House hunting means learning a lot of housing-related jargon. One term you might have heard get thrown around is “up to code,” but what does it actually mean, and are home inspectors checking for it? It seems confusing at first, but here’s what you need to know.
What does “up to code” mean?
First, what does the phrase “up to code” actually mean? According to FEMA, building codes are “sets of regulations governing the design, construction, alteration and maintenance of structures.” “Up to code” means a building meets these standards. Local jurisdictions can create their own regulations, but most of them borrow from the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC invites proposed code changes every three years, but specific local code change frequency varies.
Even as standards change, most items are still considered up to code now as long as they met code at the time of installation — and as long as they still work properly, which a home inspector can help assess. Does that mean a home inspector can tell you if your home is up to code? Not quite, but they can advise you on safety concerns that have been put in place for today’s code as an upgrade after you purchase the home.
Can a home inspector tell you if your home is up to code?
There’s a lot that I can do for you as a home inspector. But as with any profession, my expertise has limits — in this case, that limit comes from the law. A licensed home inspector must receive a certain amount of training and pass qualifying exams, so when we know our stuff, we really know it. Whether parts of your home are “up to code,” however, is outside our purview. Code compliance is a separate legal matter that can only be enforced by certain local government officials.
That doesn’t mean home inspectors aren’t looking as closely for problems; it just means that they can’t fine you or require you to make renovations if they do find an issue. You’ll still be informed on the functional condition of your home. The difference is that inspectors can’t force you to make any changes based on their findings, but code enforcers can. For example, an inspector can alert you to an issue with your HVAC system, but they can’t mandate that it gets fixed.
What if your house isn’t up to code?
Most homes have at least a couple code violations, especially older homes. This doesn’t automatically make your home unsellable! Violations may affect homeowner’s insurance, but as long as the house doesn’t need to be condemned, the sale can likely still proceed once the issue is solved. Standards change over time, but just because your home isn’t up to code anymore doesn’t mean it’s automatically uninhabitable and unsafe. If there were issues making the home uninhabitable and unsafe, a home inspector would tell you — they just wouldn’t use the legal language or enforcement around code compliance to do so.
Exact laws vary based on where you live, but sellers typically don’t legally have to fix every known code issue; they will likely have to disclose known issues, but they may not know how it relates to code anyway since having the relevant type of city inspector involved in homebuying transactions is rare. For the average homebuyer, the overall functionality and safety of a home will be more important than whether it’s up to code.
That’s where an inspector like me can help! If you’re on Long Island and need a home inspection, reach out to me today.
If you’re house hunting on a budget or love a major DIY project, it’s easy to romanticize the idea of buying a fixer-upper. But before you start fantasizing about renovations, it’s important to know whether the house you’re looking at has potential, or just the potential to become a headache. Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying a fixer-upper.
What’s your budget?
It’s best for your finances if you go house hunting with a specific budget in mind. Understand not just what you’re willing to pay for a home, but also what you’re willing to invest in repairs on top of that initial price. That said, a little flexibility may be necessary— surprises can pop up that you didn’t budget for, especially if you’re fixing up an old home. Whatever number you land on, set aside an additional 10-20% as an emergency contingency fund to cover surprises.
How serious are the repairs needed?
Before buying a fixer upper, you should know exactly what needs fixing up. Are the issues primarily cosmetic, or are there major structural issues you’ll need to shell out thousands for first? Wanting to renovate an outdated bathroom is one thing, but needing to re-do the entire plumbing system is another. Knowing what level of repairs are necessary is where a home inspector like me can help, since an inspection will uncover major problem areas around the property. And the more you know about the home’s condition, the better position you’re in to negotiate with the seller.
Can you make the renovations you’d want to make?
Even if you have the budget to make the renovations of your dreams, that’s not the only factor in whether you can actually make those happen. If you want to add on to the property or make major layout changes, you’ll need to be sure you have the space and legal ability to do so. Be aware of any zoning regulations or neighborhood restrictions that could affect your remodeling plans.
Is the home safe to renovate/live in?
If a home is a significant risk to your health and safety, it’s probably not worth fixing up. Sometimes the problem with a home isn’t its age — it’s the materials. Beware of lead or asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s when asbestos’ use became more restricted. Since these harmful materials require specialists to clear out, their removal isn’t cheap, and can quickly take over your budget. If your potential fixer-upper’s sellers aren’t sure whether toxic materials are present, hiring a licensed asbestos abatement contractor can help you detect and handle any issues.
If you’ve got your eye on a fixer-upper in Long Island and need a professional to come take a look at its condition, you’ve come to the right inspector for help! Don’t hesitate to reach out to me today.
Wondering if your house is settling can be, pun intended, unsettling. What causes a house to settle, and how can you spot the issues before they worsen? First of all, it helps to know what it means for a house to settle. Settling is a normal process that happens to every home as the framework and foundation shift over time, starting within one to two months of construction and continuing for years. A little bit of settling is standard, but it can be affected by a few factors like:
Climate: The weather your house has to handle can influence settling. As your house experiences the freeze-thaw cycle of seasons changing over the first one to two years, some natural shifting will occur. However, more extreme wet weather like heavy rains, snow, and humidity can loosen soil, leading to more settling, and potential water damage to your foundation if you’re not careful. And speaking of loosened soil…
Soil composition: Your house is built on a foundation, but the dirt underneath the foundation is basically your foundation’s foundation. Soil that’s wet, loose, or contains a high amount of clay will experience more compression as the house’s weight presses down, meaning more settling. Other unstable soils such as sand or gravel lead to a similar effect.
Building materials: The initial settling that happens within a home’s first couple months is mostly due to what the home is made of. The wood and concrete commonly used in new home construction both hold moisture, and as this evaporates, the home will begin to settle. Heavier materials like brick or steel will usually take longer to settle, but this isn’t a type of settling you have to avoid— as previously mentioned, it’s a natural process.
While some settling is to be expected, there are two types of settlement: uniform and differential. With uniform settlement, the house settles evenly, and a small amount of this type of settling won’t damage a home. With differential settling, parts of the home settle at different rates, which can put stress on your walls and foundation. Sometimes this can cause visible bowing or cracks, but the best way to know what type of settlement you’re dealing with is to hire a home inspector — like me! It’s a home inspector’s job to examine your foundation and other structural elements potentially affected by settling. If you’re concerned about settling and ready to give your Long Island home a check-up, reach out to me today!
When you’re gearing up to get a home inspection, there might be a nagging worry in the back of your mind: what if I fail the inspection? The good news is that a home inspection isn’t like a pop quiz— I’m not there as an inspector to pass or fail you. Instead, it’s an inspector’s job to look for any serious concerns with your home that could affect functionality and safety. Finding problems isn’t an indication of failure, or else every home would fail! Everyone’s house has some kind of imperfections, though the degree of severity certainly varies.
The only way to “fail” a home inspection would be getting one, finding serious issues, not fixing them, and causing a potential buyer to back out as a result. Sellers are not obligated to address any of the problems that an inspector uncovers (this varies by state), though certain structural and safety issues could cause lenders to withhold the financing funds for the buyer’s purchase, or the insurance company may choose not to insure a home until they’re handled.
What causes a home to “fail” inspection?
Knowing that “failing” an inspection just means losing a buyer because of complications an inspector uncovers, there are a few issues that are more likely to give buyers and sellers a headache more than others. Hiring an inspector like me helps you become aware of these problems so you can get a head start on solving them. I’ll be on the lookout for:
Foundation and structural damage: This can be a major dealbreaker for buyers, and understandably so, since the foundation is the most important part of any building. Inspectors will give your foundation a check-up and inspect any other structural components of the home, like walls, floors, roofs, and basements.
Plumbing system problems: Pipe issues can lead to water damage, which can spell disaster for a home long-term. If a leak is discovered, you’ll likely have to disclose this info to buyers even if it’s repaired. However, knowing a leak has been repaired is far less likely to deter buyers than a seller ignoring the problem(s) and covering them up.
Electrical issues: The electrical systems in your home don’t just need to work— they need to work safely so you don’t create a fire hazard. An inspector will check that everything is wired safely, assess any damage, and make sure outlets and switches function the way they’re supposed to. Electrical safety concerns should be taken seriously by both buyers and sellers.
None of these issues mean you’ve failed a home inspection, just that you may need to make a few repairs and renegotiate with buyers. You can’t fix problems you’re not aware of yet, and that’s exactly what a home inspector like me helps you with! If you need a home inspector on Long Island, reach out to me today.
As summer temperatures soar, so can energy bills. Thanks to high temperatures and inflation, home electricity bills are expected to hit a twelve-year high this summer. The good news is that before energy bills start making you sweat, there are some things you can do as a homeowner to mitigate the costs.
Use fans with your air conditioner
Fans can’t actually change the temperature of a room, but they can make it FEEL lower thanks to the windchill effect. While it might sound counterintuitive to energy savings, using a fan lets you turn your thermostat up by 4°F while still staying comfortably cool while you are in the room, according to the Department of Energy. And the closer your thermostat’s temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the lower your energy bills will be. And remember to set fans to spin counterclockwise to create a downdraft for maximum cooling effect!
Clean your AC filters
Air conditioners work more efficiently when there’s nothing clogging them up, and better efficiency means better cooling power AND more savings. Cleaning out a clogged AC filter can save as much as 15% in energy use, and can lead to needing less repairs down the road, which lets the savings stack up even more.
Adjust your water heater’s thermostat
Did you know that heating water accounts for 18% of your home’s total energy use? Though some manufacturers set it to 140ºF, most households only need it to be set to 120ºF. This not only helps you avoid scalding, but can also save you over $400 in energy costs annually according to the Department of Energy.
Check for air leaks around windows and doors
If hot air is leaking into your home and/or cool air is leaking out, you may find yourself running the AC more when you can solve the leaks with calk or weatherstripping. If you can’t see visible gaps but you still suspect air leaks, that’s something a home inspector like me can help you uncover. Closing the curtains is a big help during the hot parts of the day.
That’s where I come in— if you’re on Long Island and need an extra set of eyes to check on the condition of your home, I can help! Don’t hesitate to contact me, or reach out with questions.
When you’re selling your home, some of the steps can start to sound repetitive. Appraisals and inspections look similar on the surface: an expert comes to look around the house and makes an assessment. So, what’s the difference? Appraisals and inspections both help determine your home’s value, but they do so in different and equally important ways, so don’t skip either of them!
What is an appraisal?
Appraisals are meant to provide an objective estimate of a property’s market value. When you’re figuring out how to price your home, appraisals are an essential step in determining what it can potentially sell for. An appraisal will determine value based on factors like square footage, location, comparable recent sales, and the condition of your home.
You likely won’t be able to skip the appraisal even if you wanted to, because unless you get an appraisal waiver or sell your home for cash, most mortgages require one. Appraisals also don’t require a very thorough examination of your property— they can be done through online research, a quick walkthrough of the inside and outside of the property, or even an exterior-only assessment known as a drive-by appraisal.
Appraisals are all about your home’s value, but they don’t paint the whole picture of its actual condition. That’s what a home inspection is for!
How is an inspection different?
When I say I’m not here to judge your home’s worth, I mean that literally. As an inspector, assessing the market value of your home is part of an appraisal, not an inspection. Instead, it’s my job as an inspector to look at the functionality of all the parts of your home, including appliances, electrical systems, safety features, and structural components.
Appraisals and inspections are different, but they are connected. Your home’s condition influences how much it’s valued in the appraisal, so if you get a pre-listing inspection beforehand, you’ll have more opportunity to repair any issues an inspection uncovers. Then, once problem areas have been addressed, your appraisal could potentially come back higher since your home is in better condition.
If you’re anywhere on Long Island and looking to have a pre-listing inspection or a buyer’s inspection, feel free to reach out to me!
Moving into your new dream home is a happy and exciting occasion. But before you can get to that light at the end of the tunnel, you have to go through the process of selling your old home. And before THAT, you have to prep your home for sale. Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be if you follow this handy checklist to get it done!
1. Pick a listing date
When you sell your home matters. The best time to sell on Long Island is generally late spring to early summer, with most listings in Nassau and Suffolk counties happening between March and June. However, that doesn’t mean you should never sell outside that window, since a) you can’t always choose when you need to sell, and b) less inventory for buyers means less competition, which can benefit you
2. Declutter and deep-clean
Putting away personal knicknacks isn’t just helpful for getting ahead of packing— it also creates a neater, more neutral space for potential buyers to look at. As fun as it is to create a hyper-personalized living space, a more minimalist look makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. And everyone wants to live in a clean home, so unless your spring cleaning was very recent and very thorough, it’s time for another round of deep-cleaning.
3. Boost curb appeal
It’s time to make your home’s exterior look just as good as the inside. Pruning, painting, and pressure-washing are all options you may want to consider, but there’s also plenty you can do for free, like weeding, cleaning up clutter, and moving trash cans somewhere less visible.
4. Gather your documents
Get your paperwork in order to save yourself the headache of hunting for it piece by piece later. At minimum, you’ll need: the deed; homeowners insurance records; HOA information if you’re part of one; a letter of mortgage payoff from your lender; home repairs, maintenance, and pre-listing inspection reports; and more. Pre-listing inspections are important, and something I’m happy to assist you with.
5. Assess your home’s condition
But how do you do that? Having a home inspector perform a pre-listing inspection is a great starting point! Before your home goes on the market, you need to know what condition it’s in, both for pricing purposes and for the chance to fix it up before listing. Long Island home sellers are required to disclose any known structural damage or issues with utilities, so knowing what your home’s problem areas are and fixing them ahead of time can save you a disclosure, which puts potential buyers at ease. The best way to uncover your home’s problem areas is with an inspection.
That’s where I come in! If you’re selling your home on Long Island and looking for an inspector, reach out to me today.
Summer is just around the corner! As temperatures rise, you want your home to be somewhere you can cool off, so make sure your home is ready to beat the heat with these summer preparation tips.
Check and clean your HVAC system
There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner breaking down on an already-sweltering day. To keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape, it’s time to check on your air conditioner and give it a good cleaning.
If you have central AC, it’s probably time to change the filter. Experts recommend replacing it every 90 days, or potentially more in seasons with high pollen counts (like right now as spring turns into summer!) Be sure to have your HVAC serviced by a professional at least once a year, so if you’re overdue, now’s the time. If you have a window AC, pop those filters out and clean them with soapy water to prevent them from blowing more dust into your home.
Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise
While a fan’s clockwise motion creates an updraft that distributes warm air around the room, switching it to move counterclockwise creates a downdraft that creates the cooling windchill effect you’re looking for.
In case this is your first time learning you can change the direction your ceiling fan moves, most fans have a switch that can be found on the side of the base. If you still have it on hand, your fan’s product manual should be able to tell you what to do. Just make sure you’re flipping the switch while the fan is off and not actively spinning.
Activate dehumidifiers
Long Island is considered a humid subtropical climate, which is great to spend time in outdoors, but “hot and humid” isn’t typically what you want in a home. The EPA recommends keeping humidity levels in your home below 60%, with an ideal range from 30-50%.
To combat the Long Island summer humidity and get your home within that range, it’s time to bust out your dehumidifier(s). If you don’t have enough to cover your whole house, prioritize higher humidity areas like basements.
Clean out gutters
Summer is an especially important time to have clean gutters. If water sits stagnant in your gutter for too long, it can attract mosquitos and other pests. Even worse, water overflow from clogged gutters can damage multiple parts of your home, from walls and ceilings to driveways to your home’s foundation.
Make sure your gutters are clear and free from signs of damage like rust, loose brackets, or holes. If you’re cleaning yourself, be safe and use a sturdy ladder and gloves, but this may be a good time to call in a professional.
There’s an easy way to make sure all the important parts of your home are in working order before the summer heat hits: hiring a home inspector. If you’re on Long Island and need an inspection, reach out to me today!
As the weather warms up, you may be itching to warm up your grill, too– after all, there’s no more delicious way to enjoy the sunshine than a good barbecue. While you’re perfecting your burger technique, make sure to keep yourself and your home safe with these barbecue do’s and don’ts!
BBQ Do’s
DO have a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure you’re using the right type of fire extinguisher for your grill– Class A fire extinguishers are for ordinary combustible fires, but Class B extinguishers are rated for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, and oil. Check your extinguisher’s label for which type it is and what’s inside, and if it has a black label that says CO2, do NOT use it on grease or oil fires since it can spread the flames.
DO check for gas leaks if it’s a gas grill. Gas leaks can be a major safety hazard, but there’s an easy way to check if your barbecue’s hose has leaks: give the grill a good cleaning, then add a bit of soapy water to the propane hose. You’ll know there’s a leak if you see the bubbles growing once you turn on the propane.
DO make sure the grill is attended at all times. That way, you’ll be there to fix any problems that come up, and to keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill even when you’re done using it.
BBQ Don’ts
DON’T place your barbecue too close to the house. It needs space for ventilation to prevent building up too much smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide. To stay safe, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends keeping grills 10 feet away from any walls or siding.
DON’T cook under an awning. You’ll run into the same smoke buildup issues as placing your grill too close to your house, plus additional risks— as embers float up from the grill, they can catch things around them on fire, including that awning right above it. Keep your barbecue at least 10 feet away from awnings, deck railings, trees, or any other flammable structures.
DON’T start a gas grill with the lid closed. Leave the lid open when starting it to prevent gas from accumulating and creating a dangerous fireball. If your flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off, then wait at least five minutes before lighting it again.
It may not be BBQ-related, but I’ve got one last “do” for you: DO reach out to me today if you’re on Long Island and looking for a home inspection!
Let’s go back to the most basic of basics: you’re in the market for a home inspector because your real estate agent / best friend / trusted family member / this blog told you it’s a good idea. But you still have one question you’ve felt it’s too late to ask… what does a home inspector actually do?
Answering your questions is exactly what I’m here for! Basically, this job is what it says on the label: I inspect your home. During an inspection, I’m gathering info to answer questions about things like:
Structural components: are the foundation, walls, roof, ceilings, and floors structurally sound?
Electrical systems: Are the wiring, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers functional?
Plumbing systems: Are all pipes, fixtures, and water heaters working and leak-free?
Heating and cooling systems: Is your furnace, air conditioning, and ventilation systems working efficiently and safely?
Appliances: Are major appliances like your stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher in good working condition?
Exterior components: Are your roof, siding, and windows in good, leak-free condition?
Safety features: Are your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers working?
The whole inspection usually takes two to three hours. Afterward, you’ll receive a report on everything I observed, typically within 24 hours (and if you need tips on how to read that report, good news, I’ve already got you covered.)
Why do you need a home inspector?
Think of me (or any home inspector) as the final check to make sure your new dream home really is a dream– that means no hidden maintenance issues lurking around the corner, which could turn into a logistical and financial hassle for you down the line.
To put it all together, my job is to inspect your home so you can do two things: protect yourself and your investment, and have peace of mind.
If you’re in the market for an inspection and ready to chat, reach out to me today!
