Inspector's Blog
Dryer Plug Doesn't Match Outlet
02/16/12. It is not uncommon for new homeowners to move in, unpack, and attempt to do their first load of laundry, but can’t get the dryer hooked up. The new homeowner is bewildered when the dryer plug doesn’t match the outlet. The new dryer has a 4 prong plug and the outlet has 3. Here’s a little background on the matter as well as some options for getting the dryer up and running. 3 Prong Vs… read more →
How to look for termites
05/21/11. Termites are some of nature’s smallest and most industrious insects. However to homeowners they can cause significant damage to a house if left undetected. About the size of small ants, subterranean termites are small and elusive. However, unlike ants which openly forage, termites are always concealed in small mud structures or tubes, which makes finding them challenging. Termites use mud to create these little structures as protective highway systems. When looking for termites you will… read more →
Austin City Council Approves Changes To ECAD Ordinance
05/01/11. On Thursday, April 21, 2011 Austin City Council approved changes to the ECAD (Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance. These changes clarify some points in the ordinance that were previously unclear. In brief here are the changes/amendments to the ordinance as they pertain to single family homes: 1. When buyers should receive audit: Sellers are now required to give buyers the energy audit three days before their option period expires. Sellers can no longer… read more →
Making Your Water Heater/Furnace Closet Safe
10/14/10. If your water heater or furnace is in a closet inside your home, there are a few things you can do to make it safe. It’s crazy but for decades building practices allowed furnaces and water heaters to be inside the home. Why is this crazy? Because natural gas, combustion and potentially carbon monoxide are right inside the home. In the case of furnaces with air returns below the closet, this can be a potentially… read more →
Choosing a Radiant Barrier Product
07/06/10. If you are looking into cooling your attic with a radiant barrier, you might be overwhelmed by all the choices and varying claims to energy savings. The primary products available are: foil backed OSB decking (underside of roof), foil that is tacked on to rafters and paint. As a rule, the best radiant barrier products have a reflectivity of .9 or 90% and .1 emissivity or less. Foil Foil backed roof decking is the best… read more →
Austin Rebates & Incentives
02/05/10. Austin has some of America’s best energy efficiency rebate and incentive programs. Rebates up to $1,400 are available to help pay for efficient heating & cooling equipment, low-flow toilets, insulation and more. The potential saving can be between 30% to 50% on energy bills. Before doing any improvements be sure to call Austin Energy or Austin Water. To qualify for some of these rebates you must go through their process. Austin Rebate Programs AC Rebate… read more →
Get a Free Dual Flush Toilet
01/06/10. What is a dual flush toilet you may ask? I’m referring to the cutting-edge in toilet technology and water conservation. These wonderful, high efficiency inventions can cut water usage in half with the push of a button. They do this by offering the user two flush options-half a flush (.8 gallons) and a full flush (1.6 gallons). Without going into the details, I’ll assume you get the picture. Most dual flush toilets are fairly expensive… read more →
Do You Have A Water Leak?
01/01/10. If your water bills seem high, or you are concerned that you may have a plumbing or water leak, there is a simple test you can perform that tells all. It’s called the water meter test. Because water leaks often go undetected, performing this test annually at a minimum is recommended. It is important to note that almost anyone can perform this test. You don’t have to be an plumbing expert or have fancy diagnostic… read more →
The Importance of Gutters
01/01/10. Is your mind in the gutter? Well, it should be if you want to have a house that is in good working order. Rainwater is a natural element that can wreak havoc on a house if it’s not controlled by properly installed and maintained rain gutters. There are many misconceptions about gutters and as a result there are many mistakes homeowners are making. In some cases these mistakes are causing damage rather than preventing it.… read more →
Choosing a Home Inspector
12/15/09. Buying a house can be one of the most important investments one can make in a lifetime. That’s why the home inspector you choose should be a superhero with x-ray vision, fancy gadgets, and the innate ability to explain complex things in simple terms. However, finding this person is no easy task. There are many inspectors to choose from, many reporting styles, and not many resources available to help consumers sort through it all. When… read more →