http://activerain.com/blogs/targetinspect <a href="http://www.twitter.com/HomeInspectorAZ"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-a.png" alt="Follow HomeInspectorAZ on Twitter"/></a> en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1723658/top-5-tips-to-save-energy-bucks-at-your-casa- <p><strong>1.</strong> Replace your highest-use incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED bulbs. Check out APS' CFL savings calculator for a rough idea of what you could save. Although CFLs are much more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they last at least 10 times as long, use 75 percent less energy, and generate far less heat, resulting in lower air-conditioning bills. Bear in mind that seldom-used incandescent bulbs, such as those in a closet, are probably best left alone until they burn out, as the payback isn't as immediate as for those in living areas.<br><br><strong>2</strong>. Air seal the most easily accessible parts of your home first. New weatherstripping for your doors and windows, foam gaskets behind your switchplates and outlet plates, as well as caulking behind the doorjamb trim, could save a few hundred dollars per year. Keep in mind, however, that a home can be sealed too tightly, resulting in indoor air-quality issues that would need to be addressed with additional controlled ventilation. Have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/" target="_blank">Target Building Inspections&nbsp;perform an energy audit</a> to ensure that your home is neither too tight nor too leaky.<br><br><strong>3.</strong> Caulk around all exterior penetrations - where plumbing and electrical conduit enters your home from the outside.<br><br><strong>4.</strong> Close the curtains, blinds or shutters in south- and west-facing rooms when not in use during summer days. Consider solar screens and/or tint on the windows. Combine <a href="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/home-inspection-blog/2010/6/4/check-ceiling-fan-rotation-direction.html" target="_blank">using the ceiling fans</a> with raising the thermostat a few degrees during the summer. Consider a programmable thermostat, especially if the house is unoccupied during the day.<br><br><strong>5.</strong> Set the <a href="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/home-inspection-blog/2010/1/10/a-thermostatic-control-that-gets-the-bath-water-a-little-too.html" target="_blank">water heater thermostat to low</a>, and wash clothes only in cold water.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:31:01 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1723658/top-5-tips-to-save-energy-bucks-at-your-casa- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1696794/please-help-find-missing-7-yr-old-feature-this-blog- <p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1696316/please-help-find-missing-7-yr-old-feature-this-blog-">Dean and Sonia Carver (United Brokers Group/Carver Home Team)</a></b>:<br><blockquote>We know this blog isn't about real estate related per se, but who has a better network than Realtors to get the word out about something? Seven year old Kyron Horman, the son of a former co-worker of Sonia&rsquo;s, disappeared without a trace from Skyline Elementary School in Portland, Oregon 11 days ago. <p>Authorities find it very unlikely that he wandered off by himself. Somebody, somewhere, knows something. Please keep your eye out for him and if you live in Washington or Oregon think about who and what you&rsquo;ve seen over the last 11 days. <object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/inEqGy9ZbL4&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/inEqGy9ZbL4&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object> </p> <p>If you live in other states, spread the word that this child is missing. Post his picture on Facebook, blog about him, send emails&hellip;. Please help bring this sweet boy home to his family. Tip line: 503-261-2847 </p> <p>Video footage Needed: The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is seeking video of traffic on 15 Portland roads taken June 3 and June 4, the day Kyron Horman disappeared. Call the search tip line and leave your contact information and the location or street address where you took the footage. The streets: Northwest Cornelius Pass Road, Northwest Germantown Road, Northwest Logie Trail Road, Northwest Rocky Point Road, Northwest Skyline Road, Northwest 185th Avenue, Northwest West Union Road, Northwest Springville Road, Bethany Boulevard, Northwest Newberry Road, Northwest McNamee Road, U.S. 30 between Northwest Rocky Point Road to Northwest Germantown Road, Northwest Kaiser Road, Northwest Thompson Road, Northwest Laidlaw Road. Tip line: 503-261-2847 </p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:29:19 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1696794/please-help-find-missing-7-yr-old-feature-this-blog- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1688254/is-a-tankless-water-heater-for-you- <p><strong>Myself and two siblings right here in Arizona have a <a href="http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/" target="_blank">http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/</a>&nbsp; installed and absolutely love it!&nbsp;There are many benefits to tankless water heaters: the water is heated only "on-demand" so no energy is wasted keeping a large tank of water hot and ready to use; most of the 20%-30%"passive energy loss" (in pipes, etc.) is avoided; on average, tankless systems cost one third less to operate; tankless water heaters have an average life expectancy of 20 years, while traditional water heaters last 10-15 years; and tankless water heaters are powerful, but compact--most can be wall mounted inside or outside the home. How do you decide if a tankless water heater is right for you? The </strong><a href="http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12820"><strong>U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers website</strong></a><strong> is a good place to start. Its a no brainer when it comes to this in my opinion. Why are we heating a 55 gallon oil drum full of water all night while we are asleep or away from the home... Inspecting the system is standard too when we come across a system...</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/1/4/1/ar127618313614199.jpg" height="381" alt="" width="300"></strong></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:25:24 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1688254/is-a-tankless-water-heater-for-you- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1681538/the-best-part-of-waking-up- <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Is Folgers in your attic . . . .wakka wakka wakka. . . .</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/2/7/8/ar127586454687204.jpg" height="278" alt="" width="362"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Drain pan for evaporator -&nbsp;air handler -</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:52:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1681538/the-best-part-of-waking-up- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1681512/check-ceiling-fan-rotational-direction <p><strong>Check Ceiling Fan Rotation Direction</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/8/9/8/ar127586289888.gif" height="324" alt="" width="300"></p> <p>Its hot out and&nbsp;Scottsdale home inspectors say most fan blades can be reversed for summer/winter settings so that cool air flows down in the summer and warm air is propelled up in the winter. Some fans use an electric switch to reverse the direction of rotation (typically on the outside of the motor housing) and some require that you reverse the blades by unscrewing and remounting them. Observe the fan while it's running. In summer, the leading edge of the blades (the part that goes around first) should be higher than the trailing edge (the part that rotates last). When set correctly for summer, you can stand beneath the fan and feel the breeze. This should allow you to adjust your thermostat higher (or set the air conditioning lower), saving fuel while enjoying the cooling effect. Reverse for winter so that the airstream flows upwards.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:24:01 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1681512/check-ceiling-fan-rotational-direction http://activerain.com/blogsview/1674235/tips-related-to-the-site-and-the-environment-surrounding-your-house- <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">PROPERTY DRAINAGE</span></strong><br><br>During a heavy rainstorm (without lightning), grab an umbrella and go outside. Walk around your house and look around at the roof and property. A rainstorm is the perfect time to look at how the roof, downspouts and grading is performing. Observe the drainage patterns of your entire property, as well as the property of your neighbor. The ground around your house should slope away from all sides. Downspouts, surface gutters and drains should be directing water away from the foundation. <br><br>MONITOR THE FOLLOWING: <br><br>Poor drainage. Most problems with moisture in basements and crawlspaces are caused by poor site drainage. The ground should slope away from window wells, outside basement stairs, and other ways of egress. The bottom of each of these areas should be sloped to a drain. Each drain should have piping that connects it to a storm water drainage system (if there is one) or that drains to either a discharge at a lower grade or into a sump pit that collects and discharges the water away from the building. <br><br>Your job.&nbsp; You job is to monitor and maintain the drains and piping.&nbsp; Drains and piping should be open and clear of leaves, earth and debris. A garden hose can be used to check water flow, although its discharge cannot approximate storm conditions. <br><br>Hillside. Where a building is situated on a hillside, it is more difficult to slope the ground away from the building on all sides. On the high ground side of the building, the slope of the ground toward the building could be interrupted by a surface drainage system that collects and disposes of rainwater runoff. Swales can be used to direct surface water away from the foundation. There are two general types of surface drainage systems: an open system, consisting of a swale (often referred to as a ditch), sometimes with a culvert at its end to collect and channel water away and; a closed system, consisting of gutters with catch basins. <br><br>PLANTERS<br><br>Check the planting beds adjacent to the foundations. Plantings are often installed in a way that traps water. The structure around the planting beds acts like a dam and traps water. Flower planters should never be installed up against a house exterior wall. <br><br>Puddles are not good. The ground surface beneath decks, porches and other parts of a building that are supported by posts or cantilevered structures should be checked. It should not have any low-lying areas, but should be sloped so that water will not collect and puddle there. Settled backfill allows water to collect next to the foundation wall and penetrates into the basement. See illustration. <br><br>Downspouts need adjustment. Water from the roof reaches the ground through gutters and downspouts or by flowing directly off roof edges. Because downspouts create concentrated sources of water in the landscape, where they discharge is important. Downspouts should not discharge where water will flow directly on or over a walk, drive, or stairs. The downspouts on a hillside building should discharge on the downhill side of the building. The force of water leaving a downspout is sometimes great enough to damage the adjacent ground, so some protection at grade such as a splash block or a paved drainage chute is needed. In urban areas, it is better to drain downspouts to an underground storm water drainage system, if there is one, or underground to discharge at a lower grade away from buildings. <br><br>Water that flows directly off a roof lacking gutters and downspouts can cause damage below. Accordingly, some provision in the landscaping may be needed, such as a gravel bed or paved drainage way. <br><br>Sump pump should not recycle. When a sump pump is used to keep a building interior dry, the discharge should drain away from the building and should not add to the subsurface water condition the sump pump is meant to control. <br><br>Naturally wet. Look around the entire site for the presence of springs, standing water, saturated or boggy ground, a high water table, and dry creeks or other seasonal drainage ways, all of which may affect surface drainage. <br><br>LANDSCAPING<br><br>Well-maintained landscaping and other improvements to the property are important for the enjoyment of a healthy and durable property.&nbsp;<br><br>MONITOR THE FOLLOWING:<br><br>Plants, trees, and shrubs. <br><br>Check the location and condition of all trees and shrubbery. Those that are overgrown should be pruned or trimmed.&nbsp; Where trees or bushes have overgrown, complete removal may be necessary. <br><br>Trees need to be trimmed. Overhanging branches should not interfere with a chimney's draft, damage utility wires, or deposit leaves and twigs on the roof, or inside gutters and drains. Trees and shrubbery that are very close to exterior walls or roofs can cause damage. They can make it difficult to perform homeowner maintenance inspections and make repairs. Branches around the perimeter of the house should be pruned back. Tree roots under concrete walks can cause damage. Roots are usually exposed near the surface and can be cut back. Tree roots can cause foundations to crack by pushing against foundations from the outside. Consider hiring an arborist. An arborist is a specialist in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs, including tree surgery, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tree diseases, and the control of pests. Find a certified arborist in the U.S. at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103424428351&amp;s=-1&amp;e=001w_7G2OwpnW2zRMCi6ZAdPOLgg6XHwzAUboap4Tt4SECH6o4_4kLdy2XGUTiSAOG0xrS2R3DfZvtcfmEVX91iSMe-qHctcMU5" target="_blank">http://www.natlarb.com</a> and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103424428351&amp;s=-1&amp;e=001w_7G2OwpnW1Ch_SfbgbzZFpX1Cs9YREJYmPtLCunIFYP7MOgh_AELipJ-sV4riasLouaNmqzUzVT0VcZlGN9sqBbAEQjvH1pa-Lc4cwW9GUFxoNWP0IXnHBiU7Rg6pgD" target="_blank">http://www.canadian-forests.com/urban_con.htm</a> for Canada.<br><br>Fences fall apart and lean over. Fences are usually installed to provide physical or visual privacy. Fences should be plumb. <br><br>Check wooden fences for development of rot or insect infestation. Check metal fences for rust development. All gates and their hardware should have proper fitting, operation and clearances. Fences are often addressed in homeowner association bylaws and deed covenants. Pay special attention to fence locations and your property lines. Neighbors can get quite "un-neighborly" about property lines. <br><br>Concrete pavement cracks and settlement. Monitor paved areas. Where there is a difference in elevation in a walk or drive that creates a tripping hazard, the higher portion of concrete may be ground down to the level of the lower portion, although the grinding will change the appearance of the concrete. Paved areas immediately adjacent to a building should slope away from the perimeter of the building walls (foundation walls). Paving that is not sloped to drain water away from a building should be repaired. Repair any paving that has large cracks, broken sections, high areas, low areas that trap water and tripping hazards. Repairing concrete often requires total replacement. Resurfacing with a thin layer of more concrete cannot repair concrete. Concrete should be no less than three inches thick. Cracks in concrete can be cut open and sealed with a flexible sealant compound, which will extend its service life. For sidewalks that have settled downward, it may be possible to lift up sections.<br><br>Asphalt surface. Sealing asphalt paving extends its life. Homeowners should seal coat their asphalt driveways every 3 to 5 years. Examine the paving to determine when sealing is needed. Check asphalt driveways for sunken areas that hold water. Low areas in asphalt paving can be brought to level with an asphalt repair. <br><br>Paving. Paving does not last forever. Brick or stone patio paving could be set on a concrete slab, in a mortar bed with mortar joints or in a sand bed that is laid on earth. Mortar joints can be tuck-pointed. Loose bricks or stones can be reset in a new mortar bed. Pavers set in sand can be taken up easily, sand added or removed, and the pavers replaced. The maintenance and repair of sidewalks, drive aprons and curbs at the street may be your responsibility or that of the local jurisdiction. <br><br>Exterior steps. Check the condition of exterior stairs and railings. Every once in a while, shake all railings vigorously to check their stability and inspect their fastenings. Every stair with more than three steps should have a handrail located 34 to 38 inches (865 to 965 mm) above the edges of the stair tread. <br><br>Stairs that are more than 30 inches (760 mm) above the adjacent grade and walks located more than 30 inches (760 mm) above the grade immediately below should have guards not less than 36 inches (915 mm) high and intermediate rails that will not allow the passage of a sphere 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter. Wooden steps should have proper support and strength and no rot or insect infestation should be allowed to develop. At steel stairs, look for the development of rust, weakened strength or poor attachment. Deteriorated stairs should be repaired or replaced. Stair treads should be as level as possible without holding water. Stair riser heights and tread depths should stay uniform. <br><br>Retaining walls. If possible, weep holes and related drains should be looked at following a heavy rain to make sure they are working properly. If they are not discharging water, the drains should be cleaned out and observed again in the next rain. Retaining walls more than two feet in height should be backed with drainage material, such as gravel. There should be drains at the bottom of the drainage material. The drains should discharge water either at the end of the wall or through pipes. These drains and the drainage material behind the wall relieve the pressure of ground water on the wall. Failure to drain could be remedied by excavating behind the wall, replacing the drainage material and damaged drainage piping, and backfilling. In all but the driest climates, improper drainage of water from behind a retaining wall can cause the wall to fail. <br><br>Look for movement in your retaining walls. Bowing (vertical bulges), sweeping (horizontal bulges), and cracking in retaining walls can be caused by water pressure (or hydrostatic pressure). Bulging can also be a result of inadequate strength to resist the load of the earth behind the wall. Bowing and sweeping failures may be correctable if found early enough and if the cause is poor drainage. <br><br>There are other types of failures of retaining walls. Failure by over-turning (leaning from the top) or sliding may be caused by inadequate wall strength. In addition, water behind a wall can create moist bearing, especially in clay soils, and contribute to sliding. Retaining walls also fail due to settlement and heaving. Settlement occurs whenever filled earth below the wall compacts soon after the wall is built, or when wet earth caused by poor drainage dries out and soil consolidates. Poor drainage contributes to failure in cold climates by creating heaving from frozen ground. Both overturning and sliding may be stabilized and sometimes corrected if the amount of movement is not extreme. Settling may be corrected on small, low walls of concrete or masonry, and heaving may be controlled by proper drainage. Significant failure of any kind usually requires rebuilding or replacing all or part of a wall. Consult a qualified professional when major repairs or corrections are needed. <br><br>Buried oil tanks. A buried oil tank can be covered-up by heavy landscaping. Buried ferrous metal oil tanks are common on older properties that have the home or domestic water heated by oil. The presence of a buried oil tank usually can be determined by finding the fill and vent pipes that extend above ground. Abandoned and very old buried ferrous metal oil tanks are an environmental hazard. If you have a buried tank on the property the soil around it should be tested by a qualified environmental professional for the presence of oil seepage. If leaking has occurred, the tank and all contaminated soil around it must be removed. If leaking has not occurred, it may still be a potential problem. Even if a tank is empty, it still may have residual oil in the bottom that is a pollutant. <br><br>Note: As with all underground items, a buried oil tank is not within the scope of a visual home inspection. <br><br><br><br>Keep detached garages, storage sheds and other outbuildings in good condition in the same way that your home is maintained. Monitor each outbuilding's water shedding capability and the adequacy of its foundations. Look for roof leaks from inside the buildings. Wood frame structures should be checked for rot and insect infestation. Check that doors and windows provide adequate weather protection and security for the buildings. Small outbuildings should have sufficient structural strength to sustain wind loads or seismic forces - this may be more than just a simple judgment call. If the site is in a hurricane or high-wind region, check all outbuildings for their ability to resist a storm without coming apart and becoming windborne debris. Consider consulting a qualified professional. <br><br><br><br>In urban areas, two or more dwelling units may share a yard or court to provide light and ventilation to interior rooms. The adequacy of the light provided to the interior rooms of the home may be a function of the dimensions of the yard or court. Check these characteristics, as well as zoning and building and housing code requirements pertaining to light, ventilation, and privacy screening for yards and courts. Such requirements may affect the reuse of the property and their implications should be understood before the property is altered. <br><br><a name="_Toc123018837">Flood </a>Zones<br><br>Check with local authorities to determine if your home is in a flood-risk zone. If it is, check with local building officials. Higher standards than those set by national agencies have been adopted by many communities. <br><br>The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program have established and defined five major flood-risk zones and created special flood resistance requirements for each.&nbsp; For a flood map visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103424428351&amp;s=-1&amp;e=001w_7G2OwpnW2WUKgP_QzvNt-oENZ3KCGBvRQW9iGls3DoLuH4F7mjKoU4hGwxNAG4K7iilRNzX_iAhIZeiLJMcztQZJF5zrEM" target="_blank">http://www.msc.fema.gov/</a>. Improperly designed grading and drainage may aggravate flood hazards to buildings and cause runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation in the zones of lower flood risk, the Interflood Zone and the Non-Regulated Flood Plain. In these locations, local agencies may regulate building elevations above street or sewer levels. In the next higher risk zones, the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the Non-Velocity Coastal Flood Areas (both Zone A), the elevation of the lowest floor and its structural members above the base flood elevation is required. In the zone of highest flood risk, the Coastal High Hazard Areas (Velocity Zone, Zone V), additional structural requirements apply. <br><br><br><br>The following are several factors about a home and its property that are often overlooked. <br><br>Slope. Look at the property around the house and the slope of the ground. If your house is on a ground slope of 20 degrees or more (in all seismic regions, including regions of low seismic activity), a structural engineer should be considered to further examine the building in relation to the slope. <br><br>Wind. Look for loose fences, tree limbs, landscaping materials such as gravel and small rocks, and other objects that could become windborne debris in a storm, if the building is in a hurricane or high wind region. <br><br>Floods. Check with local authorities. Major flood-risk zones have been established to define where floods occur and special flood resistance requirements have been created for each zone. <br><br>Lead. Consider checking for the presence of lead in the soil, which can be a hazard to children playing outdoors and can be brought indoors on shoes. Lead in soil can come from different sources such as discarded lead-based paint, lead-based paint chips at the perimeter of stone foundations where the paint is flaking and old trash sites where items containing lead were discarded. Consider having the soil and home tested for lead by a qualified professional inspector. For more information visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103424428351&amp;s=-1&amp;e=001w_7G2OwpnW0-wQeedCsqbiv6QG8f1Mmg4Zh9LLHtJnjcsINGctCE0dEhOeq3EYZFkorAA9qNhsvUVPgYO20ykfVbNHT1Un_w" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/lead</a>. <br><br>Wildfires. In locations where wildfires can occur, some jurisdictions have requirements for hydrant locations and restrictions on the use of certain building materials as well as restrictions on plantings close to a building.&nbsp; In the context of fire control, defensible space is the area around a structure that has been landscaped to reduce fire danger. Check with the local building official and the fire marshal for such requirements. <br><br>Construction Expansion. If a future construction project on the house includes expansion, an assessment of the site for this future work is critical. The use of the land around the existing house is likely restricted by coverage and set-back requirements, which define the areas of the property that can be used for future construction projects. <br><br>Site Restrictions. Homeowner association bylaws and deed covenants sometimes include requirements that can affect changes or additions to a building or out-building. <br><br>Accessibility. When universal design is a need, consult a code-certified professional inspector for detailed information about parking, walks, patios and egress. <br><br><br><br>The inspector is responsible for checking the roof gutters, downspouts and surface drainage, but is not responsible for inspecting any underground drainage pipes.&nbsp; The inspector is not required to inspect erosion control, earth stabilization measures, geological or soil conditions.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:07:44 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1674235/tips-related-to-the-site-and-the-environment-surrounding-your-house- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1669387/you-may-be-in-violation-if-you-have-children-and-a-pool- <p><strong>Swiiming Pool Safety and the Liability can and has had an effect on realty transactions, including Home Inspectors.... Below is Arizona code concerning the laws of pool barriers etc. When I inspect property and there is a pool, I feel it is my obligation to go above and beyond "AZ Standards of Practice" to be sure these codes are in compliance. Not just to C Y A! but to cover the buyer and their agents too, not only that but I have children of my own and I would expect to have my Home Inspector cover these items when coming across a swimming pool!</strong></p> <p><strong>I am open for discussion on how agents feel about this and what we @ <a href="http://www.targetinspect.com/" target="_blank">Target Building Inspections</a> can do....</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ARS 36-1681. Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement</span></p> <p>A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section.</p> <p>B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements:</p> <p>1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier.</p> <p>2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass. The horizontal components of any wall, fence or barrier shall be spaced not less than forty-five inches apart measured vertically or shall be placed on the pool side of a wall, fence or barrier which shall not have any opening greater than one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally. Wire mesh or chain link fences shall have a maximum mesh size of one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally.</p> <p>3. Gates for the enclosure shall:</p> <p>(a) Be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least fifty-four inches above the underlying ground or on the pool side of the gate with a release mechanism at least five inches below the top of the gate and no opening greater than one-half inch within twenty-four inches of the release mechanism or be secured by a padlock or similar device which requires a key, electric opener or integral combination which can have the latch at any height.</p> <p>(b) Open outward from the pool.</p> <p>4. The wall, fence or barrier shall not contain openings, handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure that can be used to climb the wall, fence or barrier.</p> <p>5. The wall, fence or barrier shall be at least twenty inches from the water's edge.</p> <p>C. If a residence or living area constitutes part of the enclosure required by subsection B for a swimming pool or other contained body of water in lieu of the requirements of subsection B, there shall be one of the following:</p> <p>1. Between the swimming pool or other contained body of water and the residence or living area, a minimum four foot wall, fence or barrier to the pool area which meets all of the requirements of subsection B, paragraphs 2 through 5.</p> <p>2. The pool shall be protected by a motorized safety pool cover which requires the operation of a key switch which meets the American society of testing and materials emergency standards 13-89 and which does not require manual operation other than the use of the key switch.</p> <p>3. All ground level doors or other doors with direct access to the swimming pool or other contained body of water shall be equipped with a self-latching device which meets the requirements of subsection B, paragraph 3, subdivision (a). Emergency escape or rescue windows from sleeping rooms with access to the swimming pool or other contained body of water shall be equipped with a latching device not less than fifty-four inches above the floor. All other openable dwelling unit or guest room windows with similar access shall be equipped with a screwed in place wire mesh screen, or a keyed lock that prevents opening the window more than four inches, or a latching device located not less than fifty-four inches above the floor.</p> <p>4. The swimming pool shall be an aboveground swimming pool which has non-climbable exterior sides which are a minimum height of four feet. Any access ladder or steps shall be removable without tools and secured in an inaccessible position with a latching device not less than fifty-four inches above the ground when the pool is not in use.</p> <p>D. This section does not apply to:</p> <p>1. A system of sumps, irrigation canals, irrigation, flood control or drainage works constructed or operated for the purpose of storing, delivering, distributing or conveying water.</p> <p>2. Stock ponds, storage tanks, livestock operations, livestock watering troughs or other structures used in normal agricultural practices.</p> <p>3. Public or semi-public swimming pools.</p> <p>4. A swimming pool or contained body of water or barrier constructed prior to the effective date of this article.</p> <p>5. Political subdivisions which enact a swimming pool barrier ordinance before the effective date of this article.</p> <p>6. Political subdivisions which adopt ordinances after the effective date of this article provided that the ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the provisions of this article.</p> <p>7. A residence in which all residents are at least six years of age.</p> <p>E. A person on entering into an agreement to build a swimming pool or contained body of water or sell, rent or lease a dwelling with a swimming pool or contained body of water shall give the buyer, lessee or renter a notice explaining safety education and responsibilities of pool ownership as approved by the department of health services.</p> <p>F. A person who violates this section is guilty of a petty offense except that no fine may be imposed if a sufficient showing is made that the person has subsequently equipped the swimming pool or contained body of water with a barrier pursuant to the standards adopted in subsection B within forty-five days of citation and has attended an approved swimming pool safety course.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sat, 29 May 2010 19:09:46 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1669387/you-may-be-in-violation-if-you-have-children-and-a-pool- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1658789/abcs-of-scottsdale-az-home-inspections <p></p><p>Very True! Great Post Gina...</p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1657885/abcs-of-scottsdale-az-home-inspections">Gina McKinley, ABR, CDPE, CRS ~ Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, &amp; Scottsdale (RE/MAX Infinity)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p><img title="ABCs of Scottsdale AZ Home Inspections" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/4/7/0/ar127455464307476.jpg" height="150" alt="ABCs of Scottsdale AZ Home Inspections" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" width="150">Home inspections are a very important step when buying a new <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1619015/remodeling-your-scottsdale-az-home-don-t-forget-your-outdoor-living-space-" title="Remodeling Your Scottsdale AZ Home? Don&amp;rsquo;t Forget Your Outdoor Living Space " target="_blank">Scottsdale AZ home</a> and it is important to understand the basics before entering the process. After choosing the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1578554/tax-benefits-of-owning-a-scottsdale-az-home" title="Tax Benefits of Owning a Scottsdale AZ Home" target="_blank">Scottsdale home</a> to purchase and going under contract one of the first steps is setting up a home inspection. A qualified Realtor, such as <a href="http://activerain.com/ginamckinley" title="About Gina McKinley" target="_blank">Gina McKinley</a>,&nbsp;will undoubtedly know an experienced home inspector but it doesn't hurt to do some research on your own and locate an inspector with an excellent track record and references.</p> <p>Don't get hung up on the cost of your Scottsdale home inspection. Inspections can vary by the size of a home but typically average somewhere in the three to four hundred dollar range. Choosing an inspector based on price could hurt you in the long run and the inspection is one expense you do not want to skimp on.</p> <p>A written inspection report is a key element in the home inspection process, allowing you to see what needs repair. A good inspector should be able to provide you with estimates for the needed repairs or at the very least be able to recommend where you can get them.</p> <p>A Scottsdale home inspection is an important piece of the home purchasing puzzle. Take your time and use&nbsp;Gina&nbsp;McKinley, a experienced <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/ginamckinley" title="Scottsdale AZ Realtor" target="_blank">Scottsdale AZ&nbsp;Realtor</a>, to help you through the process.&nbsp; Gina McKinley can be reached at (480) 355-8645&nbsp;or by <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/ginamckinley#" title="Email Gina McKinley" target="_blank">email</a> to answer any questions.</p> <p><em><a href="http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20100405_inspections.htm" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read an article from Realty Times about the importance of home inspections.</em></p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sun, 23 May 2010 13:36:47 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1658789/abcs-of-scottsdale-az-home-inspections http://activerain.com/blogsview/1630938/arizona-net-zero-and-near-zero-homes- <p><strong>There's a new buzzword in the Arizona green building industry: "Net Zero" and "Near Zero" construction.</strong> Homes thus labeled are outfitted with energy-efficient materials (tighter insulation, draft-resistant windows and doors) as well as solar features which enable a home to actually produce energy and, thus, consume less (or no) power from the local grid. If you've purchased a net zero or near zero home, lucky you: Keep an eye on utility bills and watch for months when you'll pay either nothing or only nominal amounts.</p> <p>We at Target Building Inspections perform multiple energy audits with affiliate BPI certification. If you're interested in converting an existing Arizona home to a net zero or near zero set-up, contact your local utility providers such as SRP or APS&nbsp;and ask if they will let your home "give back" to the energy grid you pull from and can track the progress on utility bills. Currently APS is working closely with our affiliate auditor and the word is spreading like forest fire. Once you've established local applicability, research options for using solar, wind, or other forms of natural power to power your property. Condo dwellers interested in net zero or near zero can approach their homeowners association about purchasing such power on a multi-family scale. The US government will extend tax credits through 2016 for up to 30% of the cost, with no upper limit, for purchase and installation of "green" power sources, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small-scale wind energy systems, and fuel cell-driven energy. For more information about current green energy incentives, check Energy Star <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/">www.energystar.gov</a>. Feel free to contact us anytime!</p> <p>For information about renewable energy incentives in and around Arizona, refer to the Database of State Incentives at <a href="http://www.dsireusa.org/">www.dsireusa.org</a>.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Wed, 05 May 2010 15:59:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1630938/arizona-net-zero-and-near-zero-homes- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1630356/quality-link-exchange-with-us-boost-your-page-rankings- <p>Thats Right. We are working to re-vamp our links and resources to help others and ourselves boost quality link exchange. Submit your Site, State, and Category, (Realtor, Inspector, Broker, Appraiser, Title) via email after adding ours:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/">http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/</a>&nbsp;(Arizona, Home Inspectors) Feel free to check out our blog journal and leave appropriate comments to build your links...</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Wed, 05 May 2010 11:42:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1630356/quality-link-exchange-with-us-boost-your-page-rankings- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1572107/seven-deadly-home-inspection-sins <p>&nbsp;</p> <div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1569799/seven-deadly-home-inspection-sins">Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p>Every industry has its no no's.&nbsp; Home inspecting as a profession is no different.</p> <p>Certainly, no list of anything is definitive, but can I suggest seven deadly things a home inspector can do?</p> <ol> <li> <em><strong>MISINTERPRET</strong></em> - Home inspecting is about gathering information.&nbsp; It is very important that the information one gathers is correctly interpreted.&nbsp; A leak stain can sometimes come from many different things.&nbsp; A stain in an upstairs bedroom ceiling might manifest in one spot, but the source can be far away.&nbsp; Or it might be an exploded soda can!&nbsp; Tools, like a Thermal Infrared Camera, can reveal colors that may or may not indicate a problem.&nbsp; A home inspector has to be thoroughly trained in many things and understand many industries in order to properly interpret a finding during an inspection.</li> <li> <em><strong>MISUNDERSTAND</strong></em> - Closely related to the first sin, things aren't always as they appear.&nbsp; What you see might not be what you get.&nbsp; But very important - the client is the process during a home inspection.&nbsp; It is very important to understand the client's needs and concerns.&nbsp; And clients aren't always as understanding of what they see or what the inspector says as a home inspector might think, so communication is crucial.&nbsp; Communication is a two-way avenue.<br> </li> <li> <em><strong>MISTAKE</strong></em> - Even something as small as a typo on the report can become something big.&nbsp; Words mean things and so, during the inspection, what is said must be said properly.&nbsp; That "sump pump" might be an "ejector pump" for the bathroom, and has to be explained for what it is.&nbsp; If the amperage is not stated clearly on the panel box or main breaker, be sure what is said to be the amperage is correct.&nbsp; Which leads to the next sin:<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/5/4/0/ar126977737604585.jpg" height="480" alt="" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" width="300"> </li> <li> <em><strong>MISSTATE</strong></em> - one very important aspect of a home inspection is what happens after wards.&nbsp; The report is probably one third of the home inspection (after construction knowledge and client education).&nbsp; It has to be right.&nbsp; It has to be understandable.&nbsp; It has to accurately describe what it is trying to convey.&nbsp; Be sure that when something is an inspector's opinion, it is expressed as such and/or reported the same.&nbsp; Like it says above, words mean things, so the proper words and proper wording is essential.&nbsp; And we inspectors put down our reports electronically and on paper for all to see and for all time.&nbsp; It has to be right.<br> </li> <li> <em><strong>MISQUOTE</strong></em> - Again referring to the report, if an inspector is going to quote a code, or a phrase from a manual and cite the reference, it has to be correct.&nbsp; References to websites or other URLs have to be exact!&nbsp; Some builders are getting finicky and are requiring a code reference to be included in the report when something on their house is cited by an outside inspector.&nbsp; I notice they don't require that of the County Inspector, but that is just me.</li> <li> <em><strong>MISREPRESENT</strong></em> - An inspector needs to truthfully state who he is, what his certifications are, his licensing agencies or organizations.&nbsp; If not, that is something that will bite quickly and hard.&nbsp; His appearance and professionalism should also represent who he is, reflect well on his industry and even the Realtor who referred him!&nbsp; An inspector wants to be referred to others and be called on again and again.&nbsp; We are all missionaries for something and certainly professionalism should be one of those things we convey!</li> <li> <strong>MISS</strong> - Nobody is 100%.&nbsp; No where and no how.&nbsp; But, unfortunately, a home inspector is expected to be!&nbsp; Don't <em><strong>miss</strong></em> anything!&nbsp; Anything!&nbsp; Sometimes a little thing can blow up to become a bigger-than-it-needs-to-be thing.&nbsp; There is always somebody looking to blame others for whatever happens later and a home inspector has a big target on the back of his logo-festooned shirt!&nbsp; Most people are in their house for a long time.&nbsp; So <em>don't miss anything!&nbsp; </em>This is a very hard sin not to commit however...<br> </li> </ol> <p><strong>My recommendation:</strong>&nbsp; While this might not be <span style="text-decoration: underline;">THE</span> definitive list of seven home inspector sins, it sure is a good start!&nbsp; These lists could go on for a while.&nbsp; After all, this list just describes the M's!!&nbsp; If any of these seven sins is a problem for you, may I suggest sincere repentance and a change of heart or mind.&nbsp; Seek out an industry professional in the know and learn how corrections can be made!&nbsp; And let's be careful out there!</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:27:47 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1572107/seven-deadly-home-inspection-sins http://activerain.com/blogsview/1528173/realtor-calls-about-a-warranty-on-home-inspection- <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Really? How many realtors out there think a home inspection by an licensed inspector warranties the structure and components in the home? </strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A strange phone call from an frustrated agent that represented my client, whom I've never talked to or seen before:</span></strong></p> <p>Realtor:Hi my name is _____ and you performed an inspection for ____ at such and such location......</p> <p>Me: We sure did!&nbsp; However I cannot discuss the report without our clients permission, Let me see what I can do by pulling up that information....</p> <p>Realtor: Well the report says that the heat was working! (Ouch)</p> <p>Me: It sure does say that....and it sure was...&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/7/9/4/ar126775676449757.jpg" height="156" alt="" width="239"></p> <p>Realtor: Well it's not working now! (O.K.)</p> <p>Me:I'm sorry, Is the gas on to the home?</p> <p>Realtor: Well yes but its not working, don't you warranty the heater for 90 days! (Huh)</p> <p>Me: Absolutely not mam, we are an inspection company not a home warranty company...</p> <p>Realtor: Well all the other inspectors in Arizona do! (Yeah Right)</p> <p>Me: I'm sorry mam, we don't. We'd be out of buisiness if we did, we are an inspection company, not a home warranty company....</p> <p>Realtor: Grrrrrrrrrr.........</p> <p>Me: Offered assistance in performing a re-inspection for a limited fee, understanding, closed the heated driven conversation.</p> <p>So that's briefly how it went and I'd like to see if any one has any input... What was the realtor thinking? Don't realtors agree that a home warranty should be encouraged to their buyers, as well as an appraisal and inspection, How do you get them confused? Heck the time that has passed has been like 5 weeks. A hundred realtors, buyers and inspections could go-thru on the same property in that time... We INSPECT, We don't Warranty!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:40:53 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1528173/realtor-calls-about-a-warranty-on-home-inspection- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1518346/what-is-a-home-energy-audit- <p><strong><a href="/blog/2010/2/27/what-is-a-home-energy-audit.html">What is a Home Energy&nbsp;Audit?</a> </strong></p> <p>You might turn off the lights whenever you leave a room and switch off your computer at the end of the day, but are there more energy savings that could be made? Ben Schern is owner of the Arizona-based Target Building Inspections and partners with "HEAT" an Arizona Energy auditing firm owned by Jason Owsley which has an expertise in increasing energy efficiency, producing renewable energy and designing backup power solutions for your home or business. Here, he talks about what a home energy audit can do for you, especially when it comes to saving money.</p> <p>&nbsp;<img src="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/storage/IR_0874.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1267324308218" alt=""></p> <p>&nbsp;A home energy audit is a way we evaluate all your energy needs, as well as your current energy spending. We review of someone's house in which we perform several tests to ascertain how they are doing, then we make recommendations based on our findings.</p> <p>One of our tests is a blower door test. We hook a big fan into the opening of one of their entry doors and blow all the air out of their house in order to inspect for air leaks. We also use thermal imaging cameras and do a complete scan of their house, looking for things such as air leaks, moisture issues and insulation issues.</p> <p>We then carry out gas combustion tests in order to look at the efficiency of natural gas-burning devices such as hot water heaters, furnaces and boilers. Also, as part of a home energy audit, we look at their electric and natural gas bills to ultimately figure out how many BTUs per square foot that home uses.</p> <p>We also inspect all of the lighting in the home to see if any efficiency could be gained in the lighting, and we will inspect electrical use and appliances to see if any efficiency gains can be made there. We will look at insulation, inspect all the windows and doors, and we are also look at all the heating and cooling systems as well as water heating. Finally, we will look at home health and safety issues.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>At the end of this process, we compile a report, letting you know how efficient or inefficient your home is, as well as make recommendations about what you can do to improve this. It is amazing what findings come out of certain houses.</p> <p>More and more people are coming to us just because they want to know how efficient their house is, and what they can do it improve it. Also, if people are considering doing major remodeling or upgrades on their home, they want to know where they can get the best bang for their buck.</p> <p>A home energy audit will take about half a day in your home. It is most definitely worth the money and time because of its potential cost savings. And the energy-saving tips we give at the end of the inspection will pay for itself many, many times over.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:38:55 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1518346/what-is-a-home-energy-audit- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504769/target-building-inspections-found-this-in-the-walls- <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/9/7/3/ar126669582737986.png" height="185" alt="" width="616"></p> <p style="text-align: left;">The purple areas are cool spots indicating moisture, this is the cause of a roof leak above.&nbsp; Quite simply, Why wouldn't you want thermal imaging in your Home Inspections? We strive to go above and beyond the standards in the normal inspection arena. Being un-biased and professionals in our field, we are having a blast building our inspection buisiness! We meet new and exciting people everyday, educate and inform cool things and people are walking away&nbsp;learning more about their property in 2 hours than they could in 2 years!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:06:48 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504769/target-building-inspections-found-this-in-the-walls- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504738/thermal-imaging-camera-at-inspection-yesterday-finds-more-missing-insulation- <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/2/4/1/ar126669424914224.jpg" height="240" alt="" width="320"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">This image was taken at an inspection in Queen Creek on a custom home yesterday, Notice the missing insulation in the attic next to the can light? These buyers were very pleased to know that we just don't check electrical outlets and roof coverings but everything else in between too.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/2/0/9/ar126669462090239.jpg" height="240" alt="" width="320"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">The same for the bathroom next to the exhaust fan.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/8/5/6/ar126669470965858.jpg" height="240" alt="" width="320"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">These are just a few of the areas observed. For more Information on our inspections and what we can do for you go to <a href="http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/" target="_blank">http://www.targetbuildinginspections.com/</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:42:31 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1504738/thermal-imaging-camera-at-inspection-yesterday-finds-more-missing-insulation- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426583/a-thermostatic-control-that-gets-the-bath-water-a-little-too-hot- <p><strong>You may wanna check your thermostat on the water heater...</strong></p> <p>After a call from a client today (yes Sunday), I was questioned on how to adjust the temperature on their water heater.... After a few questions and relaying information I couldn't help but wonder how many others out there know? It's rather simple if it is a gas furnace as the adjustment should be in clear view of the unit, However electric units can be a bit more difficult requiring the access panel to be removed. Never have the water temp adjusted too high! If you are like me and have children in and around the house this could be quite a hazard as I'm sure you've heard. There are a lot of stories out there of people getting burned and or scallded. Be sure your unit is adjusted appropriatly, Otherwise a neat little contraption like the one below may do the trick...</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/5/8/3/ar126318797438539.jpg" height="353" alt="" width="400" style="float: right;"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:43:19 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426583/a-thermostatic-control-that-gets-the-bath-water-a-little-too-hot- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1401431/pre-home-inspections-what-every-seller-should-consider- <p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1374623/pre-home-inspections-what-every-seller-should-consider-">Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (Owner - RE/MAX Access)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Pre-Home Inspections: What Every Seller Should Consider !</h2> <p><strong>Chris and I are Realtors so our opinion is obviously one from that perspective.</strong>&nbsp; But, that perspective was pierced last year when we helped my mother sell our family home of 35+ years located in Bucks County. It was a really slow market at that time and we wanted to sell the home in a few months rather than the average 6-8 months it was taking other homes to sell. So, my perspective as "just another Realtor" faded fast since this was the home I spent my formidable years growing up in and there were many memories embedded into every square foot. <br><br><strong></strong></p> <p><strong><img title="Pre-Home Inspection" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/9/5/6/ar126183283265957.jpg" height="200" alt="Pre-Home Inspection" style="margin: 20px; float: left;" width="292">Collectively we agreed that the old house was very well maintained but it certainly needed some repairs.</strong>Therefore, we thought it would be a great idea to get a pre-inspection to get a good overview of what we might be up against when a buyer got their own independent home inspection. We did not want any surprises.</p> <p><br><br>We got the inspection done and decided to repair many of the small items that popped up and adjust the price of the property to compensate for some of the items we were not interested in replacing or repairing. We decided not to use our home inspection as a marketing tool in the advertising though we could easily have done so. That was not our goal in getting the pre-inspection. We did it for our own information and for disclosure purposes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>The home went pending in 3 weeks in a slow market and settled in less than 45 days at a great price</strong>. I attribute that success story to the decision we made to get the pre-inspection. It eliminated the "fear of the unknown" regarding repairs and allowed us to confidently and intelligently price and sell the property fast.</p> <p>Every seller in this Real Estate Market, whether it be in Philadelphia, Bucks County Pennsylvania, or anywhere across the country <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">should consider&nbsp;</span> </strong>doing a pre-inspection prior to selling their home. In fact, every Realtor representing a seller should consider introducing that option to their seller clients.</p> <p><strong>Pre-inspections are beneficial and should be considered by every seller because:</strong></p> <h2>1) Pre-Inspections remove the fear of the unknown <br> </h2> <h2>2) Pre-Inspections create a platform for realistic pricing from the start <br> </h2> <h2>3) Pre-Inspections provide a real advantage when used to increase marketing appeal</h2> <p>The bottom line is information helps empower one to make informed decisions.&nbsp; If interested in additional information regarding selling your home, please contact <strong><a href="http://www.thesomersteam.com/" target="_blank">The Somers</a></strong> at <a href="mailto:thesomersteam@yahoo.com">thesomersteam@yahoo.com</a>.&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><strong>Feel free to <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/thesomersteam">subscribe to our blog</a> to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.&nbsp; You can also sign up to receive the <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=PhiladelphiaRealEstate-ChrisAndStephanieSomers-Realtors">Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email</a>. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://thesomersteam.activerain.com/" title="The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/7/1/3/ar125304747831777.jpg" height="34" alt="The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog" width="34" style="vertical-align: baseline;"></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thesomersteam" title="The Somers Team on Facebook" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/1/9/1/ar125304758619156.jpg" height="34" alt="The Somers Team on Facebook" width="34" style="margin: 2px 1px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://twitter.com/thesomersteam" title="The Somers Team on Twitter" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/0/8/2/ar125304764028055.jpg" height="34" alt="The Somers Team on Twitter" width="34" style="margin: 1px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesomersteam" title="The Somers Team on LinkedIn" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/7/5/2/ar125304770325747.jpg" height="34" alt="The Somers Team on LinkedIn" width="34" style="margin: 1px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;pub=xa-4aafe7f96b3f5468" class="addthis_button"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" height="16" alt="Bookmark and Share" width="125" style="border: 0;"></a> </p> </div> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sat, 26 Dec 2009 09:17:35 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1401431/pre-home-inspections-what-every-seller-should-consider- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373047/home-inspectors-sign-your-pre-inspection-contracts-electronically- <h1>NAR Announces Partnership with DocuSign to Deliver Electronic Signature Services to Members</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>This is fantastic reinforcement for Home Inspectors and their "Pre-Inspection Contracts".</strong></p> <p><strong> Signing on-line and still having a paper trail is not only easy but good to CYA. </strong></p> <p><strong>Realtors everywhere are becoming more familier with the practice. So should we as Inspectors, Gone are the days of paper and long form checklists...</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/11/docusign_partnership" target="_blank">NAR News Article-http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/11/docusign_partnership</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://docusign.com/NAR/buy_now1m.php?m=0" target="_blank">DocuSign Link-http://docusign.com/NAR/buy_now1m.php?m=0</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:48:25 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373047/home-inspectors-sign-your-pre-inspection-contracts-electronically- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373021/its-raining-outside-here-in-arizona- <p><strong>Arizona Rain! Let It Rain Let It Rain!<br></strong></p> <p>As I listen to the much needed rain outside I think of all the water and the damage it will cause today to unsuspecting buildings. But don't be alarmed, A little education on how much water and what to do with it will save you.</p> <p><strong>Surface Runoff<br> </strong> Although some wind-driven rain strikes the siding and drains onto the ground, most surface runoff comes from the roof, and the amount of runoff varies according to the size and style of the roof. A gable roof deposits all runoff onto the ground under the eaves, with little runoff at the gable ends; a hip roof distributes the runoff more evenly on all sides (see Figure 1).</p> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h3><strong>Gable Roof Runoff</strong></h3> </td> <td><em><strong>Figure 1.</strong> Both of these roofs cover approximately 2,500 square feet. The gable roof deposits runoff along two sides of the house; the hip roof spreads the runoff more or less evenly along all sides. Main roof valleys and dormers concentrate the runoff into smaller areas on the ground.</em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://files.servicemagic.com/files/editorial/images/drain1a.gif" height="175" alt="drain1a.gif (6184 bytes)" width="324"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><br></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <h3><strong>Hip roof Runoff</strong></h3> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://files.servicemagic.com/files/editorial/images/drain1b.gif" height="184" alt="drain1b.gif (6470 bytes)" width="324"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Roof Runoff</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="c10"><strong>(from 2500 sq. ft. roof)</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><span class="c11"><br> </span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Rainfall</strong></td> <td><strong>Rainfall</strong></td> <td><strong>Volume</strong></td> <td><strong>Volume</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Amount</strong></td> <td><strong>Rate</strong></td> <td><strong>(cubic ft.)</strong></td> <td><strong>(cubic ft.)</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="c12">1 in.</td> <td class="c12">per hr.</td> <td class="c12">200</td> <td class="c12">1500</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="c12">1 in.</td> <td class="c12">per day</td> <td class="c12">200</td> <td class="c12">1500</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="c12">2 in.</td> <td class="c12">per hr.</td> <td class="c12">400</td> <td class="c12">3000</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="c12">2 in.</td> <td class="c12">per day</td> <td class="c12">400</td> <td class="c12">300</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p class="c13"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><strong><br> Note:</strong> Every inch of rain, whether it falls during a one-hour downpour or an all-day rain, deposits 1,500 gallons of water onto the ground around a typical 2,500-square-foot roof surface. During a winter rainstorm, every foot of melting snow on the roof adds an additional 1,500 gallons.</em></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>THATS A LOT OF WATER FOLKS!</strong></p> <p>In addition, valleys at main roof intersections and dormers can concentrate runoff into a relatively small area on the ground. In cold climates, runoff increases significantly during spring rainstorms when higher temperatures and rain combine to melt snow on both the roof and the ground, adding to the total amount of surface water that must be drained away from the foundation.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jlconline.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">For more on this post go to&nbsp; www.jlconline.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:38:27 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1373021/its-raining-outside-here-in-arizona- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1364639/fix-n-flip-or-flip-n-fail- <p>I have a client I inspect homes for &nbsp;that is buying cheap houses in the southeast valley (low 5 figure purchase prices and less sometimes), fixing them up and then reselling them for profit. They're making an average of about $20,000 per month (so he says). Great money! We talked a bit about the fix-n-flip strategy. In most markets, it's a dangerous strategy from a financial standpoint. Below I'll tell you about what I've learned and why it's not a good strategy for taxes either, but first here are the concerns that were expressed.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/1/9/8/ar125977588689175.jpg" height="322" alt="" width="250" style="float: right;"></p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First, you have just bought something with the idea that you can sell it for more. In today's crazy economy, there is just too much volatility. It's like the normal rules have been thrown out the window. What you pay today may be more still then you'll pay in a few weeks. And this is true even if there is no outside reason for the decline. The issue is "perception as reality."&nbsp;We recounted the stories&nbsp; seen of people in&nbsp;this&nbsp;market, who have not been hit by the slump, who are dumping houses right and left. Why? Because they watch the west and east coast news and see the doom and gloom. If it's bad on TV, it must be bad here. Perception becomes reality. So, they dump the real estate before it can become bad and thus ensure that the real estate does become bad. Strange phenomenon, but true.</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second, even if you can get financing (and chances are you can't), how can you find a buyer who can? A jump up in value is the kiss of death on an appraisal these days. Chances are you're going to have to do seller financing to sell it. And that will work as long as you can afford to carry your buyer. In other words, you have a lot of cash to make the deal work. But if you have that kind of liquidity, there are much better, much bigger markets to tackle then the little fix-n-flip market.</p> <p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Third, many people are buying real estate now for generation investing. Prices are the lowest they've ever been. I can't tell you when it will turn, no one can. But you know that it will within&nbsp;our children's lifetime. That means that there is a big gain possible, but only if you view real estate as a long term investment. And that rules out the fix-n-flip. Now, here is my main tax issue: The fix-n-flip is at best a business and that means self-employment tax. Watch out that you don't do this in the wrong business structure, or worse yet, no business structure. You could get stung paying an extra 15%+ in tax. And what if you end up getting stuck with the property through a calendar year end? You are a developer. That means you can NOT take a deduction for any of the improvements, depreciation or even the mortgage interest or property tax.&nbsp;If your&nbsp;a developer, all of that must be capitalized into the property as a cost basis until the day you sell. Be careful if you are using the fix-n-flip. It could turn into a flippin' failure.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:46:18 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1364639/fix-n-flip-or-flip-n-fail- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1363265/phoenix-house-fire-takes-childs-life- <p>&nbsp;</p> <div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362302/phoenix-house-fire-takes-childs-life-">Gilbert Arizona Real Estate - Candace Robinson (HomeSmart )</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <big></big><p>It's a sad day when you have to listen to the loss of a child and have her big sister fighting for her life! It often amazes me when I hear of such tragedy for a family and my heart goes out to them!</p> <p>As a mother of three grown children, the worse nightmare would be to bury a child before I leave this earth! I pray that is not something I will ever have to do!</p> <div style="float: left; margin: 0px 14px 14px 3px;"> <object height="288" width="470"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.azfamily.com/v/?i=78126387"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"> <embed src="http://www.azfamily.com/v/?i=78126387" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="288" width="470"></embed></object> </div> <h3>Could it have been avoided?</h3> <p>This story touched me, there is no question! The biggest heartache is the one lingering question of, "could it have been avoided?" I'm not sure of the entire circumstances and the story is still unfolding but from the reports and news, the smoke detector was in the closet! Why on earth would anyone gamble with some ones life, these children's lives! It truly breaks my heart!</p> <h3>Are the detectors in the right places?</h3> <p>As a home owner, or perhaps a landlord I would think you would do whatever you can within your power to make sure your smoke detectors are operating and routinely checked. If your home is perhaps not to current building code, find the options to protect those you love or those you might be legally responsible for!</p> <p>Take a few minutes to fire proof your homes, isn't a child's life worth it? Isn't your life worth it? I hope and pray this family can recover from their pain and suffering and somehow overcome their losses! In the meantime, may we all learn from such sadness and protect ourselves and those we love. Especially during the holiday season when we string our homes up with lights and decorations!</p> <h3>Hire a professional to inspect your home</h3> <p><a href="http://activerain.com/targetinspect" target="_blank">Ben Schern, an AZ Home Inspector</a> with <strong>Target Building Inspections LLC in Gilbert, AZ</strong> says, "There are three basic types of residential smoke detectors, all with different means for detecting smoke and fire, different types of fires they detect best, and different replacement reasons &amp; needs."</p> <p>A <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362152/is-your-home-as-fire-safe-as-you-can-make-it-" target="_blank">great post shared by Ben Schern</a>, an <strong>Arizona Licensed Home Inspect</strong>or shares ways we can <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362152/is-your-home-as-fire-safe-as-you-can-make-it-" target="_blank">protect our homes from fire</a> and gives us great tips to protect our homes and family.</p> <p><strong><em>May you and yours be safe and blessed through this holiday season!</em></strong></p> <p>*original article: <a href="http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/2-children-hurt-in-Phoenix-house-fire-78126387.html" title="child killed in fire in phoenix"><em>4-year-old killed, 10-year-old badly hurt in Phoenix house fire</em></a></p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:30:29 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1363265/phoenix-house-fire-takes-childs-life- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1363242/is-a-seller-s-pre-listing-inspection-a-good-idea- <p>&nbsp;</p> <div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1359966/is-a-seller-s-pre-listing-inspection-a-good-idea-">Athina Boukas (Keller Williams Realty)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p>Lately, I have been recommending to most sellers that they pre-inspect their home prior to putting it on the market.&nbsp; This often comes with resistance because at first, it doesn't seem like the expense will be recouped on the sale.&nbsp; I advise that this is a good strategy and could net a seller more in a slow market.&nbsp; Here are some reasons:</p> <blockquote> <ul> <li>a pre-inspection catches what the buyer may find during their own inspection so that the seller can repair and/or price the house accordingly from the outset</li> </ul> <ul> <li>by making necessary repairs in advance, the seller can better manage the repairs on their own terms and there is no time constraint to having the job done; the seller can shop around for estimates</li> </ul> <ul> <li>the pre-inspection report can be offered to potential buyers to provide disclosure and evidence of repairs and/or defects that a seller may choose not to repair<br> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>a report gives nervous buyers more confidence to submit an offer, especially if the home is older and competes with new construction</li> </ul> <ul> <li>it is less likely that the buyer will "renegotiate" the offer after their own inspection because it is less likely they will find a surprise or a "new" deal breaker; the buyer will likely submit their highest offer at the outset</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a pre-inspection can uncover a huge potential "deal breaker" like toxic mold, termite damage, code violations, etc.&nbsp; If a buyer discovers this after submitting an offer they are more likely to back out, rather than adjust the price or ask for repairs</li> </ul> <ul> <li>if the first buyer backs out due to a large defect, the seller stills has to make the repairs for the next buyer while the house remains on the market longer; possibly needing a further price reduction</li> </ul> <ul> <li>making the repairs after the buyer discovers them does not "add value" after the fact, it only prolongs the sale process <br> </li> </ul> I'm sure my colleagues can add more good reasons here....and maybe add any reason why this would not be a good idea?</blockquote> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:17:26 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1363242/is-a-seller-s-pre-listing-inspection-a-good-idea- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362152/is-your-home-as-fire-safe-as-you-can-make-it- <p style="text-align: left;"><br><br><strong>The answers to these questions will help determine if your home is as safe as you can make it.<br></strong><br>Do you have the right kind of Fire &amp; Smoke Detectors<br><br>If your house has natural gas, propane or oil service, or a fireplace/wood stove, do you have Carbon Monoxide Detectors?<br><br>Are the detectors in the right places?<br><br>Did you replace the detectors when you moved into your home and at least every 10 years thereafter?<br><br>Do you test the detectors on a monthly basis?<br><br>Have you replaced the detector batteries recently?<br><br>Do you have the right kind of Fire Extinguishers in the right places?<br><br>Do you have a fire escape plan and practice it with your children?<br><br>Do you have a fireproof container for all your really important documents?<br>(Birth Certificates, Stocks, Wills, that precious drawing from grade school, etc)<br><br>Do you have a residential fire sprinkler system in your house?<br>(These are mostly found in newer homes. They typically cost $0.60 to $1.00 a square foot in new homes (about the same as a carpet replacement) and can greatly reduce both fire and water damage. Only heads exposed to the fire start spraying water. The 15-18 gallons a minute from the sprinkler system are significantly less than the 75-250 gallons from the firefighter's high pressure hose! Costs to retrofit a home with a sprinkler system will be higher.)</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/9/6/8/ar125964155486958.jpg" height="288" alt="" width="400"><br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Smoke Detectors:</span></strong><br><br>There are three basic types of residential smoke detectors, all with different means for detecting smoke and fire, different types of fires they detect best, and different replacement reasons &amp; needs. <br><br>Ionization Smoke Detectors powered by batteries are the most common kind and economically available at most local hardware and discount stores. They can be mounted easily in just about any location. They use a small radioactive source (not harmful to humans) to cause the air inside the detector to be capable of carrying electric current. As particles of smoke enter the detector they block the flow of electricity. Low electrical current causes the alarm to sound. These detectors work best on flaming type fires (wood, paper, etc) and react a little slower on smoldering fires (mattresses, couches, etc). Batteries need to be replaced occasionally. If your detector starts making a chirping sound every so often, you need to change the battery. A general recommendation is to change these batteries every six months, usually timed to a major event like springing forward to daylight savings time or falling back to normal time. (Some newer smoke detectors come with a 10 year Lithium battery that eliminates the need to change batteries.) Remember battery powered detectors operate even during power failures.<br><br>Photoelectric Smoke Detectors use a light sensitive photocell to detect smoke inside the detector. They usually require a connection to an electrical supply but are also available with a battery backup. A light bulb puts out a beam of light. The photocell is hidden from direct exposure to the light beam. Smoke entering the detector causes the light beam to be reflected in several directions. The photo cell detects the reflected light and causes the alarm to go off. These detectors work best on smoldering fires and react a little slower on flaming type fires. The light bulbs need replacement every few years. <br><br>Thermal Detectors, usually requiring a connection to an electrical supply, react to heat rather than smoke. A fire must raise the heat level near the detector to cause the alarm to go off. This type of detector is mostly used in dusty, dirty environments usually found in industrial and commercial applications. This is the type of detector that most fire sprinkler heads use to detect heat, pop, and start spraying water. This detector would be good near a cooking stove where an ionization or photoelectric smoke detector might cause false alarms. <br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Where Should You Put Smoke Detectors?<br></span></strong><br>The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends smoke detectors in every room; unfortunately that doesn't fit everyone's budget abilities.<br><br>In a hallway near several bedrooms, or even in each bedroom, is the most important placement as most fires occur during sleeping hours.<br><br>In the basement, preferably on the ceiling near the basement stairs.<br><br>In the garage, over the door to the house, is a needed location because of all the combustible materials we store there.<br><br>If your house has more than one level, there should be at least one detector on each level.<br><br>Put the detectors on the ceiling or on the wall with the top of the detector between six to twelve inches from the ceiling. <br><br>DO NOT put detectors on walls or ceilings within six inches of the ceiling/wall corner. There is very little circulation within this dead area.<br><br>DO NOT put them near heating and air conditioning supply &amp; return vents.<br><br>Why should you replace your smoke detectors every 10 years?<br><br>The NFPA recommends, and some cities Fire Codes require, that smoke detectors be tested at least monthly and replaced when they fail to respond or every 10 years maximum. In addition, most manufacturers now mark their detectors for a maximum life of 10 years. <br><br>Why do they need to be replaced every 10 years? <br><br>10 years is a somewhat arbitrary figure, developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) but, as with any equipment you buy (TVs, VCRs, etc), parts start breaking and failing as the equipment ages. This includes smoke detectors. Sometimes stuff just breaks without us noticing (in the case of smoke detectors, it's sometimes to late). The detection chamber gets clogged with dust &amp; other airborne debris. In addition, as detectors age the sensitivity settings tend to drift toward being more sensitive causing more false alarms and people tend to disconnect the power supply on those detectors. A 1994 CPSC study found that sixty percent of detector failures were caused by the power supply (electricity or batteries) intentionally being removed due to problems with false alarms. Fifty percent of the failed detectors were more than 10 years old. The fact that some older detectors were made to be more sensitive also resulted in their disconnection from power.<br><br>Always replace your detectors whenever any of the following occur.<br><br>The detector fails to respond to the monthly test and it has power.<br><br>The detector has gotten wet, been painted, or has other physical damage.<br><br>The detector has been exposed to a fire or large amounts of grease (kitchens!) <br><br>The detector causes several false alarms without apparent cause.<br><br>When you move into a used home, you have no way of knowing how old the detectors are. B Safe-B Sure-B4U Close. Replace them when you move in.<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors<br></span></strong><br>Carbon Monoxide kills silently and sneakily. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of fossil fuel burning. It can be generated by wood stoves, fireplaces, appliances that use natural gas, propane or oil such as furnaces, space heaters, dryers, kitchen ranges, or other open flame appliances. Normally the gases generated by burning are vented safely outside the house, however blocked vents or not enough oxygen to the burners can quickly cause elevated levels of CO.<br><br>The best defense is a good offense.<br><br>Check your fireplaces &amp; wood stoves for closed or blocked flues. <br><br>Have a qualified chimney sweep (find one at www.csia.org) inspect chimneys and vents yearly for cracks, blockages (e.g., bird's nests, twigs, old mortar), corrosion or holes. <br><br>If you want to enclose a furnace or water heater in a smaller room make sure there is plenty of combustion air available.<br><br>Have a Heating &amp; Air Conditioning contractor check your fuel burning appliances, before cold weather sets in. Make sure they are in working order. <br><br>If you have a downdraft cooktop, such as a Jenn-Aire, or a powerful kitchen ventilation fan over the stove, make sure make sure it doesn't pull fumes back down your wood stove flue or chimney. <br><br>Don't use gas or propane cooking stoves or ovens to heat your home. <br><br>Don't use barbecue grills inside the garage or house. Not even charcoal grills.<br><br>Open your garage door before starting the car in the garage. Back the car out of the garage right away and close the door. Not doing so can draw fumes into the house. Nor should you use a remote starter if the car is in the garage.<br><br>Don't run gasoline engines in a garage or house.<br><br>Don't use a kerosene fueled space heater in a garage or house. If you absolutely have to, make sure there is plenty of ventilation and combustion air by opening windows or doors. When you have to put more fuel in the heater, cool it down first and take it outside to refuel. <br><br>Clean the ductwork for the gas clothes dryer regularly. Also check it for blockage by snow, plants or lint. <br><br>CO is sneaky. CO hurts you by rapidly accumulating in the blood stream which depletes the bloods ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. Even at low levels, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems.<br><br>Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, i.e. headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizzy spells, etc. If you may have been exposed to CO and feel like the flu bug bit you, you should also ask your doctor to check you for CO poisoning. <br><br>Battery powered and electrically connected CO detectors are available that can detect CO at levels as low as .01 percent. <br><br>Follow the manufacturer's recommendations in placing &amp; testing CO detectors. They are generally placed near sleeping areas and the home's furnace.<br><br>Most manufacturers recommend testing CO Detectors weekly and replacing them every five years. Just like smoke detectors, they wear out and fail.<br><br>How Should You Respond to a CO Alarm?<br><br>DO NOT IGNORE the CO Detector's alarm if it sounds. CO Detectors should sound an alarm before a healthy adult feels any effects from CO. Treat each alarm seriously.<br><br>Get everyone, including pets, out of the house. Count heads to make sure everyone is out.<br><br>If flu like symptoms are present, call 911. If there are no health problems call your heating contractor, gas company or fire department to have your house tested.<br><br>DO NOT ventilate your home, reset the CO detector, or turn off fuel burning appliances unless it s an apartment, duplex or other multifamily type home. If it is, the safety of your neighbors is more important than finding the CO source. (Many CO alarms have been designated false alarms because the homeowner ventilated the home and turned off the fuel burning equipment before the source could be traced.)<br><br>DO NOT go back in the home until the testing technician tells you that it is safe to do so.<br><br>If you need a CO Detector and you have it, you'll be glad you had it.<br><br>If you need a CO Detector and don't have it, you may never know the difference, but your relatives will!<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fire Extinguishers<br></span></strong><br>Neither one extinguisher nor one type of extinguisher is adequate to protect your home. In a three bedroom home with a basement and a garage, I recommend that you have at least four extinguishers. <br><br>One Class B extinguisher (meant for grease, gas &amp; other flammable liquids) in the kitchen.<br>Don't keep it to close to the stove. You don't want to reach into a fire to get the extinguisher.<br><br>One Class A extinguisher (meant for wood, cloth, paper, plastics, etc) in the garage.<br><br>One Class A extinguisher near the bedrooms.<br><br>One Class A extinguisher in the basement.<br><br>Only try to fight minor blazes. If it becomes a serious fire, GET OUT! Call 911 from a neighbor's house.<br><br>Fire Escape Plan<br><br>Draw your homes floor plan being sure to include all doors and windows.<br><br>Determine at least two exits from every room.<br><br>Make sure every person living in the home is familiar with the fire escape plan.<br><br>Designate a meeting place outside the house so you can easily determine that everybody made it out. (Some mommies, daddies &amp; firefighters have been seriously injured or killed trying to get back in to a house to get a child who was already out of the house.)<br><br>Place fire ladders in rooms that are to far above ground to jump. <br><br>Practice your fire escape plan at least once a year.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:28:22 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1362152/is-your-home-as-fire-safe-as-you-can-make-it- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1359689/thousands-of-arizona-s-flood-prone-homes-lack-flood-insurance- <h1>Thousands of Arizona's Flood-Prone Homes Lack Flood Insurance<a name="content">&nbsp;</a> </h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>PHOENIX , Ariz. -- Despite last summer's severe monsoons and the threat of impending El Ni&ntilde;o storms, only 21 percent of the homes and other buildings at high risk for flooding in Arizona are covered by flood insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).</p> <p>FEMA makes flood insurance available to participating communities through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).</p> <p>FEMA statistics showed that as of Sept. 30, Arizona had 119,010 homes and other structures in the state's floodplains, with fewer than 27,000 of these structures flood-insured.</p> <p>Statewide, 33,780 policies were in force in Arizona . Of those, 26,378 were for properties in zones with a high flood risk and the remainder in areas with lower flood risks.</p> <p>"Too often, Arizonans whose homes have flooded discover that homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage," said State Coordinating Officer Lou Trammell of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.</p> <p>"Buying flood insurance, even for people who haven't had recent flood damage, is a critical first step in protecting yourself against future disasters," said James Calacal, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for the recovery from last summer's monsoon flooding.</p> <p>Arizonans who experienced flooding found they benefited by carrying flood insurance. During the past fiscal year, NFIP paid losses to 108 Arizona policyholders for the amount of $1,620,000.</p> <p>Find more information on rates and flood risks for individual properties on <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov" target="_blank"><strong>www.floodsmart.gov. </strong></a></p> <p>FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:35:36 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1359689/thousands-of-arizona-s-flood-prone-homes-lack-flood-insurance- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1355451/construction-market-to-increase-11-in-2010 <p>Gains in housing and public works will offset declines in commercial and manufacturing building</p> <p><strong>October 16, 2009 </strong>-<a href="http://construction.com/"> McGraw-Hill Construction</a>, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), today released its <a href="http://construction.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0249-323417_ITM_analytics?referid=10124" target="_blank">2010 Construction Outlook</a>, a mainstay of business planning for construction and manufacturing executives, which forecasts an increase in overall U.S. construction starts for next year. Due to improvement for housing from extremely low levels and broader expansion for public works, the level of construction starts in 2010 is expected to climb 11% to $466.2 billion, following the 25% decline predicted for 2009.</p> <p>"The U.S. construction market in 2010 will be helped by growth for several sectors, following three straight years of decline that brought total construction activity down 39% from its mid-decade peak," said Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, addressing more than 300 construction executives and professionals at the 71st annual <a href="http://construction.com/events/outlook2010/default.asp">Outlook 2010 Executive Conference</a> in Washington today. "The benefits from the stimulus act will broaden in scope, lifting not just highway construction but also environmental public works and several institutional structure types. With continued improvement expected for single family housing, after reaching bottom earlier this year, the overall level of construction activity should see moderate expansion in 2010."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh wouldn't it be great if it was like 04' and 05' again.... I tend to review "<a href="http://buildinfo.com/" target="_blank">The Construction Monitor"</a> for more accurate reporting here in our area though.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>read the full article.... <a href="http://www.construction.com/AboutUs/2009/1016pr.asp" target="_blank">http://www.construction.com/AboutUs/2009/1016pr.asp</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/2/7/7/ar13654671077271.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="769">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://targetbuildinginspections.com" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspection</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspectors.com" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspectors</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.az-home-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Home Inspector</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.commercial-building-inspections.com/" target="_blank">Commercial Building Inspections</a></p> </div> Ben Schern - AZ Home Inspector (Target Building Inspections LLC) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:10:33 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1355451/construction-market-to-increase-11-in-2010