by cfbi1 | Aug 20, 2022 | CFBI Blog
A double tapped breaker is found when there are two supply wires placed under one breaker lug or connection. This is found typically in the electrical sub panel breaker box and also can be found at the main breaker. Someone has purposefully installed an extra circuit into one that is only supposed to have one going to it.
Why would someone double tap a breaker?
Essentially, someone is trying to make the installation of a new circuit, oftentimes when people add an extra piece of equipment, but don’t have the space to install a new breaker in the panel. So, they end up taking the wire for the new equipment and jamming it into an already existing breaker. This will overload this breaker and will put your building at risk for fire or damage.
What is wrong with a double tapped breaker circuit?
Majority of the breakers found inside electrical panels are only rated by the manufacturer for accepting one wire. If the wire is loose or the load is too much for any breaker, a resulting fire can occur. Picture an air conditioning (AC) unit that requires a 50 amp breaker for the installation. Now the homeowner decides to install a hot tub but takes its wire and puts it into the 50 amp AC breaker that already has a wire going into it. You now have 2 high powered devices drawing energy from one underrated circuit and a fire could result.
How do I fix a double tapped breaker?
There are a few ways to fix this issue. Some are more costly than others, however. We always recommend consulting with a licensed electrician before making any repairs.
- Option 1: Have an electrician install a tandem breaker. These can oftentimes fit in an existing spot on the breaker panel and contain two separate circuit lugs for the two wires.
- Option 2: Have an electrician install a breaker that can accommodate two wires. These are not as common but are easily available and will be safer than double tapping a breaker. There is a special designation symbol on the front of the breaker that shows two wires are allowed.
- Option 3: Add another breaker to the panel. However, if no room exists in the current breaker panel, a new panel would have to be installed. This would be the most expensive option and would require the skills of a licensed electrician.
by CFBIBlog | Jun 6, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Home construction is expected to boom this year. New housing starts in March were 6.8% higher than the previous month. As you try to make sure that you don’t miss your construction targets, be sure to avoid new construction inspection mistakes.
Whether you are inspecting new homes for the first time or just want to improve the process, read on to learn five mistakes to avoid.
1. Hiring the Cheapest Inspector
When hiring a home inspector, it’s easy to think about going cheap. You should never settle on the cheapest inspector you find. Try finding someone who offers the best value for a fair price.
Remember, you are already investing a lot of money in your home. Don’t throw that investment away by failing to find the right inspector. You can save future headaches by doing it right the first time around.
Read reviews and testimonials and ask about the inspector’s experience and credentials.
2. Forgoing Additional Tests
An inspector will often ask for a specialist to evaluate a potential problem. Maybe mold was found or there is a need for a roofing expert.
Don’t ignore these recommendations. Hiring a specialist is often not as expensive as you think. It can take minimal time to schedule and should be an important part of your checklist.
3. Disregarding the Report
Inspecting new homes is only one part of the process. You will also need to take the report seriously. Once the home is inspected, you will receive a report. Listen carefully to what the inspector tells you.
New homeowners sometimes make the error of just skimming over a report instead of reading it through.
4. Forgetting to Have a Final Inspection After Repairs
Once you have addressed the issues you should have another inspection. People sometimes skip this step. It is important to understand if the repairs were done correctly.
Sometimes, you may find that the issues were not fixed. A second inspection protects you and the potential seller.
5. Not Being Present for the Inspection
Don’t be tempted to skip out on the inspection. It’s not enough to just read the inspection report later.
Nothing beats being present for an inspection. Hearing the inspector’s comments can help greatly. Not everything is always written down as part of the home inspection process.
Inspections can take upward of three hours. Be sure that you are there for at least the end so you can speak with the inspector directly. You may catch small bits of advice that aren’t listed on the home inspection report.
Learn More Tips on Avoiding New Construction Inspection Mistakes
Following these five tips can help you avoid potentially costly new construction inspection mistakes. A successful inspection process can give you peace of mind.
Are you looking for a trusted home inspector in the Central Florida area? Call our office today. You can also leave us an online message and a member of our team will respond promptly.
by CFBIBlog | May 19, 2022 | CFBI Blog
In the US, an estimated 23 million homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Well water provides a reliable and renewable source of drinking water, making them so popular. The EPA does not regulate these private wells, so homeowners are responsible for the safety of their well water.
In Florida, 90% of the population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Although groundwater is better protected from contaminants than surface water, chemicals and bacteria can still reach them. As a result, well water testing is essential to know if your water is contaminated.
Read on to learn more about testing well water in Florida to ensure your family’s water is safe.
1. Florida Water Testing Laws
Florida does not have any laws that require individuals to test well water when private homes are sold. But, some lenders like the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs will require water tests as part of their loan process. You, the homeowner, are responsible for setting up the water well testing to close on your loan.
Florida has laws about public sources of drinking water being tested, but there are no laws that require private well owners do routine water testing. It is up to private individuals to test that their water meets EPA and local standards.
Some counties in Florida have rules that call for well water testing when an individual builds a new private well or conducts repairs on one. Regardless, if you are building a new home and a new well, you should get the groundwater tested to ensure your water is safe.
2. What Should Your Well Water Test Kit Check For?
You should test your well water for nitrates and bacteria. These are the two most common types of water contaminants found in Florida groundwater. But, you should also be aware of other pollutants common in your local area.
Florida has a lot of agriculture which can cause runoff of toxins and pesticides to make their way into the groundwater. Sulfer is another common issue that Florida homeowners find in their drinking water. Some other contaminants you can test for include:
- Ions
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Total Dissolved Solids
3. How Often Should You Do Well Water Testing?
You may have had your water tested when your home was built, or you first bought it, but the quality of your well water changes over time. You should get a well water test at least once a year. A test for potability, nitrates, and bacteria should be a priority.
You should test your water even if no one has gotten sick or there has been no change in taste or color. There could still be contaminants in your water that you don’t notice. If you do see a difference, it’s best to get a well water test kit and check for contaminants as soon as possible.
When testing well water, you’ll want to test from two places, the source of your water and the tap. These sources will give you a clear idea of the safety of your drinking water.
Make Sure Your Drinking Water Is Safe
Well water testing is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your drinking water is safe. Testing on a routine basis will point out any issues, so you can hire a professional to help you get your drinking water safe again.
Are you worried about your home’s well water? We here at Central Florida Building Inspectors can help you get back your peace of mind. Click here to schedule a well water test today.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 11, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Are you aware that the average American uses over 80 gallons of water a day at home?
Some homeowners are lucky enough to have access to a well. There are many benefits of this water source, including having cleaner and tastier water quality. However, you should test well water on a regular basis because some things can go wrong if left untreated.
Are you wondering what you need to know? Keep reading to learn all about the cost of a well water test.
The General Cost
When it comes to well water test kits, it’s important to know that the prices can vary based on a range of factors. For instance, the brand name of the kit, the accuracy of the test, and the depth of the well can all contribute to the price.
The cheapest kits can cost as little as $150 or less. The most extensive and high-quality tests can end up costing you as much as $2,000, depending on the type.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to well water test kits. It’s might be tempting to save money by getting one of the cheapest kits out there, but that could end up backfiring because the results might be far from accurate.
Why It’s Worth the Money
Are you wondering why it’s important to test your water in the first place? It’s crucial to test the water at least once a year because it’s possible for dangerous chemicals and bacteria to get into your water supply. Nitrates, dissolvable metals, and pH levels are other possibilities that can put your family’s health in jeopardy.
Keep in mind that the test is only accurate if it’s performed correctly. You could literally throw your money down the drain if you don’t follow the test instructions to the letter. This is why it’s often a good idea to seek out a professional who has years of experience.
There are some instances in which you’re obligated to test and treat well water. For example, if you have a USDA or FHA loan. The last thing you’d want to do is break a contract and deal with the fallout of the consequences.
A certified well tester can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Are You Ready to Cover the Cost of a Well Water Test?
Now that you’ve learned all about the cost of a well water test, you can make sure that everything is fine with your water supply. Your loved ones will appreciate having that peace of mind each time they get a glass of water, for instance.
CFBI is here to serve all your inspection needs, including those that are residential and commercial. We can even handle specialist services, such as mold, radon, and termite inspections. Our customers trust our expertise and attention to detail.
For a reliable well inspection or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
by CFBIBlog | Mar 1, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Did you know that approximately 13 million American households rely on private wells as their primary source of drinking water?
A private well is an excellent source of healthy mineral-rich water as well as an asset to the value of your home.
Owning your own well has many benefits, but you must ensure your water source is safe through regular water well testing to fully reap them.
Read on to learn about the importance of a well water testing service for your private well.
What Are the Dangers of Well Water?
The presence of hazardous bacteria in groundwater is a major reason to have your well water tested. Many bacteria and other microbes are unavoidable in water, although the majority of them are at extremely low levels and are generally harmless.
However, you should always be aware of dangerous microbes that can cause serious illnesses, such as E.Coli and Legionella Pneumophilia. These enter the water source via the excrement of infected animals. If your well is shallow, it is more likely to become contaminated.
Chemicals can also enter the water supply, particularly if your well is near agricultural land. Fertilizers and insecticides can leach into groundwater and into your well. These toxins are hazardous to your health and can lead to major health issues, including cancer.
Sources of Contamination
Your well can become contaminated by various sources, both above and below ground. Wet weather, thawing snow and ice, and floods can all carry harmful contaminants with them.
Microorganisms can pollute a well set too close to the surface. The chemical, bacterial, and mineral risks will differ depending on where you live.
Because previous restrictions were less stringent, older wells are more vulnerable to pollution from surface water. Newer wells are constructed with features such as sanitary well tops and seals to provide improved pollution protection.
Regardless of how well-designed they are, even new wells decay and should be inspected regularly for damage.
Testing Your Private Well
While the EPA regulates public water supplies, there are no rules in place for private wells. It is your job as a well owner to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
You can purchase a well water testing kit for regular testing at home. However, hiring a professional water well testing company ensures that your supply remains untainted.
We provide a comprehensive testing and decontamination service, from initial survey to continued aftercare.
The Importance of Well Water Testing
If you get your water from a well, the CDC suggests testing the water quality annually. If you have a shallow or old well, you should test it more often.
While home testing is important, we can help you with practical advice and action.
Our friendly and professional service has you covered when it comes to well water testing, sewer scope inspections, radon testing, and much more. If you’re in Florida, contact us today with any inquiries or to arrange a survey.
by CFBIBlog | Feb 21, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Are you a homeowner residing in Florida? Would you like to know how you can protect your home from powerful winds produced by tropical storms and hurricanes?
The unrelenting winds created by storm surges are one of the leading causes of property damage in Florida.
For this reason, it would be prudent of you to think of ways to protect yourself and your home against such events. And one of the best ways is to consult with a wind mitigation inspector.
However, you may be wondering how you’ll benefit from doing so. Keep reading to find out as we explore the 5 benefits of scheduling a wind mitigation inspection.
1. Avoid Expensive Repairs or Extensive Damage
Your home has many menaces that test its sturdy structure. Most of them you’re probably completely unaware of such as:
- Insufficient fasteners
- Rot in your attic, walls, crawls spaces, etc
- Fragility in the roof-wall conjoinments
These compromising scenarios can put your home at risk at high wind speeds. A wind mitigation inspector can point them out, which can help you be proactive in fixing them. Thus saving you a lot of money and potential damage in the future.
2. Lowered Insurance Premiums
Homeowners who do well on their wind mitigation inspections usually gain immediate savings in regards to their insurance policy. Inspectors will forward their reports to your insurance provider or soon-to-be insurance provider.
When the agent assesses the report and confirms the wind mitigation credits, they’ll modify the premium for you.
3. Stay in the Good Graces of Your Insurance Provider
Insurance providers are trying to put an end to dishonest claims that exploit their services. New legislation allows providers to let go of clients (or severely limit insurance compensations affirmed in their policy) based on the state of their roof, home, or shortfall of wind mitigation.
Insurers are offering reduced prices (and discounts) as an incentive to engage in wind mitigation practices.
4. Incremental Repair Plan
A wind mitigation inspection can help you create a plan of action to ensure your home is up to code. With the assistance of an expert, you will know what you need to do to stabilize your home to ensure it can handle hurricane-force storm patterns.
And this will provide you with a strong sense of…
5. Comfort and Security
You will have peace of mind knowing you, your family, and your home are well protected against tropical storms. A wind mitigation inspection is a thorough assessment of the strength and structural integrity of your home. So if you make the grade, you can rest easy knowing that your home is as it should be.
And if you don’t, then you’ll be informed on what you need to do to correct it.
Are You Ready for Your Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Having a wind mitigation inspection done is a necessity, especially here in Florida where tropical storms and powerful hurricanes are a way of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late, get your inspection done today.
Contact us to learn more about inspections or if you have any questions you’d like answered.
