Frequently Asked Questions:
Comprehensive Home Inspections has performed more than 10,000 inspections in the Raleigh area. Frequently asked questions are constantly added, so be sure to visit our site regularly. Here are some of the most frequent questions asked during our inspections.
How Old Is This?
How can you tell the approximate age of the house, many of the household appliances, and household components?
House Age:
Look inside the bathroom toilet tank. Printed and sometimes
stamped onto the interior side is a date stamp. Depending on
what kind of renovation has been made, this may help to
determine the age of the house.
Shingle Roof:
The most significant clue when determining the condition and age of the roof shingle is the condition of the granules between the joints or
slots in the tabs. If the granules are loose or disintegrated, the roof
may leak.
Dishwasher: Look at the vinyl covered wire racks in the dishwasher. The vinyl
generally starts to wear off of the tips of the wire rack after about 7 to 8 years of usage. Electrical:
1. How do you tell the exact size of an electrical service?
The size of the electrical service is dictated by the smallest of the following three items: rating of: - Service Cable - Size of the Main Disconnect - Rating of the Panel If the cable is rated at 100amps, the disconnect is 150amps. If the panel box is rated 150amps, then the size of the electrical service is 100amps2. How does a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) work?
A GFCI senses an unbalance of current in a circuit. This type of circuit breaker is now required in the kitchen, bathrooms, outside recepticles, and garage areas depending on the construction or renovations of these areas. 3. How does an arc fault ciruit interrupter (AFCI) work?
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, AFCI for short, is an electrical device that shuts off power to a circuit when arcing conditions are first detected. Normal circuit breakers open in the presence of a short and may not trip before a fire has begun due to arcing. Up to 40,000 home fires can be associated with arcing and sparking.Plumbing:
1. What is Polybutylene Plumbing:
Polybutylene plumbing is a flexible, easy to cut, gray plastic pipe with joints secured with either epoxy or insert fittings and metal crimp rings. Polybutylene was introduced in the late 1970's for residential use. Less expensive and easier to install than tranditional copper plumbing, Polybutylene has been used in over six million homes. However, there is considerable concern surrounding Polybuitylenes potenial to leak.The most important issue to determine when inspecting Polybutylene plumbing pipes is whether or not they have plastic fittings or copper fittings. This can be determined at the time of the inspection. Plastic fittings have a very high failure rate and are prone to leaks. Copper fittings are more reliable. For more information on Polybutylene Plumbing, call 800-876-4698."What will the inspection cost?"
Most home inspections will cost between $275.00 and $375.00 depending on the size of the house, the age of the house, the degree of difficulty to inspect, and the location of the property. Call 919-787-7725 or email dwiesing@nc.rr.com for an exact price quote.
