tnpappas Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 What are some of the more common items that you all suggest as upgrades or improvements? These would include stuff like safety items or convenience items. GFCI's, pull down hatch access for attic, stainless steel braided washer hoses, etc.... Just a little curious.[^] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 I would skip the suggestion to add pull down stairs to attic access. Those things can be dangerous. All they do is encourage people to go places that they probably shouldn't. Also, when they're installed in garages, most often they create a breach in fire stopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspector57 Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 Attic insulation and ventilation is almost always top of the list of upgrades with insulating and sealing the access hatch as a repair. Most of the time I find R-30 levels present with R-49 recommended by EPA/HUD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 What are some of the more common items that you all suggest as upgrades or improvements? These would include stuff like safety items or convenience items. GFCI's, pull down hatch access for attic, stainless steel braided washer hoses, etc.... Just a little curious.[^] Tamper-resistant receptacles. Carbon monoxide alarms. - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Jim, Are you recommending the upgrade to TR receptacles in all homes, or under certain circumstances? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Jim, Are you recommending the upgrade to TR receptacles in all homes, or under certain circumstances? I've started to recommend it whenever the buyers have small kids. I might just start slipping it into every report, though. I think that the TR receptacles are a great idea. - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terence McCann Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Jim, Are you recommending the upgrade to TR receptacles in all homes, or under certain circumstances? I've started to recommend it whenever the buyers have small kids. I might just start slipping it into every report, though. I think that the TR receptacles are a great idea. - Jim Katen, Oregon You mean like this guy? Click to Enlarge 4.01 KB Sorry, couldn't resist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Raymond Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 I was told by a rep pitching an energy consultant program that the push in safety covers reduce heat loss through receptacles almost as much as gaskets do. I'll have to experiment with them and the TR's with my IR camera to see if there is anything measurable, unless someone here already has. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 I'll add a couple to the list: Vacuum breaker devices on hose bibs Returns on handrails Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 I also like the idea of tamper resistant recep's. My avatar is part joke, and part reminder of how stupid stuff happens. After that, new GFCI's, new smoke detectors every 3-4 years. CO monitors that give a ppm readout, not just a beep. Insulation in cold climates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.