Selman Home Inspection Company Blog On ActiveRain: Home Maintenance Tip SAFETY - SMOKE DETECTORS

Home Maintenance Tip - Smoke Detectors

It always surprises home inspectors that one of the primary safety items is often overlooked, smoke detectors. These warning devices could save your life or the life of a loved one.

According to Today's Texas Standards of Practice, smoke detectors should be installed near the ceiling in bedrooms and each adjacent hallway. There should also be one at each story of the home, one in the kitchen and one in the garage.

In newer homes, the smoke detectors are interconnected so that if one goes off, they all go off. Often in older homes, they are not interconnected and go off independently. 

Every smoke detector on the market today also has a battery backup. It is important to keep fresh batteries in smoke detectors so that when the electric service fails, your home's smoke detectors are still on the job. Batteries should be replaced at least annually.

Smoke detectors have a test button so that they can be tested insuring they work and that the battery backup is in good shape.

Smoke detectors are not expensive and are easily installed by most homeowners by following the manufacturers instructions. Prices range from about $12 to $30.

Making sure that there is a smoke detector in each bedroom, adjacent hallway and at each story not only protects your family, but will also reduce the number of safety related defects listed in your home inspection report. The cleaner your home inspection report, the less negotiations and headaches there are during the home sales process.

For more safety and home maintenance tips, I encourage you to take advantage of our online Home Maintenance Guide.