What is a Home Warranty?

“Something in the air” takes on a whole new meaning today than that magic spring night in the 60’s or the Tom Petty song.  Mold, Fungi, Radon, Chinese Drywall and now PCBs.

Polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s have been around since the 1940’s.  They where manmade chemicals that were widely used in construction materials and electrical products.  They were banned by Congress in 1976 because of a “concern” about their health and environmental effects. 

The use and disposal of PCBs before the phase-out resulted in their widespread presence in our soil, air, water and food. Despite the federal ban, they remain present today in caulking and sealants used in the construction or renovation of older buildings before 1978.

So why did the EPA announce guidance about this cancer causing chemical in September of 09?

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency “announced a series of steps that building owners and public school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. 

Call out the instigator
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revelution is here! . . .

The press release acknowledged the growing amounts of evidence of levels of PCBs in caulk used in older buildings with discussion as to the health concerns related to this “banned” cancer causing chemical. 

But, the press release seemed to be carefully crafted such that it did not use the words “must” or “shall” in their discussion for actions and related testing.

Is this a serious issue? 

Also the “EPA recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if the PCBs are present at significant levels . . .”

In referring to high air test levels, the EPA also stated that “building owners should be “especially vigilant” in implementing and monitoring ventilation and hygienic practices to minimize exposures . . . ”

How are people exposed to PCBs?

Though PCBs were banned from production in 1978, they still typically exist in low-levels in our environment.  They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe and in dirt and dust outside.  They build up in our bodies over many years.

This long-term build-up of PCBs is what potentially causes harm. The levels of PCBs in our environment and in the bodies of people in this country have decreased significantly over time.

So why all the fuss now?

Food is a main source of exposure to PCBs. Fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters) contains small amounts of PCBs, as do meat and dairy products.

Indoor air and dust may also be a significant source of PCB exposure from PCB-contaminated caulk, electrical products, other building materials or products that contain PCBs.

What about caulk in single-family houses or other places?

EPA has found PCBs in large scale apartment complexes and public buildings. To date, EPA has not found PCBs in caulk in single-family houses.  They do note that generally air concentrations are below the public health exposure levels developed by EPA.

Run through the fields and the houses
Because there is something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the Revolution is here! . . .

- Tom Petty

 So where does this leave you?

Unless you sleep with old caulk gun, lick your window sills or snort contaminated dust,  PCBs should not be a great concern.  On the other hand if you work or live in a room where window caulk is peeling and falling on the floor, call an inspector for testing and recommendations before you “break out” into a song . . . you heartbreaker you!

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Full Press Release http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk

It appears that “Green” is making builders “Blue” these days. 

A new poll shows that people who once put a huge emphasis on the government’s green efforts now have other issues they care about more.The latest Pew Research Center poll shows that the economy and job market have jumped to the top of the priority list for most people. Last January, 75 percent of Americans polled said that the economy should be a top priority, and in a year’s time, that has jumped to 85 percent.On the other hand, however, protecting the environment has fallen from 56 percent a year ago to just 41 percent today. Of the 20 issues raised, the least important issue raised was global warming.

As a buyer you want to buy “Green”.  As a builder you want to build “Green”.  The problem for builders is being prepared to show the economic benefits of buying “Green.”

Buyers now appear to be less likely to spend their hard earned greenbacks on anything in today’s declining economy.  Green must present a personal benefit for the buyer.  Not 20 years from now, but in the average ownership time frame.  (Currently 6 to 7 years).

Is the demand there?  I believe so, but reality and times have changed for America.

America is worried about economic prosperity, health care and social security.  With this focus home buyers are cutting their budgets and green is the first to go.  Unless you can show the immediate benefits and long term savings, selling green will probably go nowhere fast.

People generally want to save money on utilities, protect mother earth and her resources.  It is the right thing to do and people will warm up to it.  Products must be developed to meet immediate needs of the home buyer.

When it comes right down to it, people are looking for “Green” to not add “Red” to their bottom line!

 Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

 For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

Radon (pronounced ‘rey-don’) is a chemical element with symbol Rn and atomic number 86.  Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, naturally occurring, radioactive gas.  It is formed from the decay of radium and is considered to be a health hazard. . . OK 

Breathing high concentrations of radon can cause lung cancer. Thus, radon is considered a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide.

According to the EPA, radon could be the second most frequent cause of lung cancer.  Cigarette smoking is still at the top.  Radon-induced lung cancer the 6th leading cause of cancer death overall, causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.

Class Dismissed!

OK what does this mean to you now that the media has you in a frenzy, the EPA has you wearing a respirator and the CDC wants you sleeping in a air chamber at night.    

It means that you should have your new home tested for Radon along with a home inspection.  It means that you should have your existing home tested yearly.   Yes yearly!   

That’s it.

It’s that simple so take a deep breath and exhale. 

Oh I forgot to tell you that you breathe Radon every day.  It is in the air you breathe now.  It was in the air you breathed yesterday and it will be in the air you breathe tomorrow.  Radon is a problem when trapped inside your home.  High levels of accumulation and exposure increase the probability of lung cancer.  Why risk it? 

You will not be able to escape Radon, but you can remediate it from your home and not allow the accumulation of this gas in your home.  Lowering the levels in your home can costs from $500.00 to $1,500.00.  Testing can cost between $50 and $250.

Call your Real Estate professional and ask about Radon.  Call a licensed home inspector who works with a certified lab and ask the questions.   Or go to the local handyman store and buy a kit yourself.

No matter which way you go you will be glad you did.

Peace of Mind is the Best Advantage!

WRAL5 Radon Video

Maverick Rules!

Dave Park

Advantage Inspection

davepark@adrdu.com

www.adrdu.com

Shipshape
defn:  Leadership-the ability to guide, direct, or influence poeple.
defn:  Craftsmanship-somebody who proforms with great skills and expertise. 

True leaders deliver performance that is durable, that unifies staff, and treats them fairly. Leaders are intrinsically motivated to improve oneself and their organizations. True leadership is creating environments where excellence in performance becomes inevitable.

I have seen this environment where excellence in performance is given each and every day. You can hear it in the receptionist; her smile is given over the phone. You can feel it in the post card; reaching out a helping hand. You can see it the habits; creating power not by fame, but power in true service.

The leader of this environment is Linda Craft and along with her team, they create an environment where excellence in performance is inevitable. Linda fosters a spirit of teamwork that is critical to any organization’s success. And a key element is trust. Trust for the leader and trust for each other. Her team works at the speed of trust.

Success is a very personal thing, but I think most people would agree that true success is about being fulfilled in LIFE. And, I feel there would be no greater feeling to look back toward the end of your career with a “smile in your heart” knowing that you made a positive difference in the lives of others.   

Linda Craft and her team have made a difference in my life and I am sure whenever they decide to look back, they will smile.

Maverick Rules!

Dave Park
The Maveick Builder