DHI Blog

March Tip of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:26:25 -0600

March

TGIM

(Thank God It’s March)

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Remove drain traps under sinks and clean them thoroughly. Clean pop-up drain plugs. Inspect the linkage for pop-up drains to make sure they are set properly.

Week 2: Check the basement for cracks or leaks. Call a professional if leaks exist.

Week 3: Keep Gutters & Downspouts clear. Conduct a visual inspection of the gutters and downspouts around the house

Week 4: Close exterior faucets; open supply valves.

Fred Duemig is a New York State Licensed Home Inspector. We perform New York State licensed home inspections, certified termite inspections, property inspections, real estate inspections, in Long Island, LI, NY, Nassau county, Suffolk county, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Albertson, Amagansett, Amityville, Atlantic Beach, Babylon, Baldwin, Bay Shore, Bayport, Bayville, Bellerose, Bellmore, Bellport, Bethpage, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Bridgehampton, Brightwaters, Brookhaven, Brookville, Calverton, Carle Place, Cedarhurst, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Coram, Cutchogue, Deer Park, Dix Hills, East Hampton, East Islip, East Marion, East Meadow, East Moriches, East Northport, East Norwich, East Patchogue, East Rockaway, East Williston, East Willison, East Port, Elmont, Elwood, Farmingdale, Farmingville, Flanders, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Garden City Park, Glen Cove, Glen Oaks, Glenwood Landing, Great Neck, Greenlawn, Greenport, Halesite, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Hempstead, Herricks, Hewlett, Hicksville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington, Huntington Station, Inwood, Islandia, Island Park, Island Trees, Islip, Islip Terrace, Jamesport, Jericho, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Lakeland, Lakeview, Lattingtown, Laurel Hollow, Lawrence, Levittown, Lido Beach, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Manorhaven, Manorville, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Mattituck, Medford, Melville, Merrick, Middle Island, Mill Neck, Miller Place, Mineola, Mount Sinai, Muttontown, Nesconset, New Cassel, New Hyde Park, Nissequogue, North Babylon, North Woodmere, Northport, Oak Beach, Oakdale, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Patchogue, Peconic, Plainedge, Plainview, Plandome, Point Lookout, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Port Washington, Ridge, Riverhead, Rockville Centre, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Roosevelt, Roslyn, Roslyn Heights, Sag Harbor, Saint James, St James, Sands Point, Sayville, Seaford, Searingtown, Selden, Setauket, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown, Sound Beach, South Farmingdale, Southampton, Southold, Speonk, Stony Brook, Stewart Manor, Syosset, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wainscott, Wainscot, Wantagh, West Babylon, West Hempstead, West Islip, Westbury, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Williston Park, Woodbury, Woodmere, Wyandanch, Yaphank, Bayside, Whitestone, Astoria, Auburndale, Arverne, Bay Terrace, Belle Harbour, Bellerose, Breezy Point, Briarwood, Broad Channel, College Point, Corona, Douglaston, Douglaston Manor, Edgemere, Elmhurst, Far Rockaway, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Glendale, Hollis, Howard Beach, Jackson Heights, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Laurelton, Lindenwood, Little Neck, Long Island City, Maspeth, Middle Village, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Queens Village, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, Rockaway, Rockaway Point, Rosedale, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, Saint Albans, Sunnyside, Whitestone, Woodhaven, Woodside, Roxbury, Seaside

February Tip Of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:18:41 -0600

FEBRUARY

WINTER BLUES

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Call and get estimates for major projects you plan for later in the year. Check and clean grout between tiles in kitchen and bath.

Week 2: Inspect the roof from the ground, looking for missing, loose or damaged roofing materials. If accessible, check the underside of the roof during heavy rain or snow for signs of moisture.

Week 3: Clean the condenser coils behind or underneath the refrigerator, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make certain air flow around the appliance is adequate.

Week 4: Trim branches away from roof line to prevent damage and access for animals. Inspect all vents and remove any debris blocking air flow.

April Tip of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:16:07 -0500

April

Readying The Yard

Planting/Gardening

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Clear yard of downed tree branches and debris. Leaving these items on your lawn will kill the grass and may cause other damage as well. The earlier you clear branches, leaves, and other debris the healthier your lawn will be all summer long.

Week 2: Tune up Lawn mower/ garden equipment. Test and change the batteries in smoke, heat and gas detectors. Spring cleanup starts.

Week 3: Check to make sure your sump pump works properly by pouring water into the pump silo to raise the float and activate the motor.

Week 4: Hire a professional to inspect and clean chimney. It is easier to schedule a chimney sweep this time of year and allows for enough time to make repairs before the next heating season.

For More Information Visit: www.divisioninspect.com

See My Informative Newsletter: DHI Home Savvy

February Tip of the Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:39:15 -0600

FEBRUARY

WINTER BLUES

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Call and get estimates for major projects you plan for later in the year. Check and clean grout between tiles in kitchen and bath.

Week 2: Inspect the roof from the ground, looking for missing, loose or damaged roofing materials. If accessible, check the underside of the roof during heavy rain or snow for signs of moisture.

Week 3: Clean the condenser coils behind or underneath the refrigerator, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make certain air flow around the appliance is adequate.

Week 4: Trim branches away from roof line to prevent damage and access for animals. Inspect all vents and remove any debris blocking air flow.

For more information visit: www.divisioninspect.com

January Tip of the Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:34:17 -0600

Better Late Than Never !! :)

JANUARY

ANOTHER YEAR

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Holiday decorations have to come down sooner or later. Service lights for next year before packing away. Be sure to wrap breakables in newspaper and store in sturdy boxes or totes. Do end of year accounting, set up folder for current year taxes. Organize receipts and paperwork.

Week 2: Roam the house with a screwdriver. Tighten screws on doors, drawers and furniture. Make a list of broken cover plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication and caulking around sinks and tubs. Make a list for a weekend project.

Week 3: De-clutter a closet. Pick just one. Empty it. Sort by things to save, donate, sell or toss. Organize and out things where they belong. Take out the garbage and set donations aside. Replace shelf covers and drawer liners.

Week 4: Call the utility company to schedule an energy audit. By now you have received your first big winter heat bill and you'll be motivated to improve efficiency. If you intend to start plants from seeds, plan your annuals. Start shopping for seeds and starter mix.

For more information visit: www.divisioninspect.com

December Tip of the Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:39:27 -0600

DECEMBER

HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAY SAFETY

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Check gauges on home fire extinguishers to ensure a full charge. Replace if necessary. Clean dishwasher, trash compactor and countertop appliances.

Week 2: A Christmas Tree should not loose green needles when tapped on the ground; cut 1" off trunk to help absorb water; stands should hold 1 gallon water; a 6' tree should use 1 gallon water every 2 days; use only UL-listed lights-no more than three linked together; turn off when out or asleep; NEVER use candles.

Week 3: Review the family fire escape plan with every family member.

Week 4: Don't close vents to crawl spaces. If you live where pipes can freeze and the floor becomes very cold, insulate pipes and under the floor. Vents play an important role in controlling condensation beneath a house.

For more information visit: www.divisioninspect.com

November Tip Of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:49:05 -0600

NOVEMBER

Winterization

Freeze Protection

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Tips of the wek for November.

Week 1: Service snow blowers and snow removal equipment. Have sprinkler system winterized.

Week 2: Install storm windows - stow away patio and lawn furniture

Week 3: Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.

Week 4: Shut off exterior faucets supply; leave faucet open.

July Tip of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:17:07 -0500

Dog Days

Hot Fun in The Summer BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Check the operation of all ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets by pushing the "test" button. The "reset" button should pop out, indicating the receptacle is operating properly. Press in the reset button. Change or clean air conditioner filters.

Week 2: Check all exterior walls for peeling paint. Cut your painting job down by painting two walls per year. Typically, paint on south and west facing walls deteriorate faster and need more frequent re-coating.

Week 3: Inspect garage door opener and lubricate according to manufacturers directions. Ensure all bolts and screws are tight and secure.

Week 4: Check for leaks around washing machine. Inspect hoses and replace if necessary.

http://www.divisioninspect.com/

JUNE - Tip of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:20:40 -0500

Vacation Plans

Travel Safety – Home Security

BY: Fred Duemig ©

Week 1: Inspect the operation of automatic timers and motion detection systems, especially if planning a vacation.

Week 2: Repair or replace damaged window and door screens. Caulk open and cracked joints, particularly around windows and doors.

Week 3: Clean lint from entire clothes dryer vent system, from the dryer to the vent cap. Check operation of roof mounted turbine exhaust vents, screens and attic fans.

Week 4: Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean chimneys. Doing this task now allows plenty of time for repairs before next heating season begins.

For more information visit http://www.divisioninspect.com

Wet Basements or Crawl Space?

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 12:23:45 -0500

With all the rain and wet weather I thought this article, "Keep Your Basement Dry", would be of interest to people in the northeast. It was written by "Mr. Fix-It", Tom Feiza, a PE, Home Inspector and repair consultant. It has many excellent suggestions and is a good learning tool especially for new homeowners.

Keep Your Basement Dry

Tom has many other interesting articles that may be of interest in his website.

Good luck and Stay Dry,

Fred

GAS PRICES???

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:04:16 -0500

Again, as summer is approaching, gas prices are getting out of hand.

According to AAA's daily fuel gauge as of 3 AM this morning:

National Unleaded Average

Regular

Mid

Premium

Diesel

Current Avg.	$2.706	$2.873	$2.977	$2.872
Yesterday Avg.	$2.700	$2.866	$2.970	$2.865
Month Ago Avg.	$2.490	$2.643	$2.739	$2.690
Year Ago Avg.	$2.593	$2.753	$2.853	$2.691

*Prices are in US dollars per gallon

Highest Recorded Price:

Regular Unl.	$3.057	9/5/2005
DSL.	$3.239	10/24/2005

Here on Long Island I am paying $2.94 per gallon of regular unleaded, and all reports have been saying we will reach $3.00 by mid summer. I believe we will be about $3.35 by mid summer.

What are you paying for gas and are you making any adjustments to offset costs?

May - Tip of The Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:29:19 -0500

TIMES WASTING
by Fred Duemig
Cooling System Tune Up

Week 1: To keep valves from sticking and check for leaks, turn all water valves off and on. This includes outdoor faucets and valves to toilets, bathroom and kitchen sinks, laundry, bar, etc.

Week 2: Remove/open storm windows, inspect/repair/install screens. Install window unit air conditioners, open through wall air conditioners. Clean/replace filters.

Week 3: Service central air to ensure proper operation. Hire a professional to inspect and clean the system to improve efficiency and increase the life of the unit.

Week 4: Celebrate spring by cleaning the garage. Hold a yard sale, or organize a community yard sale with neighbors. Dispose of paint thinners, household cleaners and pesticides properly.

NOTE: Feel free to use these on your website under a title such as: "Tip of The Week". If anyone would like a copy of the whole year, email me and I will send you a copy.

For more information visit http://www.divisioninspect.com/

Inspector Ethics???

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:04:47 -0500

I had to See it to Believe it!!

About 10 months ago, I decided to put candy jars in all the Realtor offices that have my brochure stand on their counter. My wife bought jars, jars that were easily recognizable by me and not too common. She found a store that had 23 and she bought all of them. I placed 13 jars in 13 different offices. I would go back periodically with full jars and replace the previous ones.

After a while, I noticed in three particular offices, the jars were missing. I would replace them and again, gone. The jar cap was two part, so I took the caps apart and "coded or branded" the jar with DHI.

Low and behold, I went into an office today and found one of my jars with someone else's, a "brother" inspector, name and bus cards. One of the agents said they saw a female from this inspectors group, dump out the candy, rip out my cards, put theirs in, place stickers on the jar, and..... replace the candy. I couldn't believe someone would even think about doing something as trivial as stealing a $1.89 jar, (naive). But after opening and separating the cap, there was my DHI brand. Unbelievable.

I sent this to the inspector:

Hello ****,

I would like to tell you a little story. Please bear with me for a couple of moments.

About 9 months ago, I decided to put candy jars in all the Realtor offices that have my brochure stand on their counter. My wife bought jars, jars that were easily recognizable to me and not too common. She found a store that had 23 and she bought all of them. I placed jars in several different offices. I would go back periodically with full jars and replace the previous ones.

After a while, I noticed in some offices, the jars were missing. I would replace them and again, gone. The jar cap was two part, so I took the caps apart and "coded or branded" the jar with DHI.

I went into an office today and again the jar was gone. This time though, the girl at the desk said one of the realtors had the jar and wanted to speak with me. He/she came up front carrying one of my jars with someone else's name and bus cards, yours. The agent said they saw a female from this inspectors group rip out my cards, put theirs in, place stickers on the jar. The realtor said that they thought the person was replacing my cards with new, until after the person left, saw the name and business change.

I didn't believe someone would even think about doing something as trivial as that with a $1.89 jar, (naive). But after opening and separating the cap, there was my DHI brand.

I am not a big-time inspector, I don't have a big time business, I do not have a franchise behind me, rather, I am just a small time, honest, God fearing inspector that is trying to make a living like everyone else.

Believe me ****, I have no ill feelings, and, quite frankly, part of me finds this comical. However, I am not someone of great means either that can keep replacing jars so that my competitors can use them also. And, I certainly do give the benefit of the doubt to whoever changed the information on my jar. Notice, I am only saying one jar, because I have only seen firsthand this happen to one jar although about 10 have gone by the wayside.

All I am asking is for you to make the person doing your marketing aware that they may be advertising on the wrong jar(s), the jar(s) are not free for the taking. The agent who witnessed this did say he/she thought it was a female, so, I honestly don't think you personally did. However, when our names and business is what shows, the responsibility clearly remains with us.

FYI, the agent also told me that they were so upset over this that they took "that guys" brochures and cards and threw them in the garbage. I don't know if that is true because I think I did see your stuff on the counter and, I told the agent that throwing away another's material isn't right either and asked them not to do it again.

I have attached pictures to show what I have said is true. I was going to send this to WIN headquarters, but decided against that.

****, I wish you no harm and actually wish you safety and success in your business activities. I do hope we can alleviate this minor issue.

Looking forward to your response.

I wish you all the best,
Fred

After about three weeks I have received no response.

ANy comments ot thoughts?

Fred

April - Tip of the Week

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 06:52:06 -0500

READYING THE YARD
by Fred Duemig
Planting/Gardening

Week 1: Clear yard of downed tree branches and debris. Leaving these items on your lawn will kill the grass and may cause other damage as well. The earlier you clear branches, leaves, and other debris the healthier your lawn will be all summer long.

Week 2: Tune up Lawn mower/ garden equipment. Test and change batteries in all smoke, heat and gas detectors. Spring cleanup starts.

Week 3: Check to make sure your sump pump works properly by pouring water into the pump silo to raise the float and activate the motor.

Week 4: Hire a professional to inspect and clean chimney. It is easier to schedule a chimney sweep this time of year and allows for enough time to make repairs before the next heating season.

NOTE: Feel free to use these on your website under a title such as: "Tip of The Week". If anyone would like a copy of the whole year, email me and I will send you a copy.

For more information visit www.divisioninspect.com

Your Inspection is Completed, What Next?

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:27:05 -0500

Your Home Inspection is Completed, What Next?

by:

Fred Duemig

Owner & Senior Inspector

Division Home Inspections, Inc.

Informed Consumer

Consumers of today are much more informed than consumers of the past. I am sure the internet plays a huge roll, putting information, service providers, competition, tips and details at our fingertips. Accordingly, most informed perspective home buyers are choosing to have a professional home inspection performed on the property they consider purchasing.

We Had The Inspection - What Next?

After receiving the inspection report, first, and most importantly, read it and read it again. The report is loaded with valuable information and should be read thoroughly to comprehend all details. With paper and pencil in hand, make a list of all the items in the report that are of concern to you. They can be prioritized, for example:

•· Major Concern (Roof Needs Replacement)

•· Safety Concern (Electrical Fire Hazard)

•· Minor Concern (Cosmetic Defect)

•· Nuisance Item (Location of Laundry, Lack of Dishwasher)

•· Etc.

Try to set a monetary amount for each concern. In some cases, such as a badly needed roof, get estimates, preferably three. However, due to the schedule of real estate transactions, and others possibly bidding on the same property, obtaining estimates quickly enough may not be realistic.

So, What Do I Do?

Do your research! Remember the internet? You may have researched the internet to get this far, so don't stop now. Do searches related to your concerns. Ask your friends, neighbors and relatives who have had similar tasks done and how much they paid. Use a cost guide, (I include one with every report*), to estimate the cost. Make a detailed list along with related costs. Use the list to negotiate price with the seller. The original purchase price was negotiated with some "unknowns" about the property. But several issues have surfaced thanks to a thorough inspection. Most likely, the seller didn't realize some of these issues either. Use your realtor and/or lawyer to help with the negotiation. Some problems, such as a leaking roof or termite infestation will be easier to settle. However, others, such as cosmetic issues may be more difficult. You may bargain to have the seller repair the agreed upon items or discuss a price reduction based on your list of concerns.

Now What?

You have two options here.

Contact your inspector, and ask him if he does pre-closing walkthrough inspections. In most cases, the inspector will charge about $150 to assist you with your pre-closing walk through. You provide the inspector with the list of items the seller agreed to repair or replace. The inspector accompanies you on the walkthrough and verifies that the items were indeed done and the quality of the repair or replacement. He also will make a cursory check to see if any major changes have occurred or if new conditions exist since the inspection.
Format a pre-closing walkthrough checklist for yourself. Make sure you add all the agreed upon items. Things to check for (Not all-inclusive):
1. Determine if repairs required by your contract have been completed.
2. Determine if basic systems are in working order.
3. Obtain all operational manuals, well/septic records, records of sale (disclosure statement, offer to purchase, and closing documents), warranties and receipts for recent repairs. Keep them in a file.
4. Check the exterior. Pay particular attention to the roof, especially if there has been a storm since the inspection. Run the sprinklers and/or ask for a demonstration if weather permits.
5. Check all interior rooms. Check for moving damage if the homeowner moved out between the inspection and closing. Operate all windows and doors and check for broken thermal pane seals, loose hardware, etc. Check ceilings for water stains.
6. Check all areas that may have been inaccessible during the inspection due to personal storage, furniture, area rugs, etc. and check items we don't review such as cosmetic concerns, alarms, intercoms and sound systems.
7. Operate all systems/appliances, sump pump and the garage door. Obtain door transmitters. Do not operate air conditioners if the temperature is below 65 degrees. Check lights (bring a couple bulbs).
8. Run all faucets and toilets. Fill tubs and sinks. Check for leaks. Run whirlpool tubs
9. Check basement and/or crawl space. Look for active stains and leaks at walls, floors and under and near plumbing.
10. If possible, check inside of the attic.
11. Verify that the seller has correctly completed any promised repairs (look at receipts, permits, etc)

Lastly?

Good luck and enjoy your new home. Keep up on home, system and grounds maintenance. Keep all receipts, warranties and important papers in a safe place. Refer to a homeowners guide, (I include one with every inspection).

For more information visit http://www.divisioninspect.com

*Remember, the cost guide is just that, a guide and should be used only to estimate costs. Actual estimates will vary.

Home Inspections

Fred Duemig (Division Home Inspections) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:25:34 -0600

Division Home Inspections, Inc., proudly serving Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, is an independently owned and operated home inspection company. When you schedule a Long Island Home Inspection with us, you can feel confident you will receive professionaland courteous service, and you can rest assured, your certified home inspector will provide you a totally honest and independent evaluation of your future home. A professional New York State Home Inspector will significantly reduce your risk and help make the entire home buying process easier and less stressful. We feel assisting our clients with this process is a privelede and we operate with that in mind - customer service is our highest priority. You will be provided with a comprehensive report that is easy to read and understand, including everything identified during the inspection. A Licensed Home Inspector will assist you in making the decision with confidence.

Your home is a major investment. Whether you intend to stay in it forever or plan to move someday, chances are good that you will spend the next several years in your new home. Why not take the time up front to get a quality home inspection for your new purchase, to ensure you won't come across any unexpected surprises down the road?
Buying a new home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make. And its a decision that will affect you for years to come. The process can be extremely stressful and confusing. And of course, there is always considerable risk involved when making such a large purchase decision. A professional inspection will significantly reduce your risk and help make the entire home buying process easier and less stressful. We really enjoy helping our clients in this process customer service is our highest priority.

We strongly encourage all of our clients to accompany us during the inspection. You should feel free to ask the inspector any questions you may have during the inspection process. The inspector will point out problems and explain them to you. The inspector will also show you the good points of the house as well. Plus, we will explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep the house in top condition. This will help you to get the most benefit from the inspection and gain the most understanding of the systems that make up your home, and how to maintain it.

I can provide you with the professional home inspection you deserve, in any of the following areas:

· Nassau County

· Suffolk County

· All of Long Island

· Queens

• Brooklyn