There’s a lot to be said for good old-fashioned hard work sense, using a good old ladder and flashlight in home inspections, But the truth now is that technology and its use in home inspections is moving at a blistering pace. Staying on the cutting edge of technological advancements is now a non-negotiable pre-requisite for any professional home inspector. It doesn’t mean that we are turning our back on the long-standing proven value of honest hard work. But it does mean that we recognize the importance of technology being able to make our home inspections more precise, more productive, and more efficient. Making sure that any home inspector you hire is well versed in modern technology is critical to the quality of inspection you are going to receive. Here are some of the cutting-edge technologies that we offer to our clients when do home inspections:

 

Computers and Software

From modern cloud-driven computer software to automation in scheduling, digital reporting that incorporates 4 G images and high definition video, today’s consumer expectations are all about creating a convenient and efficient environment that allows individuals to tailor a home inspection to fit their needs, schedule, process payment and access their report. All at the touch of a button.

 

Thermal/Infrared Imaging Cameras

   

Infrared or thermal imaging cameras now allow home inspectors to detect defects that otherwise could not be observed with the naked eye. A thermal imaging camera collects the infrared radiation from objects in the environment and creates an electronic image based on information about the temperature differences. This technology allows us to detect water intrusion, hidden moisture, mold growth, plumbing leaks, electrical hot spots, lack of insulation, home energy loss, and much more.

 

Infrared Temperature Guns

Infrared temperature guns have expanded the ability of home inspectors to accurately measure temperatures. This technology is a necessity in determining performance issues in multiple home mechanical systems such as HVAC, Appliances, hot water heaters, plumbing, home energy assessments, and much more.

 

LED Scope Video Cameras

Modern WIFI enabled led inspection scopes allow home inspectors to access and video areas which could not safely be assessed before. These high-tech lighted instruments are non-negotiable in today’s home inspection venue.

 

Electric Voltage and Current Testers

Today’s array of high-tech testers are essential for determining safety in your home’s electrical system. From the main electrical drop, main panel, service distribution, branch wiring, GFCI outlets – and much more – these tools enable home inspectors to give you an accurate assessment of your home’s electrical system.

 

Moisture Detection Devices

Being able to detect and identify water intrusion and moisture retention is critical for today’s home inspections. Having the latest technology available enables a home inspector to readily identify problem areas that are past or current issues with a home or circumstances that can easily develop into severe long-term damage concerns.

 

Aerial Roof Inspection / Imaging Drones

One major area that is revolutionizing home inspections is the emergence of drone technology. Never, have home inspectors been able to inspect and photograph dangerous, unsafe, non-walkable roofs with the closeness and detail that is possible with drones. Our state-of-the-art drones are high-resolution camera & video-equipped, allowing high-quality images and videos of rooftops and other hard-to-reach detail areas of the property with “ZOOM IN” capability. These images record the close-up details of a roof far better than the human eye could ever capture. Drones get a great close up view of roof conditions such as leaks, moisture, punctures, blow-offs, tenting, billowing, ponding water, improper repairs, shrinkage, blistering, hail damage, wind damage, algae, mold, age, wear, and much…much more.

*Note: It is illegal for anyone to operate a drone for home and commercial roof inspection purposes unless they hold a current FAA Part 107 Un-Maned Aircraft License for commercial drone operation, and they must be fully insured. Anyone who engages in this activity without being fully licensed and insured is engaging in a reportable offense. If anyone tells you, they can do so without having proof of license and insurance – walk away fast!

 

Virtual / 3 D Imaging

There was a time when all home inspectors used was a small handheld camera to take images of home deficits so the client could see the issue. Those images were usually printed out on hard copy paper stock and stapled to the 30 – 50-page report. Not anymore. Today high-resolution digital imaging and video capabilities enable inspectors to incorporate these images into the body of an interactive report that you can easily access and view. As if this hasn’t transpired quickly enough, now home inspectors on the cutting edge of technology can embed 360 degree and 3 D images and video into your home inspection report to give you a virtual presence of each room inspected in your home.

 

Indoor Air Quality / Mold Spore Sampling Equipment

Today’s professional inspectors should be fully equipped with the latest technology to conduct a comprehensive assessment on indoor air quality and mold inspections to ensure your new home has a “clean bill of health” before you commit to signing on that dotted line. This is especially true in Southern Regions of the Country – like South West Georgia – due to high humidity levels, which if left unchecked, can produce the “perfect storm” for potentially toxic indoor air and mold growth. Make sure any home inspector you choose fully trained and certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants to conduct full Indoor Air Quality & Mold Inspections. Professional inspectors will also have all samples certified and verified by a nationally accredited laboratory to ensure there is no dangerous scenario for you and your family.

 

Radon Testing Equipment

 

Today it is essential to be equipped for testing Radon gas levels in any home. Radon has no smell or color so a test must be done to detect it. In fact, the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General and U.S. EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon, especially if you are buying, selling, or building a home. Make sure your inspector is certified to test for Radon gas and has the latest equipment for reliability and accuracy in measurement.

 

Digital Air Flow Meters

Digital Air Flow Meters are now a necessary technology for home inspectors to have available in their tool inventory. Digital air flow meters assist the inspector in being able to measure air velocity or airflow for a variety of testing scenarios such as HVAC performance or venting effectiveness.

 

Crawl Space Rover Technology

This cutting-edge technology is available to inspect hard to reach, flooded, collapsed, or unsafe areas contained in shallow crawl spaces or basements under your potential home. This allows us to inspect and photograph these areas revealing accurate conditions.

 

Many Other Inspection Necessary Tools

Truth is – there is a litany of technology and tools available for the home inspection venue and it continues to develop at a blistering pace.

 

Not all home inspectors are equally equipped and

 

not all home inspectors stay on the cutting edge of technology.  

Why should you care?

Because in today’s home inspection venue what a home inspector uses to inspect your home makes all the difference in the world in whether – or not – you get the safest, least intrusive and most comprehensive home inspection available.

 

Never assume that if you’ve seen one home inspector – you’ve seen them all.

That assumption can come back and bite you really quick.

 

If you allow Sentry Home Inspections, LLC to inspect your home, you can rest assured that you are getting the most current technology available in the home inspector profession and you are getting the best inspection possible.

We Got Your Back!

 

 

The Department of Energy has mandated that starting on April 15, 2015, all water heaters must meet new energy efficiency standards. Most manufacturers have met these new standards by increasing the size of water heaters as well as adding additional insulation and changing the insulation type. So, why does this matter to you? After the current backlog of already produced water heaters are all sold – many models are being discontinued. Make sure any water heater you purchase is a new model and not a discontinued close out.

Most people don’t know a lot about hot water heaters, and that’s to be expected. They can be rather complicated depending upon style and model. Regardless however, any water heater takes cold water and through a system of conduction – heats and stores hot water – making it available for your use on demand. Here is a basic information list of everything you need to know about water heaters:

When to Replace Them

All water heaters give out several tell-tale signs when they need to be replaced. Age is one factor; the Department of Energy suggests that you start doing research on a new water heater if yours is over seven years old. If your hot water heater is leaking, or if you notice that you’re just not getting as much hot water out of it as you used to, these might also be signs of pending failure. Other indicators of problems are slow recovery, noisy operation, calcium buildup, rust, leaking or no hot water at all.

Lifespan

A traditional hot water heater typically lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, the lifespan of any water heater is going to vary depending on use, routine maintenance and repairs.

The Importance of High-Efficiency

Water heating for your home makes up approximately 12 -17% of your overall energy bill. According to the Department of Energy, an average family will spend between $400 to $700 yearly on heating water and use around 64 gallons daily. Having a high-efficiency hot water heater is very important because it can significantly reduce the amount of energy required to heat and store hot water.

Current Efficiency Rating

Regardless of the type of water heater you have, each water heater is given an Energy Efficiency Rating or an Energy Factor. The Energy Factor of a hot water heater is a calculation of its efficiency when run under normal conditions for 24 hours. The Department of Energy calculates the Energy Factor by running a lab controlled simulated use test on each model of water heater. Thus – the higher the rating – the less energy it uses. Energy efficiency ratings are generally identified by a tag or label on the outside of the water heater.

How to Make It More Efficient

One of the easiest ways to make your hot water heater more efficient is to keep it regularly serviced and maintained. Regular maintenance can also increase your water heater’s life span. Regular maintenance includes periodically flushing your tank of water and replacing anode rods. Don’t wait until you no longer have hot water to start thinking about your hot water heater. Start a routine of monthly inspections right now. Have it professionally inspected and maintained at least once per year.

Choices

There are literally hundreds of different water heaters out there. The first thing you need to determine is what type of energy you use to heat your home. Electricity? Natural gas? Propane? Solar? Fuel Oil? If you have more than one option available or are thinking about switching your power source – consider which would be the most cost effective for you. After determining fuel type, you can decide what type of hot water heater would be best for you. The two main options are either a traditional (with a storage tank), or a tank-less system. Each of these two systems have both advantages and disadvantages but you should choose what you think will save you money in the long run.

The more you know about your water heater – the less you can spend on your maintenance, repair, or replacement needs.

 

If you are buying a home in Albany, Leesburg or Southwest Georgia avoiding these simple 8 mistakes can make your home buying experience more enjoyable and increase your buying options:

Not Getting Pre-Approved Before You Shop

The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a house that is way out of your price range. Avoid this heartbreaking experience by getting a fully underwritten pre-approval for a mortgage. It’s important to know what you can afford and what the mortgage payments will be. A competent mortgage broker can figure this out for you. Knowing what you can afford will also make your decision process much easier and help you make a comfortable offer. Being pre-approved also makes your offer more credible to a selling party and can prevent losing out in a tight competitive real-estate market.

Only Talking to One Lender

Many new home buyers get approved by a single lender and get caught up in the excitement of being able to buy a home and jump on it. Unfortunately, limiting yourself to one lender or broker results in tunnel vision and could cost you potentially thousands of dollars. There are many players in the home mortgage marketplace and the more you shop around – the more opportunities you have for securing a better mortgage. Many responsible mortgage brokers often recommend that you talk to at least three different loan sources to gain better insight on what’s available before you make a final decision. On many mortgages you can put as little as 3 %. Some government-insured loans require 3.5 percent down or zero down, in some cases. Plus, check with your local or state housing programs to see if you qualify for housing assistance programs designed for first-time buyers. Make sure you check out government-insured loan programs backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans) and U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA loans). You never know how much you might very well save. What do you have to lose – except money?

Not Seeking Advice from an Experienced Professional Realtor

Even though today is the information technology age with an abundance of information available online, you should still seek the advice of an experienced professional realtor early in the home-buying process. Why? Realtors can educate you about the entire home buying experience. They are very knowledgeable about who to consult, getting a home inspection, negotiating contingencies and who would be a good attorney for closing and signing. Realtors can give you valuable information on price ranges of homes in neighborhoods, information on public schools, mortgage lenders, types of loans and current interest rates, etc. A realtor can be another set of eyes in locating exactly what you are looking for. Finding a realtor, you trust and are comfortable with is a very important aspect in having a pleasant buying experience instead of a nightmare buying battle.

Trying to Move Too Fast

Buying a home can be a very complex process, particularly when you get deep into the mortgage process. Jumping on the first home you see and rushing the home buying process can wind up costing you more in the long run. Many times, new home buyers don’t plan far enough in advance for purchasing a home. Rushing the home buying process means you might be unable to save enough for a down payment, cover all closing cost, address items on your credit report, or make sound informed best decisions.

Many professionals recommend that you plan out your home purchase at least one year in advance. Remember, it takes more time to repair poor credit reports, settle outstanding balances and still save for a sizable down payment. All these things will work toward boosting your credit score and put you in a much better position when you do start looking for that perfect dream home.

Buying More House Than You Can Afford

It’s very easy to get lost in the lights and fall in love with homes that might stretch your budget or exceed it. Overextending yourself is never a good idea and with home prices still rising that is easier said than done. Buying a home that exceeds your budget can put you at higher risk of losing your home if you fall on tough financial times. You’ll also have less wiggle room in your monthly budget for other bills and unexpected expenses. In stead of overextending yourself focus on developing a sound budget. Consider all your current obligations – including those that don’t show up on a credit report when determining what kind of payment and how much house you can afford. Remember, just because you can get qualified for a $500,000.00 loan in today’s market – doesn’t mean you can afford one.

Miscalculating the Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

New home buyers often underestimate the ancillary cost associated with home ownership. A home comes with property taxes, utilities, homeowner’s insurance, hazard insurance, home warranty insurance, mortgage insurance, repair/maintenance cost, etc., which will cost you thousands of dollars. Not having adequate finances to meet all these needs and ensure you can maintain a “rainy day nest egg” can quickly wreck your finances.

Your realtor or mortgage broker can quickly help you crunch numbers on these expenses to help you plan. Make sure you shop around for insurance coverage’s from multiple agents to compare competitive quotes. Next – most experts recommend that you set aside at least 3% of your home’s purchase price annually for repairs and upkeep. Buying your first home comes with the need for sound fiscal management practices and a sound comfortable realistic budget. Without these – you may very well find yourself in a situation where you have buyer’s remorse after purchasing your home.

Making a Purely Emotional Purchase

Buying a home is one of the biggest lifetime milestones most of us will ever achieve. A home is that special place that is yours. It is a place for dreams, memories, and families are born. It is very easy during the home buying process to get too “attached” to a house that is not yours and make a totally emotional decision. This is especially true in a strong sellers’ market where demand exceeds supply and it takes longer than usual to find what you are looking for. Many new home buyers also get caught up in such circumstances and making an emotional rather than an informed investment decision can often lead to not only overpaying for a house but also stretching your budget to unreasonable lengths. Sure, you have found a home that meets all your requirements and you love the home. But what about the community it is in? How far is it from your workplace? What sort of traffic runs through or near it? What sort of crime statistics does the area have? Is it Safe? Is it conveniently located for your lifestyle? Is it convenient for public transportation? How do the present homeowners in the neighborhood interact with each other? Truth is, there many variables you need to carefully consider other than just liking the house before you pull the trigger and buy any home.

Never Drain Your Savings

Many new home buyers make the mistake of draining their savings to make the down payment on a new home. Draining your savings is never a good idea and places you in a very vulnerable situation should unexpected expenses suddenly occur. Make sure you have enough money for a down payment and still be able to maintain a fair amount in your savings account. Again, making a sound budget and sticking to it reduces the risk of financial disaster.

 

When you have found that home and you are ready to have it inspected – call Sentry Home Inspection Services Today!

If you own a home in Albany, Leesburg or Southwest Georgia these 10 Tips from the EPA concerning Mold are important to know!

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

 

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture in the home.

 

3. If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

 

4. Fix the source of the water intrusion problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

 

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

 

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

 

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

 

8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

 

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

 

10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

 

Have your home inspected by Sentry Inspection Services for Peace of Mind Today!

 

 

For More Information on Mold and Mold Related Concerns Visit the EPA Website:

 

If You Are Buying or Own a Home in Albany, Leesburg or Southwest Georgia – This Is Why You Should Worry About Cleaning Out Your Gutters!

It certainly isn’t at the top of most people’s Fun Weekend Activities List and Yes, it does take a bit of effort, but keeping your home’s gutters clean can prevent serious problems and extend the lifespan of your home. People don’t often stop to think of the issues that can arise from clogged gutters, quite frankly, because they are out of sight – out of mind. But if water is not able to adequately and properly flow away from your house, then damage can very quickly result in several different locations, from your roofing down to your foundation. There are number of reasons to make sure that your gutters get cleaned out well at least annually if not semi-annually.

1. Roof Damage

Clogged guttering and downspouts result in restricted water flow that can cause water to flood over the gutters. When this happens, you can end up having issues with water rot or mold and algae buildup on your roofing.

2. Damage to Fascia Boards

Water overflow and backup can damage to your home’s fascia boards that provide the very support for your guttering system.

3. Damage to Guttering & Brackets

Water flooded guttering adds a significant amount of additional weigh to your guttering system as well as your home. This can cause bent or corroded support brackets and warped or bent guttering.

4. Flashing & Drip Edge

Water overflow and backup can cause water to get behind your roof’s drip edge and flashing – causing flooding to the very things that are designed to help keep water out.

5. Foundation Flooding

Water overflow and backup can cause water to spill over guttering and fall right next to the home’s foundation. This can cause long term problems with exterior rotting or deterioration. Left unchecked, excessive water that may pool or drain against your foundation is creating an excellent breeding ground for wood destroying inspects as well as mold growth.

6. Basement Flooding

Water overflow and backup that can cause foundation flooding can also be a significant problem for a home’s basement area. Even installed drainage systems that move water away from a home are present, the increased volume of water spilling over can easily cause excessive moisture if not flooding.

7. Foundation Settling & Cracks

If water overflows and pools along your home’s foundation, it can cause settling cracks in your home’s foundation. In cold enough winter weather, it can also cause expansion and contraction cracking.

8. Soil Erosion

Water overflow and backup can cause water to spill over guttering and fall right next to the home’s soil along its foundation. This can cause long term problems with soil erosion or can cause increased pooling of water around your foundation.

9. Over-watering Flower Beds & Landscaping

Excessive water can damage the health of your landscape plants and flowers. Over-watering can be as harmful – if not more so – than under watering.

10. Insect Nesting

Clogged up gutters can attract a wide variety of insects that are attracted to a wet or damp dark environment. You could easily wind up with a significant infestation.

 

At Sentry Home Inspection Services – We’ve Got Your Back!