure everything is in order no matter where you are along the way.

-Kim

http://carneshomeinspecitons.com

Saving Energy

Here is a link to an article about saving energy in your own home.

http://www.nachi.org/increasing-home-energy-efficiency-client.htm

North Side of Indy Schools

Moving to the north side of Indianapolis?  Here are a few links to some of the school districts:

Carmel Clay Schools: http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/district/prospective-families-students

Westfield Washington Schools: http://www.wws.k12.in.us/

Hamilton Southeastern Schools: http://www.hse.k12.in.us/ADM/

Zionsville Community Schools: http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/

Noblesville Schools: http://www.noblesvilleschools.org/

Need a home inspection?  

Carnes Home Inspections http://carneshomeinspections.com  

"Put 30 Years of Construction Experience To Work For You!"

Proudly Serving Westfield, Carmel, Indianapolis, Central Indiana, and Beyond!

Radon Gas

What do you know about Radon Gas?

http://www.nachi.org/radon.htm

If you want to set up a Radon inspection in your home, visit the Carnes Home Inspection website http://carneshomeinspections.com

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Carmel, Westfield, HSE, Fisher, and Noblesville for all placing in the U.S. News top 10 schools in Indiana!  Here is a link to their rankings usnews.com/top10indianaSchools

Looking for our website?  Here is the address: http://carneshomeinspections.com

Radon

Here are a few helpful links with information about Radon.

A Citizen's Guide To Radon - Contains information about protecting your family against Radon.

EPA Map For Radon Zone - Check out where you live

Consumer's Guide To Radon Reduction - How to fix your home

Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide To Radon - Basic information

If you would like to set up a Radon test feel free to contact Kim Carnes with Carnes Home Inspections.  

Visit the website at carneshomeinspections.com 

Termites

Texas A&M University Termite Information - Includes pictures and information about termites

Call Kim Carnes to get your Home Inspection scheduled.  

Checkout the Carnes Home Inspection Website at http://carneshomeinspections.com 

Mold

Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture, and Your Home - This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.

Mold Resources - Links and Information about mold

Mold Clean Up Guidelines - Tips and Tricks

Call Kim Carnes to set up your Home Inspection.  

Visit the website at www.carneshomeinspections.com for more information!

Welcome

Welcome to the Carnes Home Inspection Blog.  I hope that this blog can be used as a valuable resource to help you locate information useful to whatever stage you may be at in life.  Whether you are looking for a Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, or Zionsville home inspector...look no further.  

Carnes Home Inspections is based out of Westfield, IN but services the entire greater Indianapolis Metro Area.  If you are looking for my website you may find it here at CarnesHomeInspections.com 

If you have any questions please never hesitate to call me at: (317) 753-7098!