Need a 4 point inspection in Pinellas County? We can help!
We have had a ton of calls and questions on 4 point inspections so I wanted to post this blog again for those of you that have any questions!Remember we can always help you when you need it!———–
Asper Inspection Services provides 4 point insurance inspections throughout all of Tampa Bay, including, but not limited to, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey and beyond. We are qualified to fill out all electrical, roof, shutter and roof tie down inspection forms supplied by any insurance company. As of September 30, 2012, “all inspection forms must be inspected and completed by a verifiable Florida-licensed professional. Without a verifiable, certified inspector’s dated signature, the form will not be accepted. The following FLORIDA-LICENSED individuals may complete a 4-Point Inspection for Citizens in its entirety:
• A general, residential, or building contractor
• A building code inspector
• A registered architect
• A home inspector
• A professional engineer
• A building code official who is authorized by the State of Florida to verify building code compliance
While the four point insurance inspections were started by Citizens, they have quickly spread to most, if not all of the insurance companies that provide coverage in Florida.
What is a 4 point inspection?
Insurance company statistics show that homes more than 30-years old have more claims than newer homes. Plus the claims are often due to a deteriorated condition of older building components. So, as a loss-prevention measure, many insurance companies now require an inspection of key home components of an older home before they will issue a policy–to see if they are in serviceable condition or have been replaced/upgraded since the home was built.
There are a few companies out there that will write insurance on an older home without a 4-point inspection. The four points are: 1) roof, 2) plumbing (including water heater), 3) electrical, and 4) heating/air conditioning system. Recently, one insurance company has started requiring the inspection of a 5th point: windows. Because the inspection is provided for the benefit of the insurance company, not you, it only covers the areas they are concerned about. It is not a full home inspection and should not be relied upon to determine the condition of a home you are considering buying. In essence, it is an abbreviated inspection of the key components of a home which, if they fail, will likely lead to an insurance claim.
Each insurer has their own standards, and what one company accepts may be required to be repaired or replaced by another company. So there are no set standards, but certain deficiencies almost all insurance companies require to be repaired. Here’s our “Top 10” list:
1) A roof with any leaks at all, or an older roof, typically over 15-years old for a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, for example. An estimated additional roof life of 5-years is the usual standard for a roof to be acceptable.
2) An electric panel with screw-in type fuses.
3) Newer 3-slot type electric receptacles connected to old wiring that does not have grounding.
4) An older water heater, typically more than about 20-years old.
5) Lack of an installed heating system. Window a/c units or plug-in portable heaters are not considered “installed.”
6) Any evidence of plumbing leaks or other water intrusion into the home, even previous ones.
7) Older knob-and-tube wiring that’s still “live.”
8) Exposed, amateur electrical wiring, especially open electrical splices.
9) Deteriorated, damaged, or unvented plumbing piping.
10) Deteriorated washing machine hoses.
We at Asper Inspection are more than qualified to do these reports as we hold licenses as residential contractors and home inspectors. 4 point inspections are quickly becoming required for all new insurance and insurance renewals can often save you hundreds on your insurance bill. Give us a call to schedule yours today!
Need a home inspection for a 203K property? We can help!
We received numerous calls and questions on what exactly a 203k Loan is and if we deal with these types of homes. We have dealt with these types of inspection a dozen times and can help you with any questions or concerns. As contractors and inspectors we have more than enough knowledge to answer/address any concerns. Below is a great article on what you as a home buyer need to know about a 203K loan.
What Is an FHA 203k Loan?
This loan can help you buy and repair a fixer-upper
By Gilan Gertz
FHA 203k loans are offered by the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency. The federal government designed these loans to encourage lenders to fund seemingly risky home purchases. Goals of neighborhood revitalization and greater homeownership opportunities also drove the creation of this loan.
FHA 203k loans are designated for houses that are damaged or sorely in need of rehabilitation. The loan covers not only the cost of the property but also the cost of necessary home repairs. The down payment requirement is low, and eligibility criteria are loose. Homeowners whose homes need improvement can also refinance with these loans. A vast range of repairs, including room additions, bathroom remodeling, roofing, flooring and air conditioning systems can be funded with these loans.
Which houses qualify?
There are two types of FHA 203k loans, regular and streamlined. Regular 203k loans are for homes that need structural repairs, and streamlined loans are for those that need non-structural repairs.
In order to qualify, homeowners must plan to live in the home they are repairing. The following types of residences qualify:
• Tear-downs: As long as part of the foundation will remain, houses that need to be destroyed and rebuilt are eligible.
• Existing construction that is at least a year old.
• Single-family, two-family, three-family or four-family dwellings.
• Condos: if they have been approved for FHA loans.
• Mixed-use properties: If you are repairing only the home portion, a mixed residential/commercial property can qualify.
• Homes needing to be moved to rest on a new foundation.
Which repairs qualify?
The FHA has specific guidelines as to which types of repairs qualify for 203k loans. The lender will also stipulate which repairs you can make.
Allowable repairs include:
• Disability access
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
• Plumbing
• Roofing and flooring
• Energy conservation
• Kitchen remodeling
• New appliances
• Room additions
• Decks and patios
• Bathroom remodeling
• Room additions or second-story additions
• New siding
• Finishing an attic or basement
• Site grading
Labor costs must be included in the loan, even if the homeowner performs the repairs. The repairs must be completed within six months.
How much does it cost?
The FHA 203k loan amount has to include the price of the home plus the expected price of repairs. The homebuyer has to provide a percentage of the loan as a down payment. That percentage is usually far below that required by conventional loans and other FHA loans.
In order to apply, the loan applicant has to provide proof of income, proof of assets and credit reports. In addition, the applicant has to provide a home appraisal, including how much the home will be worth after the improvements are made. The applicant also has to present a detailed proposal of the work required on the home, including a cost estimate of each repair.
Some loan seekers hire a 203k consultant to prepare the extra paperwork. The consultant’s fees can be included in the loan amount.
Special stipulations to consider
An FHA 203k loan is especially beneficial to those who cannot afford a finished home and are willing to take on a fixer-upper. If you choose to apply for a 203k loan, keep the following in mind: Many lenders do not offer 203k loans. You have to find a lender who is willing to work with you. Expect to spend a lot of time on document preparation and bureaucracy. FHA 203k closing can take from 60 to 90 days. Interest rates tend to be high, due to the risk involved to the lender. The home improvements cannot guarantee to increase the value of the home.
Be careful not to over-invest in the home. Do not pour more money into the house than you could ever recoup in a resale.
If you are interested in moving forward on a property like this, please call us at 727-657-1159.
How can a wind mitigation inspection save me money??
How Can a Wind Mitigation save me money?? Here’s how…
Living in a coastal state, flirting with hurricanes and tropical stories every summer and fall, you are most assuredly familiar with a wind mitigation inspection. If you aren’t familiar with them, you may want to become so soon, they can give you a signification saving on your insurance.
Many property owners received wind mitigations to assess the preparedness of their homes and businesses in resisting the effects of windstorm damage or loss. These inspections are option and not required by insurances yet but the can save you a ton of money and more than pay for themselves!! Wind mitigation inspections are the only inspection that is almost guaranteed to result in some level of insurance discount on your insurance premium. In 2006, Florida became the first state in the nation to mandate that insurance companies offer some reduction insurance costs if a wind mitigation inspection is sought and certified upon review by a qualified inspector. A multitude of other coastal states have now followed Florida’s lead.
So now you’re wondering – Do I just get an inspection and save on insurance? And how much could a person stand to save??
The answer is it all depends on the features of your property. We as inspectors will evaluate the wind-mitigating characteristics of your home or business. Post inspection, we will make recommendations for any improvements or repairs to the property that you could make to enhance its sustainability against wind damage. We will then submit the inspection report to you and your insurance agent. In Florida, an average discount of 30% is typical, save a few hundred to over $1000 on your premium!
The 8 categories that Florida looks at to determine the safety feature on your home are:
1. Roof Covering: inspectors want to know when the roof was installed and does if it meets building codes. In Florida, the code standard was updated in 2001.
2. Roof Deck Attachment: inspectors will determine what type of roof decking is used and how it’s attached to the underlying structure, like if it’s nailed or stapled down. If nails are used, nail length and spacing between each will also be noted.
3. Roof to Wall Attachment: the roof attachments become the focus here: are trusses attached with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps single or double? The more secure your roof, the better impact on your wallet!
4. Roof Geometry: is your roof hip or not? Nope, the inspector won’t care how cool it is, just how it’s shaped – a hip roof resembles that of a pyramid, and is a definite qualifier for a discount.
5. Gable End Bracing: if the roof is a gable style, an inspector will review if the gable ends are braced to Florida Building Code standards. Gable ends measuring more than 48 inches tall should be braced for reinforcement, and inspectors will be checking for this qualification for discount.
6. Wall Construction Type: Inspectors will review the construction materials used on your home for framing, reinforcement, and outer fascia, and at what percentages. Steel reinforced concrete block homes may yield a better discount than one with a plywood-only frame and plastic siding.
7. Secondary Water Barrier: This is a newer item for roofs. If your roof was installed or upgraded before 2008, it’s fairly unlikely you’ll have this sort of barrier. As with most newer features, photo documentation, at a minimum, will be required for a discount in this area.
8. Opening Protection: Here, inspectors are looking for shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris for doors and windows. They will also be checking the rating of the devices, if you have them (as in- are they hurricane-rated?). 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection to qualify for this discount.
In the end have a wind mitigation inspection is totally up to you. However the cost-savings per year could more than outweigh the cost. Give us a call today to schedule yours!!
Looking for a Seller’s Home Inspection??
If you are selling a home, you’ll get the highest price in the shortest time, if your home is in top condition. And you want to find out about any hidden problems before your house goes on the market. Almost all sales contracts include the condition that the contract is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory inspection. This is known as the inspection contingency. Buyers will insist on a professional home inspection performed by an inspector they will hire. If the buyers’ inspector finds a problem, it can cause the buyer to get cold feet and the deal can often fall through. At best, surprise problems uncovered by the buyers’ inspector will cause delays in closing, and usually you will have to pay for repairs at the last minute, or take a lower price on your home.
It’s better to pay for your own inspection before putting your home on the market. Having a pre-listing inspection done will make the whole sale process easier. Find out about any hidden problems and get them corrected in advance, on your own terms. Or present the items as is and reflected in the purchase price. Otherwise, you can count on the buyers’ inspector finding them, at the worst possible time, causing delays, and costing you more money.
One of the key benefits of having the inspection done early, is that if there are any problems discovered that need to be repaired, you can have the repairs done on your own terms, on your own schedule. When a problem isn’t found until the buyer has an inspection performed, the deal you’ve worked so hard to get done may fall apart unless you act quickly to get the repairs done. Or you may have to take a lower price, in order to keep the deal moving. In either case, you’ll almost certainly have more headache, and spend more money, than if you’d known about the problem and had it repaired before negotiations began. You could save thousands by simply being able to shop around and get competitive bids from contractors, rather than being forced into paying for a rush job at the last minute. Another area where you can save money is in having flexibility to choose the materials used in repairs. Sales contracts usually specify repairs must be made using materials of comparable quality. By identifying needed repairs early, you’ll have the option to save money by using less expensive materials for the repairs.
You can also benefit from simply offering certain items as is. Often, you can negotiate with a buyer to accept items in the current condition by stipulating that they are reflected in the purchase price. But that same buyer may walk away from the deal if the conditions come as a surprise, after an offer has already been made. If the home is inspected before the house goes on the market you will be aware of the condition of the house before an offer is made. There won’t be any surprises and the deal is far less likely to fall apart. It takes a lot of effort to get a sales agreement signed in the first place. If the inspection turns up problems, the buyer will want to negotiate a new deal and that second sales agreement is usually even harder to get done than the first one.
By having a pre-listing inspection done, you can identify problems early. Then either correct them or present them as is, assuring that the first offer you accept can move quickly and smoothly to closing without delays or costly surprises.
Listing inspections don’t cost, they pay! Call Asper Inspections today to schedule your listing inspection!
Pinellas County Home Inspector
Pinellas County Home Inspector you can trust!
Why have your new home inspected by Asper Inspection? You wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars without taking a careful look at what you are getting for your money would you? An in-depth home inspection is not as easy as it sounds and very few home buyers would have the expertise to really dig into a home inpsection.
Here are a few of the Frequently asked questions we get and ones you should be asking:
Q: How do I choose a Home Inspector?
A: Talk to your realtor, friends or seach online. Once you choose a possible inspector, ask about their credentials and experience. Home inspectors must be state licensed in Florida, don’t hire an unlicensed inspector! Here at Asper, we are not only state licensed home inspectors, we also hold state Roofing license, Residential contractor license and plumbing license.
Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: A thorough home inspection covers everything from roof to the foundation.
Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:
• Attic
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Roof & Flashings
• Gutters
• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Foundation
• Grading
• Retaining Walls
• Siding & Trim
• Driveways & Walks • Ceilings
• Floors
• Walls
• Doors & Windows
• Chimney
• Fireplace
• Major Appliances
• Electrical System
• Water Heater
• Plumbing System
• Air Conditioning
• Heating
Q: How long will the Inspection take?
A: Most home inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home and any serious areas of concern.
Q: Why can’t I have someone in my family who is very handy or a contractor, inspect my new home?
A: This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
Q: What if I have questions after the inspection?
A: You can call or email us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. We will answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Again, this is probably the largest single purchase you’ll ever make. You want to be sure that something unexpected is not going to happen once you sign the papers and move in…
Asper Inspections has been providing Home Inspections in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties since 2008. We provide buyers, sellers & lenders with information about all types of properties including single family homes, multi family homes, condos, townhomes, villas and commercial buildings.
If you are considering purchasing a new home and need an inspection…… Don’t Wait… Call (727) 657-1159 Right NOW!
Home Inspections save buyers money!
When you see that dream home with the unbeatable price tag, you may already be more than sold on investing your life’s earnings on it.
But don’t rush into it.
At least not until you can have an objective pair of eyes scan the property so your dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Buyers’ home inspections ensure that a professional inspector has offered you an objective visual survey of your new home from the roof to the foundation.
Getting a home inspection also means having that peace of mind that you won’t have to fork out thousands of dollars on repairs after you move in. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), home inspections offer buyers an unbiased evaluation of the physical condition of the home, such as the property’s structure, construction and mechanical systems. They also identify items that need to be repaired or replaced and estimate the remaining life of major systems, equipment, structure and finishes.
“It is really important for buyers to be informed about the condition of the property and any potential unforeseen concerns,” said Peter Muehlbronner, president and owner of Allstate Home Inspections in Philadelphia. The inspection is not an appraisal or geared toward cosmetic issues, but structural and mechanical concerns.
Last year, nearly three in four American homeowners said that having their new home inspected helped them avoid potential problems, according to a poll by the American Society of Home Inspections. Among those surveyed, 64 percent said they saved a lot of money in the long run because of the inspections.
House Inspection Checklist:
Before hiring a professional, examine the property yourself for any visible potential disasters such as drainage issues, leaky roofs or signs of water entry into the foundation or basement, Muehlbronner said.
Check the age of appliances, the heat, ventilation and air conditioning systems and the water heater.
Examine the age and condition of the electrical system, and check for water pressure and drainage speed.
Ensure that the seller’s disclosure is complete and accurate.
Hire a professional, Muehlbronner said. Otherwise, you may not have any standing in your requests for repairs.
How to Choose a Home Inspector
Hire a state licensed Home Inspector.
Consult family, friends, co-workers, real estate agents and neighbors for their recommendations on an inspector they trust.
Ask the inspector about his or her professional history. Ask, as well, for the names and phone numbers of former clients. Inquire if the inspector specializes in residential real estate. Background in construction and engineering is a bonus.
Ask for samples of other reports he or she has compiled.
Choose an inspector who’s committed to continued education, training and certification in his or her area of expertise. This is important if you are buying a historic home or a much older house.
Ask for a firm price upfront. You should not be charged additional fees on site.
Plan to attend the home inspection. It typically lasts anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours, Muehlbronner said.
Cost of Home Inspection
Depending on the size of the home, our home inspections start at $375, and include a free wind mitigation and 4 pt inspection. You can also add on termite inspections and sewer inspections for an additional cost. Give us a call or email today for a specific price for you!
Do you need a Four Point Inspection?
Four (4) Point Insurance Inspection – why are they are so important?
Four Point Insurance Inspections
The Four Point Insurance Inspection is performed on behalf of the insurance companies and, typically, as a requirement for the insurer offering insurance to the new homeowner. As insurance companies are beginning to see the benefit of the inspection, the program is spreading to other areas of the country. The benefit to the insurance company is, obviously, reduced loss risk on home owner’s insurance policies. This is an area of business that has, for many years, been a money loser for insurance companies. The Four Point Insurance Inspection consists of a visual survey of the following four primary components:
Roof
Electrical
HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
Plumbing
The insurance companies are expecting the condition of the components listed above to be working as intended within the manufacturer’s specifications. The insurance companies are looking for the four systems to be in generally good working condition and fulfilling their intended function. If the home is an older home the insurance companies want to see that the systems have been updated.
The criteria used to judge the components include:
Current operating conditions
Scheduled maintenance requirements
Expected service life
There are other types of specialized programs that are similar in nature to this type of inspection and may exist in specific markets. For example, some states require low income buyers to obtain an inspection of a home prior to purchase to obtain a low interest loan. In Missouri, for example, the Missouri Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) has an inspection requirement that is similar to a Four Point Insurance Inspection. Another example would be in California where many homeowner insurance companies require verification of foundation attachment for homes built prior to 1965.
Why do I need a four point inspection?
Insurance companies have become increasingly reluctant to issue Homeowner Insurance Policies on older homes (usually 25 years old or more). Their common concern is that there may be conditions in an older home that could become a liability to them. For instance; a home with a roof nearing the end of its reliable service life may fail while under the policy and the homeowner may seek reimbursement from their insurance company for damages to the home or its contents. Similar concerns extend to the condition of the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems in an older home.
In summary, the Four Point Insurance Inspection program is gaining in popularity and will likely continue to expand as the insurance companies recognize the value of the inspection and the savings benefits it provides to the insurance carrier. Asper Inspections is proud to offer four point insurance inspections as part of our full line of inspection services.
Contact us today at 727-657-1159 for your Four-Point Insurance Inspection needs.
Preparing your home for hurricane season – What every new homeowner needs to know
How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season
Follow these steps to protect your most valuable asset from hurricanes and other storms.
You should take steps now to ready your home for a storm because when bad weather approaches it’ll likely be too late.
For the Atlantic coast, hurricane season begins June 1, and NASA satellites and ocean sensors are suggesting we might be in for a formidable El Niño. That means the water in the central and eastern Pacific could be warmer than normal, which could bring about more extreme storms.
If you’re worried that your house or condo isn’t prepared for a pounding, here are some steps you can take to prepare.
Pretend a storm is coming now.That is, don’t wait until you hear a hurricane, tornado or thunderstorm of the century is coming. Maria LaRosa, a meteorologist who co-hosts “AMHQ with Sam Champion” on The Weather Channel, thinks about storms day and night and says she always feels bad when she sees people standing in line, waiting for batteries and gas for the generator.
“Those are things you can take care of beforehand, so you don’t have to be scrambling at the last minute. Don’t be that person,” she advises.
Sabine Schoenberg, a home improvement blogger at sabineshome.com who lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, agrees. “You don’t want to get caught up in the long lines at the grocery store,” she says. “Dedicate a section in your pantry or pantry cabinet for water, freeze-dried and canned food for storm emergencies.” She advises storing three days’ worth of food.
Schoenberg also suggests having a generator ready. “They’re the new must-haves,” she says.
LaRosa has one that’s big enough to run a refrigerator and plug in a few things. “It isn’t a mega one that would run the whole house, but it’s one we feel comfortable having,” she says. “So that’s probably what I’d recommend – take stock of what you think you would need if you didn’t have electricity for a few days. You might want one for your sump pump, for instance, so your basement stays dry.”
This is also a great time to check in with your insurance adjuster if you haven’t thought about your homeowners insurance for some time.
“Before a disaster strikes is the time to sit down with your insurance agent to be certain you are properly insured,” says Greg Raab, operations director for Adjusters International, a public adjusting and disaster recovery company headquartered in Utica, New York. If you live in an area that has hurricanes and floods, he stresses the importance of getting insurance that will protect you.
Raab adds that standard homeowners policies don’t include flood insurance. “Though limited in what it covers, flood insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program and works differently from standard homeowners coverage,” he says.
Secure the house. If a hurricane or tornado is making a beeline for your home, there isn’t much you can do to truly protect it. In that respect, LaRosa says, “A lot of times we show people (on television) boarding up windows if a huge storm is coming, but time and time again, it’s been proven that it’s a waste of time.”
If time is short and this looks like a punishing storm, LaRosa says you’re better off gathering family items and important paperwork, preparing your shelter and fine-tuning your evacuation route.
But you do want to secure your home. Eric Van De Steeg, owner of Van De Steeg Roofing & Associates in Oklahoma City, recommends installing window shutters, roof clips and garage door braces. Van De Steeg is referring to functional, non-decorative window shutters. Garage door braces are fastened to the garage door to help keep it from blowing away. Roof clips serve the same function, only they’re installed on a roof.
None of these items are exactly cheap. Multiple shutters can cost hundreds of dollars. Garage door braces typically run $100 to $200. Roof clips often cost less than a buck, but unless you’re something of a handyman, you’ll want to hire a professional to install them.
Wind mitigation inspections can save you money!! Here’s how…
Why do you need a Wind Mitigation Inspection? Because they may lower your insurance costs!!
These inspections more than pay for themselves! Did you know the information contained in your windstorm policy explains the premium discounts and the discount amounts you can received. This is why it is necessary to have your Wind Mitigation Inspection performed by a licensed inspector.
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In NW Florida, most homes qualify for an average windstorm premium discount of $250.00; while the cost of the inspection is only $95.00 (for single family detached homes within Pinellas county).All residential structures including single family homes, condos, townhomes or apartments may qualify for these discounts. The windstorm premium discounts are based on your home having one or more of the following wind resistant features.
QUALIFYING WIND RESISTANT FEATURES
- Roof Covering: If your roof has been replaced after 2002, it should have a roof covering that is tested to resist uplift from 110 MPH winds qualifying for a premium discount,
- Roof Deck Attachment (Intermediate): If your roof decking is OSB (chip board) or plywood and is nailed with 8d common nails (min 2-1/4 inches in length) that are at least 6 inches on center on the edges and 12 inches on center in the field this qualifies for an Intermediate Roof Decking Attachment premium discount,
- Roof Deck Attachment (Superior): If your home was built before 1960 it probably has tongue and groove or dimensional lumber decking that is ¾ inch or thicker with large nails holding the decking to your rafters, this qualifies for a Superior Roof Decking Attachment premium discount,
- Roof to Wall Connection: If your home was built after 1972 it probably has clips or straps (metal connectors) connecting your roof trusses or rafters to the top of the wall qualifying for a premium discount,
- Opening Protection: If you have added shutters or impact glass windows and ALL openings have some type of Large Missile Impact protection rating then this qualifies for a premium discount,
- Building Code Credit: If your home was permitted after March 1, 2002 then you already have most of the above features, the inspection will qualify the premium discounts,
Roof Geometry: If your home has a Hip roof the inspection will qualify the Roof Geometry for a premium discount,
- SWR: Secondary Water Resistance is a self adhering membrane applied directly to the roof deck; this is most commonly used under tile and metal roof systems and qualifies for a premium discount.
Discounts begin the date of the inspection regardless of your policy renewal date, so start saving now and call Asper Inspections for a Wind Mitigation Inspection!
Purchasing a new home?? 15 Tools every homeowner should own
15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.
Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.
Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.
8. Hacksaw A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. 
Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame. 9. Torpedo Level Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle — not merely close.
10. Safety Glasses / Goggles For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.
11. Claw Hammer A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.
12. Screwdriver Set It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are
sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.
14. Respirator / Safety Mask While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty and dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not stop.
From 15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own – InterNACHI http://www.nachi.org/15-tools.htm#ixzz34WydsoxR