PCA Inspections Blog | Local information and news related to home inspections
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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? ...
Is Your Garage a Fire Hazard?
Not many people think of garages as a fire hazard, but with the potential of a car fire and the storage of hazardous materials (ex: gasoline and fertilizers) it can be a recipe for a disaster. For this reason, current building standards require at least a...
Why is there Gravel on My Roof?
You may be wondering why some buildings have gravel on the roof. Simple, it protects the tar from the sun. UV rays can break down and dry out the tar membrane causing the tar to crack (some describe it as “alligatoring”). The light color rocks reflect...
Spotting an Electrical Panel that Needs to be Replaced
One item to consider during a home inspection is the electrical panel manufacturer. Specifically, you should be aware of the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel . These panels were typically installed between the 1950s to the 1980s. They have a high...
4 Tips for Finding a Construction Contractor
How to properly vet a contractor? Finding and vetting a contractor for a home renovation can be difficult and expensive if you pick the wrong contractor. Most home owners usually have little experience with construction and can easily be bamboozled by a slick talking...
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.