Michael's Blog

Plants and Indoor Air Quality

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:31:20 -0400

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London
Raising plants indoors is a home-healthy move because of their ability to clean the air of carbon dioxide, but their benefits don't stop there. It turns out that the average houseplant can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and a host of other toxins that plague typical indoor air. It may come as a surprise, but indoor air is often much more polluted than the air outside. Off-gassing from paints, adhesives, and even unsuspected items, such as clothing and tap water, infuse the air we breathe will a host of chemicals, many of which are proven carcinogens. Newer, tighter homes are especially problematic, since they limit the amount of fresh air that can make its way into the interior. Compound this with the average time that citizens of developed nations spend indoors -- approximately 90% -- and the need for remediation becomes clear. Answering this need can be as simple as the addition of green, leafy plants to the living space.

Interesting Facts

Harmful indoor pollutants are responsible for more than 1.6 million deaths each year, according to a 2002 World Health Organization report.
Removal of environmental airborne toxins with the aid of plants is called phytoremediation.
In addition to the removal of these pollutants, plants can reduce stress, increase work performance, and reduce symptoms of ill health.

Study Performed by NASA

While researching the ability of plants to cleanse air in space stations, NASA made some fascinating and important discoveries concerning the role that houseplants play here on Earth. They tested the ability of a variety of plants to remove common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The toxins tested include:

benzene:
- found in petroleum-based indoor coatings, gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, cleaning solutions, plastics, and exterior exhaust fumes emanating into buildings;
- an irritant and probable carcinogen. Inhalation of benzene has been reported to cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and unconsciousness.
trichloroethylene (TCE):
- found in a wide variety of products, such as inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives;
- is a potent liver carcinogen.
formaldehyde:
- found in virtually all indoor environments due to its widespread use in many kinds of products. Specifically, it may be found in:
  - urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), particleboard and pressed-wood products;
  - paper products, such as grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels;
  - common household cleaning agents;
  - stiffeners, wrinkle-resisters, water-repellents, fire-retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes; and
  - heating and cooking fuels, such as natural gas and kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
- Formaldeyde causes watery eyes, nausea and wheezing. More seriously, the chemical is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
toluene:
- found in adhesives, disinfectants, rubber, printing ink, lacquers, and leather tanners;
- Symptoms in low doses include sleepiness, confusion, weakness, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color-vision loss. High levels of toluene may cause light-headedness, unconsciousness, and death.

In the NASA testing, flowering plants, such as chrysanthemums and gerbera daisies, effectively removed benzene from the chamber's atmosphere. Golden pothos, spider plants and philodendron were the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Other top performers were red-edged dracaena and the Peace Lilly. The rest of the plants tested, with the exception of Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), were effective at removing at least one of the chemicals from the air. NASA researchers found that plants absorb airborne substances through tiny openings in their leaves, but roots and soil bacteria are also part of the purification process.

The study concluded that in an 1,800-square-foot house, occupants should incorporate 15 to 18 houseplants in 6- to 8-inch diameter containers to improve air quality. The larger and more vigorously they grow, the better.

India Study

The government of India published the results of a groundbreaking study in September of 2008 that analyzed the effects of certain species of plants on indoor air quality. Three plant species -- areca palm, pothos (known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue), and the Money Plant -- were tested for 15 years at the Paharpur Business Centre and Software Technology Incubator Park in New Delhi. The building was 20 years old and 50,000 square feet, and it housed more than 1,200 plants for 300 workers. The study found that the building had the healthiest indoor air in the city. Specifically, compared to other buildings in New Delhi, the building showed reductions of:

eye irritation by 52%;
respiratory conditions by 34%;
headaches by 24%;
lung impairment by 12%; and
asthma by 9%.

In addition, energy costs were reduced by 15% because less outside air infiltration was required. Worker productivity showed an increase of 20%, perhaps as a result of fewer sick days and increased blood-oxygen levels.

In summary, plants can be used to enhance the air quality inside buildings.

Michael Ivie InterNACHI Member Cornelia Ga.

Static Electricity

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:25:25 -0400

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charges on the surface of non-conducting materials. It is called "static" because, unlike a home's electrical system, static electricity has almost no current. Static typically forms when two materials come into contact, and some of the charges redistribute by moving from one material to the other. This leaves a net positive charge on one material and an equal negative charge on the other, both of which will remain if the two materials separate. If the net charges grow faster than a material can dissipate them, an electrostatic charge builds up. The excess charge can suddenly neutralize by a flow of charges to the surroundings, known as an electrostatic discharge or static spark. By superheating the surrounding air and causing it to rapidly expand, the discharge is both visible and audible.

Interesting Facts About Static Electricity

Ordinary household static can have voltages many times greater than the home's electrical system. A static shock is not ordinarily dangerous, though, because the current is comparatively low.
Scientists believe that lightning is caused by the exchange of charges between ice particles within clouds. Lightning is thus a scaled-up version of the static discharges with which we are accustomed.
During the Great Depression, swirling dust-bowl winds caused tremendous buildups of static electricity that were powerful enough to knock a person unconscious. Blue flames erupted from metal fences, electrical systems in cars shorted out, and people would drag chains in order to offset the electrostatic charge.

Static Electricity Hazards

Static may create sparks and shocks, and cause materials to cling together. These phenomena are typically merely annoying, but, under the right circumstances, they can cause significant damage to life and property. Specifically, static electricity can cause:

fires and explosions, where flammable vapors and dust clouds can occur. Static has caused deadly explosions in buildings that filled with natural gas;
nuisance shocks. While typically harmless, these shocks can cause significant distress to building occupants. In rare situations they can cause bodily harm, such as when hot fluids are handled and a static shock causes inadvertent recoil; and
damage to sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers and cell phones. One static-plagued InterNACHI member reported that she managed to disable the Caller ID feature on her phone by repeatedly "zapping" it, and she also put her microwave to sleep. Beware that even mild or imperceptible static discharges may be powerful enough to render a computer inoperable, or even erase its hard drive.

Static Limitation Strategies

There are many variables that contribute to static electricity in homes, including the physiological makeup of an individual, their walking habits and shoes, carpet materials and construction, and the amount of moisture in the air. To help ensure that static-friendly conditions are avoided, inspectors can pass the following tips on to their clients:

Humidify the living space. When the air is humid, water molecules collect on the surfaces of household materials, which prevents the buildup of electrical charges. Humidity levels of 40 to 50% are usually sufficient to prevent static discharges, and you can check the humidity with an inexpensive humidity meter from a gardening shop. Beware that high humidity levels will promote the growth of mold, which can be a far more dangerous condition than excessive static electricity. Try these other tips to increase indoor humidity:
- Use a humidifier.
- Incorporate a variety of leafy indoor plants. Plants effectively turn liquid water into water vapor, similar to a mechanical humidifier.
- Simmer a pot of water on the stove, but don't forget that the stove is on!
Consider your clothing.
- Switch to natural fibers, since synthetics pick up more of a static charge. If you must wear synthetic fibers, do not allow them to touch; separate nylon and polyester layers with cotton, for instance.
- Wear leather-soled shoes. Also, try not to drag your feet on the carpet.
Use an anti-static hand lotion if your hands are dry.
Spray carpet surfaces with an anti-static product. Fabric softener has anti-static properties, and it may be diluted and then sprayed onto the carpet. These chemicals eliminate buildup of static electricity by making the material itself slightly conductive, either by being conductive itself, or by absorbing moisture from the air. These products may be sticky and attract dirt, however.
Wear an anti-static wrist wrap. These antistatic devices are used to prevent electrostatic discharge by safely grounding a person. They consist of a stretchy band of fabric woven with conductive fibers made from carbon or carbon-filled rubber.

In summary, static electricity can cause distress for building occupants, but it can be controlled.

InterNACHI Member Michael Ivie Cornelia Ga. 30531

Homeowners Associations vs. the Green Homeowner

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:34:16 -0400

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London
Nationwide, homeowners' associations (HOAs) govern the approved uses of millions of properties. While HOAs ostensibly uphold property values by ensuring uniformity or a community's aesthetic standard, they sometimes interfere with individual homeowners' attempts to install photovoltaic (solar) panels. All over the country, conservative HOAs are trying to prevent homeowners from installing panels, even going to court over the issue. As some homeowners seek to install new energy-efficient solar panels, many are finding that their neighbors and HOAs object, saying the additions defy historic-district regulations, or will look ugly, or will damage property values. "[A]greeing to projects without regard to the architectural guidelines of the community can create divisiveness and can affect property values," said Frank Rathbun to the Wall Street Journal. Rathbun is spokesman for the Community Associations Institute, an education and advocacy group based in Alexandria, Va. But residents say their right to invest in alternative energy trumps the sensibilities of neighbors who don't like how the panels look. Of particular concern to many HOAs is solar panel color, which is usually selected based on financial and efficiency concerns. Black, for instance, is a costly yet efficient choice, but it often fails the test of blending in with the colors of its surroundings. In 2007, the plans of an Arizona woman to build a solar-powered swimming pool were stalled when her HOA demanded she use a different color. PV panels come in muted colors as well, such as terra cotta and grey, but homeowners who want the most efficient panels will be stuck with black. In another case, the community board for Palos Verdes, Calif., homes rejected the permits for proposed PV panels because they were blue, rather than a more eye-pleasing shade of black. Bradley Bartz, a homeowner in the complex, complained that black panels were 30% more expensive than the panels he wanted.

Responding to aesthetic concerns, some photovoltaic companies have been building products with unobtrusiveness in mind. Standard Renewable Energy has introduced a system of racking that positions solar panels to appear flush with the roof. This company will not only install solar panels, they will also help the homeowner sell the plan to an HOA or zoning board. Some companies offer solar roof tiles, which are cut to look like typical roof tiles and, thus, stand out less than standard solar panels. Other PV companies will try to appease zoning boards by offering an additional, free, colored panel to match the efficiency of conspicuous black panels.

Results of the battles between homeowners and their HOAs have been mixed. A few interesting cases are described below:

Former Vice President Al Gore ran into trouble while trying to install solar panels on his Nashville home. A local zoning board initially refused to consider the application, but eventually gave in after appeals, redesigns, and a home inspection. Gore's community has since revised its laws to allow solar panels.
The Saracheks became the first family in Scarsdale, New York, to gain approval from the town to install solar panels on their home, but only after a lengthy battle. In March of 2007, the town denied the family permission to install the panels because they were "not in keeping with the character of the community." The family subsequently spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting the town before winning approval in a 4-3 decision by the town's board of architectural review.
When Santa Clarita, Calif., resident Marty Griffin's request to install solar panels was denied by his HOA, he installed them anyway. The association sued him and a jury ordered him to move the panels to a more discreet location.

In summary, some homeowners who try to install solar panels are finding resistance from their HOAs which fear the new devices will detract from the communities' appearance and reduce property values. Laws, however, are increasingly changing to protect the rights of the homeowner.

How can YOU help protect my drinking water?

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:11:17 -0400

Using the new information that is now available about drinking water, citizens can be aware of the challenges of keeping drinking water safe and take an active role in protecting drinking water. There are lots of ways that individuals can get involved. Some people will help clean up the watershed that is the source of their community's water. Other people might get involved in wellhead protection activities to prevent the contamination of the ground water source that provides water to their community. These people will be able to make use of the information that states and water systems are gathering as they assess their sources of water. Concerned citizens may want to attend public meetings to ensure that their community's need for safe drinking water is considered in making decisions about land use. You may wish to participate when your state and water system make funding decisions. And all consumers can do their part to conserve water and to dispose properly of household chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Relocation

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:33:16 -0400

by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kate Tarasenko

Relocation is often stressful and time-consuming, but rarely do we wonder about the impact the process has on the environment. This is amplified when moving to a smaller house or condominium, and additional decisions have to be made regarding items that must discarded in order to save space. If we don't make these decisions deliberately, our choices can generate a lot of trash, and waste energy and natural resources. Fortunately, we have other options so that, when the time comes, we can relocate -- along with our stuff -- responsibly.

Some measures to consider before moving day:

Buy less. The less you accumulate, the less you will have to discard when it comes time to relocate. Also, fight the urge to be a pack rat by recycling and giving items away as they become obsolete to you. If you put off these decisions until the day you have to relocate, many of the things that you're on the fence about keeping will likely end up in the trash because you'll be too preoccupied by the move to put the effort into thoughtful and responsible disposal.
Discard items in a responsible manner, rather than merely throwing them away. Non-biodegradable trash doesn't disappear; it just accumulates in new locations where it contaminates groundwater and soil, off-gasses methane and other greenhouse gasses, and overwhelms otherwise useful land. By taking a few extra steps, you can save money, help others, and minimize your impact on the environment.

Sort through your belongings and decide what you don't want to take with you, separating them into defined groups based on how best to dispose of them. For instance, separate your unwanted items that are in good working order, and can be reused by a friend or neighbor, from other items that require special disposal, such as hazardous chemicals or large, bulky items. See the following sections on how to identify items for reuse, recycling and special disposal.
- Recycle. With a minimum of effort, you can recycle old magazines and newspapers that you do not want to take with you to your new home. Glass, metal and plastics are also easily recyclable, and you will conserve some of the raw materials and energy required to produce these items by re-offering them. Many of the items you clean out from your home might be recyclable in your community curbside or drop-off recycling program. To determine what items you can recycle, contact your local environmental agency or waste-pickup service.

Spring is around the corner

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:13:47 -0400

Time to think about indoor and outdoor safety. Todays tip is on pesticides

.Pesticides are poisons designed to kill a variety of plants and animals, such as insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and mold or fungus (fungicides). They are each composed of an inert carrier and a pest-specific active ingredient, both of which are toxic to humans and pets. Human Exposure Pesticides may enter the body in one of the following three ways, which are ordered from least to most dangerous:

absorbed through the skin. People can get pesticide on their skin because it is likely to splash or mist while mixing, loading or applying the chemicals. Skin contact may also occur while touching protective clothing, a piece of equipment, or any other surface that was exposed to pesticides;
swallowed. Numerous reports exist of people accidentally drinking or eating a pesticide that had been placed in an unlabelled container, or by children whose access was not adequately child-proofed. Toxic substances can also be ingested when eating or smoking near those who have handled the chemicals; and
inhaled. Powders, airborne droplets and vapors can easily be inhaled. Low-pressure applications present a relatively limited hazard because most of the droplets are too large and heavy to remain in the air. High-pressure applications, however, are particularly dangerous because the droplets are small enough that they can be carried by winds for considerable distances. Pesticides with a high inhalation hazard should have a label that instructs the user to use a respirator.

Health Effects and Symptoms of Pesticide Exposure The health effects of pesticides are specific to their ingredients. Organophosphates and carbamates, for instance, affect the nervous system, while others may irritate the skin and eyes, influence the body's hormone or endocrine system, and even cause cancer. Symptoms of pesticide exposure may appear immediately and disappear soon after exposure has ceased, or they may take a long time -- even years -- to develop. Specific symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following.

Acute symptoms include:

mild poisoning: irritation of the nose, throat, eyes or skin, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, thirst, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, weakness or fatigue, restlessness, nervousness, changes in mood, and/or insomnia;
moderate poisoning: vomiting, excessive salivation, coughing, constriction of the throat and chest, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, rapid pulse, excessive perspiration, profound weakness, trembling, muscular incoordination, and/or mental confusion;
severe poisoning: inability to breathe, small or pinpoint pupils, chemical burns, uncontrollable muscular twitching, unconsciousness, and/or death.

Long-term health effects include:

cancers (lung, brain, testicular, lymphoma, leukemia);
spontaneous abortions and stillbirths;
genetic damage;
infertility, including lowered sperm count;
liver and pancreatic damage;
neuropathy; and
disturbances to immune systems (including minor ones, such as asthma and allergies).

Always be careful when useing them.

Alto Georgia BBQ Wing Fling

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:19:02 -0500

Come One Come All to The First Annual Alto Georgia Wing Fling BBQ Cook-Off!!! This year not only will we have classic car and tractors, live country music, face painting, boiled peanuts, world class BBQ, hot dogs and hamburgers and a parade that stretches from one end of town to the other,for the first time in the history of Alto we will hold a Wing Cook-off! This event is sponsored by Springer Mt. farms. If you would like to join in the cook-off as a sponsor or contender contact altocityhall@windstream.net There are also vendor spaces available. Please help us in making this a fun and enjoyable day. Hope to see you all there!
June 5th 2010 10 am
Founded in 1877, Alto (previously known as "Lulah City" and "Long View") was incorporated on December 16, 1895. Alto Georgia BBQ Wing Fling cook off

Easy Ways to Save Energy in Your Home This Year
Deck collapsing
Engineering Certificates for Manufactured Housing loans

One square mile in size and 1,395 feet above sea level, it has a population of approximately 1,820 people.

Alto is located in Habersham County,
Habersham County was created in 1818 from Indian treaty lands. Georgia's 43rd county was named for Major Joseph Habersham, who fought in the Revolutionary War, was Mayor of Savannah, served in Congress and was President George Washington's Postmaster General.

A Civil War iron works in the county produced guns and cannons for the Confederacy. Most of Habersham County was spared from pillage after Confederate troops turned back Union Calvary in a skirmish near Currahee Mountain.
Habersham County

Water Heater Safety

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:09:37 -0500

Many consider the water heater to be the most dangerous device in your house. Water heaters are equipped with a temperature- and pressure-relief valve (usually abbreviated TPV or TPR) that releases both hot water and built-up pressure if either gets too high (usually 150° F, or 300 pounds per square inch/psi). If the valve malfunctions, the heater can explode. Carefully test your valve periodically by quickly tripping its test lever. If water pours out of the discharge tube, the valve is clear of deposits and capable of performing its job. If it has been a while since you've performed this test, or if the valve is old, be aware that it might become stuck in the open position during testing. Before you begin, know the location of your main water shutoff, in case this happens.

It would be wise to have someone on standby at the main shutoff. You should also have a shutoff at the water heater.

Do not try this if your TPR valve is not plumbed properly.

The discharge piping serving a TPR valve should:

Be constructed of an approved material such as CPVC, copper, polyethylene, galvanized steel, polybutylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel.
Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve it serves (usually no smaller than 3/4").
Shall not reduce in size from the valve to the air gap (point of discharge).
Be as short and as straight as possible so as to avoid undue stress on the valve.
Be installed so as to drain by flow of gravity.
Not be trapped since standing water may become contaminated and backflow into the potable water.
Discharge to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor, or to the outdoors.
Not be directly connected to the drainage system to prevent backflow of potentially contaminating the potable water.
Discharge through a visible air gap (atmosphere) in the same room as the water heater.
Be first piped to an indirect waste receptor through an air gap located in a heated area when discharging to the outdoors in areas subject to freezing, since freezing water could block the pipe.
Not terminate more than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor or waste receptor.
Discharge in a manner that could not cause scalding.
Discharge in a manner that could not cause structural or property damage.
Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable by occupants because discharge indicates that something is wrong.
Be piped independent of other equipment drains, water heater pans, or relief valve discharge piping to the point of discharge.
Not have valves anywhere.
Not have tee fittings.
Not have a threaded connection at the end of the pipe so as to avoid capping.

If you don't think your up to this type of testing call a trusted plumber. If the water heater is old you may want to have the TPR valve replace while you have the plumber on-site.

New Real Estate Fourm

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:32:39 -0500

Here is a new real estate fourm I have joined. I would like to invite all my AR friends to join.

Real-Estate-Forums.net

A/C Maintenance tips

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:26:48 -0500

These tips are for you and your clients. Pass them along.

With proper maintenance, A home's heating and cooling systems should give you many years of service. Preventive maintenance will lower your energy costs, prevent costly repairs, and prolong the life of your systems. Regular maintenance will ensure that A system is ready to heat and cool your home when needed. Most heating and cooling systems should be serviced once a year by a professional heating or cooling contractor. The professional contractor has the tools, instruments and training necessary to maintain your system for dependable, trouble-free operation. The contractor should inspect your systems, including the thermostat, the blower motor, fans, and the ductwork, as well as the AC condenser and evaporator units, and the furnace's gas connections and heat exchanger. He should also complete necessary maintenance tasks and adjust the entire system for optimal performance.

Here are some things that you can do:

Filters: Inspect air filters and clean or replace as necessary.

Registers: Reduce dust in your home by vacuuming heat registers and the cold-air return as part of your regular cleaning.

Ducts: Examine exposed supply ducts for gaps or leaks allowing heated air to escape. Look for gaps and run your hand along exposed supply ducts with the blower running to feel for escaping air. Seal any leaks with duct tape.

Listen: Listen to your condenser, evaporator and furnace when they are running. If you hear unusual noises, follow the appliance manual's directions, or consult with your professional heating contractor.

Obstructions: Remove any objects or debris that may have fallen through the registers. Remove any drapes, furniture and other objects blocking registers, interrupting air flow, and lowering your system's efficiency.

For more tips like these visit www.nachi.org and www.ivcoinspectionservice.com

Change those filters

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:11:42 -0400

With summer here your air handler is working extra hard to keep your home cool so don't make it work any harder. Clean or replace the filters at the unit and in the return vents. Yes you should have a filter in every return vent.

If you keep up with this your home will be cool as a cucumber. If you don't, expect a huge bill from the service tech. who has to pull the coil and clean it.

Your choice. $20 now or $300 plus later.

Have a safe summer.

Engineering Certificates for Manufactured Housing loans

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:27:36 -0400

Who must have an engineering certificate for their manufactured home foundation?

All foundation systems, new and existing, must meet the guidelines published in the Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, dated September 1996. A certification attesting to compliance with this handbook must be obtained from a licensed professional engineer and included in the insuring file. It is applicable for all re-sales.

HUD-FHA Single Family Housing, Homeownership Center Reference Guide
Revised October 31, 2005 Chapter 1 Appraisal and Property Requirements Page 1-09d

What does this mean?

It means that the foundation must meet the criteria as set forth in HUD manual Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, September 1996. This manual requires a site specific design for every manufactured home.

Dead loads, snow loads, wind loads and seismic loads must all be taken into account.

There must be a perimeter, frost line protected strip foundation as well as frost line protected piers under the chassis.

The stacked blocks that the unit actually sits on must not only be mortared, they must be attached with rebar to the footing and bolted and/or welded to the chassis frame, unless there is an alternate, site specific engineered design.

The design must include protection against horizontal shearing forces and uplifting forces. This can require additional strapping between the stacked blocks.

Finally, it means that this design must be stamped by a licensed professional engineer verifying that HUD requirements are met.

What can happen if a manufactured home does not have an HUD compliant foundation?

It is very likely that no US government guaranteed loan will be approved for the home.

It also may not qualify for other conventional loans.

Even though the home may currently qualify with a lesser foundation, in the future it may be required to upgrade to HUD compliance to receive any loan.

The homeowner may pay more in home insurance than necessary.

The design must include protection against horizontal shearing forces and uplifting forces. This can require additional strapping between the stacked blocks.

Finally, it means that this design must be stamped by a licensed professional engineer verifying that HUD requirements are met.

What difference does it make what kind of foundation I have under my manufactured home?

Different loans have different requirements for the foundation supporting the home. A minimal foundation can prevent your home from qualifying for a loan.

I'm knowledgeable about foundations and I know this house does not require what I'm told it needs. Why do I have to put it in?

Most manufactured homes in the past were placed on grade and sat on dry stacked cinder blocks and often no particular problems were noted. These more recent requirements for manufactured home foundations are based on national experience from manufactured housing performance in hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.

When the government mandates these standards be met nationwide (there are local variations in requirements), they must be met. It is not a matter of what is needed here to support a manufactured home, it is a matter of what is required to qualify for a loan.

My manufactured home qualified for a loan before. Isn't it "grandfathered" in for future loans?

Unfortunately, no. Your current foundation may be adequate for your current loan, but new requirements must be met in order for a new loan to be issued. If it qualified for a loan previously, it may not now without the foundation being upgraded, which can be extremely expensive. HRES can provide a lower cost solution for upgrading deficient foundations to meet current government standards.

What is an HUD compliant foundation?

That is a foundation that meets the requirements of HUD manual Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing published September 1996. It also has an Engineering Certificate stamped by a licensed engineer certifying that it meets those requirements.

If you need assistance with Manufactured Home Foundation Certificates for a HUD or FHA loan you can contact me at ivcohome@yahoo.com Certificates issued by Hayman Engineering.

Michael Ivie

www.georgiahomeinspections.info http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Ivco.Inspection.Service.706-776-3748.com

New twist to poppers

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:12:00 -0400

Jalapeño peppers are great in the summer time, and there is no need to heat up the kitchen. Cook theses treats on the grill.

you need ;

8-10 med. To large jalapeño peppers split down the side and seeded.

1 pack of cream cheese room temperature

2-3 cloves of fresh garlic

¼ cup of fresh cilantro

In a med. Bowl add the cream cheese

Peal, smash, and then chop the garlic and add to the cheese

Chop cilantro fine mix cheese, garlic, and cilantro together

Stuff the peppers

Chill peppers in the fridge for about 30 min.

Take a 1 lb. pack of hickory smoked bacon and cut it in half (thick slice is better)

Wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Grill over indirect heat with the lid closed until bacon is slightly crisp.

Remove the toothpicks and enjoy.

Have a great grillin summer

Here is a new twist to this. I know some of you can't live without grease so you can Dredge the peppers in self-rising flour and deep fry.

ivcohome@yahoo.com
http://www.ivcoinspectionservice.com

Charlie's blog

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:05:57 -0400

You guys should check out this blog. I have been reading them for a while. He realy has a good blog.

http://activerain.com/blogs/cbuell

My home town

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:31:16 -0400

I am very glad I found Active Rain. I find a wealth of information here and it's a good place to share ideas with people around the United states.

But I am disappointed with the showing from my home town or should I say county. Only 18 real estate professionals have joined thus far plus myself ( the only inspector) and out of the 18 not one single blog.....

They think they are cleaver to sneak in a free ad for themselves, But little do they know the amount of exposure they could be getting if only they were more active members.

I sent invitations out to some of the agents I knew, even listed with in the past....All turned down the invites.

I wonder if they sell many homes when they lack the motovation to even type a few words.

I may be wrong they could be showing and selling so many homes right now they have no time to network. Or It could be they make so much money it is easier to pay for an ad and be done with it.

Either way I am disappointed.

ivcohome@yahoo.com
http://www.ivcoinspectionservice.com

Blogs

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:00:42 -0400

look at the blogs I have posted. and some of the comments. we need to draw interest then educate.

I found it

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:54:17 -0400

Hi guys I found it.

Let’s Get Popping

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:34:15 -0400

Jalapeño peppers are great in the summer time, and there is no need to heat up the kitchen. Cook theses treats on the grill.

All you need is;

8-10 med. To large jalapeño peppers split down the side and seeded.

1 pack of cream cheese room temperature

2-3 cloves of fresh garlic

¼ cup of fresh cilantro

In a med. Bowl add the cream cheese

Peal, smash, and then chop the garlic and add to the cheese

Chop cilantro fine mix cheese, garlic, and cilantro together

Stuff the peppers

Chill peppers in the fridge for about 30 min.

Take a 1 lb. pack of hickory smoked bacon and cut it in half (thick slice is better)

Wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Grill over indirect heat with the lid closed until bacon is slightly crisp.

Remove the toothpicks and enjoy.

Have a great grillin summer

Summer's here and so are the green tomatoes

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:04:53 -0400

The hot days of summer bring back memories of my childhood. Jumping in the creek, climbing the kudzu vines, and Mommas fried green tomatoes.

There are many ways to cook them, but here is a recipe that is sure to please.

You need 2 large or 3 med. green tomatoes pealed and cut into 1/2 inch slices.

a large skillet with about 2 cups of oil at 325 degrees

in a large bowl mix 2 cups of self-rising flour, salt, and pepper to your liking

in another bowl beat 1 egg then add 1 1/2 cups of milk mix well

dredge the tomato slices in the dry mix then dip into the wet mix then back to the dry mix

shake off any loose flour

carefully set slices into the hot oil

cook until golden brown then turn and brown the other side

drain on a stainless mesh wire or paper towel or newspaper what ever is handy

use any kind of dipping sauce you like ( I like blue cheese dressing)

enjoy the fruits of summer.

ivcohome@yahoo.com
http://www.ivcoinspectionservice.com

Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:10:04 -0400

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. This very important
Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors www.NACHI.org

Provided by your local InterNACHI inspector:

Michael Ivie

706-776-3748 ivcohome@yahoo.com www.georgiahomeinspections.info

www.InspectorLocator.com

Question for the insurance folks

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:44:53 -0400

I am wanting to contact some of the local insurance companies about doing inspections on homes that they insure.

I have been told that a lot of homes have burnt in our area lately, and with the loan market in the condition it's in I can see why people would go to such measures.

Offering inspections on the electrical, plumbing, roof, and overall safety of the home could save companies a ton of money in claims.

My question to you would be how could I propose this service without being to pushy.

I had Brochures in mind but I am not sure what to put in it.

Any suggestions?

Home tips or don'ts

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:09:10 -0400

Refinishing wood floors

Home improvement stores have been a boon to modern homeowners because they offer a great variety of things for homeowners, including renting various equipment such as floor sanders. However, not having experience in handling a floor sander can leave a permanent gouge in the floor, and when that gouge is in the most noticeable area, you'll wish you had taken the day off while the flooring professional was doing the work. Replaced floor boards or slats will always look slightly different from those around them.

Repairing plumbing leaks

Some plumbing jobs are fairly easy, like connecting the new dishwasher to existing hookups, but that doesn't mean that it is easy to repair a leak in the water supply pipes or the sewer pipes. Proceeding without the appropriate tools and knowledge can result in a flood rather than just a leak, so hire a plumbing professional to repair leaks properly.

Repairing the foundation

If you find a crack in your foundation, or if your floors are sloped or sagging, call a foundation professional to identify and eliminate the cause. Many foundation problems are caused by water, so make sure your roof has gutters and downspouts and that the soil and concrete around your home slopes away from the foundation. Foundation planters full of flowering and tropical plants that require lots of water are another common cause of foundation damage. If you see water standing near the foundation after a rain or after your lawn irrigation system has been on, have a landscape professional design ways to prevent it.

Thats just some things that sometimes should be left to the pro's.

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors www.NACHI.org

Provided by your local InterNACHI inspector:

Michael Ivie

706-776-3748 ivcohome@yahoo.com www.georgiahomeinspections.info

Do it yourself… or not!

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:22:04 -0400

Do you have a screwdriver, perhaps even an electric one? How about a hammer? A tape measure? Perhaps you even have a whole set of tools to do minor repairs around the home. However, just because you have them doesn't mean you should take on any task that comes along. As Kenny Rogers sings in "The Gambler": "Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away." You don't want to gamble with your property or your life, so knowing when the project is beyond your knowledge or skills is important. In many cases, you might not have the proper tools or are not sure what you're actually getting yourself into by taking on a task. Following are some tasks that are best left to the appropriate professionals

Repairing the roof

Insurance companies report that most injuries in our homes result from falling, so why would you want to get up on a roof that has a slope; slippery, worn, or damaged shingles, and take the risk of falling? Saving a little money by trying to do your roof yourself is not worth the risk of spending time in the hospital or emergency room and paying the subsequent medical bills. There are countless stories of licensed roofing contractors falling off of roofs, being injured, and not being able to work again. If you need further justification for not taking on this task, head to the home improvement store and try lifting a bundle of asphalt shingles. Now picture yourself with that bundle on your shoulder, climbing the ladder, and balancing on a high slope. If the whole roof needs to be replaced, the total scope of the job can be daunting: removing old layers, installing sheathing, and then installing new shingles. Roofing is hard and dangerous work best left to professionals.

Reflashing the chimney

Many roof leaks occur where the chimney meets the roof and usually mean that the chimney needs to be reflashed. This job ranks right up there with repairing the roof since it requires working on the roof and special expertise about flashing since it must be bent to an exact shape and then attached to the bricks and laid into the roof shingles.

Cleaning the fireplace and chimney

Fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned annually to remove soot, ash, and creosote. If your nightly entertainment includes sitting in front of a fire watching a movie, your fireplace and chimney probably need a monthly cleaning. You already know how dangerous it is to climb up on the roof, and that happens to be the best way to reach the insides of the chimney, so leave it to the chimney sweep. Chimney sweeps have the tools to get the job done right, preventing damage to the fireplace or chimney that could create a fire hazard.

Installing or repairing electrical wiring

Although many states allow homeowners to do basically anything to their homes as long as the appropriate permits are acquired, it is against the law in some communities for anyone other than a licensed electrician to wire inside a home. Electricians know the various electrical codes, so let them do the electrical work inside your home. It's easier than you might think to be shocked or electrocuted, or to spark a fire, or to have everything look and work fine when you finish only to have a problem occur sometime in the future because the work wasn't done right.

Removing asbestos-containing materials

Asbestos was used as insulation in homes up until 1979, but we now know that it causes several types of cancer when it is disturbed and becomes airborne, allowing you to breathe it into your lungs. Generally it doesn't belong in your home but can be left in place in some areas as long as it is not disturbed and as long as you know it's there. Many states consider asbestos a hazardous material, requiring a license to remove and dispose of properly. With the health risks involved, this task is best left to a trained professional who many times will show up in a space suit with some interesting tools and equipment, things that you probably don't have stashed away in your closet.

Pruning large trees

Climbing up a tree with a chainsaw to prune branches is not a task to take lightly. In addition to not knowing anything about the condition of all the branches-are they strong enough to support you?-you probably don't know how to prune the tree without causing major damage to it, damage that could cause it to die. And while tree branches are beautiful when swaying in the wind, they are not so beautiful when they're laying on your neighbor's roof, car, or fence. Tree surgeons have appropriate tools, knowledge, and insurance to handle this; let them do it.

Repairing driveway cracks

While it might be easy to seal small cracks with various compounds from the home improvement store, fixing the bigger cracks is a bigger task. Big cracks usually result from other problems, usually related to water and soil, which should be addressed before you waste time patching them each month. Have the cracks and soil evaluated to determine what might be causing the damage. Sometimes the driveway really should be ripped up and rebuilt rather than patched.

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors ¿ www.NACHI.org

Provided by your local InterNACHI inspector:

Michael Ivie

706-776-3748 ¿ ¿ www.georgiahomeinspections.info

Just a reminder

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:19:21 -0400

When you see the many flags flying on porches and flagpoles across this great country this weekend, remember what that red, white, and blue piece of cloth stands for.

To me these words come to mind. "O beautiful for heroes proved-in liberating strife. Who more than self their freedom loved, and freedom more than life..."

Teach you children to treat the flag with respect and honor, because it represents the life blood of ten's of thousands young men and women who loved this country more than life.

When you see someone who is active duty or a veteran tell them thank you. They also are, and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, not just for their country but for you and your family.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day.

Michael Ivie

706-776-3748 ivcohome@yahoo.com www.georgiahomeinspections.info

IT IS HOT IN GEORGIA!

Michael Ivie CPI (Ivco Inspection Service serving all of Habersham county) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:14:13 -0400

With the temperature hovering around the 100 degree mark don't forget about your outdoor pets. They need plenty of fresh water and shade to cool them down.

If you have elderly neighbors check in on them. Make sure they are able to stay cool and hydrated.

Stay cool and have a safe summer.