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What's wrong with this picture?
If you said the chimney is missing a chimney cap, you're right! Such a simple, inexpensive fix. However, if this is left like this, you could be facing one or more of the following issues: 1. Chimney caps keep out birds, BATS, squirrels, and other small rodents. If something crawls into your chimney but gets stuck and can't get out (which happens a lot), not only is that awful for the animal, but you will also be dealing with a dead critter, bad smells, and even bugs (maggots, etc.). Yuck. 2. SAFETY ISSUE - wood burning fireplaces sometimes emit large burning embers that float up the chimney and without a cap, can land on your roof or something equally flammable. 3. Chimney caps help reduce water/moisture that can damage your chimney liner and other components and can also lead to mold. 4. A correctly placed cap can help block downdrafts and excessive wind (especially during hurricanes and other serious weather events) from channeling down your chimney and blowing smoke and/or soot into your living space. Caps also prevent debris like leaves and small branches/twigs from getting inside your chimney. So what does all of this mean? If you're buying a house, make sure it has a chimney cap! If you own a house with a chimney, go take a look and make sure you have one and that it is securely placed. If you can't tell, then it's time for a roof inspection.
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IF YOUR HOME WAS BUILT IN THE 1960s-80s, CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR HOME HAS THIS ELECTRICAL PANEL: Federal Pacific(FPE)/STAB-Lok electrical panels are panels that have been the subject of UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and consumer concerns related to inadequate safety protection. Consistent evidence has been presented that STAB-LOK breakers have a tendency to become loose and experience failure of unit circuit protection. The breakers often do not trip in the event of an emergency leaving the circuit unprotected - this is a SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. In addition, this particular home that I recently inspected had frayed rag insulation (see red circle), adding another safety hazard to this situation. Click this link for further information about these panels and the dangers they pose: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/despite-previous-safety-concerns-this-circuit-breaker-is-still-in-homes/2018/05/08/8927af86-4ef9-11e8-b725-92c89fe3ca4c_story.html?utm_term=.5e452ed7097f
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes, a video is worth a thousand pictures. In this case, we see a brick support pier that looks a little askew at first glance. But as the video shows, it has completely separated from the wall which can jeopardize the stability of the structure. We use short videos like this when necessary to highlight concerns in a very direct and easy-to-see way. These videos go directly into our web-based home inspection reporting software so that when you receive your report, you are not only getting pictures and detailed language, but also videos when pertinent.
You likely wouldn't know it by looking at it, but the first two photos are of a ROOF. A Mansard-style roof, to be exact. And yes, those are leaves and plants growing ON the roof. A Mansard roof is characterized by having very steep slopes/pitch on each side of the house and a flat or nearly flat roof surface which can lend to very spacious attic areas and more living space within the home. However, this style of architecture must be cleaned and cleared of debris on a regular basis especially when surrounded by trees. This particular roof was covered in extensive tree debris, moss, plant growth, and even puddles from a recent rain. This has caused and will continue to cause improper drainage to the gutter, slope blocking, and it adds weight to the surface of the roof. Water/moisture is the NUMBER ONE cause of damage and deterioration for all homes. All water should shed away from the roof surface and foundations. The ponding water on this roof compromises the integrity of the roof structure and during colder months will freeze and thaw, further damaging the roof. These photos were taken during one of my home inspections on a house that was for sale. As you can imagine, this is not an ideal way to showcase a home and it of course led me to problems in the attic as well. This is a perfect example of how home inspections shed light on concerns around the home - whether you are a buyer, seller, or looking for maintenance issues.
 We were privileged to perform a recent home inspection for the buyer of this beautiful home, who came to us as a referral. The majority of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients because we combine experience and knowledge with good old fashioned customer service. We answer the phone, we explain all phases of the inspection, we answer questions and provide helpful tips, and we always make your satisfaction a top priority. Anything we can do to make this process easier and more enlightening is our goal. We provide convenient online scheduling and clearly outline our fees. We provide a web-based interactive inspection report (which also includes the traditional PDF) and the ability to create customized repair requests which is very helpful for your realtor. Call us at 919-914-0606 or visit https://www.dohertyhomeinspections.com/fees-schedule-997549.html to schedule your inspection. We looks forward to working with you!
I could see from the ground that part of the stone ledge above the garage was loose. When I got on the ladder to check it out, I merely touched it and it completely came off in my hand. From that height, this could have seriously injured someone (especially a child) if it had fallen on their head. Whether you’re buying, selling, or a homeowner who hasn’t had an inspection since you bought your home, this is the kind of stuff that I find. It is SO WORTH the small investment.
It sure is beautiful in North Carolina this time of year. Everything is in bloom, it's not too hot out (yet), and the clouds of pollen have started to subside. Now that the trees and shrubs all have their leaves, it is easy to spot the ones that are overhanging your roof and touching your siding. This close contact is not good for your house for several reasons - vegetation touching siding and/or roofing can trap moisture, cause wear and damage, and be a conduit for insects. Trimming back all vegetation at least 12" from the home is recommended. So call your local landscaper today and have him or her give your greenery a little TLC. Your home will thank you!
 Look who I found behind that screen, tucked away in an attic far from prying eyes. Can you tell by the outline of its pointy little ears? It strikes fear in the hearts (and wallets) of homeowners everywhere ... bats. Now bats in the wild are an extremely important part of our ecosystem and play a significant role controlling insect populations, which in North Carolina is no small fete. But bats in the home are another matter entirely. Having a few take up residence can and usually does lead to many, many more over the years as they build their colony. More bats = more bat poop, i.e., guano.
Bat guano is a carrier of the soil fungus histoplasma capsulatam. The spores of this fungus are microscopic and airborne and they can easily get into the living areas of your home. If inhaled, the spores of the fungus can cause a disease called histoplasmosis, which is an infection of the lungs. Another serious risk from bats, although rare, is the possibility of contracting rabies from a bite. What do you do if your home has bats? Typically, you would need to hire a professional wildlife removal company. These folks know how to safely and humanely remove bats (if there are a small number) or how to encourage them to leave on their own. In that case, they allow an exit from the home but make it impossible for the bats to re-enter. At the same time, they don protective suits and masks and remove all of the guano. Eliminating bats from your home is not cheap, therefore getting regular home and pest inspections are strongly recommended because we go into spaces that are rarely seen by the homeowner and that can make all the difference when it comes to discovering unwanted roommates. When you call Doherty Home Inspections, there is an excellent chance you will be speaking to co-owner Lori Doherty. And on the off chance she can't answer your call, if you leave a message she WILL call you back asap. That in itself is a bit of a rarity these days and as simple as it sounds, answering the phone and promptly returning calls is hugely important to us. One of the advantages of this husband-wife team is that even when Rick is out in the field doing home inspections, our clients and their agents know they can reach us - and in the world of real estate, time is of the essence!
Lori brings to this family business a solid background from the business and non-profit sector, most recently serving for 12 years as the Deputy Director of Development for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. She had the great privilege of joining the then newly-launched foundation when the Memorial and Museum were still ideas and renderings. Over the years, she witnessed the healing and rebirth of sacred ground, watched as hundreds of trees were planted, memorial pools were filled, the stories of 9/11 were shared, and the nation moved forward from tragedy. The relationships she formed with 9/11 family members and survivors, donors, Lower Manhattan residents and businesses, and foundation colleagues is something for which she will be forever grateful. Following Rick's retirement from the NYPD in 2015, Lori and Rick and their young daughters moved to charming Chapel Hill and began their next exciting chapter, including utilizing their unique and complementary skills to launch their own family business. Never known as one to turn down an opportunity to meet new people, Lori has recently joined several local groups and committees, including as an advisory member of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, and is looking forward to continuing to connect with all of you wonderfully dynamic and diverse Triangle residents! .Can you spot the problem here? We'll give you a hint... it rhymes with 'hissing clownsprout'. . . . This gutter is missing a downspout (right side). That means that all of the water from rain, melting snow, etc. drains directly into the area next to and into the foundation. As water penetrates into the foundation month after month, year after year, the foundation starts to deteriorate and the area beneath the home (crawl space) is subjected to repeated exposure to moisture (hello mold). It is recommended that a gutter system with extended downspouts at least 3-6 feet away from the home be installed to protect the wall cladding and foundation areas of the home. This is a common concern/defect that the home inspector finds during his inspections and a very easy fix! |
From Rick & Lori:Yes, we've joined the 21st Century and started a (mini) blog! Check here for great updates and tips about your current or prospective home. Archives
July 2019
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