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      • Complete Home Warranty
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Information on home inspections services, home maintenance, and more...

How to Prevent Termite from Invading Your Home...

3/22/2023

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What is a Termite?

One of the most destructive pests in the world are called termites. These are insects that mostly consume dead plant material such as soil, leaf litter, rotting timber (logs), and woodchip.
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How Can You Prevent Termites From Invading Your Home?
  • Don't Let Dampness Get Near Your Foundation
​Moisture, which termites adore, is frequently present in the foundation and crawl space of your home.
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  • During Swarming Season, Keep Flying Termites Away
​Flying termites may swarm in the early spring to create new colonies.
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  • Plants Should Not be Near Your House
​While everyone enjoys having plants close to their homes. Some plants can act as a passage for termites. Moreover, plants might obscure the presence of termites that are consuming your wood siding or taking advantage of foundational fractures in your home.
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  • Fill up Cracks Left by Settling
​Wood, metal, concrete, and PVC all experience shrinkage and expansion at varying rates throughout time. This settling process could result in fissures and openings that give termites new points of access. You should close these holes as soon as you see them since termites can squeeze through openings as small as 1/32nd of an inch to get access to a structure.
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  • Get Rid of  Their Food Sources
Cellulose in wood and other paper products is consumed by termites. Making your home less appealing to termites can be accomplished by taking these actions to block access to their food source.
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DIY methods are ineffective for controlling termites. If you believe there may be a termite infestation in your home, get in touch with a qualified pest control specialist right once to assess the situation and get a recommendation for the best course of action.
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Fireplace Maintenance and Safety Tips at Home

3/15/2023

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      ​If you own a fireplace, you are already aware of how wonderful it can be throughout the winter. When it's freezing outside, there's nothing better than cuddling up next to it. However, if they aren't properly maintained, fireplaces can be dangerous. So here are are some safety tips that you might want to know.

After Burning, Leave a 1-inch Layer of Ash Behind

    Ash remains after a wood-burning fire has extinguished. Burning firewood can be facilitated by a thin covering of ash, which reflects heat back into the fire. Excess ash can be taken away when the layer of ash is deeper than an inch or so.
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Maintain Smoke Detectors' Batteries Fresh

​     In the event of a house fire, smoke detectors can save lives. To make sure that smoke detectors are still in working order, homeowners should check the batteries every three months.
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Fire Should Never Be Left Unattended

      Never leave a fire unattended. Gas fireplace owners simply need to turn their fireplace off before leaving the room. Owners of homes with wood-burning fireplaces must, however, wait until the fire is little before putting it out because water cannot do it.
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Only Burn Seasoned Wood

​    Wood that has dried out and cracked is seasoned wood. It is excellent for chimneys since it burns more cleanly and more easily than green wood. Homeowners with fireplaces that burn wood should always have seasoned wood on hand to use in their fireplace. Green wood cannot be burned until it has dried.
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 Sweep Your Chimney

​   To get rid of soot and debris, sweep your chimney at least once a year. A dirty or obstructed chimney will eventually start a house fire in addition to preventing Santa Claus from flying down to distribute presents. You can clean your own chimney if you have the appropriate equipment.
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​According to studies, some buyers are ready to spend up to $1000 more for homes that include fireplaces, so having a fireplace will benefit you if you ever decide to put your house on the market.
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Dangers at Home That Most Homeowners Are Not Aware Of...

3/8/2023

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​     Many risks exist at home that we might not be aware of because, in most cases, we take house safety for granted. We have no idea that this might result in serious catastrophes.
Some Home Dangers That You Might Not be Aware Of
Structural Damage
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Your home's structural supports are essential for maintaining the home's physical integrity. If the structural integrity of your home is compromised it can lead to a number of home risks and other difficulties.
Electrical Issues
​Absolutely nothing is wrong with owning or residing in a house that is more than a few decades old. The electrical system of the house must be modern, nevertheless. Electrical systems in older homes are frequently unground and/or underpowered to meet modern household demands.

Electrical systems that are improperly grounded can result in dangerous household dangers like fires, shocks, and electrocution. Flickering lights, power outages, and other issues can be brought on by inadequate electrical components.
Mold
​Mold is an extremely common organism to which humans are nearly constantly exposed. These tiny fungal species reproduce by dispersing minute spores into the air, where they flourish in damp, gloomy environments.

While the majority of mold species are completely benign, some hazardous mold species can have negative effects on health. Infections, respiratory problems, and other problems can result from toxic mold exposure.
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Plumbing Issues
The inspector will examine each drain pipe, spigot, and faucet in the residence. Before they finish their report, they should make sure there are no plumbing problems. This includes:

  • Functioning spigots, showerheads, and faucets
  • Proper drainage in showers, tubs, and other fixtures.
  • No plumbing leaks have been detected.
Pest Infestations
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Pests can pose a serious threat to your home even if you cannot see them or are unaware that they are there. A pest infestation can result in significant property damage as well as a number of health problems.

For instance, a termite colony can swiftly consume your home's structural supports, weakening the building as a whole. A house can be fully destroyed in one to two years under the correct circumstances.
Bad Foundations
​Your home's foundation is even more crucial than its structural supports. Your home's alignment will be impacted if your foundation is shifting.

Your flooring will eventually slope, sag, crack, and do other things. Moreover, the walls and ceilings may have cracks. Repairing foundations that have shifted is incredibly difficult and expensive.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces 
The significance of having a warm house during the chilly winters cannot be overstated. Even though our forefathers had to toil day and night to keep their homes warm, we take for granted having heat in our homes. Using fireplaces that burn wood was one of the ways they accomplished this.

Some contemporary residences still use this type of heating. Although it is typically safe (provided that the fireplace is installed properly), it is also one of the most frequent house risks.
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Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspection

3/1/2023

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When Should You Get A Pre-Listing Inspection?
     A Pre-Listing Inspection is useful because it allows the seller to be proactive in uncovering, understanding and repairing any issues with their homes or may not have been aware of. This is recommended at least 45-60 days before they intend to list their home on market so they can have enough time to conduct maintenance and make repairs.
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Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspection to Sellers:
1. Allows the Seller to make Pre-Listing Repairs
A Pre-Listing Inspection will identify issues that the seller may not know about, like leakage in their crawlspace, roof damage, insect or wood destroying organism infestation and many more, allowing the seller to make repairs before listing.
2. Ensures a Smoother Transaction
When issues are discovered during the inspection, the seller can either have them fixed ahead of putting the home on the market or choose to disclose ​the issues to potential buyers. Either choice will help the home sell faster because it will prevent the buyer and seller from becoming entangled in long negotiations after the buyer's full home inspection.
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​3. Helps the Seller Accurately Price the Home
Sellers who do not wish to fix the issues revealed during the inspection can factor the repair costs into the asking price of the home and explain to buyers that while the home has certain issues, they will be getting it at a lower price as a result. Conversely, sellers who decide to make repairs or who come up with a clean home inspection can elevate their asking price.
4. Saves the Seller Money
When issues are discovered during a buyer's home inspection, the buyer and seller will enter negotiations to determine who will cover the costs of repairs. In general, buyers tend to significantly overestimate the costs of these repairs and the seller loses far more money than he or she would have paid to have completed the repairs before listing the home. The seller can potentially save themselves thousands of dollars by making the repairs identified in the Pre-Listing Inspection ahead of time.
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5. Makes the Seller More Trustworthy
By disclosing any issues in advance , the buyers can feel confident they are making a deal with a trustworthy person who is not trying to hide anything.
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Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspection to Buyers

1. Gives Buyers Access to Information 
 A pre listing inspection gives buyers access to information about the home that they would not have received otherwise . It allows buyers to understand the full scope and condition of the home they intend to buy , giving them the ability to make an informed and educated decision . 
2. Inspires Confidence in the Home 
A Pre-Listing Inspection also gives confidence to buyers that the investment they are about to make is a sound one. Purchasing a home is the largest investment most people make, and they deserve the ability to be confident in their investment, pre-listing inspection provides to that.
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3. Emphasizes the Importance of Regular Inspection and Maintenance 
​Many buyers believe that their home only needs to be inspected upon purchase , but that could not be further from the truth . In fact , it's recommended that a home should be inspected once every three years in order to ensure safety and durability.
Benefits of Pre-Listing to Agents
1. Helps Them Market the Home 
Even when issues are revealed, it still helps the real estate agent market the home because they can be completely transparent with the condition of the home .
​2. Helps the Sellers Appreciate Them - and it May Even Legally Protect Them
If clients lose time and money that could have been saved with a pre-listing inspection, they may blame the agent for not telling them about the possibility . Conversely, sellers will appreciate an agent who takes the time to discuss every possible option .
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​3. Aids in Smoothly Brokering The Deal 
A Pre-Listing Inspection will eliminate this last minute rush as buyers , sellers and agents will be aware of issues far in advance of these negotiations. As a result, the deal is more likely to go smoothly and be closed in a timelier manner.
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Galvanized Piping: What is it and Why is it a Potential Issue?

2/22/2023

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What is a Galvanized Pipe?

          ​Steel pipes that have been coated in zin are known as galvanized pipes. This was done to prevent corrosion and rust. Before 1960, this was commonly installed in homes as an alternative to lead pipes.

Why is it a Potential Issue?

    Galvanized pipes work fine once installed however, after 30-40 years of being exposed to water, the inside of the pipe starts to corrode and rust. ​The worst part is that because it originates from the inside, the rust frequently goes undetected. The pipes can gather small amounts of lead particles and this can go to your tap water.
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Problems Cause by Galvanized Piping

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Ways to Prevent and Solve This Issue

  • Complete Re-Piping
       If pipes are over 30-40 years already, it is preferred to replace it to prevent future issues. This is costly however, it would cost you more if it becomes a larger problem in the future.
  • Partial Re-Piping
​       This method is cheaper and faster compared to complete re-piping and it stops the leakages and issues. However, whenever this can still cause significant issues because the rust can still feed through the plumbing network.​
  • Pinhole Patch-Up 
This is the cheapest method however, this does not ensure that the problem will totally be resolved as this is only a short term solution.
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Risks of Aluminum Branch Wiring

2/15/2023

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What is an Aluminum Branch Wiring?

       This is a type of electrical wiring that uses aluminum electrical conductors which were used in residential construction or houses. Around the late 1800s to early 1990s, utility companies used aluminum wires for electrical transmission in power grids because it has advantages in cost and weight compared to copper wires.
Risks in Houses with Aluminum Branch Wiring: 
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  • Aluminum is less ductile compared to copper so it easily breaks down when being bent. This increases electrical current resistance and this can lead to a buildup of excessive heat. 
  • When aluminum comes into contact with certain dissimilar metals in the presence of moisture, it will undergo galvanic corrosion.
  • Aluminum wire oxidizes more easily than copper wire, and the resulting compound, aluminum oxide, is less conductive than copper oxide. Oxidation can deteriorate connections over time and pose a fire hazard.
What Can You Do To Avoid This?
1. Rewire the house completely with copper wires. Frankly, this is an expensive method and is impractical but this is most effective because this removes all aluminum wiring from the home
2. "Pig-tailing" method. This is being done by splicing a short length of copper wire (pigtail) to the original aluminum wire and then connecting the copper wire to the existing electrical device.
3. Applying Oxidant Paste. ​This method is appropriate for multi-stranded wires or wires that are too large to be crimped effectively.
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Perks of Being a Hope Home Inspection's Inspector

2/8/2023

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Before knowing these benefits, you need to know first the responsibilities of a home inspector. Read on! 

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Perform all property inspection related duties. This includes walking on the roof of properties, climbing into small spaces such as crawl spaces and attics, operate small power tools, lift heavy ladder, etc.
  • Communicate with agents, buyers, and sellers who are in a high stress environment and under pressure.
  • Clearly and effectively write up all findings using mobile app and computer software.
  • Work a flexible schedule including Saturdays.
  • Maintain a professional appearance.
  • Multi task and prioritize items.
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  • A current Home Inspector license or must complete a 120 hours of online course work and pass the national home inspector exam.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills 
  • Detail Oriented
  • Basic computer and smart phone skills (mobile apps, email, etc)
  • Ability to type.
  • ​Clean, valid Florida Driver’s License.
  • Clean drug and background screen​ing.
Advantages of Being Hope Home Inspections' Home Inspector
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Investment in Professional Development
 - Reimbursement for Education Training
 - Reimbursement of Professional Organization Dues
 - Opportunities for promotional growth within the company
Administrative Support
 - Inspection Scheduling
 - Handling customer complaints
 - Fielding questions and concerns
 - Monitoring client emails, calls, voicemails, and text messages
 - Managing agreements and payments
 - Insurance and payroll taxes covered my company
Technology
 - Company vehicle
 - Mobile App for easy field report writing
 - Online Scheduling, drive time maps
 - 24/7 call center
 - Reliable tools and Infrared cameras
 - Company cell phone
 
Marketing
 - Website
 - Printed Materials
 - Company signed Uniforms and vehicles
 - Social Media Marketing
 - Email campaigns
 - Agent events
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How to Get Your Home Inspector's License

2/1/2023

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     Before getting your Home Inspector's License, there are things you need to do first. We'll break it down to you step by step.
  • Complete 120 Hours of State-Approved Training
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     The Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) requires each individual to take 120 hours of classes, which are divided into several smaller courses with a test at the end of each. The eight essential components of a home are covered in the coursework.

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  • Pass the State Licensing Exam
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​    You'll need to do is pick the proctor you would prefer to use. Once you decide, he/she will reach out to you within 1-3 business days to schedule the exam. 
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The fee for the proctored exam is $125.00, which is paid to Inspector Outlet. There is no additional fee at the office.
Exam Categories and Percentage Minimums
​You can expect the following categories to be on the exam:
  • General
  • Plumbing 
  • Roofing 
  • Electrical 
  • Heating & Cooling
  • Structure 
  • Exterior
  • Interior​
  • Insulation & Ventilation 
  • Fireplace & Chimney 
  • Wood Destroying 
  • Environment 
  • Ethics Safety 
  • Inspection Methods 
  • Reporting
  • Professional Practice
If you fail in one category by answering less than 50% of the questions in that category correctly, you will receive a failing score for the entire examination.
​You must receive an 80% or greater in all exam categories to pass the entire exam.
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Pros and Cons of Buying a Newly Constructed Home

1/25/2023

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Buyers these days prefer buying newly constructed homes rather than pre-owned houses. There are several reasons like location of the house, budget, etc. Due to these, buyers need to know the pros and cons of buying a newly constructed home.
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What are The Characteristics of a Newly Built Home?

  • Never Been Occupied
    This means no one has ever lived in and everything inside is brand new. No clogged sink, no broken tile, no black spots on ceilings or wall, nor any signs of usage. Everything should be spick and span.
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  • Goes from Builder to Buyer
    Newly built home are being transferred from the builder to the buyer, unlike older or pre-owned homes where the transaction goes from the owner or the seller of the house to the buyer.
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  • Includes a Warranty
    One year warranty is being offered by the builder to cover any needed repair usually a year after you moved into the house. 
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Pros of New Construction

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Cons of New Construction

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Factors Why New Construction Inspection is Extremely Important

1/18/2023

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     Some home owners might think that since their house are newly built, it's flawless. Well, you might be wrong. Not because your home is brand new, doesn't mean that it's spotless.
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Three Reasons Why You Should Have a Home Inspection on New Constructions:

1. Save Money
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        You might not worry about these because you have a Builder's Warranty, however, it's best to check any issues before it can turn into bigger problems and bring damage to your home. It would be smart to have it checked earlier rather than waiting 10-12 months before getting anything fixed.
​2. Peace of Mind
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        Some buyers choose to buy new construction houses to avoid issues commonly found in older houses. Despite this, we still can't avoid the fact that builders are humans and they can't avoid making mistakes. To have peace of mind, you need to have your new home inspected before moving in. This could give you tranquility and not think that your sink will be clogged while you're washing your dishes.
3. Prevent Disasters
      We can't deny the fact that builders have the necessary skills to build your dream home, but issues can't be avoided and these can cause disasters in the long run. Here are some common defects found during new construction inspections:
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To sum it all up, your house is one of your investments so you should think wisely and have it inspected before it's too late. 
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