WE do Inspections in Central Florida: May 2009

Chippendale Railing is an old Georgia term associated with a type of pattern worked into the crafting of handrails for all sorts of applications.  When time allows I like to continue my education by working with skilled trades people.  Last week week I had such an opportunity.

When I arrived, Paul had a majority of the old rotting railing removed from a small sized dock in the middle of Winter Park's chain of lakes.  Paul Wilson is a long time friend and Master Carpenter.  In his field for over 25 years, he has done it all when comes to residential buildings.  I stepped up to the dock and was instructed to observe the previous work on the main house that we were going to match on this project.  Paul Wilson Carpentry, Inc. did the reconstruction of  the entire rear facade off the building five years prior.

The neat thing about this pattern is that it adjusts to the spans it has to cover.  That means that each panel is hand cut to maintain the over all "look".  LOTS of cuts and coordinated measuring and the careful use of a finish nailer, combined with skills that are hard to find create a unique pattern that enhances any property.

Once the initial pattern takes form, it gets a little "easier".  Five and half panels and a small gate later, the new railing was complete.  The painter will finish up in the next day or so.

I really enjoyed working with Paul on this project. Its nice to help create something from nothing.

Steve Edmonds

Number 10:  Let the Inspector do his job.  I don't mean stand aside and not participate or ask questions.  I mean let the inspector do their routine.  I make most of my mistakes when people pull me over to "check this out" real quick.  Have your list of "can you take a look..." ready.  If the inspector does not cover the issue, ask about it when the routine is done.

Number Eight:  Talk to the neighbors to gather any history you can on the area and the house.  When was the last major storm?  Do you remember seeing regular service vehicles?  Did you ever see the old owners working/maintaining the house?  Share your intelligence gathering with the inspector.

Number Seven:  When you book the inspection, provide the inspector with your disclosure and information sheet.  Many times agents will guard this information as a litmus test for the inspector.  The fact is that most people will only disclose what they feel they must.  The clues that are in the disclosure will help the inspector perform a more comprehensive evaluation.

Number Six:  Encourage the seller to be somewhere else.  A proud owner can be a huge distraction to an inspector.  The chance of misdirection and omission is amplified by a chatty homeowner trying to be helpful.

Number Five:  Be aware and educated as to your regional concerns.  For example, in Central Florida, you should be concerned about roof construction for wind storms; aware of polybutylene in homes built in the 90's; and concerned about Federal Pacific Energy components (mains and circuit breakers) for any house built before the mid 70's.

Number Four:  Research the history of the house, its renovations, and particularly the builder.  Again, in Central Florida, there are a handful of builders that have earned special considerations by inspectors.  The latest builder trend includes walls and windows that do not withstand water.

Number Three:  Utilize your conversation skills on the seller.  Try and ascertain the type of maintenance that may have been performed on the house.  If the seller is a single traveling business person that was hardly at home, then you have two distinct possibilities.  The house will be maintained impeccably or not at all.

Number Two:  Have a set list of specific questions to ask the inspector at the end of the routine.  This is different than the "check this out" list.  This is a list that you will create, edit, and adjust on a regular basis.  You should ask the same questions at the end of every inspection.  They should include questions on typical service.  ie.  "When was the last time the septic was serviced?"  The inspector obviously will not know, but it will force the question of the owner or their agent.  It will also let you know if the inspector has considered that component.  Finally, it can be used as a simple test - especially if the property is on public sewer service.

Number One:  Regardless of state laws or requirements, be sure that your inspector is qualified through state licensing (if available) certifying organizations, and or accredited schooling.  NACHI certified means that the inspector has passed an industry standard test on a yearly basis and continues education at a rate of 24 credit hours per year.  Other organizations exist - be sure they have national standards and continuing educational components and requirements.

Following these ideas will help you continue the premise of the Active Rain organization which is to provide collaborative, helpful, and positive information.  By doing so, you will also create the maximum disclosure that helps find the win/win situation you are looking for.

Steve Edmonds

To inspect means to observe.  Anyone can observe or inspect anything.  It just so happens that I have had training and practice looking for clues and indicators that lead me to observe more of the picture than most people.  That being said, there are some things that anyone and everyone should be on the look-out for.    Disclosure is the name of the game and if you can provide the knowledge, you wield the power of negotiation. 

As an agent, building a rapport and providing professional knowledge is crucial to repeat business.  From time to time, when the opportunity arises, I will be posting  "Things Anyone can Inspect" to help you recognize when a problem might need to be disclosed or discussed.

 I recently traveled to DeLand, FL to do an inspection on a mid-5o's concrete block home that had multiple "additions" in subsequent years.

This shows a trim piece designed to hide the seam in a plywood roof for an open air carport.  Notice the water and rust staining around the trim piece bowing off the ceiling.......  There has been consistent moisture in a place that should be dry.

  This shows what happens to lapped siding when it's not properly sealed off.

Time to call a WDO expert (wood destroying organism) and know that you have water intrusion/damage in the roof system.  Also be prepared to vacate any of squirrels, rats, birds, coons, that may have decided to seek shelter.

Ditto, ditto, ditto, and add careful evaluation of electrical system due to improper use of extension cord.

A piece of delaminated plywood used for the front siding - that is below ground level (no wood, siding or trim should be touching earth).

These are just a few from this dream home that sold for 30k cash.  Both buyer and seller seemed happy.  As long as everything is disclosed........any deal .......can be a win/win.

Steve Edmonds