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