1995: The 9/11 of Home Construction
When researching my next inspection I always check the build date. If it’s between 1978 to 1995 I’ll be on the lookout for questionable workmanship and defective products. 1995 represents a turning point, a time when established presumptions about how to build houses proved inadequate for new products and updated efficiency requirements. The change was not as immediate or catastrophic as 9/11. […]
2014 So Far: The Good, the Bad, and the Future
The end of spring/summer real estate season is time to catch up on personal business, analyze trends and plan ahead. Armed with flashlight, screwdriver and little gray cells here’smy look around the housing industry Mega-trends I’ve worked for up-and-coming multi-degreed professionals, investors, software engineers/designers/managers, medical professionals, first-time buyers, retirees, divorced and widowed persons; everyone except my main source of income; the middle-middle class. […]
Letters Home
Inspectors typically work Point of Sale transactions. A lot of what we do gets lost in the buyers rush to negotiate, move and settle. Here are my reasons to schedule aMaintenance Inspection every 6-9 years. The science of how we build and live in homes is changing. Materials, methods and lifestyle all have an impact on function and […]
Postcards from the field
These recent intown Atlanta inspections put my understanding of building science to the test 1. Poor Drainage A reputable builder purchased mid-block properties in an older neighborhood. Local ordinance required he dispose of roof and surface moisture on-site, not to the storm sewer. He built a comfortable, durable and efficient Earthcraft home. This property and adjacent lots contain large amounts of organic clay […]
Ice, Snow and Old Houses
Notes on Stormageddon and the Decatur Old House Fair In my capacity as an engineering technician I’ve learned to evaluate storm damage. Keep me in mind if you’ve got tree-on-the-house. I spoke to an arborist who told me many firms do not charge to assess trees. They make their money on surgery, trimming and removal. Public adjusters assist homeowners by ensuring hazard insurance […]
