Cheap fixes for an improved inspection report!

Love receiving a long inspection report that you have to navigate?
​Probably not!

Check out our blog for some inexpensive, simple fixes that will make for an easier to overcome inspection report!

#1 - Anti siphon valves on exterior hose bibs
What is it? An anti siphon valve hose prevents outside water from siphoning through an outside faucet and contaminating the drinking water used in a home, or the municipal or well water supply the home is connected to. Believe it or not, if the local fire department were to connect to a hydrant in your neighborhood, the pump suction from their engine has enough muscle to suck the water out of your garden hose & into the municipal water supply without these devices installed on your hose bibs!
Why it's considered a defect? TREC SOP states: the lack of back-flow devices, anti-siphon devices, or air gaps at the flow end of fixtures is considered a defect.
How much do they cost? Around $5 for a brass (better) version.
Where should they be? At all exterior hose bib locations.
Simple to install by hand, these will fit on a hose bib before the garden hose is installed.

#2 - Range anti-tip device
What is it? An anti tip device is designed to prevent a range (free standing oven/stove combo) from tipping over when weight is applied to the front of the appliance. Children die every year due to this metal bracket not being installed properly on these appliances.
Why is it considered a defect? TREC SOP states: the absence of an anti-tip device is considered a defect.
How much do they cost? From $5 - $10 depending on the brand and style.
Where should they be? If you're unsure if you need one, here's a quick checklist:
Is your range free standing? Most are, but some are built into the cabinetry, and therefore likely wouldn't require one. 
Carefully slide the range away from the wall, and look along the floor (you can use a smartphone to save reaching over so far). If in place as needed, it will be found along the floor and look something like this:
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Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and install where needed. Simple and inexpensive. One less defect to be found on your next inspection report, but more importantly, your home is now a little safer!

#3 Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms/detectors
What is it? Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms/detectors are designed to prevent your death from smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation, and possibly reduce damage to your home in the event of a fire. You'd be surprised how many fire fighters homes I've inspected that were missing these important appliances!
Why is it considered a defect? TREC SOP states the absence of working smoke alarms: (I) in each sleeping room; (II) outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms; and (III) in the living space of each story of the dwelling is considered a defect.
​Where should they be? See above & follow manufacturers instructions.
How much do they cost? Smoke alarms can be purchased for $5 - $10 each for a battery operated version.

Here's hoping your inspection goes smoothly and you'll have fewer defects to correct! If you'd like to learn more about homes and home inspection related topics, feel free to check back here often. Thanks for your time!
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