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15
Feb
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Air Quality, Educational
What’s in Your Air?
An air quality test is an important step in assessing the overall health and safety of your indoor environment. Here are some reasons why you might consider doing an air quality test: Health concerns: Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, allergies, and other symptoms. An air quality test can help identify the presence of harmful contaminants such as mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and radon that may be affecting your health. Building safety: Certain building materials and construction practices can contribute to poor air quality. Testing can identify any hazardous materials or pollutants that may be present in your building or home, such as asbestos, lead, or other toxins. Compliance with regulations: Depending on your location and type of property, there may be regulations in place regarding air quality. Testing can help ensure that you are meeting these requirements and avoiding any potential legal or financial penalties. Peace of mind: Knowing that your indoor air is free of harmful pollutants and contaminants can provide peace of mind and a healthier living environment for you and your family. By identifying potential hazards and taking action to address them, you can create a healthier and safer living environment.
Read More12
Feb
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Educational
Impact of Broken Thermal Seals
A thermal seal, also known as a “double-pane” or “insulated” window, is a window that has two panes of glass with a sealed air space between them. This air space is filled with an insulating gas, such as argon, which helps to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency. When a thermal seal is broken, it means that the seal between the two panes of glass has failed and the insulating gas has escaped. Here are some potential consequences of a broken thermal seal:1.Reduced energy efficiency: A broken thermal seal can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of a window. Without the insulating gas, heat can transfer more easily between the inside and outside of the home, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.2.Condensation: When a thermal seal is broken, moisture can enter the space between the two panes of glass. This can lead to condensation forming on the inside of the window, which can obscure the view and potentially cause damage to the window frame or sill.3. Mold growth: If condensation forms on the inside of the window, it can create a moist environment that is conducive to mold growth. This can be a health hazard and may require professional remediation.4. Fogging: A broken thermal seal can cause the window to appear foggy or cloudy. This can be unsightly and can make it difficult to see through the window.5. Damage to window frame: If moisture gets into the space between the panes of glass, it can cause damage to the[…]
Read More08
Feb
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Air Quality, Educational
Mold: Common Sources in a Home
Mold can grow in homes where there is excess moisture, poor ventilation, or high humidity levels. Here are some common sources of mold in homes. One of the best ways to prevent mold growth in your home is to control moisture levels, and promote good ventilation. If you want to know what may be growing in your air call today for an air quality test. #616-406-4202www.overandunderwood.com
Read More06
Feb
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Educational
Let’s Compare: Modular Home vs. Manufactured Home
Modular homes and manufactured homes are both prefabricated homes that are constructed in a factory, but there are some key differences between the two: 1. Building codes: Modular homes are built to the same building codes as traditional site-built homes, while manufactured homes are built to a separate federal code. This means that modular homes have to meet the same standards for electrical, plumbing, and other systems as traditional homes, while manufactured homes have their own set of standards. 2. Construction: Modular homes are built in sections, or modules, that are transported to the building site and assembled on a foundation. They are typically constructed with the same materials as site-built homes and can be customized to the owner’s preferences. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are built on a steel frame with wheels and axles and are designed to be transported to the building site. They are built with lighter-weight materials and have a different construction process than modular homes. 3. Placement: Modular homes are typically placed on a permanent foundation and can be placed on any property that meets local zoning and building requirements. Manufactured homes are often placed in mobile home parks or on leased land, although they can also be placed on a permanent foundation on private property. 4. Resale value: Modular homes typically have a higher resale value than manufactured homes, as they are built to the same standards as site-built homes and can be more easily customized to the owner’s preferences. Manufactured homes, on[…]
Read More01
Feb
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Educational
GFCI Outlet Random Facts
Did you know what a GFCI outlet is and the purpose of having them? A GFCI is a type of electrical outlet or circuit breaker that is designed to protect people from electric shock. GFCIs are commonly used in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. There are two main types of GFCIs: GFCI outlets and GFCI circuit breakers. GFCI outlets are designed to replace standard electrical outlets and provide GFCI protection to any devices plugged into them. GFCI circuit breakers are installed in the main electrical panel and provide GFCI protection to all outlets and devices on the circuit they are protecting. In summary, a GFCI is an electrical safety device that is designed to protect people from electric shocks by quickly shutting off power to the outlet or circuit if it detects a current flowing along an unintended path.
Read More29
Jan
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Educational
Tools of The Trade: Home Inspector Edition
I started to do a post about the PHYSICAL tools that I use on a typical inspection, because let’s face it those are important. However, it got me thinking…There are MANY other tools I use on a daily basis that are just as CRITICAL. A great inspector will work to incorporate all of these tools at the inspection.A home is a BIG financial and emotional purchase for the buyers, so make sure you are using empathy to recognize.Being quick to change schedules and adjust between the many pieces and people involved in the sale of a home is also critical.Clarity of clearly articulating findings and recommendations to clients while using language that is easy to understand.Actively listening to the client’s concerns and questions.And you might have all guessed having a great sense of attention to detail to observe and be thorough on an inspection is CRUCIAL.
Read More19
Jan
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Educational
Let’s Talk Gutters
Did you know the importance of gutters? If a home doesn’t have gutters, rainwater will fall from the roof directly onto the ground around the perimeter of the home. This can lead to several potential problems: 1. Erosion which can lead to uneven settling of the foundation and other structural damage. 2. Water damage to inside of home. 3. Damage to exterior: rainwater falling directly onto exterior of the home can cause damage to siding, brick or other materials. 4. Insect infestations: standing water around the foundation can attract insects.
Read More16
Jan
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Air Quality, Educational
5 Houseplants to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Home Sweet Healthy Home. Did you know there are household plants that you can incorporate into your home for cleaner indoor air? At Over & Underwood Home Inspection we can also make sure you are free from allergens, mold, and pollutants by doing a comprehensive test that will give you results within 48 hours. But here are some plants you can incorporate into your home to improve the air quality. Snake Plant-Absorbs nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde from the air. Awesome for improving overall air quality. Spider Plant-Removes carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other toxins. Gerbera Daisy-Absorbs formaldehyde benzene and improves sleep by giving off oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide. Areca Palm-Great purifying plant for general air cleanliness. Also known as acting as a humidifier. Peace Lily-Removes mold spores, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This is a great plant to place in bathrooms.
Read More16
Jan
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Educational
Tools of a Home Inspector: Infrared Cameras
One of my favorite tools to use as an inspector is my thermal infrared camera. Why? Because #1 its fun to see behind walls, and #2 it is SO important when as an inspector I can’t see behind walls. Being an inspector in West Michigan ensuring and diagnosing a home for future energy efficiencies is crucial and such good information for the potential home owner to have going into their purchase. Any questions about how the HVAC system is working can easily be answered with the use of the infrared camera. Here is a more detailed look at how the use of an infrared camera can help the home inspector and add valuable information to the inspection report. Camera being referenced here is the FLIR TG165-X (affiliate link). By incorporating an infrared thermal camera into their inspections, home inspectors can offer a more comprehensive and thorough evaluation of a property, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their investments.
Read More07
Jan
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Air Quality, Educational
How to Mitigate Radon
Mitigating radon in a home involves implementing various techniques to reduce the concentration of radon gas, a radioactive element that can seep into buildings from the ground. Here’s a general overview of the radon mitigation process: The cost of radon mitigation can vary based on factors such as the size and design of the home, the chosen mitigation technique, and the severity of the radon issue. On average, homeowners can expect to invest anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for a radon mitigation system, but costs may vary depending on the specifics of each case and location. It’s important to consult with a certified radon mitigation professional to assess your specific situation and provide accurate cost estimates.
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