Testimonials

Some possible issues with foreclosed homes:

Check the DEA’s National Clandestine Laboratory Register.

I have inspected an El Paso home where a murder was committed and half of the floor tile and carpet was missing. Parts of the drywall in the bedroom were also missing. I asked what happened, and got an earful.

Replacing your washing machine water supply hoses every few years may prevent flooding. Hoses in El Paso experience extreme heat and dry air which can cause them to fail sooner than in other areas of the country.

If you go on vacation, be sure to shut off the water at the washer and/or street to relieve the pressure on the lines. You can be sure “Murphy” is watching your home (Murphy’s Law). You will be sleeping or away from home when the lines burst. The last thing you want is your neighbor calling you and saying “Water is coming out of your front door and garage”.

I recommend braided stainless hoses be added to replace the standard rubber ones. Fluidmaster® brand plumbing products sell NO-BURST® Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machines Connectors that are stronger than the original lines that come with most washers. Never re-use a washer supply line. Change out the lines anytime the washer is moved or serviced. Never keep washer lines longer than five years.

Fluidmaster® lines feature:

• High bursting strength. Each foot of NO-BURST®contains 220 feet of stainless steel wire. Stainless ferrules are extra-long with radial crimps for more security.
• Tough, NFS-approved polymer core resists chlorine.
• Ample inside diameter for high flow capacity. Captive cone washers seal tightly, can’t fall out.
• Exceptional flexibility for fast easy installation. Won’t, kink or crease, even in the tightest of spaces. Heavy-duty nuts are easy to grip and nickel-plated for durability.
• Exceeds all requirements for flexible water connectors.

If you have a custom-built El Paso home with a laundry catch pan and drain in the floor, be sure to move the appliances regularly and clean the lint from the floor drain. Failure to clean and inspect the drain will likely cause water damage. Call your El Paso home inspector with any questions.

To reduce the risk of tipping of the range, the range must be secured to the floor by a properly installed anti-tip bracket and screws packed with the range. Failure to install the anti-tip bracket may allow the range to tip over if excessive weight is placed on an open door or if a child climbs upon it. Even a large turkey slid on to the door could tip the range. A serious injury might result from spilled hot liquids heating above or from the range itself.

If the range is ever moved to a different location, the anti-tip brackets must also be moved and installed with the range.

Instructions are usually provided for installation in wood or cement fastened to either the floor or wall. When installed to the wall, make sure that screws completely penetrate drywall and are secured in wood or metal. When fastening to the floor or wall, be sure that screws do not penetrate any electrical wiring or plumbing.

These are checked while performing El Paso home inspections, as long as the range is not in use or personal items are stored inside.

Anti-tip devices are safety items designed for easy installation. Make sure to check that the range is pushed back into the bracket on a regular basis.

Double cylinder deadbolts are keyed on both sides. These should only be used on interior closets or maybe an office to keep kids or intruders out. Many times they are found at garages and exterior doors of the home. Single-cylinder dead bolts should be used at the exteriors so you and your family can escape a fire without needing a key. If an intruder wants in, let’s face it, he can get in. Windows are easy to break. Doors in the home can be kicked in, or locks picked in seconds. Windows and doors should be accessible without keys for safe exit during an emergency.

At one El Paso home this week I even found a single-cylinder lock on each side of a garage door to the kitchen. No door handle on the garage side and no way to open the door if the other side was locked. I will add a photo to my Image gallery soon.

Is the flow from your faucet is sluggish at one or more locations? The trouble may be in the faucet aerator. This device, at the tip of most faucet spouts, mixes air and water for a smooth flow. But minerals or dirt or pipe particles in the water often build up on the screen and disc, blocking the flow. If mineral deposits are to blame or if aerator parts are damaged, it’s best to replace the aerator. But if dirt is the problem, simply unscrew the aerator from the end of the spout (to loosen stubborn connections, douse them with penetrating oil). Disassemble and set the parts aside in order. Clean the screen and disc with a brush and soapy water; use a pin or toothpick to open any clogged holes in the disc. White vinegar and water solution can be used to remove mineral deposits. Flush all parts with water before putting them back together. This is common in new El Paso homes with PEX tubing. When the pipes are being cut and installed. the lines are not always flushed out before the fixtures are added. Blue or Red colored particles may show up in the sinks, toilets, and tub/showers during the inspections.

Is your bathtub or shower caulk is moldy? You’ve got to remove every bit of old grout so that the new material forms a seal against the tub and tile. If moisture gets back there, mold will form again. Use a 5-in-l tool and a box knife (razor blade) to cut it out, and caulk remover to loosen any remaining bits. Then apply new mildew-resistant acrylic latex caulk. Let the caulk sit for 48 hours to ensure it is fully cured before getting water on the surface.

Many homes I inspect have mildew or damaged grout and caulk. Catching these items before the problem worsens is critical to keeping repair costs down. Maintaining your home is important, you have a lot more money in it than your car. We do frequent oil changes and fluid checks, but sometimes let our homes go. Spend a few minutes each month to take a closer look at your shower grout and caulk.

Ventilation is very important. Use your exhaust fans or windows when bathing.

If you or someone you know has not had a home inspector check out the El Paso area home you currently have lived in for a while, I suggest you get one to point out safety issues and deferred maintenance items.

Looking for a new home to live in? If the home you buy is certified by Energy Star, these newer homes should meet the performance standards established by the EPA and Department of Energy.

These homes are designed to consume approximately 30 percent less energy than standard homes, thanks to features such as enhanced insulation levels, high-performance windows, air sealing and ventilation, and high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. If you already have a building plan worked out for your new home, then making the upgrades for Energy Star certification costs just a few percent more but should pay for itself immediately. According to Energy Star, their upgrades add just $10 to $15 per month to your mortgage payment but save you around $25 to $45 per month on your utility bills. These numbers vary by state and are approximate.
I have inspected Energy Star homes in El Paso with no insulation installed in the attic, so get the home inspected.

Garbage Disposals and Septic Systems

If the garbage disposal discharges into a septic tank, it can place a significant strain on the septic system. The amount of waste that enters the tank, particularly grease and suspended solids, will increase considerably. This load increase requires that the septic tank be pumped more often than would otherwise be required. The additional strain will also reduce the life span of the septic system. Septic systems can be designed to accommodate food waste but, in general, they are not.

Wiring Inspection

• The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require garbage disposals to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional.
• The vibration caused by the operation of a garbage disposal can cause electrical connections to separate. Check for any loose connections in the wire compartment box at the base of the disposal. Cable clamps should be installed.
• Garbage disposals should be either hardwired or connected to an outlet through a grounded electrical outlet.
• A dedicated circuit is generally recommended, although a circuit that is shared with a dishwasher is sometimes appropriate. The best authority on this distinction is the disposal’s user manual.

Maintenance and Operation Suggestion

• Put only small quantities of food into the disposal at a time. Large food scraps should be cut into smaller pieces before entering the disposal.
• Never put anything down the disposal that is not food or water. Bottle caps, aluminum foil, and other non-food items can damage the disposal or get stuck in piping.
• Run water while using the disposal, and for approximately 30 seconds after you turn it off. Food scraps will flow through the piping more easily if they are pushed along by the water. Cold water is better than warm water for this purpose because it will force fats and grease to congeal and harden, allowing them to move more easily through pipes. Warm water can be run through the disposal while it is not in operation.
• Ice can be used to clear off solidified grease and other debris from the blades in a garbage disposal. Small pieces of citrus (lemon, lime or oranges) can be used to freshen the smell.

The garbage disposal should only be used to grind non-fibrous, leftover food. If in doubt as to whether something can be put in the disposal, err on the side of caution and put it in the trash instead. The following items should never be put in disposal:

• items that are hard enough to dull the blades, such as shells from shellfish or bones;
• food that is highly fibrous, such as corn husks, artichokes, pineapples, potato peels, asparagus, or celery should enter the disposal only in small quantities or be avoided entirely. These foods take a long time to grind and can clog the disposal or the plumbing.
• grease or household oils; or
• chemicals.

Planter boxes are common in many of the older homes in El Paso. The 1950s and 1960s homes were the most common to have planters. When the rains came the plants were watered from the roof run-off.

Most of the planter boxes are made of brick or concrete and are between 3″ to 18″ high. The majority of them are installed directly against the side of the home. When installed like this, the potential for water damage is increased. Many of the planter boxes do not have drains in the sides or bottom and water seeps through the back wall against the home and may cause damage.

Water should never pool near the foundation or walls of the home. Boxes that are installed with 6″-12″ separation from the wall of the home and have drains will allow you to enjoy your flowers and reduce the chance for water damage to the wood structure of your home.

As your home inspector, I want you to have as much knowledge about your home as possible.

FYI Property Inspection welcomes all the new troops to El Paso. A special thanks to all who have served our great country. You give us the freedoms we cherish.

If you are looking for a home inspection, please fill out a booking form and an authorization form with “Military” in the comment section for a reduced quote.

Many homes in the east and northeast are close to the base. I would love to serve you by inspecting your new home. See what my clients have said about our services.

We service El Paso, Horizon City, Canutillo, Anthony (TX) and Socorro areas.

Cash, check or money order are accepted payment.

We welcome your call!