<![CDATA[Vidalia Home Inspectors

<![CDATA[Vidalia Home Inspectors - Blog]]>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:51:00 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[What is Included In Our Home Inspections]]>Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:30:00 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/what-is-included-in-our-home-inspections

]]><![CDATA[Drowning In Real Estate]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2017 15:16:17 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/drowning-in-real-estate

If you are buying a home and feel like you are drowning in real estate terms and paperwork - then you are not alone.

Real estate nowadays is more complicated than ever. There is a law, term, and paperwork for just about everything you can imagine. So is there anything that isn't complicated about the process?

Yes, us! We make our part of the process as straight forward as possible for you. You contact us, and we will perform a thorough, detailed home inspection. Afterward, you recieve a complete report that is easy to understand - it's that simple.

So contact us today for your home inspection!

]]><![CDATA[The Basics of Asphalt Shingles]]>Thu, 15 Dec 2016 15:30:00 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/the-basics-of-asphalt-shinglesSince most roofs in the area are made from asphalt shingles, we wanted to post this great informational video. This video is great if you are considering having a roof installed.

]]><![CDATA[Should You Replace Your Roof?]]>Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:12:39 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/should-you-replace-your-roof

As we see in individual roofing materials (asphalt, single ply, metal, tile, and more), the age of a roof can vary and they can last a long time as long as they are correctly installed.

Additionally, small issues can be fixed which means that an average roof should last up to 20 years. When leaks cause water damage to the interior, there are a number of reasons why this occurs including improperly installed flashing, weathered section of the roof, and problems with skylights or chimneys. With most problems, they can be fixed as opposed to immediately going for a new roof.

I bring this out in this post because some roofing contractors like to recommend replacement many times, when all that really may be needed is a repair. So which is it? Contact me and I will be happy to give you an objective opinion.

]]><![CDATA[Saving Energy - While Cooking?]]>Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:00:00 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/saving-energy-while-cooking

Cooking - Can you really save energy while doing it? And does it mater? The answer is yes. Cooking is something that we have to do in order to eat but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still save energy in the process. For this reason, we have a small list of things that you can do;

Firstly, you could look into convection ovens as these are more efficient than conventional ovens. By using fans to push the hot air around, the temperature doesn’t have to be quite so high. In comparison, convection ovens are thought to use 20% less electricity.
When you use pans, make sure you put them on the appropriately-sized flame.
Wherever possible, use microwaves as these use up to 80% less energy than traditional ovens.
Using pressure cookers can reduce the cooking time of an item significantly.
By using the lids that come with pans, you can also reduce cooking time and therefore energy usage.
Finally, food should always be cooked on the top tray in a conventional oven as heat rises.

]]><![CDATA[Identifying Asbestos]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2016 15:44:55 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/identifying-asbestos

Unless it is blatantly labelled, there is no characteristic within asbestos that you can’t see in other materials. Whenever there is any doubt, the material should be treated as though it is asbestos. After contacting a professional, they should take a sample to have it tested as they will know exactly what to look for. However, this process needs to be completed by a trained professional because taking a sample can actually be more dangerous than simply leaving it alone. Therefore, you should never ‘cut off’ a sample if you suspect anything.

If you do choose to take a sample yourself, you are putting yourself and others at risk but you need to be aware of all the information you can regarding the topic. For example, material that is in good condition should not be sampled. Furthermore, we also have some other tips to guide you through the process;

Before you start, remove everyone from the room but yourself.
Always use disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly after finishing.
Only take a small sample and avoid any unnecessary cuts or movement.
Shut down any cooling or heating systems you have on as not to spread fibers around the house.
First, wet the material as this will keep a percentage of fibers from releasing; ensure that a few drops of detergent have been added to the water.
Make sure you are taking a sample over a plastic sheet or any other disposable surface.
Using a small knife, remove a piece that includes the entire depth of the material. Then, place this cutting into a sealable container or bag.
When the sample is inside, make sure the lid is tight or the bag has been sealed.
Remove the sheet from the floor and clean any material that may be on the outside of the container or sample bag according to your local laws.
Make sure you label the sample and include information on where the sample was taken and when.
Go back to the main bulk of material and patch the gap with duct tape so no further fibers can be released.
Take your sample and send it across to an analysis lab that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). If you are unsure, contact your local health department and they should provide you with the relevant information.

]]><![CDATA[Are Fuses Bad?]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/are-fuses-bad

Often on home inspections fuses are found. One of the first questions people ask is "are fuses bad?". The answer to that is a little more involved though.

Why do people think fuses are bad? Many people think fuses are not good because of many reasons. Maybe their insurance company will not give them home owner's insurance if there are fuses. Maybe they have old fuses in their home, or maybe they have seen it on TV.

The real story is that fuses are not as bad as they are made out to be. Actually, in some cases, fuses are considered safer than breakers. On large electrical equipment they often require fuses and not breakers (industrial and some commercial equipment) because when a fuse is dead - it's dead. But breakers can fail.

So why the issue? There are many reasons, but most of all people did not treat fuse boxes with respect. Often times foregoing the trip to the hardware store for fuses and just puttin pennies in the fuse slot. At wither rate, breakers are the standard now, and fuses are most often removed as they get older for the more preferred re-settable breaker.

]]><![CDATA[How to Replace a Ceiling Fan]]>Sat, 22 Oct 2016 23:20:48 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/how-to-replace-a-ceiling-fan

]]><![CDATA[The Main Electrical Shutoff]]>Tue, 20 Sep 2016 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/the-main-electrical-shutoff

Where is your main electrical shutoff? Most people don't give much thought to that - unless you are a home inspector of course. But knowing the location of your main electrical shutoff is an important safety item.

Most electric panels nowadays have a single main shutoff as seen in the picture to the left. This shutoff will usually be at the top of all the other breakers and behind the panel door. This breaker will also typically be labeled with the maximum amperage for the panel (or at least for what the breaker is rated for).

So for most of us, if you can find the panel you can find you main shutoff. Have questions? Contact us!

]]><![CDATA[Contact Us For a Maintenance Inspection]]>Fri, 09 Sep 2016 18:51:59 GMThttps://www.vidaliahomeinspector.com/blog/contact-us-for-a-maintenance-inspectionContact us to schedule your yearly maintenance home inspection

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