House Fire Realities

Before I was a home inspector, I worked for a local restoration company that would go into houses that were previously engulfed in flames and smoke and have to rebuild. These people had just lost their possessions to fire, smoke, and water damage, and they had no say when this was going to happen. They couldn’t put it on a calendar like we do for a home remodel or an organizing purge. They had to face this face on with little to no notice.

Why did this happen?

What could have caused this?

Could I have done anything to prevent this?

There are many ways that a fire can start, but lets talk about a few ways to help prevent one.

  1. Make sure that any and all space heaters are plugged into the wall, not a power strip and / or extension cord.
  2. Make sure all wires that are wire nutted together are in junction boxes, not stuffed into walls or laying on the attic floor.
  3. Make sure your electrical panel is in working order and that nothing is blocking it. I highly recommend having a certified electrical contractor or professional home inspector evaluate the panel and make sure that it nothing is out of place.
  4. Make sure your dryer vent is free of build up lint. Have it snaked yearly to help with prevention.
  5. Store all flammable items away from heat sources.
  6. Clean your oven regularly and be aleart when cooking.
  7. Make sure your chimney is free of bird nests and / or debris.
  8. Make sure to test your smoke detectors regularly.
  9. Make sure to keep clothing and / or blankets away from heat sources.
  10. Practice caution with candles. Don’t leave a lit candle unattended.

Here are some safety items to practice as well

  1. Change your smoke detector batteries regularly.
  2. Sleep with your door closed.
  3. Have a fire extinguisher that is up to date and checked regularly.
  4. Have an evacuation plan for your family and practice it.
  5. Have an escape ladder if you have a home with multiple stories.

For more resources, reach out to your local home inspector or fire station.

To Inspect Or Not Inspect

I’ve heard this question asked time and time again, “Should I have my home inspected since its already been inspected before?” The answer is yes! We have our cars inspected yearly to make sure they are fit to drive on our streets. We have our computers scanned regularly to make sure that they are running smoothly. Why not our homes?

As a home inspector, I have seen many “Maintenance type” items that have not been addressed over the years and they always end in the same result. Damage to your home. Here are list of the common issues we find on our home inspections.

  • Missing or worn out caulk
  • Deteriorated trim boards
  • Damaged roofs from trees and / or weather
  • Leaky hose bibs
  • Unsealed wood on decks, fences, and siding
Closeup of a rotten window frame
Missing shingles on roof due to storm damage.
Warping deck boards

By having an inspection done yearly, you can save money on your largest investment. Your home.

  • By keeping up on the caulking you prevent water and moisture from entering in . Which results in boards not deteriorating and rotting out.
  • By keeping up on the status of your roof you are preventing leaks that can cause damage to your home.
  • By checking your hose bibs for leaks, again, helps prevent water damage.
  • By maintaining your decks and fences will keep them looking nice and in working order for years to come.

That’s where we come in. We can go through your home and help put a preventative plan together so that you can keep up on the maintenance that is needed. It’s that simple. Call us today and let us help you with your greatest investment. Your home.

Give us a call

What To Expect From Your Home Inspection

Congratulations on moving forward with your new home!  Here’s what you can expect for the inspection process.

We’ll begin with a phone consultation to discuss appointment times, details about the home, and address any concerns or questions you may have, then we will book your inspection for a time and day most convenient for you.  When it comes to your inspection, you are in the driver’s seat!  You can choose to be as hands-on or hands-off as you’d like.  Most clients prefer to be present for the last 30 minutes of the inspection to get a summary walk-through, some are present for the entire time, and some clients are not present at all. 

Should you choose to be there for your inspection, that is a great time to ask our professional inspector questions about the home, reported deficiencies, maintenance planning , etc.  Can’t make it to the inspection? No worries!  Sound Home Inspections offers same-day detailed and easy to understand reports that include photos and videos.  Our professional inspector is also available by phone 7 days a week to walk you through your report and answer any questions you have. 

We just have one rule: There’s no such thing as a stupid question!  Ask away!

During the inspection, our certified inspector systematically walks your new home inside and out and top to bottom, combining our extensive checklist with over 20 years of residential construction knowledge to bring you a thorough and detailed report. 

Once the inspection is complete, we will email an electronic report to you and your realtor so you can review it together.  If you have home care and maintenance questions after you move in, your inspector is happy to offer advice, troubleshooting, and referrals at no additional charge.  

We are honored to walk through this portion of the home buying process with you.