A Northern Virginia Home Inspector's Perspective

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Home Inspector - Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - 3380-000723
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Keeping the AC compressor clean.This is a very important point.  AC compressors can get very dirty depending on what surrounds the unit.This unit is surrounded by dirt.It is also very close to the ground.The AC compressor should be at least 3" above the soil level to allow for drainage.Typically ...
01/03/2017
Don't pressure wash siding!Just don't.There are many reasons, which range from the professionalism of the people doing the pressure washing to the damage pressure washing does to siding, paint and trim work.Case in point - I saw a house in my neighborhood being pressure washed.The temperatures ou...
12/30/2016
Missing hurricane straps.Hurricane straps?  What is a hurricane strap?Hurricane straps are a half-twist metal plate with holes which allow a roof rafter to be nailed to the framing below.Years ago I wrote a blog post regarding hurricane straps and their use published at ActiveRain, which you can ...
12/29/2016
What's the difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump?A sump pump is placed in basement floors, below ground level, and in a small pit of 20 or 30 gallons size.Around the house, under the house, and perhaps a stairwell, tubes will be placed to direct water from those places into the sump ...
12/28/2016
Should you cut HVAC air filters to fit the space?The answer - NO!The purpose of the HVAC air filter is to keep the system clean. Yes, the TV commercials say that if you use this or that filter the air in the house will be cleaner and your children will be healthier.While it is true that while the...
12/26/2016
Can an all brick house leak through the walls?The answer, in short, is YES!Water has to be controlled.  Around the roof, and house, water can be effectively controlled by gutters and downspouts.  If they are not situated properly, or if roof water is not drained properly from the roof to the gutt...
12/23/2016
Caulking is the cheapest form of energy savings, and very efficient.Caulking is not permanent.  Examining the caulking around your house should be something you do at least annually, if not semi annually.Look at two photos from a bay window on the front of a house. Gaps existed all around the win...
12/22/2016
Disposal connector clamps and cover plates.When electrical wires enter any junction box or appliance they should be clamped.The clamp does what you think it does.It secures the wire so it cannot come loose or be pulled out of the device thus pulling apart the electrical connection.And very import...
12/21/2016
"New fridge with ice maker!"So said the "feature" list in this house I was asked to inspect recently.People always ask me to review the feature list and to look around to make sure it is accurate.In this house there was indeed a new refrigerator!And the new refrigerator indeed had an ice maker!Bu...
12/19/2016
Do not vent a dryer vent indoors, or in this way.And also, never use the white, plastic dryer vent tubing!The dryer in this house disobeyed all the rules!The laundry room was on the middle level, venting the dryer through the floor.Sometimes that means it turns and goes outdoors.And sometimes it ...
12/16/2016
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Jay Markanich

Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
local_phone(703) 330-6388
smartphone(703) 585-7560
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An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.