Lead paint inspection requires an EPA certification in New York State. - 09/21/09 05:50 PM
There are many inspectors who offer lead based paint inspection here on Long Island and the NYC area, but you should be aware that you must be EPA certified to test for lead based paint in the home.
When I attended the class, I was surprised at the amount of material that was covered, and the test was not easy either. Many people do not pass the test the first time around. You also need to take a refresher course every three years to keep current.
Your local paint store and the big home centers usually carry the swab test sticks, … (1 comments)

In New York state you must have a lead paint certification for testing for lead paint in homes - 09/21/09 04:33 PM
There are many inspectors who offer lead based paint inspection here on Long Island and the NYC area, but you should be aware that you must be EPA certified to test for lead based paint in the home.
When I attended the class, I was surprised at the amount of material that was covered, and the test was not easy either. Many people do not pass the test the first time around. You also need to take a refresher course every three years to keep current.
Your local paint store and the big home centers usually carry the swab test sticks, … (0 comments)

Do you store gasoline near your boiler or water heater? - 09/20/09 12:47 PM
Many people do not realize that gasoline in garages can ignite when a boiler or water heater comes on. Modern codes dictate that when a boiler is located (or relocated) in the garage that it must be at least 18 inches above the floor.
When any fuel burning equipment is located in a garage, even though it may be behind a wall, it is still in the garage. You may not keep your car there, but if a gasoline leak were to occur, it could cause an explosion. Even gas cans from lawnmowers and other equipment can be knocked over, and if … (1 comments)

Why do people train dogs to be overly-viscious? - 09/16/09 10:41 PM
I love dogs. I always make friends with them at the home inspection, unless the dog is not into it, or is over-protective. I squat down low, talk in a gentle voice, and let them sniff my hand. Once they smell a stranger, they can decide if they want to be pet or not, and I don't push it. Most times, I make a friend.
Today, I was in a house in Amityville, NY and there were two Rotweillers in cages in the yard. These dogs were dying to get a piece of me. The owner stated they only will be … (2 comments)

No, you cannot have the inspection report for free after the buyer walks away! - 09/14/09 07:59 AM
I have had this happen again to me yesterday. An agent calls me a month after a buyer walks away from a purchase wanting to procure an inspection report from me for free. I told him he needs to contact the original purchaser who's permission I need to release the report.
This agent was also not pleased to find I expect to be paid for this. His responce was 'You already got paid'. My responce is 'your seller is receiving a highly detailed report with photographs on the condition of the house that I spent a total of 5 hours working … (3 comments)

Aluminum wiring from the utility pole. - 09/10/09 10:01 PM
Many people think aluminum wiring is illegal, but in many houses this is what you find. Many (but not all) service companies will replace aluminum wiring with copper wiring. Some will not.
Many people also think any wiring from the pole and to the service meter are the responsibility of the utility company, but in many places this is not so. 
I also see that nobody even looks (when buying a home) at the wiring to and from the pole as many times it is in very, very poor condition to the point of being dangerous!
Wiring does loosen up over the years, … (0 comments)

 

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