Good Bones Home Inspections

Best home inspections in North Carolina

Buying a Home in North Carolina

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So, you’re tossing around the idea of buying a house in North Carolina so you can get in on the beach and mountain action, but you’re not totally confident in the process yet. No worries, cuz we’ve taken the effort of compiling this little guide to all things housing market in The Tar Heel State (boo-yah, one of their nicknames), to help you out.
That’s right – we’ll go through the important stuff we’d want to know if we were in your shoes, and even throw in some fun state trivia on top, for added flavor. It’s altogether a delicious recipe to get the inspiration wheels a’turnin’ AND get yourself more acquainted with your future state. So, less talkin’, more rockin’. Here we go.

The Most/Least Expensive Cities in North Carolina

Knowing the state you want to move to is just step one – you’ll have to narrow it down to a specific city next. This process can go a lot smoother (and not to mention faster) if you have some idea of the areas in the state that are the most/least pricey. That’s why we compiled a list of a few of each (as of 2019), just for you. Check it out.

Most expensive cities:

Carolina Beach
Oak Island
Kill Devil Hills
Wilmington
Leland

Least expensive cities:

Eden
Silver City
Graham
Burlington
Greensboro

And there it is. Now you’re well-fueled with knowledge that’ll help you keep the sensitive feelings of your wallet/bank account in mind when you embark on your house-hunting journey. Ahh, sweet victory…

North Carolina’s Housing Market

Before you show up in North Carolina all ready to scout out your new house, you might consider checking out the current state of their housing market. Luckily for you we’ve got an overview of just that, coming right up.
There’s currently a lot of demand for houses, and not quite enough supply. It’s a seller’s market at the moment, and buyers should caution against taking their sweet time choosing their dream houses.

Where to Hunt in North Carolina

But where are the hot spots to move to in North Carolina these days? The first is Asheville, which is said to be the perfect place for young professionals/artists/musicians/foodies. It’s located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has lots of good amenities, weather and schools. Home values here currently average $278,500, and the price per square foot is about $231. Homes are listed on the market for about $349,800, and renting a house will cost you around $1,500/month.
Next up on the hot spot list is Chapel Hill, which is located super-close to the Raleigh-Durham metro area. It’s home to the University of North Carolina, and is a fairly small town with a vibrant arts/music scene.
It’s also got plenty of culture and diversity, good weather, a low crime rate and lots of great amenities. Home values here currently average $370,500, and the price per square foot is about $179. Homes are listed on the market for around $467,854.
But hold up, check this out – North Carolina’s got lots of new construction happening ALL OVER the place. Seriously. Just a few of the places with some major development underway are Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Concord and Wilmington. But really, if you’re looking to get your hands on a brand-new place, it shouldn’t matter TOO much where in the state you search.

Home Property Values and Costs in North Carolina

Great, so now you’ve got a clearer picture of WHERE to look for your house, but it might help even more to know how much the thing’s gonna COST. So, we’ll move right along to an overview of some home prices/values, just for you.
For starters, the median home value in North Carolina currently is $180,300. Home values have appreciated 8.6% over 2019 and are expected to rise another 1.2% within the upcoming year. The price of a home per square foot is about $130. Homes are listed on the market for an average of $260,000, and they’re closing for about $193,800.

Stock up on Hurricane Insurance in North Carolina

There are lots of reasons to be excited about moving to North Carolina, but something to keep in mind is that this place gets visits by some particularly grumpy guests – hurricanes. In fact, North Carolina is one of three states leading the nation in regular hurricane occurrences. So, it might not be too shocking that North Carolina is one of those 19 lucky states that require a hurricane deductible as a part of a homeowners insurance policy.
But what does that mean, exactly? Well, basically you’ll have to pay your insurance company a certain amount of money before they’ll cover any damage to your home dealt out by an angry windstorm. Deductible costs are typically about 1%-5% of the insurance value of the home, but it really depends on where you live, too.
For example, those living in low-risk areas in smaller/cheaper houses might pay $300 towards their deductible, while those living in high-risk areas in fancy mansions might pay $30,000.
No one likes hurricanes (or paying more insurance deductible costs), but if you’re REALLY concerned about them, you could always move to a state away from the coast. Areas further inland have a buffer of protection, but they also come with their own breed of risks. Nowhere’s gonna be immune to EVERYTHING.

…and Maybe Some Flood Insurance, Too

It’s no secret that temperatures and sea levels have been rising, plus North Carolina is located right on the East Coast, so it’s got that whole being-right-beside-the-frickin’-ocean thing going on. But while that’s a perk for beach lovers, it also means there’s a greater risk of flooding. So, you might need to tack on some flood insurance to your growing homeowners insurance policy.
If you live in an area deemed to be high-risk, your mortgage lender might require you to purchase extra homeowners insurance coverage specifically for flooding. But it’s important to note that even areas not in designated high-risk areas might still need it. Why? Because as that old annoying (but even more annoyingly ACCURATE) expression goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Okay okay, so you might need it, but what exactly IS it? Well, broken down, flood insurance will cover your property (the actual structure of your home and the belongings in it – to an extent) if natural water (i.e,. rain, waves, etc.) wreaks havoc. Many policies will say that the water must cover at least two acres of normally dry land in order to qualify for reimbursement.
Check out your specific coverage, so that you’re SURE you’ll be good to go. Call up your agent and have a chat about what EXACT homeowners insurance you need, because you do NOT want to find out too late that you didn’t have enough. They won’t mind, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Quality of Schools in North Carolina

Those with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge might wanna know about the quality of the school system in their new state – so next up we’ll look at a snapshot, North Carolina-style.
Here are some 2018 WalletHub stats about how North Carolina schools ranked in the country:
#32 overall for the US
#32 for quality
#25 for safety
#5 for lowest median ACT scores
The top-rated schools in North Carolina are Raleigh Charter High School, in Raleigh (shocking, we know), and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, located in (gasp) Chapel Hill.

Reasons to Move to North Carolina (…or not)

Alright, it’s time to move  the more-fun section of our guide now (read: “more” fun, not “SUPER” fun). Let’s take a look at some reasons why people would even WANT to move to North Carolina – but we’ll hear it from people who actually live here already. So, get ready for some heck yeah!s and some aww man!s related to North Carolina livin’..

PROs (as voted by 100% guaranteed North Carolinians):

Good weather: NORTH Carolina is technically located in “the South” (wrap your brain around that one), so it’s got that pleasant southern weather that comes with the territory. Locals say the climate is generally mild and temperatures hardly ever reach into the annoying range. Plus, the state’s got 300 miles of coastline on its eastern edge. There’s also a pretty epic mountain range. So whether it be beach or mountain weather that floats your boat, you’ll find it.
Good economy: The economy in The Old North State (watch out – it’s another nickname) ranked 18th in the country for growth. Lots of new job opportunities is certainly an enticing reason to move somewhere, and it’s just one of many reasons why so many people are flocking to North Carolina like it’s going outta style.
Good for millenials: Durham was ranked as the “best city for millenials in the U.S.” in 2018, by Growella. A couple of stats that influenced the ranking were the number of entry-level jobs available, how far a paycheck will stretch in the city, commute time, public transportation, and how many other “young people” live there. Check it out, millenials.
Good entertainment: There’s plenty to do in North Carolina. From beaches, to forests and mountains, to national parks, cool architecture and nightlife spots. There’s really something for everyone, so that whole “boredom” concept will be a thing of the past.

CONs (also from the mouths of 100% guaranteed North Carolinians):

Crime rate: A couple of areas in North Carolina cause the entire state’s crime rate to sit well above the national average. The city of Henderson, for example, has a crime rate that’s 139% above the national average, and the city of Greensboro has a crime rate that’s 52% above the national average. Many areas in the state are much safer, though.
Natural disasters: North Carolina ranks fifth overall in the country for the number of homes at risk for being hit by a natural disaster – including flooding, wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes. Make sure you really do stock up on that insurance, if you buy a house here.
Allergies: Charlotte ranks as the third-worst city in the nation for annual allergy rates. Three of the state’s main allergens are mold, pollen and dust mites. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America ranked Greensboro at the top of their list for worst-ranking fall allergy capitals. Apparently the state is high in ragweed, another hugely common irritant for many Americans. Get yourself some nasal spray, if you’re North Carolina-bound.

Stuff to Do in North Carolina

Okay, since we now know WHY people move here, let’s check out a few specific examples of WHAT people do, once they become North Carolina-fied. We hit “redial” and chatted up the locals for a bit longer to find out some must-sees in the state.
Here are just a few of the state’s most excellent attractions:
Outer Banks: This 200-mile strip of islands off the coast of the state is one of the biggest tourist draws annually, with an reported three million-ish non-locals coming to check it out in 2015 alone. It’s said to be jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the perfect place to relax. There’s also a super-cool brick lighthouse, the tallest in the country, at Cape Hatteras. Your eyes will tear up from all the beauty.
Biltmore Estate: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Asheville is a massive, 8000-acre estate – the largest privately owned home in the country. Built between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt, the crazy-impressive structure has been making onlookers feel slightly inferior for more than a century.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The most-visited national park in the US is home to one of the country’s oldest mountain ranges. It’s jam-packed with wildlife and remnants of Appalachian Mountain culture. There are lush forests and fields full of wildflowers in bloom year-round. There are also streams/rivers/waterfalls and plenty of hiking trails (including a segment of the Appalachian Trail) and campgrounds. The highest mountain peak even has an observation tower for some crazy-epic views.
Pisgah National Forest: Another opportunity to soak in some of Mother Nature’s beauty in North Carolina resides in this half-million-acre park, which also features forests and mountains. In case you didn’t get enough hiking already, you can prep yourself for round two here.
Blue Ridge Parkway: It’s said that no trip to the state is complete without a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is 469 miles of wide vistas and tree-covered mountains. It’s even better if you do it on a motorcycle, or in autumn (super bonus points if you do it on a motorcycle IN autumn). It’s certainly something you’ve just gotta witness for yourself.

Settling down in the Beauty That Is North Carolina

Alright folks, there you have it – our behind-the-scenes look at North Carolina’s housing market. Clearly, we’re not able to get to EVERYTHING you may be concerned about before making such a giant move (we’re lost hiking out in the mountains somewhere), but here’s hoping that you’ve gained the inspiration/wisdom necessary to get started – and that maybe you’ve even learned a thing or two about the state.
If the sound of buying your new house in a state with epic islands, beaches and mountains sounds sweet, then let’s get busy!

10 Easy Ways to Save Money and Energy in Your Home

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Saving EnergyCourtesy of InterNACHI
By Nick Gromicko, Ben Gromicko, and Kenton Shepard

Most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy, and here at InterNACHI, we want to change that. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take advantage of the most up-to-date knowledge and systems in home energy efficiency, InterNACHI energy auditors can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your particular home.

Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons:

Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions’ financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S.

  • It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has been converted to be more energy-efficient.
  • It increases the comfort level indoors.
  • It reduces our impact on climate change. Many scientists now believe that excessive energy consumption contributes significantly to global warming.
  • It reduces pollution. Conventional power production introduces pollutants that find their way into the air, soil and water supplies.

1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house.

As much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a few ways that energy bills can be reduced through adjustments to the heating and cooling systems:

  • Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy.
  • Periodically replace air filters in air conditioners and heaters.
  • Set thermostats to an appropriate temperature. Specifically, they should be turned down at night and when no one is home. In most homes, about 2% of the heating bill will be saved for each degree that the thermostat is lowered for at least eight hours each day. Turning down the thermostat from 75° F to 70° F, for example, saves about 10% on heating costs.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat saves money by allowing heating and cooling appliances to be automatically turned down during times that no one is home and at night. Programmable thermostats contain no mercury and, in some climate zones, can save up to $150 per year in energy costs.
  • Install a wood stove or a pellet stove. These are more efficient sources of heat than furnaces.
  • At night, curtains drawn over windows will better insulate the room.

2. Install a tankless water heater.

Demand-type water heaters (tankless or instantaneous) provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs. Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don’t need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

3. Replace incandescent lights.

The average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Traditional incandescent lights convert approximately only 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time that lights are on but not being used. Here are some facts about CFLs and LEDs:

  • CFLs use 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • LEDs last even longer than CFLs and consume less energy.
  • LEDs have no moving parts and, unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury.

4. Seal and insulate your home.

Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and you can do it yourself. A tightly sealed home can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. An InterNACHI energy auditor can assess leakage in the building envelope and recommend fixes that will dramatically increase comfort and energy savings.

The following are some common places where leakage may occur:

  • electrical receptacles/outlets;
  • mail slots;
  • around pipes and wires;
  • wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;
  • attic hatches;
  • fireplace dampers;
  • inadequate weatherstripping around doors;
  • baseboards;
  • window frames; and
  • switch plates.

Because hot air rises, air leaks are most likely to occur in the attic. Homeowners can perform a variety of repairs and maintenance to their attics that save them money on cooling and heating, such as:

  • Plug the large holes. Locations in the attic where leakage is most likely to be the greatest are where walls meet the attic floor, behind and under attic knee walls, and in dropped-ceiling areas.
  • Seal the small holes. You can easily do this by looking for areas where the insulation is darkened. Darkened insulation is a result of dusty interior air being filtered by insulation before leaking through small holes in the building envelope. In cold weather, you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm, moist air condensing and then freezing as it hits the cold attic air. In warmer weather, you’ll find water staining in these same areas. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires. Cover the areas with insulation after the caulk is dry.
  • Seal up the attic access panel with weatherstripping. You can cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foamboard insulation in the same size as the attic hatch and glue it to the back of the attic access panel. If you have pull-down attic stairs or an attic door, these should be sealed in a similar manner.

5. Install efficient showerheads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

  • low-flow showerheads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;
  • low-flow toilets. Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern, low-flow 1.6-gallon toilet can reduce usage an average of 2 gallons-per-flush (GPF), saving 12,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow toilets usually have “1.6 GPF” marked on the bowl behind the seat or inside the tank;
  • vacuum-assist toilets. This type of toilet has a vacuum chamber that uses a siphon action to suck air from the trap beneath the bowl, allowing it to quickly fill with water to clear waste. Vacuum-assist toilets are relatively quiet; and
  • dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets have been used in Europe and Australia for years and are now gaining in popularity in the U.S. Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a 1-gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste, and a 1.6-gallon flush for solid waste. Dual-flush 1.6-GPF toilets reduce water consumption by an additional 30%.
  • 6. Use appliances and electronics responsibly.

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. The following are tips that will reduce the required energy of electronics and appliances:

  • Refrigerators and freezers should not be located near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents, or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to warm areas will force them to use more energy to remain cool.
  • Computers should be shut off when not in use. If unattended computers must be left on, their monitors should be shut off. According to some studies, computers account for approximately 3% of all energy consumption in the United States.
  • Use efficient ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and electronics. These devices, approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program, include TVs, home theater systems, DVD players, CD players, receivers, speakers, and more. According to the EPA, if just 10% of homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.7 million acres of trees.
  • Chargers, such as those used for laptops and cell phones, consume energy when they are plugged in. When they are not connected to electronics, chargers should be unplugged.
  • Laptop computers consume considerably less electricity than desktop computers.

7. Install daylighting as an alternative to electrical lighting.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home’s interior. It can be achieved using the following approaches:

  • skylights. It’s important that they be double-pane or they may not be cost-effective. Flashing skylights correctly is key to avoiding leaks;
  • light shelves. Light shelves are passive devices designed to bounce light deep into a building. They may be interior or exterior. Light shelves can introduce light into a space up to 2½ times the distance from the floor to the top of the window, and advanced light shelves may introduce four times that amount;
  • clerestory windows. Clerestory windows are short, wide windows set high on the wall. Protected from the summer sun by the roof overhang, they allow winter sun to shine through for natural lighting and warmth; and
  • light tubes. Light tubes use a special lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce light intensity from the midday sun. Sunlight is channeled through a tube coated with a highly reflective material, and then enters the living space through a diffuser designed to distribute light evenly.

8. Insulate windows and doors.

About one-third of the home’s total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors. The following are ways to reduce energy lost through windows and doors:

  • Seal all window edges and cracks with rope caulk. This is the cheapest and simplest option.
  • Windows can be weatherstripped with a special lining that is inserted between the window and the frame. For doors, apply weatherstripping around the whole perimeter to ensure a tight seal when they’re closed. Install quality door sweeps on the bottom of the doors, if they aren’t already in place.
  • Install storm windows at windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.
  • If existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don’t work, they should be repaired or replaced.

9. Cook smart.

An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. The following recommendations and statistics illustrate less wasteful ways of cooking:

  • Convection ovens are more efficient that conventional ovens. They use fans to force hot air to circulate more evenly, thereby allowing food to be cooked at a lower temperature. Convection ovens use approximately 20% less electricity than conventional ovens.
  • Microwave ovens consume approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens.
  • Pans should be placed on the matching size heating element or flame.
  • Using lids on pots and pans will heat food more quickly than cooking in uncovered pots and pans.
  • Pressure cookers reduce cooking time dramatically.
  • When using conventional ovens, food should be placed on the top rack. The top rack is hotter and will cook food faster.

10. Change the way you do laundry.

  • Do not use the medium setting on your washer. Wait until you have a full load of clothes, as the medium setting saves less than half of the water and energy used for a full load.
  • Avoid using high-temperature settings when clothes are not very soiled. Water that is 140° F uses far more energy than 103° F for the warm-water setting, but 140° F isn’t that much more effective for getting clothes clean.
  • Clean the lint trap every time before you use the dryer. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will prolong the amount of time required for your clothes to dry.
  • If possible, air-dry your clothes on lines and racks.
  • Spin-dry or wring clothes out before putting them into a dryer.

Homeowners who take the initiative to make these changes usually discover that the energy savings are more than worth the effort. InterNACHI home inspectors can make this process much easier because they can perform a more comprehensive assessment of energy-savings potential than the average homeowner can.

Making Your Home Burglar-Resistant

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Home SecurityCourtesy of InterNACHI
By Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard

There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure that their homes are not attractive to burglars. If clients are concerned about break-ins, inspectors can pass on to them basic strategies for burglar-proofing their homes.

Some interesting statistics concerning break-ins in the United States:

  • InterNACHI estimates that theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime.
  • In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported more than 2 million burglary offenses.

According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations:

  • 81% enter through the first floor;
  • 34% of burglars enter through the front door;
  • 23% enter through a first-floor window;
  • 22% enter through the back door
  • 9% enter through the garage;
  • 4% enter through the basement;
  • 4% enter through an unlocked entrance;
  • 2% enter through a storage area; and
  • 2% enter anywhere on the second floor.

Some interesting statistics (2002) concerning break-ins in Canada:

  • The burglary rate in Canada (877 per 100,000 people) is seven times higher than that of the country with the fewest break-ins, Norway.
  • The burglary rate in Canada is slightly higher than that of the United States (746 per 100,000 people) but significantly less than the burglary rate in Australia (2,275 per 100,000 people).

Exterior Doors

  • Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
  • Doors should be free of signs of rot, cracks and warping.
  • Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
  • If a mail slot is present, it should be equipped with a cage or box. Mail slots that are not equipped with cages or boxes have been used by burglars to enter homes. Burglars can insert a contraption made of wire and cord into the mail slot and use it to open the lock from the inside, if no box or cage is present.
  • If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
  • Spare keys should not be hidden in obvious locations. Burglars are very good at finding keys that homeowners believe are cleverly hidden. The best place for a spare key is in the house of a trusted neighbor. If keys must be hidden near the door, they should not be placed in obvious locations, such as under a doormat, rock or planter.
  • A peephole can be installed in doors so homeowners can see who is on their doorstep before they open the door.
  • Clients should consider installing bump-resistant locks on their doors. “Bumping” is a technique developed recently that can open almost any standard lock with less effort than is required by lock-picking. This technique uses “bump keys,” which are normal keys with slight modifications. Lock companies such as Schlage, Primus and Medeco manufacture a number of locks that offer some bump-resistance.

Pet Doors

  • Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. It is advisable to not have a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock.
  • A crafty burglar may convince or coerce a small child to crawl through a pet door and unlock the door. Also, some burglars are children.
  • Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well.

Sliding Glass Doors

  • They should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms.
  • They should not be able to be lifted from their frames.
  • A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.

Illumination

  • Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
  • When building occupants are not home, a few lights should be left on.
  • It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.

Windows

  • All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
  • They can be installed with bars, grilles, grates or heavy-duty wire screening. Barred windows must be equipped with a quick-release mechanism so occupants can quickly escape during a fire.
  • Windows should not be hidden by landscaping or structures. If landscaping or structures cannot be moved, lighting can be installed around the windows.

Landscaping and Yard

  • Shrubs and trees should not obscure the view of entrances. Shielded entrances can provide cover for burglars while they attempt to enter the residence.
  • Fences are helpful burglar deterrents, although they should not be difficult to see through.

While the House Is Vacant

  • A loud radio can be used to make burglars think someone is home. Timers can be used to activate radios and lights to make the home seem occupied.
  • A car should always be parked in the driveway. A neighbor’s car can be parked there so that it appears as if someone is home.
  • The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.

Other Tips

  • Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. For clients who cannot own dogs, they can place “Beware of Dog” signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.
  • If no security system is installed, the client can post security alarm stickers around the yard.

In summary, there are a number of tactics that inspectors can pass on to their clients that will help safeguard their homes from break-ins.