How old is the house?
Most sellers don’t want to really tell buyers the real age of the house. Many brokers would probably tell you that the house was built just a few years back or tell something like “the house is just a decade old” when the real thing is that the house is nearing its 20th year.
Knowing the real age of the house is very important. It would give you a clear understanding about what systems the house is running in and what are the repairs and maintenance needed to keep it running in good condition.
Houses built in the 1970’s or earlier still contain lead based paints, asbestos insulation and other harmful chemicals and banned materials.

Main reason why the house is being sold?
The most common answer to this is probably, “The owner has been re-located for work”.
This may be probably true, but it would not hurt to ask some more about some other reasons why the house is being sold. You might uncover important details like faulty water and electrical systems, flood prone location, and the likes.

What are the major repairs for this house in the past?
The answers to this question can give you a clear idea about the problems this house encountered in the past. Previous repairs can tell you which part of the house or its systems is weak and which may need further repairs in the future and which parts are working perfectly.
It is important to ask if there had been major repairs on structures like the roof, walls, foundation and floor.

Any problems with the water and electricity supply?
Water and electricity are some of the basic necessities inside your house. Many of your house’s systems like your heater or air conditioning unit would not work without electricity, while some of your chores can be delayed like washing your laundry r cooking for dinner may be delayed by lack of water supply. You should look for a location that has very few water and electricity interruptions.

Do you have any mold problems in the past?
Molds are a serious health risk for your family. They can be very hard to see and you’ll probably miss them during your initial scan of the house.
Having mold problems can also mean some problems in the house like leaking roofs, busted water pipes or poor air ventilation.
These questions can help you determine if the house you are looking at is safe to live in. But for better measure, you must consult the experts on home safety, and that is South Bay Home Inspections.

South Bay Home Inspections have certified home inspectors that can inspect both old and new homes for any structural defects, mold problems, and other problems.

Our modern equipment and tools coupled with our experienced inspectors who receive continuous trainings can give you complete and certified home inspection report. This report contains full details about your house’s safety features. We can also give you quality advice about house repairs and proper house maintenance.
South Bay Home Inspections also offer Air Sampling and Mold Inspections services as well as Pool and Spa Inspections for your homes.

• Big front and rear lawn
Most old homes come with a big lawn. This means you’ll have plenty of land to plant your favorite ornamental plants. You might even have enough room to start your very own organic herb garden or make a mini playground for your kids. A spacious rear lawn can be also used for swimming pools.
You might even get lucky to get a house with a big, old tree, perfect for tree houses or as canopy for picnics.

• Great Architectural Design
Most old homes are made using classic designs not commonly found in newer houses. Most of these designs are very elegant and can make your house look more expensive than it looks. You might find some interesting works of art in your house such as those special arches, handmade decorative appointments and glass stained windows.

• Good investment
Old houses are great investments. Older houses are easier to sell than most new houses. There is also called capital growth where the value of old houses rises faster as compared to new houses. If you are planning for a buy and sell business in real estate, go for old homes.

• Great Neighborhood
Old houses are located in old neighborhood. You can find a lot of good neighbors in these places. Some of your neighbors might be staying there for decades, so you can ask some information about the house, the people in your community and others.
An established neighborhood can also go well in your favor, for these neighborhoods can have a lot of nearby stores, restaurants, hospitals and schools.

Size of the house
One of the most common advantages of buying an older house is its size. Most old houses are made larger compared to newer ones. This means you can have a house with lots of bedroom, an attic, garage and even a yard. Many old houses are constructed with higher ceiling space and large bedroom space.
There are also a lot of possibility of expansion and renovation when you buy an old home. You can use your extra bedroom as your office or convert other rooms as living quarters for other members of the family.
The main reason why people shy away from buying an old home is the misconception about safety. Most old homes are safe to live in. But it is always wise to seek first the advice of experts in home safety before buying the house.

For a complete safety inspection of your desired house, you can call South Bay Home Inspections, an ASHI certified home inspection company.
We can give you a certified home inspection package that can include looking into your water, electrical, roofing, heating and air conditioning units. Our certified home inspectors can also give you useful advice about repairs and other modifications.

South Bay Home Inspections can also conduct special Air Sampling and Mold Inspection package to determine if your house is safe from Black Mold infestation. You can also avail our affordable Pool and Spa Mold Inspection Package.
Get a sample free report by calling us today to know what is usually included in our home inspection services.

For those eying to buy newly built houses, you can enjoy these benefits:
• Low cost of maintenance and repairs.
• Modern houses are built to be more efficient.
• You can play an active hand on the construction and final details including styling.
• Modern houses are safe from lead based paints and asbestos insulating materials.
For those who want to buy old homes, this choice can offer you these advantages:
• Most old homes are much bigger than newly built homes.
• Older homes may also come with a big lawn or backyard.
• Older homes can be stylish and elegant with great architectural design.
• Older homes are situated in a more mature community complete with friendly neighbors, stores and schools.

There are a lot of benefits whether or not you go for a new home or choose an old house. In the same way, there are disadvantages unique to both. There is no right or wrong in this situation. The important thing that you should consider first before buying a house is to determine its safety so you and your family will not come to harm when you move to your new place.
And for home safety concerns, you need the help of professional and ASHI certified Home Inspectors.
If you are about to buy a house in the South Bay and Los Angeles Area, you can contact us at South Bay Home Inspections. We are here to help ensure that the house you are getting is fit and safe to live in.

We offer certified home inspections and we also specializes in
• Air Sampling and Mold Inspections and
• Pool and Spa Inspections
For more details please visit our website at southbayhomeinspections.com

Your new home will be a new beginning for you and your love ones so better make it as wonderful and safe start as it can be.

1. Ease of Maintenance
New houses are now made with stronger and more durable building materials, making them more efficient to maintain and keep. Being new, your house would also be free from costly repairs and other replacement from worn down parts. A new house that is well built will take a few years before needing some major maintenance.

2. Customization
By buying a new house, you can put your distinct style or reflect your lifestyle into it before all the works are finished. You can have your house customized by painting it with your favorite color or installing it with your desired floor panels. It is also easier to create a theme for your new house as compared to completely redecorating an old one.

3. Energy Efficiency
Most brand new homes are more energy efficient. Many new house designs are made to keep your energy costs at bay. New homes are also made to take advantage of natural lighting and natural airflow so that you can cut your energy consumption. Brand new house equipments like heaters and air conditioning units are more electricity efficient as compared to older models found in old homes.

4. Warranty and Customer Service
Most new houses especially those bought inside subdivisions have certain warranty that covers most of the inside and outside structures of the house. These warranties protect home owners from incidents brought about by building malpractices or faulty construction. The warranty can be used to charge the seller to repair the damage or let you transfer to another home.

5. Safety
One of the greatest advantages of owning a new house is the safety that it offers. Being new, most of its materials and parts are in tip top condition. You can be assured that your house’s wood components are still free from wood rot and termites.
Your wall and most of your house will be painted with paints free from lead and other toxic metals, while your electrical system will be having circuit breakers that can help prevent fires and other electrical based accidents.

For new houses, you can also be assured that you are safe from the elements for your roof will still be in very good condition for many years to come.

But of course, no building is perfect for you can still find some minor fault in the construction of new buildings. These faults may not be intentional, still it needs professionals to look at your house before buying them so that you can be truly be informed about the real safety issues of the house.
For Certified Home Inspections for new houses, you can contact South Bay Home Inspections.
South Bay Home Inspections also offers generalist home inspections to old homes conducted by professional home inspectors. We also provide:
• Air Sampling and Mold Inspection Packages and
• Pool and Spa Inspection Packages
Call us today for a consultation.

Federal law states that for houses and buildings built before 1978, the land owner should advice the buyer or those who would rent his house about any lead based paints used in the property.

Part of the law states that:

• The Landowner will have to disclose any known information about lead based paints and lead based hazards before the lease takes place. The lease contract should include a disclosure form about lead based paints.

• For Sellers, they also need to inform the buyer about the use of lead based paints and their potential hazards. The Sellers contract should have a disclosure form about lead based paints. The Buyer has 10 days to check the house for any traces of lead based paints.

It is still safe to use a house with a layer of lead based paints that is still in good condition. The hazards of lead poisoning usually start when lead based paints starts to chip or crumble to dust.

You can also get lead poisoning when you do renovation jobs. Paints being scrapped or sanded will produce paint dust that can either be swallowed or inhaled accidentally.

Children are the ones most prone to lead based paint poisoning. They love to touch walls and windows. Some paint chips might stick to their hands and the child might swallow it once he puts his hands to his mouth.

Health Hazards of Lead Poisoning

It is said that children are most prone to lead poisoning. But even adults can be affected by lead based paints. Many of the health hazards caused by lead poisoning are serious and most of the time irreversible, so it better to have your house checked by certified home inspectors before renting or buying it.

For children lead poisoning can lead to:

• Brain and nerve damage
• Behavioral and learning disorders
• Hearing problems
• Stunned growth
• Regular Headaches

For adults, lead poisoning can lead to:

• Problems during pregnancy
• Reproductive problems for both men and women
• Digestive problems
• High blood pressure
• Nerve damage
• Memory loss and lack of concentration
• Muscle and joint pain

If you are about to buy or rent a house built 30 years ago or even older and suspects that lead based paints were used during construction, you can have the house tested for any lead based paints are advisable.

One of the best persons to call for the job is a certified home inspector. Certified home inspectors like the professionals of South Bay Home Inspections use safe practices and high standard assessment to ensure your safety during and after testing.

Ensure that the house you are buying is in top condition. Call on and avail of the services of South Bay Home Inspections for your peace of mind.

But having a swimming pool also comes with more responsibility for there are a lot of accidents that can happen in and out of the pool. Accidents like slipping or drowning can cause lost lives. For kids, drowning is an ever present danger especially if they are left unattended.

For swimming pool owners, it is a must to have a swimming pool alarm installed in your pool area. This is a must especially if you have kids around the house.

Pool alarms are inventions that signal adults whenever kids or any unauthorized persons enter the swimming pool. Adding these safety devices can alert adults when kids wander around the pool or dive into the water.

In many States, drowning is listed as one of the highest cause of deaths for children below 14 years of age. It is estimated that there are 350 cases of drowning of children 5 years and below happening annually in the residential setting. These scenarios can be reduced if there are pool alarms in all swimming pools so that adults can be alerted and can respond quickly to the situation. Even pets can get killed from drowning in unattended swimming pools.

There are also laws that require pool owners to install swimming pool safety devices in their property like alarms, pool gates and fence, and swimming pool covers. One such act is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act that encourages every State to create pool regulations and safety regulation act. Some of the States that passed such regulations are the States of New York, Connecticut and California.

Types of Swimming Pool Alarms

There are a lot of pool alarm models in the market today. Some of the most popular types are:

Surface Wave Sensors

This type of pool alarm is the type that floats on water. It has two electrical circuits that have 2 contact points. One point rests in the water while the other is placed above the water’s surface. Alarm is triggered when the contact point above the water gets wet which were caused by waves of water.

Sub-surface Disturbance Sensor

This alarm is usually placed below the water surface. This sensor is activated changes by wave induced pressure changes.

Wristband Alarms

These alarms are placed in a child’s wrists and the alarm activates when it gets wet. These wristbands can not be removed without the proper key. However it is not a pool proof device for the alarm can be triggered when the child washes his hands or spills his drinks.

To keep your swimming pool and spa area safe, it is best to contact South Bay Home Inspections to check out your pool.

Our certified home inspectors are also Certified Pool and Spa Inspectors and they can advise you on what are the best type of pool arms for your pool and spa.

We can also determine if your pool has good water quality and is free from harmful organisms such as molds and bacteria.

Taking care of your pool and having it regularly check by professional pool inspectors is a wise move. Call on South Bay Home Inspections so our ASHI Certified Home Inspectors and Pool and Spa Inspectors can evaluate the safety and condition of your swimming pools.

Termites eat cellulose that is mostly found in plant matter. Wood is rich in cellulose, making them a favorite among most types of termites. Even your wooden furniture, walls, and your house’s foundation are not safe from termites.

Getting the help of certified home inspectors can help you determine if your house is free from these wood eating insects.

Home inspections are done to ensure your safety and your house’s integrity and condition. A certified home inspector can inspect some of the spaces inside your house that are not usually exposed to sunlight or fresh air. These conditions are a perfect breeding ground for most household pest such as cockroach, Black Molds and termites.

Certified home inspectors can also check your house’s exterior whether there are termite’s nest nearby or there are some factors like pile of firewood that can attract termites and other wood destroying insects.

If a termite problem is found, a certified home inspector can give you a professional opinion about hiring a termite exterminator and replacing the destroyed portion of your house. He can even give you some handy tips in keeping your houses free from termites such as applying wood preservatives on your house’s wooden components, removing obstructions to keep fresh air and sunlight into your house or removing some of the objects outside your house that can attract termites.

Do Home Inspectors treat termite infestation?

A certified home inspection does not cover termite extermination. A home inspector’s job is to look for any objects or organisms that can endanger the inhabitant’s safety and health.

These dangers can be anything from black molds, faulty electrical wiring, worn out components, and checking different systems like your electrical, water and heating systems.

Expert home inspectors like the Certified Home Inspectors of South Bay Home Inspections can also conduct inspections in some of the hard to reach areas of your house in order to have a clear idea on your house’s real condition. These areas include your attic, basement and some of your crawls spaces. Coincidently, these areas are the most prone regions for termite attacks. Many wooden parts of your house are located in these areas.

What your home inspector can do is give you an assessment of the damage, advice on removal or repair for the damaged portion, suggest a termite control company and give you advice on how to stop the spread of the infestation or how to prevent future attacks.

Common Termite Treatment for your House

There are a lot of pesticides and other anti termite products in the market today and these makes it very enticing for home owners to jump on board and buy these products.

But you have to realize that most termites, particularly the Subterranean termites that are the most prevalent termite species in the US, lives underground and buying these so called termite busters might not be enough to solve your termite problems.

The best you can do is to follow the advice of your home inspector and hire certified termite eradicator.

These people can eradicate termites by placing poisoned baits or by conducting soil termite treatments.

You can also ask your certified home inspector about physical barriers that prevent termites from reaching your house’s wooden parts.

Types of Termites in the United States

• Subterranean Termites

The Subterranean Termites are the most prevalent species of termites in the United States. They are even recorded in colder regions of the country such as in the State of Alaska. In Chicago, it is estimated that 1 of every 15 households have subterranean termite infestation.

• Dry Wood Termites

These insects thrive in houses with no sub-areas. They are usually spotted in the attic, walls and other crawl spaces.

Many termites breed or nest in spring, usually in the months of April and May. You should be on the look out for flying termites or any discarded termite wings for these are sure signs that a nest of termites are nearby and they are trying to find other places to colonize. These flying termites are the ones responsible for swarming. They are usually mistaken for flying ants.

Importance of Certified Home Inspections

One of the best ways to prevent termite infestations or the earliest ways to detect termites is to call your local certified home inspectors.

Your certified home inspectors can inspect the exterior of your house to check for termite nests or places that are conducive for termite nesting grounds.

Certified Home Inspectors are also trained to detect any structural damage caused by termites. They can also detect many signs of termite damage such as damaged wood parts, dry wood termite pellets, or discarded termite wings.

Hiring a certified home inspector to conduct a termite inspection is important. Termite damage is usually those located far from open air or lighted places. It is a difficult job for those who are not properly trained to truly asses the situation whether a house is free from termites or not.

Certified Home inspectors such as us at South Bay Home Inspections can give you professional advice on how to prevent or treat any termite threats. We are ASHI certified so you can be sure our services surpass industry standards and we take our job seriously. We want to help homeowners like you have the safest living environment possible and that includes helping you diagnose termite problems so you can rid your house of this pest.

For a list of our services please visit our website at http://southbayhomeinspections.com.

When is the best time to ask for an Air Sampling and Mold Inspection test?

It is best to schedule a regular certified home inspection every couple of years. Certified home inspectors can advise you for the best time to take an Air Sampling and Mold Inspection. Your expert home inspector can also better notice some traces or suspects a mold infestation in your house compared to the average homeowners.

Other signs like water damage, wall and ceiling discoloration and musky smell can also be used as your signal to contact your home inspector and tell him to do an air sampling.

The home inspector usually takes two air samples inside your house. He also takes two air samples from outside your house, one from the windward side of your house and the other the leeward side of the house.

However, home inspectors are not obliged to take a sample if his health would be in apparent danger.

Where to take Air Samples?

Samples should be taken from a room where you suspect molds are in hiding. Previous history of water damage, water intrusion, musty odors, past history of mold growth are just some signs that a room should be inspected and air samples should be collected for further analysis.

It only takes around 10 minutes for the machine to finish collecting an air sample. The machine will be placed in the center of the room and the collection device will be placed 3 to 6 feet above the floor.

Air sampling is done in closed conditions, so better close all the doors, vents and windows during the inspection. This will help stabilize the air and get the best air samples for accurate measurement. Air movement such as blowing of the wind or those caused by sudden movement could alter the findings from the air sample.

Samples of Air Sampling Machines for Mold Spores

Your home inspector can use either one or a combination of these 3 common air sampling devices.

Impaction Samplers

These devices use a calibrated air pump to force mold spores into microscope slides.

Cassette Samplers

Cassette Samplers are air samplers that uses forced air to impact spores in the collection media. These machines are usually disposable and are good for one time use only.

Air Born Particle Collectors

The air-born particle collectors trap the spores of molds directly to the culture dish. The culture dish is then used to determine which species of molds are present in your house.

For Air Sampling and Mold Inspections in the South Bay and Los Angeles Area, please call South Bay Home Inspections at (424) 210-7244 or visit our website at www.southbayhomesinspections.com.

South Bay Home Inspections also conduct Pool and Spa inspections and other certified home inspection services.

Fire extinguishers are very important because they are used to stop or prevent the spread of fire. Some fire extinguishers can even douse fires water cannot.

Know the Different Types of Fire

To know more on what fire extinguishers to buy and what they can do, it is important to determine first the different fire types.

Class A- This type of fire is a result from common combustible materials such as wood, paper and cloth.

Class B- Class B fire are fires brought about by the combustion of liquid substances such as fuel, kerosene, gasoline and grease.

Class C- Class C fires are caused by electrical disturbances. Fires of this type can be caused by short circuits, exposed electrical wires, power overloads, and exploding circuit breakers.

Class D- fires caused by combustible metals such as sodium, titanium, potassium and magnesium are considered Class D fires. This type of fire is more common in factories and chemical laboratories.

Class K- Class K fires are common fires in the kitchen that are often caused by cooking oil and lard.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Knowing the different fire types is the first step you should take when buying a fire extinguisher in your home. The next step is to know which type of fire extinguishers to buy for different types of fire. It is best to keep different types of fire extinguishers at home for you’ll never know when a fire will start and what causes it.

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

The first type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is those that use ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent. This type is commonly called multi purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers and is effective in fighting Class A, B and C fires. Most of these fire extinguishers are found in offices, schools and hospitals.

The other type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is the Regular Dry Chemical fire extinguisher that is best for fire Classes B and C. Regular dry chemical fire extinguishers are best suited for your kitchen or garage.

Carbon Dioxide

These fire extinguishers contain liquid Carbon Monoxide and release it in gas form when used. They are best in fighting fire classes B and C. They are also environmental friendly and do not leave any toxic residue.

Water Extinguishers

They should only be used for Class A fires. These fire extinguishers can even spread the fire if used in fire classes B and D. You might also get electrocuted if you use these on Class C fires.

Wet Chemicals

These are used to combat fires originated from cooking oil and other kitchen materials. They can also be used in Class A fires.

Home Inspectors on Fire Extinguishers

During a home inspection, you certified home inspector should do the following:

• Check the fire extinguisher’s expiry date
• Check the canister for dents and cracks
• Locate a fire extinguisher 30 feet away from the kitchen.
• Make sure that the fire extinguisher is placed in a place that is visible and very accessible.

Your certified home inspector can also give you sound advice where to place your fire extinguishers and what type of fire extinguishers to buy.

For more information about Home Inspections in Los Angeles and the South Bay Area please contact South Bay Home Inspection. You can also ask for a sample free home inspection report so you’ll know the coverage and things that our expert home inspector will look for when he visits your house.