Is My Electrical Panel Safe...

One of the most common hazard/safety concerns in a home is the electrical system. Over the years we have really improved the safety of electrical systems. As I inspect homes, I see a lot of "handyman work" and this is very concerning. Always have a qualified and licensed electrical contractor perform any alterations or repairs to your home's electrical system, your family depends on it.

Here is a very informative website about Electrical Panels. If you have a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Spin-In Fuse panel, you will want to make sure and read this. Click on the link for this great electrical panel information site.

Is My Panel Safe (Click Here)




We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Solutions to Help Homeowners Outsmart Mother Nature

Protecting your home means you’re pitted in a constant struggle against the forces of nature. Products and improvements that help you beat the weather are a smart investment.

Look for “weather beater” products that are low maintenance or that provide solutions to harsh climates and moisture. Remember, weather damage can occur in any season, whether it’s from hot or freezing temperatures, driving rains or rising flood waters.

First line of defense

Water damage can happen to any home in an instant, ruining valuable electronics or priceless family heirlooms. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a main sump and battery backup pump.

“When storms hit or snow melts off, the ground gets over saturated and the water can enter your home,” says Tony Ferrante, vice president sales and marketing, Wayne Water Systems. “Sump pump systems are easy to install and provide years of worry-free service.” And, he advises, if you’re in a water-prone area, the sump pump should have a reliable battery backup pump, since power tends to go out during storms. For removing standing water in an emergency, such as pipes bursting or a sink or washing machine overflowing, utility pumps also come in handy. Many are portable and submersible.

A complete basement protection system is a minor investment compared to the extensive damage water can do to property and sentimental items that can’t be replaced. It is your first line of defense to protect your biggest investment: your home. Visit www.waynepumps.com for more information or go to amazon.com and key in Wayne Pumps.

Decks that endure

Moisture can be your deck’s worst enemy if it’s made of wood or has wood content. Decking and porch materials are available that have the rich looks of wood, but are resistant to moisture, insects and freeze/thaw conditions. The home exterior experts at AZEK Building Products say the latest innovations are cellular PVC deck boards and porch planks that stand up to weather with a durable, natural looking surface.

“It resists any type of food stains you can dish out, including red wine and barbecue sauce,” says Brian Kincaid of AZEK Building Products. He cautions to always ask for a code report for any decking product, since many building permits require this.

An outdoor haven with classic looks

Rain or hot sun does not have to limit your outdoor enjoyment. Enhance your entryway or backyard with a beautifully crafted pergola featuring rain-resistant or waterproof canopies in a range of colors and designs to add comfort and protection from weather.

For example, Walpole Woodworkers features pergolas in natural wood or low-maintenance cellular PVC to withstand the elements. With the added option of a manual or motor-driven retractable canopy, homeowners can enjoy shelter from rain, UV-rays and even add privacy with retractable side panels. The company offers free pergola or canopy design consultations at (800) 343-6948 or www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Caulk goes above and beyond

Water damage and energy leaks can threaten your home and drain your wallet. Caulk delivers more bang for the buck than expensive technologies like solar, according to a March 6, 2009 Wall Street Journal article. A third of the energy loss in homes could be stopped by simple caulking and insulating, the article says.

One way to head off moisture or beat extreme temperatures is to buy the best caulk you can find. One example is LIFETIME Caulk from Red Devil, recognized for its durable “lifetime” seal with a warranty against weather damage for the life of the home. “Caulk is easy to apply and can result in up to 20 percent savings on utility bills,” says Jason Ringling of Red Devil.

Homeowners who want to protect their homes, increase resale value or enjoy low-maintenance exteriors can make sound product choices now, rather than pay big bucks to repair problems later. It is possible to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Recepticals and Switches

Older two prong receptacles normally are not grounded; this makes the newer three prong receptacles much preferable. In most cases it is possible to make the conversion from two to three. This should be done by a trained electrician.
Older houses have fewer outlets and as such the excessive use of extension cords is found to be a norm. This can cause many problems. If the house doesn't have enough outlets it is preferable that you have extra outlets installed instead of using extension cables.

Be safe, if you do not have the skills to work on the electrical system, you should this work completed by a licensed electrical contractor. Don't take any chances, you don't want any "SHOCKING" results.



We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs are inexpensive electrical safety devices that are designed to reduce the risk of serious electrical shock and/or injury. They are typically installed in outlets on exterior walls and in damp environments. The GFCI will shut off power to the outlet if the electrical flow to the circuit changes slightly. The shut off is instantaneous, thus preventing long powerful shocks of electricty to an operator.

You should consider GFCIs for the following locations:

- Any outdoor/exterior outlets
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Garage
- Basement and Crawlspaces


We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Crawlspaces Inspection

If you have a crawlspace, you should inspect it at least twice a year. This is to check for the accumulation of moisture on the floor or condensation on the structural material.

Ventilation in these places is very important, as such you should have through-the-wall ventilators. You should check the crawlspace on very hot or cold days. If there is water accumulation, this is a sign that the ventilation is not sufficient.
Asbestos insulation is frequently detected around boiler lines. If it is in good condition, it can be covered with tightly sealed plastic to keep the fibers from becoming airborne. If it is not in good condition, it will need to be removed, however the homeowner should never attempt this removal. Instead they should call a specialist.

We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Furnace Maintenance

Furnaces can be fueled by many different things. Electric Furnaces are the cleanest but can be the most expensive to operate in some areas. These furnaces require very little maintenance other than changing the filter and occasionally replacing a burnt out heating element.

Forced air gas furnaces are quite efficient and are much more common than the oil furnace. The heat exchanger in these is quite difficult to inspect because it is encased inside the cabinet. If a hole develops in the heat exchanger, the entire unit should be replaced.
If there is an accumulation of rust flakes in the bottom of the unit you should have it checked out.

Maintenance of a Forced Gas Furnace is fairly easy, consisting of cleaning the combustion compartment and flue annually. Gas furnaces should be serviced by a qualified technician every two or three years. While oil burning ones should be serviced every year.


We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection

Humidifiers

Forced hot air may become very dry and you may wish to add some moisture to it. This is normally done with a humidifier. When placing this humidifier you should not place it directly over the furnace heat exchange.

If the humidifier is not kept clean, or if water leaks it can flow into the furnace causing a hole and the furnace will need to be replaced.
It is preferred to put the humidifier on duct work away from the furnace. it is also preferred that you use the evaporation type of humidifier as opposed to the spray type, because the evaporator type is more easily maintained.

Remember, that all humidifiers need routine maintenance and checking, and that these are some of the most neglected appliances in your house.


We are the Columbia River Gorge's Premier Inspection Company. If there is anything we can ever do to help you when buying or selling a home then check us out on the web @ www.thepremierinspector.com or give us a call Hood River, OR (541) 386-3968 or in The Dalles (541) 296-0102. We also perform Infrared Thermal Imaging and Home Energy Audits. Save Money, be Green, increase your home's value, and be more comfortable. Premier Inspection Services LLC Hood River Home Inspection The Dalles Home Inspection