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Chris Livingston

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Pillar To Post: Top 3 Rooms To Invest In

10-24-08
Chris Livingston
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Pillar To Post: The Home Of Home Inspection - Top 3 Rooms To Invest In
TOP 3 ROOMS TO INVEST IN
Homeowners are continually exposed to the latest and greatest in remodeling and renovation trends on TV programs, in magazines, and on home improvement web sites. It seems there isn't any place in the house that's off-limits to improvement, expansion, or updating. If a homeowner is planning to remain in their home for many years to come, they should consider projects that genuinely suit their own needs - the custom kitchen, a fabulous master suite, a new home office. But if the plan is to sell the home in the not-too-distant future, homeowners should focus on projects that will have the best chance of getting the highest return on their investment.

Let's take a look at the 3 rooms that rise to the top of the ROI list of midrange projects (our list does not include home additions or necessary repairs):
KITCHEN
Average ROI = 83% (minor remodel), 78.1% (major remodel)*

Even within a particular room, project costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the improvements. A major kitchen remodel -custom cabinetry, expensive surfaces, high-end appliances, and engaging a designer - may cost upward of $100,000 and, on average, get a return on investment of about 78%. A minor kitchen "facelift", on the other hand, averages a similar ROI in percentage terms, but will cost far less. This more-modest project may entail cabinet refinishing, replacement of countertops and flooring, and perhaps swapping out dated appliances for new but inexpensive models that improve the room's appearance.
BATHROOM
Average ROI = 78.3%*

Bathroom remodels consistently rank at or near the top in term of return on investment. Whether it's a powder room or a master bath, beautiful, updated surfaces, water-saving fixtures, and neutral tones are the minimal improvements that should be considered. Taking another step up, enlarging the room itself and adding luxurious "spa" elements such as a deep soaking tub, heated floors, and a double shower will obviously increase the budget and, likely, the appeal of a master bath.
ALL ROOMS - WINDOW REPLACEMENT
Average ROI = 81.2% (wood), 79.3% (vinyl)*

Replacing windows may not rank high on the glamour scale, but buyers appreciate the appearance and improved energy efficiency of new windows and are willing to pay for them. Insulated windows are a smart improvement for homes in any climate, and will make the house look better both inside and out.
Here are a few more thoughts to keep in mind:
Regional differences
While the above figures are average, what's most in demand in one geographical area may differ elsewhere. Do your homework before committing to a project.

Aim for universal appeal
Avoid highly unusual designs, strong colors, and unique custom components that can be polarizing to potential buyers. Remodeled spaces should look great to the widest possible audience.

Don't over-improve
Homeowners should be careful to keep upgrades and improvements within the range of similar homes in their neighborhood. The most expensive home in the area, however attractive, is rarely the easiest to sell.

*Source: 2007 Cost vs. Value Report (Remodeling Magazine and REALTOR® Magazine)
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Manufactured Home Tie-Down Inspections Now Offered by Pillar To Post

10-23-08
Chris Livingston

Loans for Manufactured Homes Made Easy - Pillar To Post - The Home of Home Inspection

Introducing Foundation Inspections for Manufactured Homes from Pillar To Post® and Hayman Residential Engineering Services


If you've ever been involved in securing an FHA backed loan on a manufactured home, you know what a hassle it can be to get the engineer's certification on the foundation necessary to close the deal. Finding a certified professional engineer who is willing, able, and familiar enough with government regulations to certify the foundation of a manufactured home - let alone someone who will provide the certification in a timely manner and at a reasonable price - can be a huge challenge.

Fortunately, there is now a way to simplify the certification process and get to closing with fewer delays and less frustration.

Hayman Residential Engineering Services, Inc. - Engineering Expertise for the Manufactured Housing Industry

Pillar To Post, the industry leader in home inspection services, and Hayman Residential Engineering Services (HRES), a nationwide engineering firm specializing in manufactured homes, are pleased to announce a strategic alliance. This new alliance will allow lenders, Realtors, and home owners from coast-to-coast to quickly and easily obtain foundation certifications on manufactured homes from a certified professional.

Home Photo

By working together, HRES and Pillar To Post have streamlined the certification process. Rather than wait up to 3 or 4 weeks for an opening in a local engineer's schedule, within two business days of receiving your call, a Pillar To Post home inspector will visit the property to collect the necessary measurements and photographs. This data will be passed along to HRES, where a dedicated team of professional engineers with special expertise in this area will either provide the certificate, or determine that the foundation does not meet FHA/VA criteria. The turnaround time on the certification is just 3-5 business days with a 24-hour RUSH service available.

As an added value, if the home does not meet the criteria for certification, HRES can recommend repair contractors who are FHA certified to make the necessary repairs. Neither HRES nor Pillar To Post make any commission in any form from these contractors. This is purely provided as a service.

Photo Montage


To learn more about Pillar To Post / HRES inspections for manufactured homes, call your local Pillar To Post representative at:

(503) 682-3053

or visit

www.hayman-res.com

www.pillartopost.com

www.livingwithmyhome.com


- Over 10 Years in Business with thousands of inspections in this office alone & tens of thousands in the NW
- Full Home Inspections
- P&D Only (FHA & VA Approved) & Single System Inspections
- Commercial Buildings
- Multi-Unit and Apartment Buildings
- Radon Testing with results on-site & Asbestos Sampling
- Home Energy Tune-Up Inspections

PortlandWestSide@pillartopost.com

CCB 151008

Mention this email and receive $20 off the cost off your next full home inspection


Valid only if mentioned when booking appointment and
only at this location. Each office independently owned and
operated. Offer expires 11/15/2008.
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Pillar To Post: First Year Home Warranty Inspections

10-21-08
Chris Livingston
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Pillar To Post: The Home Of Home Inspection - First Year Home Warranty Inspections
Sizing up Your Structure: First Year Home Warranty Inspections
You've been in your new home now for all four of the seasons; you may have learned about a leak in the basement during the winter or a sticky window during the spring, but what other issues might you have missed? New homes are often plagued with structural defects and flaws in construction - both minor and major - that slowly come to light during the first year of occupancy. A professional inspection of your new home while it is still under warranty can help you find and address many of these issues at a minimal cost to you. At Pillar To Post, we recommend you have an inspection done after eleven months to ensure you have enough time to bring any flaws or defects to your builder's attention before your warranty expires.

A Pillar To Post new home warranty inspection will cover up to 1,600 points on a typical home, and include a thorough investigation of its structural and material adequacy. Here are a few examples of the kinds of issues that a new home warranty inspection will address:

Has the builder correctly installed attic framing components and proper insulation? If an attic has not been built with proper ventilation, there is potential for moisture buildup and rot. Proper air flow in your attic reduces humidity and heat, which are elements that can compromise the energy efficiency of your home and the life expectancy of your roof.

Is the water heater installed per the manufacturer's warranty requirements? Are there missing furnace vent caps? This could potentially allow water to enter the heat exchanger and cause premature rust and failure.

Are doors sagging and windows no longer easy to open or to lock? An out-of-square window can also be an indication of a greater structural problem.

Are any of the roof tiles broken or cracked? It's typical to discover problems in the flashing details, where the chimney meets the roof, or where the roof changes directions.

Has water penetrated into the basement through foundation walls? If the ground of the backyard is graded so that it slopes toward the house, it is very likely that water is collecting and may find its way into your home.

Are there any areas of the floor that are "soft"? Are any of the floor joists cut improperly? These could be indications of damaged or defective framing and may compromise the structural integrity of the floor.
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Pillar To Post: Eco-Friendly Remodeling

10-20-08
Chris Livingston

Pillar To Post: The Home Of Home Inspection - Eco-Friendly Remodeling
Whether you are making an addition to your home or remodeling your bathroom cabinets, eco-friendly choices can help you conserve resources and reduce your impact on the environment. As the demand for green building materials grows, major manufactures are expanding their affordable sustainable options, so the green choice may also be the less expensive one. Here are some green guidelines to consider during your next remodeling project.

  • Consider renewable sources for cabinetry. Choose wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be harvested from sustainably managed forests. Spruce, eucalyptus or reclaimed wood are durable, sustainable options from sources that rapidly replenish.

  • Use eco-friendly paint. Most paints release toxic fumes called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be inhaled even after the paint is dry. They are potentially carcinogenic and contribute to indoor air pollution. But now low- or no-VOC paint is readily available for use. Most paints rely on petroleum based solvents, but eco-friendly paints are water based and are offered in all forms including primer, finish, sealer, wax and stain.

  • Opt for durable sustainable materials when replacing your floors. Linoleum is made from all natural ingredients (linseed oil) and has a life span of thirty to forty years. It resists damage and is easy to clean. Other popular choices include concrete, which can be decoratively embellished, and bamboo and cork flooring, which are both FCS endorsed. Recycled-content carpet not only produces fewer emissions during manufacturing and less off-gassing in the home, it can also be recycled when its useful life is up.

  • When replacing appliances, select models that exhibit the Energy Star label. This means the item meets or exceeds international guidelines for energy efficiency. The more efficient the appliance, the more energy and cost savings you will have over the long run. You may get a rebate on your purchase as well; check with your utility company.

  • The less material in our landfills the better, so consider what to do with your remodeling waste. Can any of the materials be reused in another project? Can items be donated or sold? Consider donating your deconstructed material to industrial recyclers so it can be reused in the product stream.

    For additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office at 503-682-3053.
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What's all the fuss about RADON?

10-13-08
Chris Livingston

What's all the fuss about RADON?

Really, is radon a legitimate concern in our part of the county? I thought we were out of the "hot" zone. You know, the Midwest. Are some unscrupulous sorts playing on our ignorance and fear to drum up business doing unnecessary testing and mitigation of our homes?

It's not the intention of this article to prove that radon is present in Oregon. Hundreds, if not thousands, of measurements taken in the area prove that it is present. But it is also true that Oregon does have lower levels on average than the rest of the nation. About 4 percent* of Oregon homes verses 8 percent nationally have been found to have elevated levels. The purpose of this article is to put it in perspective. In other words, so what? What is radon's significance. Does it really matter?

Radon levels vary by zip code and within zip codes. Two homes, side by side, may have very different readings, one elevated and one low. And what is considered an elevated reading? Any reading at or above the well-established and accepted threshold of 4 pico-Curie/Liter (pCi/L.)** The Environmental Protection Agency advises that if a home has elevated readings, steps should be taken to reduce those levels. Why? To summarize their words: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths per year in the USA.

So am I saying that if your home has elevated levels of radon you're more likely to get lung cancer? No, the EPA is saying that. But they also say that time is a factor. Someone has compared the risk of getting lung cancer from radon to throwing darts at a bull's eye. The odds of hitting it with only one throw are pretty low. But if you had all day, or all week, or a whole year, or half a lifetime, given enough time, the odds of hitting it increase to nearly 100 percent. Even at levels lower than 4pCi/L.

So it's a matter of time of exposure. Although the radon level may be low, the longer the exposure to it, the greater the chance that lung damage from radon will lead to lung cancer. Sounds a bit like exposure to cigarette smoke, doesn't it? Even second-hand smoke.

I guess it boils down to this. There are things in life we can control and things we can't. If some of the things that cause lung cancer, like cigarette smoke and radon, can be controlled, why wouldn't we?

* Although in the Portland area one study found 16 per cent of homes have elevated levels.

* * 1 Curie = the amount of radioactivity released by 1 gram of radium. A pico-Curie = one-trillionth of a Curie (named after Madame Curie).

For More information, to schedule a radon test or a home inspection call 503-682-3053

Mention this blog and receive $25 off the cost of a full home inspection.

Expires 11/15/2008

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