Author Archives: Garrett Gerard

Buying and Renovation

Buying Properties, Paying for Renovation

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Dealing with property renovations before you’ve even closed a deal can be a complicated issue. Though you might have been attracted to a property due to its scenic pictures online, finding something amiss on your open house visit can change your perspective in buying a property. Choosing the right Home Inspection team is a crucial!

A property that needs repairs isn’t a sign of bad luck and advertising as some people might think. It can be a stroke of good luck for first-time buyers to cut down on their renovation costs in notifying the homeowner of certain ‘unadvertised’ cons to the property.

Figuring out who should pay for what

Properties with minor damages aren’t always a negative thing. Small issues, such as cracks on the wall or a scratch on the floor, aren’t worth the battle if the rest of the home is in working order, especially if it’s in a decent location. Sometimes, though, seemingly small damages can be rooted in more substantial complications, which can be a harder issue to ignore.

Here are three ways for you to figure out who should be paying for what in negotiating for a property’s price:

1. Understand the type of repair needed

The key to figuring out who should be responsible for a property’s repairs is having a good grasp of how long repairs are made. Buyers and sellers generally have a back and forth in pointing out and addressing a property’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be a point for cutting down on the property’s original pricing.

Small renovations, such as window replacements or small cracks on the windowpane, can be challenging to argue to be a seller’s responsibility as they can be fixed within a day or two. More extensive repairs, on the other hand, that include non-functioning appliances, such as refrigerators or plumbing problems are much easier to pin on the seller’s side.

If the damage in the property in question takes an overhaul and at least a few weeks of construction, such as broken pipes, electrical wiring, heating installation, etc., then the repairs will fall almost always to the seller.

2. Read through local state laws

Specific states have non-negotiables when it comes to seller-funded repairs, which can be tricky if you’re encountering a stingy homeowner. Most of the time, both your agent and the seller’s agent should have a decent grasp of what applies within local state laws’ verdict on repair issues.

More often than not, a seller should be responsible for fixing issues related to energy and water supply, security installations, and building code regulations. These repairs must be made after a credible home inspector has certified that a home requires repairs under the seller’s liability. It’s up to you and your agent to haggle minor repairs, such as reflooring or the addition of electrical and water outlets.

3. Get a home inspector for an objective opinion

A house inspection before you sign a deal is necessary for any property buyer. Though your talkbacks with the owner and his agent might have covered all the nooks and crannies of the typical area in the home for damages, it’s still important to have someone on your side to give an objective analysis to confirm their assessment.

Home sellers are politely asked to step out during the inspection process so that you can both go through a thorough inspection of the house and to discuss if repairs on your end will be costly. Top-rated home inspectors go through all the problematic areas of the home ranging from plumbing, electrical, roofing systems, and the property’s foundation, to ensure that you purchase a safe and fair deal.

Conclusion

Buying a property is a milestone of investment, similar to buying your car. However, unlike buying something that you can easily tradeoff or sell after a short time, homes are considerable commitments that should be chosen based entirely on its quality and location.

If you’re looking for a thorough Home inspection team in Cincinnati with an eye for detail and a service you can trust, we at Gerard Home Inspection are fully equipped to give you a hand. Contact us today for a fair assessment of your property’s condition.

Radon: What Is It And What Happens If You’re Exposed?

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s produced when radium breaks down in soil and water. Typically, radon is released into the air as an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas. But when radon builds up in the home, it becomes dangerous.

Radon can build up in areas of the home where ventilation isn’t effective such as basements. When you’re exposed to radon for a long period of time, it can be dangerous to your health, which is why radon inspections are so important.

How does radon impact your health?

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. It’s also the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

In 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General at the time, issued a national health advisory against radon gas. Every year, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths and 2,900 deaths occur among Americans who never smoked.

Radon causes lung cancer because, when you breathe in the gas, radon gets into the lining of the lungs. This gives off radiation. Over time, the radiation can damage the lung cells and lead to lung cancer.

How do I test my home for radon?

Radon levels vary from one home to the next. That means, even if your neighbor had home inspection services test for radon and the test came back negative, your home could still have high radon levels. The only way you can know if there’s radon in your home is to test for it professionally.

There are two types of radon testing: short-term and long-term. Short-term testing measures radon for two to three days. During this test, you’ll need to keep windows and doors closed for as long as possible. You also want to avoid using fans or air conditioning that brings in the air from outside and could give you an incorrect reading.

Long-term tests offer the most accurate results. These tests measure radon for 90 days. Long-term tests are typically placed in the basement or the lowest level of the home, which is where radon accumulates.

When it comes to radon testing, it’s best to leave home inspections up to the professionals to prevent short-term or long-term testing from giving you an inaccurate reading. The last thing you want is for a radon test to come back negative because the test was done incorrectly.

Looking for home inspection services for radon testing? Gerard Home Inspection offers both short-term and long-term radon tests to determine whether your home is safe or not. For more information on radon testing or to schedule other home inspection services, contact Gerard Home Inspection today.

Why You Should Have Radon And Termite Home Inspections Done

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Many homeowners can attest that it’s easy to get carried away by the excitement of buying your dream home. This can cause you to overlook the importance of having home inspections. While many decide to skimp on home inspections, they help uncover safety and structural issues, potential future expenses, and reveal pest and insect infestation.

Although some of these issues can easily be detected, some may be invisible to the naked eye. Radon and termites problems, for instance, can be hard to identify and manage. As such, radon and termite inspection services in Cincinnati can help improve your home’s safety and save you thousands in repair costs.

So, let’s look at some of the reasons why you should have radon and termite inspections done, whether it’s on a new or old home.

Radon Exposure

While there is technically no safe radon levels, prolonged exposure to high-levels can potentially cause lung cancer. Hence, it’s vital to have your home inspected. Radon testing is the only sure way to discover the level of this radioactive gas in your home. The fact that radon is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless makes it even more hazardous.

Radon often enters homes through pores and cracks in the floors and concrete. Construction joints and wall cervices are as well common entryways. For this reason, you should seek professional radon testing to be done to your home often.
Fresh home Inspections and re-tests should be done whenever you perform home renovations, after an earthquake or even a change in the ventilation.

Termite Infestation

When it comes to termites, they are nasty guests that are almost invisible and dead silent. They can potentially cause extensive structural damage before you even recognize you have a problem. Homeowners who have experienced their destruction shudder when they think about them and it’s with good reason.

While they’ve proven beneficial in the forest ecosystems, their presence in your home can quickly result in devastating structural damage and huge losses in repairs.

The fact that they feed on lumber means that they can lead to huge damages. That explains why billions of dollars are spent annually in treating homes against termite infestations.

Beyond causing structural damage, termites can as well damage your wooden fixtures, destroy furniture, and feed on paper documents and books. That’s why you should have home inspectors from Northern KY inspect your home for termites.

Despite the fact that termites cause significant damages to structures, if your home inspections reveals termite activity, it might not always mean bad news. This is because some of the signs may be from a past termite infestation and were already dealt with.

What Happens During a Radon And Termite Inspection

During your home’s radon inspection, a qualified home inspector performs various radon tests to determine the levels in your house. If high levels are detected, appropriate measures such as sealing pores and cracks are taken to maintain an acceptable level.

A termite inspector, however, can easily distinguish between the signs of current and previous termite activity and offer you a guarantee to that effect.

If the inspection reveals a current termite activity, you still shouldn’t panic. Your home inspector will help you identify the extent of damage to your home, recommend the best treatment for termites and help you understand what replacements and repairs need to be carried out.

Similarly, when an inspection reports minor termite activity on a property, you’re looking to buy shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. This is only if the seller is willing to repair damaged areas and perform termite treatments.

Contact Northern Kentucky Home Inspectors

A home inspector inspects your home for hazardous and dangerous things and reveals the hidden problems. This helps you to stay informed of any existing and potential issues. And while any homeowner can spot trouble areas, professional home inspection services come handy when dealing with invisible hazards like termite and radon infestation.

You don’t want anything to compromise the health and safety of your family. Make sure that you have your home inspected for radon and termites by qualified home inspectors.

Should you Skip a Pre-listing home Inspection?

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Home Inspections

17 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House

Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless
of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into,
making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the
most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you
have your bases covered.   Read More....

A Tribute to a Local Leader and a Great Friend

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It’s hard to know what to say about this, but it feels wrong to say nothing. We lost a good one on Tuesday, March 26. Brennan Scanlon. He took his own life. Everyone who knew him was utterly shocked to hear that. I want you to know that if you’re reading this and your mind is taking you to dark places, you have no idea how much people around you truly care about you, and how much people really deeply love you. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and with the help of family and friends, you’ll be able to see it.

I really don’t want to focus too much on how he ended his life because that would undermine how he lived his life. Brennan was the most clear-headed, well spoken, and quintessentially zen person I know. He was not loud, but his words were always meaningful; when he spoke, everyone else would be quiet so that they could hear his thoughts. He had an easy smile that drew people in. Professionally, he was the head of a very successful business networking association, and he gave everything he had for the people around him. He didn’t do it because it was his job, he did it because helping people was his passion. He was a sounding board and a mentor when big decisions needed to be made. He helped SO MANY business owners find the confidence they need to improve their lives and the lives of people around them. Brennan made a huge positive difference in my life and in the lives of NUMEROUS others. The loss is emmense, but his life deserves to be celebrated. He lived well, he loved well, and I will miss him very much. I hope to see you again, friend.

Unusual Sink Arrangement

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While inspecting a home in Cincinnati, one of our home inspectors saw something that they felt compelled to share. I had never seen anything like it. The "sink" in the basement bathroom was installed on top of the toilet. When you flush the toilet, water flows out of the faucet. The water then drains into the tank and fills it for the next flush. As such, the water that you use to flush the toilet has already been used to wash your hands. Some might consider this strange, but if you think about it, its extremely environmentally friendly. While no inspector would ever find this in my house, I can imagine it working well in a motor home or a boat, where fresh water conservation is imperative.

You know, it's funny: when I'm inspecting a home, I often think to myself, "Now I've seen it all." Then I go to the next home inspection, and sure enough, there's something else that I've never seen.

Bullet Found While Inspecting a Roof

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While inspecting a roof today on a perfectly nice house in Northside, we found a bullet lodged in the shingles. Based on my trajectory calculations, I'd say it came from College Hill, likely as retribution for Cincinnati's 1866 annexation of the village. Some scores are never settled.

It never fails... Just when I think I've seen it all, I go to the next inspection and see something I never imagined.

                                           

I hope you enjoyed this. Take care.

The Importance of Thermal Imaging

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Today, once again...

...I was reminded of the importance of using thermal imaging during the home inspection.

Thermal Imaging Adds Value For Our Customers

Too few home inspectors use thermal cameras, citing the initial cost of investment and the lack of return. It's true: a good thermal camera will set you back $1500 or so, and I'm not sure that the use of thermal cameras has every sold me an inspection. That said, the return on the investment for my customers has been huge. Thermal cameras point out temperature differences that our eyes can't detect. Those temperature differences often reveal problems that could be very costly for our customers.

Strange Hot Spot

Today, for instance…

I was scanning the ceiling of a ranch, looking for cold spots that would indicate a water leak (since it is currently raining large cats-and-dogs). To my surprise, I found a warm spot in the ceiling. I climbed up into the attic and searched for the source of the heat. I though I might find an overheating electrical connection. To my surprise, buried underneath the insulation, I found a rather large rat's nest. The heat source in the ceiling was the body heat from the group of rats. There is no way that any inspector would have found this without the use of a thermal camera.

About a month ago…

I pulled out my thermal camera, as I always do when inspecting the main panel, and I noticed that the wire was overheating without even having any electrical load on the circuit. There is no telling how hot the wire got when the circuit was in use, but suffice it to say that it was a fire hazard. There was no visual sign that the wire was overheating, so I wouldn't have known about it without thermal imaging. Since then, the wire was replaced, and my clients moved in without any worries about any other electrical maladies.

Hot Wire in an Electric Panel

Sunlight in a kitchen

A Final Public Service Announcement:

When your AC is running, shut your blinds when you're not home. It is amazing how much heat your floors radiate when the sunlight is hitting it. Let you blinds reflect that heat back into the ether outside your home.

In Summary

These are just a few of the most recent stories of how our thermal cameras have served our customers. Don't let anyone tell you that thermal imaging doesn't pay off, and don't schedule a home inspection without knowing that your inspector will be using a thermal camera. Your new home is expensive; we're here to make sure that it's not an expensive mistake.

Hiring People

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How I hire the right people…

I just listened to a radio report about yet another manufacturer who is having trouble finding qualified applicants for the available positions. You've probably heard similar stories. I get annoyed when I hear business owners or managers say things like, “I can’t find people with the skills I need,” or “There are very few people who are familiar with our specialized machinery,” or “This job requires a license for (insert skill) that too few applicants hold.” These are cop-outs.
The problem is not the lack of a skilled workforce; the problem is that many companies are unwilling to train people to do the job. They are deflecting their responsibility of training their employees onto the job market. The expectation that there will be a steady flow of applicants with 100% of the necessary personality traits and technical skills for vacant positions is completely ridiculous and predictably fruitless. (The rest of this paragraph is a rabbit hole, but follow me down it for a minute.) Consider Sea World and their dolphins. When Sea World needs a new dolphin, what do they do? They bring a few dolphins into an office and ask them if they know how to balance a beach ball on their snout, and if they all say "no," then they all get thrown back into the ocean, and the search continues, right? No, of course not. They train the dolphins tirelessly to do exactly what they need. Expecting a new member of your workforce to be able to perform specialized, complicated tasks without any training is totally unreasonable, but that is exactly the tactic that many companies employ when searching for new blood.
Including myself, Gerard Home Inspection has four skilled, trained, and capable employees. Precisely zero of our employees started their job with all of the skills necessary to properly inspect a house, yet we have quickly built a reputation for reliability and quality. How did that happen? It is really pretty simple. Our inspectors underwent a 6-month training and licensing period prior to performing their own inspections. During that time, we focused on building the skill set required for completing high-quality, timely inspections for our clients. It was expensive and exhausting, but it was immensely rewarding. I am just as confident with our inspectors’ skills and techniques as I am my own.
I’ve never tried to find people with the right skill set for this job; I’ve tried to find people with the right values. I can teach just about any literate person everything they need to know to inspect a home. It is honestly not that complicated after you see it done about 100 times. But I can’t teach values. I can’t teach someone to be honest, or loyal, or to be able to work independently, or to play well with others. People either develop these values in childhood or they don’t, and these values tend to be relatively static throughout a person’s life. My technique for hiring people can be boiled down to this: I find the people with the values I'm looking for, and then I train them to do the job. I strongly believe that this is the model most companies should adapt to overcome what they perceive as an under-skilled workforce. After all, whether we start working at age 12 or age 25, each of us enters the workforce as an unskilled worker. Without an investment of time and energy from others, that is exactly what we would remain.

A Short Collection of Bad Ideas: Edition 1.

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A Short Collection of Bad Ideas, Version 1.

These are the things that keep my job interesting.

People often ask me, "What is the most interesting/weirdest thing you've seen on an inspection?" So far, the winner of that prize is a set of heavy duty eye bolts installed in a master bedroom ceiling, directly above the bed. Luckily, the seller of the home was there to tell me what they were for, as though I hadn't already connected the dots. Different strokes for different folks. Beyond that, I see things all the time that make me scratch my head and laugh... If you see any of the following things going on in your house, think about making a change. If you've got eye bolts in your bedroom ceiling, good for you, have a good time.

Hiding the Main Water Shut-Off

If you have a leak that you don't know how to stop, the main shut-off is the "panic button." Don't hide it from yourself. I recently inspected a home that had the water main hidden behind a faux HVAC register. It took me 20 minutes just to find it, and it took a power tool to get the register off! Imagine that a pipe burst and water began spewing everywhere in this house. The homeowner would be frantically trying to shut off the water, and if it takes 20 minutes to find the main shut off, serious damage to walls, flooring, and trim could result. I know it is ugly, but keep your water main accessible.

Electrical Panel in a Kitchen Cabinet.

Beyond the fact that there is less storage for Tupperware, putting an electrical panel in a kitchen cabinet is a bone-headed idea. You need to have 3 feet of clearance to the left and right of a main panel and this one doesn't have it. The thing wasn't even fastened to the wall! It was just laying loosely in the cabinet with all of the electricity for the house and the barn flowing through it. Inside the panel, I found the worst wiring arrangement I had ever seen. Clearly not a professional job.

Window for a Backboard.

This requires little explanation. I'm guessing that the basketball goal was installed by a window salesman. Somehow, that window is original. I guess the homeowners just weren't into basketball. With my shot, I wouldn't have gotten through a game of "horse" without busting that thing out. @gjm

Stacks on Stacks of Adapters

My theory is, if you want to burn your house down, just burn it down... don't wait for a situation like this to do it for you. So here's the setup - the garage door opener cord wouldn't quite make it to the light socket (which, by the way, is the wrong place to plug in a 500 watt electric motor), so the homeowner decided to string together a bunch of adapters. Honestly, it's pretty clever. Also, it's a terrible idea. All of those connections were supporting the weight of a tight, long run of wire. If one of them pulled just a little bit loose, you could easily create a short that could start an electrical fire. Maybe I'm old fashion, buy I usually recommend plugging this type of stuff into an outlet...
Well, that's all I've got for now. I hope you find this as entertaining as I did. Take care of yourselves.