U.S. Inspect Blog

Inspector Profile: David Rothbart

Bill Zoller — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:31 +0000

Every day hundreds of homes are inspected across the USA by our employee inspectors. We want to recognize the work they do and to allow you to become more familiar with the U.S. Inspect home inspectors you may encounter. Meet David Rothbart, one of the inspectors on our Northern Virginia area inspection team.

Let our readers know just what it is you like about being a home inspector. "I have a passion for the geometry in architecture. I try to make the inspection process as stress free as possible. My job, as an inspector, is to educate the client to help them understand both the material defects and the good things about the property they are purchasing. In the process, they learn about the major systems associated with the property as well as how to operate and maintain mechanical components."

What do you prefer to do when not inspecting? "When I am not working, my wife and I love to travel. We have been to many countries around the world, as well as over 30 cruises (and growing). I enjoy cooking, wine tasting, physical fitness, Ghi Gong, yoga, and studying nutrition."

Who inspires you most in your life? "My children are definitely an inspiration to me. We have a married son, 28, who is a research scientist specializing in cancer, and a 24-year-old son who is a graduate student focusing in exercise science and sports administration. Our daughter-in-law is a doctoral student in physical therapy. My wife and I are so proud of all of them for the sacrifices they have made to achieve their goals in life.

I must also tell you my favorite activity is sharing my life with my wife of 35 years. We go everywhere together. She is my best friend and soul mate."

Tell us, what type of music do you like to listen to? "My favorite music is Baroque period classical, jazz, folk, and bluegrass."

Any dislikes you'd care to share? "I have a low tolerance for people who are not free thinkers. I believe that when we close our minds we will not grow as individuals."

Anything else you'd like our readers to know about David Rothbart? I'm a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. I taught children and adults at the school that I trained at for many years. I also enjoy playing the ukulele."

David's awards include Employee of the Quarter and the coveted annual Chairman's Award three times! This award is presented only to those field inspectors having achieved high revenue generation and low miss rates. Statistically speaking, they're the best performers in the company worthy of admiration.

Thank you, David, for your professionalism and dedication, serving your customers in a manner worth noting. Today we recognize you and your achievements!

To request David for your next inspection, simply request him by name when you call, or chose from the list of inspectors when ordering online.

I Heart Crawl Spaces

Paul Tooley — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:45:14 +0000

Where I do inspections, I have the great joy of going into a lot of crawl spaces. People think I'm joking when I say that I "save the best for last" but I really do like the crawls. I have only been stuck six or seven times, but have gotten out okay.

Some of the crawls are what I call "belly-crawlers", where you never get onto your hands and knees. On the other extreme is the "cathedral", where the house is built on a hill-side and one end of the crawl is hands-and-knees low, but the other is so tall you need a ladder to pull insulation around the perimeter and plumbing penetrations.

One of the most common questions I get is, "Do you see a lot of snakes? To be honest, I don't see so many snakes as snake skins (where snakes have been and shed their skins).

That can be a little spooky, because you know the snake has been there but not when and not if it is still there. I can live with the snakes and the spiders (yeah, I see LOTS of those too).

What I really don't like is when I start finding evidence of warm-blooded animal life - namely cats. Now I like cats, but when a cat (or cats) get into a crawl space, they usually pick an area for the litter box and it's rarely a nice isolated corner. It's worse than low-crawling through the minefield in Fort Benning. What is even more obnoxious is when you run into an animal that has expired.

They can spook you too; especially if you are lucky enough to be in a "belly-crawler" and you come around a corner or support pier and meet the dead animal face to face. That can get your heart to racing. But, luckily, only for a while. Then you move back a few feet, take a picture, make note of its location, then continue on with the inspection.

Time to Get to Know Your Attic

Bill Zoller — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:08:51 +0000

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. This might be a stretch, but have you thought about the affection you give your home? How about your attic?

All too often upon encountering an attic hatch sealed with paint, an inspector will immediately sense he's about to enter virgin territory. When later asked about the attic, homeowners may respond with, "Never had any reason to go up there..." or, "Didn't think it was safe."

While the second response may be true for the inexperienced, we do recommend homeowners become aware and comfortable with what goes on in their attics. Just like so many of the components of one's house, the attic plays a strategic role in the home's overall condition in terms of structural stability, energy efficiency, and fire safety.

The attic will always reveal a great deal about the house. It's usually one of the last places to be repaired or renovated during the life of the home. But quite interestingly, the history of the house, while not obvious at other locations, can frequently be understood when viewing the attic.

Here's some things every homeowner should get to know about his or her attic:

Is my attic adequately insulated? Your homes geographic location will determine the proper amount of insulation. You might need an energy audit. Click here to decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional.
Is my attic properly ventilated? Moisture is common in attics and needs to be exhausted to the atmosphere. Otherwise, you are at risk for a whole host of problems ranging from delaminating roof sheathing, water streaks on interior walls, and rotting of wood framing. Moisture and attic temperature have a corollary relationship as well. Generally speaking, your attic temperature should be no more than 10-15F degrees higher than the outside air temperature. Your home's location, square footage of the attic, and the slope of the roof all dictate the amount of ventilation required.
Are there kitchen or bath exhaust fans terminating in the attic? These are unwanted sources of moisture and need to be redirected to the exterior.
Are there any issues with structural members? Inspecting your rafters and trusses for cracked, broken, and sagging sections is part of every attic visit. Should you see something you think is out of place, take a picture and discuss with a professional.
Is the roof decking plywood or OSB? What is its condition? Is it warped, water stained, or deteriorated? Does it appear to have been painted over or is it discolored? Many insurance companies will not replace roofs for interior fires, instead authorizing payment only for repainting smoke damaged framing and decking.
Do I know the location of electrical junction boxes, outlets, or switches in my attic? Are they installed properly, with covers? What is the type of wiring present? For older homes, do you know if you have multiple types of wiring. Some aged wiring, like Knob and Tube, is a fire safety issue and should be removed, not just replaced.
Has the metal chimney flue or furnace vent been relocated? Inspect this area for proper clearance between the flue or vent and adjacent wood framing. Typically, a 2-inch minimum is required. Anything less is a fire safety issue and exposes the wood to spontaneous combustion.
Have you checked for a radon vent pipe? Builders these days are installing passive radon vent pipes during construction. One of these installed in your home may save you precious dollars if a radon mitigation system need be installed.
Lastly, have you noticed signs of pests or vermin? Squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, skunks, and mice are all very common in attics across the US. Never attempt to remove or eradicate a live animal without professional help. They can be very dangerous when cornered.

There you have it. Your attic understood. Also, it goes without saying (but we'll say it in the interest of safety), always remember to use caution when ascending or descending that ladder or stairs into the attic area.

Questions? Talk to us at U.S. Inspect. We'll be glad to assist.

Find out what can happen if you don't follow the advice above: What's Wrong With This Picture?

What's Wrong With This Picture? Disconnected Venting

Bill Zoller — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:29:36 +0000

Answer: Serious Breach at Crawlspace

Look very closely at the top center of the picture and you will begin to notice a disconnected venting pipe. Understand, this is an active exhaust vent for a gas fired, hot water boiler heating system. Further scan the photograph and you will notice charred insulation, darkened framing materials, and moisture stained concrete. All signs of a very serious problem needing immediate attention.

Our inspector, upon noticing this defect while the heating system was firing, immediately measured the carbon monoxide (CO) levels and found them to be in excess of 250 parts per million (PPM) and rising, before he exited! Put in perspective, 50 PPM is the maximum allowable continuous exposure permitted over any 8-hour period, according to OSHA.

The dangers here are all too apparent. Sickness or death from CO inhalation and a great potential for a sudden house fire are two of the immediate concerns. Fortunately this was a vacant house and the buyers chose to have an inspection done before completing the transaction. Smart move.

I've also added another picture below of the exit point at the exterior for this venting configuration. It doesn't get any better.

The very position of the vent will not allow full and complete purging of the vent system. Back pressure is likely, further restricting the exhaust gases and further pushing those same deadly gases back into the residence.

Thank you Bill Sonterre of our Denver, CO area inspection team for this alert and life saving catch. We appreciate your attention to detail.

Groundhog Day

Chrissy Doremus — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:01:12 +0000

When it comes to caring for your home, do you ever feel like you do the same things over and over and over again? It may seem like you are diligently attending to the needs of your property, but could you be working smarter instead of harder?

When you are performing maintenance tasks around the house, in many cases there is a fix--and then there's a solution. The fix often only involves treating and repairing the symptom of a problem. And when we simply fix the issues around our homes, we often find ourselves back out to do the same task next month or next year because we never really solved the root problem.

So in honor of Groundhog Day (and as a tribute to one of my favorite movies), here are some of my personal household "repeat offenders." If you have some of the same issues around your place, this time try the root fix, and break the cycle for good!

My dishwasher smells. You keep running sanitizing cycles, flushing with vinegar, cleaning the rubber seals, you've even occasionally used a scented powder pack like we've suggested on this blog to deodorize and refresh your washer. But have you cleared debris from around the drain? Did you know that you can remove the grate at the bottom of the washer? You can. You'll need to unplug the washer for safety and be careful not to drop any screws as you work. Here are some great how to instructions.
My sink gets clogged/is slow to drain. You use drain cleaner regularly to keep your sink drain clear and functional. But if you don't want to keep buying chemicals over and over again, you might want to delve a little deeper into the problem (pun intended). One thing that is often overlooked is habits. (Click here for some Do's and Don'ts). Anyone using the sink should remember not to rinse debris, nail clippings, strands of hair, or hair gel down the drain. I had a habitually slow sink drain in my master bath, and since my husband and I don't normally use it at the same time, I actually didn't know that he had been trimming his beard into the sink. Now, he uses old newspaper and the clippings go in the trash--voila! That sink no longer clogs.
I am constantly repairing water erosion in my yard. Do you spend much of the fall and spring fixing bare spots in the lawn, replacing mulch in flower beds, repairing and replacing decorative borders and wood elements around your yard due to water erosion and damage? I did too...until I happen to observe my yard from an upstairs window during a rainstorm. It helped me to notice that I had a huge grading and water drainage issue. When I took the time to redirect the water properly, the other issues melted away.

What are some of the solutions you've found around your house--after weeks, months or even years of fixes that didn't work long-term? We'd love to hear them! (And save ourselves from a Groundhog Day nightmare of our own).

Home Maintenance and Latest Technology? Check Out A Home Show

Bill Zoller — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:41 +0000

This past weekend was the Annual Home Improvement Show at the local convention center. Over 100 vendors participated. As expected, there were booths showing off new technology, booths with improved products, and lots of marketing from them all!

Four items that caught my attention I've listed below. I find them interesting because I believe they are 'new' answers to old questions. They are items home inspectors encounter at a majority of inspections. These products not only provide more solutions for homeowners, but more options to be discussed with inspectors. And I believe that's a good thing with all parties involved when the topic of home maintenance or home inspection is being discussed!

Tired of cleaning gutters? Not feeling that comfortable on the ladder? Have you tried gutter 'solutions' only to be disappointed in their performance? One of the most common situations encountered during inspections is clogged gutters and downspouts which lead to basement and crawlspace water issues. A relatively new product called LeafGuard by Englert is making it's way into residential construction. Marketed as the "Only One Piece Covered Gutter System In America", the product works on the principle of liquid (water) adhesion to a curved design that runs down, around, and under the gutter top, only allowing water into the gutter trough, but not debris. Referred to as a debris shedding gutter system, it's touted as one piece seamless, heavy duty aluminum, wider and thicker than conventional gutter systems, guaranteed to keep out leaves, pine needles, and other organic debris, and has a paint finish warranty. Might be worth looking into.
Have you ever experienced interior water damage while you were away from home? For years now, many commercial businesses have used electronic and wireless technology to alert them to potentially damaging water breaks and leaks. The technology will allow an alarm to be tripped and water supply shut off. This idea is now making it's way into the residential market. Knowing that water claims represent a huge insurance industry dollar loss, it's not surprising this idea is being moved into the home. One leak detection system represented was WaterTell.com. The base product includes a sensing cable, audible alarm, and switch activation feature to cease the supply of water. Sensors can be placed at refrigerators, hose bibs inside exterior walls, dishwashers, sump pumps, or any place that may be subject to water leaks. An entire electronic network can be constructed applicable to your home, your rental, your vaction condo. I believe this may be standard contruction in the home of the future.
What about those unsightly and fogged 10 year old vinyl windows at the south and west sides of your home? Now there is a solution; Glass Guru. Apparently, technology has progressed to the point of being able to restore rather than replace your dual or triple pane vinyl windows. The process involves drilling a small hole at opposing corners, cleaning the glass between the panes, and resealing the window for a like new appearance, and all at a fraction of the cost of replacing windows. The R-value is restored and their claim is the window is permanently repaired. Fogged windows (at least one) is common to almost every home inspected older than 10 years.
No home show would be complete without leading edge, energy saving, green products. Solatube was on site this day showing off their "Breakthrough Technology for High Performance" daylighting system. The idea is to capture daylight energy and transfer into the home, eliminating the need to operate electric lighting during the daylight hours. The components can be purchased in various sizes and lengths with multiple features, including add-ons like ventilation, dimmers, and lighting kits. Products come in a variety of applications; flat, curb mounted, wood shake or clay tile use. Everyone has a place in their house where they could use a little more light. This might just be the ticket.

I could go on. I didn't even mention the new window well covers, lightweight, clear, and support up to 800 pounds! Isn't technology great! Thanks for reading.

Home Security Checklist

Bill Zoller — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:12:32 +0000

A somewhat common discovery while conducting home inspections is the easy accessibility into homes through unlocked windows and doors! Frequently, I will find multiple windows and doors left open or unsecured. Usually it's vacant homes, but even occupied homes (homeowner not present) are also commonly found to be easily accessible.

I must admit, sometimes it's a little uncomfortable entering a vacant house whose access didn't require a key. The thought in the back of my mind lingers, "Should I be expecting an unwanted visitor taking advantage of a vacant house?" When having such a thought, I proceed very carefully until I know the environment is safe. I'm very loud, usually repeating over and over, "Hello, anybody home!?"

Homeowners, realtors, and property managers must be diligent about knowing, without a doubt, the home they are responsible for is absolutely secure when they are not present.

Here are some suggestions for keeping the property safe and secure:

Exterior single hinged entry doors are best served with two locks; a door handle keyed lock and a dead bolt lock, keyed only on the exterior. Many new homes only come with a door handle lock.
When installing or replacing windows, consider windows that automatically lock when closed. Frequently, I find windows at the basement or first floor of the home unlocked because the latch was not manually secured at the time the window was closed. Garage door windows are notoriously unsecured.
Exterior sliding glass doors can be prevented from opening by installing track clips or door brace at the interior.
Garage doors should not be allowed to be opened freely from the exterior. If you don't have an automatic garage door opener, the door should be secured with the manufacturers keyed door handle lock. If not working, then a padlock at the interior should be considered.
Pet doors need to be firmly secured from the inside. I can tell you from personal experience, I have on occasion entered a home by going through the pet door.
Older homes frequently have open access to the attic through an exterior opening at the 2nd level. These openings should be latched or secured from the interior of the attic. Don't leave anything around the yard that could make entry into the upper level easier like ladders or lawn furniture.
Many homes will have security system signage posted in plain sight either with a sign in the yard or decal on the window observable to approaching traffic or persons.

This blog post was sponsered by our friends at ADT:

Consequences of High Radon Levels

Bill Zoller — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:49:10 +0000

It's purely coincidential that we're wrapping up National Radon Action Month and I'm sitting down to write this blog post ... after having radon tested a nearby home that returned a reading of 171.9 pic/L! Remember 4.0 pci/L is the EPA recommended level for mitigation. As I sat down to log my thoughts on this unusually high reading, I received an email of a YouTube video published by the Minnesota Department of Health on the dangers of radon.

Before you think you've heard enough about Radon, stop for a moment and watch this video. It's the heart-wrenching story of a wife and mother, who never smoked and was extremely healthy, yet died of Stage 4 lung cancer at age 58. The high levels of radon in the home--40 times greater than allowed by the EPA--have since been attributed to her premature death. It wasn't until after she passed away, the actual levels became known.

I applaud the State of Minnesota for getting the word out to its residentents in this manner.

The home with the high reading I recently inspected was occupied by two adults, both non-smokers, mid-60's, and both currently experiencing health issues. When it was confirmed how extreme the radon air level was, we decided to test the well water. It came back at 5000 pci/L! Needless to say, the homeowners were alarmed and very concerned. They have now left the home, moved to another location and a contractor has been hired to mitigate both the air and water levels.

Remember, radon is odorless, invisible, tasteless, and can only be detected by testing, active or passive. Regardless, everyone should have their living area tested.

Contact your local state or municipal government for more information. Many local municipalities have testing kits available for a nominal fee. Don't wait a day longer. You and your families health may be at risk.

You may also contact U.S. Inspect at 888-874-6773 or find us online at www.usinspect.com. We're very likely to have an inspector in your area that would be happy to conduct a highly accurate test, using the same great technology which we helped develop for the industry over the years.

High Radon Reading? Now What? - A Video

Phil Halpin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:26:15 +0000

In honor of Radon Action Month we're adding a few more short and sweet videos about Radon to the Video Library in our Agent Resource Center. We already defined Radon, talked about how it can kill you, and discussed testing options, so this one tells you what to do next when you have a high reading. Feel free to reuse on your blogs and websites.

So you have a high Radon reading? Now what? Before thinking about leaving the real estate transaction, or beginning the Radon mitigation process, the first step is to take a confirmation reading. This short video explains the process.

Inspector Profile: Dana Aderman

Bill Zoller — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:28:18 +0000

Every day, across the country, hundreds of homes are inspected by our employees in the field. We believe it’s important to recognize the work they do, and to allow you to become more familiar with the inspector you may encounter. Today, we'd like to introduce Dana Aderman, of our Colorado Springs, Colorado inspection team for U.S. Inspect.

Tell us what you like about being a home inspector? "I like that I'm not restricted to a desk job. I have never had one and probably couldn’t sit still long enough to be good at one. (This interview is taking more time than I like.) I also enjoy inspecting homes and working with buyers in ‘solving the mystery of the house’, looking for all the clues that are trying to tell me about what is going on, or has gone on within this home. I find after doing this job for 10 yrs, I'm still learning not only about home systems in general, but how each home is independent, and has developed a personal story over the years. I am constantly learning what it needs to keep performing the way it was designed."

What do you do when you're not inspecting homes? "My wife says that I really don’t have much of a life outside of US Inspect. (Maybe you shouldn't print that!) I do enjoy being outdoors, hiking and biking in the Summer and snowshoeing in the Winter. I'm trying to get into fly fishing, but finding it takes time to become good at it. I also like to work on cars, fixing them and maintaining them. Getting away to our property in the mountains and enjoying some peace & quiet is always in the back of my mind.'

Who inspires you most in your life? "Bill McCartney, Promise Keepers Founder. In the past, Teddy Roosevelt. Most recently I have admired Tim Tebow for being willing to share his faith in the face of adversity."

What's your favorite quote or music you enjoy most? "My favorite quote is scripture from Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”. Music for me is to be enjoyed. I have found I truly appreciate much Classical Music, especially JS Bach & Mozart."

Any dislikes you'd care to share with our audience? "Political correctness and intolerance."

Any closing thoughts you'd like to share about Dana Aderman? "Nope, that's more than enough, but thanks for taking the time. Are you really going to print this?"

Dana would be the last one to tell you about his consistent top performace year after year. This profile would not be complete without letting our readers know he has received the prestigious Chairman's Award every year since 2004! This award is only given to the elite performers in the company with high production numbers and low miss rates. In other words, a recipient of this award has less than a 2% company payout total for all the inspections compiled in a year's time. Absolutely worth recognizing! Thank you Dana!

Oh, and did I mention he was nominated for BC of the Year in 2006 and 2011? Reading his customer and realtor comments is an inspiration and a model to be followed. As an inspector myself, I am truly amazed and humbled by his success.

Today, we recognize Dana Aderman as a first class inspector, and top notch individual. Thank you sincerely for the past decade of devotion and dedication. We salute you and honor your committment to serving our customers in an exemplary fashion.

To schedule Dana Aderman for your next inspection, simply request by name when you call, or choose from the list of inspectors when ordering online.