Martin Home Inspection Services Blog

Mechanical Systems - Plumbing

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:44:27 -0500

Mechanical Systems - Plumbing

Plumbing involves the installation, maintenance and alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances and accessories in connection with sanitary or storm drainage facilities, venting systems and public or private water supply systems. A plumbing system consists of three systems: (1) water supply (2) drain and waste disposal (3) mechanical, ample fixtures and equipment. Your inspector will inspect and operate all fixtures and run several gallons of water through the plumbing system, checking the overall condition of the system. Leaking pipes, dripping valves, clogged pipes, corrosion, reversed hot and cold water supplies, limited hot water or inadequate water pressure are all common ailments of a poor plumbing system. Remarks and recommendations will be made to correct problems found during inspection

Mechanical - Plumbing - Water Supply

The water supply to your home is one of the most important mechanical elements to your happy and safe enjoyment of the property you intend to purchase. The water supply can either be a public supply such as town water or private well system whether its a community or independently owned. It is very important to most homeowners to have both safe and adequate water to their homes. Each household typically uses several thousand gallons of water a month! Replacement of a water main or well system can be extremely expensive and should be considered carefully when evaluating your purchase. Old or undersized water supply piping can be a source of aggravation and health safety. Wells, which can only be evaluated on a limited basis by our inspection, require safe installation and often- ongoing maintenance. The type and condition of your water main or well could be an element easily overlooked without proper professional home inspection training and experience.

Mechanicals - Plumbing - Waste Disposal

Drain and waste disposal is simply transporting the drain water from sinks, baths, etc., and waste from toilets through a proper channel. These systems excluding the fixtures and piping are either private such as, cesspool or septic tanks, or they are public sewer systems. Public sewer systems are obviously not inspected, but the mechanical equipment delivering the waste or drain water to the main waste line from the home is. Private systems can only be inspected on a limited basis because of the buried nature of the system. It is crucial to know which type of system you have so your inspector can advise you on typical maintenance procedures. One of the key elements looked for when inspecting your waste and drain system is cross connections between this system and your drinking supply water. This can be a serious health hazard and very difficult to find.

Mechanicals - Plumbing - Mechanicals

The mechanical systems in plumbing include fixtures, piping and valves. Although operating fixtures to see if they're working is relatively easy, your inspector will do much more. While operating each fixture in your bathrooms and kitchen he will be considering the effects on the whole plumbing system including leaks, pressure, flow and quality of the existing installation. The piping and valve system of your new home must be in good working order. Old or improperly installed pipes are difficult to repair and often require expensive replacement. Only an experienced eye will pick up badly joined piping on a new installation of clean copper tubing, or consider the limitation.

If you have any questions about plumbing systems or home inspections give us a call

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

360 721 4577

Snow Protection

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:05:54 -0600

Snow Protection

Make sure the ground around the foundation drops 1/2 inch for every foot as you move away from the foundation. The drop should be greater if water flows are heavy in that area. Make sure all concrete patios, walks, and driveways slope away from foundation. Keep gutters clean at all times. During the fall it is better to clean them several times rather than waiting until the end of the leaf season. Make sure the water is not coming down behind the gutters and that the gutters are properly sloped toward the downspouts. Also check that all support brackets and nails are securely in place. Downspouts should discharge water well away from the foundation. If there are any signs of a leak or damaged shingles or flashing, have the roof checked. Generally, if the roof is leaking and is more than 15 years old (with regular shingles), it may be more cost effective to have a new roof put on. Make sure all stairwell drains are clear of debris. Consider building a permanent roof over exterior stairwell to prevent debris and rain from getting into the stairwell. Test your basement sump pump. Make sure all culverts and exterior drains are free of debris.

If you have any questions about this or about home & pest inspections just give us a call

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

360.721.4577

Ready To Sell? (List of Things To Do)

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:51:52 -0600

Ready To Sell?

List of Things To Do

Is Your Home Physically Fit? To give your home a competitive edge when it's time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition. This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer's pre-purchase inspection. According to home inspection experts, approximately half the resale homes in the market today have at least one significant defect. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent major, costly problems from developing in the first place. If you have been putting off those repairs, now is the time to make them.

A Home Seller's Check List Over the years, ASHI has identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyer's home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home's appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale. The following 6-point checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals

Check The Major Systems

1. CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS after size, style, and location, a home buyer's primary concern is the condition of the home's basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in such critical areas. A pre-listing home inspection of the visible and accessible home components can reveal most of these problems, and include recommended repairs, if needed, on the following major items: Roof structure and covering Foundation, basement, and/or crawl space Central heating and air conditioning systems Electrical system Plumbing system

2. MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS A number of maintenance improvements are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially improve a home's appearance, efficiency, and comfort. A professional home inspector may make helpful maintenance suggestions, such as: Trim trees and shrubs which touch or overhang the house Apply new caulking and weather stripping as needed around windows and doors Clean gutters of debris and leaves; repair or replace cracked or broken gutters, downspouts, and extensions to ensure proper drainage Replace bathroom caulk or grouting where necessary to prevent seepage and improve appearance Ventilate closed basements and crawl spaces, or install a dehumidifier, to prevent excessive moisture build-up Regrade soil around the foundation, as needed to keep water away from the house Replace dirty filters in the heating and air conditioning systems Have the heating and air conditioning systems professionally serviced Have chimneys professionally cleaned, and install chimney hoods or caps as needed. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:45:35 -0600

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send
it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think
of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so
much would get.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

Thanks

Crosby Inspections

What is polybutlene

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:58:56 -0500

What What is polybutlene

Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping. It is most commonly found in the "Sun Belt" where residential construction was heavy through the 1980's and early-to-mid 90's, but it is also very common in the Mid Atlantic and Northwest Pacific states.

The piping systems were used for underground water mains and as interior water distribution piping. Industry experts believe it was installed in at least 6 million homes, and some experts indicate it may have been used in as many as 10 million homes. Most probably, the piping was installed in about one in every four or five homes built during the years in which the pipe was manufactured.

How to tell if you have Poly

Exterior - Polybutylene underground water mains are usually blue, but may be gray or black (do not confuse black poly with polyethelene pipe). It is usually 1/2" or 1" in diameter, and it may be found entering your home through the basement wall or floor, concrete slab or coming up through your crawlspace; frequently it enters the home near the water heater. Your main shutoff valve is attached to the end of the water main. Also, you should check at the water meter that is located at the street, near the city water main. It is wise to check at both ends of the pipe because we have found cases where copper pipe enters the home, and poly pipe is at the water meter. Obviously, both pipes were used and connected somewhere underground.

Interior - Polybutylene used inside your home can be found near the water heater, running across the ceiling in unfinished basements, and coming out of the walls to feed sinks and toilets. Warning: In some regions of the country plumbers used copper "stub outs" where the pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture, so seeing copper here does not mean that you do not have poly.

Will the pipes fail???

While scientific evidence is scarce, it is believed that oxidants in the public water supplies, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping and acetal fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle. Micro-fractures result, and the basic structural integrity of the system is reduced. Thus, the system becomes weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property. It is believed that other factors may also contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, such as improper installation, but it is virtually impossible to detect installation problems throughout an entire system.

Throughout the 1980's lawsuits were filed complaining of allegedly defective manufacturing and defective installation causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Although the manufacturers have never admitted that poly is defective, they have agreed to fund the Class Action settlement with an initial and minimum amount of $950 million. You'll have to contact the appropriate settlement claim company to find out if you qualify under this settlement.

If you have any questions about this or Home & Pest inspections fell free to give me a call.

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

360.721.4577

Fall & Winter Season Maintenance for Homeowners

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:15:30 -0500

Fall & Winter Season Maintenance for Homeowners

It's not to early to be thinking about winterizing your home

Here's what Martin Home Inspection services recommends:

Attic/crawlspace -- As a general rule, if a home has less than 11 to 12 inches of insulation in the attic or crawlspace, it could probably use more. Use batt or blown insulation for best results. Check with a expert to determine the proper R-value of insulation for your home.

Water heater and hot water pipes -- Conserve heat and energy by swaddling your water heater with an insulation blanket kit or faced fiberglass insulation. Insulate hot water pipes with preformed foam pipe insulation sleeves if they pass through an unheated area or run under your home.

Seal leaks, cracks, openings in the home
Windows -- Remove screens and install storm windows. If you don't have double pane insulated windows already.

Fireplace -- Make sure the damper closes as tightly as possible when a fire is not burning to minimize heat loss.

Draft-prone areas -- Zip up your home's winter coat by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping around all seams, cracks and openings. Pay special attention around windows and where siding or bricks and wood trim meet. Seal areas near electrical boxes and plumbing penetrations as well.

Ductwork -- Look for cracks or air leaks in ductwork.

Furnace filters -- Change forced air heating system air filters bi-annually. Make a clean break into winter with a fresh filter instead of using last year's used goods.

Air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators -- Regularly dusting off these heat sources will improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Ceiling fans -- To save energy during colder weather, activate the reverse setting on your ceiling fans to circulate hot air that rises to the ceiling and blow it back down.

Cool-season grasses -- Fertilize grasses such as ryegrass, fescue, and bluegrass in or before early November.

Bulbs -- Plant hardy bulbs in milder climates in the earlier part of November.

Vegetable and perennial beds -- Clean and prepare beds for next season's planting.

Leaves -- Rake and remove leaves left on the lawn to discourage disease.

Push mower, outdoor power equipment -- Perform annual maintenance before storing.

Lawn and garden equipment, patio furniture -- Store to avoid harsh winter elements.

Hoses, outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems -- Drain before season's first freeze. Cover outdoor spickets.

If you have any questions about home & Pest inspections please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:47:24 -0500

My name is Shawn Martin. I am the new owner of Crosby Inspections. Tina has semi-retired. I am striving to do the exact same service that Tina has done for you and your clients over the years. The reports, phone numbers and e-mail address are all the same. So if there is anything I can to for you or your clients please fell free to call me anytime.

I have been inspecting residential property for almost 5 years
I am a certified ITA ( Inspection Training Associate)
I am certified by Washington State for Structural Pest Inspections WSDA (SPI)

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Crosby Inspections

E-mail Crosbyinspections@comcast.net

PH 360.721.4577

P.s. Attached is a special coupon offer and if you would like to know more about me please feel free to call me anytime.

need some help

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:27:45 -0500

Hello, I need to re-new my site today but for some reason I am having trouble. any ideas or does anyone have a contact number for point 2 agent? I would appreciate it very much

Shawn

Realtors and Inspectors opinion needed

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:21:31 -0500

Hello everyone,

Thinking about a change in my Home Inspection reporting style, Right now I use the Matrix deluxe Which is a (IRC carbon copy paper report binder) What I like about this folder is that it's tangelo it's in a 3 ring binder has side pockets for my business cards broachers and my pest inspection reports I also like that in comes with a little How to operate your home Manuel by Mr. Fit-it Tom Feiza. What I don't like about it is now that I am doing over 300 inspections a year it's a lot of overhead for just reports and the space to store my copies has taken over half of my garage. So I am thinking about converting to a PDF type of reporting system maybe something like ITA electronic reports I know I will lose the home owners manuel aspect of it but it would be a lot easier to do everything via E-mail. So all you Realtors that I am sure see many different styles of inspection reports I would love to hear your two cents. The same goes for all the inspectors on this site what works for you and why?

Thanks for reading hope to hear back from some of you

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

Do I have to test the other GFCIs in my home?

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:15:18 -0500

Do I have to test the other GFCIs in my home?

Like all electronic devices, GFCIs can be damaged or wear out, and may need to be replaced over time. Many consumers, however, don't check their GFCIs to verify they are working. And while the electrical receptacles in a GFCI may continue to function, the GFCI circuit may no longer work. As a result, the National Electric Safety Foundation (NESF) encourages a simple test once a month and after any violent thunderstorm. Whether you have a receptacle- type or circuit breaker-type GFCI, pushing the TEST button should turn off the power of the circuit. To test a receptacle-type GFCI: · Push the RESET button located on the GFCI to assure normal GFCI operation. · Plug a nightlight (with an ON/OFF switch) or other product (such as a lamp) into the GFCI and turn the product ON. · Push the TEST button located on the GFCI. The nightlight or other product should go OFF. · Push the RESET button again. The light or other product should go ON again. If the light or other product remains ON when the TEST button is pushed, the GFCI is not working properly and a certified electrician should be called in to assess the situation and, if necessary, rewire or replace the GFCI. Testing your circuit breaker GFCI: · Locate the circuit breaker box. · Verify that the breaker toggle is in ON position. · Press the TEST button on the circuit. · The toggle switch should snap to the TRIPPED position. · RESET and return the toggle to the ON position. Power will be restored. If the circuit breaker fails to trip when the test button is pressed, it must be checked by a qualified electrician immediately.

If you have any questions about GFCI's or HOME & Pest Inspections feel free to give us a call.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

Why do I need Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)?

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:07:30 -0500

Why do I need Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)?

GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. "Ground faults" are often the result of damaged appliance cords or consumers who use electrical products in wet environments, such as bathrooms or swimming pool decks. GFCIs detect any leakage of electrical current in a circuit that might be flowing through a person using an electrical device. When such a loss is detected the GFCI turns electricity off before serious injuries or electrocution can occur. There are three types of GFCIs. The most common receptacle type GFCI, is similar to a common wall outlet. Additionally, circuit breaker GFCIs are often used as replacements for standard circuit breakers and provide GFCI protection to all receptacles on that individual circuit. Temporary or "plug-in" GFCIs are frequently used in outdoor settings with electric tools, mowers, trimmers and similar devices. Temporary GFCIs should never be used as a permanent alternative to a regular GFCI.

If you have any questions about GFCI's or HOME & Pest Inspections feel free to give us a call.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

Summer Safety and GFCI

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:48:08 -0500

Summer Safety and GFCI

In the summer, people tend to look for ways to light up outdoor spaces for family gatherings, like patios, yards and pool areas. While warm weather brings people outdoors, it is important to be careful when using electrical devices, whether it is a gardening tool, a bug zapper or even just a radio. Although summer is a time for fun, it's worth it to take a few minor safety precautions that could prevent a major mishap. Most importantly, do not use electrical appliances in wet area - ever ! Be careful using cords around pools, ponds or damp areas. Even wet grass can create a hazard. If you must use electrical appliances around these locations, be sure to use only Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets or extension cords that have the GFCI built into the cord.

If you have any question about GFCI'S or Home & Pest inspections feel free to give us a call.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

http://www.martininspect.com

Home Inspections Defined

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:36:47 -0500

Home Inspections Defined

What You Need To Know

A home inspection is defined as an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. In layman's terms, having a home inspected is akin to giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

As a home buyer/seller or real estate professional, you have a right to know exactly what a typical real estate inspection is. The following information should give you a better understanding of exactly what your inspector should (and should not) do for you during the course of a home inspection.

First and Foremost Visual

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First and foremost, an inspection is a visual survey of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see. No destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection, hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly in evidence at the time and date of the inspection. The inspectors eyes are not any better than the buyers, except that the inspector is trained to look for specific tell-tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential defects or deficiencies. Inspectors base their inspections on the current industry standards provided to them by their professional societies. These Standards tell what the inspector will and can do, as well as what the inspector will not do.

The Industry Standards clearly spell out specific areas in which the inspector must identify various defects and deficiencies, as well as identifying the specific systems, components and items that are being inspected. There are many excluded areas noted in the standards that the inspector does not have to report on, for example; private water and sewer systems, solar systems, security systems, etc. The inspector is not limited by the standards and if the inspector wishes to include additional inspection services (typically for an extra fee) then he/she may perform as many specific inspection procedures as the client may request. Some of these additional services may include wood-boring insect inspection, radon testing, or a variety of environmental testing, etc.

Cost Estimates

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most inspectors will not give definitive cost estimates for repairs and replacements since the costs can vary greatly from one contractor to another. Inspectors typically will tell clients to secure three reliable quotes from those contractors performing the type of repairs in question. Life expectancies are another area that most inspectors try not to get involved in. Every system and component in a building will have a typical life expectancy. Some items and units may well exceed those expected life spans, while others may fail much sooner than anticipated. An inspector may indicate to a client, general life expectancies, but should never give exact time spans for the above noted reasons.

The average time for an inspection on a typical 3- bedroom home usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the number of bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, attics, etc., that have to be inspected. Inspections that take less than two hours typically are considered strictly cursory, "walk-through" inspections and provide the client with less information than a full inspection. Many inspectors belong to national inspection organizations such as ISHI, ASHI, and NAHI. These national organizations provide guidelines for inspectors to perform their inspections.

All Inspectors' Reports

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All inspectors provide clients with reports. The least desirable type of report would be an oral report, as they do not protect the client, and leave the inspector open for misinterpretation and liability. Written reports are far more desirable, and come in a variety of styles and formats. The following are some of the more common types of written reports: 1. Checklist with comments 2. Rating System with comments 3. Narrative report with either a checklist or rating system 4. Pure Narrative report

Four key areas of most home/building inspections cover the exterior, the basement or crawlspace areas, the attic or crawlspace areas and the living areas. Inspectors typically will spend sufficient time in all of these areas to visually look for a host of red flags, telltale clues and signs or defects and deficiencies. As the inspector completes a system, major component or area, he/she will then discuss the findings with the clients, noting both the positive and negative features.

All Major Systems

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The inspected areas of a home/building will consist of all of the major visible and accessible electro- mechanical systems as well as the major visible and accessible structural systems and components of a building as they appeared and functioned at the time and date of the inspection. To locate a home inspector near you go to the American Home Inspector Directory a national database of home inspectors. Their directory list home inspection companies by state or zip code. Search for you home inspector is free. They have members from ASHI, NAHI. ISHA and independent inspection organizations.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions about home inspections please give me a call

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect@comcast.net

Home Inspections Defined

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:20:38 -0500

Home Inspections Defined

What You Need To Know

First and Foremost Visual

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cost Estimates

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Inspectors' Reports

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Major Systems

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope this helps. If you have any questions about home inspections please give me a call

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect@comcast.net

Thanks

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:14:20 -0500

Thank you Scott for the invite. I look forward to posting and reading

Shawn

Famous Last Words

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 02:54:17 -0600

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

"Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances."
-- Dr. Lee DeForest, "Father of Radio & Grandfather of Television."

"The bomb will never go off. I speak as an expert in explosives."
- - Admiral William Leahy , US Atomic Bomb Project

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom."
-- Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
-- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers ."

-- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year."
-- The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what is it good for?"
-- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.

"640K ought to be enough for anybody."
-- Bill Gates, 1981

This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us,"

-- Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?"
-- David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible,"
-- A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)

"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper,"

-- Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in "Gone With The Wind."

"A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make,"
-- Response to Debbi Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields' Cookies.

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out,"
-- Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.

"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible,"

-- Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.

"If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this,"
- - Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3-M "Post-It" Notepads .

"Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground to try and find oil? You're crazy,"
-- Drillers who Edwin L. Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil in 1859.

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau."
- - Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University , 1929.

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value,"
-- Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre , France .

"Everything that can be invented has been invented,"
-- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899.

"The super computer is technologically impossible. It would take all of the water that flows over Niagara Falls to cool the heat generated by the number of vacuum tubes required."
-- Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University

"I don't know what use any one could find for a machine that would make copies of documents. It certainly couldn't be a feasible business by itself."
-- the head of IBM, refusing to back the idea, forcing the inventor to found Xerox.

"Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction."
-- Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse , 1872

"The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will forever be shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon,"

-- Sir John Eric Ericksen, British surgeon, appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria 1873.

And last but not least...

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
-- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Fall & Winter season guide for homeowners

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:12:35 -0500

It's not to early to be thinking about winterizing your home

If you have any questions about home & Pest inspections please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

http://www.martininspect.com/

Robot Termite Inspectors

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:10:04 -0500

I came across this article and thought I would share it http://mrfuture.com/2007/08/14/robot-termite-terminators/

For $10,000 we inspectors can buy this to inspect for termites and water damage. No more suiting up and no more dirty, dusty, cobwebs, and standing water. I wonder if it inspects the plumbing?? Yea right !

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

Inspections for new construction

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:02:11 -0500

Buyers of re-sale homes usually have their homes inspected by a professional inspector. Buyers of new homes, however, often do not take this important step. There are several reasons for this:

The buyer is getting a brand new home, and thinks that the inspection is an unnecessary added cost.
The buyer feels that they are protected by the builder's one-year warranty for workmanship, plus extended structural warranty.
In many cases, city inspectors inspect the home as a part of the permitting process.
Buyers believe that they can rely on the builder's reputation.
The builder is resistant to idea of third party inspections.
Buyers are not aware that a home inspection is a recommended alternative.
The buyer plans to "keep an eye" on the construction.

A Business Relationship

The construction of a home is a big project involving many contractors and suppliers. As the buyer and homeowner, you are the financer and recipient of the final product. If you are like most people, this is your biggest investment. Understandably, most people want to establish a good rapport with their builder. They must rely on the builder throughout the job, and for warranty and service work after completion. They feel that they need the builder's friendship and good will, and do not want to risk damaging the relationship.

You will need to come to terms with this in your own mind. Do not allow your anxiety about the construction process to obscure the fact that you have a business relationship with your builder. You are working together under a contract. It is possible to be cordial and respectful, while maintaining the right to bring up problems and concerns. It is best to establish the ground rules for your relationship at the beginning of the project. At some point, you may need to tell the builder that something is not acceptable to you.

Schedule Inspections

Let the builder know at the outset that you will be getting a construction inspection. You may hear (from the builder or others) that this is
unnecessary, that city inspections will be done, that this is an unusual step, etc. Stand your ground on the inspection decision. After you have let the builder know that you will be getting an inspection, send an email or written note clarifying when your inspections will be done. Make it clear that you will need to have the utilities connected for your final inspection. Allow enough time after the final inspection for corrections to be made before closing. Check with your inspector about which inspections he recommends. The three that come to mind are: foundation, pre-sheetrock, and final inspection.

Foundation Inspection

With some complicated foundations, you should have an engineer review the construction as it progresses. In other cases, a licensed inspector can do the job. Usually, city inspectors do a layout inspection, making sure the foundation does not overlap building lines. Whether or not you are in a city, ask your inspector to double-check this. Ask for a copy of the "forms survey", if the builder has one. If a forms survey has not been done, carefully measure from the property lines. If there is some doubt about whether the structure encroaches over building lines, have a survey done before proceeding. In addition to the layout, the inspector will check the steel content, depth of footings, post tension cables, and other parts of the foundation.

Pre-Sheetrock Inspection

Most builders invite the homeowner to do a walk through after framing, HVAC, and plumbing rough-in, and electrical wiring is complete. This is a good time to look at your outlet locations and window and door placements. Make sure that any changes in the plans have been picked up and made by the sub contractors.

While you check for layout items, your home inspector can look closely at the construction. His report might include: broken plumbing lines, improper flashing, cut or bowed studs, inadequate bracing, beams that over-span their strength, AC ducts that are crushed, etc. These items are easy to correct at this point, before sheetrock and finish materials are installed.

It is not realistic to expect the construction to check out perfectly. Every builder in every price range will have some items to correct, both
from the city and the third party inspector. Let your builder know that you will provide him with the report immediately, so that he can address the items before the walls are closed up.

Final Inspection

You will need to have all utilities on in order to complete this inspection. Normally, the builder requests a "walk-thru" inspection with you when the house is substantially complete. If utilities are on, you could schedule your inspector at this time. You can focus on paint and touch up items, while your inspector conducts a more thorough inspection, checking for leaks, non functional outlets, final grading of the lot, flashing problems, appliance operation, voids in mortar, etc.

The Construction Inspection

At some point you will sell you home, and your buyer will likely have your home inspected. Some of the items the inspector catches now may seem minor, but they will come up later in your buyer's home inspection if they are not corrected. It is in your best interest to have everything nailed down now. If there are items that cannot be fixed before closing, and you cannot delay closing, ask the builder to sign a written list of items to be repaired or completed.

Building a new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. A new home can deliver the right floor plan and finishes for you. It is a complicated project and huge investment. The support, advice, and information that you will gain from a third party inspection are invaluable. Do not leave out this important step in the building process. It is well worth the investment.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

http://www.martininspect.com/

Inroduction

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:11:47 -0500

Introduction

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:00:52 -0500

Happy July 4th

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:47:51 -0500

Freedom is essential to the American way of life. Today we celebrate those who dared to declare our independence and ensure our right to pursue happiness and the American dream. We wish you a happy and safe Independence Day, and we're truly honored that you've chosen us for all of your Home & Pest Inspection needs. Feel free to call us any time.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

http://www.martininspect.com/

Happy Fathers Day

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:18:58 -0500

My Fellow Colleagues,

I wanna wish all the Fathers a Happy Father's Day and I hope you will be spending the day with your loved ones!

For those of you that are not a father, don't forget to call your Dad and your grandfather's as well:)

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

www.martininspect.com

10 Easy repairs the homeowner can make before the home inspection

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:08:23 -0500

1. Prune vegetation away from the house.

2. Clean the gutters.

3. Replace or clean dirty furnace filters.

4. Repair leaking faucets.

5. Install missing covers on electrical switches, outlets and junction boxes.

6. Replace all smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2002 to comply with current standards.

7. Replace burned out light bulbs.

8. Pull soil 6" away from the siding, basement windows, foundation vents and decks.

9. Install 6mil. black plastic vapor barrier in the crawlspace over exposed soil.

10. Install earthquake straps on the water heater.

Please feel free to contact me with any Home & Pest Inspection questions you may have.

Shawn Martin

Martin Home Inspection Services

http://www.martininspect.com/

360.909.0689

Washington State Inspectors

Shawn Martin (Crosby Inspections) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:26:41 -0500

Just passing along an e-mail I got a few days ago

State of Washington Department of Licensing PO Box 9020 Olympia, Washington 98507
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING The Department of Licensing (DOL) would like to invite you to attend a public hearing being held pertaining to the Home Inspector profession. The purpose of the hearing will be to provide an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to provide testimony regarding possible regulation of the profession. This hearing is being conducted per ESSB 5788, which requires public hearings to be hosted by DOL during a study of the Home Inspector profession. WHERE Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission 19010 First Ave South Burien, Washington 98148-2055 Room # C151 (See map below) <<CJTC Map.pdf>> WHEN June 13th, 2007 1:00 PM to 5 PM COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS We welcome your comments or questions. If you have questions, please send them or attend the hearing. If you cannot attend the hearing and wish to provide comments on your position, please forward them to Bruce Chunn (address below). WHO IS INVITED? This is a public hearing and anyone wishing to attend is invited. We ask that you spread the word among your peers so that we can reach the greatest number of people who may wish to participate. ADDITIONAL FUTURE MEETING There will also be a second public hearing on July 13th, 2007 probably in the Yakima area. The location will be published on or before May 31, 2007. WHO TO CONTACT Bruce Chunn Research and Planning Office Department of Licensing 1125 Washington St. SE PO Box 9030 Olympia, WA 98507-9030 Mail Stop 48027 Phone (360) 902-0119 Email: bchunn@dol.wa.gov
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE HEARING