FAQs

Structural Support Post Damage Found

By |2017-11-30T17:50:46-07:00November 30th, 2017||

The structural support beams and posts in a home are critical to the integrity of the home’s flooring system. It may seem obvious that these should go untouched and unmodified, but they are often in crawlspaces and harder to reach places that can be hidden from view. During our home inspections, a visual evaluation of the [...]

How to get rid of birds in the attic?

By |2017-11-30T17:48:16-07:00November 30th, 2017||

Every now and then during a home inspection, we come across some eyebrow raising items, in this case birds in the attic.  These guys were hard at work, likely attempting to build a nest under the very edge of the roof vent which seemed like a good idea at the time.  Unfortunately, this roof vent [...]

What is a sewer scope?

By |2025-01-21T11:26:21-07:00November 30th, 2017||

Seriously…how much time do you spend thinking about your sewer line?  We think about it a lot… As part of our independent inspection services, Scott Home Services offers video inspection of a home’s sewer line also known as a sewer scope. Understanding the condition of the underground sewer drain line and knowing the extent [...]

What is a HERS Rating?

By |2017-11-30T17:40:18-07:00November 30th, 2017||

The HERS rating measures a home’s energy efficiency and can tell you how efficiently it is operating and where you can make modifications for greater energy savings.  When you are selling a home, a low HERS Index Score can command a higher resale price.  And when buying a home you can anticipate the costs of [...]

How to get an animal out of a window well?

By |2017-11-30T16:57:56-07:00November 30th, 2017||

During a recent pre-purchase home inspection, one of our inspectors, Brett, found a furry friend trapped in the depths of a window well. This unfortunate skunk must have fallen in at this property due to a missing window well cover. We quickly sprang into action and notified the Realtors, who called animal control, and got him back to [...]

How does mold air sample testing work?

By |2017-11-30T16:40:44-07:00November 30th, 2017||

During a general home inspection of a house, we typically rely on what we can visually see and observe.  And while we can often see signs of moisture damage or mold, we can’t know what amount of mold may be present in the air when no visual indication of concerns are present.  Performing mold air sample testing [...]

Is cellular core PVC ok to use on heating systems?

By |2017-11-30T16:38:54-07:00November 30th, 2017||

PVC or ABS plastic piping is often used on high-efficiency heating and water heating systems as vent piping for the exhaust gases, since the exhaust temperatures are relatively low.  This piping is often vented out the side of the home.  There are different types of piping used, and one style commonly used is called ‘Cellular-Core” [...]

When should you replace your furnace filter?

By |2017-11-30T16:33:25-07:00November 30th, 2017||

The days are getting shorter and shorter and the colors on the leaves are changing. Most importantly, your house is starting to get colder and you may be thinking about kicking that furnace back on. If so, now is the perfect time to do some routine maintenance to make sure you and your family are [...]

Raccoon in the Chimney!

By |2017-11-30T16:32:01-07:00November 30th, 2017||

Inspecting a fireplace is not one of the most fun things to do during a home inspection.  Will the damper open?  Will a bunch of soot dump down on your head as you are leaning into the unit with your flashlight?  Or…will someone be staring back at you? Check out our article on Chimney Guests.

What are common problems with Brick Chimneys?

By |2017-11-30T16:24:51-07:00November 30th, 2017||

Older homes with brick chimneys are a subject of concern during a home inspection. These days, if a home has a true brick chimney, then you can be sure it is likely a pretty old home. Brick chimneys have almost entirely been replaced with metal flue piping. However, old brick chimneys have a certain charm [...]