• 16Jul

  Not the Tax Man . . . the Appraiser!

  Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Marketing, Realtors, Strategy, Tactics, The Maverick Builder 2 Comments

  Are you Ready? 

  

  We all wonder.  And that wonder can lead to arguments.  Lead to disagreements.  Lead to questions.

  We all wonder about the value of our homes.  The American Dream.  The economic impact on one of our nest eggs, our safety net and our investment. . .  OK enough wondering!

  Let’s move forward.  You are selling or refinancing.  You have to have your home appraised.  Now it is time to get ready for the appraiser.  What do you do?

  Paige Tepping of RISMEDIA gives us a list.  And we all love lists!

  •  The appraiser will need approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the inspection phase of the appraisal process, which includes: exterior photos of the front and rear of the home and a photo of the street in front of the property; measurements of the exterior of the home, garage and any outbuildings; a walk-through inspection of all rooms and levels of the interior of the home including the basement.

  •  Get organized. Put together a checklist that will help you get ready for your appraisal and get the results you’re looking for.

  •  Be flexible when scheduling the appointment.

  •  Have a copy of your home’s blueprint to help verify measurements and lot size.

  •  Provide a list of improvements made to the property since the purchase. Improvements that should be noted include adding a pool, patio, updating your kitchen or bathroom and any room additions, etc.

  •  Allow your appraiser access to the entire property, including access to any crawl space or attic areas.

  •  Keep in mind that a clean home makes a good impression. Be sure to trim the lawn, clean the pool and garage, repair cracked windows or torn screens, check for leaky faucets and secure gutters and down spouts before your appraisal.

  •  Point out any amenities that may not be obvious to the appraiser: sprinkler systems, patios, pools, security systems, built in vacuum, etc.

  •  Provide a copy of last year’s tax assessment information.

  •  Know what year the house was built and when improvements were made.

  •  The first thing appraisers look for is comparables, so be prepared and have a list of recent sales of similar properties in the immediate neighborhood.

  Remember the Scouts modo “Be Prepared”.  You are allowed to participate in your homes appraisal.  Information is king and that is what the appraiser is looking for.  Just make sure you have the back up!

  Now take your  list and click you heels together 3 times and repeat . . . There’s No Place Like Home, There’s No Place Like Home, There’s No Place Like Home!!

  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Lowes, Marketing, The Maverick Builder

• 02Jun

  The Best Money You’ll Ever Spend!

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Realtors, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized No Comments

  Today what can you get for $500?  A set of 4 tires, a 42″ flat screen TV, maid service for 2 months or a home inspection.  Yes a home inspection for those who are in the market may be the best money you will ever spend, writes Roger Taylor, Business Columnist for the Chronicle Herald.

  In an interview with Henry Blumenthal, a vice-president and chief underwriter for TD Insurance, Mr. Blumenthal said, “Everyone knows spring is prime time for the real estate sector. But before you buy, every potential purchaser should take a few basic steps to protect themselves from making a poor investment decision.”

  While most would-be homebuyers have enough sense to hire a home inspector to identify construction flaws before the deal is completed, Blumenthal says, there are still a surprising number of people who try to avoid spending an average of $500 on a professional inspection.

  Based on what comes back from the inspection, take a few minutes to call your insurance company and find out if there are any issues or potential issues (found in) that inspection because you never know.

  If the house has been damaged by water, for example, and if you’re not sure it has been fixed, you may want to opt for special insurance coverage, he says.

  Mr. Taylor writes that just because the inspector has identified areas of concern, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be enough to scuttle the deal. The inspection usually tips off the homebuyer to potential issues, and that could lead to a price adjustment. In rare cases, the inspection could identify issues that may result in the homeowner not being able to get insurance because the property has a dramatic flaw.

  Well you may be a High Def kind of guy, a weekend warrior or  a tire kicker, but for “Peace of Mind” on one of the biggest investments of your lifetime the $500 you spend on a home inspection might just be the best money you will ever spend!

  Advantage Home Inspection. . .  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Lowes, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Realtor, Realtors, The Maverick Builder

• 02May

  First Time Buyers – Opportunity Knocking

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Realtors, Sales, The Maverick Builder No Comments

  If you  missed taking advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit but are still planning the purchase of their first home, you continue to have a wealth of opportunities in today’s home marketplace. Here are a few smart steps that can save first-time buyers thousands of dollars:

  1. Double-Double  (Look twice at your credit)
  Your credit must be a clean as possible, since you probably will need to get a mortgage to buy a house.  Go ahead now acquire copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover on each report.

  2. Short Timers this is not your time!
  If you can’t commit to remaining in your new home for at least a 3 to 4 years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. The transaction costs of buying and selling a home may be financed into the home, but  you may end up losing money (the bottom line) if you sell any sooner – even in a rising market.

  3. Survey Says “points and rate” – hire a professional mortgage company
  When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing- in exchange for a lower interest rate.  Your mortgage professional should help you out here.   If you stay in the house for a long time- say three to five years or more- it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.  Make sure this is all spelled out on a spread sheet.

  4. There is not a home “Lemon Law” – Hire a home inspector
  A home inspector can let you know if you’re about to buy a “dud” of a house or warn you about potential problems.  At best, you can move into the house confident and with a peace of mind that the home is in great condition.  If the report indicates the worst,  the inspector’s report can let you terminate the deal.  Typically, the home inspection report is used to negotiate the home price to account for necessary repairs that the seller is usually unaware of.

  5. Get professional real estate help – Research your agent.
  Inside the world wide web, the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings.  Look all you want, but when it’s time to by hire an exclusive buyer agent.  They will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the buy to closing process.

  6.  Make it a Win-Win. 
  Take this one to heart your purchase should be a win-win for you and the seller.  You do not need the stress that comes from running with the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s.  You do not need to live with the sellers problems.  Yes it may look like a great deal, but it may come with some emotional baggage.  Going to the closing table with a win-win seller makes for a great closing.

  7. Double Jeopardy – A contract is a contract!
  Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetime.  Avoid buyer’s remorse by being completely comfortable before signing on the dotted line.  Take your time.  Be patient as the right home will be there for you.  And when you see it, make the move.

  8.  A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned – Buy a Home Warranty  
  A home warranty is designed to bring you “Peace of Mind.”  A home warranty is risk management providing coverage on the primary structure, major systems and appliances.  There are a number of firms that offer coverage.  Compare, research and buy.  Make sure you read the fine print and understand the process.  A home warranty can save your budget for pennies a day.

  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Home Inspection Raleigh, Linda Craft, Lowes, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, Raleigh Realtor, Realtors, The Maverick Builder

• 20Feb

  To Hire or Not to Hire a Home Inspector by Dave Park

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Realtors, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized, You Have A Choice Campaign No Comments

  Many people read “do-it-yourself” books and think they now know everything about construction, home improvement, and even home inspections. But that’s not really the case. With his firm Advantage Inspection based in Raleigh, Dave Park serves the entire Triangle area of North Carolina, and talks here about why it’s important to hire a professional home inspector to carry out your next home inspection, instead of trying to do it yourself…

  Every year the number of home inspections rises. Every year the price of home inspections rises. Every year the “do it yourself” subculture rises. The “do it yourself” subculture is here and is here to stay.  Home improvement stores have commercials that tell you to save money and just do it yourself. And an assortment of television shows pride themselves on showing the average person how to fix it or renovate it or replace it. And at bookstores, shelves are devoted to the weekend warrior.

  At first blush, it might appear that these tools of education and instruction are bad for the home inspection business. business. But, do not worry as you need to consider what all this has all provided for the profession:

  1. They have raised consumer consciousness about the need to have a home inspection.
  2. Sure, people like to be educated, but the DIY culture has made people realize that deep down, they want to hire a professional.
  3. It takes a professional with years of experience to inspect a home in two to three  hours. How long would it take an amateur guided by a book?
  4. People are more aware now of liability: Who wants it and who has it?
  5. Tools. Home inspectors have them, and they know how to use them. Those DIYers do not.
  6. Objectivity. Home inspectors have it. Homeowners can’t have it: That’s why they leave it up to us.
  7. Nobody to blame but yourself. Saving $400 just cost the do-it-yourselfer $4,000 on something that was missed.

  The irony of the do it yourself media, both video and written, is that it carries a disclaimer that warns clients not to get in over their heads. So please just “do it yourself” –  and call in a professional home inspector.

  This interview was conducted by Wendy Sloane, writer with Yodle.

  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Lowes, Radon, Raleigh Home Inspectors, Realtors, The Maverick Builder

• 17Feb

  The “Paine” of Common Sense – Money in the Bank!

  Energy Savings, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Strategy, The Maverick Builder 1 Comment
  

  Thomas Paine

  Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Common Sense, signed “Written by an Englishman”, became an immediate success.

  Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood; forgoing the philosophy and Latin references used by Enlightenment era writers, Paine structured Common Sense like a sermon and relied on Biblical references to make his case to the people.   Historian Gordon S. Wood described Common Sense as, “the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era”

  One of the major concerns in the world today is depletion of energy. As concerned citizens all of us must make a concerted effort to be conscious citizens and save electricity. Electricity has become integral to life but imagine having to live without power.

  Conservation of electricity benefits you personally as you will pay lower bills.

  Consider these “Paine-fully” Simple Common Sense Tips:

  1.            Doing an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where the wastage lies. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee machine on at all times.

  2.            Think about resetting the thermostat ten degrees lower during the night. If you can do this for say approximately eight hours a day you will save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the home in winter by drawing shut the drapes.

  3.            Check all insulation in the house. If you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the electricity consumption will reduce by 20 percent.

  4.            Plant more trees around the house these will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter. Studies show that a green cover benefits in many ways.

  5.            Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.

  6.            Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.

  7.            Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.

  8.            When you are away even for a few hours or days you should turn off and unplug   all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to   the lowest setting.

  9.            Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least US$ 250 a year.

  10.          Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10 percent. Even when building a home or decorating it use weather friendly materials—those that are not good conductors of heat and cold. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such away that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day light hours. Make an effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and heaters are always cleaned and free of clog and dust.

  

  Common Sense

  If you live an energy efficient lifestyle you will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reducing. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. It is as simple as only washing full loads and that to in cold water. Use the hot wash option only for very dirty clothes.  Cook food only just before you are ready to eat that way you can save reheating costs as well as refrigerating costs of storing the food. Turn the thermostat of the refrigerator to minimum in cold or cool weather. Switch off freezers if they are not in use. Small contributions can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. And, power saved means money in the bank.

  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Construction Materials, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Lowes, Marketing, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, Raleigh Realtor, The Maverick Builder

• 10Feb

  Home Warranty Interview with Dave Park

  Can I Get A Witness, Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Realtors, Sales, Strategy, Tactics, Technology, The Maverick Builder 2 Comments

  What is a Home Warranty?

  Often the words “home warranty” used with homeowners not having a clue about what they mean. Well, you can learn a thing or two from Dave Park. He owns the home inspection company Advantage Inspection in Raleigh, North Carolina, and here answers all your home warranty questions.

  What is a home warranty?

  A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently-occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances.

  Why do I need a home warranty?

  Your home is most likely one of your biggest investments. Unexpected repair or replacement costs can easily strain your budget. Plus, finding an approved and insured contractor to solve your problem can be stressful and inconvenient. A home warranty cannot prevent systems or appliances from breaking, but it can help make covered repairs or replacement easier and less costly.

  Is everything in my home covered by a home warranty?

  No. While not everything is covered, coverage is, as mentioned, predominantly for many of your home system components and appliances that break most frequently. You need to review a sample contract for specific covered items, terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions.

  How many times can you use a home warranty?

  Usually a home warranty is unlimited during your contract term.

  What if I have an appliance that just can’t be fixed?

  If the home warranty company determines your covered system component or appliance can’t be repaired by a service contractor, it will be replaced. See contract for details.

  What out-of-pocket expenses will I have?

  For each service request, you will pay a Trade Service Call Fee to each contractor of a different trade (such as plumber or electrician) who visits your home to diagnose a problem or perform a service. Additional costs may be associated with the repair or replacement of covered items. Details will be included in your contract. Advantage Home Warranty has the lowest Trade Service Call Fee in the business at $40. See contract for details.

  How do I know my service contractor is qualified?

  Advantage’s comprehensive network of approved and insured contractors are consistently monitored and graded on their performance through our customer satisfaction survey program.

  Is the Advantage Home Warranty (AHW) renewable?

  Yes, warranty holders may renew their AHW coverage (at the option of AHW). We will notify the homeowner prior to the expiration date and will offer a variety of convenient payment plans.

  Is there a limit to the number of repairs Advantage Home Warranty covers?

  No. AHW allows an unlimited number of covered repairs.

  I’m in the market for a home. What’s the benefit of buying a home protected by an Advantage Home Warranty?

  An AHW helps provide confidence during and after a home purchase. An unexpected breakdown can be devastating to your budget. Enjoy your home without the hassles of worrying about breakdowns. When a covered system component or appliance breaks down, call one number to request service. There’s no need to get back in touch with the real estate agent or track down the previous owner.

  I’m selling my home. Why would I want an Advantage Home Warranty?

  An AHW helps give buyers additional confidence in the real estate transaction. They’ll know that AHW stands behind the covered systems or appliances in the house. An added benefit is that we can also protect your home while it’s on the market, which can help you avoid surprises and additional unforeseen repair costs.

  Does Advantage Home Warranty need to inspect my home systems and appliances before I purchase them?

  Yes. How can any company insure your home’s systems without visually looking at the system? A warranty without an inspection is a blind warranty. Advantage’s warranty is a “No Denied Claims” warranty, meaning claims will not be turned down due to pre-existing conditions or inspector error.

  This interview was conducted by Wendy Sloane, writer with Yodle.

  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

  Tags: Advantage Home Warranty, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, The Maverick Builder

• 06Feb

  Home Inspection Checklist

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Homeowner, Uncategorized, You Have A Choice Campaign No Comments

  

  A professional home inspection begins with a comprehensive visual examination of a property.  As a buyer, a thorough home inspection is your first step toward protecting your investment in your new home.

  When you hire a home inspector, you can expect that he or she will carefully examine the property before preparing a written report that describes the construction of the home and the working condition of all its systems. Many inspectors will also include digital photographs of defects, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as the crawlspace, roof and attic.

  The following home inspection checklist outlines all areas a thorough inspection should include.

  General Information
  Persons present during the inspection, approximate age of the structure, construction type and style, weather and soil conditions at the time of inspection, residence type, number of stories and approximate house orientation (direction the house faces).

  Description of the Lot, Grounds and Landscaping
  Grade relative to drainage, yard drains, walks, driveway, landscaping, patio/slabs, outside lighting, dangerous trees or limbs, fences and gates, outside faucets and retaining walls.

  Condition of the Foundation and Basement/Crawlspace/Slab
  For basements: Accessible areas, moisture penetration, piers, foundation walls, floor joists, sills, girders, subfloor, slabs and insulation.

  For crawlspaces: Accessible areas, moisture penetration, sump pump, vapor barrier, piers, foundation walls, floor joists, sills, girders, subfloor, ventilation and insulation.

  For slabs: General condition of viewable components, cracks and signs of settling.

  Condition of the Home’s Exterior
  Siding, shutters, trim rot, paint and caulking, fascia, soffits, eaves, porch, porch rails, stoop, stoop rails, deck, deck rails, doors, sliding doors, garage, garage door openers and windows.

  Current State of and Estimated Life Expectancy of Roof
  Material type, roof style, flashing and roof penetrations, skylights, gutters, downspouts, splash blocks, rafters and other upper framing elements, ceiling joists, roof decking, water penetration, whole house fan, ventilation, insulation and attic access.

  State of Chimney and Fireplace
  General condition, gas logs, damper, chimney condition, flue liner, signs of settling and loose masonry.

  Condition of Electrical System
  Service entrance, service wires (size and types), grounding equipment, main panel, sub panels, over current protection, ground fault protection, 110 volt and 220 volt circuits, receptacles, light fixtures, switches and safety concerns.

  Condition of Heating System
  Unit manufacturer, model number, serial number, location, air temperature rise, general condition, heating unit description, energy source, system type and total capacity relative to area served and approximate age.

  Condition of Cooling System
  Unit manufacturer, model number, serial number, location, air temperature drop, general condition, cooling unit description, energy source, total capacity relative to area served and approximate age.

  Condition of Plumbing System
  Water supply, well pump, water shut offs, water pressure, water pipes, water pipe support, water pipe insulation, water heater, waste water disposal, waste and vent pipes, waste pipe support, plumbing fixtures, laundry connections, dryer exhaust and bathrooms.

  Assessment of All Interior Spaces
  Rooms, floors, walls, smoke alarms, ceilings, stairs and doors.

  Current State of and Estimated Life Expectancy of Permanently Installed Appliances
  Unit manufacturers, dishwasher, disposal, oven and energy source, range and energy source, refrigerator, trash compactor and microwave.

  Final Thoughts on Your New Home Inspection
  Remember that an inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of a home. It is not an appraisal or a municipal code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not “pass” or “fail” a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items need repairs or replacements.

  You, as a buyer, will find the information contained in the home inspection to be an invaluable resource as you make an offer on the home, negotiate that offer, close the deal, and assume ownership of the home.

  This check list was brought to you by Lowes and Sponsored by Advantage Inspection!

   

   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

  Tags: Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Lowes, Radon, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, The Maverick Builder, Waterproofing

• 12Jan

  The Power of Support – Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Realtors, Sales, Strategy, Tactics, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized, You Have A Choice Campaign 1 Comment

  This is Advantage Home Inspections first ad that was designed right here in Raleigh. 

  The campaign for 2010 is “You Have a Choice!”
  The slogan is “Experience the Power of a Good Decision.”

  The ad ties in today’s complex time with teamwork and
  ends with competing on service instead of price.

  

  Advantage Home 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

  Tags: Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Marketing, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, Raleigh Realtor, Realtors

• 08Jan

  PCB Testing – “Something in the Air” by Tom Petty

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Mold, Realtors, Technology, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized, Waterproofing No Comments

  “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

  Tags: Chinese Drywall, Construction Materials, Dave Park, Home Inspection Raleigh, Mold, Radon, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Realtor, Waterproofing, Wet Crawl Spaces

• 02Sep

  Not Your Mothers Mold!

  Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty, Homeowner, Mold, The Maverick Builder, Uncategorized, Waterproofing No Comments

  Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when spores are present in large quantities, they can be a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

  Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. When molds reproduce they make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals.

  Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ever-present, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture indoors.

  Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete. Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, plumbing problems can all lead to mold growth inside homes, offices, clubhouses, and other areas humans gather.

  For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food and a substrate (material) capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are the food sources. After a single incident of water damage occurring in a building, molds grow inside the walls. The right conditions, such as high humidity, can activate a mold bloom even after a long period of being dormant after the event has occurred.

   

  If there are mold problems in a unit or home only during a certain time of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house and moisture is trapped) and occur in drafty units or homes more frequently during the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same effect as lowering humidity.

  Assessment

  The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is necessary.

   These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

   Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

  Remediation

  The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:

  *Sunlight

  *Ventilation

  *Non-porous building materials

  *Household cleansers

  Significant mold growth may require professional mold remediation and removal of affected building materials. As this issue has become more and more prevalent, different states have different requirements for licensing, certifying and qualifying mold remediation technicians. 

  There are Certified Mold Inspectors, Certified Mold Remediators, and Certified Environmental Hygienists, all professionals that provide services relating to mold problems. While some mild instances of mold may be able to be addressed in a do-it-yourself way, if in doubt, a professional should be engaged for this purpose. The preparation of the area for the removal of the material, the disposal of the material removed, the personal precautions that are required, generally exceed those of a maintenance worker or handyman.

  If in doubt, call a professional.

  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

  Tags: Basements, Bdry & Blue Canyon, Construction Materials, Green, Home Inspection Raleigh, Mold, Raleigh Home Inpector, Raleigh Home Inspectors, Raleigh Realtor, The Maverick Builder, Waterproofing, Wet Crawl Spaces

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