HERO Home Inspections | Home Inspectors in Winter Garden, Clermont, Windermere, Ocoee, Apopka and Orlando, Florida Areas! - Orlando Home Inspection Blog

How to Prepare for a Blackout

7/23/2021

Blackouts are very unpredictable. Whatever the reason for the power outage being prepared is so much better than not being prepared. There are a few tips and general things that you can do or buy in order to best prepare yourself for a blackout or power outage.

Here is a list of things that should be considered beforehand in order to prepare :

First aid and emergency supplies. It’s important to have a standard first aid kit available somewhere. It’s never nice to think about needing one but there’s a great peace of mind that comes with having one ready.
Backup generator. Backup generators are in an irreplaceable lifeline when the power goes out. While a bit on the extreme side they can be really worthwhile if you live in a region that gets frequent power outages. A backup generator may just be worth it if power outages cause interruption to the crucial things in your life.
Medical devices. Health should always be a top priority. If you or any loved ones rely on medical equipment make sure you’ve got a back up plan for when the power goes out.
Water stocks. Keeping a minimum of about half a gallon per person per day is recommended. This is also vital if you live in a hot climate since you’ll likely be sweating out a ton of water without standard cooling systems being available.

These are just a few of many considerations to think about in order to be well prepared in case of a power outage.

Rotting Wood Issues

6/23/2021

Wood rot can permeate through wood and if not addressed the rot could grow throughout an entire building like an infection. This weakens the structure as it moves past finishes and into the sheathing.

Among other things wood rot can cause decay of varying levels, ultimately resulting in both cosmetic and structural damage. The good news is that there are ways to identify affected areas. Here are some of the most common ways to look for and identify rotted wood:

Moisture content. Any part of the home that is damp has a potential to result in rot. It’s the parts of the home where there's excess moisture that needs to be monitored. Exterior corner boards, skirt boards and windows are common victims.
It’s important to find the source of the moisture so that you know what needs to be fixed. For example, if the roof is leaking you have a pretty good idea of what steps need to be taken to remedy the issue.
It’s important to identify dry rot versus wet rot. Both have their unique signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for.
Wood rot repair will include rot inspection and confirmation. It will also include timber treatment and fungicide application.
Waterproofing and rotten wood replacement is also an important part and necessary fix.
Using premium exterior caulking and painting products leads to greater rot resistance and overall longevity.

If you suspect that you have a wood rot problem in your home don't delay contact experts to get this addressed today.

How to Pass A Home Inspection

5/28/2021

There is a lot of information out there about preparing your home for sale. Finding a buyer and agreeing on a sale price and terms is only the first step in the closing process. The next step is passing the home inspection. This can be a very stressful step. Don’t worry there are things you can do to prepare for the inspection.

Here are a few tips on how to pass a home inspection:

Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a qualified HVAC contractor. As a bare minimum make sure your furnace has a clean filter installed.
Make sure the outside A/C or Heat Pump unit coils are clean and free of debris.
Trim any vegetation or trees that may be touching the siding or roof of the house. This will show the inspector that the property has been well maintained.
Clean your gutters, downspouts are directed away from the foundation and splash blocks are in place at appropriate locations.
Ensure key areas are accessible for the inspector. For instance, move any items that may be blocking access to the electrical panel.
If you have had any major repairs performed in the past, leave an explanation for the inspector on the kitchen counter along with any receipts or warranties. This will answer a lot of questions about the condition of the property.
Make sure all appliances are turned on and operational.
Replace any burned-out light bulbs in any electrical fixtures. If it is not obvious what a switch controls, leave a note for the inspector.

Check for Mold in Your Bathroom

5/19/2021

You can check for mold in common places around your home and take measures to prevent and remove it.

The Bathroom Check -

Who doesn’t love a long hot shower but unfortunately mole does too. The warm wet environment of a bathroom is an invitation for mold growth. Bathrooms without proper ventilation like a window fan or both are prone to attracting mold.

In the shower and the tub. Showers and bathtubs are one of the most common places you may find mold. With repeated use, these areas tend to be damp most of the time. Be sure to check for mold on your shampoo bottles wash clause and loofahs in and around the faucet and showerhead and in the tile grout.

The sink and toilet. The presence of water along with the humid nature of bathrooms makes sinks and toilets prone to mold growth. Inspect the surface of the sink and counters. Also inspect toothpaste and toothbrush caddies, the tank of the toilet behind the toilet underneath the bathroom sink or cleaning supplies are stored.

The walls and on the floor. From top to bottom mold growth is likely in a bathroom. Bathroom rugs are also known to harbor mold and are usually not washed as often as they should be. Pay attention to any water leaks coming from the walls or floors.

Tips to keep your bathroom free of mold:

Use the ventilation fan during your bath or shower keep it on for at least 30 minutes after.
Use a de-humidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity levels down throughout your home.
Keep all surfaces including counters and floors clean and dry.
Check for any leaky faucets and pipes.

Do I Need A Pool Inspection?

4/28/2021

If you’re buying a home that comes with an in ground swimming pool, you want to take the right steps to protect your investment. Before closing, you want to know about the pool and the condition of its structure and equipment systems.

A thorough pool inspection will assure a potential buyer of key issues ranging from the elevation of the deck service to the functionality of the pool pump.

Inspectors can provide a written report of their findings. This list includes any areas of concern. Swimming pools have a lot of complicated parts with which an inspector needs to be familiar. Pumps, filters, and heaters. Many pools have additional equipment components with specialty accessories.

There are five primary areas to examine during an in-death pool inspection.

Safety features that meet local requirements.
Physical conditions of the pool structure, interior, and materials - and the deck. The interior finish, tile, coping, and decking.
Equipment. The pump, filter, and heater.
Features and accessories. For example pools with a spa, automatic pool cover, remote control or remote platform, diving board or slide, and water features.
Equipment systems, infrastructure, and backyard conditions.

If you want an ideal home with a pool already in place, be smart about obtaining a full evaluation. The result will be a peace of mind and a new home with a stable properly functioning backyard pool.

What is Flashing and Why is it Important?

4/7/2021

Flashing is usually built out of metal but can contain zinc, copper, steel, aluminum, and even plastic or rubber. Flashing is used to keep roof components waterproof and prevent any damage. Without flashing, roof components may come into contact with water that can saturate leak and damage the component or the structure of the house. Roof flashing keeps the integrity of your home intact.

Roof flashing installation occurs throughout your roof including all of the following places:

Valleys and joints
Roof protrusions
Drip edgings
Chimneys
Pipes
Kickouts

If you have ever noticed that there any leaks coming from around your chimney or vent most likely your flashing was not installed correctly or is no longer sufficient.

The main purpose of roof flashing is to protect your home from moisture and saturation. The flashing extends below your roofing and adjacent to the siding to create a solid, weatherproofing seal on your home to protect you from the elements.

So when having your next roof inspected or installed be sure that your flashing is properly installed by your local roofing contractor to ensure the best protection for your roof.

Got Mulch?

3/26/2021

Mulch! It’s used to prevent water loss, help buffer soil temperatures, and suppress weeds. The right mulch makes all the difference. With so many varieties and options of mulch available it can be difficult to choose.

Here is a breakdown of Mulch that you might consider using in the Florida area.

Pine bark - Shredded Pinebark interlocks to avoid washing away and it’s ideal for gardens on a slope. It decomposes into the soil and will enrich the health of your garden over time and it’s least likely to change color
Pine straw - pine straw needles holes in place well they break down slowly and they are ideal for slopes. It’s also a great mulch to use with acid-loving plants like azaleas.
Cypress mulch - Shredded mulch like Cypress Allows water to easily soak into the roots but resists easily washing away after heavy rains. It will also retain its color well
Dyed mulches are the most popular least expensive options. The color may fade and dye from the mulch can lead to the plant’s roots. For organic vegetable gardens stick with mulch is that doesn’t have dye.

You can also use pebbles and we will rocks as a great addition to the garden because they don’t break down and don’t need to be replaced annually.

Home Maintenance in the Spring

3/17/2021

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer it’s a good time to get outdoors and tackle some home projects.
Here are a few tasks to check off your list in an hour or less:

Inspect your driveways and paths - Cold weather can be rough on concrete, asphalt, and other hardscape material. Take a walk around your property and look for any damage to pathways, driveways, and walkways.
Keep an eye out for termites - Beginning in March through May or June be on the lookout for these winged insects.
Prevent mosquitoes - The best way to prevent mosquitoes around the house is to get rid of any standing water. Look around the property and see if there is anything or any area where water stands. Fix it and get rid of it or maintain it regularly.

Tackle these To-Dos over a Weekend:

Wash windows - Clean the grime off glass inside and out for a lighter brighter home indoors and increase curb appeal outdoors.
Clean gutters and downspouts - It’s important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim to rot and invite all kinds of critters into your attic space.
Clean your fireplace - If your home has a working wood-burning fireplace the end of winter is a good time to give it a fresh start. Carefully remove remains have any charred logs and ash with fireplace tools. Then clean the fireplace surround.
Clean sprinkler and irrigation systems - Run the system through all the manual checks. Make sure none of the sprinkler heads are broken or damaged. Adjust has that are spraying the street sidewalk or porches to avoid wasting water.

Regular spring maintenance will help ensure that the value of the home is considered and kept.

Use that Ladder Safely!

2/24/2021

Safety using a ladder starts with choosing the right letter for your job. Not all letters are created equally and different styles are designed to keep you safe in different situations and conditions. So here are a few tips to help you choose the right ladder for any job:

Make sure you select the right letter. There are extension ladders, platform ladders, work ladders, and even step ladders and they all have a place at home. Choosing the right ladder will help you stay safe when climbing or standing to perform a specific task.
Pick the right material. Aluminum ladders are light and durable but they’re not weather resistant. Fiberglass letters are weather resistant which makes them have a safe choice around electrical jobs.
Make sure the height is correct. When climbing to the top steps or standing too high on a ladder you can put yourself at risk. Pick the latter height that’s correct for the job. Avoid standing above the fourth wrong from the top of the extension ladder.
Check latter ratings or maximum low capacity before purchasing it.
Make sure that you choose a ladder that provides ample reach. A safe flight is no more than 4 feet from the top of the ladder.

Follow these basic ladder guidelines and choose the ladder that’s right for you to use safely!

Why is that Light Flickering?

2/5/2021

If you have flickering lights in your house you know that it’s more than just a slight inconvenience. Electricity is necessary to make our homes feel safe and comfortable. But problems with our electricity can jeopardize that. Flickering lights are not only annoying but can be a sign of a big problem that could cost you money and maybe even your life. Therefore there are some different reasons why your lights might be flickering here are some:

Loose connections are a huge issue of why light flickering occurs. It’s also a common cause of electric fires. Electrical connections need to be as tight as possible. Resistance to that can overheat connections in the surrounding wires and start a fire. A loose connection can also involve a loose terminal on a device or a loose connection to the circuit breaker. You might want to have an experienced electrician evaluate these things.
A loose bulb might be the culprit of flickering light. When a lightbulb isn’t fully secure in the socket it receives inconsistent power the result is a flickering light. Make sure to tighten loose bulbs the easiest way to fix this issue
If a large appliance is turned on and lights flicker it could be a sign of a voltage fluctuation. If you find that your lights are always flickering when you use large appliances call an electric company and have them check out the issues.

Flickering lights can be caused by serious electrical issues or even minor problems. If your flickering lights are the result of serious problems get the help you need and a professional electrician should be called immediately.