Category Archives: Industry News

Home maintenance for June

hand in a green gloveCaring for a home can be a daunting job, so it is helpful to break maintenance tasks down to monthly check lists. Here’s All Islands Home Inspections’ recommendations:

  • Check central air-conditioning units according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Replace filters in forced-air systems. Clean debris from outside condensers or heat pump units.
  • Reset thermostats and automatic sprinkler systems.
  • Wash windows, inside and out (try a solution of three tablespoons non-sudsy ammonia to a gallon of water). To prevent streaking, don’t work in direct sunlight.
  • Clean and inspect gutters. Ensure clips, straps and spikes are tight. Flush debris from downspouts with hose. Make sure downspouts and splash blocks direct water at least three feet away from the foundation.
  • Clean mineral deposits from faucet aerators and shower heads by soaking parts in white vinegar and scrubbing with an old toothbrush.
  • Dust ceiling fan blades.
  • Coat outdoor metal patio furniture with auto polish.
  • If appropriate, have swimming pools cleaned. Inspect and service pool liners and filters.

Hope you find this useful and timely informative! If you’re looking for a top notch home inspection in Anacortes, Washington or the San Juan Islands (including Orcas Island, Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island) to keep you from buying “The Money Pit,” then you need Tim Hance of All Islands Home Inspections working for you! Over the past 8 years, we’ve protected over 3,200 buyers from unexpected post-closing expenses. Call (360) 298-1163 to schedule your Anacortes or San Juan Islands Home Inspection today!

Mouse in the house? How to deal with mice.

mouse and cheeseEek! There’s a mouse in the house!

Mice have been cohabiting with humans as long as humans have been cohabiting. They figured out millennia ago that our homes are a good place for them to live. Warm, dry, plenty of food – all a mouse (and hence mice) could want. Popular Mechanics says, “There are plenty more ways beyond the traditional mousetrap to get the rodents infesting your house.” Here is their survey of the best ways homeowners and exterminators can solve a mouse problem.

Hope you find this interesting and timely informative! If you’re looking for a top notch Home Inspection and Home Inspector in Friday Harbor, Washington or the San Juan Islands (including Orcas Island, Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island) to keep you from buying “The Money Pit,” then you need Board Certified Master Home Inspector Tim Hance of All Islands Home Inspections working for you! Over the past 8 years, we’ve protected over 3,200 home buyers, just like you, from unexpected post-closing expenses. Call (360) 298-1163 to schedule your Friday Harbor, WA or San Juan Islands Home Inspection today! I look forward to working with you soon and exceeding your expectations!

6 worst home fixes for the money

While it’s crucial to tackle certain household fixes quickly, it’s also a good idea to do a little research before undertaking major, costly fixes or improvements. Many owners trying to make their home into a more ideal setting for their own use, as well as those trying to make their home more marketable, spend a lot of money expecting to “get it back when we sell.” As always, good information can prevent bad decisions and save money. You might wish to begin your research with Bankrate.com’s list of the worst fixes for the money and Remodeling Magazine’s comparison by geographic region of the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects, with the value those projects retain at resale.

Home Inspector Licensing Laws

Effective July of 2009, Washington State now (finally) has laws that expressly regulate the home inspection industry under RCW 18.280 and WAC 308-408A. Not all home inspectors are licensed or created equal, and these new regulations truly raise the bar and make entry into the home inspection industry much more difficult. This is great not only for the home inspection industry, but also for the consumer and real estate professional alike. All Islands Home Inspections is dedicated to the highest standards of service, conduct and professionalism within the industry. Continue reading

BOO! HOME INPSECTION HORROR STORIES

In the spirit of the spooky season, I’ve compiled a few home inspection-related stories to get you in the mood. Just remember: home inspection reports don’t have to be scary as long as you keep them in context. 

Happy (scary) reading! Boo!

Author: Family Handyman

Title: “110 Super Scary Home Inspector Nightmare Photos

Recommended Because: When you are a seasoned home inspector, you see it all. This is a catalog of some seriously scary things—including many examples of things I’ve come across in my career (I’m not kidding).

Author: Realtor.com

Title: “10 Scariest Things a Home Inspector Might Find in Your House

Recommended Because: A nice rundown of things that go bump…in your bank account.

Author: InspectorPro Insurance

Title: “Top 3 Scary Home Inspection Stories

Recommended Because: Snakes. Rats. Haunted houses. Home inspectors share their scary stories. 

If you have questions or comments about home inspections in general, tweet me (@AIHomeInspect). 

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NEXT HOME INSPECTION

I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, but a good home inspector is invaluable. 

Just ask the homeowner or Realtor who discovered significant issues before closing (or not closing). Like any major decision, it’s important to take your time when considering who to hire as your inspector. Furthermore, once you’ve made your decision, take the opportunity to prepare for the inspection.

Along those lines, I’d like to share a handful of articles that I hope will assist you in maximizing the value and effectiveness of your home inspection. Happy reading!

AuthorThe Balance

Title: “How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

Recommended Because: Selling your house? Make sure to put your best foot forward and prepare yourselves accordingly for the inspection. 

AuthorZillow

Title: “How To Get The Most Value Out Of Your Home Inspection

Recommended Because: A summary of shrewd—but simple—tips to make sure your home inspection goes smoothly and efficiently. I especially appreciate the chance to meet with clients to address any questions or concerns. 

AuthorFamily Handyman

Title: “12 Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection

Recommended Because:This includes some of the same tips from the previous article, but a few extras are thrown in for consideration. While these are not the cornerstone ideas behind rocket science, they are essential. 

AuthorRealtor.com

Title: “Selling Your House? Better Prepare for the Home Inspection”

Recommended Because:Solid tips for real estate professionals on how to better prepare for inspections. 

Do you have questions or comments about home inspections? Go “All” in and tweet us (@AIHomeInspect).

Vulnerable Roof-to-Wall Flashings

Tim Hance with All Islands Home Inspections discusses vulnerable roof-to-wall flashing details discovered at a recent home inspection. All Islands Home Inspections services all of Anacortes, the San Juan Islands, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish counties. If you’re looking for a home inspector that’s so thorough and experienced that you won’t get stuck buying the “Money Pit,” then you need All Islands Home Inspections working for you! We’ve inspected over 8,000 homes to date and feel we are simply the best in the industry. We look forward to working with you soon, THANKS!

REMOVE Foundation Vent Covers in the Pacific Northwest!

Tim Hance with All Islands Home Inspections discusses the importance of NOT covering foundation vents in the Pacific Northwest which can lead to elevated moisture conditions and related issues (insect activity, mold, etc.) within crawl spaces. Provided the crawl space is well insulated, including water supply piping, vent covers should be removed.

DANGEROUS Settled Deck Support Posts Discovered!

Tim Hance with All Islands Home Inspections recently discovered dangerous, settled support posts, subsequently unprofessionally repaired, at a home inspection in the San Juan Islands. This issue was referred to a qualified contractor for further evaluation and repair prior to closing for obvious safety reasons. Thanks for watching!

Restricted Roof Soffit Vents Lead to Roof Moisture Problems!

Tim Hance if All Islands Home Inspections videos restricted soffit vents at a recent home inspection. It’s important that soffit vents remain free and clear of obstructions to prevent elevated moisture conditions within ceiling cavities that can lead to structural damage and mold growth within. Thanks for watching!