Here are some common problems that general home inspections bring to light.
1. Plumbing:
• Leaking around exposed pipes, particularly with washing machines.
• Outdated pipes. It's common to find old Polybutylene pipes, which your inspector will recommend replacing. 2. Electrical: • Ungrounded outlets. You can recognize these by their two-slot configuration versus the three-slot configuration of a grounded outlet. Most inspectors will recommend that you upgrade to grounded outlets.
• Improperly wired breaker boxes. Common hazards include two circuits on a single-pole breaker, oversized breakers, double-pole breakers that supply two single circuits, and wires that cross over the panel's center.
3. Heating:
• Leaks in piping or heating unit; air ducts that need cleaning.
• Not enough insulation. Insulation requirements vary by location, but an improperly insulated home will always lead to high energy bills.
4. Drainage:
• A wet basement is a problem because it indicates that water isn't properly draining away from the home.
• Mold in the air. When water isn't draining properly, it can result in mold in the air. Mold can also be a byproduct of dry rot.
5. Roof: • Torn and cracked shingles, or flashing that's not properly installed. Each of these can cause roof leakage. 6. Walls: • Bowed or damaged walls and signs of mold or water problems
7. Dry rot:
This occurs when fungus grows in your home's wood due to high condensation. The affected wood will have to be replaced.
Another main concern is figuring out why the condensation is occurring in the first place.
Home Inspection Myth: You don't need a home inspection for a newly constructed home. Not so. Property defects come upon new construction all the time. Just because the house is new doesn't mean it was built properly. Home Inspection Myth: You don't need a home inspection if you're buying a home warranty. Home warranties rarely cover everything. You'll want to know of any potential problems before your closing so that you the seller can take care of them.
Miller's Bay, on the west side of West Lake is a popular spot for boaters in the summer to just go chill out, throw an anchor, and relax. On the weekends, this bay is filled with boats tied up to each other offering families the opportunity to have the kids swim, or you might find a bunch of party animals chugging beers and enjoying the summer sun. Either way, everyone is having a great time, and so if you are out and about, just know that Millers Bay is where boaters go in the summer to be where the party is at.
Founded in 1960, the Three Sons has been a staple of Milford, IA retail. From Herman and Emil Richter, owners, was born the University of Okoboji, a ficticious university that calls the entire Iowa Great Lakes the campus of the U of O. Part of the experience of shopping the three sons, if walking the old battered floors, and taking a trip upstairs for half price, plus a buck. Brands you would expect in Milford Iowa are abundant, such as Patagonia, Oakley, Under Armour, Tommy Bahama, and more. There are currently 2 other stores; one at the amusement park, and another near the Regal Beagle called the bridge store. No self-respecting visitor to Okoboji leaves without visiting one of their stores.
New to Spirit Lake is Lisa's Bakery. We have heard wonderful reviews of her caramel and cinnamon rolls and has a variety of other bakery goods. Set up for convenience, Lisa’s Bakery also offers a variety of take and bake meals for the busy working family or a nice break for the stay at home mom who wants a healthy satisfying meal for her family without having to be in the kitchen for hours. This place is all about convenience with a new fun twist on getting home cooked meals from Lisa's table to yours.