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Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Ohio Home Inspection Information

Selecting a Home Inspector

The most important initial consideration when finding a qualified Home Inspector
involves their credentials. Many inspectors state they are certified, however only two
organizations provide proper credentials for certification in this area. These are ASHI
(American Society of Home Inspectors) and NAHI (National Association of Home
Inspectors).

These organizations require individuals to:

1. Pass an examination involving general knowledge of Home Inspections and Standard Ethics.
2. Conduct 250 fee paid inspections before being permitted to take the examination.
3. Complete 20 hours (ASHI) and 16 hours (NAHI) of approved continuing education
per year
4. Only qualified individuals may use the ASHI and NAHI logos.

When requesting a qualified Home Inspector, other considerations should be:

1. Proper Errors and Omissions Insurance and General Liability Insurance
2. At least 300 - 500 Inspections conducted
3. A positive and helpful attitude.
4. Reasonable cost, which generally varies from $250-$400.00 for average sized home depending on complexity.
5. Provide a written report. Far superior to tapes, CD's, etc.
6. Photos and computer generated reports are fine, but remember the most important
consideration is the individual providing the details about the house.

Contact Us

AAA Home Inspections
STEVE BALLASCH
B.Sci., CRI, ASHI certified
440-871-9337

PO Box 40342
Cleveland, OH 44140

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Requirements for Home Inspector Membership:

ASHI: American Society of Home Inspectors

3 Levels of membership.

1. Member:

• Passed the National Home Inspector Exam.
• Passed the ASHI Standards and Ethics Exam.
• Submitted valid proof of at least 250 fee paid inspections.
• Is permitted to use the ASHI logo.
• Must attend 20 hours of approved continuing education per year.

2. Candidate with Logo privileges:

• Passed the National Home Inspector Exam.
• Passed the ASHI Standards and Ethics Exam.
• Submitted valid proof of 50 fee paid inspections.

3. Candidate: Not permitted to display the ASHI logo.

3 Levels of membership.

1. CRI: Certified Real Estate Inspector:

• Passed the Certified Real Estate Inspector Exam, including standards/ethics.
• Submit valid proof of 250 fee paid inspections.
• Must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education per year
• Is permitted to use the triangular NAHl logo.

2. Regular Member:

• Passed the CRI, CREIA, or NHIE exams.
• Completed 100 fee paid inspections.
• Must complete 8 hours of continuing education per year.
• May use the standard NAHI logo.

3. Associate Member:

• Requires the completion of a comprehensive Home inspection course or 20 fee paid inspections.

Contact Us

AAA Home Inspections
STEVE BALLASCH
B.Sci., CRI, ASHI certified
440-871-9337

PO Box 40342
Cleveland, OH 44140

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Getting the Most From Your Home Inspection

Here at the Buyers Home Inspection Service, when we perform your home
inspection we will be looking at several hundred items from the roof down to
the foundation.

Various conditions can enhance or impair the inspection process. We want to
do the best job possible for you and have prepared this guide to getting the
most from your home inspection.

* Be there if at all possible, it will help you understand the written
report. Seeing what the inspector sees can make their discoveries more
understandable. You may have some concerns based on your initial walk
through. Let your inspector know as the inspection starts or call the office
ahead of time so we can be best prepared. An extra pair of eyes can always
help! So, point out any concerns when the inspector has a free moment.

* Distractions hurt. You should understand, when we say that it is important
for you to be there. Please keep in mind though, that if you or your Uncle
Joe diverts the inspector's attention away from inspecting, it increases the
chances of missing something important. Do not monopolize the inspector's
time--provide a little breathing room for looking and recording. A
comfortable role for you at the inspection lies somewhere between an
inquiring shadow and a perceptive wallflower. Do not worry; the inspector
will point out important findings on-site and follow-up with a detailed
report.

* Accessibility counts. We'd like to look at as many things as possible. If
you know that something important-such as an attic access, an electric panel
or a furnace is blocked, ask your agent to see if it's possible to have
access available for the inspection. Your inspector is not allowed to move
furniture or remove wall coverings; this is a non-invasive inspection.

* Home vacant? Be sure that all utilities are on. Outlets, furnaces, water
heaters, built-in dishwashers, plumbing evaluations all require those
all-important utilities to be on. We must charge for return trips
necessitated by shut down utilities or other lack of access. Again, you can
help get the best inspection by requesting all utilities be turned on and
pilot lights lit.

* Background helps paint the picture. Disclosure statements, repair &
replacement bills, maintenance history are always helpful information. If
you have any of this information, share it with us before or at the
inspection; it can only enhance your inspector's effectiveness.

Contact Us

Thomas A. Gaba
Pres., Buyers Home Inspection Service, Inc.
tom@buyershomeinspector.com
www.buyershomeinspector.com

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Child Safety Tips

Childproofing Your Home - 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that using simple child safety devices on the market today can prevent many of these incidents.

Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through mail order catalogues.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

1. Use Safety Latches and Locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects. Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2. Use Safety Gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than "pressure gates."

Typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.

3. Use Door Knob Covers and Door Locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1 and door lock: $5 and up.

4. Use Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water. Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns.
Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5. Use Smoke Detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.

6. Use Window Guards and Safety Netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls.

Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7. Use Corner and Edge Bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8. Use Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates to help prevent electrocution. Outlet covers and outlet plates can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9. Use a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10. Cut Window Blind Cords; use Safety Tassels and Inner Cord Stops to help prevent children from strangling in blind cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

11. Use Door Stops and Door Holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12. Use a Cordless Phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas.

Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach. Let’s face it, it’s one less cord to potentially strangle a child. Many household injuries or deaths are caused by the simplest things that can be prevented. Most importantly: watch your children. While you’re around, the odds of injuries are reduces significantly.

Contact Us

Anthony Perry
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

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Basement Water Prevention

Many potential buyers of older homes are worried about water in the basement. A home built in the later part of the 1800 would generally have had a sandstone foundation. In the early part of the 1900’s the foundation material was generally terra cotta block. Concrete block construction did not begin until the 1940’s or 1950’s.

With the sandstone foundations water can seep in through gaps in the mortar between the blocks. Being aware of this and making mortar repairs as soon as needed is the way to keep water infiltration to a minimum. Terra cotta foundations are porous and will absorb water as it travels down the outside of the foundation to the drain tile at the footers. In both cases the evidence that water is actually getting inside is usually an abundance of mineral salts (a chalky white substance over and around the mortar joints).

Most of the water that gets into a basement is coming off the roof. The gutter and downspout system is supposed to carry that water down to the below ground drain pipe that carries the water to the storm sewer system. When the basement starts to get take on water, the first place to look is outside at the gutter and drainage system. The gutters should be clean and water should flow through the downspouts and the drainage pipes to the storm drain at the street. If necessary you can use a dye to test this.

Contact Us

Lakeside Homepro Services
Ed Clawson, Founder/Owner
1606 Elmwood Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Lakeside HomePro Services specializes in older homes and first time home buyers.

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Facts about Hot Water Tanks

1. Standard tanks can be 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, and 75 gallons typically. Most tanks are powered by natural gas, propane, oil, or electric. Typical life expectancy is 8-15 years.
2. When tanks fail, they may begin leaking water.
3. Each tank must be equipped with a T/P (temperature/pressure) relief valve connected to a drip pipe, approx. 4-6” from the floor. The drip pipe must be ¾”in diameter and have no threads at the bottom. The drip pipe must be an approved material.
4. Tanks have a shut off valve on the incoming cold water line, and may also have one on the hot side. If there is a gas line to the tank, it should have a sediment trap (dirt leg). Old gas shut off valves (globe valves) should be replaced when a new tank is installed. Flexible gas lines should only be used in a non traffic area, and must be a coated type. Old non-coated lines should be replaced.
5. Gas or oil powered tanks should sit on non-combustible materials. If a tank is located in a garage area, it should be 18” off of the ground.
6. Gas or oil powered tanks should have a draft hood, which provides proper ventilation and prevents back drafting. Double draft hoods are not permitted. A vent pipe should be sloped ¼” for every foot of length. Single wall vent pipes require 6” of clearance and double wall pipes 1-2”. Single wall vent pipe is not permitted in an attic or inaccessible area. Vent pipes should not be vented into a chimney serving a fireplace. All chimneys should have a clean-out. Vents from the roof should be at least 1’ above the roof and at least 4’ from a window that can be opened. These conditions may vary.
7. When a tank is located in an attic or furred space, where water damage could result from leakage, a water tight pan should be installed below the tank, with a ¾” drain to an approved location.
8. When gas or oil powered tanks are in an enclosed area, they may need exterior combustion air. A professional should be consulted. These are only a few of the many items that are checked by a professional Home Inspector.
   

Contact Us

Brought to you by:
AAA Home Inspections & Radon Testing     

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What does a home inspection include?

Each Home Inspection includes an immediate written report, the ASHI® "Standards of Practice" (which explain in detail what is covered), as well as the "Information Kit". In general, the inspection and report will cover:

• Roof & Attic
• Central Heating
• Foundation & Structural
• Plumbing
• Ventilation
• Exterior
• Central Cooling
• Electrical
• Insulation
• Interior

How much will it cost?

We offer FLAT RATES for the Cleveland area: $300 for a Single Family Home Inspection, $350 for a Double, or $150 per system (for example: a "foundation only" inspection). Also available are "Structural Certifications" for $300, Radon Tests for $150, and Condo's (excluding Roof & Exterior) for $250.

How long does it take?

A Home Inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours. You are encouraged to attend.

Take a Virtual Home Inspection now !!!

Why choose Metro Home Inspections?

1. The background of our Inspector: John Sender, P.E.

• Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio since 1985
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University 1980
• Engineering Consultant to the Construction Industry since 1980
• Math & Science Champion, Class of 1976 (Cleveland Lincoln-West)
• HUD Approved 203-K Consultant since 1995
• Thousands of Home Inspections since 1988
• Teaches the Home Inspection Course at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland
• Licensed Radon Tester in Ohio since 2003
• Certified ASHI® Member since 1994
• Member of NAHI since 1988
• Member of ASME since 1980
• Member of ICC since 1990
• Angie's List Super Service Award® Winner in 2005, 2003, 2002 & 1999

2. Our Inspection Report.

Our exclusive written report is highly regarded as one of Cleveland's best. It is a combination of both checklist and narrative styles. It separates the "legal information", and the "maintenance information", from the body of the report. Therefore, the report is clear and focused, not cluttered with disclosures, or how-to tips. These items are part of separate documents. You are welcome to view a sample report.

Contact Us

METRO Home inspections LLC.
P.O. Box 80 North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
We have live operators that can take appointments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 800-628-6034

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Preventing Mold and Mildew

Many home buyers and sellers today face the scare of "Mold". Many think that anything black is dangerous and harmful to their family’s health.

Yes, there are dangerous types of mold that can grow in your home. The only real way to tell if it is in fact dangerous is to have it professionally tested by a certified inspector.

Not ALL mildews and molds are the "harmful" kind.

Below is a list of ways to help reduce moisture, which may lead to mildew, mold and stains.

• Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts
• Install ice dam heat cords if needed
• Eliminate negative grade toward the home
• Redirect sprinkler heads
• Repair foundation cracks and waterproof
• Remove trees close to the home
• Snake drains if there are trees on the property
• Remove ivy or other foliage where needed
• Maintain roof, flashing and chimney
• Properly insulate the home
• Maintain proper indoor temperatures
• Minimize heavy cooking on cold days
• Minimize long showers on cold days
• Limit use of ventless fireplaces,heating systems
• Limit use of humidifiers
• Properly store boxes and cellulose products (paper)
• Properly vent dryer
• Properly vent all exhaust fans
• Dry carpets and floors after cleaning
• Seal all sump pumps!
• Connect and seal all cold air returns
• Balance the heating system
• Keep basement rooms vented
• Make sure the crawl space is conditioned
• Make sure that the basement floors do not leak
• Make sure gas fired systems are balanced and have proper combustion
• Most importantly! Run a dehumidifier in the basement! Always.

Candles! (My favorite)

Candles can cause soot in the home! Many people may mistake soot for MOLD! around heat registers in closet walls etc. If you are going to burn candles, the experts recommend keeping it limited. If you are a candle addict like myself, DO NOT USE CANDLES IN JARS! Those are the kind that mainly cause the soot. You can test this by taking a tissue to the inside edge of the jar after being burned. You will find soot!

Not only does it appear to be mold, but it obviously makes for POOR air quality.

It also can make drapes, walls, and ceilings dirty.

If you have any further questions regarding mold, mildew, moisture or stains, Please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to a FREE analysis of your home's moisture potential.

Mold inspection

If you are interested in having a professional inspection of your home, Please contact:

Marko Emil. Vovk

Marko is a certified indoor environmentalist, Air balancer, Microbial investigator, Expert Witness, Infrared thermographer group 5000 member, Civil engineer, State licensed termite inspector,Radon tester, Lead paint assessor.

Contact Us

Specializing in Forensic moisture mapping and investigations HVAC systems balancing & diagnostics, Energy audits.

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Preparing a House to Sell

Outside Maintenance

• Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris (leaves, sticks, etc.) that may block the flow of water from your roof.
• Properly grade the area under your downspouts and around your house, so rainwater flows away from your foundation. Splash blocks can help rainwater at downspouts flow in the proper direction. If necessary, add extensions to your downspouts.
• Plantings should be set away from the foundation to ensure regular watering does not add to soil moisture around the basement. Lawn sprinklers should not hit the house or the area next to the foundation.
• Ensure that landscaping around the foundation (sidewalks, patios, gardens, etc.) starts at 8 inches down from the top of your foundation wall and slopes away from the home. Failure to do so may cause moisture to build up at or around the foundation and promote the environment for mold growth.
• Keep mulch, dirt and other landscaping material away from veneer drainage system weep holes commonly found on, but not limited to masonry and stucco homes. The veneer drainage system diverts water away from the interior of the exterior wall system and the weep holes allow the water to escape the wall. If the weep holes are blocked or clogged with debris, mold may form on the interior of the exterior walls. The weep holes are found at the bottom of the finished veneer.
• Sidewalks, steps and exterior foundation cracks should be filled or parged to bring up to date.
• Caulking around windows, doors, chimney/siding cavity, foundation, and other common leakage points is necessary to prevent any moisture intrusion.

Inside Maintenance

• Clean everything in sight. The kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and general living spaces, and clean/test household appliances and equipment. No matter what physical condition the property is in, it should be clean, tidy and uncluttered.
• You want buyers to view your home as their potential home. Therefore put away family photos, sports trophies, collectable items, knick-knacks and souvenirs. Put them in a box or a rented storage area for a few months.
• Shampoo rugs and wax floors.
• Wash walls and use a broom to clear cobwebs from the corners of rooms and closets.
• Wash windows and clean blinds or draperies.
• Repair those small things now, like leaky faucets, missing tiles or broken screens.
  Replace all burned-out light bulbs.
• Properly insulate (12" of blanket or 8" of blown-in insulation) and ventilate the attic of your home.
• If you are a smoker, clean, prime and paint any nicotine stained walls and ceilings thoroughly and refrain from smoking in the home.

Basement

• Neaten up the basement.
• Clean up and correct any water problems in your basement, iincluding upgrading the foundation with a mortar parging at all loose cavities and cracks.
  Test sump pump.

The Day of the Showing

• Before you leave, turn on all lights, open all curtains and shutters to let in as much light as possible but screen out unappealing views.

This article was brought to you by NACHI member:

Contact Us

Anthony Perry, Sr
APS Home Inspection Service, LLC
Lakewood, Oh
E-Mail Address: apshomeinspection@msn.com

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Radon

While smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Surgeon General rank radon as the number two cause of lung cancer. An estimated 22,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths result from exposure to Radon.

Radon is naturally occurring in any soil. It is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, radioactive gas, produced by the natural breakdown of radium in soil, rock, and water.

Radon enters houses through cracks in concrete floors, utility access openings, floor drain spaces, sump pumps, construction joints, and cracks in walls.

Radon induces cancer by trapping radon decay products deeply in our lungs, where the alpha particles radiate and penetrate the cells of the mucous membranes, bronchi, and other pulmonary tissues. The ionizing radiation is believed to initiate carcinogenesis (cancer production).

The evidence for Radon induced lung cancer has been studied for over 50 years, with extensive studies of thousands of underground miners worldwide. An increase in lung cancer was observed with an increase in exposure to radon progeny.

Low exposures were found to produce greater lung cancer risk over longer periods, at the 4pCi/L action level than shorter exposures with higher levels. Another finding was that individuals who smoke cigarettes, have an increased exposure when exposed to Radon.

Radon can be controlled and reduced through a mitigation system, a pipe which draws air from beneath the slab of the house and exhausts it above the roof line. An added benefit is a reduction of moisture in the house, as well as other soil gasses entering the home.

Radon testing can be easily performed. We use continuous electronic monitors which are left in the lowest livable space for two days (real estate transaction).

Contact a radon testing specialist here

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Photos - Problems in a home

These are actual photos taken from home inspections. Would you be able to detect these as defects? Many homes in areas like Rocky River, Westlake, West Park, Lakewood, and Cleveland Heights, have older homes that may need to be professionally looked at by a home inspector. Even newer homes - Avon Lake, Westlake, Parma, Brecksville, etc, may still have flaws and need a professional home inspection.

Click photos for larger image.

The above photos courtesy of the Independent Home Inspectors of North America

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Find a Home

Contact us for more information

Cleveland Ohio's preferred Realtors with the Youshouldown.com team and RE/MAX are ready to help you with any real estate service or questions in Cleveland or in Parma Heights, Euclid, Parma, Seven Hills, Brook Park, Hannah, Barrington, Middleburg, Berea, Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Westlake, North Royalton, Strongsville, Broadview Heights, Avon, Avon Lake, Lorain County, Medina County, Lakewood, Columbus, Youngstown, Warren Ohio, Rocky River, Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Ridgeville, Sandusky and neighboring communities, for the zip codes 44145 44111 44107 44102 44135 44070 etc.

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