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Attention Home Buyers! Lets Set Some Realistic Expectations With Your Home Inspector. Yes this means you, It is very important you understand what to expect during your home inspection. To many times home buyers have unrealistic expectations during there home inspections because they did not read the inspection agreement and or were given bad information from there realtor or family member.

Communication is key between you and your inspectors! Not all systems in a home are covered by the general inspector so ask your inspector questions before the inspection day arrives. Let your inspector know if the home has a pool, ADU, fireplace, fire sprinklers etc.

John Laforme
CREIA Certified Inspector #0155263
Home Inspection Authority

800-950-1814

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A

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Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
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🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

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Aww Rats! No seriously the home you are buying may have tenants already living in it rent free, otherwise known as squatters of the fury kind. Let's make sure you not buying a petting zoo. This condition may be identified by one of your inspectors you hired after opening escrow. If the home does have evidence of pests don't panic just call a professional and have the problem dealt with. Most homeowners are not aware they have open voids in their exterior walls etc.

Rats or mice only need a small hole to gain access to free lodging in your attic, crawlspace or even worse! Inside your living area. The best way to solve this issue is to carefully inspect the exterior of your home and make sure no vegetation is concealing a open void under it and make sure large tree branches are not touching your roof, or are to close where pests can jump onto your roof. If your house has a crawlspace under it make sure the vent screens are not damaged or missing. If they are get them fixed right away.

Thanks For Listening

John Laforme

Click link below to see the damage rats and other pests can cause to your home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGlGs2TtSPI&t=42s

https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

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Are your exterior doors installed backwards? Listen to this podcast to help identify if they are installed backwards. Often times i find doors that open outward on a home and the installation looks questionable, typically because i see the door hinges on the exterior. If your door hinges are outside then they must be the correct type for this application. The hinges should be security hinges so they cannot be removed from the exterior.

So whats the big deal if i want my doors to open outwards instead of inwards as they are designed to do? Well if you want to keep the warranty on the door i would not install them to open outward unless they are designed to open outward. This may void your warranty.

Another fun fact regarding your doors warranty is if you do not paint/seal all 6 sides of the door you may void the warranty of the doors. Make sure whom ever installs your exterior doors paints/seals all 6 sides.

Attention home inspectors: Pay close attention to the door sill, jams and hinges when inspecting exterior doors. CYA brothers and sisters.

As promised here is a youtube video explaining how to identify if the doors are installed backwards.

https://youtu.be/RXNfGy4c8fY

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

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Episode 4:

Too sewer scope or not to sewer scope? That is the big question when buying a home. John Laforme and Robert Deyl both agree having your sewer lateral inspected is a must have inspection when buying a home, Heres why.

The unknown is a sewer lateral pipe which is buried under ground between your foundation and the city sewer connection. This pipe is the responsibility of the home owner (you), so if you buy a home and choose not to have the sewer camera inspection performed and it happens to be blocked, full of roots, collapsed etc, It is your (the Home owners) responsibility to repair or replace the pipe at your expense and these repairs can range from 2,000.00 to 25,000.00 depending on whats wrong with the pipe. Spending a few hundred dollars during your inspection contingency period to have the sewer camera inspection performed is a great investment. So do not skimp on the inspections skimp on the window treatments!

Here are some common unrealistic expectation during a home or sewer inspection:
1) Just because the sinks and tubs are draining does not mean you do not need the sewer camera inspection. This is common logic among realtors and buyers.

2) There is a shiny new ABS plastic clean-out in the front yard on a 1950's house, so doesn't this mean the sewer lateral has been replaced? Not necessarily, in most cases the only upgrade was the clean-out was installed so its very likely this is the only section of pipe thats new.
3) The sellers disclosed that the drain plumbing has been upgraded, this typically means the plumbing under the house has been upgraded Not the under ground sewer lateral unless specifically described on the invoice.

You can contact Robert Deyl Plumbing online

http://www.robertdeylplumbing.com/

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

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In Episode 3 , David Olivas from Pyramid Pest Control and John Laforme explain the difference between a Termite Inspection Vs Home Inspection. Wood damage to a home can be general wood damage typically pointed out by a general home inspector, however determining if damage is dry rot or (WDO) Wood Destroying Organisms must be reported by a licensed pest control contractor only. This episode is intended to explain the process in the simplest terms for the home owner, realtor or future buyer.

Termites are very common in most homes in California, being told your home has termites should be expected. The next step is addressing the issues noted in your termite inspectors report. Your termite report may indicate specific areas only or multiple areas of current dry rot or Termite damage. If multiple areas of damage are present and some areas cannot be reached then fumigation may be recommended by your Termite inspector.

A structural pest control specialist is any individual who is licensed by the board to apply a pesticide, rodenticide, or allied chemicals or substances for the purpose of eliminating, exterminating, controlling, or preventing infestation or infections of pests or (WDO) wood destroying organisms included in sections 1-2-3 of a termite Inspection report.

Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) including termites or any insect, as well as rot or any fungus, that damage wood. Under California law, only an inspector licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board is qualified or authorized to inspect for any rot or termite activity or damage. You are advised to obtain a current WDO report and must rely on that report for any potential rot or termite activity and recommendations for repair.

Contact Information for David Olivas of Pyramid Pest Control 818-298-8939
[email protected]

https://pyramidpests.com/

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Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

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Episode #2 is about what causes drywall cracks, Are the cracks cosmetic or indication of a bigger structural issue?

There are many conditions that can lead to drywall cracks so let's start with the minor cosmetic only issues home buyers tend to stress over. Straight line cracks are typical in any home new or old and are typically the result of a poor drywall joint where 2 sheets of drywall connect. Poor installation of drywall is also a common cause of cracks and other defects, hiring the lowest bidder is never a good idea when it comes to finish work. Other drywall defects may be nail or screw pops where the nail or screw are protruding thru the drywall. This is a minor repair, poorly secured corner bead can cause long vertical cracks at corners of walls and ceilings.

Home Inspector's Beware: White paint conceals drywall blemishes very conveniently, so be sure to use a good flashlight when inspecting walls and ceilings.

Major drywall cracks may be described as stress cracks, stress cracks are indication of past or current building movement. The drywall appears ripped or torn in a jagged fashion or some times the drywall appears to be compressed/crushed on itself causing a lip or bump on the wall. Expansive soil or failed foundation and or wood framing members can cause this condition.

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening

Send us a text

This episode is about setting expectations for home buyers and their realtors when buying a home built in the early 1900's. I have inspected hundreds of early 1900's homes over the years, the reactions from buyers and their realtors can be a bit numbing at times when i am giving my overview of what conditions i found during the home inspection. I believe the reason for this is because the buyers only see the new paint, drywall, kitchen cabinets and new stainless appliances etc. No one is thinking hey whats holding up the house?

The reality is the home may be a flip and the original systems may be still in place such as the foundation, wood framing, electrical, plumbing and heating. Determining the condition of these systems is the purpose of the general home inspection.

Congratulations on your home! Buying a home is a great investment, just make sure you get as much information as you can about the home you want to buy before you commit. Get all the inspections the home requires and get the specialists that are recommended to get you price quotes before the end of your inspection contingency period and the close of escrow.

Here are some of the different conditions i may find during a home inspection when inspecting an early 1900's homes.

Support the show

Listener Feedback Is Always Welcome and Appreciated.
Is there a particular topic I have not covered on the show that you want to hear?

You can become a supporter of the show by clicking this link below, become a supporter and get a shout out on the next podcast episode.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1838062/support

Please feel free to email me what type of topics you are interested in as well as any other tips to improve your listening experience. [email protected]

🔴 Please Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to receive updates on the video version of the podcasts and hundreds of real home defect videos I find during actual home inspections as well as how to maintain your home videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXzxEH5J8y5EW1lZ3LtDB0A?sub_confirmation=1

🟢 If you are in the Los Angeles area and are in the process of buying a home I am available to inspect it for you. You can Schedule Inspection Online 24/7
https://www.homeinspectionauthority.com/

John Laforme
Certified CREIA Inspector Member #0155263
Home Inspection Authority LLC

Former President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter
Former Vice President of CREIA Mid Valley Chapter

Thanks For Listening