What's Wrong With This House?

Physical Condition of a House

Often, people buying a house make their decision to buy based on a superficial inspection of the house. They walk through the house once or twice, noticing room size, number of bathrooms, attractive landscaping, cleanliness, and the new paint on the walls. These items are all indications of the house's cosmetic condition. A quick walk-through is not enough time to determine the house's physical condition.

A home inspection is an objective, non-destructive visual inspection of the home and its systems, from the foundation to the roof. A home inspection will identify deficiencies that may be costly to correct, as well as safety or fire hazards.

Your home may be the largest investment you will ever make. No house is perfect - even a new one. Problems can be the result of deficiencies in construction, safety or fire hazards, or deterioration due to aging. When you find the house you want, you can identify its problems or potential problems with a home inspection. If you know your home's true condition, you will be able to correct or repair minor problems before they become major problems.

It is in the best interest of buyers, sellers and real estate agents to have a thorough inspection of any home.

Liberty Hill Home Inspections can provide you with a professional property analysis including a thorough inspection of each system, from the foundation to the roof.

Problems That Can Turn Your Dream Into A Nightmare

Some costly repair items include:

• An outdated and inadequate electrical system
• The need for re-piping the plumbing system
• The need for a new roof
• Foundation structural rehabilitation
• An outdated or inadequate heating system
• Water damage to the basement or lower level

Some safety hazards include:

• Malfunctioning furnace
• Uneven steps
• Shower doors without safety glass
• Improper venting of appliances
• No GFI protection for outlets at sinks, basement, garage

Some fire hazards include:

• Deterioration of fireplace flue
• Blocked flue
• Lack of maintenance on furnace
• Improper electrical wiring

Environmental Problems

There are several environmental issues that have come to light in recent years:

Radon

According to the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. Radon gas is a by-product of the decomposition of uranium. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless. High concentrations of radon can result from uranium deposits in the soil in which a house is built. Radon seeps into your home from surrounding soil. The air pressure in your home is lower than that outdoors, and your home acts like a vacuum, drawing the radon gas in through drain openings, foundation cracks and other openings.

Radon is sometimes found in well water also. Well water can give off radon gas when showers and faucets are in use.

Radon has been found in one of every five homes tested. The EPA has set guidelines for radon levels in residential structures. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of radon can cause cancer.

If radon is found in a home, radon mitigation is possible. The cost of a radon reduction system can range from $500 to $2000. A contractor qualified (by the EPA) to install a radon reduction system will be able to determine the proper system for each home.

Drinking Water

Drinking water may contain several contaminants, some of which are hazardous, and some are not. Public water supplies are tested by the utility, and must meet stringent EPA standards. Nevertheless, even when the public water supply is safe, problems can originate in the distribution system.

• LEAD - Drinking water may be contaminated with lead. This problem may originate with the piping, fittings and fixtures in the home. Over time, water that is acidic or soft, may have a corrosive effect on piping, fittings and fixtures, and cause the lead to leach into the water.
• SODIUM - Homes that use water-softening systems may have excessive amounts of sodium in the water. Persons on a sodium-restricted diet may be affected. Water from a softener may contain 100 mg/l of sodium or more.
• BACTERIA - Well water may become contaminated with bacteria resulting from faulty septic tanks or decayed organic matter that may have washed into the well. Dug wells are particularly susceptible. Water is analyzed for coliform bacteria to determine whether or not it is potable.
• pH - Acid rain leaching into the soil has caused some water to be acidic (low pH). Acidic water can cause deterioration of pipes.

Lead in Paint

High concentrations of lead in the bloodstream can cause permanent brain damage and death. Children are exposed to lead in the home. Lead poisoning can occur when a child chews or eats paint chips contaminated with lead. Homes built between 1940 and 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Homes built between 1960 and 1978 have smaller amounts of lead in paint. In 1978, the legal amount of lead in paint was reduced to trace amounts. Therefore, homes built after 1978 should be free of lead paint.

Lead dust in air is a related problem. Lead dust particle become airborne when surfaces covered with lead-based paint are scraped, sanded or heated during stripping. Lead dust can be inhaled when it is airborne. If it settles to the floor or on furniture surfaces, it can be ingested when the child touches it and engages in normal hand-to-mouth behavior.

About Liberty Hill Home Inspections

Liberty Hill Home Inspections is owned and operated by Wayne A. Wildermuth a 20-year resident of Connecticut. Wayne has experience in home improvement and remodeling, and has owned and maintained multi-family rental properties since 1988. Wayne attended the Real Estate Continuing Education program at the University of Connecticut, including courses in appraisal and residential construction costs. He has completed an extensive home inspection program at Inspection Training Associates in Manassas, VA. He is an associate member of the National Association of Home Inspectors and a member of the Connecticut Association of Home Inspectors. Wayne is dedicated to performing a thorough, professional inspection for homeowners and prospective homebuyers. Wayne can be reached at 860-442-5444 or Email libertyhill@snet.net.

What We Inspect

Additional Services

Liberty Hill Home Inspections offers partial inspections, water testing, radon-in-air testing, radon-in-water testing, lead-in-water testing, and well water flow testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will the inspection take?
A. A typical inspection takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and age of the home.

Q. When will I receive a report?
A. You will receive a comprehensive report at the conclusion of the inspection. Water and radon reports will take 2-4 days to complete.

Q. Who should attend the inspection?
A. The customer should attend the inspection. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and learn pertinent information about the condition of your home.

Q. What geographical area does Liberty Hill Home Inspections cover?
A. Liberty Hill conducts home inspections throughout all of Eastern Connecticut.

Q. To what standards is a Liberty Hill Home Inspection performed?
A. Liberty Hill Home Inspections performs home inspections in accordance with State of Connecticut Standards. Liberty Hill utilizes a detailed 13-page report.

Q. How much does a home inspection cost?
A. Liberty Hill offers home inspections at very reasonable rates. Home inspection cost varies with the size of the home, the number of units, the age of the home and the number of additional tests required. Call 860-442-5444 or Email libertyhill@snet.net for a quote.