I Refuse To Do A Home Inspection!

      As a Home Inspector in Hilton Head, SC, I have  observed that the level of housekeeping can drop drastically once a contract is written. It does not seem to matter how expensive the home is. By the time I get to the home, I often find quite a mess. If not just a mess from moving out (boxes and personal items everywhere), then the housekeeping itself makes me cringe. I can understand and sympathize with clutter from moving out, however just having a filthy dirty home I cannot understand. Other peoples dirt (OPD) is something I suppose we get use to as Home Inspectors but sometimes it is pretty vile. I particularly get upset when I encounter a home that is filthy and notice evidence of children living in the home (should I call social services?). While providing Home Inspection services, I have had to wade through food on walls and floors, pet droppings on floors, kitchens so filthy and cluttered I could not see the sink or counter-tops, toilets filled with various things (left to your imagination) extreme mold, and more. And then there are the hoarders, with rooms where doors cannot be opened because of trash (personal items). I cover a pretty wide geographical area to provide my services. One home in particular happened to be the farthest I have traveled to provide a Home Inspection. This home also had to be one of the worst examples of hoarding I have seen. Plus there was evidence of a cat living there (numerous unpleasant reminders on floors, and obnoxious odor permeating the whole house). The litter box I observed was overloaded and just happened to be in the spot where I had to stand for at least 5 minutes while removing the electrical service panel to check the panel interior. I never did see the cat. I wonder if the owner even saw the cat.   I have been tempted to refuse an inspection based on the filth or hoarding, but have somehow managed to press on and get the job done. 

Sometimes you just have to vent.

John

The Shocking Truth about Staying Cool this Summer

by John M. Wickline

       Yes, the very thing keeping you cool this summer may also be a fire hazard. From years of performing thousands of home inspections in Hilton Head, SC, I have seen many electrcial connections that were close to causing fires. One county in Florida had 6 calls for heat pump fires in a very short time span recently. They do occur. It has been my experience that many Heating and Cooling technicians do not check the tightness of the electrical connections associated with the equipment. This is a very important part of maintenance that should not be overlooked.
    PLEASE ask your Heating and Cooling technician to do a yearly check on electrical connections to ensure they are properly torqued (torque wrench set to specific settings is required for some connections). I have had personal experience of near fires from such problems. The system components generate vibration and heat from day to day operation, both of which over time will loosen the electrical connections. Loose electrical connections generate more heat and can lead to fires.
It is also important your air handling unit does not sweat (condensation forming on surfaces) or have condensate drain blockages. Moisture dripping on electrical connections can also lead to fires.
Have your heating and cooling system serviced at least twice a year.

Thanks and Stay Cool

John

John M. Wickline
JW Home Inspections, Inc.
JWInspect.com
John is the president of JW Home Inspections, Inc., serving the Low Country of South Carolina, Hilton Head, Bluffton, Sun City, Beaufort, Hardeeville, Ridgeland, Callawassie, and Daufuskie Island since 1998. He is licensed in South Carolina and a certified member of InterNACHI.

JW Home Inspections, Inc.

Internachi, NACHI

Staycations??

Just wanted to take a moment and post a picture of Sunrise at Pinckney Island, a wildlife refuge at Hilton Head, SC.
We live in a beautiful vacation area, and it is hard to believe we leave this place to go on vacation elsewhere. My wife and I recently enjoyed a short weekend off in our area (some call this a "Staycation"). I suspect we have taken many of these "Staycations" over the years, just exploring the beautiful nooks and crannies of our own beautiful place we call home.
Staycations are likely popular these days, since the economy is so bad. One of the benefits of a "Staycation" is that they do not cost as much as a full blown vacation, and you likely know better how to save money in your own locale. Most folks will have quite a long list of things to do or see in their particular area that they have overlooked or not had time to see or do. I know for certain it is that way for us.
Another benefit is they usually are more restful than a standard vacation, since travel time is usually less. I know I can think of plenty of vacations where we were physically drained afterwards (and sometimes financially drained).
Next time you need a break, try a "Staycation", to reenergize your spirit.
As a Home Inspector in Hilton Head Island, SC, I get to see many beautiful homes and settings in our locale, but often I find myself thinking that I just have to go back and explore these areas a little more. These are the ideas for "Staycations".

Happy planning, what are you waiting for? Plan your next "Staycation" now.

John
Best Wishes

John M. Wickline
JW Home Inspections, Inc.
www.http://JWInspect.com
JWInspect@hargray.com

Serving the Low Country of South Carolina since 1998, Hilton Head, Bluffton, Sun City, Beaufort, Hardeeville, Ridgeland, Callawassie, and Daufuskie Island since 1998. Providing Home Inspection Services and Absent Owner Services.  Licensed in SC and insured.

Barbeque Safety

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

 

 

With barbeque season already here, homeowners should heed the following safety precautions in order to keep their families and property safe.

• Propane grills present an enormous fire hazard, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of more than 500 fires that result annually from their misuse or malfunction. The following precautions are recommended specifically when using propane grills:
  • Store propane tanks outdoors and never near the grill or any other heat source. In addition, never store or transport them in your car’s trunk.
  • Make sure to completely turn off the gas after you have finished, or when you are changing the tank. Even a small gas leak can cause a deadly explosion. 
  • Check for damage to a tank before refilling it, and only buy propane from reputable suppliers.
  • Never use a propane barbecue grill on a terrace, balcony or roof, as this is dangerous and illegal.
  • No more than two 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the property of a one- or two-family home.
  • To inspect for a leak, spray a soapy solution over the connections and watch for bubbles. If you see evidence of a leak, reconnect the components and try again. If bubbles persist, replace the leaking parts before using the grill.
  • Make sure connections are secure before turning on the gas, especially if the grill hasn’t been used in months. The most dangerous time to use a propane grill is at the beginning of the barbeque season.
  • Ignite a propane grill with the lid open, not closed. Propane can accumulate beneath a closed lid and explode.
  • When finished, turn off the gas first, and then the controls. This way, residual gas in the pipe will be used up.

• Charcoal grills pose a serious poisoning threat due to the venting of carbon monoxide (CO). The CPSC estimates that 20 people die annually from accidentally ingesting CO from charcoal grills.  These grills can also be a potential fire hazard. Follow these precautions when using charcoal grills:
  • Never use a charcoal grill indoors, even if the area is ventilated. CO is colorless and odorless, and you will not know you are in danger until it is too late.
  • Use only barbeque starter fluid to start the grill, and don’t add the fluid to an open flame. It is possible for the flame to follow the fluid’s path back to the container as you're holding it.
  • Let the fluid soak into the coals for a minute before igniting them to allow explosive vapors to dissipate.
  • Charcoal grills are permitted on terraces and balconies only if there is at least 10 feet of clearance from the building, and a water source immediately nearby, such as a hose (or 4 gallons of water).
  • Be careful not to spill any fluid on yourself, and stand back when igniting the grill. Keep the charcoal lighter fluid container at a safe distance from the grill.
  • When cleaning the grill, dispose of the ashes in a metal container with a tight lid, and add water. Do not remove the ashes until they have fully cooled.
  • Fill the base of the grill with charcoal to a depth of no more than 2 inches.

• Electric grills are probably safer than propane and charcoal grills, but safety precautions need to be used with them as well. Follow these tips when using electric grills:
  • Do not use lighter fluid or any other combustible materials. 
  • When using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the amperage required by the grill. The cord should be unplugged when not in use, and out of a busy foot path to prevent tripping.
  • As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    

Safety Recommendations for General Grill Use

• Always make sure that the grill is used in a safe place, where kids and pets won't touch or bump into it. Keep in mind that the grill will still be hot after you finish cooking, and anyone coming into contact with it could be burned.
• If you use a grill lighter, make sure you don't leave it lying around where children can reach it. They will quickly learn how to use it.
• Never leave the grill unattended, as this is generally when accidents happen.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.
• Ensure that the grill is completely cooled before moving it or placing it back in storage.
• Ensure that the grill is only used on a flat surface that cannot burn, and well away from any shed, trees or shrubs.
• Clean out the grease and other debris in the grill periodically. Be sure to look for rust or other signs of deterioration.
• Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire while you're cooking.
• Use long-handled barbecue tools and flame-resistant oven mitts.
• Keep alcoholic beverages away from the grill; they are flammable!

In summary, homeowners should exercise caution when using any kind of grill, as they can harm life and property in numerous ways.  

 

 

JW Home Inspections, Inc.

 

"W h e n   E x p e r i e n c e   M a t t e r s"

 

Thanks for reading my blog, and have a safe summer. 

Happy Grilling!

John

Picture of an Anhinga bird I captured recently at Sea Pines Lakes, Hilton Head Island, SC. I edited in photoshop and added (among other things) texture finish and a drybrush effect. These birds are fun to watch drying their wings on branches around the lake. I get to work with an inexpensive camera so quality is not outstanding. My limited knowledge of Photoshop helps (I think). Hilton Head has such beauty.

Why your TV may be costing you unnecessary money

Why your TV may be costing you unnecessary money

By John M. Wickline

 

Click. The warm glow of your TV instantly appears with no waiting for warm up (unlike the computer). This is a convenience we expect from our TV, and manufacturers and cable suppliers are happy to oblige us with the latest technology, including the instant on.

However, there is a hidden cost in operating the TV. The cost can be as much or more than operating a new refrigerator and in some instances has proven to be even more expensive than some central cooling systems. So what exactly is the hidden energy goblin?

Well, those small unassuming boxes that bring us so much entertainment value in the form of digital signals (cable boxes or top set boxes) and digital recording capabilities (DVR-Digital Video Recorder) are sitting there at your entertainment center, quietly gobbling up energy and costing you money while providing entertainment, and costing money while you are not being entertained. Am I entertaining you yet?  Currently in the United States, this type equipment operates at close to full power when you are not watching television or recording a movie or show. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) partnered with Ecos (ecosconsulting.com) to research how much energy these devices actually use and the energy savings opportunities that exist. Findings were staggering: in the year 2010, roughly 27 billion kilowatt hours of electricity were used by set top boxes. This is equivalent to the yearly output of 9 average coal fired power plants (or the annual household energy consumption in the state of Maryland for one year). As I said, it is staggering. The good news according to this study is that the potential to improve the efficiency and reduce these operating costs is significant in the United States.

European manufacturers of such equipment have begun to address this problem in their most recent boxes. For example, Sky Broadcasting (European) offers “light sleep” and “deep sleep” modes of operation in the set top boxes. The light sleep mode utilizes 13 watts, with deep sleep (defaults to this mode at 11:00 pm) only draws 1 watt of power. The on mode draws 23 watts.  Initially service providers in the United States, (reacting to the US consumers desire to watch what they want, when they want) offered promotions of installations with up to four DVRs in each home. The low energy systems in Europe generally reboot from deep sleep mode in one to two minutes. However, the cost of electricity in Europe is often double what rates are in the United States, which provides more incentive to conserve energy. Hopefully we can wake up before our rates are as expensive.

As a home inspector who is concerned about our environment and our energy consumption, I am glad to help educate my customers and point out ways for them to safe energy. If you have doubts about the energy usage on the top set boxes and DVRs in your home (or other appliances in your home), then I urge you to purchase a simple watt meter and do a little inspection work in your home. The watt meter is a device that plugs into a wall receptacle and has a plug for an appliance to plug into it, and records how many watts an appliance is using. You can then determine how much money is spent on the devices, once you plug in your rate for power (check your electric bill or call your power company for current rates). The watt meters also can be used for appliances and other devices that use electrical power in the home, and are inexpensive to own. You might be surprised to find out how much electricity some appliances are using.

The bottom line is that today’s set top boxes and DVRs operate at near full power when consumers are not watching TV or recording. Almost two thirds of the energy use in top set boxes occurs when viewers are not watching or recording content.  The nation spends approximately 2 billion dollars each year to power these boxes when not in use.  Fortunately the industry in the United States is moving towards multi-room solutions that are more efficient, enabling consumers to schedule recordings once on a central DVR, and later view the recordings on any TV in the home. If the United States providers could provide similar “power management” for the devices (as the Europeans have) and couple it with the multi-room solutions, it would be a great start towards saving energy.  Numerous recommendations for changing the products and usage were made by the study, as well as policy changes that could boost efficiency. For information regarding this study, please visit the following website: http://www.nrdc.org/energy/files/settopboxes.pdf

Who knows, you may be prompted to communicate with your local cable regulators and request they add efficiency requirements to their franchise agreements. Or you may just want to turn your TV, set top box, and four DVRs off and go for a walk. And think about the money you are saving.

Thanks

 John

John M. Wickline

JW Home Inspections, Inc. 

843-681-7545

http://JWInspect.com

The Ultimate Recycle- Shipping Container Homes

About two years ago, I read of a contest in California, to create the best design for a shopping cart for the homeless to use. It had to be used of a day as a cart to move around their belongings, and convert for sleeping in the cart at night (or whenever a homeless person would want to sleep). The contest went well, and numerous charities purchased carts made from the winning design.

While that was a great idea and a noble effort, on a larger scale, builders and designers have gone green in a very large way, creating the ultimate recycle. Homes, restaurants, offices, weekend cottages, tree-houses, schools and virtually everything else we find ourselves inhabiting, are being designed and constructed from large metal shipping containers, of all things.  The idea of creating living spaces from shipping containers is not new, with builders and designers from all parts of the globe experimenting with them for at least 2 decades. The containers are environmentally friendly and sturdy. The cost of the containers has been minimal in comparison with other building materials, and construction being relatively simple and quick, with assembly being similar to playing with Lego toys (think modular). 

And  now for some inspiring images:

OK, so let's review what makes this such a fantastic concept:

1.    Cost: much less than average home, thus making homes affordable for many

2.    Durability (ability to stand up to extreme weather conditions)

3.    Eco-friendly and Green (recycling at its' best)

4.    Easily remodeled (modular units  placed on top of one another or joined easily)

5.    Quick Construction

6.    Transportable

7.    Easily relocated

With these benefits and more, it is no wonder so many of these Shipping Container Homes are being designed and built all across America and other regions of the globe.

I personally am inspired by the creativity and resourcefulness demonstrated by the builders and designers of these Shipping Container Homes.  It is refreshing to see energy spent in creating simple, humble and adequate living spaces. There may be hope for us yet. With a small movement under way across America to live in smaller and more affordable housing, these appear to be a great alternative to so many large, overbuilt homes.

For more information on this topic, please visit the following websites:   

http://zigloo.ca/vancouver-sun-zigloo-article/.

www.zigloo.ca

Photos courtesy of Zigloo.  

John M. Wickline

JW Home Inspections, Inc.

http://JWInspect.com

Member of INTERNACHI