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?

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)?

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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  

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

Martin Home Inspection Services

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

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/