Homes on TV
Tearing houses apart makes for a show, not an inspection. The inspector’s goal is not to entertain but to assess and recommend cost-effective repairs. If Tom tells Kevin “We’ll just have to tear it out and start over” he’s spending money most of my clients don’t have.
The success of This Old House created a market for home-style reality TV. Many of these shows do not reflect the true nature of the industry. It’snot real. That’s why they call it entertainment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg0iPVF-SZw
Fear Factor Moisture Control
Scott still had moisture in his crawl space after following my drainage recommendations. Waterproofing contractors bid 15K, 7K and 3K to fix it. We took a look and found water entering through a small opening at the stepped foundation. True cost of repair: 7.99 for a tub of hydraulic cement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFY0Q0TBPQ
Dirty Ducting: The Old Bait and Switch
Every con artist knows how to manipulate Greed and Fear. The bait, a cheap duct cleaning fee, is followed by the switch, the misunderstood, hot-button, scientifically vague, four letter hazard-of-the-moment word MOLD.
http://www.americanownews.com/story/22110668/air-duct-cleaning-scams
Flexduct: Cheap and Non-Durable
Flexible plastic ribbed ducts have replaced metal ducts as the industry standard. HVAC contractors save money by going cheap on ducting-and it shows.
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/building-science/should-flex-duct-be-banned
The Hail You Say
I got some nasty emails when I first published this article
http://tk-jk.net/judi_dan_archive/blog/HailChasers.html
Be on your Gutter Guard
These very expensive products work as long as it doesn’t rain very hard. A niche product at best.
http://www.pressurewashinghickorync.com/gutter-guards-do-they-work
Leaky Windows update 8.1
Inspector Marko Vovk is back with another great video. His observations and knowledge of building science accurately describe how and why windows fail.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP0o9do4eSc
Don’t let misconception, misunderstanding or ignorance translate into financial loss. Invest in an impartial, third-party inspection BEFORE you write that fat check. 770-457-2787
