adam2021

How Long Does A Furnace, AC Unit & Water Heater Last?

November 20, 2020

“How much longer will the mechanicals last” is usually one of the first questions I receive while performing a home inspection. This typically refers to a gas furnace, AC condenser and water heater here in Michigan.

On average, a residential furnace will last between 15 and 20 years. This time frame is dependent on installation quality, maintenance needs, proper repairs, and regular cleanings. When not cared for adequately, your furnace will not last as long.

The average life span of an AC unit is 15 to 20 years. Several factors can affect the longevity of your system, such as climate, usage, and maintenance.

Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

Condominium Inspections

November 8, 2020

Today I performed an inspection at a condominium, which can be quite different from an inspection on a single family home. In a large building of other condominiums, there are several “common elements” which a prospective homeowner will not be responsible for. The exterior, including the roof, as well as the foundation of the building are large cost items included in the common element category, so why do so many clients order condominium inspections for their new home? There is a long list of costly items a condo owner is responsible for that a good inspector will educate you on at your inspection, including:

-Condition of your HVAC system with a comprehensive HVAC inspection

-The prospective of mold growth in your unit

-Ensuring the electrical system works properly and safety with a comprehensive electrical inspection

-Ensuring the plumbing system is installed properly with a comprehensive plumbing inspection

-Check for gaps in the caulking in the shower and bathtub area, as well as the kitchen

At Defined Inspections, we will exceed the standards of a typical condo inspection you may receive from other inspectors. We will perform a full inspection on the roof, foundation, and building structure to protect our clients from possible assessments your condo association may assess. Of course, we always advise to seek permission to review the condominium Reserve Fund Plan after reviewing your report to determine whether budgeting for common area elements have been made.

The Reason There is Black Streaking On Your Roof

November 2, 2020

A common question we get from our inspection clients is “what is that black streaking on the roof?” No, its not water, dirt or mold. It’s actually algae, often called “black algae” by our inspectors. The algae usually starts as small spots, and becomes more visible to a homeowner after a couple months of growth.

The algae is not harmful or dangerous in itself, but can cause the protective UV granules that cover roof shingles to come off, exposing them to the elements.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution to your black algae problem, which is to schedule a professional roof cleaning. DIY roof cleaning methods are not advised due to the dangerous nature of climbing on your roof, and may actually void any roof warranties you may have.

While there is no way to permanently rid of black algae, regular roof maintenance will reduce the frequency in which it becomes a problem at your home, which includes trimming trees and shrubs away from your roof.

Defined Inspections Wishes You A Happy Halloween 2020

October 30, 2020

Common Causes Of A Wet Basement

October 29, 2020

If your basement has ever flooded, you know what a headache it can be. While inspecting your home, we consider common and effective ways to prevent moisture intrusion into the foundation of a home. Two things home owners should consider if they have experienced a wet basement are:

Failed gutter systems: leaks, improper fastening and debris buildup are commonly found at homes that have reported water issues in a basement. Ensuring the integrity of the gutter system is imperative in the maintenance of any home located in climates that see heavy rain and snow fall.

Negative grading: negative grading refers to the exterior of your home sloping towards the foundation, bringing water into the system during rain and snow fall. Ensuring a positive grade away from your home is imperative in keeping water and moisture out.

We take special care during our exterior inspection, roof inspection and foundation inspection to ensure homeowners a wet basement won’t be an issue they will have to deal with!

Settlement vs. Structural Cracking

October 29, 2020

Cracks in the foundation is often a top concern of a new home buyer. So what are the typical types of cracking your home inspector encounters during a foundation inspection?