www.risleyhomeinspections.com Here are some examples from real home inspections on how vegetation and trees can affect your home. Tree branches and bushes that are near or in contact to your home Tree branches that overhang the roof or are in contact to the home, can abrade or damage the siding and roofing materials. Trees that overhang the roof also contribute to gutters becoming clogged with leaves more frequently and can shade areas of the roof. Roofing materials that stay

Here are some examples of electrical issues found during actual home inspections. All performed by Risley Home Inspections www.risleyhomeinspections.com Service entrance wires not installed without "drip loop". SE wires entering the mast head need to be arranged in a drip loop, to prevent allowing water to run down into panel. Service entrance wire sheathing deteriorated. SE cables are rated for exterior use, although over time the sun's UV rays can make them become brittle.

www.risleyhomeinspections.com (All photos are from real home inspections performed by Risley Home Inspections) A look at what goes on, inside your Cast Iron drain lines: Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years, typically deteriorates quicker if standing water is allowed in pipes or at threaded joints. Wear and tear is normal in many residential pipe systems. Many older homes have cast iron or galvanized drain lines, unless they have been replaced since

www.risleyhomeinspections.com (All photos are from real home inspections performed by Risley Home Inspections) Every year, dryer duct or dryer lint fires cause millions and millions of dollars in damages, hundreds of injuries, and even deaths. Dryer vents and ducts can be something most homeowners do not really think about. Experts recommend cleaning your dryer vent and ducts at least two times a year, more frequently for larger families, since the dryer is likely running mor

www.risleyhomeinspections.com Tuscaloosa, AL (All photos are from real home inspections performed by Risley Home Inspections) Things to look for when inspecting water heaters: Any leaking Rust or corrosion Gas line, drip leg, wiring, or nearby disconnect Catch pan & drain line Temperature pressure relief valve and discharge pipe Age of water heater Venting conditions (if gas water heater) Location Expansion tank Anode rod Shut off valve Temperature setting Ideally, it is wise

www.risleyhomeinspections.com (All photos are from real findings on home inspections done by Risley Home Inspections) When looking to purchase a new home, bathrooms can be an important area to look at during your home inspection. When it's time for you and your home inspector to check out the bathroom, here are some things to look for: Turn on and run all sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets checking water pressure, drainage, or any leaks? Check to make sure toilets are secure,

www.risleyhomeinspections.com Other Helpful Tips: -Make sure your heating system is prepared: It is always a good idea to have a licensed HVAC technician to properly service and maintenance your HVAC unit at least once a year. You want to make sure it is ready to operate normally and efficiently to avoid any issues in the colder months. And always make sure to regularly change your air return filter for efficient operation and avoid your coil from getting gunked up or blocked

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments for most people, so regularly maintaining your home is a must to keep it in proper shape. Here is part 1 of our home improvement advice to keep your home in tip top shape. In this first portion we'd like to focus on the exterior/outside portion of the property. Deck Maintenance During the warmer months, your deck can become a common area to hang out, host get togethers, and drink your morning coffee. So keeping it in clean shape

The electrical system is a very important component in a home. Electrical work should always be done by a licensed and certified professional, as electrical work can be dangerous and is nothing to mess around with. Unfortunately, amateur wiring methods are found more commonly than they should be. Here are some wiring issues that are found during typical home inspections. www.risleyhomeinspections.com I highly recommend for all realtors, clients, and current home owners to pur

Although fall is my favorite season, it is also a time to do some home maintenance to prepare for it. Here I will provide some easy tips to help keep your home in grade A+ shape. We'll start it off with taking care of your trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. To help prevent leaves and debris from clogging up your gutters, you can trim your tree branches back away from the home. Clogged gutters shorten the life span of your gutters, as well as, divert water around your roof a