This is something that will make you smile. I just got a new phone the other day and was activating it online. As it was activating they showed a litte movie from "you tube" about a skateboarding dog. That's right! A real bulldog named "Tillman" who skateboards in Venice Beach, CA. You have to see this - he has his own webpage--"gotillman.com" This will make you smile. And if this bulldog can skateboard just think about what we could do.

Jerry Schmidt

Sunview Inspections Inc.

Austin, TEXAS

I just want to encourage all of you out there to give back to your community. Two years ago our daughter was deathly ill and was hospitalized for seven long weeks at Brackenridge in Austin. As a result we "lived" at the Ronald McDonald House right next to the hospital. This allowed us to be close to our daughter while she was in ICU and have a place to "rest" at night at eat meals. There was a minimum charge for us to stay there. The Ronald McDonald House would not be in operation if it were not for volunteers who provided and cooked great meals, changed our sheets, washed them and for those who donated money. As you set goals and make plans don't forget to give to others who are in need. Find an organization that has touched your life or maybe the life of someone you know and give...whether it is your time or your money, GIVE.

Sunview Inspections has pledged to give $10 of every home inspection to the Ronald McDonald House of Austin.

Home owners and home buyers are often concerned about visible cracks in sheet rock, in the foundation slab, in the brick veneer etc., and possibly with good reason but it is important to consider all possible indications of foundation movement as a group and as they relate to one another. An inspection of the attic to look for rafter separation, a check of proper door and window operations and out of square frames is also important. It is often difficult if not impossible to determine whether a foundation problem exists and if it does to what extent by only reviewing a single indication of movement. Finding and evaluating all possible indications and how each relates to the overall problem is necessary. 

Sunview Inspections Inc.

Jerry

So you are buying a new home? No one has ever lived in the home. Paint is fresh, carpets are clean. You expect that if a home is new there is nothing to worry about, right? Wrong.

Some problems with new homes that I have seen as a home inspector are as follows: The fire blocking was missing in the attic at the chimney. The fire blocking is designed to keep the fire out of the attic should there be a fire in the chimney. Insulation is missing in the attic which hurts your energy efficiency. Circuit breaker panels are wired incorrectly.

Whether buying a new or old home, every home should be inspected. 

Jerry Schmidt

sunviewinspections.com

TIP:

Serious damage can be caused by tree limbs rubbing against a roof. The overhanging branches should be kept trimmed to prevent insect infestation and to avoid the branches rubbing against the roof in high winds. You should inspect the trees twice a year at minimum. You can best prevent oak wilt by trimming the oaks during the coldest or hottest times of the year. Bleach will sterilize pruning tools and wound paint should be used to cover the cuts immediately after trimming. A certified arborist should do major trimming if needed.  

Jerry Schmidt

SunView Inspections Inc.

sunviewinspections.com

Depending on state requirements, additional licensing and/or certifications may be required in order to fully inspect septic systems. While home inspectors should operate plumbing inside the house and note potential drainage issues, they may only do a superficial inspection of the area around the tanks and drainage fields and/or lines. Because of additional licensing/certification requirements many home inspectors do not uncover or open the septic tanks and do a complete inspection of the septic system.  Ask your home inspector what specifically he inspects for a septic system.  If you or your client is concerned about a home's septic system consider contacting a professional septic system contractor for complete evaluation if your inspector can't do a full inspection.  It may be well worth the additional opinion and inspection fee!