Noteworthy Property Inspections

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• 10-Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up - (basic steps to take when hiring or interviewing contractors)

• Advice - When Flooding Disaster Occurs - (how to handle flooding disasters, and practical steps we can take to avoid them happening)

• Air Conditioning System Concerns - (advice to homeowners and potential buyers on air conditioning concerns and how your professional home inspector can help)

• Ask to See the CREIA Badge! - (the name that appears on the CREIA badge identifies that person as a Certified CREIA Inspector - ask your inspector to show you the CREIA badge)

• Big Brother Gets Into Home Inspections - (Opinion article from the Orange County Register commenting on the City of Stanton's decision to require City Building inspectors to visit every home before its sale for building code violations)

• Building Permit Contact Information for Orange County Cities - (we always advise our clients to check with the City for building permits - often work is performed without the benefit of permits and it's good to know this up-front)

• Bringing Two-Wire Circuits Up to Code - (explains ways to address the commonly seen issue of ungrounded two-wire circuits often seen in older homes)

• Cautions Regarding Non-Permitted Work Done On Homes - (advise from the California Real Estate Inspection Association regarding Non-Permitted work done on homes, and how it affects the buying/selling process)

• Chimney Inspections Explained - (different options and resources for inspecting chimneys and fireplaces)

• Chimneys Need Professional Inspecting to Avoid Fires - (a press release from CREIA relating the importance of fireplace and chimney inspections)

• Christmas Safety Tips - (Tips for the holiday season on Christmas tree safety, home safety, and safety gift ideas)

• Clothes Dryer Venting Facts - (an article written by Noteworthy's Martin Grant providing information on proper dryer venting and options for achieving it)

• Commonly Reported Safety Related Issues - Guidelines & Adoption Dates - (While we believe that Safety Concerns do not pre-date the code, this summary of commonly reported safety issues provides guidelines and adoption dates to help you understand the type of issues which may be encountered in different age homes.)

• Consider the Benefits of a Listing inspection - (an article written by Noteworthy's Martin Grant discussing the win-win-win benefits for sellers, buyers, and Realtors in having a listing inspection performed as part of the routine home selling process)

• CREIA Committed to Educating Home Inspectors - (the importance of continuing education for home inspectors and the resources CREIA provides to meet this need)

• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part One - (CREIA cautions home buyers and seller's, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.)
• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part Two - (Part two provides additional responses to common myths associated with the home inspection process.)
• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part Three - (CREIA cautions home buyers and seller's, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.)

• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part Four - (CREIA cautions home buyers and seller's, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.)

• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part Five - (CREIA cautions home buyers and seller's, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.)

• CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities About Home Inspections - Part Six - (CREIA cautions home buyers and seller's, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.)

• CREIA Inspection Contract and SOPs - (Preview a draft copy of the new (4-06) CREIA Contract and SOPs. Anyone familiar with the old documents will appreciate the greatly simplified and shortened information. Typically any CREIA inspector will use this, or a similar contract document.)

• CREIA Revises Standards of Practice to Protect Consumer - (CREIA's press release details their revised Standards of Practice (4-06), and how they benefit the consumer.)

• Daylight Saving Time - Facts and Dates (Some interesting facts and future year's dates for are provided in this article.)

• Disclosure Tips for Realtors - (tips from the California Real Estate Inspection Association to help Realtors with their disclosure obligations)

• Early Warning and Escape - Smoke Detectors (It's a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors every time you change your clocks. Use this article as a check-list to confirm that your smoke detectors are properly installed and maintained throughout the year.)

• Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Upgrades - (A summary of the Federal Tax credits available to the home owner in 2006 for energy efficiency upgrades in the home.)
• FEMA's  "Are You Ready?" - (An in-depth guide to citizen preparedness for many hazards - natural and man-made.)
• Get Energy Efficiency Rebates, Incentives and Services - (Look up energy efficiency rebates, incentives, and services based on your zip code.)
• Guidelines for Earthquake Bracing of Residential Water Heaters - (This is the State Architect's recently updated document which provides the acceptable options for bracing water heaters.)
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters - (The "why, where, and when" guide to GFCI's and their installation within the home.)

• Hazards of the Consolidated Industries H-Series Horizontal Atmospheric Furnace - (Sellers and/or agents are often asked to disclose the presence of hazardous "Consolidated Furnaces". This article explains the hazards, and provides a detailed list of affected Trade Names and Model Numbers.)

• Hazards of Uncoated Brass Flexible Gas Connectors in Older Homes - (If you own, buy, or sell an older home, make sure you replace any old uncoated brass flexible connectors to prevent serious damage or injury in the event of a failure.)

• Heating and Cooling Systems - When is it Time to Replace?/10-Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor - (Information to help you make the decision on when to replace your heating and cooling systems, and how to find a qualified contractor.)

• Hidden Hazards in Your Home - (A document from the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association which details some of the hidden hazards for children in your home.)

• Home Inspection Educational Presentations for Realtors - (a summary of the Realtor educational presentations we have prepared as well as a request form to take advantage of this free service)

• Home Inspection FAQ's - (our handy FAQ guide giving answers to common home buyer and home seller questions regarding their home inspections)

• Home Inspection Related Provisions of the California Residential Purchase Agreement - (A general understanding of the key home inspection related provisions of the CRPA helps all parties involved in the transaction, and allows the Home Inspection to proceed in a timely and productive manner.)

• Home Inspection Report is Not a Repair List of Sellers - (tips from CREIA on how to handle the results of your home inspection with the seller, and also explains that the primary purpose of the inspection is to know what you are buying before you buy it rather than to generate a repair list for the seller)

• Home Sellers Must Disclose - (this article from CREIA explains to seller's disclosure obligations and the importance of accurate disclosures in the real estate transaction)

• How to Plan for the Unexpected - Preventing Child Drownings - (information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on backyard pool safety and how to prevent child drownings)

• How to spot a shabby remodel - (On a 10-minute tour, it's easy to be blinded by new cabinets, floors and appliances. Real-estate pros offer tips on spotting shoddy work.)

• Inspection of Air Conditioning System Can Save Money, Sweat, and Tears in the Long Run - (Air Conditioning system check-ups the home owner can make, or have a professional inspection to make sure your system is properly functional before you need it.)

• Lessen Your Home's "Winter Worries" With a Professional Inspection - (Common winter problem items are furnaces and fireplaces are lit. Ways to avoid problems, and how your home inspector can help.)

• Life Expectancies of Building Components - (information from a variety of sources on the life expectances of various building components)

• Make the Switch - How to Pick a Better Bulb - (The benefits and features of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Save money, save energy, and help the environment.)

• New Duct Sealing Requirements - CA Energy Code (Title 24) (This useful article provides a summary of the requirements which recently went into effect. Just as importantly, it provides a list Cities in the Southern California climate zones, many of which are exempt from the new regulations.)

• New Home Improvement Contract Requirements Now in Effect - (information from the California Contractors State License Board on new home improvement contract requirements which went into effect January 1, 2006)

• Overview of Real Estate Inspection Law in California - (Most people are aware that there is no licensing of home inspectors in California, however there are laws and legal precedences which apply. This document summarizes the currently applicable information.)

• Pre-Inspection Information and Check-Lists - (we have prepared this information sheet to help you understand, prepare for, and get the most out of your professional home inspection)

• Protecting Your Home from Earthquake Damage - Check-Ups the Homeowner can Make - (some easy check-ups owners of older homes can make to protect their homes from earthquake damage)

• Pumpkin Carving How-To (Illustrated step-by-step instruction to help you create that spectacular (or not so spectacular!) carved pumpkin just in time for Halloween!)

• Real Estate Agents and Brokers: Are You Protected When You Refer a Home Inspector? - (how to make sure you are properly protected when you refer a home inspector to your clients)

• Remodel, Renovate, and Upgrade Green - (an introduction to sustainable (green) building remodeling - tips and resources)

• Retain Home Inspectors When You Buy and Contractors When You Build (This press release from CREIA highlights the differences between home inspectors and Contractors, and details some of the skills and standards associated with the home inspection profession.)

• Safety Glazing - Basic Requirements and Upgrade Options - (Information on required safety glass locations, and options for upgrading older homes for improved safety.)

• Selecting a Home Inspector in a Weakly Regulated Industry - (Despite the lack of good home inspection regulations in the State of California, there are some basic guidelines you can follow to ensure you select a competent home inspector.)

• Sizing of a Residential Water Heater - (information adapted from Rheem technical data sheets on how to select a water heater to meet the actual needs of your home)

• Spring Home Checkup Tips - (Easy Springtime home checkups for the homeowner.)

• Standard Plan Set for Residential Seismic Retrofitting - (A great technical resource for homeowners or contractors looking for technical details on seismic upgrades.)
• The Importance of Oven Anti-Tip Devices - (This is one of the most commonly called-out home inspection issues. Read about why it is important.)

• The REAL CO$T of a Home - After the mortgage is paid...watch out! - (an article reproduced from Southern California Home and Outdoor Magazine which provides excellent information on home ownership costs and how to plan for and perform preventative home maintenance to protect your investment)

• The Value of Retaining a CREIA Certified Home Inspector - (advice which can benefit consumers and real estate professionals when selecting your home inspector

• Thinking Home Improvement? - Consider the Value of an Inspection During Remodeling - (how home inspectors can help homeowners and do-it-yourselfers with remodeling projects)

• Utility Companies Serving the Orange County Area - (a handy list of utility contacts for electric, gas, water, phone, etc.)

• What the CREIA Logo Means - (only members of the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) who have passed a written test and who have completed 30 hours of education each year may use the CREIA logo in their marketing materials)

• Water Damage and Your Masonry Chimney - (how to maintain your chimney to avoid costly moisture related damage often seen in older homes)

• Who Pays for the Leaky Roof? - (excellent CNN/Money article giving advice on how best to handle negotiating repairs between buyer and seller after you've had your home inspection)

• Wildfire Safety - (advise from the International Code Council with tips on how to protect your home from wildfire damage)

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