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3 Common HVAC Issues Found During Home Inspections

Even if it is left up to the buyer or seller in a real estate transaction to get a home inspection, the matter of choice should not be a reason to forego it altogether. Just because a home inspection is not mandated by law, you should really consider investing in one because it yields crucial information about your ROIs. According to statistics, 86% of all inspectors found something wrong with the home���s different structures and components—18.7% of which were problems with the electrical system and 12.2% with the water heater.

If anything, these reports should tell you just how important it is for you buy an inspected home, and if you are a seller; to use inspection reports to get these elements repaired. HVAC systems, specifically, require extra attention since they are quite expensive to replace and can diminish the comfort of the home if the HVAC system is not working properly.

In any case, even if you decide to skip the home inspection (as a buyer or a seller), it is worthwhile knowing the problems that inspectors commonly find with HVAC systems. The people over at Clear Sight Inspections were kind enough to share with us the problems they commonly find with HVACs.

1.  Dirty Filters

Dirty filters are the leading cause of AC failures. The air filter is responsible for filtering out solid air particles from entering and leaving the AC’s internal mechanism. Once enough of these particles accumulate on the filter, the system must work harder to push out cool/hot air—this often leads to overheated or burnt-out motors. Additionally, you might find that your energy bills take a hike because the motor uses more power.

2.  Ductwork Malfunctions

The duct is responsible for transferring the conditioned air from the HVAC equipment to the rest of the building.  Cracks or improperly installed ducts often develop leaks that seep conditioned air into the ceiling or behind the walls. As a result, your HVAC equipment must work overtime to produce the appropriate amount of heating or cooling. This also increases your utility bills and can even burn out certain components in the HVAC unit.

3.  Coil-Related Problems

An evaporator coil absorbs heat from the surroundings and forces the refrigerant to evaporate, which then cools the air. Sometimes the coil freezes over, corrodes, or accumulates enough dirt to insulate it against the heat. This insulation makes it impossible for the refrigerant to evaporate and affects the efficiency of your equipment, raising both your bills and the chances of a whole HVAC system failure.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of HVAC problems discovered during a home inspection, these are just the most hazardous problems observed by CSI. If you are interested in buying or selling your home, call up the professional home inspectors over at Clear Sight Inspections. They offer detailed inspection reports for residential real estate transactions in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York.

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3 Reasons Why You Should Never Skip A Home Inspection

After you put in an offer for a home, do not make the mistake of foregoing a home inspection to save money upfront. While a home inspection will set you back a few hundred bucks, it will potentially save you thousands in the long run.

Home inspectors scrutinize every part of the house, identifying costly repairs, safety hazards, and red flags, finally assuring you whether the house is worth the price.

Let’s look at some more reasons why you shouldn’t skip out on a home inspection:

1.    You Find Deal Breakers

The house you picked out might look fantastic on the outside but have major technical or structural issues with its HVAC system, roof, plumbing, or wiring. A quality home inspector in Staten Island can reveal critical information like the need for expensive repairs to heavy maintenance requirements, allowing you to back out. If you include a home inspection contingency in your contract, you can walk away from the home sale if you are unsatisfied with the home inspection findings without losing your deposit.

2.    Uncover Safety Hazards

If you are in the market for an older home, a home inspection might reveal ungrounded electrical wires, which can cause electrical fires or malfunctions. The inspector also checks for health hazards like carbon monoxide, asbestos, mold, septic tank failure, damaged foundations, or other safety concerns.

3.    Anticipate Future Costly Repairs

A home’s equipment and systems may appear to be working smoothly, when in reality, they are on their last legs. A professional home inspector helps you determine the condition and age of the equipment, and predict when they may need to be replaced or repaired. This will help you budget for major repairs down the line. Alternatively, you can use this budget estimate for price negotiation or back out of the contract entirely.

Protect Your Investment With Home Inspectors Serving Southern New York State And Long Island

If you’re in the market for a new home, get in touch with Clear Sight Inspections, a leading home inspection service serving Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, and Long Island. Their team inspects all the mechanics, structures, and systems of a residential property, and provides you with a detailed and in-depth report.

They also offer various home inspection packages covering everything from radon testing and thermal imaging to sewer and water line inspection, roof protection plan, and utility set-up.

Contact their experienced and insured home inspectors or schedule an inspection online today.

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Inspecting Commercial Properties | Commercial Inspection 101

Renting, buying, or leasing a commercial space is a big investment. Before you finalize your purchase, it’s wise to schedule a commercial property inspection to rule out potential problems and ensure the investment is worthwhile.

Commercial buildings are categorized into retail/restaurant, office buildings, land, multifamily dwelling, and miscellaneous. Each type of building must be assessed according to the purpose it fulfills, and commercial Inspectors cover all the bases to find signs of damage or costly repairs. They provide an in-depth report that focuses on the investment’s profitability in the long run.

What Constitutes A Commercial Property Inspection

Since commercial real estate acquisition hinges on residual value and ROI, potential investors must know the true cost of investment and the returns it will generate. This is where commercial building inspections come in! Licensed inspectors check the five main essentials:

1.     Structural integrity: foundation and roof

2.     Accessibility: wheelchair access and emergency exits

3.     Exterior: drainage, parking lot, sprinklers

4.     Internal systems: electrical, heating, HVAC systems, plumbing

5.     Interior: ceilings and light fixtures

Commercial inspectors look for damage, safety issues, and the need for upgrades in each area. Cracking foundations, warped walls, or water damage point to structural issues, while improper electrical wiring, inoperable outlets, and frayed wires can cause electrical fires. Inspectors also check for crumbling steps or potholes in the parking lot, in addition to leaks and drafts.

For subpar systems, the inspector estimates the costs of repairs in the report. They also check the building’s alarm system, the fire safety system, and sprinklers.

In some cases, the inspector may consult or hire construction contractors, building code inspectors, or roofing experts to get a detailed report of the building’s exterior.

Reviewing The Building’s Documentation

Commercial building inspectors may also review the following documents to help the investor determine the property’s true value:

·       Building plans

·       Appraisals

·       Occupancy

·       Citations

·       Construction permits

·       Floor plans

·       Environmental studies

·       Evacuation plans

·       Surveys

·       Maintenance records

The final property condition report (PCR) includes evidence and photos, as well as recommendations on how to proceed with corrective action or follow-ups with a specialist. The report also usually includes estimates for future replacements.

Limit Investment Risks With Commercial Building Inspections In NYC

Understand the true cost of your investment with Clear Sight Inspections. They provide commercial building inspections in Southern New York State and Long Island, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Their inspectors leverage their vast experience, in-depth expertise, and a keen eye for quality inspections to protect your investment.

The company also offers home inspection services, pre-purchase inspections, pre-listing inspections, radon testing, thermal imaging, and much more.

Get in touch with their team today for more information.