Minnesota Radon Map Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC

Radon in homes has been at the forefront of real estate news lately.  Word has it that the State of Minnesota is paving the way to require testing of homes at the time of sale.  Minnesota has already made the requirement that all newly constructed homes have a radon mitigation system installed.

We at Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC thought it would be a cool idea to plot our findings to a map.  So we dug out our testing results since 2011 and loaded them into the map below.  Green icons indicate readings below the EPA action level of 4.0 pc/l.  Yellow icons indicate radon levels 4.0 to 10.0.  Red icons indicate radon levels over 10.0 pc/l.  Both yellow and red icons indicate radon levels which should be mitigated.

Examining the map indicates a couple things to us.  One is there seems to be a correlation between radon levels and bodies of water.  Secondly, there's no way to know whether levels will be high or low without testing.

 

 Click to see the full sized map.

The Truth About Truth in Housing Inspections

Several cities in the Twin Cities area require a Truth in Housing or Time of Sale inspection.  These cities include:

Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maplewood, New Hope, Osseo, Richfield, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, South St. Paul

These inspections are basically worthless to buyers.  Especially first time home buyers.  The reports are designed to ensure basic property standards of the individual cities.  But, very seldom even accomplish this.  They are not designed to be a "Buyer's Inspection" and should not be relied upon in lieu of Buyer's Inspection.

Take a look at the reports below.  On the left is a Minneapolis Truth in Sale of Housing Disclosure Report.  On the right is a Buyer's Inspection report completed on the very same house, only a few days apart.  The Truth in Sale of Housing Report was completed by an "Evaluator" licensed by the City of Minneapolis.  The Buyer's Inspection report was completed by Ken Rowe, an ASHI Certified Home Inspector.

Click to Download

Click to Download

 

 

 If you've downloaded both you'll see the difference immediately.  The TISH report is 11 pages, the home inspection report is over 80 pages.  There are no pictures in the TISH report.  There are over 40 in the home inspection report.   

But look closer.  There are no electrical or plumbing problems listed at all on the TISH report.  In fact, according the the "Evaluator" this house meets all requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy in the City of Minneapolis.  However, the Buyer's Inspection Report list 14 electrical and plumbing problems which need to be corrected, all of which are documented with pictures.

The differences don't stop there.  According to the "Evaluator" the garage structure, attic venting and pretty much everything else in the home "Meets Minimum Requirements".  On the other hand,  the Buyer''s Home Inspection Report lists 31 pages of deficient items which will need to be addressed at some point.

Do yourself a favor.  When you're buying a house don't rely on the report required by your local government.  Find your own ASHI Certified Inspector.

Tracy Severson - Finding A Qualified Home Inspector May Be Harder Than You Think

http://www.tracyseverson.com/finding-a-qualified-home-inspector-may-be-harder-than-you-think/

There is currently no state regulation of home inspectors in the state of Minnesota, which means pretty much anyone can print business cards and sell home inspection services. While you may save a hundred bucks on the inspection, working with a less than qualified inspector can end up costing you thousands in the long run, as illustrated in Monday night’s KARE 11 news story.
So what can you do to make sure your inspector is a qualified professional?
1. Make sure your inspector is ASHI Certified. While our state has no licensing requirements, the American Society of Home Inspectors does offer certification, which establishes educational, experience, and ethical standards for inspectors. Many inspectors will tell you they are members of ASHI; however, that’s not the same as being certified. Inspectors can become members of ASHI just like you can join many other professional organizations. In order to become certified an inspector must pass the National Home Inspector’s Exam, which is the test 33 U.S. states use for licensing. There are fewer than 30 ASHI certified home inspectors in the state of Minnesota. Make sure your inspector is one of them.

2. Make sure your inspector is insured. According to Ken Rowe of Minnesota Home Inspectors, ninety percent of inspectors carry no liability insurance. The only way an inspector can stand behind their work is to carry insurance to cover themselves—and you—should they miss a significant defect in a home they inspect for you. Without errors and omissions liability insurance, your odds of recovering any losses are very slim, even if you do go to court and get a judgment.
3. Interview Potential Inspectors. Ask questions about the inspector’s experience, the scope of the inspection, and what kind of report or information you will receive about the subject property. Incorporate these questions into your discussion. Keep in mind that the number of inspections performed is a better measure of experience than how long an inspector has been in business. There are some excellent inspectors who have only been in business a couple of years who have much more experience than a part-timer who does 20 inspections per year.
Many Realtors will recommend inspectors if you ask, but you shouldn’t take their recommendations without asking some questions.  A home inspection’s purpose is to protect the buyer, and it’s in your best interest to make sure the inspector you hire is properly trained, experienced, and competent. At some point state lawmakers may require licensing of home inspectors, but in the meantime, I protect my clients by only recommending inspectors who meet the criteria above.

20% Discount On Violet Glass Purchase

For a limited time receive a 20% off discount code for stained glass purchased from Violet Glass on Etsy.com. 

All you have to do is have your home inspection performed by Minnesota Home Inspectors and we'll send you a 20% discount code good for any purchase from Violet Glass.  It's that simple.

Http://www.etsy.com/shop/violetglass123

MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com

Your Home Inspection is Confidential Or Is It?

With the downturn in the economy many home inspection companies have found it necessary to generate additional revenue on top of what they're charging clients for the actual inspection.  One of the methods that seems to be snowballing in the inspection industry is selling the client's information.

There are alarm companies paying inspectors $10 for every client's name and telephone number they submit.  For me that would be an extra $3,000 a year.  It doesn't stop with alarm companies either...home warranty companies and recall notification companies are doing it also...all at the tune of $10 per clients.  That's an extra $9,000 a year to me.

Let me just say, I'm all for making an extra $9,000 a year but not by violating the trust of my clients.  The American Society of Home Inspectors have ruled that selling your client's information if a violation of their Code of Ethics.  The problem is they allow it if the client is notified first.  So home inspectors hide this notification in the small print of their inspection agreements.

At Minnesota Home Inspectors we will never sell or give away our client's personal information, ever.  This is one of the reasons why we've performed inspections for professional sports figures, high profile government officials and even members of the Secret Service.  Their secrets are safe with us.

Minnesota Home Inspectors
Scheduling:  651-489-4633

Thermal Imaging; a new tool for MHI

At Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC we believe in giving our clients the best inspection possible. In order to do that we've purchased a handheld thermal imaging device to assist us in locating hot electrical connections and water leaks.

At Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC we believe in adding value to our service. Therefore, if we suspect a problem area we're going to use thermal imaging to help define the problem...at no additional cost to our clients.

To schedule your next inspection please call MHI at 651-489-4633
www.minnesotahomeinspectors.com

Now Accepting Credit Cards

Minnesota Home Inspectors
is now excepting credit cards!

Minnesota Home Inspectors have moved into the 21st century! We've purchased Android phones and with a little App called Square we can swipe your card at the time of the inspection.

We still accept cash or personal checks but now there's no need to run to the cash machine or get a money order.

To order your next home inspection call 651-489-4633

Minnesotahomeinspectors.com

The Home Inspector's Wish List

In today's challenging housing market, the home inspection is more critical than ever. Buyers are scarce.

Many bank-owned properties are in deteriorated condition. The information presented in a home inspection never has been more important.

The pre-purchase, general home inspection is a visual examination of the components of a house. The intention is to provide the buyer with useful information about the residence and to identify major deficiencies. It is an important part of the home buying and selling process.

Realtors® and sellers of homes want the home inspection to go well. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, it is important that the seller prepare the property for the inspection.

The following is a list Realtors® and sellers can follow to allow the home inspection to proceed as efficiently as possible:


– Provide access to the property to be inspected. Doors should be unlocked or the keys/garage door openers readily accessible.

– If the seller is required to provide access to the property, be there at the appointed time.

– Check that the gas, water and electric utilities are on. This is of special concern in vacant or multifamily residences. Frequently, inspections are canceled and deals fall apart because sellers refuse to turn on utilities. The reluctance by banks to turn on utilities is mystifying and makes the Realtor's® job far more difficult. Keep in mind the City of Minneapolis now requires 3 business days to get the water on to the home.

When banks permit buyers to examine a property but refuse to turn on utilities, it's comparable to a used car salesman inviting a buyer to test drive a used car but refusing to put a battery or gas in the vehicle.

– Check that all pilot lights are lit, hot water tanks and heating systems are operable, appliances are connected and that all water valves are "on" (weather permitting).

– Remove pots and pans from cooking equipment.

– Remove laundry from washers and dryers.

– Remove dishes and clutter from kitchen countertops and sinks.

– Clean up the house. Dirty, smelly homes turn off buyers.

– Clean up the yard. Buyers, Realtors® and home inspectors do not enjoy stepping in animal waste.

– Control pets. Barking and/or jumping dogs make it difficult for the home inspector to do his/her job. Chasing a runaway cat is detrimental to the inspection process.

– Do not run water (except for required toilet flushing) during the inspection. Running a dishwasher, doing laundry, showering, car washing, lawn watering, etc., are disruptive to the inspector's testing procedures.

– Provide easy access to heating systems, hot water tanks and appliances.

– Replace burned-out light bulbs. Proper illumination is essential to the home inspection process.

– Make certain that all fuses and/or circuit breakers are operable.

– Make certain that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operable. Replace batteries as required.

– Disarm alarm systems. Appearances by police and fire departments during inspections are disruptive.

– Control children. Inquisitive or disruptive children are an impediment to the inspection process.

– Provide access to the water meter, gas meter and electrical panel. Remove pictures or decorative items used to conceal electrical panels.

– Provide access to hatches or crawl spaces. If access to a crawl space is through a closet ceiling or floor, remove contents of the closets or storage rooms as necessary to facilitate access. If access panels are extraordinarily obscure, leave a note to assist the inspector in locating these panels.

– If any repair or replacement work (roofing, foundation, heating systems, basement waterproofing, siding or windows, electrical/plumbing, etc.) has been done recently, provide inspector with copies of relevant paperwork.

– Have disclosure forms, engineering reports, point-of-sale information and/or any other pertinent documentation regarding the property available to the inspector.

– Provide as much visibility as reasonably possible for garage walls, basement walls, attics, storage rooms, etc.

source: ASHI Journal

Minnesota Home Inspectors

Scheduling: 651-489-4633

Minnesota Home Inspectors Spring Promotion

MHI Spring Promotion

Your choice:

Either $50 off the inspection price

OR

Add a radon test to the inspection for only $50!

ASHI Certified Inspector
AARST Radon Technician
Fully Insured
Same day inspection reports including digital pictures

Minnesota Home Inspectors
Scheduling: 651-489-4633

Home Inspection Questions Answered

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.

What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.


If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.

Minnesota Home Inspectors
scheduling 651-489-4633

First time buyer? 5 tips on how to avoid a money pit

It’s seems like the perfect home – you’ve been wooed by a savvy, yet informative, real estate agent and the fresh-baked cookies at the open house were a nice touch.
“For many people right now who have the money and who qualify [for a mortgage] it’s a great time to purchase a home. The inventory is high, prices are low and mortgage rates are low,” says Elizabeth Mendenhall, 2011 vice president and liaison to committees for the National Association of Realtors.
But don’t be fooled by a fresh coat of paint and updated countertops. Throwing copious amounts of cash at a series of unfortunate events is hilarious when it’s Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, but going broke on unexpected home repairs isn’t funny when it happens to you.
It’s time to put down the cookies and check for cracks. Here are some tips on how to avoid purchasing a money pit:
Open your eyes and your noseLook for signs of damage or decay when touring a home. Cracks in walls, pooling water along the foundation, wet basements and leaking windows are warning signs buyers shouldn’t ignore. “Areas of large costs generally revolve around major systems of the home like the foundation, roofing, major electrical items, things of that nature,” says David Tamny, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). “Certainly wet basements and foundation problems can lead to large money problems.”
Pay attention to potential mold issues, especially with certain types of exteriors like stucco or cladding, Tamny recommends. Be on the look out for strange odors or staining, which could signal water damage, leaks or a potential rodent problem. Check windows to ensure they haven’t been painted shut and be mindful of fogging, which could signal the window’s seal has been broken or warped.
Rewiring a home’s electrical system doesn’t come cheap. On your initial viewing, check that all outlets and switches are in working order and be sure to inquire whether the residence has knob and tube wiring. Similarly, flush toilets throughout the home and test kitchen and bathroom sinks for sluggish drainage or reduced water pressure.
Don’t be seduced by granite countertops
Be especially conscious of newly flipped or extensively renovated homes, Tamny warns. “That’s certainly an area where people are being subjected to the wolves,” he says. “The professional flippers are very good at cosmetically covering things up and making a house look very good for sale but a lot of them do a terrible job when addressing functional problems within a house.”
Think a new construction will easily pass an inspection? Think again — a new construction demands the same attention to detail. “Even if they [the builder] complies to the letter of the law as far as code goes, there could be lousy craftsmanship,” Tamny warns.
Consult a professionalQualifications for home inspectors vary by state, so do your research to ensure the professional you hire is properly licensed and possesses the required amount of experience for your area. A home inspector can warn you if you’re about to buy a lemon of a residence and can help to navigate potentially troublesome properties like abandoned homes in foreclosure.
“If you walk in and the basement is wet or there is mold growing on the walls than you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know there’s a problem, but most homeowners don’t have the expertise to do a comprehensive inspection and determine if there are significant and real problems with a house,” Tamny says.
Buyers should come armed with specific questions for an inspector: How long will the inspection process take? Do you specialize in residential versus commercial property? Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspection organization?
“For the ASHI you need to perform the minimum 250 inspections, you also have to pass the national home inspectors exam and abide by our standards of practice and code of ethics. Beyond professional affiliations and are you licensed, they should be asking how much experience do they have, how many homes have they inspected and do they carry omissions insurance, areas of expertise especially if someone is looking at a historic home,” Tamny says.
While a home inspector will likely serve as your first line of defense, an engineer’s expertise may also be warranted.
“If a house has a structural problem that is identified and there needs to be further consulting than a structural engineer may be brought in to address structure, but I wouldn’t hire an engineer who doesn’t have specific experience and qualifications in inspecting houses because the two are not the same thing,” Tamny says.
Get it in writingA formal home inspection report and digital photos of the structure will serve as insurance for a new buyer,” Mendenhall says, adding a real estate agent can also offer advice on how to maintain important documentation. “Certainly if there were ever to be a situation where problems were to ensue later on, having documentation in writing is an important step in verifying the information you receive,” she says.
Watch the fine print
Ensure your purchase contract allows for a home inspection period before you sign on the dotted line. “You want to make sure you have an opportunity to do inspections on the house you’re interested in and learn the condition before you’re obligated to the purchase long term,” Mendenhall says.
Inspection costs will put a dent in your wallet, but an professional consultation will likely save you money in the long run and protect the biggest investment you’re likely ever to make.

http://blogs.reuters.com/prism-money/2011/01/18/first-time-buyer-5-tips-on-how-to-avoid-a-money-pit/

Minnesota Home Inspectors
Scheduling 651-489-4633

January is National Radon Action Month

Take Action in January

The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month.

Four Things You Can Do During National Radon Action Month:

• Test your home - EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon.
• Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area - Look for radon events in your community. Contact your state radon program for more information about local radon activities.
• Spread the word- spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging others to learn about radon and test their homes.
  
• Buy a radon-resistant home - If you are considering buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Read more about radon-resistant new construction, "Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes".

  Contact your state radon program for information about radon testing, mitigation, and radon-resistant new construction in your area.

Now through February Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC is offering free radon testing when conducting a full priced home inspection.

Minnesota Home Inspectors
Scheduling 651 - 489 - 4633

MHI Company Update

We just wanted to give an update on our company. Since Minnesota Home Inspectors opened shop 54 days ago on November 15th, 2010 we have performed 31 inspections and 7 radon tests.

That is extremely good for a new company, especially through the holiday season! We'd like to take the opportunity to thank our referring agents and clients. Without you this could not be possible.

Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
Scheduling: 651 - 489 -4633

Heather and Kenny Rowe - Owners

Winter Promotion 2010 - 2011

We just ordered a bunch of these to hand out during the Edina Realty Expo in January. Feel free to use this promotion when ordering your next home inspection!

Minnesota Home Inspectors
Scheduling 651-489-4633

Clear the Snow and Ice From Your Gas Meter

Pictured above is a gas meter, with an arrow pointing to the meter’s gas pressure regulator vent.

Keep the vent dry and clear of snow and ice at all times to avoid the potential for dangerous indoor natural gas buildup.

The vent can become plugged when ice and snow melt during the day and refreeze at night.

Xcel Energy recommends keeping the entire meter assembly clear of snow and ice as well. Accumulated snow can prevent the meter from operating properly by stopping the flow of natural gas. Gently remove snow or ice from the natural gas meter and any associated piping. Carefully shovel around a meter and move snow away from it. Avoid using a snow blower near a meter. A snow-covered meter, in addition to being potentially dangerous, can also lead to a loss of service and freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat.

minnesotahomeinspectors.com

Scheduling: 651 - 489 - 4633

New MHI website is up and running!

Thanks to the templates provided by 1&1 internet and my limited knowledge of GoLive CS2 the new website is up and running.

Can you believe my old employer refused to reimburse me for my $9.99/month web hosting fees? One of the many reasons for the new website.

Let me know how you like it.

A New Company

After many years of service to my old company I was let go on Monday because I didn't attend a conference call, but instead performed a home inspection for my client.

Time for a new start...Minnesota Home Inspector LLC. Ready to do your home inspection or radon test!

Same pricing as the old company and I'll match their promotional prices...even the one they sent out after I left offering a huge discount to people who have referred me in the past.

Give us a call 651-489-4633 or 612-220-0630

Finding the Right Home Inspector

So you've searched for and found a house and your offer was accepted, congratulations! Now you have to find a home inspector. Your agent may offer some suggestions, you might search the internet or the yellow pages. You find the terms NAHI, NACHI, INTERNACHI, ASHI and a ton of others you don't know. What do they all mean?

They are the associations the inspectors belong to. See, many states including Minnesota do not require licensing or any other certifications of home inspectors. You could literally hire someone to inspect your $300,000 investment who has never shown competency in the home inspection industry. They may literally be inspecting their first house...yours.

Not all associations are the same. Some provide "online certification" in as little time as 30 minutes. Some only require you pay a fee and they're instantly a member.

ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors is a national professional association of home inspectors and building professionals who examine and report on the physical condition of existing buildings, with focus on residential properties including single family homes and smaller multi-family dwellings.

ASHI certification requires a combination of education, specialized training in home inspection topics, experience, passing a certification exam, maintaining continuing education credits, and agreeing to abide by a national code of ethics for home inspectors.

• · ASHI is the only home inspection association to achieve this accredited status.
• · ASHI Certified Inspectors are the only home inspectors who have completed a recognized certification process.
• · Third-party certification validates ASHI member qualifications and professional competence.

Keep in mind there are differences in ASHI members. Make sure your inspector is an ASHI CERTIFIED Home Inspector. The others may only be Candidates or Candidates with Logo Use. The latter two have not passed the educational, experience or exam requirements that the ASHI Certified Home Inspectors have.

http://www.minnesotahomeinspectors.com

How Safe is your Deck?

Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with friends and loved ones. But an unsafe deck could possibly collapse, causing serious injuries to you and your guests.

The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. NADRA's "10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist" is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair or replacement. Safety first, fun second -- make sure your deck is safe to enjoy.

You might also consider a professional inspection. "A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck's capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule," says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.

Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected by either a home inspector (NADRA recommends ASHI-certified home inspectors) or a knowledgeable deck builder (see the listing at nadra.org). NADRA member deck builders are required to adhere to a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements.

If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary.

To choose a deck builder, NADRA offers the following tips:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

For more information visit www.nadra.org

Minnesotahomeinspectors.com

Wet Basement?

Our View of Basement Seepage

Given the right condition, any basement can leak. No one can predict if a basement will leak in the future, and in many cases, it's not even possible to tell if a basement has leaked in the past. Basement seepage is the result of water concentration along an exterior foundation wall - which then seeks an entry through foundation cracks. It's important to eliminate the cause, not just seal the entry point. Over time, neglected moisture intrusion problems can create significant structural and indoor air quality problems. However, the majority of wet basement problems can be eliminated, or at least reduced to a tolerable level, by improvements to exterior grading and proper performance of gutters and downspouts. The most common cause of wet basements is poor surface and roof drainage. In fact, our experience indicates the vast majority of wet basements are simply caused by surface rain water from improper drainage or slope. Keep in mind, a 1,000 square foot home with an attached garage will have over 1,100 gallons run from it in a one-inch rain. That's a tremendous amount of water. Imagine a downpour on a home with blocked gutters. Conditions change, foundations move, gutters become blocked, landscape changes, and extended periods of drought or rain occur -- all of which can cause changes in the basement. Wet basements are a major concern -- but shouldn't necessarily kill a deal.

While basement seepage is a critical issue, often simple remedies are available and are well within the scope of most homeowners/buyers. Not only do our inspectors fully examine the basement and explore any potential defects , we present this information in a manner that helps our clients keep the issue in perspective.

For basement seepage, we recommend the following before seeking a
specialized contractor:

Make sure the land around the house slopes in the right direction. This can require as little
as a couple of bags of topsoil or as much as a new driveway.

Pay attention to localized low spots like gardens, window wells and the space between
sidewalks and foundation walls. Be sure to check the grading below decks and porches
as it is often bad.

Examine gutters and downspouts. Gutters must be sloped properly to drain. Downspouts
must be frequent enough (every 35 feet) to prevent overflow in heavy rain.

Look where downspouts discharge. If they go into the ground, the below-ground portion
of the drain may be broken or plugged. This almost guarantees a wet basement in the
vicinity of the downspout.

Malfunctioning integral gutters can be very serious. The water leaking out of the gutters
usually ends up in the structure, causing rot and other damage. It is best to have downspouts
discharge onto the lawn -- preferably six feet from your home.

BPG Inspection / Home Warranty
Scheduling 800-285-3001
www.minnesotahomeinspectors.com