Home Trivia Answers

What are the 3 most important factors that determine the price of a home?

Bedrock Answer: Location, location, and condition of home.
Most real estate experts say location, location, location, but as a real estate investor and home inspector I must add condition of the home. Homes in poor condition may require thousands of dollars to update.

What contrubutes to the biggest problems with houses today?

Bedrock Answer: Water
From plumbing leaks to clogged gutters and poor grading. Plumbing leaks need to be repaired and outside rain water needs to be controlled. Water is the silent killer. Mold, mildew, foundation failure and termites can be attributed to failure to control water.

Is high water pressure bad for a house?

Bedrock Answer: Yes
The recommend water pressure is 60 PSI. High water pressure will find the weak link in the plumbing system and can burst at any time. The weak link might be a plastic part in a dishwasher, toilet, or the black hoses on the washing machine. When the part burst, water will run until it is shut off. (I hope you are not on a 2 week vacation at the time). Running water can do thousand of dollars of damage in a short period of time. The good news is water pressure can be corrected with a pressure relief valve (under $100.00 at Home Depot).

What are the two biggest causes of heat loss in a home?

Bedrock Answer: Uninsulated attic access hatches and fireplace dampers
The attic access hatch should be covered with a piece of insulation or better yet have a 6" inch piece of foam board attached. Fireplace dampers left open is like keeping a 48 inch window wide open during the winter, it allows warm air to go up the chimney.

Can you have too much insulation in your attic?

Bedrock Answer: Yes
It is recommended that you have 12 to 14 inches of insulation in your attic. The first 6 inches is most important as it retards 70% of heat loss. After 14 inches diminishing returns set in and you are wasting your money.
 
What is the biggest problem with Electric?

Bedrock Answer Corroded and improperly sized circuit breakers 
Electric is very dangerous and is often ignored. Dampness in an electric box can corrode circuit breakers in the on position preventing them from tripping when overheated. Wires can be improperly sized to circuit breakers.  Let someone experienced examine your electric.