Having fire alarms in your home is a great way to safeguard the safety of you and your loved ones. Along with installing the fire alarms, there is also the need to make sure you conduct a fire alarm inspection periodically. Here are a few things to make sure you check on a regular basis.

A crucial element in your fire alarm inspection is to make sure the batteries are in working order. Check the current level to make sure the battery is fully charged. Also check the terminals and terminal clamps to make sure they are clear of any type of rust or corrosion. You may want to clean them every now and then with a non-flammable solvent, to keep them in top condition. Change the batteries as needed, but certainly no less than once a year. Many manufacturers of fire alarm systems recommend that you change the battery at twice per calendar year.

In like manner, check the electrical connections that will be powering the units most of the time. Remember that the battery is there to kick in when the power is off for any reason, not as the first line of defense. As part of the fire alarm inspection, test the horns and strobes and make sure they are loud enough and function at full capacity. Should a fire break out, you want both the sound and the revolving lights to be enough to attract the attention of all occupants within the dwelling. Also make sure the automatic shift from electrical power to the battery backup is working seamlessly.

Fire alarm systems are made to not only detect the heat from a fire, but also smoke. This valuable feature could buy you and your loved ones extra seconds or even minutes that allow you to escape from the house. As a part of your fire alarm inspection, direct smoke at the units, making sure they sound at the slightest hint of smoke.

If your fire alarm system includes a display panel, include a check of the panel as part of your fire alarm inspection. Make sure the panel is functioning properly and can be used by any fire fighters that need to enter the home with the intent of containing the fire.

Investing in a fire alarm system is smart. Making sure you conduct a fire alarm inspection on a regular basis is even smarter. Sit down with your family and plan out periodic inspections throughout the year. All of you will sleep better knowing your fire alarm system is functionally at full capacity.

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As we become more security conscious is important to take proactive measures to protect yourself. Home inspectors often note security concerns in the homes they inspect. Following are a few recommendations from the field:

1. Exterior doors are the obvious first choice for entry into your home. Never leave doors unlocked at night or for extended periods. Homes built before the 1970′s may have hollow-core exterior doors which are inadequate at preventing forced entry. Double door assemblies often do not bolt properly at top and bottom resulting in an easy entry condition. We have seen sliding glass doors installed backwards allowing easier access and exterior doors that swing out with no security hinge. Sometimes locksets and dead-bolts do not engage fully and many homebuyers forget to have the entire house re-keyed upon taking possession. Review the security considerations related to the doors in the home.

2. Windows are the next most frequent entry point for the intruder. We often see windows that are not locked or must remain open to allow evaporative cooler air to escape. It is important to at least slow the invader down, keeping in mind that in a bedroom you need a window that is easy to escape from in the event of emergency. Make sure no tool or key is required for the secondary exit from a bedroom. Use thumb screw type locks or easily removable dowels in the track to restrict forced entry. Check the security condition of your windows today.

3. Home inspectors do not evaluate security systems that may exist at the property. It is important to have a competent expert evaluate any existing systems and provide information related to effectiveness and improvement. Some companies provide a basic system for free if you sign up for multi-year monitoring.

4. Never leave garage doors open if you are not in the garage. Beside the risk for theft, an open garage provides easy access to the property interior. Keep your exterior well lit and find out if you have a block watch program already in force.

Over the years we have all seen, or maybe even written, real estate ads with phrases designed to get attention. Ads with “Plumbing Recently Replaced”, “New Roof”, “Totally Renovated” grab our attention when shopping for a home. Terms like these can help sell a home, but they can also come back to haunt you. Let me expand on the listed examples:

“Plumbing Recently Replaced”
Eager sellers and salespeople often describe plumbing replacement work improperly. Plumbing Recently Replaced could mean replacement of the fixtures only – things may look new but the real concern is in the supply and waste piping condition. Is the supply piping copper, galvanized steel or plastic? Has all or part of the piping actually been replaced? One common technique for replacement of deteriorated galvanized steel piping with copper is to replace the horizontal runs in the attic first. At some later date the intent is to replace the vertical sections in the walls. Sellers and salespeople routinely claim that the supply piping has been replaced when, in fact, only half of the supply piping has been replaced. Then come the leaks . . .

“New Roof”
The term new is the first problem with this phrase, better is to give an age or date of replacement. Has the entire roof been replaced or just a portion? Did a licensed contractor as evidenced by a receipt do the work? In some cases the term “New Roof” is nothing to brag about because Uncle Bob put it on with his friends during a weekend filled with lots-o-beer and pizza. The new roof being touted may require a complete tear-off and replacement, by someone with actual competency, in order to be considered a reliable roof.

“Totally Renovated”
Here is a phrase that means something different to everyone. To me “Totally Renovated” means that every part of the house that shows wear has been replaced. I would be upset to find out that the roof is really ten years old, the heating and cooling system is eight years old, etc. on a house that was claimed to be totally renovated. Even though the middle-aged systems may not require replacement, it is misleading to use such broad descriptions of condition.There are many more expressions that cause confusion. You can likely think of others. Use of overly broad statements regarding property condition keeps real estate lawyers in business. Be careful! A home inspection can provide protection on the important issues regarding property condition and the extent of repair work or renovation. Without an inspection, everyone involved in the real estate transaction is at risk.

As we become more security conscious is important to take proactive measures to protect yourself. Home inspectors often note security concerns in the homes they inspect. Following are a few recommendations from the field:

1. Exterior doors are the obvious first choice for entry into your home. Never leave doors unlocked at night or for extended periods. Homes built before the 1970′s may have hollow-core exterior doors which are inadequate at preventing forced entry. Double door assemblies often do not bolt properly at top and bottom resulting in an easy entry condition. We have seen sliding glass doors installed backwards allowing easier access and exterior doors that swing out with no security hinge. Sometimes locksets and dead-bolts do not engage fully and many homebuyers forget to have the entire house re-keyed upon taking possession. Review the security considerations related to the doors in the home.

2. Windows are the next most frequent entry point for the intruder. We often see windows that are not locked or must remain open to allow evaporative cooler air to escape. It is important to at least slow the invader down, keeping in mind that in a bedroom you need a window that is easy to escape from in the event of emergency. Make sure no tool or key is required for the secondary exit from a bedroom. Use thumb screw type locks or easily removable dowels in the track to restrict forced entry. Check the security condition of your windows today.

3. Home inspectors do not evaluate security systems that may exist at the property. It is important to have a competent expert evaluate any existing systems and provide information related to effectiveness and improvement. Some companies provide a basic system for free if you sign up for multi-year monitoring.

4. Never leave garage doors open if you are not in the garage. Beside the risk for theft, an open garage provides easy access to the property interior. Keep your exterior well lit and find out if you have a block watch program already in force.