Of all the deficiencies I discover during a typical home inspections none are more common or more critical than a missing GFCI protected receptacle. But what is a GFCI, why are they so important, and where should they be installed?

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), also called Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit  when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. For example, if a person was in the bathroom using a hair dryer that faults or gets wet while you are holding it, you're in big trouble. With a GFCI, the receptacle will detect the difference of the way the electricity is traveling and immediately 'trip' or shut off. In the amount of time that you would even realize something happened, the threat would be gone.

So where should GFCI's be installed? Most laws stipulate GFCI's should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages, outdoors and anywhere near a sink; notably these are all locations where water and moisture may allow a short circuit to happen. At a minimum GFCI's should be installed within 6 feet of any water source and in non-climate controlled areas where moisture can collect. Owners of older homes can retrofit GFCI receptacles at specific locations or have a GFCI breaker switches mounted in the main breaker panel which protect the entire series of receptacles on those lines.

Ensuring critical safety components are properly installed is another way Cochran Home Inspections of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will help protect your home or future home by conducting a thorough and professional home inspection. Call or schedule your home inspection today and let Cochran Home inspections give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Go here or here to read more about GFCI's.

 Home Ventilation refers to the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Without proper ventilation, an otherwise insulated and airtight house will seal in harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and moisture that can damage a house. Proper ventilation helps keep a home energy-efficient, safe, and healthy.

Why Ventilate? Gases from combustion appliances, like stoves and fireplaces, can accumulate in a poorly ventilated home and threaten your health and safety. Excessive moisture in the home can also threaten your health, and can lead to mold growth, ruin insulation, and even cause structural damage. Additionally, elevated levels of humidity can make cooling equipment work harder, leading to more costly energy bills. Ventilating a home combines the physical aspects of the house with techniques you can complete after the construction phase. Ductwork and exhaust fans can remove combustion gases from a home. Additionally, there are many ways you can prevent moisture from entering and accumulating in your home.

One of the best ways to vent an older home is the soffit/vented ridge cap method. Additionally, you can install turbines to passively move hot/stale air from your attic. Click here for an interesting article on pros/cons for each.

This is just one potential deficiency Cochran Home Inspections of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will flesh out during the course of a home inspection. Call or schedule your home inspection today and let Cochran Home inspections give you the peace of mind you deserve. ​

Info derived from: Energy.gov

A home inspection is a visual, non-exhaustive, yet detailed examination of the condition of a home. Most home inspections are conducted at the time of the sale known as  buyers inspection. Home inspections conducted by sellers known as a pre-sale inspection. Home inspectors will examine all functional components of a home to ensure proper operation. A home is one of the most important purchases one will ever make and a home inspection is an inexpensive way to discover the universal condition of a home. It's critical to conduct a home inspection which is help you avoid a costly mistake by purchasing a property in need of major repairs.  Most home buyers are so caught up in the moment, especially if they feel like they have found their 'dream home.' This euphoric feeling will push you to overlook potential problems. A good home inspector is a completely objective reviewer that will find deficiencies and even safety hazards and report those to his/her client.

A certified home inspector (required in most states) is a professional who will conduct an inspection of the general condition of the home.  A good home inspection will assist a buyer in understanding exactly what they are about to purchase and a seller on problems that can be remedied before a sale.  A home inspector covers most visible areas of the home to include the roof condition, electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation and ventilation, crawlspaces, and even structural conditions. As a buyer, your home purchase is likely the largest investment you will make in a lifetime, and it's every important you know the true condition of the property you are purchasing.

Most home inspections standards require operating and testing a 'representative' number of doors,windows, and receptacles. At Cochran Home Inspections in Mountain Home, Arkansas, we go a step further and operate/test all accessible doors, windows and receptacles. Additionally, we don't just find problems, we also teach you about your home, showing you locations of important shut-off valves and critical components throughout your potential home. 

Call or schedule your home inspection today and let Cochran Home Inspections of Mountain Home, Arkansas, give you the peace of mind you deserve.