When buying a house, having a home inspection before the deal is finalized is always a good idea, both for the buyer and the seller. The home inspector evaluates all the homes mechanical systems along with the structural integrity and safety features of the home. The inspector then identifies any issues that the buyer should be aware of. In most cases it is possible for the buyer to go along with the inspector during the 3-4 hour process, and a written report is prepared a few days afterwards with a more detailed analysis. A home seller may also have an inspection done of the home before any potential buyers come along to identify any potential pitfalls/problems that may arise in trying to sell the home.

Article Source: http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/17/home-inspections-it-pays-to-know-what-youre-buying?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl12%7Csec4_lnk1%7C186921

November 19th, 2010

Why is it important to know that there are options when it comes to choosing the right  smoke detectors? Yes it is true not all smoke alarms are the same.

There are two basic types of detectors: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization models are quicker to spot flaming fires. Photoelectric models react more quickly to smoldering fires, the kind caused by a cigarette on the couch or an overloaded extension cord. These smoldering fires produce toxic gases that can kill people sleeping in the house before there are any flames.

While any smoke detector is better than nothing, a growing number of experts favor photoelectric or dual-mode alarms to guard against both fire and smoke.

Nine out of 10 homes in the U.S. have ionization alarms. There are two reasons for this. They are cheaper to buy, and fire departments across the country have given them away for decades.

From what I have heard it seems like the photoelectric detector will provide the earliest possible warning for someone to get out of harm’s way. The ionization one will work but may take longer than you would like. If you ask me I would pick the dual mode alarm because they will guard against both flaming and smoldering fires.

There are several new codes that state where the smoke detectors are required in a home and how they are to be installed. You should get in the habit of changing your batteries beginning in spring and fall. The best time to remember is when you are changing your clocks forward or backwards. Also, if your smoke detectors are more than 10 years old you should have them changed out.

Smoke detectors in GA are required to be interconnected, this means that if one goes off in the basement they all will go off and you will also hear the one upstairs. They are also required in every bedroom and outside within 10 feet of each bedroom and one on each floor.

If you would like more information about smoke detectors feel free post a comment, give me a call or check with your local inspectors. I have attached a link for some more local information about the different kinds of smoke detectors available please check out the link and lets us continue to educate and protect ourselves.

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/22505247/detail.html

Thanks for reading.

Tony B.