If your attitude towards home maintenance is “I don’t want to know about it, unless it will keep my house from blowing up!”, then you will love this article and video. In it, I will be discussing seven things can explode in your home.

The seven things are:

• gas leaks
• water heater
• furnace boiler
• gas grill
• combustible products
• glass containers
• cooking flour

. . . and I will be discussing what you can do to prevent explosions from each one of these.

View video at link below: https://youtu.be/Ff7D5R3WAy0  

Gas Leaks

While explosions from gas leaks are fortunately not very common, their impacts can nonetheless be devastating. To prevent an explosion from leaks of natural gas or propane, everyone in your home should be familiar with the smell of gas. Your gas company should be able to give you a “scratch & sniff” card to help you learn this distinctive odor. You should also have all of your gas appliances serviced and inspected each year by a trained professional. And you should consider installing a gas leak detector, especially if anyone in your home has trouble identifying smells see costs and reviews of gas leak detectors).

It is important to note that if you ever suspect that you have a gas leak, that you should immediately leave your house, and do NOT touch any electrical switches and do NOT use your home phone or cell phone until you are a safe distance from your house. The reason is that even the slightest electrical connection can touch off the gas, and trigger an explosion.
 

Water Heater

A water heater tank that is over-pressured can generate tremendous force when it explodes. To prevent this from happening in your home, you should have your water heater serviced once a year by a trained professional. And you will want to check with them to be sure that you have a relief device installed on your unit that protects both against excessive pressure AND excessive temperature. Also, to be safe, you should have your pressure and temperature relief valve replaced every 3 years. And if you ever adjust the temperature limit on your water heater, be sure to never allow it to exceed more than 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Furnace Boiler

Similar to a water heater, if your home has a furnace boiler for creating hot water for your heating system, then you will want to take similar precautions to what we just described for water heaters.
 

Gas Grill

6,000 gas grill explosions occur every year, causing severe injuries and sometimes deaths. To prevent you or your family from being part of this statistic, you should read all safety instructions before using your grill. You should do routine maintenance inspections, and replace any damaged parts immediately. Also, do not use a propane tank if it is dented or damaged in any way. And do not store your propane tanks near any heat sources, nor carry a propane tank in your car trunk on a hot day.
 

Combustible Products

The next cause of too many explosions in the home is from combustible household products. You should be aware of which products that you use in your home are flammable, and be sure to store these combustible liquids, sprays, and powders in cool locations. And you will want to be sure that these storage areas are very well ventilated, so that you don’t have a chance of fumes building up. Although it may be convenient, you should never store any cooking spray, flammable insect repellents, or any other combustible products near your stove. And get rid of any dented cans or damaged containers for any flammable products (helpful accessories: propane tank storage accessories; propane tank stabilizers).
 

Glass Containers

A frequent cause of eye damage in the home is from explosions of glass containers. To prevent glass container explosions, never shake carbonated liquids that are in glass bottles or containers. And especially keep carbonated beverages that are in glass containers away from children, who may shake or run with them. Also, before you use any glassware in your microwave or oven, you will want to be sure that they are a type of glass which is made for this use (see types, costs, and reviews of heat resistant glasswares). Do not leave glass containers on stove burners, and never put glass containers of liquid in a freezer (unless they have very high alcohol content, which lowers the freezing point).
 

Cooking Flour

And lastly, cooking flour dust is highly flammable, and so you should avoid creating flour dust clouds around any heat sources in your kitchen, and you will want to especially keep open flames (such as candles, gas stove burners, cigarettes, etc.) away from your flour when preparing your baking.
 

SUMMARY

I hope this article and video has helped you understand these 7 things that can explode in your home, and what you can do to prevent them.

Things that Hurt Your Bacteria:

Since your septic tank needs bacteria to operate properly, you should try to avoid using anti-bacterial soaps in your home. These types of soaps destroy good bacteria in your septic tank and the drainfield, which results in solids building up faster, and potentially over-flowing and clogging your drainfields.

You should also not dispose of solvents, paints, unwanted medications down your toilets or drains, as these products can damage the good bacteria in your septic system. Instead, these products should be disposed of using other means such as hazardous waste disposals and exchanges. And un-used medications should be returned to the pharmacy, or other medication disposal programs. Also, do not allow any herbicides or pesticides to get into your septic system.

You should also reduce or eliminate your use of harsh cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, and bleach. It can help to use liquid laundry detergents and gel dishwashing detergents. These help minimize the non-organic solids that go into your septic system. But read package labels carefully, as many gel dishwashing detergents are high in phosphorus content, and these should be avoided (helpful accessory: drain cleaning tools; drain cleaners).

If you have a water treatment equipment in your home (water softener, iron filter recharge, etc.), don’t backwash this equipment into your drains, as the excess water and chemicals are bad for your septic system.

And don’t put any additives, such as yeast or bacteria into your septic system, as most additives are not beneficial and waste your money. And they won’t eliminate the need for regular pumping of your tank.
 

Things that Can Clog Your Field

In addition to protecting the natural bacteria in your septic system, you also want to be careful to avoid items getting into your system that can clog your septic drainage field.

For example, do not pour liquid fats, grease, and oils down your kitchen sink. Grease is very resistant to decomposition. If it is allowed to enter your plumbing system, it can build-up in your septic tank, carry over to your drainfield where it can reduce soil permeability.
Also, don’t flush solid, non-biodegradable items into your toilets or drains such as: disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, paper towels, cigarette butts, plastics, coffee grounds, cat box litter, dental floss, etc.

If you have a washing machine, you should add a lint trap on the water drain pipe coming from your washer. Over time, lint can clog your septic system, so installing a lint trap is a good way to keep this material from getting into your system (see types, costs, and reviews of lint traps).

And if you have a garbage disposal, you should not use it unless your system has been specifically designed to handle the extra load.
 

Summary

Replacing a septic system is very expensive. We hope this article has helped you understand how to protect the good natural bacteria in your septic system, and how to avoid doing things that could potentially clog your drainage field.

1. Block the sun from coming in your windows.

 The bright sun coming in through your windows raises the temperature of your home, and if you have air conditioning, it makes your AC work much harder. There are many ways that you can block sunlight from coming through your windows: you can close your existing shades, blinds or drapes; you can add heavy black-out shades (see types, costs, and reviews of solar black-out shades); you can add awnings over the outside of your windows; or longer-term, you can even plant trees to block the direct sunlight. And even if you don’t block the sunlight completely, you can still help keep your home cooler and reduce your air conditioning bills by partially blocking the light through your windows. Blocking sunlight is especially important for windows which face west or south.

2. Turn off and avoid heat sources.

 Anything that adds heat inside of your home, make your home warmer and costs you more to run your AC. There are a number of appliances in your home which give off heat even when they are turned off. Examples of the worst offenders are plasma TVs and digital video recorder boxes. But other appliances also include computers, printers, etc. And when you add these all together, this creates a lot of heat coming into your home. So not only does it give you higher AC bills, but you are also paying for the wasted “vampire power” for these appliances that are just in standby. So you will want to unplug as many of these as you can when they are not in use.

The other sources of heat that you want to avoid are from using appliances like ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, and lighting. All of these add heat and should be avoided if at all possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day, when you cannot open your windows to cool your home.

3. Properly maintain your air conditioner system.

When facing record temperatures with your AC system running at full capacity, you will want to be sure that it is operating as efficiently as possible. So you will want to change your AC filters every month, and you should consider having a service professional come in to inspect and adjust your system to ensure the refrigerant is fully charged, the motors and compressors are operating properly, the distribution ducts are well-balanced, etc.

4. Install a solar attic fan.

 New technology is now available that uses solar energy instead of electricity to run an attic ventilation fan. An attic vent fan cools your attic and therefore reduces the cooling load on your AC system. And since it is solar-powered, this type of attic fan doesn’t cost you any electricity to run (see types, costs, and reviews of solar attic fans).

5. Install ceiling fans.

 Ceiling fans provide a wind-chill effect to your body, so they make you feel cooler, and therefore allow you to raise your thermostat while still feeling comfortable (see types, costs, and reviews of solar ceiling fans). Running a ceiling fan for 12 hours a day only costs about $10 per month in electricity, and you can save much more than this by running your AC system less by using a higher thermostat setting. And remember, if no one is in the room, you should turn off your ceiling fans.

6. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units.

The outside part of your air conditioning system is where the heat from your home is exchanged to the outside air. The cooler this area is, the more efficient your system can be at exchanging heat from your home. By planting trees or shrubbery to provide shade to this area, it helps to keep this area cooler, so your AC system can work more effectively. However, you want to be careful not to plant anything too close to your outside unit, as you do not want to block the airflow.

7. Close vents in unused rooms.

 If you have rooms that you are not using, then you should close both the distribution and supply registers for your air conditioning in these rooms. This way, your central AC system is just working to cool the rooms where you actually need the cooling.

8. Create a “chimney effect” in the evening.

Heat rises, so when it starts to cool down outside, you can help cool down your home by opening windows on your first floor or basement and then opening your windows on the second floor. You can accelerate this cooling by placing a large box fan near an upstairs window to blow the warm air out of the window.

9. Turn down your A/C when leaving.

When leaving your home, turn your thermostat up, so that your AC system does not have to run as hard while you are gone. Contrary to some popular beliefs, you save more energy by not running your system and then cooling your house back down when you get home than you would if you ran it the entire time. A programmable thermostat can make it very convenient to adjust these temperatures automatically.

10. Open a window in your bathroom when using your shower fan.

After you take a shower or bath, your bathroom will have high humidity levels, and you will want to run your shower fan to clear out this humidity to reduce the growth of mold, rot, etc. But rather than the air in your bathroom being replaced by air-conditioned air from your home while your shower fan is running, it is better to open a bathroom window and close your bathroom door. And even though the outside air being drawn in is warm, it is still better to clear out the humidity in your bathroom using this outside air, than it is to use “expensive” air-conditioned air from your home.

11. Change incandescent light bulbs for CFL bulbs.

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs use 75% less energy and produce 75% less heat than incandescent light bulbs. And therefore, switching to CFL bulbs not only saves you money on electricity for lighting, it also reduces your AC bill by not adding more heat in your home (see types, costs, and reviews of compact fluorescent bulbs).

12. Add insulation to your attic.

 Adding insulation to your attic is an investment that will not only reduce your cooling costs in the summer, but will also reduce your heating costs in the winter. For example, upgrading from 3 inches of insulation to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by up to 10 percent.

13. Check the caulking and weatherstripping.

Cracks and leaks around windows, doors, pipe connections, etc. allow heat to come in and cool air to leak out. So you will want to be sure to check your caulking and weatherstripping to help reduce the load on your AC system (see types, costs, and reviews of caulking and weatherstripping tools).

14. Close and block your fireplace damper.

If you have a fireplace, you will want to be sure that the damper is tightly sealed to keep air from flowing up and down your chimney. You can even get an inflatable chimney balloon, which is designed to create a tighter seal than what you can normally get with just a damper (see types, costs, and reviews of inflatable chimney balloons).

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.