by Home Standards | Aug 31, 2022 | Blog, Home Inspections, Safety, Windows
Inspector Paul discovered windows that are lower than 18 inches in this home. Local building code says that fixed or operable windows must include safety glass if the bottom edge is less than 18 inches above the floor. Safety glass is a type of glass specifically...
by Home Standards | Aug 22, 2022 | Buildings Exterior, Electric, Safety
Inspector Aaron discovered the ground wire for an electrical meter was not properly installed. An electrical ground rod is typically located near the main electrical service panel and is often made of either copper or copper-coated steel. In the event of a system...
by Home Standards | Aug 11, 2022 | Appliances, Home Inspections, Kitchens, Plumbing, Safety
As home inspectors, it seems sometimes we’ve seen it all. Recently inspector Tim discovered an exposed wiring spice located right under a dishwasher door. Should the dishwasher leak (they often do), this would be a big safety concern. That’s also another...
by Home Standards | Aug 5, 2022 | Attics, Buildings Exterior, Chimney, Heating and Air, Roof
While inspecting the roof of a 90-year-old home recently, Paul found a few air vents that were improperly flashed. The shingles should go over the sides of the vent to prevent rainwater from getting under the fixture and go into the house. During his home inspection...
by Home Standards | Aug 4, 2022 | Blog, Garage, Plumbing, Video
Inspector Aaron discovered a unique faucet inside a garage recently. It dispenses both hot and cold water by turning the handle to the red or blue color, then pulling out the handle. As inspectors, we run across some very interesting features during our work. Have you...
by Home Standards | Jul 18, 2022 | Attics, Garage, Home Inspections, Safety
Garage ceiling removed, exposing attic, discovered in a recent inspection by inspector Aaron. This is a safety issue related to potential fire and CO2 hazards. ...
by Home Standards | Jul 15, 2022 | Electric, Home Inspections, Kitchens, Safety
During a recent home inspection, Steve found an electrical outlet in the cabinet above the microwave that was not properly installed. The exposed wiring is both a safety and fire hazard. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy fix by having a new electrical box...
by Home Standards | Jul 15, 2022 | Buildings Exterior, Electric, Home Inspections, Pests, Safety
Inspector Aaron spoke too soon when he discovered a hornet nest in an outdoor electrical outlet on a house he was inspecting and said he “was lucky [he] didn’t get stung.” Unfortunately, he WAS stung by one of the nasty hornets. But, he’s fine...
by Home Standards | Jul 12, 2022 | Appliances, Buildings Exterior, Electric, Heating and Air, Home Inspections
During an inspection of a local property, Inspector Steve discovered the OPPD (Omaha Public Power District) “Cool Smart Program” device’s wires were disconnected from the outdoor AC unit. The OPPD Cool Smart Program is a way for homeowners to reduce...
by Home Standards | Jul 11, 2022 | Electric, Home Inspections, Patio and Decks, Plumbing, Safety
Steve Vacha, President, Home Standards Inspecting a home on a golf course and testing the sprinkler could have been the end of this old inspector. The first few zones operated just fine on this meticulously cared for yard. But, when I went to the back yard, I saw a...