LUCKY TO BE ALIVE!

There are few times in life when we have a close call and say to ourselves “I am lucky to be alive.” The following account was written by one of our inspectors as a safety alert to our field staff. We thought his words might be worthy of your attention.

“ I arrived for an inspection at a manufactured home that had been vacant for 8 months. You know the story … no gas, no water, and electric turned off. Of course, the first thing the agent and client asked is … ‘can you turn the gas, water, and electric on ?’ My response was an apologetic, but firm ‘NO’, followed by the explanation of safety concerns, insurance restrictions, etc. Seemingly understanding, they asked me to go ahead and do the structural, roof, interiors, crawl space and other portions of the inspection, and we arranged to return when the utilities were turned on to finish the inspection.
FAST FORWARD … To the next visit: With the agent arriving just before I did, he said all the utilities are turned ON, the house is open and he had to run to another appointment and would be back soon. I started the process of checking the electrical system. Just as I started to open the service panel in the utility room … BOOM. Fire shot up the clothes dryer vent and out from the electrical panel. The furnace door went flying past my head and I was knocked across the room. Instinctively, I ran through the kitchen and living room to my truck grabbed a wrench and dashed to turn the main gas supply off. Gas off, flames coming out of the skirting vents, I grabbed the fire extinguisher and emptied it on the main flames, then called 911.

I stayed at the seen and worked with the fire investigator. We learned later, that the agent turned the gas and water valves ON just before I arrived to re-inspect.

Long story made short … The furnace had a “T” to the clothes dryer. When the clothes dryer was disconnected, the open end of the gas line was shoved under the sub-floor into the belly barrier. When the gas was turned on, gas flowed under the home filling the crawl space. Then the furnace ignited giving spark to all the gas under the home. (Good thing the home had earthquake straps or I would have needed a pilot’s license.) I never did smell any gas odors. Needless to say, I’m leading my entry into vacant homes now with my gas detector !“

As you might suspect, the agent has been spending some time with attorneys and insurance investigators lately. Be careful, be smart … and don’t be a hero. Let qualified professionals de-winterize these properties.

BrickKicker Home Inspection Celebrates 20 years.

June 2009 calls for a proud celebration in the world of the BrickKicker.

We’re going to dress up a birthday cake with colorful frosting, glittering sprinkles and 20 glowing candles. Each candle represents a year of our company’s mission to serve the home buying process … and with each flicker of the flames, we will readily account for a lesson learned, challenge met, or an inspection mystery solved.

Founded in Naperville, IL, we humbly rolled up our sleeves, dug in and exceeded the initial expectations of our clients and customers. We lit our first candle in 1990, just as the real estate market was rebounding from record high interest rates through the 80’s, and as property values were back on the rise. Steadily, the home inspection industry was achieving its initial stripes of credibility thus, earning baby steps toward becoming a ‘standard option’ to the transaction process.

Meantime, The BrickKicker implemented an innovative business strategy, while simultaneously refining the craft of performing trusted inspections. In turn, we enjoyed a generous market share locally, gaining a bit of wisdom every day. Our most prized rewards however, came from those we served and sharing a few treasured moments as they glowed with the excitement that only new homeowners can.

Within a few years, our ambition was captured by a national vision … we started franchising in 1995. Still, with a ‘roll up our sleeves’ philosophy; we imparted our vision of service to enthusiastic entrepreneurs across the country who shared a similar commitment. Today, our brand stretches across 23 states and has become a symbol of professional excellence and service quality.

If the past is a barometer of the future, we expect each and every BrickKicker to be instrumental in lighting a new candle each year, for another 20 years. Here’s to them, to you and to all of the great friends we’ve met along the way. Many thanks for the rewarding memories represented by each of those candles.

OK, they’re all lit. Let’s take a deep breath and … !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron

The BrickKicker Invites Your Client To...Come Home.

We've always believed our service offers more than a paper report containing check marks of how an item might be measured with a comment related to its condition or operation. One should expect more value from our time together at the inspection ... and, of course, we are ever-persistent in realizing that result.

Some might ask why? ... why is it an integral part of our philosophy to extend ourselves beyond the minimum standard of service as we do our work? Well, it's just very simple. We believe homebuyers are just that ... HOMEbuyers - not housebuyers.

Now, we realize that, at first, the objective is to find the right house. Yes, it's got to be in the right location, offer enough space and be a good fit overall. When the right one comes along ... "it's a dream house". So, when does this house become a home? Well, maybe it's a bit presumptuous, but we believe in many cases this magical transition occurs during the inspeciton; that is, IF the inspection is more than an inspection.

As we work our way thought the inspection process, our clients begin to capture an appreciation for the house and its various systems. They become educated in a variety of cause / effect conditions while understanding its construction character. Sharing this time in a cordial and consultative manner helps the buyer begin to visualize this house being their home. So that's why ... it's part of the reward of our profession ... we've enjoyed waching thousands of our clients arrive at the house for an inspection and somewhere in the process noticing that they have Come Home. Maybe it is magic. Magic or not, we believe in the possibilities that our work makes a difference.

CHINESE DRYWALL

Frequently Asked Questions Associated With Drywall

Imported From China

Source: Virginia Health Department

How do I know if I have Chinese drywall in my home ?

Most drywall from China is labeled “Made in China.” However, it is possible that drywall from China may not have any markings. It is also possible that a home could contain both drywall made in the U.S. and drywall made in China. Homes that contain Chinese drywall were built after 2003 and meet two of the following criteria:

• The presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors.
• Drywall labeled “Made in China”.
• Observed copper corrosion, indicated by black, sooty coating of un-insulated copper pipe leading to the air-conditioning unit. *

Professional confirmation / documentation of premature corrosion of air conditioning evaporator coils.

* Note: Freon, an agent commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning units may leak due to corrosion of the lines. Leaks common to this application do not typically pose any severe health risks.

Does Chinese drywall pose a health risk ?

Having Chinese drywall in your home does not mean you will certainly see effects on your property or health; however, preliminary data indicates that some lots of Chinese drywall emit gases that contain sulfur and other chemicals. These gases smell like rotten eggs and may irritate the respiratory system. Additionally, Chinese drywall is not known to cause any additional immediate or chronic health problems.

Some of the gases emitted from Chinese drywall can corrode metals, particularly copper. Corroded metals such as brass fittings, copper coils, and electrical wires may pose an immediate health risk because it could cause gas pipes to leak. NOTE: If you suspect you have a natural gas leak, contact your local gas company immediately. An extended safety issue would result as corroded electrical wires may cause smoke and carbon monoxide detectors not to function.

How can I treat my home if it is affected by Chinese drywall ?

There is currently no remedy other than complete removal and replacement of the drywall. Painting the drywall or using ozone generators or other masking agents/equipment are not effective remedies.

Who do I contact for more information on Chinese drywall ?

We would encourage anyone interested in more information on Chinese drywall to contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission via its toll-free consumer hotline: 800-638-2772.


Source: Excerpt from the Virginia Department of Health, (804)864-8182

Brick Notes: A Series of Informational Flyers Designed To Educate Our Customers and Clients.

8 Simple Ways to Prepare A Home for Spring

Warmer weather is approaching and it’s time to take action and get ready for new growth outside and a gentle breeze inside. Here are a few things to consider as we all prepare to enjoy the change of season.

Exterior

• Freshen up those areas around trees and shrubs with some new mulch cover; it will also help retain some moisture from the Spring rains.
• Rake in some new dirt/seed mix across those settling areas of your yard; over time you’ll notice a leveling effect.
• Clean and sweep around the exterior of windows and doors eliminating dirt blowing in as you open up the house with warmer weather approaching.
• Sweep and clear the area around the air conditioner unit; it should be unobstructed for optimal efficiency.

Interior

• Time to re-accessorize with fresh flowers replacing the silks, lighter looking shelf décor, sheers and possibly a switch of rugs to send a spring message.
• Re-direct the view from furniture being arranged toward the mantel to take advantage of the outdoor view of the garden or yard.
• Clean out the fireplace chamber, supply vents, closets areas that capture the winter dust and debris.
• Pick a room a week, starting with the kitchen and give it a ‘detail’ cleaning; you’ll have a clean sweep before you know it.

“Let The Sun Shine In”

Pre-Listing Inspections Makes '"CENTS"

Congratulations, on your decision to sell your home. As you have already discovered, selling your home can be an intimidating task, but with the right amount preparation and attention to detail, you can maximize your house value and minimize your market time.

IT IS A FACT:
“HOMES THAT SELL THE FASTEST, ALSO SELL FOR THE MOST MONEY”
In today’s housing market, buyers can afford to be choosy. A pre-listing inspection provides you with some powerful advantages that can help set the stage for a fast, successful sale. Afterall, the elements that motivate a fast transaction are the same elements that sell homes for top dollar.

A Pre-listing inspection makes “Cents”
Each year thousands of homeowners needlessly lose thousands of dollars when selling their home. But they don’t lose the money for reasons you might think. This money is lost because they unknowingly “left it on the table”…. for the buyer to pocket. Simply put, they failed to recognize the hidden profit potential in their home. Some homeowners never discover that certain small, inexpensive repairs to their existing home can generate many times their cost in additional home value. A pre-listing home inspection puts you, the home seller, in control of the transaction by providing a value added benefit to your property with proof of the home’s condition. It helps promote assurance and trust to your prospects that a qualified professional has inspected your home. A pre listing inspection will help you decide to correct problems or to adjust your sales price to reflect the estimated repairs. Buyers do not like surprises; it makes sense to eliminate any unnecessary complications in the selling process.

In this competitive market, you want to position your home in the most favorable light. Having a pre-listing inspection report available with highlighted repairs can be used as a selling tool when buyers come to visit. Being pro-active allows you the time to make the necessary repairs without the last minute complications and emotional stress associated with the negotiation process. Think about it.... it makes "cents" in the end.

Prepping for a Foreclosed / Vacation Home Inspection

A foreclosure home may offer a great investment opportunity for a home buyer/investor with the resources and knowledge to professionally renovate the property; however, it will present some unique challenges when the time comes to inspect the property. Typically, these homes have been vacant for long periods of time and are sold in “as is” condition. In many cases, the homes have been found to have deferred maintenance issues from the previous owner. The lack of physical resources to perform general maintenance on a home for an extended period of time can result in a significant amount of qualified deficiencies. Even the best of home inspectors can miss damage that is NOT apparent, but may be lurking behind walls and under floor coverings. Leaking water, vermin activity, and rot can occur in areas not visible to even the most thorough inspector without tearing out walls, etc. Additionally, we have seen acts of intentional sabotage; whereby, the previous owner carries a desire for revenge and a poor attitude of: “if I can’t have it, no one will”. All this being said, preparing for and performing the home inspection on these properties introduces some new challenges for the Realtor, buyer and the home inspector.

The main issues in preparing the home for the inspection are:

• Verification That The Utilities Are "ON" Inside The Home Since these homes have been vacant for an extended period of time, a bank will shut off all the utilities at the street and the home may be winterized. This means that the water has been turned off inside the home and the water pipes have been drained, toilets have been flushed, and antifreeze may have been poured into the sinks, tub/shower, toilet bowls and tanks. If the property has a hot water heater, this has also been completely drained. In order to perform a full inspection, all utilities must be operational inside the home. The utility companies should be notified and any unsettled disputes of monies owed may be the responsibility of the new owner. Once this is completed, the main shut-offs inside the home should be turned on by insured, qualified professionals (plumber/electrician, handyman etc.) It is strongly recommended that the buyer or Realtor do not accept this responsibility, as there is an exposure to liability in the event of a system failure. Finally, know that few inspectors are willing to take on the risk of being the one who “turned on” the trouble.
• Access to Locked Areas Be certain that prior to the inspection you can gain access to all locked storage areas, garages and out-buildings. Access to these areas is necessary to perform a complete inspection. At best, the inspector will report these areas as “inaccessible” or “not visible”, leaving the client hanging out to dry with regards to what surprises might be hidden.

Your client will be best served by careful planning and preparation in securing the ability to inspect the home properly… if that means a delay of a couple days, so be it … after all, fewer surprises, will generate future referrals. GOOD SELLING !!