Homeowner Quiz
Home maintenance is key to retaining and growing the value of
your investment in the property. See if you know enough to keep
your home in tiptop shape by taking our short online quiz.
Homeowner Quiz - Results
| Correct Answer | Your Answer | Click for Details | |
| 1.) Sawdust below wooden beams is a sure sign of termites. | Info | ||
| Termites ingest wood for nourishment and do not leave behind sawdust. If clumps of a sawdust-like material are present, it may be evidence of carpenter ant activity. These insects do not obtain any nourishment from the wood but gnaw out nesting galleries. The sawdust is also referred to as frass, which is a combination of the wood particles, food particles (including ant parts), ant excrement, and other debris that results from the insect activity. Like most other wood destroying insects, carpenter ants are attracted to high moisture environments. So in addition to using insecticides to rid your house of carpenter ants, removing overgrown vegetation and taking other steps to correct high-moisture conditions in and around the house is recommended. A building professional - such as a home inspector - should also check areas of known activity for signs of damage. | |||
| 2.) A vertical crack in a foundation is a sure sign of structural problems. | Info | ||
| A hairline vertical crack may simply be a sign of slight foundation settlement or shrinkage and is common in many home foundations, particularly older homes. However, large vertical cracks, or clusters of small ones, may indicate a localized or overall foundation problem. Horizontal cracks in a foundation are normally a red flag for an existing or potential structural problem. Horizontal cracks generally only occur as a result of improper construction practices or excessive soil pressures on the foundation caused by poor grading and drainage around the foundation. Improper foundation grading and drainage conditions should always be corrected, but the foundation itself should also be professionally evaluated if questionable conditions exist. | |||
| 3.) It's okay to use extension cords to plug in all of your computer or TV equipment, as long as you replace the extension cord each year. | Info | ||
| While it is okay to use extension cords to provide power to electrical appliances and equipment, they must be rated for the particular use and should not be relied upon to permanently provide power, especially to more than one element. This practice, unfortunately, has become commonplace with the numerous electronic appliances such as TVs, computers, video games, and home theaters found in the typical home today. When used, extension cords should be kept as short as possible and should be rated for the current required by the all the connected equipment. If you find the need to regularly use extension cords, then most likely your home could use additional permanently installed receptacle outlets. A professional home inspector will be able to tell you if the home's electric system is up to present day standards or if an upgrade of the electrical system is warranted. | |||
| 4.) All household mold is toxic and harmful to humans. | Info | ||
| Major health organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, and the Center for Disease Control are continuing their studies and review of information to determine what mold strains are hazardous, at what exposure level a hazard would exist, and if certain molds are even harmful to all humans or is it just a problem for to certain individuals, such as those who are more susceptible to upper respiratory ailments. Some known harmful strands include Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus. Mold can only grow where there is a source of moisture, such as a leaky faucet, leaky roof or foundation cracks, and a food source, such as cellulose materials. All homeowners should make every effort to eliminate moisture buildup throughout their homes to reduce the potential for mold growth. Individuals with sensitive respiratory systems and concerns about mold should consider investing in a mold inspection by a qualified mold technician or Industrial Hygienist. | |||
| 5.) A tube of caulk can help save hundreds of dollars in heating/cooling bills. | Info | ||
| While a single caulked joint won't save hundreds of dollars, a single tube of caulk, which can be bought at any local hardware or home improvement store for just a few dollars, can help block an otherwise substantial amount of heat loss. Applied properly along gaps and trim around exterior windows and doors, it prevents heated or cooled interior air from escaping. But equally important, it can cut down on the air infiltration, which causes the drafts that make you feel uncomfortable. Overall this will mean less work for your heating/cooling systems - and a much more comfortable indoor environment. | |||
| 6.) The best place to install a carbon monoxide detector is right near the furnace. | Info | ||
| While it may seem appropriate to place a carbon monoxide (CO) detector right near the possible source of CO leakage, you are apt to get a lot of false readings. Most fuel-burning units will occasional produce momentary high levels of CO for one reason or other. In most cases this does not represent a serious or ongoing concern and a carbon monoxide detector placed right near the source will often lead to nuisance alarms. Also, when a detector regularly sound an alarm for no identifiable reason, there is an increased chance you'll become complacent and ignore it when there is a real danger (or even remove it). Instead, it is recommended that you place the carbon monoxide detector(s) in or near the sleeping areas (bedrooms). This is to alarm sleeping occupants to the possible danger and also so you will be more inclined to realize there a likelihood that a serious life-safety threat exists should the alarm go off. | |||
| 7.) Most roof leaks are caused by faulty shingles. | Info | ||
| Eventually most roofs will wear to the point that leakage occurs; however, most initial roof leaks can be attributed to installation deficiencies, storm damage, ice dams, or faulty flashings. A roof flashing is found anywhere a roof plane changes or where there is a penetration through the roof, such as around a chimney or plumbing vent. Flashings must be overlapped in a manner that provides a watertight seal that is not affected by the movement of the roof structure or other components. All flashings require periodic maintenance, which is often ignored. Fortunately a roof flashing can be repaired or replaced at a relatively small cost compared to the cost of replacing the roof. | |||
| 8.) Rain gutters should be installed completely level with the roof line. | Info | ||
| Gutters should be installed below the roof edge and sloped so that rainwater running off of the roof will flow into the gutter, down the slope and into the drain pipes. While a gutter placed exactly straight and level with the roofline might be more pleasing to the eye, any blockage will cause rainwater to overflow the gutter and possibly backup under the shingles if they the gutter is set too high. This can lead to damage to the fascia and soffits, and possibly contribute to water seepage into the foundation(and basement, if you have one). | |||
| 9.) If you are purchasing a home built after 1960, you don't have to worry about lead paint issues. | Info | ||
| Lead-based paint was used in many homes built prior to 1960; however, a ban on lead-based paint didn't go into effect until 1978. So any homes painted prior to that year has an above average probability of having lead-based paint on some surface. While the probability is relatively low, lead-based paint from older stock may have even been used in newer homes. If an older home's present paint job is smooth and seamless (no cracks, flaking peeling), there should be no problem, since, by now, the lead-based paint is likely sealed under a few layers of lead- free latex or oil-based paint. However, if any interior paint (particularly the glossy trim paint) or exterior paint is flaking, peeling or cracking, it can expose or release chips/dust of the lead-based paint underneath. This can cause a serious health issue, particularly if there are children in the home. The normal opening and closing of windows and doors will cause paint to chip or flake, or simply create a lead dust hazard. If you live in or are considering the purchase of a home built prior to 1979, you may want to have an expert investigate potential lead paint issues, particularly if the paint is worn or you will be doing any remodeling/repainting work that might cause these older layers of paint to be exposed. | |||
| 10.) Insulation is required in the walls and ceilings of all homes. | Info | ||
| In most areas the standard requirements is to maintain a minimum R-Value of 30 in the ceiling/attic areas and a minimum R-Value of 19 in the walls. | |||
| 11.) One-quarter of resale homes in North America has a serious defect that will cost at least $500 to repair or replace. | Info | ||
| Actually, the percentage is much higher!Research by HouseMaster indicates that 40% of resale homes have at least one serious defect that will require immediate repair or replacement. The discovery of significant defects can become an issue if a buyer hasn't put aside funds to cover unexpected problems. This is why real estate experts recommend that home buyers hire a professional home inspector to assess the condition of the home they are interested in buying prior to making a final purchase decision. | |||
| 12.) Paint will peel off the walls if primer is not used. | Info | ||
| A primer does more than let you get by with one finish coat of paint; it prepares the wall surface to help ensure adhesion of a new layer of paint. By taking the time to apply a primer, you reduce the risk of the paint peeling, flaking, or cracking prematurely. However, even paint applied over a new coat of primer will peel or separate from the wall if moisture problems are present. Peeling paint or any wall irregularities should be investigated before repainting to determine if it is a symptom of another problem such as a water leak or condensation. | |||
| 13.) It is normal for water pressure to drop or temperature to change if someone flushes the toilet while you are in the shower. | Info | ||
| While you may have grown accustomed to surprise scaldings during the morning shower as a result of another family member flushing the toilet downstairs, this is not something that has to occur. In older homes, it may be the result of a limited water supply caused by pipes clogged with mineral deposits. This sudden drop in water pressure can even occur in new homes when undersized piping is used. If you experience this problem, a licensed plumber should assess the piping/plumbing system to determine the remedial action needed. Whether or not a water-supply problem can be corrected, experts recommend installing special pressure-sensitive anti-scald faucets designed to maintain uniform mixing of the hot and cold water even when there is a drop off in the water supply, or anti scald shower heads. | |||
| 14.) When purchasing a home, it isn't important to look at the landscaping around the foundation and near the home - just the structural elements of the house will suffice. | Info | ||
| While structural elements of the interior and exterior of a resale home should be thoroughly checked, the landscaping and other site conditions around the home can actually cause problems, such as wet basements, or wood destroying insect infestation. A tree branch in contact with the roof can encourage carpenter ants to invade the roof and roof framing, soil that is in contact with wood siding is an invitation for termites, and grading that allows for water to pool along the foundation walls is often a source of water or moisture in the basement. All these issues must be considered when trying to forecast potential costly problems down the road. | |||
| 15.) A newly constructed home can't have any problems because everything is new, and even if problems develop, the builder's warranty will take care of them. | Info | ||
| While all the systems in the home may be new and possibly even under warranty, installation and design problems are not uncommon. Even the best of builders often rely on sub contractors to do the work. These contractors may not be familiar with the new products being used in homes today and, as a result, installation problems may surface down the road. Inherent design or material defects also exist with many new products. EIFS siding, which is also known as synthetic stucco, is a one example of a product used in new construction that can turn into a big problem if the system is not properly installed. Regardless of the fact that the home you may be considering is new, it is a wise investment to have the home inspected prior to purchase. | |||
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