Sterling Home Inspections
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Inspection Overview
    • Your Report
    • For Agents
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Helpful Info
  • Schedule a Home Inspection
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: Inspector

Home Inspection, Real Estate, Uncategorized

Is My Range In Danger Of Tipping Over?

The answer is it might be if its not properly fastened in place.  Say what now? I didn’t know my range needed to be fastened in place.  Unfortunately, in most cases neither did the installer.  Anti-Tip brackets come with every range, but most are thrown away without being installed.  But don’t worry if your range doesn’t have them, it’s a simple fix.  this can be done without much trouble by installing an ‘anti-tip’ bracket behind the range.  Often times your home inspector will check to see if one is installed. Below is a picture of a typical slide in range anti-tip bracket.

Anti-Tip Bracket for GE Range

WHAT IS AN “ANTI-TIP” BRACKET ANYWAY?

An anti-tip bracket is a small clip that attaches to the wall or floor behind the range and prevents it from tipping over.    According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there were around 38 fatalities associated with ranges tipping over in the years between 1980 and 2008, and far more injuries in addition to that number.  The fatalities were divided among children between one and 5 years old and elderly adults using the open range door for support.  If the range tilts forward and hot water or oil falls onto a child, it could be a disaster.  One of my friends had this happen to him with bacon grease and I don’t want to see it happen to anyone else.  In response to this danger, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) created standards in 1991 that require all ranges manufactured after that year to be capable of remaining stable while supporting 250 pounds of weight on their open doors. Manufacturers’ instructions, too, require that anti-tip brackets provided be installed.

Child at Range

IS AN “ANTI-TIP” BRACKET REQUIRED?

While anti-tip brackets are not referenced directly in the building code they are required by the manufacturer.  The building code states “General. Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of the listing, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and this code”.  In other words, if the manufacturer has recommended it as part of their installation, then it must be installed.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF ONE IS INSTALLED ON MY RANGE?

You might be able to see the bracket by looking behind the range with a flashlight, but some floor mounted brackets are hard to see from this angle.  Some ranges have removable drawers or as space between the range and the floor that will make it possible to see if one is installed.   The other way to test if one is installed is to carefully tip the range forward. It will only tip forward slightly if the range is properly secured in place. Make sure to remove everything from on top and inside the range before you attempt this.  There are many different types of ranges, but as far as I know all of them require an anti-tip bracket.  Different ranges have different brackets so look for one by make and model number of your range.

Range Anti Tip Bracket Installed

I DON’T HAVE ONE – WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

Anti-tip brackets are available from the manufacturer, big box stores, online and sometimes at appliance stores.  They only cost a few dollars and simply get screwed in place.  The range does need to be moved out of the way to do this, so make sure if you are doing this yourself you have an assistant and also make sure to protect your floors from damage because stoves are heavy and can easily damage wood floors.

Additional Resources:

Range Tip over Safety Alert

CPSC Tip over Report

CPSC Free Standing Ranges

December 27, 2018/0 Comments/by alansinger
https://www.sterlinghomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2018/12/Anti-Tip.jpg 225 295 alansinger https://d3bfc4j9p6ef23.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2018/11/07195401/logodark.png alansinger2018-12-27 17:45:312023-12-29 18:21:29Is My Range In Danger Of Tipping Over?
Uncategorized

So You’re Having Your Home Inspected – How to Prepare

One of the steps in the home selling process is having your home inspected by someone the seller has chosen.  The Home inspection is important to both the buyer and the seller, but to the seller it represents another hurdle to getting the contracts signed.   As an inspector I take people on tours of the homes they are planning on buying and talk them through the inspection process, showing them the good, the bad and the really bad.  One of the things that I see on a regular basis is how little many sellers do to prepare for that inspection.  Some sellers just assume that there is nothing they can do to alter the outcome of the inspection, that’s where they are wrong.   Following a few simple steps like those listed below can change the way an inspection occurs and possibly even shorten the number of items on the inspection report.

1. Clean the House

Clutter

This sounds so simple yet homeowners often overlook this tactic. Home inspectors are people first and inspectors second. As people, they carry preconceived ideas of how well a home has been maintained. Clean homes say you care and take care of the house.

2. Be on Time Because the Inspector Will Be

Sometimes home inspectors are early. If an inspector makes an appointment with you for 9:00 a.m., have the house ready for inspection at 9:00 a.m. It’s also common for inspectors to start on the exterior of the home, so leave the shades down or drapes drawn until you are dressed. More than one unprepared seller has been “surprised” by a stranger stomping around in the back yard.

3. Leave the Utilities Connected

The home inspector will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, test the furnace and air conditioning, so leave the utilities on, especially if the house is vacant. It’s impossible to check receptacles for grounding and reverse polarity if the power is turned off. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule, which could delay the closing of your transaction and the removal of the buyer’s home inspection contingency.

4. Provide Workspace Around Furnace and Water Heaters

Remove boxes, bookcases, furniture and anything else blocking access to your furnace, air conditioner and water heater. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these items.

5. Keep Pilot Lights Ignited

Many home inspectors will refuse to light pilot lights because they are not covered for that type of liability. If your pilot lights are not lit, then important items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace will not be inspected, and the buyer could delay closing until those inspections are completed.

6. Provide Access to Attic and Garage

The inspector will need to get into your basement and / or attic as well, so keep a path cleared. Move boxes away from the walls. Vacuum spider webs.

7. Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes

Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is unattached to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access.

8. Clear Away Brush from Exterior Inspection PointsPelhamNYHomeInspection

Nobody expects you to shovel a tunnel around your home if snow drifts are blocking the foundation but, in the winter, do provide a path around the house. In the summer, cut down dead tree branches and clear brush from the foundation. Move trash cans away from the house.

9. Prepare to be Away for Three Hours Minimum

Often the buyer will accompany the home inspector, and buyers feel uncomfortable asking questions if the owner is present. Try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house and take the children with you. Crate your pets if you cannot remove them from the premises.

 

10.  Take Care of Your Pets

Pets Escaping in White Plains NY

Consider removing any dogs in the home and leave a note about any other pets present. Don’t assume that the inspector or buyer will be OK with your dog. Consider taking them with you during the inspection or placing them in a kennel or secured area of the home. If cats or other pets are present, ensure the inspector knows this so they are not let out of the home.

11 Replace Any Burned Out Light bulbs

The inspector won’t know if the bulb is burned out, or if the switch or fixture is bad. A fresh bulb where needed will eliminate this question and help the inspection go smoother.

12. Consider Having a Pre-Listing Inspection

Consider having a pre-listing inspection. If you have further concerns about the condition of the home and the major systems, consider having a pre-listing inspection done. The inspector can point out any repair concerns, providing you with the opportunity to repair items in advance, and further prepare your home for a buyer’s inspection.  Oftentimes items uncovered during an inspection, such as mold, could have been remedied before the inspection eliminating a lot of concern and extra back and forth negotiations.  Sometimes being able to disclose upfront that the boiler or furnace are old, or you know that the roof is in need of repair means not having to re-visit the issues after the inspection.    Sterling Home Inspections can help assist you with Pre-Listing Inspections and perhaps help make the selling process a bit easier.

November 9, 2014/4 Comments/by alansinger
https://www.sterlinghomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2018/11/BedfordNYHomeInspectionClutter1.jpg 333 500 alansinger https://d3bfc4j9p6ef23.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2018/11/07195401/logodark.png alansinger2014-11-09 20:25:422021-12-29 22:51:25So You’re Having Your Home Inspected – How to Prepare

Recent Posts

  • Is My Range In Danger Of Tipping Over?
  • Realtor.com writer taps Sterling Home Inspections for input on article about “7 Things Your Home Inspector Wishes You Knew”.
  • 7 Things Your Inspector Wishes you Knew
  • So You’re Having Your Home Inspected – How to Prepare
  • Sterling Home Inspections New Promotional Video

Instagram

Follow Me!

Proudly Providing Home Inspection Services

Sterling Home Inspections offers Pre-listing Inspections,  Construction Phase Inspections, New Home Inspections, Water Quality Testing, Radon Testing and Termite Inspections in Westchester County NY and Fairfield County Connecticut

Schedule Inspection Service Areas

THE VERY BEST FOR YOUR HOME – STERLING HOME INSPECTIONS

alan@sterlinghomeinspections.com

(914) 413-7781

22 Oxford Road, White Plains NY 10605

NY State Home Inspection License # 16000058241 | CT State License # 000756 | NY DEC Pest Control License # T3883064

ARMONK, BEDFORD, RYE, LARCHMONT, SCARSDALE, KATONAH, POUND RIDGE, TARRYTOWN, IRVINGTON, NEW ROCHELLE IN WESTCHESTER NEW YORK.
GREENWICH, STAMFORD, WESTPORT, DARIEN, NEW CANNAN, FAIRFIELD AND WILTON IN FAIRFIELD CONNECTICUT.

STERLING HOME INSPECTIONS IS A FEATURED INSPECTOR AT:

 

© Copyright Sterling Home Inspections - Website by Spectora
  • Link to X
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Yelp
  • Link to Youtube
  • For Agents
  • Contact
  • Service Area
  • Video Page
  • Your Report
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top