1. Roof – Home inspectors will look for missing or dislocated shingles and nails that appear to be “popping” when examining your roof. These issues can lead to costly leaks so it is best to take care of them before the heavy rains of spring.
2. Chimney – Chimney flashing that is warped or deteriorated can also potentially lead to leaks. Be sure, when having your examination, that the inspector takes a close look at the flashing in addition to making certain there are no loose or misplaced bricks.
3. Gutters – It may seem like a no-brainer, but it still warrants repeating that it’s important to keep gutters clean from debris. Check your gutters at least once a month to ensure they are draining properly and have home inspectors take a look for any cracks or dripping water that may indicate a problem.
4. Windows – Even after the harsh winter, it’s important to make certain that your window’s caulking and weather stripping is intact.  Also, condensation on your window panels can indicate that the seals have gone bad and are in need of repair so be sure to have a professional take a look at them.
5. Attic – Remember to have the insulation in your attic checked during an inspection. Be on the lookout for blackish areas and disturbed insulation as they could be signs of insects and animals lurking your attic.

While the thought of completing a home inspection yourself may be tempting, it’s a task that is best left to the professionals. Expert home inspectors are familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation methods, maintenance, and home safety.  Additionally, a professional home inspector will know how the home’s systems and components are intended to function as well as have solutions to potential problems that could be spotted during an exam.

With these tools in your arsenal, you should be prepared to cross Spring Inspection off of your to-do list. Make sure you call Sherman Home Inspections, LLC at 508-947-7595 for your appointment.

The cold season is fast approaching. Winter on the horizon places prospective home buyers in a dubious situation when it comes to home inspection. Knowing about the home preparedness process and being vigilant are key steps to protecting your investment. At Sherman Home Inspections, we have compiled a list of factors that help and hinder the home inspection process during the winter season. Compiled over the course of our many years aiding and protecting prospective home buyers, this list weighs the pros and cons of home inspections when ice and snow are factors.

The first and most obvious area that presents a problem during the winter season is the roof. Every roof looks appealing with an even sheet of snow layered over it. However, it is impossible to do an effective inspection until the snow has melted. In fact, even attempting an inspection is both pointless and physically hazardous. The snow prevents an inspector from seeing the shingles on the roof. For this reason, it is best to wait for the snow to melt and then conduct a thorough inspection. Also, consider that melting snow can worsen any prior damage to the roof or cause damage in and of itself.

Secondly, snow piles up, be it from natural snowfall and/or shoveling. When this happens, it is impossible for the inspector to see and carefully inspect the foundation.

The porch is another problem area in that the inspector must first clear any snow to inspect beneath the porch. This often means crawling beneath tight spaces, muddying yourself in the cold and uncomfortable wetness before having to go inside to continue the inspection.

Inspecting wood surfaces, too, become a challenge. Inspectors use a simple tool called a poker to check for termite or carpenter ants damage. In this case, experience is a benefit. If water seeped into the wood and turned ice, knowing what a wood surface should and shouldn’t sound like is beneficial.

Just like wood, pipes, and windows freeze as well. The cold can cause a pipe to crack creating leaking problems down the line. Once the pipe becomes frozen it can hide the issue of cracks and potential leaking problems.

When rain seeps beneath a window and crawls itself into crevices like the window track, it freezes there. That occurs and windows become difficult to open and close because they are frozen shut.

During colder months, insects like termites and carpenter ants go dormant, the lack of activity, however, doesn’t mean they are not there.

Most homebuyers don’t know that you cannot test an A/C unit if outdoor temperatures drop to below 60 degrees. Turning on your A/C unit when temperatures drop that low can damage the unit.

There are benefits to winter inspections, however. Winter is a perfect time to test the heat since it is difficult to turn on the heat in warmer weather. This leads us to drafts and insulation. When your heat is working, you want it to remain indoors. During the summer an attic can reach temperatures of up to 140 degrees. When it becomes that hot, it is impossible to tell how well the insulation is doing.

At Sherman’s Home Inspections, we believe an informed consumer makes smarter decisions. Now that you are equipped with the information, you can decide whether a home inspection during the colder months suits your needs.

Contact us today at Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com or visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/

Preparing your home for the cooler fall and winter seasons isn’t as daunting a task as many might think. Home preparedness means taking the necessary steps to winterize your property. Home inspections and home preparedness are smart ways to protect yourself from high repair costs down the line, not to mention smart ways of preventing unnecessary property damage. Sherman Home Inspections has you covered with these easy to do home maintenance tips for fall.

Weather stripping:

The is necessary to seal the creases at the bottom of any exterior doors where light and air escapes. Light and air leaks can lead to a high gas bill, so several packets of rubber foam adhesive weather stripping are a perfect and cost-effective solution. If the issue of a high gas bill continues, then it’s time to consider replacing the strips altogether.

Clean Weep Holes:

No one thinks about weep holes. At least not until they become clogged with debris, preventing the proper drainage of rain away from the home. The tiny holes can be found on many sliding doors and vinyl replacement windows. To assure these holes are indeed working, use a garden hose to spray water and watch for a consistent stream to flow from those holes. To unclog any blockage, simply use wire or compressed air to clear any debris. Now, recheck the hole until it is completely clean.

Garden Hoses:

Since we mentioned garden hoses, now may be a perfect time to remind readers to drain their garden hoses before putting them away. Many of us, due to laziness, neglect to drain our hoses. However, once frozen, water that remains in the hose splits the hose open. Unless you like flushing money down the drain replacing hoses every winter, take several minutes to drain your hose before putting it away.

Gutters:

Cleaning your gutter is such a simple fix that neglecting to do so is plain recklessness. Get a ladder and an old plastic spatula that won’t scratch the gutter and cleanup will be a breeze. Since the spatula is plastic you can cut it to fit the gutter drain and grime wipes right off.

Carbon Monoxide:

Thanksgiving and Christmas are drawing near and so are family gatherings. Both the oven and stove are in full gear, so is the water heater, fireplace and heater working to combat the cold. Perfect conditions for carbon monoxide buildup. A UL-listed carbon monoxide detector is a smart way to protect your family and friends. If you don’t already have one, get one at your local home center or discount store.

Chimney:

 Finally, your chimney is a fire risk. The buildup of creosote can cause a fire. You should have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned every 70 fires. Never burn wet wood, but if you find yourself breaking that rule, inspect and clean your chimney every 50 fires instead of 70. If you can’t remember the last time your chimney was inspected and cleaned that is probably a sign you are due.

Remember, Sherman Home Inspections, LLC is here for all your home maintenance, inspections, and cold season preparedness needs. Contact us today at Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com or visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/

Most home buyers are never fully prepared for the long process of purchasing a home. In truth, getting a loan, find the right home in the right location for the right price, can be stressful. Needless to say, most of us are open to cutting corners or taking a shortcut that expedites the process. Usually, that means overlooking an important aspect of home buying; The Home Inspection.

Sherman Home Inspection has been at the forefront of keeping new homeowners informed on prospective purchases. In our many years of experience, we can strongly say, overlooking home inspection, septic inspection, and/or well inspection jeopardizes your health and financial investment.

One in five homes in the United States relies on septic systems. This is according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Septic systems are typically used in rural areas where centralized sewer systems aren’t an option. In some cases, a tank provides water for these septic systems to work, but in most cases, they rely on water wells to maintain daily use.

Private water wells also provide water to more than 15 million homes. Now, one can understand why many counties require a water well and septic inspection. Water is an ideal vehicle for the spread of disease. For this reason, it is beneficial to buyers and sellers to have a thorough inspection of these areas conducted. The absence of one places buyers and/or seller at a higher risk for equity loss.

Consider, the price tag for replacing a well can reach anywhere from $6,000 to $6,500. A drain field for a septic system? Between $7,500 and $25,000!

Let a Sherman Home Inspector set your mind at ease and protect your investment. We do an array of checks that include running tests of the water system as well as checking said water system for volume and pressure. Our inspectors are also trained to assess the structural integrity of the well, making sure it is compliant with all mandates. Expect a Sherman Home Inspector to check for bacteria, arsenic, and nitrates. Rest assured we know county requirements and work toward making sure your water well meets standards.

As part of a Sherman Inspection, we go through a comprehensive survey of the plumbing system and pumping equipment. This is important to understanding the flow of water in your plumbing system; i.e. where water is getting in and where it is ending up.

Upon completion of your Sherman Home Inspection, you will receive a detailed report. Remember, if you’re considering the purchase of a rural property, do so with the help of a professional that helps protect your investment long-term. Sherman Home Inspectors are only a call away and we encourage you to ask us questions. We believe that the more informed you are about your prospective property, the better decisions you make for yourself and your family.

Contact us today at Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com or visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/

Making an investment into a new home or your first home is an exciting moment in your life. A home represents security, a place you belong, hard work, and family legacy. However, with the purchase of a home comes risks. Considering the tens of thousands of dollars new homeowners will invest over the course of a mortgage, being informed can save your pocketbook and your health.

In the more than 30 years, Sherman Home Inspections, Inc. has been in business, our home inspectors examined countless homes, collecting information and experience to protect new homeowners. We are able to provide you a detailed and in-depth home inspection of your home structure, home safety issues, and potential hazards.

Very important aspects go overlooked when a new home buyer physically goes to view a home. For example, the roof. Loose shingles and damaged gutters can signal water damage to the roof itself as well as the attic. A Sherman Home Inspector is diligent enough to see signs of issues and protect potential buyers.

Often, issues are covered up or painted over so you are none the wiser about the risks you face. The integrity of a house’s structure can be a deal breaker. A thorough inspection means investigating deeper to uncover cracks in the wall, ceiling, floors, and foundation. A home can be picture perfect on the surface, but its inner structure is more important.

This leads into our discussion about basement inspections. Since the base of the house is underground, it is highly susceptible to water damage. Inspecting the four walls simply won’t suffice. Inspecting the drainage system, support posts, and beams are equally important.

Home safety is something a Sherman Home Inspector will not compromise on. Most new home buyers never consider the costs that come with a new home purchase after the dotted line is signed. We would all love it if, after a purchase, we can simply move in and enjoy our accomplishment. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Overlooked issues will cost new home buyers down the line, and there are no home repairs that come cheap. Checking appliances that come with the home assure the electrical and said appliances function properly.

Rest easy knowing we perform an extensive inspection of the home’s exterior and interior to make certain you are making an informed purchase. Not a crack or window goes uninspected of the accessible areas. We check the staircases along with insulation and ventilation in the attics. Even the decks, porch and trimming are listed on our inspection.

Homes built before 1978 may have been painted using lead-based paint. These are things most realtors wouldn’t know. You have the choice of an inspection of pest conditions in the area for a separate charge. An asbestos inspection is something may choose depending on the age of your home. A chimney inspection is done by doing a chimney sweep and may be a separate charge.

Ask your Sherman’s Home Inspector any questions that come to mind because being informed will help you negotiate a fair price for the home you’re interested in purchasing. Contact us today and take the first steps in protecting your long-term investment. Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com Visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/ for more information.

Asbestos: What is it?

Asbestos is a mineral found in rocks and soil. It has been used in manufacturing because it is resistant to chemicals, heat, and electricity. For years, however, the dangers of asbestos went unknown and ignored. A key ingredient in construction over this time, asbestos was used in the construction of many homes.

Common uses:

Widely used as insulation in walls and attics, asbestos was also used in the manufacturing of car brakes, heat resistant fabrics, house sidings, shingles, and vinyl tiles. A commonality amongst the items, you may have realized, is they are generally found in homes.

Countless people come in contact with potentially dangerous amounts of asbestos by simply walking through their front door. Ignorance about asbestos leads to them ignoring the signs of exposure. Asbestos fibers are easy to breathe in. Understanding the risks increase when you consider the amount of time you spend inside your home.

Risks:

Understand the risks. Again, this cannot be said enough. Having extended exposure to asbestos increases the risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Smokers are generally affected at a higher rate because their lungs have suffered extensive damage from cigarette smoke.

Mesothelioma:

This is a rare form of cancer that affects those who live or have lived in homes where asbestos materials were used. Persons who have worked with the substance, too, are prone to side effects. Asbestos fibers released into the air during the manufacturing process are inhaled and/or swallowed. This leads to health problems down the line. A whopping 75% of mesothelioma cases are linked to exposure at work. Family members and people living with someone exposed to asbestos have also shown an increased risk of developing this rare cancer.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of asbestos exposure include difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath, coughing, constipation, fatigue, a lump or lumps in the abdominal area, and fatigue.

Inspection:

A thorough inspection of your home and business is the first and most important step in combating exposure. Sherman Home Inspections, LLC. has taken a proactive approach to keeping homeowners informed and protected.

They provide a range of inspection services to prospective home buyers and owners. A complete property report of the grounds around the building(s), exterior structure, roof interior and exterior, foundation and basement, central heating and air conditioning system (HVAC), plumbing system, electrical system, interior structure, built-in appliances, along with an optional pest infestation report.

Protecting your health and investment are paramount. Sherman Home Inspection encourages our customers to be present at the time of our inspection. During this walk through, we help you understand the risk and answer questions about home care and our home inspection report.

With this report, you understand the repairs the property will need and eliminate surprises and/or unforeseen difficulties after your purchase. We also highlight positive aspects of a home and the maintenance necessary to keep your home investment in prime condition.

Contact us today and take the first steps in securing your family, business, and home. Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com or visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/ for more information.

What Do Real Estate Agents Disclose?

That’s where real estate agents come in, right? They’re the experts and they’re required to tell you the nitty gritty details that you might miss. While that is generally true, there is a catch. In most states, real estate agents are required to be forthcoming about any problems or features that would influence buying decisions. However, what if the real estate agent doesn’t know about the black mold behind the drywall or the leaky roof, they can’t disclose those issues. It would be up to the seller let you or your agent know about those unseen problems.

Now there are, of course, solid real estate agents that do their homework and find out as much as they can about the property in order to set you up with the ideal home for you. However, even a great real estate agent may not be an expert in home inspecting.

What Do Sellers Have to Tell You?

Since real estate agents can only tell you what they know, how much do sellers have to disclose? They have a lot less incentive to tell you about the defects that might be hidden around a piece of property. Typically, agents will ask questions about the property and give sellers an opportunity to give a statement about the property’s condition. However, the law doesn’t require the seller to disclose any particular information in most states. That is, with two exceptions.

Sellers have to tell you if there is lead paint used on the property if the home has been built before 1978. Since lead is so hazardous to health, this is a good thing to learn about before purchasing a home. Second, sellers have to disclose the condition of the septic system, which can be a nightmare if broken (Title 5 septic certification in MA).

Beyond that, a seller only has to answer questions truthfully. They can’t lie when asked about the potential presence of mold or the leaky roof, but they don’t have to volunteer that information either. Plus, they can only tell you what they know.

Why a Home Inspection is Your Best Bet

The best way to buy a used car is to bring it in to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchase. You should do the same with a house. Unlike sellers and real estate agents, home inspectors have specific training when it comes to finding defects in a piece of property. If you are looking for a quality home, an inspector can tell you about anything that will lead to costly issues down the road.

Originally posted at the Democrat & Chronicle

Mice and chipmunks and spiders — oh my!

Heating and cooling technicians often find these and other unwelcome critters in air conditioning units during spring inspections.

“They make their nest in the outdoor unit’s electrical service panel and create all kinds of havoc,” says Ed Diamond, service manager at Paris Heating and Cooling on West Ridge Road in Rochester. “Even spider nests interfere with the low voltage process.”

The potential for a rodent invasion is just one reason why it’s important to get your air conditioning system checked in the spring, before the weather warms up too much.

In addition, a properly maintained system lasts longer, costs less to run, and is more efficient.

According to HomeAdvisor.com, a site that provides homeowners with tools and resources for home improvement projects, “Lack of maintenance is the number one killer of HVAC systems.”

The site recommends getting a professional tune-up before every cooling season.

Energy.gov reports that 48 percent of the energy use in a typical home in the United States goes to heating and cooling. For most homeowners, that makes it their largest household energy expense.

It’s all the more reason to make sure these systems are operating at peak efficiency.

While a spring tune-up ensures optimum operating conditions, such routine seasonal maintenance also helps uncover hidden problems that include mold or bacteria building up in the drain system inside the house. A professional can easily and quickly detect and treat these problem.

Paris Heating and Cooling offers a multi-point check that involves opening up the air-conditioning unit and checking for uninvited guests as well as other potential issues. Technicians make sure cooling coils are clean so they function at peak performance.

Diamond also recommends three easy steps that homeowners can take care of on their own:

1. Change the furnace filter.

“Many people think their furnace filter only applies to the heating season, but it’s very critical in the cooling season as well,” Diamond says. Lack of clean air flow will cause your unit to stop cooling and ice up inside, creating a service call that could be avoided.

2. Adjust the furnace humidifier.

Rochester summers are humid enough without adding moisture to the air, so set the humidistat to the off position. While you’re at it, flip the duct damper from winter to summer, too.

3. Change the batteries in the thermostat.

This is especially true if you’re experiencing a problem. “Before making a service call, check your thermostat batteries,” Diamond says. “You don’t want to pay for a visit only to discover that the problem is dead batteries.”

Diamond’s most important tip to homeowners getting ready for the warmer weather?

“Don’t be afraid to call a pro if you have questions,” he says. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t understand something, give us a call and we’ll talk you through it on the phone.”

Oh, and if they happen to find a dead rodent in your system when conducting your annual air condition inspection, they’ll remove it at no extra charge.

Date : 5/21/2017

When you are in the market to buy, whether that purchase is for a home, condominium, commercial property, or any habitat at all, turn to Sherman Home Inspections, Inc. As a fully licensed and insured home inspection company, we can help you pinpoint any problems with a property that you are thinking about purchasing. Is it really the right property for you? Use our services and then you will know for sure.

Why should I get a home inspection?

When you buy, you’re not just getting what you see, you’re also buying potential problems that may require a lot of repairs and modification before a particular home or office space is actually livable. While it’s easy to visually see if the roof is in need of repairs, many things like the walls or other crawl spaces are impossible to inspect, unless you are a professional. When you have a home inspection with Sherman’s, you will have the opportunity to walk out of a deal if the flaws are too costly, or you can always choose to re-negotiate the price with the seller based on the problems that are found. Sherman Home Inspectors is the home inspector to trust throughout Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

I’m about to buy a brand new property, why do I need to have an inspection?

Well, sooner or later we have all purchased something that hasn’t performed or worked straight out of the box. Likewise, the new construction of homes isn’t always so problem free. Perhaps your favorite condo is in an area prone to flooding. Maybe the foundation isn’t good. At Sherman Home Inspectors we can help you determine a series of flaws that may be lurking. Anything from a plumbing or electrical issue to interior structural flaws and so much more. Before you make a purchase in or around Cape Code, MA, give us a call for a home inspection!

Do I need to be present for an inspection?

While it isn’t a requirement, the team at Sherman’s encourages you to be present. The time it takes to thoroughly inspect a property does vary. You should plan on it taking at least four hours to complete. Throughout Rhode Island, Sherman Home Inspectors is the home inspector to depend on for quality home inspections every time, please call us directly at 508-947-7595 to setup an appointment.