Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Color Coordinating...
Every now and then I run across a home owner who likes to color coordinate. While color coordinating is okay, there are some things, such as outlets, that should be left alone. This is definitely not a good idea and especially when it comes to GFCI outlets. When these are painted over, the paint will often jam the mechanical test and reset buttons. If the buttons are jammed, the device may fail to trip resulting you going z-z-z-zt, which is not a good thing! I consider these a safety hazard and I recommend replacing the device.

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

WDO's...
Reporting on WDO's (Wood Destroying Organisms) by home inspectors varies from State to State. In Tennessee, home inspectors are not required to conduct pest infestation inspections as this is a separate inspection conducted by licensed pest control companies. However; when inspecting a property, savvy inspectors keep an eye out for these insects that can literally eat you out of house and home.
Home inspectors are not a codes inspectors, but home inspectors must know the important local building codes to be good at what they do. “Acceptable Building Practices” or International Residential Codes (IRC) requires builders to remove all wood and construction debris from the crawlspace. This is to prevent left over wood debris from the construction phase from acting as bait especially here in the southern states where subterranean termite activity is very high.
Good home inspectors leave noting to chance when it comes to protecting your interests when purchasing a new home. As a courtesy to my customers, I note such activity in my reports even though the property must have a clear termite letter. I also recommend that all wood and foreign debris be removed to keep these unwanted visitors from coming back.

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

Fuse Boxes - Are They Safe?
Many older properties still have fuse boxes. While, these antiquated devices are okay, fuse panels, unless altered can be deemed safe. I consult my clients to consider replacing these with modern devices. Here's why:
Older style fuse boxes serve the same purpose as circuit breaker boxes in that the fuse controls the amount of electrical current from appliances within a home. However; fuse boxes are outdated by modern standards. The advantage to having circuit breakers in a home is that instead of replacing a fuse each time it is used, circuit breakers can be easily reset. In the event of an overloaded circuit, fuses have been proven to be more reliable and will "blow". Replacing blown fuses can be frustrating, expensive and time consuming. Because it is easy to over-fuse circuits, may insurance companies will not insure fuse panels unless the S-type retro devices are installed. Even with these devices, some insurance carriers charge more to insure fuse panels.
According to studies, faulty electrical wiring causes approximately forty thousand house fires annually. Like circuit breakers, fuses are used to prevent over heated wiring and fires by interrupting electrical currents in overloaded circuits. When a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, it is important to locate the source of the problem.
For instance, if you have lights that seem to stop working frequently, you may have too many items connected to a single power source. Sometimes an appliance may have a short circuit; it could even mean a short circuit in the home’s internal wiring. In either case, it is best to have a professional in the appropriate trade evaluate the fuse box and wiring.
As you would in a circuit breaker panel, label each fuse in the box. Labeling each fuse can make it easier to identify the suspect circuit. As a safety reminder, when replacing a fuse, turn everything off in the circuit to prevent electrocution.

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

(not so) Speechless Sundae...
Ah-h-h-h snow. Something we have but seen a dusting of in this winter that wasn't. To me, snow is Mother Nature's blanket. It can be beautiful to look at while it covers the ground with its soft, velvety layer of white. It has the ability to transform our colorful world in to shades devoid of color. Scenes take on shades of gray that often add mystery and mystique to our lives...


Below is the Cal Turner farm with the WSM tower in the background. Sadly, the barn, having been severely damaged in a spring storm, is no more. Only the silo remains...

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

The Most Dangerous Item In Our Homes...
53% of household fires can can be traced back to electrical problems. Fire deaths are generally higher when portable heaters and other small appliances are used. Many of these fires can be traced back to the misuse and abuse of extension cords.

Extension cords are one of the most dangerous items we bring into our homes. Overloaded circuits, poor maintenance, improperly sized for application, trip hazards and overheating are a few of the many among perils associated with these items.

The attached photo is a classic example why insurance companies classify extension cords as a fire safety hazard. The home owner used an extension cord that was designed and rated for light duty use such as lamps and other "light duty" appliances to run the air conditioner unit. Depending upon the size or tonnage of the unit, these can pull any where from 12 - 15 continuous duty amps which severely overloads the capacity of this light duty cord which is rated for 5-7 continuous duty amps.

For Your Own Safety
• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
• Frayed or cracked wires cause fires. Replace them immediately.
• Replace any electrical tool if it shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters.
• Be mindful of electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Only buy electrical products evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other Nationally recognized lab.
• Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all space heaters.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.
• Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.