InspectionNews - Home Inspection
InspectionNews - Home Inspection
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03/10/2010 10:37 AM
CSST in cabinetry
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Is this allowed? CSST under the kitchen cooktop in the cabinet. It passes through the cabinet base and then connects to the appliance connector. There is no support for the shutoff. How should this be setup?
Also: Is CSST allowed to pass through sheet metal where it enters the fireplace? Seems it should be hard piped similar to a furnace.
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03/09/2010 08:29 PM
Auxiliary Panel
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Do the neutrals and grounds still need to be isolated in this auxiliary panel. I was not sure if the use of tap blocks would affect this. It is a 100 amps service disconnect with the tap blocks supplying power to the aux panel. One breaker is for an AC and the other is for some type of exterior lighting.
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03/09/2010 04:16 PM
water heater straps
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Please verify my logic. these water heater straps will not hold the unit in place as intended because they are wrapped backwards. in order to hold the unit in place they need to be wrapped the opposite way. I could find no wording addressing the direction of the straps. Here is how i wrote it up, suggestions welcomed.
*Water Heater*
· *Safety Issue: Repair: *Water heaters in seismic zones should be anchored or strapped to resist movement during earthquake conditions. Although this water heater is strapped it is not strapped properly. It is OK to wrap the straps completely around the unit, however the strap cross section should be at the front of the unit, not the back. The unit can still fall forward the way it is currently strapped. See ca.gov website for details: http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/PDF/EQ%2014%20tips/$file/water_heater.pdf
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03/09/2010 03:56 PM
Federal panel question
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Are panels labeled as simply Federal or with breakers labeled as Federal American the same as Federal Pacific panels? They did not have markings specifically saying Federal Pacific or FPE. They look the same however and said Stab-lok. They were 1955 vintage. Just wondering if these would have the same issues? Thanks.
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03/09/2010 03:48 PM
Two New Dell Mini 10v Netbooks for $398
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Got an email today and thought some of you might be interested.
Get two Dell Mini 10v netbooks for $398 | The Cheapskate - CNET News (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-10465966-58.html?tag=nl.e796)
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03/09/2010 01:14 PM
Reporting Incidents/Claims When they Happen
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*EditorÂ’s Note: *There are good reasons for reporting claims and incidents when they happen. HereÂ’s vital information that even seasoned inspectors may not know.
**Reporting Incidents/Claims When they Happen**
By David Brauner, Senior Broker at OREP.org (David Brauner Insurance Services)
The return address on the envelope is from a local attorney and as you open the letter your stomach begins to tighten. Unfortunately, your instincts are right: youÂ’re being sued. ItÂ’s an inspection you did 14 months ago. Whew! You had errors and omissions insurance coverage at the time, so no problem, right? Not necessarily.
As you dig for the report the interaction with the client comes back in bits and pieces. The client seemed nice. He called upset that his roof was leaking six months after he moved in. You looked up the report, called him back and pointed out where you indicated that the roof showed signs of wear and your recommendation that an expert be called in before the purchase. It looks like you did everything by the book. You offered to come out and take a look. He said it was okay, “Don’t worry about it.” He seemed calm when you hung up.
A few days later a hand written “demand letter” arrives saying it’s going to cost $15,000 to replace the roof and he wants you to pay for it. Included is a quote from a roofer. You call the homeowner right away, leaving a voicemail and again offering to come out and take a look at the roof.
Days and weeks go by and you hear nothing. In your experience no news is good news. You assume your professionalism fended off possible trouble: you responded promptly, confidently and courteously. And your report is solid. Why worry until you have reason to? The trouble is, his brother-in-law is an attorney and you know the rest. Now thereÂ’s a claim, 14 months later.
YouÂ’ve read the stories in Working RE Magazine (published by OREP.org) over the last nine years so you are aware of how important it is not to let your Claims Made E&O Insurance policy lapse. So you havenÂ’t. You always renew in plenty of time so there has been no break in coverage. Easy. Since you were covered at the time of the inspection and since there is no break in coverage, you relax a bit; this legal tussle might be a hassle but at least it wonÂ’t be catastrophic because you have insurance.
**Unintended Consequences
**You forward the claim to your agent who forwards it to the claims department at your insurance company. They review the file submitted by the claimant and note that the first letter from the homeowner is dated 14 months prior to the letter from the brother-in-law/attorney. They may ask why you didn’t report the “incident” when it happened. “Because I didn’t think it would amount to anything,” you answer.
The acknowledgment letter from the claims manager, defending you and your report, puts you at ease but the last section gives you a twinge of anxiety: it reminds you of your duty to provide “prompt written notice” of any claims. All policies have similar language- look under “Claims” or “Notice of Claims.” What’s a claim, you wonder? A claim is typically defined as “a demand for money or services.”
What’s more, standard policy language reads something like this: “Underwriters reserve their right to deny coverage, withdraw from the defense, and recoup any Claims Expenses in the event that the lateness in reporting the Claim has or may prejudice Underwriters' defense of this matter.”
**Good News
**Well, it could have been worse but your claim is being responded to. You take a deep breath and relax a bit. Even if youÂ’re blameless, it can still take many thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to provide a defense, so having E&O is an effective and inexpensive sleep aid:a good decision.
**Reporting Claims and Incidents When They Happen**
Now at some point, probably when you’re set to renew, the underwriter reviewing your renewal application will note your open claim, look back at last year’s “clean” renewal application and may ask for an explanation why you didn’t mention the claim/incident on the renewal application last year. “Because it wasn’t a claim at the time,” you answer. Yes, but you answered question seven on the renewal application “No,” which asks: “Do you have knowledge of any circumstances which could result in a claim or suit against you or your firm?” Every application no matter who insures you has a similarly-worded question. You try to make your case: “It didn’t seem likely that it would turn into anything, so why mention it?”
Understand that it is possible for an underwriter to assume that a non-disclosure like this is an intentional attempt to withhold information. If you fail to disclose an incident/potential claim on your new/renewal application, for whatever reason, and your insurance company discovers it (probably when it turns into a claim), they could assume the worst. This casts doubt on your character and could result in a non-renewal. Remember, when you sign an insurance application you are representing that everything stated is true.
ItÂ’s unlikely but possible for the worst to happen- they decide not to renew the policy because they think you withheld information. Well, the good news is that it wonÂ’t effect coverage of the open claim because itÂ’s already been reported. And there are other insurance carriers, you say, youÂ’ll just take your business elsewhere.
You are honest on the next application (having learned your lesson) and disclose that you were “non-renewed” by your previous insurance company and why. If the claim is not resolved yet and they typically take awhile, there will be a “loss reserve” on your account that will show up in your “loss run” statement. This will be part of your file until the case is resolved. A loss reserve is the amount the carrier puts aside to defend and pay for the claim. They set aside this amount to assure adequate reserves. This amount is typically much greater than ever makes sense to a layman but it’s the way insurance companies must operate. Most carriers ask for a loss run before they agree to insure you. The “loss run” is your loss history. Now you are being non-renewed for not disclosing information and you have an open claim.
After your justifiable rant because after all, you really have done nothing wrong, if you can find someone to cover you, it may be more costly than what you would pay if your record was “clean.” It depends on the amount of loss reserve and the nature of the claim. If only one company offers you coverage and it’s expensive, your limited options will dictate that you pay it, especially if you need insurance because it is required by your state or by those who refer business to you.
To summarize, if you donÂ’t report a claim when it happens there may be no coverage in the future when you need it, especially if you no longer have insurance. Further, if you donÂ’t report it on an application and then a claim arises, that also can have negative consequences. Now hereÂ’s the flip side.
**Reporting Incidents which may become Claims **
The advantage of reporting a potential claim during the policy period when it happens, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is that later, if it does turn into a “claim,” the insurance company should respond even if the policy is no longer in force. This is the best reason for reporting a potential claim when it happens. It is also a great way to get expert advice from seasoned claims adjusters (attorneys) on how to respond- to hopefully stop the complaint in its tracks.
I know what you’re thinking- that reporting every “incident” or “claim” will make your premium go up at renewal time. With most companies, an “incident” typically does not cause a rise in premium. Some carriers might raise your rates if there are a series of “incidents” in a policy period or if one or more is later classified as a “claim” and reserves set. If a potential claim amounts to nothing, it should not effect your premium, with most insurers. Remember, the upside of reporting incidents when they happen is that you will have coverage if a claim arises later whether you have insurance or not and you can get help defending yourself. The possible downside is not having insurance when you need it.
Admittedly these distinctions are not black and white and definitions may differ among insurers. Report anything in writing for sure, especially if itÂ’s from an attorney. If in doubt, ask your insurance agent. The benefits of reporting potential incidents and claims are significant and the downside minimal.
**Disclaimer: **This article is written from an insurance perspective and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. It is not the intent of this article to provide legal advice, or advice for any specific fact, situation or circumstance. Contact legal counsel and your insurance agent for specific advice.
**About the Author**
David Brauner is Editor of Working RE magazine and Senior Broker at OREP, a leading provider of E&O Insurance for appraisers, inspectors and other real estate professionals in 49 states (OREP.org). He has covered the appraisal profession for over 17 years. He can be contacted at dbrauner@orep.org or (888) 347-5273. Calif. Insurance Lic. #0C89873.
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03/09/2010 12:56 PM
Idle Chit Chat
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I am posting this just to get rid of the annoying note at the top of each page concerning failure to post recently......
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03/09/2010 12:21 AM
Distracted Driving Taken To New Heights
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Or new lows.
There are numerous jokes here but I will leave them to others (for now).
Driver crashes while shaving bikini line (http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/3423294/Driver-crashes-while-shaving-bikini-line)
---Quote---
An American woman has crashed her car while shaving her bikini line.
According to a report on news website KeyNews.com, a 37-year-old woman crashed her Ford Thunderbird into the back of a Chevrolet pick-up truck while trimming her pubic hair.
Megan Mariah Barnes was allegedly travelling with her ex-husband Charles Judy on her way to visit her boyfriend and reportedly needed to tidy up her personal area, so Judy took hold of the steering wheel while Barnes attended to her bikini line.
The car then crashed into the back of the Chevrolet truck while travelling at about 70km/h.
But the story doesn't end there.
The pair then drove up the road and swapped seats, and when Florida Highway Patrol officer Gary Dunick got to the scene, the pair claimed that Judy was driving. But officer Dunick wasn't fooled.
A CBS report claims the officer noticed passenger airbag burns on the chest of the man in the driver's seat, and that the driver's airbag didn't deploy.
Barnes shouldn't have been in the driver's seat in the first place (let alone with razor in hand).
According to the CBS report, Barnes had been driving with a suspended licence, just a day after being convicted of driving under the influence. She was sentenced to nine months of probation, and her licence was revoked for five years.
CBS reports that Barnes is now charged with reckless driving, driving unlicenced, fleeing the scene of a crash, and driving uninsured, and she may face a year in jail for violation of her probation terms.
---End Quote---
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03/08/2010 08:33 PM
Vent stack on boiler
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Are dampeners needed on all boilers inside the home? I came across a boiler that had solid piping coming off the boiler through the roof.
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03/08/2010 07:03 PM
Insurance Coverage
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Hi, I am just starting out as an inspector and was wondering which insurance companies you recommend for e&o as well as liability. Any other suggestions you have as far as insurance policies would also be helpful. Thanks in advance, Joe.
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03/08/2010 06:50 PM
Isnt technology amazing!
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Guaranteed 4% accuracy. Probably better than most of the roofers in my area.
Detailed Aerial Roof Measurements and Reports: Accuracy Guaranteed | EagleView Technologies, Inc. (http://www.eagleview.com/)
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03/08/2010 03:55 PM
Attic Flooring May be causing ceiling to crack
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I have a floored in storage area in my attic and have recently developed a crack in my garage ceiling. My garage is a 3 car size and DOES NOT have a support beam inside the garage. Several houses in my neighborhood have the same 3 car garage and while some do have a post in the garage, many do not. How can I find someone to inspect this area and tell me if adding a post will be sufficient to stop/repair the crack or if I need further structure work?
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03/08/2010 03:16 PM
Glass Pyramid Power
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Solar power future for glass pyramids? - Green Machines- msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35726826/ns/us_news-environment/)
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03/08/2010 12:56 PM
fire sprinklers to be required in PA
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*Rule would require sprinklers in new Pa. homes*
BRIAN C. RITTMEYER
The Associated Press
TARENTUM, Pa. - Beginning next year, all new one- and two-family houses built in Pennsylvania (http://topics.philly.com/topic/Pennsylvania) will be required to have an automatic fire sprinkler system.
Safety officials and other supporters say the systems , more commonly seen in business and commercial buildings , will save lives and reduce property damage.
But those who build and sell homes say the requirement , along with other building code changes , will add thousands of dollars to the price of a new home and hinder the housing market recovery.
The change has prompted a lawsuit, and efforts by some lawmakers to block the requirement.
Under the 2009 Uniform Construction Code, which the state follows , sprinklers are required in new homes starting Jan. 1, 2011.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 414,000 residential fires in 2007, the most recent year available. They resulted in 2,895 deaths, 14,000 injuries and $7.5 billion in property damage.
Fire administration studies say residential sprinkler systems could save thousands of lives, greatly reduce injuries and eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars in property losses.
Sprinkler systems cost $1 to $1.50 per square foot in new construction , about the price of a carpet upgrade. Insurance discounts for those with sprinklers range from 5 percent to 15 percent, according to the fire administration.
Home systems are much simpler than their commercial counterparts, said Ed Howley, of Building Inspection Underwriters in Jeannette. They use plastic pipe and run off a home's water system.
"It's not intended to put out the fire completely," Howley said. "It's intended to suppress the fire to give people time to get out of the building and first responders to get there."
Pennsylvania is the first state in the U.S. to adopt the requirement, according to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, a trade association.
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03/08/2010 12:30 PM
Web site hosting and email
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I am needing to change from my AT&T - Yahoo hosted website and email to a different source. Since I am relocating my home office, I might not have access to my current DSL provider through AT&T. (I Don't know what the ISP provider will be in the future)
I am thinking of transferring over to GoDaddy to host so I am not tied to my internet provider for my email files, etc.
Any words of wisdom to facilitate transfers?
Providers preferences? I have one of my sites with GoDaddy for several years with no issues but I have not run my email through their service.
I find it very useful to have access to historic email documents so I would like to be able to transfer or at least save everything now on Yahoo severs since I fear access to my paid account through AT&T- Yahoo will be lost once I drop their ISP service.
Thanks, Jim
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"Arizona Real Estate" - Google News
"Arizona Real Estate" - Google News
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Arizona AND Realtors - Google News
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