First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

Average Lifespan of Common Home Appliances


Here’s a breakdown of how long you can expect your major appliances to last:

Refrigerator: 10-15 years

Dishwasher: 7-12 years

Oven/Range: 10-15 years (Gas ranges tend to last longer than electric ones)

Microwave: 7-10 years

Washing Machine: 8-12 years

Dryer: 10-13 years

Water Heater: 8-12 years (Tankless water heaters can last over 20 years)

HVAC System: 15-25 years (Depends on regular maintenance and usage)

Garbage Disposal: 8-15 years

Smoke Detectors: 8-10 years

8 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

A water heater is a key part of your home, providing hot water for daily use. Most water heaters have a service life of 8–12 years, depending on the type and maintenance. Ignoring the age or condition of your water heater can lead to leaks, reduced efficiency, or even complete failure, often at the worst possible time.

If a water heater fails, it can cause significant water damage to your home, especially if it’s located in a finished space or on an upper floor. Replacement costs can also be higher if you wait until an emergency to address the issue.

The solution is proactive maintenance and regular inspection. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup and check for rust or leaks. If your water heater is approaching or past its service life, consider replacing it before it fails. Tankless water heaters or energy-efficient models may also save you money in the long term.

As a home inspector, I evaluate the condition and age of water heaters to help you avoid surprises. To schedule your home inspection in the Las Vegas Valley, contact us at www.fhi-lv.com

8 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

A window that won’t open isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a safety hazard. In an emergency, like a fire, it could block your escape route. It can also signal underlying issues, such as moisture damage, warping, or foundation shifts, which may lead to costly repairs.

Fixing it may be as simple as cleaning the tracks or replacing hardware, but more serious problems may require frame repair or window replacement.

As a home inspector, I check for non-functioning windows and underlying issues to keep your home safe and functional. To schedule a home inspection in the Greater Las Vegas area, contact us at www.fhi-lv.com

9 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

An underdriven nail is one that hasn’t been driven fully into the material, leaving part of the nail head sticking out. This typically happens when:

- The nail gun pressure is too low.

- The nail encounters a dense or hard area in the wood.

- The installer moves too quickly and doesn’t ensure a flush installation.

Underdriven nails might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause several structural and aesthetic issues down the line:

1) Weak or Loose Connections

2) Drywall Issues

3) Structural Concerns

4) Potential for Future Nail Pops

9 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

Missing Nail Guards: A Hidden Risk in New Construction


During a pre-drywall inspection, nail guards should be checked in all necessary locations, including:

- Plumbing lines running through wall studs.

- Electrical wiring within 1 ¼ inches of the edge of a stud.

- HVAC refrigerant and condensate drain lines passing through framing.


If these issues weren’t caught and corrected before drywall installation, the homeowner could have faced serious problems later, including:

- Water leaks behind walls leading to mold and structural damage.

- Electrical shorts that could require costly rewiring.

- HVAC failures due to refrigerant leaks.

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

Pre-Drywall Inspections: Why Your New Home Needs One

Building a new home is exciting, but before the drywall goes up, it’s important to have a professional inspection. A pre-drywall inspection gives homebuyers a chance to ensure their home is being built correctly before critical components are covered up. If you're buying a new construction home in Las Vegas, this inspection is one of the best steps you can take to protect your investment.

When Should a Pre-Drywall Inspection Be Done?

A pre-drywall inspection should take place after the framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and insulation are installed but before drywall is put up. This is usually right before the builder schedules the drywall installation. At this stage, the major systems of the home are in place but still fully visible, allowing an inspector to catch any potential issues before they are concealed.


To schedule your pre-drywall inspection in the Las Vegas Valley, contact us today:
www.fhi-lv.com
702-376-9105

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

What Does a Pre-Drywall Inspection Cover?

1) Foundation & Framing: Checking for cracks, misalignments, or poor workmanship that could affect the home’s stability.

2) Electrical Wiring: Ensuring outlets, wiring, and breaker panels are installed correctly and meet code requirements.

3) Plumbing: Verifying pipes are properly placed and secured to prevent future leaks.

4) HVAC Systems: Making sure ductwork is properly installed for efficient heating and cooling.

5) Insulation: Confirming insulation is installed correctly to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

6) Fire Safety Features: Ensuring fire-blocking and safety measures are in place before walls are closed up.

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

Yard grading refers to the slope of the ground around your home. Proper grading directs water away from your foundation. If your yard isn’t graded correctly, water can pool near your home, increasing the risk of foundation damage, basement leaks, and mold growth.

Improper grading can also create standing water in your yard, which attracts pests like mosquitoes and can harm landscaping. Over time, water issues caused by poor grading can lead to expensive repairs and reduce your home’s value.

The solution is to ensure your yard slopes away from your home by at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet. This helps direct water away efficiently. If you notice pooling water or signs of erosion, consult a professional landscaper or contractor to adjust the grading.

During a home inspection, I assess yard grading to identify potential drainage problems. Contact us at www.fhi-lv.com to schedule your home inspection in Las Vegas.

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11 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

A dryer exhaust duct removes hot air and moisture from your dryer. When the duct is restricted—by lint buildup, bends, or improper installation—it can’t do its job effectively. This leads to longer drying times, higher energy bills, and excess wear on your dryer.

More importantly, a restricted duct creates a fire hazard. Lint is highly flammable, and the heat from your dryer can ignite it. According to fire safety reports, dryer-related fires often start because of clogged or restricted ducts.

The solution is simple. Regularly clean your dryer duct, ideally once a year, and check for bends or damage that could block airflow. Replace flexible, accordion-style ducts with smooth metal ones to reduce lint buildup. If you're unsure about your dryer exhaust system’s condition, consider a professional inspection.

As a home inspector, I ensure your dryer exhaust duct is clear and safe, to avoid unnecessary risks and keep your home running smoothly. Contact us at www.fhi-lv.com to schedule your home inspection in Las Vegas, Summerlin, or Henderson.

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

First Home Inspectors, Las Vegas

Electric panels are the control center for your home’s power. Proper labeling ensures that each circuit is clearly identified. This is important because, in an emergency like a power surge or short circuit, you need to act fast to shut off the correct breaker. Without labels, you’re left guessing, which wastes time and could worsen the issue.

If your panel isn’t labeled, it can also make it harder for electricians to perform repairs or upgrades. They may have to spend extra time figuring out which circuit controls what, leading to higher service costs.

Fixing this issue is simple. A licensed electrician or knowledgeable professional can test each circuit and label it accurately. If you're buying a home, make sure the panel is inspected and labeled before closing. It’s a small step that can save you time, money, and stress later on.

As a home inspector, I ensure electric panels are safe, compliant, and labeled for your convenience. To schedule your home inspection anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley, contact us at www.fhi-lv.com

11 months ago | [YT] | 0