Ahhh Springtime... Inspecting In Spring can be an adventure. For more info see us at www.stonehollow.com
Yes, while it's true most of us look forward to Spring and the wonderful changes that take place in this season except maybe losing an hour to daylight savings; Inspecting in Spring is so nice I might admit I'd do it at a discounted rate!
Spring inspections invite the imagination... think of the excitement as the trees start to bud-up you notice the pile of broken wings on the crawlspace vent...the first warm breezes begin natures prompting of a swarm of termites to try to create a new colony and freak out another homeowner. Get out the pesticides... the bugs are coming! My pest guy lets his customers know early, that the ticks are a-coming...and if you're real quiet you might hear the carpenter bee burrowing into a fresh piece of trim to lay her eggs. She'll work hard to try to expand her family unless the red headed woodpecker sees what she's doing. Nothing like the "ratatatat" of the woodpecker to give you spring fever. Do you know the signs of nature and how to report these damages?
My, what's this pile of droppings near the stalks of what were supposed to be daffodils? Who's been nibbling on the flowers of spring...now Bambi is causing homeowners to install deer fence, radio wave generators and horrible smelling sprays. As I walk some client's property checking for raw sewage breaking out of their septic I find that their dog has discovered that joy of spring as well. Glad I have purchased extra booties to put over my shoes. Do you know the telltale signs of a septic failure?
On my exterior inspection I note the mildew growing on the trim that will need pressure washing, peeling paint and blistering that will require scraping and sanding. Windows needing prep and caulking and glazing putty missing. Last winter the owner tells me, they could see through the skylight lens and now there's moisture in it. What's going on... why does everything break? Do you know how moisture gets in there? How to explain lead pain issues and mold?
I see the window well domes are cracked and the flapper on the dryer is stuck open... this'll become a birds nest for sure! But don't feel bad, spring birds will nest in the chimney, in the gable vents and just about anywhere they can around the house. Homeowners will feed the birds, who will drop seed on the ground and attract the rodents...who will frolic in the yard at night and sleep in your garage and basement during the day. Can you see the bait stations near the foundation...or the dropping in the crawlspace?
The mortar damages from a tough winter will become obvious around the brick, on the crown, and jeez look at the roof shingles. Last years branches & twig debris are still on the roof. Oh is that valley ripped? This is getting complicated. How easy it is to find the damages when the weather improves.
As you begin this new season are you ready to polish your inspecting skills, sharpen your axe, improve your services? Will you be attending our Fireplace seminars, our Mold Classes, the Termite certifications? Are you seeing all you can see when you do your inspection or offering all the services desired? Can you be making more money and earning the respect of those around you by being more skilled and frankly...smarter?
I hope so because spring is a good time to smell the opportunity that is blooming in the home inspection business it's your turn to enjoy the chance to help your client's learn more about the homes they are buying. At ITA we are gearing up with new specialty classes for the professional and more opportunities for you to do ride-alongs with some of the most respected inspectors in the profession.
We hope to see you at our upcoming classes, seminars and Expos. And don't forget to smell the roses as your doing the next inspection.
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How To Deal with some of the issues noted in the article above:
Piles of broken wings near a crawl or basement wings mean the termite colony is trying to expand secondary reproductives to go out and start a new colony. Usually poor fliers the termites head for light and search for a new food source. Often many are unsuccessful but swarms usually freak out the homeowner and the correct reaction is to consider treating the home. Most Pest control companies will install bait stations or inject termitecides around the foundation and/or borates into the sills or all of the above. Do not ignore the signs of termites and swarms.
Ticks in the yard often prosper in the rough areas. They are transported by deer and rodents. Most mice are infested with the ticks and they bring them into our environment. Lyme Disease can be the end result and this disease can be devastating. Check yourself often for ticks and warn your clients to spray 3 to 4 times in season.
Carpenter bees rarely do any structural damages but the combination of carpenter bees and woodpeckers can really do a cosmetic number on your home. Spray for the bees and know that they like unpainted trim better than painted stuff. Often the Woodpecker can be scared off with ribbons waving on the siding or a plastic own mounted in such a way as it moves with the wind.
Deer can be very annoying yet beautiful visitors. Recognize the signs of deer intrusion and do not discount the damage a few hungry deer can do. Sprays, fencing, and electronics can help save the flowers and shrubs.
Septic systems require regular maintenance. Opening the access covers and making sure the baffles are intact and in place is important every few years. While many feel the bacterial activity is consuming much of what is in a septic tank the truth be known placing hockey pucks of chlorine in a toilet and dumping all sorts of chemicals down the sink will reduce the effectiveness of a septic. We recommend they be inspected and pumped out every two years or more frequently if it is a larger family.
Dog poop is acidic and can burn the grass, pets should be walked and allowed to go in specific areas of the lawn. This requires some training. Home inspectors often find they are poop magnets !
Mold on the outside of a home is a cosmetic maintenance need and unless you are allergic to the material on your siding you should consider pressure washing the grime away using a light bleach or detergent mixture with water.
After careful cleaning and drying of surfaces we suggest to our client's they hire a person to re-seal and caulk gaps, fill in damages and re-glaze the putty around the windows. Always do appropriate prep. Before re-painting. Fill in gaps around the home and advise them to improve window well domes, to keep water out. Cleaning the dryer vent and upgrading the vent hose to metallic type will reduce the chance of a dryer fire. Fogged glass as a result of damaged seals and moisture getting in will require lens replacement and can be expensive.
Don't encourage your client's to feed the birds, or store pet food in the garage or sheds. Feeding the rodents will help convince them to visit more often.
Watch the chimney pointing, fix gaps and point up any damages. Recommend only Certified sweeps and those with skills.
Remind your clients that homes need maintenance year round and that can be costly. Tech them well how to deal with home needs and they will remember you long after when a friend or a relative needs an inspection.
And finally learn about mold, radon. And other environmental issues to make the shopping for your client a visit with an expert.
Happy Spring. Steve Gladstone
Copyright Steve Gladstone Stonehollow, Inc. 2007
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