It's a new dawn. Finally, it seems that consumers are getting it. Homeowners are realizing that it makes a great deal of sense to consult with a home inspector about anything relating to their home, not just when they are buying or selling one.  A single and retired customer of mine recently contacted me, when a Chimney Specialist randomly called her. She was seeking my advice, as she was a bit concerned with what she should do. This company called to let her know that they were working in her area and were offering her a free chimney inspection. She thought, well why not I'm under no obligation. I agreed. So she went ahead with it.  Then I got a call from her shortly thereafter, and she was very concerned.  It turns out that the chimney company had discovered that the liner which vents her heating appliances (boiler and water heaters), was deteriorated/damaged and that she ran the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The technician even had the debris to show her, which he allegedly obtained from her chimney clean out access point. The technician wrote up an estimate for the liner to be replaced, at $1,600.00. However, if she had the work done today, he could offer her the job for $1,400.00 saving her $200.00. While the technicians were there she called me wondering what she should do.  Read on to find out what my advice was.... 

     Well, the homeowner asked me if I would talk with the technician, as I had questions that she could not answer.  When I questioned Mike, the technician, and asked what type of liner he was intending to use, He answered; "Stainless steel".  I wondered why he was using stainless steel if she had a gas fired boiler.  (I knew that aluminum is also acceptable, not to mention less expensive.)  He answered, "That's what our company uses."  I also asked him if he had provided my client with a waiver, which was waiving her right to her 3-day right to rescind period.  (This is required according to the PA Home Improvement Act, enacted in July of 2008:   Attorney General Act 132)  He said, "No", so I asked him if he knew that he was breaking the law. He apparently did not know what I was talking about.  Well..., that is all that I needed to know.   After a few more questions pertaining to where they were based, and the name of their company, I requested to speak again with the homeowner.  I informed her that I could only advise her, and that the decision is hers to make, but I recommended that she get a second opinion.  After hanging up with her, I received a call back from her shortly thereafter, and she informed me that she had sent Mike and his crew on their way and did not have them do the work.  She then inquired if I could come out to evaluate her chimney for her.  Due to an unexpected change in my schedule, I was able to get to her home the next day.  I inspected her chimney liner, took pictures of it, and showed her the condition of the liner.  It was free of any significant deterioration.  The Chimney company did not photograph the chimney, Mike simply showed her debris that was allegedly from the base of the chimney.  I say, "allegedly", because she did not see the technician remove the debris from the chimney clean out.  She was taking his word for it.  She felt very relieved to learn the true nature of her chimney's condition and was glad to pay me the $150.00 it cost to inspect her chimney and roof. 

     This is the value of having a Professional Home Inspector's phone number at close hand.  Whether it is as a magnet on your fridge, or saved in your phone's contact list, having it handy can be beneficial.  Right now many homeowners are considering what projects they plan to tackle this year.  It makes a great deal of sense to consult with your home inspector about a given project.  He may offer some thoughts or suggestions that you or a contractor may not have considered.  Experienced inspectors have seen literally thousands of homes of all types and ages, and can provide perspectives that others just cannot.  A simple phone call or email seeking advice is free, I encourage our clients to take advantage of this. 

We have added a special feature to our newsletter called, "Special Offers".  These offers are in the form of discounts, coupons, or gift cards, provided by Armored Affiliates.  Take a minute and check out the "Special Offers" featured on the right and at the bottom of this newsletter.

 

 Boro Exterminating is offering a $25.00 gift card to the first three people who correctly answer this month's question.

Many of you know that here at Armored, we produce Info-Comics for our clients, free of charge.  These comics are designed to educate the consumer on real estate matters.  Our next issue, currently in production, is on "Mold".  Look for the release of this issue summer of 2012. 

Now for the $25 gift

card question:

 

The answer is found within the comic itself which you may have, or can be found on our website.

HOME INVASION 

The first three readers to answer the question correctly win.  Reply via email please.