EPA Delays Lead-Paint Restriction - 06/30/10 06:14 PM
EPA Delays Lead-Paint Restriction
Move praised by industry because it will allow more time for contractors to receive training
Remodeling and home repair specialists fuming over a new federal lead-based paint rule have some breathing room - and more time to get trained - after the government put off enforcing it until Oct. 1.
The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to delay enforcement of the new rule "will provide much-needed time to get more remodelers and other contractors trained, and for EPA to get the word out to consumers about the importance of hiring a certified remodeler," according to the National Association … (2 comments)

Barbecue Safety - 06/30/10 12:14 PM

… (2 comments)

Turning Your Gas Off: How to Locate Your Main Gas Service Shutoff Valve - 06/29/10 10:59 AM
Knowing the location of your main gas service shutoff valve will help you turn off the gas supply to your entire facility quickly in case of an emergency.
The location of the valve can vary depending on the type of building and when it was installed:

The gas meter and gas service shutoff valve is usually located on the side or in front of the building. If the building has a breezeway, it could be located there. In some cases, the gas meter can be located in a cabinet enclosure built into the building or located inside the building. In … (1 comments)

GREEN BUILDING TIP: Test Your HVAC System - 06/28/10 10:37 AM
Even well-designed mechanical systems can become sources of indoor air quality problems (or can waste energy) if they are incorrectly installed, so it's important to make sure heating and cooling systems work as designed before the house is occupied. It's critical to test the systems (including duct work) before anyone moves into the house. That's almost always cheaper than dealing with the equipment after problems become obvious.
This testing - sometimes called "commissioning" - should follow the "TAB" approach: test, adjust, balance.
For homes with a forced-air system, it's essential to check:
Air flow at each register Overall duct system tightness … (0 comments)

10 Ways to Cut Utility Bills - 06/27/10 01:29 PM

Here's a ten-step program that's guaranteed to reduce your utility costs.
The steps are not set in stone; every house is different, and different climates may dictate different strategies, which will be determined as soon as you take the first step.
1. Get a home energy auditBefore beginning any energy retrofit work, have a home energy audit done to identify and prioritize problem areas.A good home energy audit always includes a blower-door test. To be sure your auditor is well trained, choose one certified by RESNET or BPI.The audit can cost as much as $600. Subsidies are available from some utilities and … (4 comments)

Earthquake Preparedness - 06/24/10 05:08 PM
Here are some important earthquake-preparedness measures to take:
Secure water heaters to minimize their movement during a quake.
Replace semi-rigid gas connectors with flexible connectors.
Anchor your home firmly to its foundations.
If there is an earthquake:
After an earthquake, be sure that no flammable items have fallen or spilled near natural gas appliances.
If you detect a strong natural gas odor or hear gas blowing, shut off your gas service at the meter. Once the gas is off, leave it off and contact your gas company to have your service restored.
Be aware that in the event of a major … (2 comments)

Senate Bill Will Reduce Risks of Radon Exposure for Oregon Homebuyers - 06/23/10 04:41 PM
After being told by several Realtors I didn't know what I was talking about and that I was spreading false rumors about pending radon legislation in Oregon I was finally directed to the right place for proof.
SB 1025 was signed into law in March of 2010 and the Realtor portion of it goes into effect on January 1st, 2011.
SECTION  3. (1)  The  Real  Estate  Agency shall provide information to alert potential
buyers of one and two family dwellings to issues concerning radon in the dwellings. The in-
formation may include, but need not be limited to, radon hazard potential … (0 comments)

Sandpaper Origami: A Smart Way To Save Sandpaper - 06/23/10 11:23 AM
To make the most efficient use of sandpaper, fold a standard 8 1/2 by 11 sheet in half in both directions with the abrasive side facing out. With a utility knife, cut outward from the center on any one of the four fold lines. Now fold up the sheet of sandpaper so that the resulting shape is 1/4 of a sheet. The folded sheet you're left with fits your hand better, the four plys are easier to hold onto, no abrasive surface is rubbing on another, and when you've worn out the two outside surfaces, fold them into the center and … (0 comments)

How it Works: Building Loads - 06/22/10 11:55 AM
A house is more than an assembly of studs, joists, and rafters clad in materials like drywall, tile, paint, carpet, concrete, and asphalt shingles. When built well, a house protects its inhabitants from relentless physical forces.It is important, then, before sinking a nail into the first piece of framing lumber, to understand how a house frame performs. To begin, you need to know what a building load is. Here's how it works.Understanding loads improves framing and design skillsA building load is simply a force that a house frame needs to resist. The frame must be designed to withstand eight of these … (0 comments)

Delay in Lead-Paint Rule Enforcement? Maybe - 06/21/10 12:07 PM
If Senate amendment is approved by the House of Representatives, small contractors will have until September 30 to get necessary training
Contractors who have been anxious and/or frustrated about the compliance deadline for the Environmental Protection Agency's "Lead Paint: Renovation, Repair and Painting" rule, which took effect on April 22, were recently given reason to hope that temporary relief might be in the offing.
On May 27, the U.S. Senate passed legislation, attached to a supplemental funding bill, that would prohibit the EPA from using funds in the bill to levy fines against contractors who are performing work in homes built … (1 comments)

Vacation Tips: Why waste watts when you’re away? Send your home appliances on vacation, too. - 06/19/10 01:16 PM
Before you leave on vacation, take a few minutes to turn off and unplug equipment. You'll save energy and avoid safety hazards. You might want to read your meter before you leave and when you return - it's a good way to spot any hidden energy wasters.
What to unplug, turn off or turn down before leaving
LightsTurn off all lights except for one or two. Unless these lights are compact fluorescents, put them on timers that can be set to random patterns to discourage potential prowlers. Photo sensors or motion detectors are good ideas for outdoor lights.
Air conditioningTurn it … (4 comments)

Portland Oregon Market Report - 06/19/10 12:03 PM
 
Via Tony and Libby Kelly, CRS, ABR, ePro, SRES, CLHMS, CNHS (Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere):
May Residential Highlights
 
When comparing sales activity in the Portland metro area in May 2010 to the same time last year, May 2009, closed sales increased 43.7%. Pending sales and new listings both decreased by 24.1% and 10.2%, respectively. On a month-to-month basis, when comparing May 2010 to April 2010, closed sales grew 5.6% (2,050 v. 1,941) while pending sales fell 50.1% (1,493 v. 2,991). New listings also dropped 26.2% (3,482 v. 4,713). At the month’s rate of sales, the 14,372 active residential … (1 comments)

FESTIVAL OF BALLOONS DISCOUNT TICKETS HELP THE FOUNDATION - 06/19/10 11:57 AM
http://www.tigardballoon.org/content.asp?pgid=1109
Save $7 on the Festival of Balloon's admission and unlimited rides pass, and help The Foundation For Tigard Tualatin Schools. Offer good for Friday, June 25th only. MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE at www.tigardballoon.org. $3 of each sale will be donated to The Foundation.
 Friday June 25th ONLY!  Buy on-line and save!  Don't forget to pick your favorite school or organization to receive the fundraising $$$!
Location: Cook Park17005 SW 92nd Ave
 
Time:Carnival Hours: 10 AM - 11PM
For Friday only, Z100 is sponsoring a Friday Combo Special for the carnival rides at the Festival of Balloons in Tigard.  A ticket purchased online only, entitles you … (0 comments)

Post Tip: Need a natural insecticide? - 06/18/10 04:44 PM
Post Tip: Need a natural insecticide? Add onions and garlic to a jar of water, let stand for a week, and spray garden plants with it.
… (2 comments)

Invitation to "like" my company on Facebook - 06/18/10 10:55 AM
I'd love for everyone to Like my Facebook page for Pillar To Post Portland West Side. 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/Pillar-To-Post-Professional-Home-Inspections-Portland-West-Side/279839451918?ref=ts
 
… (0 comments)

Scam alert: Beware of crooks posing as PGE employees - 06/18/10 10:49 AM
Recently, criminals have tried to trick PGE customers by pretending to be PGE employees and demanding money. Other times, crooks have posed as utility workers to try to gain access to homes.
Stay safe - follow these tips
•·         Be suspicious if anyone comes to your home unexpectedly and asks to check equipment or threatens to shut off power unless you provide cash or account numbers for your credit card or bank account. Although we do offer PGE renewable power options door-to-door, we don't ask for immediate payment if you choose to enroll.
•·         Ask to examine identification if there is … (0 comments)

Ceiling Fans - 06/14/10 10:50 AM
Although a fan can't lower the temperature of the air, it can make people feel cooler. Moving air accelerates the rate at which perspiration evaporates from your skin. The evaporation process requires heat, so increased evaporation means that more heat is leaving your body.
Moving air also removes heat from your body by convection - at least as long as the air temperature is below 100°F or so. Once the air temperature significantly exceeds your body temperature, however, fans tend to raise rather than reduce your body temperature (unless you are very wet).
Fans use electricity and their motors give off … (1 comments)

Updated CEP Class List for Realtors is Now Online - 06/11/10 02:12 PM
Wanted all of my agents to know I have added a class on Woodstoves and the new Oregon DEQ requirement to remove all non certified stoves starting August 1st 2010 when a home is sold.
Click on the link below to download the newest class list.
http://bit.ly/954iOo
Each class name is also a link that will take you to a course description.
… (0 comments)

New Law Requires Removal of Uncertified Woodstoves When Selling a Home - 06/10/10 05:45 PM
Beginning August 1, 2010, anyone selling a home with an old, uncertified woodstove will be required to remove and destroy this device. The 2009 Oregon Legislature signed Senate Bill 102 into law requiring the removal of any uncertified woodstove from a home when it is sold. This law is part of a program to help protect Oregonians from uncontrolled wood smoke. Residential wood burning is a significant source of air pollution, including fine particulate and air toxics.
 For more information about this upcoming requirement (including a Frequently Asked Questions page), please visit http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/heatSmart.htm. 
… (0 comments)

The Battle for Motivation - 06/02/10 08:29 PM
We all know that life is full of peaks and valleys. There are times when we are happy and then there are times when we are flung to the depths of sadness and despair. There are times we feel like the architects of our own destiny, and other times, when we feel like nothing is going according to plan.
It's easy to remain motivated when life is just the way you want it to be and good things are coming your way. However, in times when your world is topsy-turvy, you may tend to become unmotivated. It's in your own best … (0 comments)

Natural Gas & Rotten Eggs - 06/01/10 07:36 PM
An odorant, called mercaptan, is added to natural gas to make even the smallest leak easy to smell. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs indoors or out, here's what you need to do:
If you smell gas indoors or outdoors
Don't use your telephone or cell phone near the gas leak. Leave electrical switches, appliances and computers as they are. Don't smoke or use lighters or matches. Don't start any motors or motor vehicles near the gas leak area. If escaping natural gas is burning, call your local fire department. Don't attempt to put the fire out. If you … (1 comments)

Pressure treated wood - 06/01/10 07:34 PM
Pressure treated wood is a staple of the North American backyard. Decks, fences and play structures will last longer when made from pressure treated wood. Wood exposed to the elements will decay as it is attacked by fungus and insects. Pressure treatment introduces a chemical into the wood that inhibits fungus growth. No fungus - no rot.
For many years, the chemical used was chromated copper arsenate (CCA). CCA contains chromium, copper and arsenic. Chromium and arsenic are toxic to the environment and to people. In 2004, CCA was phased out. It is no longer used to pressure treat wood for … (1 comments)

 
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Chris Livingston

Portland, OR

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Address: Portland, OR, 97224

Office Phone: (503) 682-3053

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Serving all of the Portland Metro and outlying areas for over 13 years. We serve buyers and sellers ranging from first time homebuyers, to captains of industry.


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