Michael 's Blog

Just like the Olympics

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:27:37 -0500

I love....... YES...... I LOVE the Olympics. The competition and the camaraderie that is shown between teammates, people working together for a common goal. I watch the concentration and the endurance and the consistency that these young people employ to reach their goals. It is almost mind boggling what they go through to get the job done....... Maybe I am placing to much importance on the Olympics, but I do not think so!!! As I look at what we do as inspectors I believe there are many paralleles. If we are not willing to prepare by education, or perform with the same proficiency everytime, we will lose. I do not see us competing with others so much as competing within ourselves to do the best job or a better job each and everytime we go out. I hope you love what you do as much as I love inspecting.

GO USA, Blessings to all

Some advice please

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:49:27 -0500

I just read Kevin Corsa's post on "messy" inspection. I need some advice. I have been inspecting since 1997 and have completed over 3K homes to date. So I have seen quite a few different things in my time. Living in WV there are some fairly depressed places so we pretty much take it in stride. I was contacted by a lender to do an inspection on an abandoned property 1and 1/2 hours from my local area. The owner died in the home from a lung ailment, mice are on the floor DEAD, water is generally standing on the basement florr. The roof is leaking, mold is covering the walls. The electric is on but there do not seem to be any light bulbs, the gas and water are off. ALL this information came from the lender requesting the inspection. I have done quite a few for this bank but never have I been asked to declare a dwelling un-inhabitable and that is what they are asking me to do. If she is half right regarding the conditions I don't want to do it. I jacked the price double what it would normally cost to try and get out of it but they jumped on the amount. The underwriter said that if the report came back as anticipated that they would just condemn the property. Any thoughts other than "cut and run" ???

Blessings

Where is the AIR when you need it???

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:10:08 -0500

If you don't take care of it now, it will take care of you later $$$$$.... Turning the thermostat on is all that is needed for cool air, right? Likely not, if you have not maintained the HVAC system year round. Neglegence or ignorance is usually the culprit when an A/C system is malfunctioning. Whether it is: overgrown vegitation at the compressor unit, weedeater damage to the fins, dryer lint release outlet to close to the unit plugging the fins, a lack of fin bathing (at east annually), lack of timely filter change (different for each type of filter) or plugged condensation lines causing rusted drain pans and rusted furnace cabinets, if not addressed as regular maintenance, these listed items can cause system failure. Encourage your clients/contacts to take the time and the FEW dollars necessary to save MANY more dollars later. This does not even address the issue of inconvenience when the system goes down. I spend a good deal of time with each client educating with regard to systems maintenace in the home to protect them into the future. I think it is part of what we should do as professionals.

Blessings

Does the little (g) get in your way

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:58:07 -0500

When we as inspectors are called for the purpose of performing an inspection we are automatically placing ourselves in a position of authotrity and responsibility. We are positioning ourselves daily as "professionals" in the field of Home Inspecting and for most of us this is a true statement. The RUB comes when people believe that we are HVAC, Electrical or Plumbing "experts" as well. While many of us are licensed as professionals in particular diciplines, as Home Inspectors we are not to hold ourselves out as such. When we allow the client to believe that our information is just what the "doctor ordered" then we are opening ourselves up to liability claims in the future. Most if not all of our agreement forms state in one way or another that we are not to offer resolution to issues discoverd yet the majority of us do. When this occurs we, again, offer our heads for the chopping. People place their trust in us to protect them and we all feel responsible for the clients safety (or should) and IT IS our duty to do the best we can everytime we go out. We need to be certain that we do not offer corrective action that borders on the response that a licensed professional would proffer. Remember, when you are not 100% sure you need to defer. I am afraid that we as trusted professionals, looked to on a daily basis, may have the tendency to become little gods in our own right. We may begin to feel as though (without realizing it) just maybe we do have all the answers. When this happens, when we think we have seen it all, done it all and said it all, there will be a reckoning. I love what I do and pray that you do as well. Maybe this was penned for you and then maybe it was penned for me......

Blessings to you all, Stay grounded

You CAN do it

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:47:23 -0500

Oh no!!!! The sky is falling the sky is falling..... That is the way I felt two months ago when the Doctor called and said "well you need to get in here, your sugar is up and you now have type 2 diabetes". Oh no I thought , I'm BRANDED for life. But wait it gets worse, no more ce cream or sugar or treats (no I am not a dog) I just happen to call all things bad for me treats... It took a few days to come to grips with this animal but I did and so can you. I weighed 247+ pounds on any given day, my blood pressure was high (on medication) well no need to go on I was a mess. NOW, eight weeks later 32 pouds later I am singing the praises of God given self-control. God gives us a mind and He expects us to use it. For many people diabetes is preventable /controllable. I cut out potatoes, white bread, sugar and as many starches as possible and with no exersize lost the weight and brought ALL of my numbers down Cholesteraol 154, A1C 6.2 BP 117/74 etc. ANd I am pushing 60 pretty hard.

IF you are "undertall" take a look at your diet not that dirty four letter word DIET. I mean the wonderful word that describes what you are eating, diet. Make healthy choices for you and your loved ones for heavens sake.

Blessings

Stressful for you?

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:15:55 -0500

About three times a month it happens to me........I Show up at the home finding the water and the pilot lights off. Of course I call the Realtor to inform them that there cannot be a complete inspection performed, for obvious reasons. The Realtor will typically ask, "can't you just go ahead and turn them on so we can get the inspection completed? The buyers really do not have time left on their contract." With the price of gasoline and scheduling of other inspections in mind.....

Your response is:

1) Sorry, I am not permited to operate main shut-off valves or to light pilots

2) You are going to have to pay for my second trip out here if I only do a partial today

3) The buyer will see an increase in the inspection cost if I have to come back

4) I'll just do a partial inspection and charge the client less

5) I will just leave and you call me when the home is ready, no up-charge

6) Turn the water on and light the pilot lights and then turn them off when you leave

I know there are many answers and every circumstance is a bit different but the lack of utility service really puts us, as Inspectors in an awkward posititon. We are already seen in many circles as the "deal killers" and then when we throw the announcement that there is no way to complete the inspection it just seems to create more of a barrier. I do ask the Realtor if all of the utilities are on and if the pilot lights are lit but that does not always ensure that they will be. Thoughts???

Be Safe

Thank you

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:23:04 -0500

Duane, I thank you for the invitation to join. I try to always present myself as a positive person and do believe that we are placed here on this marvelous planet to help one-another through it. Home Inspecting is just one of the many ways that I can do that. I have become very busy recently so if I do not respond immediately to comment please be assured that I will do my best to get back with you.

Blessings to all and again, I say thanks

Your help is needed

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:34:08 -0500

Good evening to all. Please know that I do believe that you A/R folks are more in-tune with the industry than others may be and this is not pennedto defame any of you. I appreciate this forum and the opportunity to share information and ideas and I certainly do not want to do anything to jeopardize that.

I got to a 1995 model $135K bi-level home today to do a standard general home inspection for a young client and her husband. The water was off, the hot water tank was not lit. Only five light bulbs were not burned out. The refrigerator and electric range were unplugged and the water line was disconnected from the ice-maker. The disposal had a locked rotor (would not run) and when the water was turned on the spigot at the kitchen sink spewed like old faithful.

My question is twofold: Doesn't a house show and sell better if these items are functioning properly? Is it within your realm as A/R Real-Estate professionals to encourage your counterparts and owners to prepare the homes for showing and suseqent inspections?

When the systems in homes function better (when the switch is flipped the lights come on) the inspection results are generally better as well. As I see it we are in this boat together and if we all pull on the oars the process should be allot smoother.

Blessings to you all

Sometimes you just need an ear "AS IS WHERE IS"

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:06:24 -0500

Feeling a little down this noon time........ I just finished an inspection on a foreclosure property built about 1940. Very little long term maintenance has been performed on this property. Someone bought it for a "flipper" and then lost it to the bank for non-payment. The client was this sweet, innocent, young, recently engaged, inexperienced first time homebuyer couple. The lender would not turn on the water or gas for the kids regardless of how much I asked. I reduced my rate because of the utilities (and because I felt sorry for them). Absolutely the only thing right with the home was that the furnace was a 1994, 92% efficient unit. BUT I couldn't even test it. The list of deficiencies is way to long to waste your time here just know that it was not "Camelot", you know, the more I think of it would have to go some to be the stable at Camelot. Can you read "frustration"? I can't, as a professional tell them that "this is not the house they need" and still be ethical. However, I would not move my kids into the home until five of the items were corrected and that is what I ended up telling them after all was said and done. I believe I did what was right but wonder why the kids did not get a realtor to help them make the right decision in the search/purchase process. Realtors seem to be able to give direction where we as home inspectors cannot. If we step into the areana of selection then we have overstepped our bounds. Venting? Ranting? Just trying to get in gear for the PM inspection. I am so glad for this forum and welcome your insight.

Blessings to all, Mike www.wvhomeisnpections.net

It is that time of the year...

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:27:39 -0500

Hello Folks, It is that time of the year from the mid-west to the east coast. It never hurts to be reminded of the "Sting" that Mother nature can inflict upon the unsuspecting (mere mortal) Home Inspector. This is not me. It is from about three years ago and it came from the Columbus Ohio area. Be safe and aware.

Taking the advice of an A/R member:

Please be aware that the following pictures are very graphic. This is not intended to "gross out" only to inform and enlighten. Be on your guard and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Blessings on you all,

Mike

www.wvhomeinspections.net

It is History

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:45:24 -0500

The work week is complete and I am ready to rest a bit. The WV market seems to be weathering the roller coaster ride as if it were a kiddy ride instead of the Space Mountain ride at Disney World, and we are quite thankful I might add. I sympathize with those of you who are having to ride the big wave. It cannot be enjoyable. "Perseverance pays" our Drill Instructor said, "pain is good" was another of his memorable quotes. My favorite is "proper preperation leads to preffered success". While I do not enjoy pain I have found that through the pain comes strengthening and a growth process that can be gained by no other method. Steel when heated becomes stronger and aluminum when streched to its limits becomes stronger as well. I don't want to be heated or streched but I do appreciate the opportunty for growth. While on the short side right now look at your business and see where you can improve. Re-read your contracts to be certain that they really say what needs said. If you have canned verbage check to see if those pesky (outlyers) are really covered by your current verbage. We always need to share the facts not vague inuendos. Is your marketing strategy up to speed or are there areas that you can improve upon. I am sure you get the idea that I am trying to convey, get up and get around while you are not so busy that you can't. Not only will you find things you have overlooked in the past you will also find new ideas that will help you to meet the changing environment in which we work. Never pass up an opportunity to gain new information through seminars and workshops that will help you protect your clients and yourselves.

Blessings to all, www.wvhomeinspections.net Mike Williamstown WV

Lions and Tigers and RADON "OH NO"

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:17:33 -0500

We live in an alarmist society. (That's my take on it) It seems as though if it is not ALARMING it is not news..... Recently on the "Today Show" (NBC) they interviewed two Radon professionals who did an admirable job of telling people what Radon was and that EVERYONE had it. They explained that the second leading cause of DEATHS due to LUNG CANCER was RADON. They talked about uranium and the half-life issues. They explained that radon migrates upward and can ENTER any home. About that time they broke for a commercial. I sat there waiting to hear, as Paul Harvey said "The Rest of the Story". Unfortunately there was no rest of the story this day. The show moved on to some other "alarming" situation leaving anyone who might have a had a concern regarding Radon exposure wanting for more. I contacted my local TV station and shared my concerns. They were kind enough to allow me five minutes on air to tell the rest of the story with regard to mitigation.

I think it is important, with Radon and any other issue we expose during an inspection, to share the truth of the matter at hand. We need to share the "WHOLE" truth so that people have all the information that they need to make an informed decision. Sure, there are times when we do not know or cannot go into "full" detail regarding a repair but the experienced inspector can give some basic guidlines sufficient for the clients needs. Make sure that when you leave a client, be you realtor or an inspector, that they are not wanting for more information. We are here to inform and to protect them.

Blessings to you all, www.wvhomeinspections.net Mike Reel

If Only,

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:15:33 -0600

I think, too often, as mere mortals we wait for the "if only" to happen in our lives as if someone else has to do something before we can get up and get moving. Living is an action and the living of this life requires action on our part. If we wait for "if only" then we are just reacting to life and it's challenges. Just recently, doing the husbandly thing of "shopping", in an antique store I came across a small picture frame with a needle point (I think, could be cross stitch) that says "Happiness is a choice not a response". I bought it as my contribution to the shopping spree. I think that we should live this life with that attitude. If you are able to go out and make someones day it WILL make yours as well.

Blessings to you ALL, Mike Integrity Home Inspections

OH, So Proud

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:53:33 -0600

As someone said yeserday on AR, "sometimes it is hard to keep from laughing out-loud in the face of the seller". Now, we never want to make anyone feel bad about what they have been able to accomplish. This young homeowner was so pleased with the new kitchen he had installed "ALL by Himself". Oh, it did look quite nice with the stamped metal ceiling, period lighting and then there were the new appliances. The brilliant white cabinets with some glass panel inserts were just gorgeous. He even GFCI protected all the kitchen outlets. I'm thinking this is going to be a good one, and it was!!! Afetr the rain let up I went for the "walk-about". I had just turned the left rear corner of the house (read kitchen corner) when I see a window that was not inside the house. "Hey, that is the microwave wall" I say in disbelief. The owner, right behind me, says, "what is wrong with that?". Gathering all the composure that I can muster I said, " well sir, there are two generally accepted methods of insallations. One is to return filtered air to the living space and the other, which is preferable, is to exhaust DIRECTLY to the exterior". Both of the wood sash's had been removed and drywall covered the interior opening. The aluminum storm panels were still in place and the m-wave was blowing directly into the cavity and onto the glass creating a grease streak. Grease stain was beginning to build-up on the drywall and my concern was for fire safety. Short version, The owner agreed that it PROBABLY wasn't safe but just did not now what else to do. I recommended calling a professional.:-)

Blessings, Mike

The 4' level can be your best friend

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:46:54 -0600

As Inspectors we perform visual evaluations of reasonably accessible areas and are bound by "Standards" to disclose condition and not recommend repair. However we need to know what conditions percipitate our recommendation to call in an expert in a particular situation. Foundations can be difficult and if, at the conclusion of the review you cannot say, "the movement viewed in the foundation of this home appears to be within acceptable limits for a home of this age, it's condition, style of construction and in this area" then you should defer to a PE. Now, these Professional Engineers may not have the same amount of experience that you have but they have the education required to make recommendation and in WV are mandated to provide structural retrofitt or repair recommendations.

Question follows: What constitutes the need to defer (protect your assets) ?

This is where your friend the four foot level comes into play. First there is NO national standard accepted by any organization for the amount of deflection, vertical or longitudinal, movement required to neccessitate repair/retrofit recommendations. There is one standard published in the NAVY STANDARDS which allows for up to 1/2 inch of sag in 20 lineal feet. This is a measurement, point to point, on top of a footer or wall and must be met before recommendations for retrofit are to be proffered. What is generally accepted within a foundation wall is up to 1/2 inch movemnet in four vertical feet. Place the level at the floor or at the top of the wall and measure the distance required to move the level to a plumb state. With cracks up to the 1/2 inch measurement it is the call of the inspector as to what conditions are existant that may have created the issues of wall fracture and lean. Sometimes site drainage is the culprit, gutters and downspout may need reconfigured. Often, the homes (especially in WV) are built on steep hillsides or possibly on insitue soils (un-compacted) which settle subsequent to construction. Of course there are footer failures, sill plates that are not anchored and vegitation growing too close to the foundation, typically twelve feet is the minimum allowable distance to the tree from the foundation.

There are far to many scenerios that could exist to cover them here. Suffice it to say,

IF the cracks in the foundation walls are larger at the bottom than at the top
IF the wall lean or bow exceeds 1/2 inch in four vetical feet
IF the corner has step cracked about the same amount on both sides of the same corner
IF the top of the wall where the sill plate and the block/concrete varies over 1/2 inch (uneven meaurement can indicates wall lean) Typically there will not be any sill anchors in this situation
IF the downhill wall of the basement has pulled sigificantly away from the concrete floor

Then you should probably call for a professional evaluation to better protect your client, the REALTOR and yourself.

Smaller or less obtrusive isssues can generally be addressed with a comment like. " Clean and seal the cracks in the masonry walls using a non-shrink masonry grout substance to be better able to detect future movement. Please note that there may be some normal movement seasonally that should return to the patched state. If the movement occurs and does not return it is recommended to call for a professional evaluatiuon for reccomendation as to retrofit or repair necessity."

This has worked for me over the past eleven yeras. I hope it helps. For further information or for a full day seminar on this subject by a True Professional in the field you can contact Sam Wood PE. sam@advantagehomewv Sam has presented Nationwide, his seminar to the World of Concrete, NAHI, ASHI and NACHI seminars of course for CEU's. I think that he is presenting one in WV March 20th. It is a full day seminar and you WILL go away having gained a new insight on Foundations.

Blessings to you all, Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown wv

Alas, Tis too soon over ???

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:24:36 -0600

As it (the weekend) approached I had a few delusional thoughts..... Peace and quiet, Rest and relaxation, a little time for my wife and me to maybe just "Chill" as the kids would say. Or maybe they have a different phrase now? I have empathy for those of you located in the depressed markets. I am not sure how I would deal with a drastic slow down in business. I would like to think that I would work on some advertising technique that would get me noticed a little more, visit a few REALTY offices and make my presence and operation a bit more familiar to the community that I serve. Hey, there's a word.... SERVE...... I think that this word best describes what we do. Sure we sell, we protect, we investigate, we document, we get paid (generally). But what we really do is provide a service to the general public. We attend conferences and seminars out the wazzoo and why? So that we can be better educated on how to protect people. Looking at the big picture, having the experiences that we do, it is easy to see that we are the first line of defense for the unsuspecting or unknowledgeable buyer. We are the safety net that can catch that open, exposed wire or the funace flue leak before they cause damage or loss of life. Life/Safety, that is what this profession is all about. The police are not the only ones out here that "Protect and to Serve".

Well maybe I have talked myself out of wanting that rest so badly after-all. No, Not really, I would still like to see a little bit of R&R but I do have a mission, "Peace of Mind" for my clients. I am anxious to get back to it! Back to the crawlspaces and attics, the storage ladened basements. I am anxious to get back to the wondeful opportunity to help others. If you are in this business for any other reason I cannot imagine what it would be. The reward at the end of the inspection when the client says, "I really appreciate what you have done to help me here" is music to my ears. Of course it is nice if they decide to go ahead and pay you :). But walking away, knowing that you were able to provide a level of safety that someone could not provide for themselves is a mighty good feeling.

Blessing to you all,

Smoke Detector Bill in State Legislature

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:21:43 -0600

Amoung the many bills and rules submitted to the West Virginia State Legislature is one that will bring increased attention to Smoke detectors in existing dwellings. We all know what the codes state re: the installation of smoke detectors in new construction and even existing rental units and you are likely aware that there are no requirements for existing homes. If the presenter of this bill is successful, ALL real-estate transactions will have a form to be presented to the owner of the home requiring them to verify "by inspection or personnaly" that there are operational smoke detectors in place directly adjacent to sleeping rooms. I know, "we already report on them", yes we do BUT, if the home has no inspections performed who reminds the buyer that he needs them?There is, as one would expect some resisitance on behalf of the realty community and I can understand why, (MORE PAPERWORK) however I think I can see the value in that additional paperwork. If just one child is spared injury or a family spared the trauma of losing a loved one it will be worth it all. We have seatbelt laws and helmet laws and jaywalking laws, all in the name of safety, so doesn't it make sense to require operational smoke detectors?

Be Safe

Mike, Integrity Home Inspections WV

Document , Document, Document!

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:07:37 -0600

It happened two days ago! The CALL.

"You did my inspection and my roof is now leaking and my roofer said it was your fault and I need a new roof and HOW MUCH INSURANCE DO YOU HAVE?" Send a chill up your spine? I still have long underwear on and my insulated "carharts" as well.

After I caught my breath I began to ask the questions, when, where, who........... Long story shortened:

I did the inspection for a RE-LO company in May of 2006. The owners moved in to the home in December of 2006 using the report from May. My comments included "Attic access is denied because of personal belongings (14-5/8 inch by 18 inch opening) closet is the location for a full four drawer filing cabinet and books piled on top. Camera was used at arms length to get pictures from the opening only"

The RE-LO company did not report my findings as I penned them. I have my original report so no harm no foul but I really am glad I document what I inspect. The REALTOR, (I don't know who yet) was willing to use a 7month old report as protection for her client. That would be fine if all had been reported properly and noted deficiencies were repaired accordingly. I feel really bad for the young couple but do not believe that I am responsible for the roof repair. It is not totally over but I do have the original report.

If you do (I do not anymore) perform RE-LO inspections try to find out exactly what they record on the report and copare it to your intentions.

Be Safe

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

Do I really need that many???

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:20:41 -0600

In West Virginia last year there were 79 Fire Fatalities from home fires. Very unfortunate, absolutely, preventable? YOU BET! The problem is that only 28% of those homes were found to have smoke detectors and only 20% of those had batteries installed. As home inspectors we HAVE to tell people of the dangers associated with Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Monitors NOT being installed. Not only should they be installed properly (found on the packaging) they also need to be tested at least monthly and the batteries replaced yearly. So often I hear "I've got one on each floor, isn't that enough?" Of course the answer is NO. Each bedroom, immediately outside sleeping quarters and at least one on each living level of the dwelling. We,as inspectors, see more homes annually than any other discipline and we have to be responsible to communicate possible hazards. Imagine that, we are life savers, and I thought they were just something sweet to eat.

Each State has slightly different verbage for the standards but basically they follow the NFPA and the IRC requirements. It is such a tragedy that there are those who feel it more important to have batteries in the games and remotes than in the detectors. I recommend to all of my clients that they, at least, replace the batteries and test them (if they are existing) and check the Manufacture date, replacing if ten yeras old or if they fail. We can never be too cautious when it comes to public safety.

Blessings

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

In Case of Emergency

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:08:52 -0600

I may be behind the 8 ball (so to speak) with this post BUT it never hurts to fail safely.

We were involved in a seminar this weekend on "METH-LABS and Other Home Hazards", it was very informative and enlightening. Many issues and items were covered and we gained a very healthy respect for the side effects of exposure and most assuredly the drastic affects on life and aging. WOW, what an eye-opener. I still do not think I have had the experiece of doing an inspection on one of these METH houses but I will now be more alert as I gain entry to homes.

One thing that was covered that I had not heard of before was entering a number into your mobile phone with the contact being the person you would most want to alert in case of an emergency. The name in the phone log would be titled ICE (in case of emergency). As I understand the First Reponders are taught to look for this name in the phone should the victim be incapacitated.

If this notification alerts and saves even one person it will be worth the time of posting. We all have to be our own safety manager. I have turned to using the bluetooth feature on my cell phone so that if I am unable to get out of a spot or get into a situation, unable to help myself, I can just push the button and say "911", or "emergency" or "help". You can put whatever number you desire and they can be different for different situations. As long as you have cell service and you have one hand free you are never too far away from help.

Be Safe out there

Blessings on you all

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

WHAT DO YOU MEAN GREY WATER?

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:07:45 -0600

Typical morning, get up, hit the coffee (hard) throw the first cup down and settle into the normal get ready to go inspect another home routine. I do it, you do it every day of the week. Looking forward to sharing some little tidbit of information that might save someone some heartache in the future. I love this job!!! This day was a bit out of the ordinary, had to leave a little earlier than usual, with inspections being down a mite I accepted an inspection two hours away. Not 120 miles mind you, just two hours, about 75 miles though the hollers and hills of good old "West by-___Virginia". Needless to say the home was back in the proverbial woods. Seriously though, the inspection was going well on this 15 year old home. I had completed the outside of the home with very few issues and began to climb into my coveralls for a peek at the crawlsapce. Pretty tight entry but was pleased to find a very nice platic vapor barrier and NO CRITTERS. HHMMM, unusal, the floor joist are doubled up? The end of the older joist is rotted off in the box-sill area on all of them in the left rear corner. OH, the sheathing is new as well? The main beams are OK and the supports appear to have good bearing and there is no apparent sagging. Maybe surface water or some past termite issues. I make a mental note to ask the owner non-chalantly (of course) how long ago the termite danage had been repaired. I proceed though the crawlspace, not too bad. Hey I wonder what this one and one half inch pvc pipe is doing running down hill, away from the four inch main drain??? Not having been in the house yet I assume that what I see are drops from the bathtub and sink, the laundry room and the kitchen coming through the floor and heading downhill to the outside wall. Make another mental note: CHECK IT OUT!!! I complete the crawlspace, lo and behold there it is just above the water line, a one and one half inch pvc drain pipe dumping directly into the creek. I am so smart......

Upon asking the owner why, I get "well the dummy that built the house just dumped those drains into the crawlspace so it rotted our floors. We put the plastic down and ran the drains into the creek like they are supposed to be, after-all you can't just dump water under a house." "It isn't sanitary" I turned to the REALTOR with a "slight" grin ...... she is standing there stoically, nodding affirmatively and adds, "yes, that was a dumb thing for the builder to do, those drains should always be run to the creek, never let them dump under the house, after-all termintes love damp soil."

Needless to say neither the REALTOR or seller were happy when I completed my review of the grey water release.

Blessing to you all

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

First Line of Defense, SERIOUSLY

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:03:56 -0600

The local code officials or gov't. building inspectors, licensed or not do not get it done, Fire investigators, good though they may be can't get it done. Builders generally try but are only as good as their employees, and then suppliers only have control over their products until they leave their store. The public cannot expect the REALTORS to do it for them, they are already overloaded with so much red tape and regulation they do not have the time to be an inspector too. (and likely do not want to be)

Who gets it done when it comes to public safety in residential dwellings day in and day out, you already guessed it didn't you? :) Yes, it is the properly trained, tested and Certified (licensed) Inspector that can and usually does provide the protection for the public that others cannot. The average home inspector in the nation completes about 200 inspections per year. As more homes are inspected more lives will be saved. Code folks don't get into existing homes unless there are additions made to the dwelling. Fire Investigators do not arrive till the incident has already occurred. Builders have a built in handicap that arises when they get so busy that they cannot be at every job site at all times..... It is not that these other folks do not care, they absolutely do BUT they do not have the opportunities that YOU and I do to get into existing dwellings.

More existing homes are the object of sales transactions than all others combined. The properly trained inspector gains more knowledge, information and insight into safety issues for dwellings than the general public ever thinks of. If you are in the Inspection business to make a quick buck, My thought is that, you are in the wrong profession, don't get me wrong, I love to spoil my Grandkids and do quite often. This "JOB" of mine allows me to do that with flexible hours and a fair income to effort ratio. However that is not why I do it. Every time I enter a different home I am thinking, "What could potentially affect someone else's life and what can I do to prevent a tragedy from happening". We have the ability to prevent deaths due to electrical, mechanical and and human failures. Take your "job" SERIOUSLY, get trained and stay informed. Try to remain abreast of the current codes to be better able to share with the client some ideas that will help them to ensure the safety and integrity of their new Dream Home. In all things, "Study to show thyself approved".

Blessings to you all, Mike

Safety First

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:21:42 -0600

Here's a subject sure to raise some conversation and opinion.

Smoke detectors; For the past five years a particular State (to remain annonymous to protect the guilty) has wrangled with the idea of making helmets mandatory for all those under the age of 18 who are riding 4-wheelers and mandatory for all who ride on the "hard roads". Finally there will be some level of safety for youth. During this time there have been apporximately 250 deaths due to home fires, and of those fires only 28% of them had Smoke Detectors. Of course we all know that the ICC and NFPA mandate Smoke Detectors in new construction, but what about existing dwellings?

What about a law stating that "For the safety of the general public, all Real property transactions must have a form filled out containing verification verbage stating that there are operable, properly installed smoke detectors in the dwelling.

Would that not assist in preventing deaths from home fires?

Blessings to you all

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

When in doubt GIVE

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:45:20 -0600

From my own personal experiences, over the past 50...something...years, like most of you, I have heard it said, "strike while the iron is hot" "watch your back" "everyone is out for himslef" and the list goes on. So often people present the attitude that if they don't take it then they won't get it. What ever IT actually is. (No that was not a political statement) We all have diferent aspirations in this life but hopefully the reason that you have chosen your profession was to be a contrbutor to the society in which we live. Without the act of giving we would have nothiong. Hey, I could turn this into a Sunday evening sermon, but I wont today. We all have, and we can all give. When confronted with the choice what do we do? In this world, contrary to what the media might say, in the end we will be remembered for who we were and what we were able to give to others not how much money did we have. I loved the movie, "Pay it forward". If we could all do that, what a wonderful world this could be. Pie in the sky??? Maybe, but I think it is worth a try. Just go out and perform some meaningless random act of kindness today. See how much better you feel.

Blessings to you all

Mike Reel Integrity Home Inspections Williamstown WV

Heating season is upon us BIG TIME

Michael Reel (Integrity Home Inspections LLC) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:49:43 -0600

It appears that winter has finally determined to rear its ugly (cold) head here in WV. What I am typically finding is that as the temperature declines, the issues for concern rise during the Home Inspection. Things to monitor:

Cord usage for electric heaters (not acceptable) plug into outlets directly.
When testing outlets for proper conductor orientation take an extra second and check the general condition of the tension on the receptacle blade recievers. (prevent overheating form poor contact)
Electric heaters plugged into "plug strips" with the normal office equipment.
Electric heater cords run through doorways, under carpet (to prevent tripping hazard)
Portable electric heaters too close to combustibles.
Portable heaters plugged into bathroom receptacles without GFCI protection.
Old gas space heaters brought in from the garage or wherever for Temporary heat (no auto shut-off) No venting
Gas or electric dryer vents disconnected on purpose to add heat to the home (saw it last week)
Cords run through windows to heat tapes or dog bowl heaters (pinch hazard)(fire)

Of course this is not an exhaustive list, it is only meant to create an awareness of the seasonal concerns. I am sure that there will be others. POST ON!!! This brings up a question for discussion. These are all safety concerns RIGHT? right.

We are not supposed to relay the findings of our inspections with anyone but the client (person paying for the inspection). However , it is my belief that we are responsible to at least divulge any concerns that could adversly affect the health and safety of the current resident. We are the "hall monitors" for safety in homes. Common sense should prevail in all circunstances.

Blessings to ALL, Mike Reel Williamstown WV/ Marietta Ohio