• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Top Notch Home Inspection

Trust Dan for all your inspection needs

abbbbb

 

 

Call Dan Dodge (301) 487 3933

danstopnotch@hotmail.com

Contact Dan

 

  • Home
  • What my clients are saying
  • Referance list
  • Photos (the stuff we see)
    • Electrical issues in the main panel box

topnotch

FAQ about Home inspections

December 29, 2017 by topnotch

Frequently Asked Questions on Home Inspections

 

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.

Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.

Why can’t I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.

Filed Under: Inspection

Maryland Smoke alarm Law

December 28, 2017 by topnotch

Maryland’s Updated Smoke Alarm Law – What you need to know

The new law will go into effect on January 1, 2018. The law requires the replacement of battery-only operated smoke alarms with sealed 10-year lithium-ion battery smoke alarms with a silence/hush feature. The intent of the new Smoke Alarm Law is to transition away from 9-volt battery-operated smoke alarms in an effort to achieve more reliable smoke alarm coverage possible in older dwellings. This law effects smoke alarms that are battery-operated and presently exist by code or locations where there are no smoke alarms present. It is never acceptable to remove required hard-wired smoke alarms and replace them with any type of battery-only operated devices. Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law also requires the replacement of all smoke alarms 10 years from the manufacturers date on the back of the alarm, applying to both hard-wired and battery-operated smoke alarms. If the manufacturers date cannot be found, the alarm is most-likely outdated and needs to be replaced.
To clarify, 9-volt smoke alarms that have reached a 10-year life span (since date of manufacture) should be replaced with new 10-year lithium-ion battery smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. As a reminder, smoke alarms in rental properties are the responsibility of the property owner or management.

For more information, see the attached link from the Maryland Office of the State fire marshal

Filed Under: Smoke Alarms

Closed house conditions for a Radon test

December 19, 2017 by topnotch

Closed building conditions and air circulation. Since radon and its decay products can fluctuate from hour to hour and season to season the following recommendations for closed building conditions and air circulation were developed by the EPA to provide standardized conditions under which a short-term radon survey is to be performed in order to reduce the variation the radon levels in foresaid property. These conditions will tend to maximize the radon measurement in order to determine if a dwelling has the potential to have an elevated radon level. All exterior windows and doors must be kept closed. All doors to and from the lowest livable area must be kept closed except for normal momentary entering and exiting during testing. Heating, air conditioning, dryers, range hoods, bathroom fans and attic ventilators can be operated normally. However any heating, air conditioning or ventilating equipment that has a built in outdoor air supply that is manually controlled, shall be turned off or the inlet closed. Fireplaces or wood stoves shall not be operated unless they are a primary heat source. Whole house fans shall not be operated. Window fans shall be removed and sealed shut. These test conditions must be initiated 12 hours prior to start of the radon device being placed and must be maintained for the duration of the testing not exceeding 4 days.

 

  • Keep all windows closed.
  • Keep all exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit.
  • Leave all heating or AC thermostats at normal settings.
  • Do not operate whole-house fans, fireplaces or wood stoves.
  • Do not touch or move the detectors.  Tampering with the detectors or refusal to follow these protocols will void the test.
  • FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN FALSE HIGH READINGS!

Filed Under: Radon

  • « Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4

Primary Sidebar

Dan is well-known throughout Central Maryland as a knowledgeable and trusted home inspector who regularly goes the “extra mile” for his clients. Dan was involved in home and commercial construction for 30 years before entering the home inspection business in 2009. Dan is an American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) inspector and is active in the local chapter.  He currently serves as Treasurer for MAC-ASHI (Mid Atlantic Chapter of  American Society of Home Inspectors).

Dan far exceeds the continuing education requirements for both the state and ASHI

“I really enjoy learning all I can, not only for all my clients, but for my own enjoyment.”

__________________________________

Infrared Imaging

Dan is a Certified Residential Thermographer  and uses the knowledge to help locate issues the eye may not see.

Blog Catagories

  • Electrical (1)
  • Fun physics (2)
  • Inspection (6)
  • Know your Home (1)
  • Plumbing (2)
  • Radon (2)
  • Riddle (2)
  • Smoke Alarms (1)
  • Systems (4)

Copyright © 2019 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in