What is required for a conforming bedroom?

The requirements for a conforming bedroom can vary depending on local building codes and regulations. However, in general, a bedroom is considered "conforming" if it meets the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Size: The room must have a minimum square footage, typically ranging from around 70 to 120 square feet depending on local building codes.

  2. Minimum Ceiling Height: The room must have a minimum ceiling height of at least 7 feet, although this can also vary depending on local building codes.

  3. Egress: The room must have a window or other means of egress, such as a door, that meets certain size requirements to allow for escape in case of a fire. The minimum size of the window can also vary depending on local building codes.

  4. Closet: The room must have a closet, although the size and location of the closet can vary depending on local building codes.

  5. Ventilation: The room must have adequate ventilation, typically provided by a window or mechanical ventilation system.

  6. Access: The room must have a door that provides access to a hallway or other common area of the home.

It's important to note that these requirements can vary depending on the location and specific building codes in the area. Homeowners and buyers should check with their local building department or a qualified professional to determine the specific requirements for conforming bedrooms in their area.

 

Source - https://www.nachi.org/non-conforming-bedrooms.htm

Why does a new oven smell like burning plastic when it’s first used?

You may be wondering why your new oven is smoking and giving off a strong burnt plastic or chemical smell upon initial operation. If so, you are not alone. The good news is that this burning smell and smoking process is completely normal for new ovens. In fact, if you read your appliance manual, you will see that this is addressed in the manual and is commonly referred to as the “burn in” period.

What is “burn in”? 

Your new oven is being exposed to high temperatures for the very first time. During this initial exposure to heat, oils used in the manufacturing process are being burnt off and the insulation enclosure is emitting an odor as it heats up. Typically this burn in process takes around an hour, but can take more or less time depending on the specific appliance.

Why is a stainless steel dishwasher interior better than plastic?

 A stainless steel dishwasher interior is generally considered better than a plastic interior for several reasons:

  1. Durability: Stainless steel is more durable than plastic, and is less likely to crack, dent, or warp over time. This means that a stainless steel interior is likely to last longer and require fewer repairs or replacements than a plastic interior.

  2. Resistance to Stains and Odors: Stainless steel is less likely to absorb stains and odors than plastic, which can be important for maintaining a clean and hygienic dishwasher. Plastic interiors can absorb stains from certain foods and beverages, which can be difficult to remove and can leave an unpleasant odor.

  3. Heat Resistance: Stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures than plastic, which is important for a dishwasher as it operates at high temperatures to clean dishes. This means that a stainless steel interior is less likely to warp or melt under high temperatures, which can affect the dishwasher's performance.

  4. Aesthetics: Stainless steel is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing than plastic, and can give a dishwasher a more high-end and modern look. This can be an important consideration for homeowners who value the appearance of their appliances.

Overall, a stainless steel dishwasher interior is generally considered to be a better option than a plastic interior due to its durability, resistance to stains and odors, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

How to determine if a wall is load bearing

Ultimately you will always want to consult with a structural engineer before making the decision to remove a wall, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to help determine the possibility of whether or not a wall can be removed.

What direction is the wall running in relation to the main support members?

  • If the wall is running parallel to the floor or ceiling joists then it’s less likely that the wall is load bearing. Load bearing walls typically run perpendicular to the supporting floor or ceiling joists. Using the example of a typical rectangular home, the main support beam and supporting walls typically run down the center of the home lengthwise with the floor and ceiling joists bearing on the outside and center wall.

  • Is the roof structure built with trusses or rafters? Newer homes built with pre-engineered, pre-manufactured roof trusses are generally designed to span large openings and are designed to be supported at each end by the exterior walls. This eliminates the need in most cases for interior load bearing walls on the uppermost level of the home. 

If a wall is load bearing, it can still be removed by taking the proper measures. A support beam can be installed to help redistribute the load. Although it’s more costly, the support beam can also be installed flush with the ceiling to maintain the appearance of a completely open floor plan. Again, always consult a structural engineer before walls are removed. 

For more information on load bearing walls - https://structuralengineeringbasics.com/how-to-tell-walls-load-bearing/

What’s the point of a vapor barrier?

A vapor barrier, which is a more sophisticated way to say plastic sheeting, is a barrier that helps prevent the entry of moisture and soil gas into a home.

Crawlspaces should have a properly installed vapor barrier with complete coverage to help regulate humidity, insects, and radon from entering the home. A vapor barrier will also help provide a cleaner crawl space which is easier to navigate. It’s important to note 2 things about vapor barriers:

  1. A properly installed vapor barrier needs to be sealed to the foundation wall and sealed at all seams and penetrations.

  2. If a radon mitigation system needs to be installed on a home with a crawlspace, a vapor barrier will need to be installed as part of that system.

How much insulation should be in an attic?

Home insulation works similar to a coat that you wear to protect you from the cold. The thicker and better the insulation, the slower the heat loss and greater the occupant comfort. Attic insulation depths have increased throughout the years and the general base standard is to have a R-38 insulation rating in attic insulation applications. This generally equates to about 12 inches of blown insulation. Home energy efficiency standards recommend up to an R-49 or even R-60 attic insulation level for optimal performance. We always recommend attic insulation upgrades as one of the most impactful and relatively low costs measures to achieve greater home comfort and efficiency.

How to navigate snow covered roofs during an inspection

Most people understand that a snow covered roof is a roof that cannot be inspected. This understanding doesn’t change the fact, however, that a home buyer will still likely want a roof inspected before purchasing the home. Here are a few tips on how to navigate the threat of snow covered roofs in the winter:

  1. Have a roof pre-inspected when the home goes on the market if there will be the likelihood of snow coverage during the active listing. This way the roof inspection report can be shared to potential buyers. 

  2. Have a roof inspection performed as soon as going under contract on the home if the threat of snow is likely before the general inspection is scheduled.

  3. Have a roof inspection performed once the snow melts if it’s still within the inspection objection period but after the general inspection.

What does hail damage do to a roof?

Hail damages the roof by breaking down the shingle over time. Rarely is the hail damage large enough to cause immediate leaking, however over time the roof will continue to deteriorate until the point that water can penetrate inside the home. Hail damage doesn’t usually look like large holes or cracks in the shingle but instead is commonly just slight damage to the surface of the shingle with very few missing granules or remnants of impact.  However, over time the damage expands and becomes worse. Hail damage isn’t always noticeable immediately following a hailstorm.  If you suspect your roof may have been damaged in a hail storm it is important to have a qualified roofing professional inspect your roof as soon as possible.

Source - Rowin Construction

How often should a whole house humidifier be serviced?

Whole house humidifiers work to regulate indoor air humidity levels to an optimal range of 30%-50% indoor relative humidity. Depending on the style, use and home water quality, maintenance intervals vary. With that being said, generally whole house humidifiers should be serviced 1-2 times per heating season to help prevent scale buildup and mold to ensure healthy and efficient operation.

Why should windows be open when running a swamp cooler?

When you think about cooling a home, it’s not intuitive to consider opening windows, but in the case of an evaporative cooler it’s actually recommended.

 

Here’s Why: An evaporative cooler works by blowing cooled air into a home. Since air is being blown in at such a high rate, usually 3000+ cubic feet of air per minute, all of that air needs somewhere to go. By opening windows or doors, the air will have a place to travel and continue to circulate throughout the home. Opening certain windows is also a way to control the flow of the cooled air to maximize comfort in certain desired areas of the house.

How often should HVAC equipment be serviced and what does the service include?

Regular maintenance of your HVAC equipment is important to ensure that it runs efficiently, effectively, and safely. The frequency of HVAC servicing can depend on the age of the equipment, the amount of use it receives, and the manufacturer's recommendations. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to have your HVAC equipment serviced at least once a year.

A typical HVAC service includes several tasks that are designed to inspect, clean, and tune-up the system. Here are some of the common tasks that a HVAC service may include:

  1. Inspection of the HVAC system: A technician will inspect the entire system, including the furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and thermostat, to ensure that it is working properly and is safe to operate.

  2. Cleaning of the HVAC system: The technician will clean the components of the system, such as the blower fan, evaporator coil, and condenser coil, to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants that can reduce the system's efficiency and air quality.

  3. Replacement of filters: The technician will replace the air filters in the system to ensure that they are clean and functioning properly.

  4. Lubrication of moving parts: The technician will lubricate the moving parts of the system to reduce friction and wear, which can extend the life of the system.

  5. Adjustment of settings: The technician will check and adjust the system's settings, such as the thermostat and fan speed, to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency.

  6. Testing of the system: The technician will test the system to ensure that it is functioning properly and is able to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level.

Regular HVAC maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and save you money on energy bills. It's important to work with a qualified and experienced technician to perform the maintenance and ensure that your HVAC system is running safely and efficiently.

How does radiant heat flooring work and what are the two common types?

Radiant heat flooring is largely considered to be the most quality and luxurious method of home heating. Radiant heat floors rely on heat radiating from the floor into the home. This typically provides a more consistent and thorough heating than a forced air system where hot air is blown into a room. 

 

There are two common methods for radiant heated floors:

1. Electric radiant heated floors:

This is most commonly used in retrofit applications and/or in smaller localized areas such as a primary bathroom or kitchen floor. Whole home electric installations are not typical.

2. Hot water radiant heated floors:

This method is most commonly used where the home's primary heating system is radiant heat floors. Hot water is produced in a boiler unit and then circulates through a series of pipes in or under the floor. Heat is transferred from the hot water into the space by way of radiant heating and then returns to the boiler to be reheated. Whole home radiant floor systems are generally designed to have multiple zones for optimal comfort and control.

Is a sewer scope necessary on a home with a septic tank?

Yes. A sewer scope inspection is different and is generally a separate service than a septic tank inspection so you still want to have a sewer scope inspection conducted on a home with a septic tank.

A sewer scope inspects the condition of the sewer line from the home to the septic tank and a septic inspection strictly looks at the tank and leach field components. It is just as important to ensure that the sewer line is working properly for a home with a septic system as it is a municipal sewer system.

Can home water pressure be too high?

Yes. Domestic water pressure should be between 40-80 psi. Although strong water pressure is almost always desired by homeowners, pressure over 80 psi can lead to a host of issues and should be regulated.

 

Here are some issues with water pressure that is too high.

  1. High water pressure can damage seals in fixtures and appliances causing premature failure and leakage.

  2. “Water hammer” can occur when pressure is too high causing jolts in the water distribution system that lead to banging and knocking.

  3. Excessively high water pressure can rupture supply hoses such as those to a refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine. This is another reason why we always recommend braided stainless steel hoses that are more burst resistant. 

What are the most common sewer line issues?

Without question, we advise every one of our clients to have a sewer scope performed as part of the home inspection. Why do we advise this? Simply put, sewer line issues are one of the most common home inspection issues with repairs being in the thousands of dollars.

 

Below is a list of the most common sewer line issues:

  • Blockages 

  • Belly’s or low spots

  • Cracks or breaks

  • Separations or offsets

To learn more about sewer line issues, check out this blog post.