PCA Inspections Blog | Local information and news related to home inspections
Read the PCA Inspections blog to learn more about our services and news related to the home inspections industry
What are the Options for Insulating a Home
Home insulation is not a common item to upgrade in a house in San Francisco. But if you’re renovating your house and opening up some walls, it might be an easy place to help lower your energy bills and increase the comfort level of the home. Quick Summary of the...
Poor Drainage Around A Home
Drainage around a house or property is one to the most over looked items when purchasing a home. Water is the enemy of any home or building and poor drainage just increases the probability for that water to cause problems. Common problems that poor drainage...
LAW UPDATE: Multi-Family Buildings with Balconies Require Inspections
In 2018, California passed a new law requiring building owners of 3 or more residential units to have all balconies or decks on premises inspected every 6 years. It is a fairly comprehensive law which is intended to prevent another balcony collapse like what happened...
Top 3 Ways for Preventing Subterranean Termites
What's the biggest fear you have when it comes to the well-being of your house? I guess this isn't The Wizard of Oz, so the idea of a cyclone is pretty far-fetched. However, one widespread fear among anyone is that of a termite...
Differences between Edison Fuse Types
If you have an Edison “Screw in” fuse panel there are many types and sizes to buy. Knowing the difference can save you lots of headaches later from constant blown fuses. Type T:These are the original cartridge style Edison fuses. These were created when there were few...
Where to Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
Everyone knows that homes need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. But do you know where to install the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms? Here’s a quick guide. Where to install Smoke Alarms (Section 314.3 of California Building Code) In each...
Not All Smoke Alarms are Created Equal
Did you know there are two types smoke alarms, and one is considered safer than the other? There are two types of smoke alarm sensors used: Photoelectric and Ionization. Photoelectric smoke alarms sense particles in the air using a small light. Ionization smoke...
What should you know about Fuse Panels?
In the San Francisco Bay Area, we see a lot of old buildings with fuse panels. The question of whether they are safe to have or if they should be replaced is a common question we get during home inspections. Here is what you need to know about fuse panels. Quick...
How Long do Different Roof Systems Last?
When deciding if it is time to replace your roof there are several factors that will affect the life expectancy of your roof in the San Francisco Bay Area. Factors to Consider for Estimating Roof Life Span The style of your roof?. Flat vs Sloped Type and...
Chimney Counter-Flashing Shows Quality
A common question I get from buyers is to grade the quality of the work in a house, particularly with flips. One item to look at when you have a brick chimney is to see what type of counter-flashing is on the chimney. First, what is counter-flashing? ...
About Author
bob emmett
Over 15 years of construction and real estate experience. Speicalized in Construction Investigations. Received a masters degree in Construction Management from Drexel University. Certified Master Inspector with ASHI and Certified CREIA Inspector.