Monday, December 16, 2019


By Staylor Home Inspections, Rich Gallagher, Engineer, B.S., M.S


12-19
HOW CAN I LOWER MY ENERGY COSTS?
        
     This is one of the major concerns of the home buyer. Heating costs can account for up to 60% of the home’s energy consumption. The heat losses for a typical home are shown in the house model below.



     The model shows that heat energy is lost in three major ways. Through the walls (35%), through the windows and doors (25%) and through the roof and floor (40%). We know that installing additional insulation in the walls is difficult and expensive. We also know that replacing the windows and doors is not only expensive but may not result in major energy savings. By comparison, installing additional insulation in the attic and floor is relatively easy and is not nearly as costly. It may, in fact, be the single most cost effective first step that a home buyer can take in reducing the home’s energy consumption.



HOUSEHOLD TIP:

Studies show that the most effective bug lights, those that attract the least insects, are the warm/soft color LED bulbs.






  • Inspections are thorough yet thoughtful and sensitive in that flaws as well as all positive aspects of the home are noted. A New York State termite report is always included with our engineering report.
  • Quick response and turnaround time helps expedite the purchase process. Reports are emailed within 48 hours.
  • Fully insured with 25 years experience in home inspection. Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
  • Five Star Google and Yelp Rankings.


Call: 631-682-9469



Friday, November 1, 2019


By Staylor Home Inspections, Rich Gallagher, Engineer, B.S., M.S


10-19
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

     This is a common question asked by the home buyer about the longevity of the homes appliances and major systems. 


According to consumer groups and manufacturers, this is what can be expected for the most common appliances and systems: 



Actual lifetimes can vary depending on maintenance, initial quality and usage. Homes that are not lived in year round may experience longer lifetimes of some of the appliances and systems.

A TIP FOR YOUR FIRST TIME HOME BUYER:

This book is an excellent reference for first time home buyers. It can be purchased from Amazon.


  • Inspections are thorough yet thoughtful and sensitive in that flaws as well as all positive aspects of the home are noted. A New York State termite report is always included with our engineering report.
  • Quick response and turnaround time helps expedite the purchase process. Reports are emailed within 48 hours.
  • Fully insured with 25 years experience in home inspection. Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
  • Five Star Google and Yelp Rankings.


Call: 631-682-9469



Tuesday, September 17, 2019


By Staylor Home Inspections, Rich Gallagher, Engineer, B.S., M.S


09-19
ARE YOU SAFE FROM FALLS?  

     Safety is one of the main concerns of the home buyer and fall protection is one of those safety concerns. The building code governs where fall protection is to be installed but not all fall hazards are addressed by the building code.

     Decks, porches, balconies, retaining walls and other structures that are 30 inches or higher require railings for fall protection.
Here are some examples:


Structures that are less than 30 inches high do not require railings and in many municipalities railings with horizontal crossmembers are allowed by the code. Certainly, injury can result from a fall of less than 30 inches and horizontal crossmembers can form an ideal ladder for children.

Here are some examples of, less than safe, code approved railings:


When it comes to fall protection, common sense should begin where the building code ends.


HOUSEHOLD TIP

     You can use toothpaste, mixed with a little water, to clean glass stovetops.


  • Inspections are thorough yet thoughtful and sensitive in that flaws as well as all positive aspects of the home are noted. A New York State termite report is always included with our engineering report.
  • Quick response and turnaround time helps expedite the purchase process. Reports are emailed within 48 hours.
  • Fully insured with 25 years experience in home inspection. Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
  • Five Star Google and Yelp Rankings.


Call: 631-682-9469