Blog by All-Star Home Inspection Services LLC.

Dear All-Star

September 30th, 2009
Dear All-Star: I am buying a house built in 1968 and I am concerned about the electrical system being up to today’s standards. What are the areas I should investigate? We typically use more electrical devices today than we did back in 1968! What was considered large at 100 amps is today just adequate. As always your biggest concern should be safety. Do not open an electrical panel unless you ...

Choosing a Home Inspector

September 24th, 2009
Choosing a residential home inspection company is an important part of many real estate transactions. Too many times the choice is left to the party with the least experience in choosing a company. As a Real Estate Agent it is your responsibility not only to help your client find the right home, but to guide them through the transaction. Often times the home inspection can reveal issues that ...

Energy Audit Music Video

September 23rd, 2009

This is a music video about Energy Auditing.  The video was made by a group of Stanford grad students.  Notice the blower door equipment....

click on link to view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pezKEkBIhqA

How much does a Inspection cost?

September 23rd, 2009
Fair question, how much should a home inspection cost?  I think this question, if asked by potential buyers, is often not answered correctly by even the best home inspectors. The cost of a home inspection should be worth the time of an insured, qualified, and experienced building inspection professional with current knowledge of the many components of a house such as, roofing systems, plumbin ...

Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM)

September 23rd, 2009
It seems that Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) are becoming very popular again.  So far this year we have done 8 EEM Energy Ratings to help consumers comply with the FHA program. Buyers that have used the EEM option have been able to afford energy efficient upgrades in addition to the purchase of their homes. These upgrades include replacing drafty windows, adding insulation, replacing older ...

Uploaded Pictures

September 23rd, 2009

Here are the pictures that we've uploaded, Pic 1, Manteca, CA

 

Energy Tax Credits

September 23rd, 2009
ENERGY TAX CREDITS That big expensive home improvement project you've wanted to do may not be that expensive after all.  Now through December 31st 2010, the Federal Government is offering tax credits on major household items such as furnaces, central air units, windows, hot water heaters etc.  For most of the products mentioned the Federal Government is offering 30% back on each unit you pur ...

Customer Story of the Month

September 23rd, 2009
Customer Story of the Month  Last week, I was called by a customer in the rural area of Tracy who wanted to know about our energy auditing services.   He complained that he was spending over $700.00 a month for PG&E utilities and that the heating and cooling of his house were the main cause of his high energy bills.  He told me that didn’t want to spend $20,000.00 to upgrade his HVAC system, ...

How to schedule a Home Inspection

September 23rd, 2009
How to schedule a Home Inspection Since there is no licensing of home inspectors in California, it is imperative that real estate service providers recommend a qualified professional. The following tips can help: Offer several qualified references to buyers. Ask the inspector for a sample of past inspection reports — most professional inspectors provide a detailed report offering a comp ...

Home Inspection Myths

September 23rd, 2009
Myth: The inspection report is a seller’s repair list.REALITY: The purpose of a home inspection is not to serve the seller with a repair list. The primary objective is to know what you are buying before you buy it. All homes have defects; it's not possible to acquire one that is perfect. What you want is a working knowledge of significant defects before you close escrow. The inspector’s role ...