Dennis Kanakis- Brooklyn,Queens,Home Inspection

Everyone loves a fresh young face. Millions spend money on products that keep their face looking young, and New Yorkers are now applying this same thinking to their homes, wanting to use siding to keep the face of their home appealing. There isn't anything wrong with trying to dabble in home improvement or coming up with new Siding ideas. Apart from being easy on the eyes, it can sometimes alter the value of your home. That being said there are a lot of factors to weigh when rebuilding or outbuilding. Your choices can have some lasting consequences for better or for worse.

An important thing to know is that most architects are against rebuilding. They feel that it's a deceitful method used to disguise deficiencies in your property. When you attempt to repair your home in order to make it more appealing for re-sale, you can come across some highly undesirable situations. It is very wise, therefore, to take lots of pictures of your home prior to undertaking your home improvement in Brooklyn or Queens new Siding projects in case potential buyers ask you about these changes.

Also it is very important to put a lot of thought into what materials you will use for your siding; rebuilding can be quite fruitful, but it can be very intimidating if you don't familiarize yourself with the materials on the market; are you going to use vinyl or plastic? Wood or metal? Maybe you will use a combination of materials. So many factors come into play such as your budget, weather conditions, and the original construction of the home and even the homes around it. Be careful, and always make sure to get a lot of expert analysis.

There are some neighborhoods where your home remodeling Brooklyn or new vinyl Siding Queens decisions may have to coincide with adjacent properties; you must also be aware of any restrictions that might be in place for certain materials, especially when it comes to landmark restoration.

Be certain that your chosen home remodeling options are keeping with the times, rules and regulations.

Buying a condominium is like a combination of buying a house, and renting an apartment. Condos are usually a smaller section of a larger building or campus that is owned by a company. When buying a condo you are not responsible for everything, except what is within your condominium space. A proper condominium inspectionfocuses on what you, the buyer, are in charge of. Things like roofing, lobbies, elevators, and landscaping are items that should be taken care of by the association that owns the building. A condo owner is essentially responsible for everything within the walls of their purchased space. When purchasing your condo be sure to discuss with the condominium/building association where your responsibilities begin and end when it comes to your condo.

There are several professional tests that can be run when you go through and inspect your condo before purchasing. Things such as testing for high levels of Carbon Monoxide, Termites, and Radon (a major contributor to indoor air pollution) are suggested to be performed by a professional. You may also hire a professional contractor to walk through the condominium with you and give their opinion as to the quality of the space you intent to purchase. However, it is a good idea to make an initial walkthrough on your own with a checklist of things to look for. Afterwards, you may choose to bring in a professional with a wider base of knowledge.

Each room will have specific things that need to be checked during your condominium inspection. In the kitchen, bathrooms, and any other rooms with running water it is important to make a thorough and complete inspection of the plumbing as to avoid unnecessary spending later on. Checking the water pressure in sinks, and making sure the taps do not leak will save you money on water bills. In the event they are leaking, ask the association that owns the building if they are aware of the problem, and ask if it will be fixed. The bathroom especially has many areas that need special attention. Take time to make sure the toilet flushes, that it has a properly attached seat, and take a look at the tank to inspect what style of valve is installed, and if it is also working properly. Also inspect the showerheads, and draining time of all the sinks. If the water takes some time to disappear there maybe be an issue with the piping that needs to be addressed. Also check the caulking in the tub, if it is not properly sealed the tub could be growing mold.

In every room go through and check all the electrical sockets. If the condo is not furnished bring along a small electric item to plug in. Make sure all the switches are working, as well as the dimmer, if you have one. Testing for the feed into cable and phone jacks must be done by a professional, but still look for them. Consider their location, and if there are enough. If you are walking through with someone from the association that owns the building ask them if you can take a look at the circuit breakers.

Along with the large tests, you should also inspect some of the smaller details of the room during your condominium inspection. Things such as the cupboards. Is there enough space? Do the hinges work, or is something coming loose? Check the strength of the shelving and, if you are with a professional, check the location of the studs in the wall as well as their structural strength should you choose to add more. Inspect the edges of the flooring for loose carpeting or floorboards, as well as the molding along the top and base of the walls. Ants, Termites, and others pests will often lodge into the cracks in molding and walls. The windows are also important to look at. Make sure they have working locks, if they close correctly, and all the way. Inefficient windows are main causes of heat leakage which will cost a fortune come the colder months. The same inspection for the windows should be repeated on all the doors. If the doors have locks, make sure they work. Be sure the doors are properly installed and fit into the frame without any trouble.

Once you work your way into the kitchen, in addition to checking the plumbing, inspect all the appliances. Make sure the condo has the appliances you would want, if they are correctly installed, and in good working order. If any of the appliances run on gas, make sure the pilot lights are feeding gas, are lit, and will stay lit. Pay special attention to the refrigerator. Inspect the level of control you have over the temperature, the amount of space, as well as general upkeep on the appliance. Refrigerators, when old or worn down, can start to leak water which leads to electrical problems as well as mold.

The last thing during your personal condominium inspectionis to make sure that the condo has all the small details you would want. Ask about parking, if the building is entry-controlled and has an intercom, and any other personal amenities you desire in your living space. Many condominium associations build complexes that also come with things like laundry rooms, gyms, and social gathering places. Be sure to ask about all of them with inspecting the condominium.

On top of your own personal inspection, it is often recommended that you get a professional condominium inspection. There are two most common types of inspections: Interior Only and Complex Overview. The first will be a more thorough look at many of the things you inspected yourself. Focusing on health/safety, testing for functionality, and making sure the appliances are not nearing the end of their design life. Depending on the size of the space an interior only inspection will cost around $200 and last for about two hours. The complex overview includes all that is covered during an interior only inspection, but it also includes an evaluation of the roofing, siding, building structure, and other items that are not the responsibility of the condo buyer, but may affect their stay once the condominium is purchased. A complex inspection generally costs $300 and can last anywhere from two hours to four hours depending on the size of the space.

Purchasing a condocan be a much cheaper alternative to buying a home, as long as you know what to look for during a condominium inspection. Many checklists can be found online if you want to do the inspection yourself, or many building contractors will also offer a professional inspection. Afterwards, you can make an educated decision on your purpose, and have peace of mind that you will be safe physically and financially.

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When purchasing a condominium it is imperative to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting with the purchase. Visually your condominium might look like great, but you need to look beneath the surface and check out the important systems such as plumbing, heating, water heater, flooring or garage doors to name a few things.

Not only is it important to know that everything is as it should be inside the condo but it is also essential to know about the outside as well. The outside of a condominium includes the roof, siding, landscaping or any amenities that are part of the condominium complex, such as a pool or tennis court. Any fencing that surrounds a condominium unit or gate, shrubbery, lighting and sprinklers if they are inside your property.

An inside condominium inspection should include:

•ü All plumbing in kitchen, bathrooms and water heater along with location of main water shut-off valve. These are all checked for prior or current leaks and any corrosion.

•ü Heating and air conditioning are checked to ensure they are in working order and thermostats are working properly.

•ü The water heateris checked to ensure the temperature relief valve is installed and in some states safety strapping is required in case of earthquakes.

•ü Smoke detectors are tested for compliance and whether they are in working order.

•ü Fireplaces are checked for safety screens and if a spark detector is installed in chimney.

•ü Appliances in kitchen are checked to see if they are serviceable and in working order.

•ü Electrical systemis checked to ensure overload protection is provided to breakers and that it meets all city and safety requirements.

•ü Washer and dryer hookups are inspected to ensure they are in working condition and meet all requirements.

•ü Bathrooms are inspected to ensure workability as well as to note evidence of current or past leaks and condition of pipes, tiling, grout or showers.

•ü Doors, windows or any skylights are inspected for serviceability and to determine whether the window panes are properly sealed.

•ü Flooring, carpeting or other surfaces such as counters are inspected for any damage or problem areas.

•ü Garage and garage door openers (if applicable) should be inspected to look for possible leaks from outside and serviceability of the opener.

•ü Attic access is inspected for any safety hazards or other problem areas.

An outside condominium inspectionshould include the following:

•ü Any fencing or gates that surround the condo unit(if applicable) should be inspected for corrosion or serviceability.

•ü Landscaping and sprinklers that are inside your fenced area and are your responsibility.

•ü Driveways and walkways within your unit or part of your unit should be inspected to ensure there are no safety hazards or problem areas.

•ü Window frames, screens should be inspected to detect leaks of repairs required.

•ü Gutters and downspoutsare inspected for serviceability.

•ü Siding on the unit is inspected for cracks or other possible repairs required.

•ü Doorbells are checked for workability.

•ü Foundations are inspected to ensure there are no problems.

•ü Grading and drainage are inspected to ensure there are no problem areas.

•ü Balconies or patios are inspected for any repairs required.

•ü Roofing is inspectedto determine if there are any missing or deteriorating areas of tile, shingle or whatever type of roofing is installed.

As a condominium owner, you are responsible for everything within your particular condo unit however you are also part of a whole community of owners who are within your condominium complex. You will no doubt be paying a monthly homeowners association fee that will supposedly cover the costs of regular upkeep of any common areas of all the homeowners. These can include the landscaped grounds or the building in which your condo resides. It would also include a community pool, tennis court or other recreational features as well as a clubhouse if applicable. While these are all benefits of your communal living, they also can provide added risks that you might be responsible for with special assessments or increased association dues.

A careful inspection of the grounds, pool area, recreational equipment or other amenities is important to ascertain if this community association has kept up the maintenance of the property. If you would be living in a high rise building and won't have any landscaping worries, you should find out if there is a doorman, janitorial services or other property management fees that you might be responsible for.

Therefore, it is important to know before you buy whether there are any potential problem areas in your condominium community complex like needed pool repairs or large anticipated expenditures such as a new roof. More importantly, it is essential to know if there are any lawsuits pending that might be potential financial risks to you.

Here are some questions to ask or observe:

•ü Does the pool furniture appear clean and well taken care of?

•ü Are there locks on the pool area, tennis courts or other community areas that will ensure that only homeowners are able to use the areas?

•ü Are the plants, shrubs and grass well maintained and inviting to look at?

•ü Is trash collection in individual bins or a community one?

•ü Are there any "extra" fees that you might be surprised with?

•ü If there are problems with an elevator not working, who do you call?

•ü What exactly does your monthly homeowner's association fee include?

Condominium living has many benefits that include owning your own little piece of paradise that you can call all your own, but along with it comes communal living that might or might not be ideal. It is always important to ask questions and ensure you know exactly what you are buying before you take that step and own a place that has problems that you could have minimized or corrected before you moved in. Don't be afraid to ask first and ensure you know exactly what you are getting.

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A thorough home inspectionis one of the most important steps before purchasing a home, and many buyers try to skip this step only to end up regretting it later when problems become apparent. Your home is the place you go to get away from the world, and to relax and put your feet up, or spend time with your family and friends. You want to be reassured that the home you buy is safe and in good condition. A home inspectioncan give you this peace of mind, using a visual inspection of every aspect of the home both inside and out. This should be done by a professional home inspector who has the education, knowledge, and experience needed to identify problems which may not be readily apparent.

There are some questions you should ask any prospective home inspectioncompany, and things to consider, to guarantee you get a thorough and complete inspection. How long has the inspector been doing these inspections? How many home inspections does the inspector do in a year? How much experience does the home inspector have inspecting homes identical to the one you are buying? These questions are important, because without adequate experience the inspector may miss signs of a hidden problem. Choose a home inspectioncompany that exclusively does only home inspections, and does not just practice this as a sideline to their day job. Ask about the reports that will be given, will you get a written report, an oral report, or both? Does the home inspectioncompany have certification? Do they have insurance?

Set up an appointment for the home inspectionwith both the seller and the home inspector. Make the appointment during the daytime, when there is plenty of daylight so that flaws and problems will be noticeable instead of hidden in shadows. Allow for at least two to three hours for the home inspection, and make sure you are present. Ask questions of the home inspector, and listen to the answers closely. Make sure that you contact the seller, and that they agree to the visit by the home inspector at the specified time and day. Give the home inspector the name, address, and phone number of the buyer, and the address and directions to the home being inspected, as well as any codes needed to access any lock box that may be installed.

If you need to reschedule the home inspectionappointment, make sure to give the inspection company at least twenty four to forty eight hour notice before the appointment time, to avoid being charged. Make sure that all utilities are on at the home, including the electric and gas, and make sure that all appliances like the furnace and hot water heater are on and running. Arrange with the seller for the home inspector to have access to everything, including any attics, basements, garages, outbuildings, closets, and other areas. This will ensure a complete and thorough professional home inspection. Also make arrangements with the seller to make sure any furniture or stored belongings which may block access to electrical panels, access panels, and appliances are moved before the inspector arrives. Payment is expected after the home inspectionis done, before the inspector leaves the home, so make sure to have a check or money order ready when the inspection is finished.

When looking at homes, do a personal inspection of each home to narrow down the list of possibilities. A professional home inspectionshould be done on the home you finally decide to purchase, but doing a personal inspection on each potential purchase will help you weed out the obvious bad choices and save you time and energy. Look for things like apparent cracks or shifts in the foundation, obvious electrical malfunctions, sockets that have scorch marks, signs of severe water damage or mold growth, evidence of leaks, both inside and outside the home, the overall condition and age of the roof, dampness or signs of flooding in the basement or crawlspace, and other signs of repairs that may be needed.

There are some things that a home inspectionmay not cover, depending on where you live and what company you use for the inspection. Most of the time these are referred to as third party testing services, and they can include water quality testing, radon testing, mold testing, air quality testing, and inspection for wood boring and eating insects like termites. All of these tests may be considered important, depending on what the home inspectionshows and any problems that may have been detected by the home inspector. If there is visible mold then mold testing may be suggested, to ensure it is not a toxic strain of mold that can cause human disease and illness. If the water quality is suspect, water testing may be suggested to guarantee that there are no bacteria or other organisms that can sicken you. Radon testing should always be done to make sure this cancer causing gas is not present in the home, and the home inspection reportmay suggest this as well. A termite inspection could be ordered if the inspector finds evidence that these pests may be present, and posing a danger to the structure of the home by eating the wood. Air quality testing may be done if there is any reason to suspect that the air in the home may be harmful to occupants, and this can be due to mold, radon, or other harmful airborne irritants and pathogens.

Knowing what to expect during a thorough professional home inspection, and the tips to make this process more effective and efficient, can help you get a good idea on any flaws in the home before you make the purchase, without any doubt or confusion involved. This step should never be omitted, even though it may seem costly, because it can save you significantly if there are hidden defects and unseen flaws.

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There are a lot of false ideas going around about house inspectionsand the process and need for hiring home inspectors. Believing these myths could in many cases cost you a lot of money. So in the interest of saving you as many headaches as much cash as possible, here is the truth about some of these myths.

•1) The report from the inspector serves as a list of needed repairs that the seller must address. Truth: The seller has the option of using this list as a list of repairs, or alternatively as a tool for negotiating, to help move the deal along.

•2) There's no real difference in home inspectors. Truth: A person is not qualified as a home inspector just because he or she claims the title-or even if they're certified. In fact, some states don't even require that an inspector have a license. Therefore, it's essential that you examine the person's credentials carefully, and if you're not familiar with the certifying body, investigate them to make sure they are credible. It's also a good idea to visit ashi.org to make sure that the inspector is a member of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Finally, find out how many inspections they do in a typical year. You want to hire someone who does somewhere around 200 annually.

•3) If your house is being sold "as is," there's no real need to hire an inspector. The truth: It doesn't matter. An "as-is" home should still be inspected, since these houses aren't sold totally defect-free-but rather, with defects that have been left unrepaired.

•4) You don't have to be there as the inspection takes place. Truth: While you don't legally need to be there, it's still best if you are. This way, you'll learn how the various systems in your house operate, and you'll also gain a greater knowledge of the exact condition of the home. Also, it's easier to ask both the inspector and seller questions if you're there at the time.

•5) Homes that are newly built don't really need to be inspected. Truth: According to a recent investigation conducted by CONSUMER REPORTS magazine, about 15 percent of newly-constructed homes are sold with serious flaws. Another study found that 41 percent of new houses had problems like moisture and mold, while about 34 percent had structural / frame issues.

•6) Most houses only really need a termite inspection. Truth: While home inspectorsdo check for termite damage, there are many more potential problems than just these pesky bugs. A good home inspector will examine the house's overall structure, the electricity, plumbing, central air and heating, and structural problems.

•7) All you really need is a qualified person to give you an assessment of the property's condition; a professional inspectoris not needed. Truth: Unlike the so-called "qualified person," a professional inspector will log his or her findings in a legal, written document. This becomes a formal and factual statement of everything discovered about the property. Legally, this is much more forceful than an oral assessment that has no written documentation to back it up.

•8) It's enough to have a general contractor conduct an informal home inspection. Truth: There are many states that legally prohibit a general contractor from performing home inspections. Since this person will likely be performing the repairs that are to be done, it is considered a conflict of interest. While it's true that a contractor is often qualified to make the same assessments as a professional home inspector, the inspector has a knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, fire safety and electrical issues for a variety of structures, in a variety of ages, that the contractor might not. He also often knows building codes better than the contractor. Most importantly, his future work will not depend on how many problems he finds with your property-as the contractor's might.

•9) If the property has recently been appraised, or if I intend to have it appraised before purchase, there's no need to have it inspected. Truth: While an appraiser can be expected to call your attention to major problems associated with the house and property (for instance, a foundation that appears to be cracking), they normally will not have the training that the home inspector has. As a result, they normally will not do a job that is as complete or detailed. You can almost certainly be sure, for instance, that they're not going to make a trip to the rooftop to examine the structure up there.

•10) Taking a walkthrough through the house and around the property serves the same purpose as a home inspection. Truth: No home-buyer should consider a walkthrough a replacement for a formal inspection. A walkthrough will provide you the chance to verify that things which the home inspector recommended has actually been done. But the inspection should take place several weeks (or possibly months) before the close, while the walkthrough occurs a few days before closing. So let's repeat this principle: the walkthrough is a chance to make sure that repairs which the inspector suggested have been done; it is not a chance for the inspection itself. The reason is obvious: If the walkthrough is the first time that major problems are seen, there is little or no time to have them fixed before the scheduled closing. But even more importantly, the inspection is conducted by an objective third party-someone who is trained to see things that you might otherwise miss. A walkthrough is normally just you and the seller, neither of whom is probably as qualified to evaluate a structure as the inspector. Add to that the fact that the walkthrough normally moves rather quickly and you have a situation that is not at all conducive to a thorough examination of the property. So leave it to the professional to find those things that might cost you in the future. It might cost you a few dollars now for the inspection process, but not nearly as much as the damage to the house might cost you if you miss something important.

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