home inspector panama city: Pet Allergens
- 01/12/10 10:29 PM
Cats and dogs produce allergens that pose a health threat to certain individuals. Modes of Transmission Cat dander consists of microscopic pieces of cat skin that have dried, flaked off and become airborne. Shed dander can land on and stick to bedding, curtains, carpeting, and other surfaces, including people's skin and clothing. It contains Fel D1, a glycoprotein found in the cat's sebaceous glands, located under their skin, and, to a lesser extent, it is found in cats' saliva and urine. Fel D1 can cause rapid allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Unlike cats, the dogs' allergen, Can F1, is found … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: CO Detector Placement
- 01/04/10 01:00 PM
CO detectors can monitor exposure levels, but do not place them: directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up; within 15 feet of heating and cooking appliances, or in or near very humid areas, such as bathrooms; within 5 feet of kitchen stoves and ovens, or near areas locations where household chemicals and bleach are stored (store such chemicals away from bathrooms and kitchens, whenever possible); in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas; in direct sunlight, or in areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors
- 01/04/10 12:57 PM
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. Facts and Figures 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning. Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including 56 deaths, and 2,157 non-fatal exposures), and in January (including 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures). The peak time of day for CO exposure is between 6 and 10 p.m. Many experts believe that CO poisoning statistics understate the problem. Because the symptoms of CO poisoning mimic a … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: What Is A Home Inspection?
- 12/29/09 06:47 AM
An inspection is essentially a “visual snapshot” of a home’s condition as it exists at the time of the inspection, and that condition is described in a comprehensive written report not a check list.
An inspection consists of a non-invasive physical examination of a home's systems, structures and components intended to identify material defects that exist at the time of the inspection. The heating and cooling equipment is activated along with operating plumbing fixtures, testing accessible electrical outlets and fixtures, and operating a representative sampling of doors and windows. A visual inspection of the roof, crawl spaces, walls and drainage … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: HOME INSPECTION SERVICES: Residential & Commercial
- 12/26/09 02:33 AM
We are distinguished by our Engineering background and by our extensive theoretical and hands-on experience with the intricacies of structural problems and environmental issues. Well-respected in our service area, we receive much of our business from word-of-mouth referral, which means a great deal to our company. HOME INSPECTOR USA corporate (Home) office in Panama City Beach services the Northwest of Florida and specifically the following cities: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield, Parker, Millville, Southport, Port St. Joe, Cape St. Blass, Chipley, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Ft. Walton Beach and surrounding areas.
Specializing: Single … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: Home Inspector - Mold Inspector - Inspection Services: Residential & Commercial ...
- 12/26/09 02:27 AM
We are the Right Choice: We are experienced, seasoned professionals (Degree Engineers) and Certified Professional Home Inspectors who have examined over thousand of properties (Residential & Commercial) for prospective buyers and sellers in our local area. We are a local "INDEPENDENT" Professional Home Inspection & Environmental (Mold testing) company working just for you and your best interest before the investment is finalized. HOME INSPECTOR USA does NOT belong to any REALTOR's Association. HOME INSPECTOR USA sets the standard for HOME INSPECTORS, MOLD INSPECTORS, COMMERCIAL INSPECTORS & MOLD testing / ALLERGENS testing Inspectors in the Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach and Mexico Beach area. Distinguished … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: Hot Water Recirculation Systems
- 12/20/09 11:54 AM
A hot water recirculation system is a plumbing system that moves hot water to fixtures quickly without waiting for the water to get hot. Rather than relying on low water pressure, common in most water lines, recirculating systems rapidly move water from a water heater to the fixtures. System Types dedicated loop: The circulation pump for this system is mounted on a pipe connected to the water heater tank down low. This is the cooler side of the loop, or the return. The hot water pipe is installed in a loop throughout the home, passing near each plumbing fixture. At each fixture, … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: C.L.U.E. Reports
- 12/15/09 12:10 PM
What is C.L.U.E.? C.L.U.E. stands for "Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange" and is a claims history database that enables insurance companies to access consumer claims information when they are underwriting or rating an insurance policy. As C.L.U.E. reports play an increasingly important role in real estate transactions, inspectors will find their clients more curious about how C.L.U.E. reports can affect them. C.L.U.E. was created in 1992 and is administered by ChoicePoint, a data aggregation company. Roughly 600 homeowners' insurers (about 90% of insurers) contribute claims data to the database. Most insurers renewing existing policies do not access C.L.U.E. reports at … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors
- 12/13/09 12:20 AM
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. Facts and Figures 480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning. Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including 56 deaths, and 2,157 non-fatal exposures), and in January (including 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures). The peak time of day for CO exposure is between 6 and 10 p.m. Many experts believe that CO poisoning statistics understate the problem. Because the symptoms of CO poisoning mimic … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: How can I prevent CO poisoning?
- 12/13/09 12:18 AM
Purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing that they meet the requirements of the new UL standard 2034 or Comprehensive Safety Analysis 6.19 safety standards. Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Have the heating system professionally inspected by an InterNACHI inspector and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections. Never service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments and when servicing fuel-burning equipment. Never operate … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: Aluminum Wiring
- 12/05/09 02:58 AM
Between approximately 1965 and 1973, aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper branch-circuit wiring in residential electrical systems due to the sudden escalating price of copper. After a decade of use by homeowners and electricians, inherent weaknesses were discovered in the metal that lead to its disuse as a branch wiring material. Although properly maintained aluminum wiring is acceptable, aluminum will generally become defective faster than copper due to certain qualities inherent in the metal. Neglected connections in outlets, switches and light fixtures containing aluminum wiring become increasingly dangerous over time. Poor connections cause wiring to overheat, creating a potential fire … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: Fire Alarm Systems
- 11/24/09 09:18 AM
Fire alarm systems are designed to protect people and their property from fire and smoke, but they cannot be relied upon unless they are routinely inspected by professionals. Regular inspection and maintenance also reduce expenses by preventing unbudgeted emergency repairs and costly false alarms. Fire Alarm Systems Can Be Damaged Fire alarm systems can be damaged in the following ways: infiltration by dust, dirt and other contaminants; vandalism; remodeling; improper maintenance; and inadequate performance of degraded electronics. How old is the system? If you can find out the age of the system, you can get a better idea of inspection requirements. Systems … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: Pest Birds
- 11/24/09 09:06 AM
Birds are graceful creatures and essential to our eco-system, but when they enter human living and working spaces, they can become pests. Commercial properties, in particular, are vulnerable to the problems associated with pest birds, their nests and their droppings. Facts and Figures An apprentice elevator mechanic obtained a $2.7 million settlement from a property owner after bird droppings caused him to slip and fall down an elevator shaft. Bird droppings contain uric acid, which, at a pH of 3 to 4.5, can eat through most building materials. Birds, like many other animals, are drawn to the scent of their own waste. Thoroughly cleaning … (1 comments)
home inspector panama city: Formaldehyde
- 11/21/09 05:21 AM
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling chemical widely used in industries that manufacture building materials and numerous household products. Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations in indoor environments. Where indoors may formaldehyde be found? •pressed-wood products (such as hardwood plywood wall paneling, particle board and fiberboard), and furniture made with these pressed-wood products. Mobile homes are especially at risk for indoor formaldehyde pollution because of their abundance of composite wood in construction, and relatively compact interior space; •carpet backing and urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). In the 1970s, many homes were insulated with UFFI as an energy-conservation measure before it was … (0 comments)
home inspector panama city: Commercial Water Towers
- 11/09/09 10:43 AM
Water towers are large, elevated water storage containers designed to hold a water supply at a height sufficient to pressurize a water distribution system. How They Work The height of the tower provides the hydrostatic pressure for the water supply system. The volume of the reservoir and the diameter of the piping regulate water pressure and flow rate. As the water level in the tank drops, a ballcock lets more water into the tank, in a design similar to a toilet, as described in greater detail in InterNACHI's article on that subject. Designs Water towers can be constructed from … (2 comments)
home inspector panama city: Attic pull-down ladders (SAFETY)
- 11/09/09 05:59 AM
Attic pull-down ladders, also called attic pull-down stairways, are collapsible ladders that are permanently attached to the attic floor. Occupants can use these ladders to access their attics without being required to carry a portable ladder. Common Defects Homeowners, not professional carpenters, usually install attic pull-down ladders. Evidence of this distinction can be observed in consistently shoddy and dangerous work that rarely meets safety standards. Some of the more common defective conditions observed by inspectors include: cut bottom cord of structural truss. Often, homeowners will cut through a structural member in the field while installing a pull-down ladder, unknowingly weakening … (0 comments)
home inspector panama city: Adjustable Steel Columns
- 10/26/09 12:49 AM
Adjustable steel columns, also known as screw jacks and beam jacks, are hollow steel posts designed to provide structural support. An attached threaded adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the height of the post. A few facts about adjustable steel columns: They are usually found in basements. In some parts of North America, adjustable steel columns are called "lally columns," although this term sometimes applies to columns that are concrete-filled and non-adjustable. They can be manufactured as multipart assembles, sometimes called telescopic steel columns, or as single-piece columns. The following are potentially defective conditions: The post is less than 3 inches in … (0 comments)
home inspector panama city: Venomous Pests: Inspectors Beware
- 10/25/09 09:51 AM
Spiders Most spiders pose no threat to humans. In fact, of the 20,000 species of spiders that inhabit the Americas, only 60 are capable of biting humans. Within that small group, only a handful of species are known to be dangerous to humans. Of these, only the brown recluse and the black widow have ever been associated with significant harm and rare reports of death. Tarantula bites, despite common fears, are not significantly more dangerous to humans than wasp stings. Black widow spiders are perhaps the most venomous spiders in North America. Identification: The female black widow is normally shiny … (3 comments)
home inspector panama city: Venomous Pests: Inspectors Beware (snakes)
- 10/23/09 12:31 AM
Snakes Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and other snakes often reside in crawlspaces with dirt floors or in a home's landscaping and drainage. Snakes are easily startled and may react aggressively toward intruders. The following snakes may be encountered during inspections: Bullsnakes are large, non-venomous snakes common in the central parts of the U.S., northern Mexico and Southern Canada. They are usually yellow in color, with brown, black or reddish colored blotching. Due to its patterns and semi-keeled scalation, the bullsnake is often mistaken for the Western Diamondback rattlesnake. The Bull snake capitalizes on this similarity by performing an impressive rattlesnake impression when threatened; the snake … (0 comments)
home inspector panama city: Venomous Pests: Inspectors Beware
- 10/23/09 12:26 AM
Venomous pests are found virtually everywhere, and inspectors risk encountering one while visiting a property. For their safety, as well as the safety of their clients, inspectors should learn how to identify venomous insects and reptiles. Bees and Wasps Bees and wasps are flying, stinging insects commonly found in and around homes throughout much of the world. Stings from these insects are normally not serious, except in people who are allergic to the venom or when large numbers of the insects attack at once. Even when they are not a serious threat, bees and wasps can be a nuisance and … (3 comments)
Cats and dogs produce allergens that pose a health threat to certain individuals. Modes of Transmission 
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