Home Inspection Tips

A seemingly small detail in your kitchen plumbing—your dishwasher’s high-loop drain—is critical in keeping your home safe from contamination and costly plumbing issues. In fact, the North Carolina Residential Code (NCRC) mandates its installation to maintain proper backflow prevention and sanitation standards. Let’s explore why this detail is essential, how it keeps your dishwasher running efficiently, and how to check if yours is installed correctly. What Is a High-Loop Drain? A high-loop drain involves routing the dishwasher’s drain hose to rise as high as possible under the kitchen sink—typically secured to the underside of the countertop—before descending to the drain or garbage disposal. This creates a “high loop” that prevents wastewater from your sink or garbage disposal from siphoning into the dishwasher. Without a high-loop installation, you risk cross-contamination from dirty water backing into your dishwasher, resulting in foul odors, harmful bacteria growth, and potential a

Buying a home is one of your life's most exciting - and nerve-wracking - experiences. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of finding “the one,” envisioning family dinners and cozy evenings in front of the fireplace. But before you dive in, one crucial step can save you a heap of heartache: the home inspection. Many buyers think of home inspectors as the gatekeepers of homeownership, delivering a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the property. But here’s the kicker: while we’re trained to spot many potential issues, there are hidden dangers we might not fully reveal simply because of the nature of the inspection process. So, let’s dive into some critical insights you might not hear during the walkthrough! Understanding the Home Inspection Process First things first: what exactly happens during a home inspection? Picture me crawling through attics, peering under sinks, and checking every nook and cranny of your prospective home. We look at structural components, systems like HVAC and p

Smoke alarms, often referred to as "smoke detectors," are essential for a home's fire protection plan. Understanding what type of alarm you have and how it functions is crucial, but it's not as complicated as it may seem. To identify the type of smoke alarm you have, simply look for the data sticker(s) on the back of the alarm, as displayed in Figure 1. Figure 1: Data Identification Information Residential alarm devices commonly fall into four categories: 1. Ionization Smoke Alarms 2. Photoelectric Smoke Alarms 3. Dual Alarms 4. Heat Alarms Ionization smoke alarms use radioactive material to ionize the air. When smoke disrupts the airflow through the plates, it triggers the alarm. These are best suited for rooms with flammable liquids, cooking grease, paint, and paper. Photoelectric smoke alarms utilize a beam of light that scatters when smoke is present, triggering the alarm. They are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor kitchens and are quicker