Selling a home is an exciting time for everyone involved. While the buyers anxiously await their closing date and packing up their belongings for the big move, the sellers are doing everything they can to make their home as appealing as possible to ensure that the home passes inspection and the deal goes through. Once you’ve got an interested buyer, they will certainly want to have a hired home inspector take a look at your property. So what should you do as the seller of the home to make sure that the process goes smoothly? The Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services know the importance of performing your own seller pre-listing inspection, and highly recommend these before listing the home for sale. With that being said, we have put together a few tips for sellers to make the home inspection process a lot easier for everyone involved.

• Consider your home’s curb appeal. Any part the inspector cannot get to or see due to obstruction could be viewed negatively by a potential buyer. Therefore, Having the exterior of your home exposed and ready to be inspected makes things go much more efficiently.
• Check your roof and gutters. Making sure that your roof and gutters are in good working order is a huge priority for buyers. Remove any debris from the roof and clean the gutters thoroughly.
• Get your interior ready. Having the interior of the home ready to go minimizes the list of pesky defects the inspector might note. While a light that’s out, or a crack in the drywall doesn’t seem too big, these small repairs add up and can scare a potential buyer.
• Tidy up as much as you can. You want to make sure the inspector has a clear pathway to each of your major home systems like furnaces, HVAC units, utility closets, and other such areas that must be examined closely.
• Be on ready time. Make sure you are showered, dressed, ready, and fully prepared to greet them earlier than their expected arrival time. If they are anything like the Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services, they will be on time if not early for your seller pre-listing inspection!
• Provide access to all areas of the property. Home inspectors will typically examine all buildings on your property, including garages, other such outbuildings, workshops, guest house or suite, or any other detached units, so you’ll need to provide them with keys, garage door openers, or door codes for these units. In addition, if you have a sprinkler system or other systems that have electrical panel boxes or other utility boxes, leave keys and instructions for unlocking them, to ensure that the inspector has access and can inspect them.
• Supply any relevant documents. It’s a good idea to make paperwork regarding remodeling projects available to inspectors, in addition to documentation about major repairs and upgrades. This will give the inspector a more clear idea of when each major component of the home was last inspected, repaired, or replaced.

H.I.P. Services

As a seller, it is important to have your own seller pre-listing inspection performed by the Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services so that you are aware of any potential issues before your home is listed and buyers raise concerns about them. With the inspection report in hand, you can correct and address those issues as necessary and determine allowances for remaining items used in buyer negotiations. The inspection report can be given to potential buyers to give them confidence and peace of mind that you performed due diligence in finding and correcting known issues in the home. To book a seller pre-listing inspection, contact H.I.P. Services today!

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Whether you are in the process of buying an older home or are concerned about your current home’s sewer line, a sewer scope inspection just might be the solution you are looking for to find any issues in the line that you may be unaware of. A sewer scope inspection, which is typically recommended for homes older than 20 years, is performed by using a tiny camera to video record the lateral sewer line in a home that leads from the foundation of the house to the main sewer line. The Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services will then review the footage to look for any potential issues. This type of septic inspection Eastern NC will give you a full picture of your sewer lines so that you know exactly what you are dealing with within your home’s underground pipeline. Here are a few things that can cause your lateral sewer line to have problems, along with indicators that there may be an issue, and the benefits of getting a sewer scope inspection done.

Causes

There are a few different reasons why your lateral sewer line could have problems:

• Tree Roots - Tree roots from nearby trees can find a small crack in the line and push their way through. Once this occurs, the roots will soak up the water that the pipes carry, and can eventually block the sewer line and cause plumbing issues.
• Settling - This happens when a sewer line sinks down into the ground and build-up occurs. Plumbers call these trenches “bellies.” Blocked, misaligned, or crushed pipes can also be the result of settling as well.
• Ground Shifting - Earthquakes, groundwater tables, and excavations can all cause the actual land itself to move. This can create hazardous cracks, particularly in older homes that have clay or concrete sewer lines.

Indicators

There are certain significant signs to look for when determining whether your lateral sewer line is damaged:

• Foul Odor - This is the first, most obvious indicator that people notice when there is a block in their sewer lines. The odor can be found in drains in your sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
• A Wet Or Soggy Lawn - Puddles in your yard are another good indicator that your lateral sewer line has damage. The moisture this causes makes the sewer susceptible to rodents and insects, which could ultimately enter your house through the pipes. Mold and mildew underneath the house are also another consequence of a leaky pipe.
• Broken Slabs And Wall Cracks - The broken pipe allows water to seep into the ground and the home’s foundation. In addition to wasting water, the leak can damage the concrete and erode the soil around it causing the foundation of the home to buckle and shift, cracking the home’s floors and walls.

Benefits Of A Sewer Scope Septic Inspection in Eastern NC

Taking less than an hour to perform, a typical sewer scope septic inspection Eastern NC is quick, affordable, and can save you thousands of dollars if an issue is found before it gets worse and causes further damage to your home. The most notable benefit of getting a sewer scope inspection done is having peace of mind knowing there are no issues within your main sewer line. Having a sewer scope inspection performed by Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services is a proactive approach and a good investment for any homeowner to understand the condition of their underground sewer lines. Contact H.I.P. Services today for all of your septic inspection Eastern NC needs!

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Purchasing a home is an exciting chapter in life, but it comes along with a big checklist that requires completion before it’s a done deal and you get that new set of keys. One big item on that checklist that is crucial is a full home inspection. Even if it seems like the perfect home on paper, looks can be deceiving. Hidden costly problems can be missed in all the excitement of your initial house tour, which can lead to big bucks being forked out down the road if these problems go unnoticed before you sign on the dotted line. The best way to know if you are making the right choice is to have the house inspected by a Home Inspection Professional at H.I.P. Services, the most reputable residential home inspections Eastern NC has to offer. With that being said, there are two types of inspections that we get calls about regularly: Four-point inspections and full house inspections. But what’s the difference between the two inspections and how do you know which one you need to invest in? Here is a little bit of insight on these two types of residential home inspections Eastern NC.

Four-Point Inspections

Four-point inspections are the tools that insurance underwriters and insurance companies use to determine risk. When these are performed, the four biggest areas of concern for insurance companies are examined in the home: Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing, and the home’s HVAC system. When a full home inspection is performed, the home inspector has the option to list the age, overall condition, material, and basic type for each of these categories, making that inspection more thorough. However, when a four-point inspection occurs, there is no option for the inspector to add information about the house, like mitigating circumstances, since the underwriters just want to know if the house has any features that have been known to increase risk. So if you already know you want to go through with a home purchase and are simply looking to save some money on your homeowner’s insurance or your home is older and the insurance company is requiring it, then you should definitely get a four-point inspection.

Full Home Inspections

A full home inspection will hit most everything that a four-point inspection does, but go into much greater depth and cover some areas that the four-point doesn’t, such as appliance, interior and exterior cosmetic issues, architectural features, structural and system issues, and drainage systems. These are obviously much more thorough, and a lot of times are a key deciding factor when in the process of purchasing a home. When a home is under contract, there is a clause allowing the buyers to get a full home inspection, and if an inspection uncovers something the buyers don’t feel comfortable with, this clause allows them to void the contract and receive any earnest money back. Since they are so thorough, they can take hours to conduct, unlike four-point inspections that can be completed in less than an hour.

Eastern NC Residential Home Inspections by H.I.P. Services

In conclusion, four-point inspections are a good choice if you simply need to satisfy homeowners insurance requirements, while full home inspections are the better option if you are still in the decision-making process of whether or not to invest in the house. Four-point inspections take less time and cost less, but they aren’t as thorough as residential home inspections Eastern NC. If you are in need of a residential home inspection Eastern NC, contact the Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services today to set up an appointment!

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Whether you are in the market to buy a new home or sell your current one, it is essential that you have a termite inspection performed since most lending institutions require a termite inspection before approving new and refinance mortgages. The Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services can refer a registered pest control company or certified termite inspector to conduct a thorough visual search of your home for the absence or presence of wood-destroying insects such as termites. As a homeowner, there are several indications that you can be on the lookout for in the meantime to know if your home has any signs of past or present activity or damage before undergoing home inspection services. Here are a few signs to pay attention to:

1. Uneven Or Bubbling Paint - - Uneven or bubbling paint is often a sign of moisture build-up, which could mean one of two things – water damage or termites. Subterranean termites can cause damage to the subfloor, which can make your wood flooring appear as if it has water damage. The Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. Services will be able to let you know if termites are causing these issues.
2. Damaged Wood - Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out in search of cellulose, leaving behind long grooves. Over time, these grooves weaken the wood and create structural damage to your home. Wood damage caused by termites can be found below and behind surfaces like walls, floors, and more, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation.
3. Evidence Of Swarms - Swarmers, also known as reproductives, are young female and male winged termites. In the springtime, after the last freeze, termite swarmers will emerge from their nest to mate and search for a new location to start a colony, which typically includes our homes. Fun fact: When they land, termites intentionally twist their wings off because they know they will never need them again. So if you find discarded termite wings near your closed windows, doors, or other home-access points, there is a good chance that you already have a termite problem.
4. Mud Tubes - Pencil-sized mud tubes can be found wherever the ground meets your house or any other possible food source, like a tree or shed. Subterranean termites, the most destructive termite species, build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source.
5. Termite Droppings - Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings, also known as frass, as they eat through infested wood. If you find a small pile of what looks like pellets inside or outside the home, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.

H.I.P. Home Inspection Services

The Home Inspection Professionals at H.I.P. are committed to providing the highest quality services at the best value. Your home is your most valuable asset and we understand that you want to protect it, and that’s just what we will do. Contact H.I.P. Services today for all of your home inspection services needs!

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Every year, 2.5 million children are injured or killed due to hazards in the home. That means there are 2.5 million injuries that can be avoided by being informed about what cautionary steps to take to protect our children. So, you do not have to do the research yourself, Home Inspection Services has laid out steps to take to child-proof your home.

A first step you can take to protect your children from accessing and ingesting poisonous household cleaners or medicines is to get safety latches to install on cabinets and drawers. Test and make sure these devices will not come off with just a couple of tugs when installing. Next, if you have smaller children that need to be kept away from stairs, swimming pools, or other hazardous rooms, get safety gates. Safety gates that screw into the walls are typically the most secure. Additionally, gates with a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal meet a necessary amount of safety standards. To prevent your child from getting burned because the water is too hot, you can set your water heater temperature to 120°F. It is also crucial to make sure your smoke detectors are functioning properly every month and to change the batteries when necessary. Often overlooked, carbon monoxide protectors are also important to install near sleeping areas to protect from CO. This is especially important in homes with gas or oil heat, or homes with attached garages. Corner and edge bumpers are easy-to-install devices that can make a bump from a fall much less serious. Another simple but effective precaution to take is to find outlet protectors. Be sure these protectors are not too easy to remove, and that they are big enough so children will not choke on them. Lastly, cut or tie up the cords from window blinds, or use safety tassels or tension devices to keep young children from being strangled in these cords. Remember, it is important to check these devices periodically to ensure that they are still installed correctly. Lastly, keep in mind that even with all precautions in place, it is still important to keep an eye on children in the home as they can find ways

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Did you realize that people in the United States spend around 70% of their lives inside their homes? This is why home safety is so imperative. Simply living in a home that may have negative effects on your health, your family’s health, and the environment around your home. Ensuring your home is as safe as can be begins with Home Inspection Professionals - H.I.P. Services home and mold inspections.

One danger we have to worry about on the East Coast is moisture. A healthy home is a dry home. If your home has water-damaged areas, it is at risk of becoming infested with mold. Mold, by itself, is not hazardous. It is a natural part of outdoor environments. However, if it is growing in your home it can cause many health problems. Mold produces allergens, irritants, and toxic substances. Depending on the type of mold, it can cause health effects from allergic reactions like sneezing and red eyes to gastrointestinal issues. It can often go undetected because it is odorless and often hiding in places like air vents. A home inspection can indicate if your home should be further tested for mold if they believe water damage is present. To be 100% safe, it is always a good idea to get mold testing to make sure your home is a mold-free environment.

Another area of concern in keeping your home safe is air quality. A healthy home has well ventilated, clean air free of contaminants. Most health issues from unclean air are related to allergic reactions. These issues can range from coughing and headaches to chronic fatigue and asthma attacks. Along with allergens, the air in your home could be carrying infectious or toxic pollutants leading to more serious health concerns. While testing is difficult and sometimes inconclusive, there are steps you can take to keep the air in your home as healthy as possible. As stated above, keeping your home free of moisture is an important step, as moisture allows biological pollutants to grow. Keep your home as clean and dry as possible. Musty odors, water stains, and moisture can be caused by ac units, bathrooms, crawlspaces, humidifiers, and refrigerator drip pans. Here are some steps to take in order to keep your air clean. You can put a plastic cover over dirt crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Fix all leaks as soon as possible and remediate any water damage caused by leaks. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove indoor moisture to the outdoors. If you notice moisture on indoor surfaces like windows, turn off humidifiers or kerosene heaters that may be causing this. Increase circulation by opening doors between rooms, opening closet doors, and using fans. Make sure all appliances that come in contact with water are properly maintained and cleaned.

This article provides an introduction to how to keep your home safe. Your health should be of utmost importance, and the beginning steps mentioned in this article are a good place to start in maintaining a healthy environment in the place you spend the majority of your time. Take the initiative to keep your home as healthy as possible!

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During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is increasingly important to keep one of our most at risk populations – older adults – safe. To protect from the pandemic, we encourage at risk populations to stay home. This is why it is ever important to make sure our homes are as safe as possible. Estimates from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission say that nearly 1 million people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use every day (Internachi). The death rates from these injuries are three times greater for the above 65 population. The good news is, there are solutions to the problems causing these injuries. So, what makes our own homes hazardous, and how can we fix this? Below we will go through some common household hazards, and easy solutions to proof our home for all ages.

Slips and falls are the main cause of injuries. These falls can be caused by several things: cords, rugs, stairs, and poor lighting to name a few. To fix this there are a few steps to take. First, avoid extension cords as much as possible. Arrange your furniture so that electronics are near outlets. If extra cords must be used, keep them against the wall with tape so they are not in walking areas. Next,make sure we are using slip-proof rugs, by either buying slip-resistant rugs, or slip proofing them ourselves. To keep a rug or runner from sliding, apply double-face adhesive carpet tape, or rubber matting, and check it over time to ensure it isn’t too worn. To avoid slips in baths or showers, use grab bars and non-slip mats. It is important to make sure the grab bars are installed properly. On staircases, side rails and proper lighting are very important. Make sure there are switches on both ends of the staircase. If using an outdoor staircase, paint the edges of the stairs white so they are easier to see at night. To eliminate the chance of walking in dark areas, locate lamps or light switches by the door of each room and make them accessible from the bed. Lastly, to prevent falls from reaching items in high places, buy a sturdy step stool and keep it somewhere accessible. Make sure the step stool is fully open when in use, and try to find a step stoop with a handrail to keep you sturdy.

Fires and heat sources are another cause of injury we can protect against. First, remove any cords that are under rugs/furniture as they are more easily damaged. Always replace damaged cords. Next, if any outlets feel warm to the touch, have an electrician look at them as this indicates hazardous wiring. Make sure all smoke detectors are functional. Make sure you are using the correct wattage light bulbs and that extension cords are not overloaded. To prevent burns, the CPSC recommends lowering the actual water heater to 120 degrees, or “low” setting. When cooking, wear short sleeves, and keep curtains and other flammable materials away from heat sources. Keep the kitchen ventilated by using ventilation systems or opening windows while cooking. Also keep all cords away from heat or water, and make sure you unplug small appliances when they are not in use. If you have a chimney, get it inspected and cleaned out regularly. Lastly, make sure volatile/flammable liquids are fully sealed and kept away from heat sources.

Despite taking all the n necessary precautions, accidents can still happen so it is important to be ready. Encourage your loved ones to keep a cell phone on them. Additionally, develop an emergency plan in case of fire and make sure all exits and passageways are clear of clutter. Lastly, check up on relatives/parents/grandparents regularly, if not by in-person visit because of social distancing, by phone or video call. Let’s all try our best to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy.

*To view the full article please visit: here

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Burglary is a crime of opportunity. And burglars don’t want to spend a lot of time looking through a home to find things of value to steal, which is why there are obvious locations that they always check. That means that there are ways to outsmart them by hiding your valuables in not-so-obvious places, and sometimes even in plain sight.

Depending on the size and type of item, the best places to hide valuables are those that burglars don’t want to search through or wouldn’t bother with, including places that are inconvenient or difficult to search, messy, or uninteresting

Here are the Top:

• Hollowed-out books.
• A false VHS tape or VHS carton.
• False containers in the kitchen cupboard, under the sink, and in the bathroom.
• False bottom or under the plastic liner of a bathroom or kitchen trash can.
• Wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil and stored in the back of the freezer.
• Floor safe in the bedroom closet.
• Inside a house plant.
• Inside a false wall outlet.
• Within hollowed-out/removable building components.

Hiding Places to Avoid:

• Areas that can damage your valuables with water or invasive matter.
• A jewelry box.
• Your desk drawer, bedside drawer, or underwear drawer.
• Inside CD cases.
• Inside DVD cases.
• A wall safe.
• Inside picture frames with false backs/interiors.
• A cookie jar.
• An electrical item or heated area.
• Any locked box or locking file cabinet.

Other Precautions:

• Remember that burglary is a crime of opportunity. Your personal safety is at risk as much as your personal property. Valuables you can’t hide or lock up make sure they’re insured through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
• Take precautions to password-protect and GPS-activate laptops and smartphones.
• Firearms should be properly locked in an approved gun safe stored out of reach for the safety of the home’s occupants, as well as to deter theft.
• Place a pole in the bottom track of your sliding glass patio doors so that they can’t be forced open wide enough to permit the entry of an intruder.
• Install burglar-proof window locks that will allow you to leave your windows open slightly for fresh air, but not wide enough to allow a person to get through.
• Don’t over-share personal information with the world by advertising your absence from home on social media.
• Do your part to keep your neighborhood safe by reporting suspicious activity on your street to the police.

*Full article by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kate Tarasenko - here

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What is a Sewer Scope?

Every house has a sewer line, and every sewer line can become obstructed or damaged. A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line from the house at or near the foundation to the city, HOA tap, or the septic tank. The purpose of a sewer scope is to discover and report defects that are visible in the lateral sewer line. The scope typically also identifies the material used within the sewer line itself.

Sewer scoping the line can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems, which are vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of. For example, if there is a damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line, or if there is backflow into the home, or if contaminants have been discovered in the potable water supply, a sewer scope inspection can be critical to identifying and confirming these problems, which must be addressed immediately.

Who should get a Sewer Scope?

Sewer scope should be done with every home inspection or by a homeowner planning on selling or just an annual check-up on your sewer line. Call Home Inspection Professionals - H.I.P. Services to schedule an appointment today for your Sewer Scope appointment.

*lnterNACHI Article / Photo Achieve by Nick Gromicko CMI, Jim Krumm and Mary Greenway

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Daylight Saving Time is coming Soon! Which means we gain an extra hour!

It also means spring is on the way, here are a few house keeping suggestions for your home. We recommend twice a year in the Fall and in the Spring check these items in your home.

Replace Batteries:

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are very important and are often neglected. Use daylight saving time as a calendar reminder to test and replace the batteries in your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Cleaning Plan for Fall & Spring Season

Use Daylight Savings as a reminder twice a year to clean and organize your home and donate items to local charitable organizations.

HVAC System Review

Proper maintenance can help lengthen the life of your system and avoid expensive repairs. Twice a year have your HVAC looked at by a professional to save you expensive heartache in the long run.

Air Filter Check

Damaged, worn, or dirty filters can impact the effectiveness and lifespan of your systems. At least twice a year, check your heating and cooling system. Quick check, remove your filter and hold it up to an overhead light. If you cannot clearly see light through the filter, plan to change it.

Mattress Flip

Mattresses should be flipped/turned a few times a year, but if you need a reminder, twice a year during Day Light Saving. Flipping or turning your mattresses ensures the weight is being evenly distributed throughout the mattress. This will extend the life of your mattress. Take the time to clean the sides and bottom of the mattress.

Water Heater Drain

The water in your water heater needs to be flushed from time to time to remove sediment that can build up and reduce the unit's efficiency. While most manufacturers recommend flushing a water heater once a year, you may need to do it more frequently if you have hard water.

Bug Check

Review your annual termite contracts to make sure your home has been inspected and your contract is up-to-date.

Storm Water Control

Your gutters and drain pips should be reviewed for proper opposition and control of stormwater.

Vegetation

Have you inspected all the trees on your property in preparation for the hurricane season? Now is a good time to remove dead or dying limbs or trees and trim back as needed to minimize potential damage. The mulch around the home should also be reviewed to prevent too much build up and potential damage to the siding.

Roof

Shingles can become damaged very easily when nails poke through the shingles. In preparation for the hurricane season the shingles should be reviewed to make sure all the shingles are secure.

Clocks!

While most of our clocks are electronic and change automatically, changing your manual or battery-operated clocks is key for not interrupting your routine and schedule!

Daylight Saving Time can be a great way to remind us to do other important tasks around the house, and not just checking the time!

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Does Your Home Need a Check-up?

An Annual Maintenance inspection of your home protects your family and your investment. The Annual Maintenance inspection allows the home inspector to monitor or detect problem areas before they become a financial or life safety issue. Simple issues, such as unchecked moisture and water penetration can lead to costly structural damage, without early detection.

What is an Annual Maintenance Inspection?

An Annual Maintenance inspection is essentially the same as a standard home inspection, but the inspection is done for the current owner. Most of these homeowners have been in their homes for over three years, and they may or may not have had their home inspected at the time they purchased it. One small difference between a buyers inspection and an Annual Maintenance inspection is that we don't test the appliances during a maintenance inspection. We do inspect the installation of the appliances though.

Why should you have an Annual Maintenance Inspection?

Think of an Annual Maintenance inspection as a checkup visit to the doctor or dentist. An Annual Maintenance inspection will help to prioritize a home improvement list, and to hopefully find out about small problems before they turn into big ones. In some cases, an Annual Maintenance inspection will reveal that what was thought to be a small problem has already turned into a big one. An Annual Maintenance inspection also gives homeowners a chance to have a professional home inspector answer questions with a completely unbiased viewpoint.

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