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Jon Rudolph

Colorado's New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law NOW in EFFECT

07-01-09
Jon Rudolph

Colorado's Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Law goes into effect TODAY (July 1, 2009) see http://www.id-inspections.com/CarbonMonoxide for more information.

Briefly:

1. The law applies to dwelling units that have a fuel fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.

2. If any of these conditions exist, then the law applies to sellers of dwelling units offered for sale on or after July 1, 2009; dwelling units where, on or after July 1, 2009, remodeling occurs that requires a building permit; or dwelling units used for rental purposes that have a change of occupancy after July 1, 2009.

3. If any of these three events occurs, then the unit must have an operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes or in a location specified by any applicable building code.

4. This latter requirement is overridden if the multi-family dwelling has a central alarm system and the carbon monoxide alarm is installed within twenty-five feet of the fuel fired heater, fireplace or garage.

5. In addition, in connection with rental units, the law mandates certain actions that the unit owner must take with respect to installation and replacement of alarms, and provision of batteries to assure that the alarms are operational.

6. While the law is somewhat vague with respect to who is obligated to install the alarm when the circumstances giving rise to the requirement is either remodeling or rental, it does not appear to require associations to be responsible for compliance or assurance of an owner's compliance. Rather, it appears that the onus is on the unit owner to install the alarm and assure its ongoing maintenance and operation.

7. If the alarm is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and the new law, then the owner of the property, his/her authorized agent, person in possession of the property and the installer are immune from liability for damages resulting from operation, maintenance, or effectiveness of the alarm

Source: City of Loveland Development Services Building Division

Online Inspection Ordering and Scheduling

06-04-09
Jon Rudolph

Question: How helpful is it for Realtors and homebuyers to have online web based inspection service ordering and scheduling?

Very few home inspectors offer this, due to fear of putting their inspection service fees out in public for competitiors or price shoppers.

Well, I just added this feature because of the positive feedback from some. We'll see how it works.

Benefits: Can't answer all phone calls at all times. Should reduce risk of lost inspections due to short-term missed calls.

Should reduce time spent on phone with price checkers or people checking availability.

Should increase add-on services due to customer exposure of menu options.

Any thoughts?

Jon Rudolph

http://www.id-inspections.com

Checklist Information for a Successful Home Sale: Preparing for a Home Inspection

04-23-09
Jon Rudolph

Realtors,

If you don't already do this, this simple guidance communicated to the buyer & seller clients will go a long way to set proper expectations with your clients and help ensure a smooth transaction.

I do about 400 inspections a year in Northern Colorado and it always amazes me how poorly informed or how much a client will forget some key points for one of the more nerve racking parts of a real estate transaction.

Other states/areas may have subtle differences.

What to Expect:

  • Typically inspections take 2 to 4 hours
  • Home Buyers may attend inspection and the home inspector does not monitor (watch) the buyer and their family members during an inspection.
  • Ideally Seller is not present.
  • Inspection is confidential information for paying party in Colorado - Seller's shouldn't expect the inspector to give them a written or verbal report or discuss the inspection with them.
  • Home Inspectors generally inspect exterior & interior from the foundation basement/crawlspace through the roof/attic; opening built-in drawers/cabinets and windows/doors; operating furnace/AC, water heater, stoves/ovens, fans, lights, fireplaces, smoke detectors, GFCI outlets, jetted tubs, faucets -They try to minimize disturbance and return settings/position as found.
  • Inspectors don't/shouldn't move furniture or personal items. The seller should provide ready access to the home's systems and components.

What to Do:

  • Provide ready access to electrical panels, furnaces, water heaters, attics, crawlspace, water valves, areas under sinks, locked areas, etc.
  • Ensure all furnaces, water heaters, fireplace pilots are operating (e.g., power, pilot flame on).
  • If unable to provide ready access or ensure operation of systems/components, proper disclosure is recommended. Additional fee may be charged if inspector is requested to return.
  • Secure all valuables, firearms or other items of concern.
  • Secure pets, provide instructions if needed.
  • If testing for RADON - Entire house must be closed-up 12 hrs. prior to test and remain primarily closed during test period. Normal door use to come and go is okay.
  • Protect Yourself and Your Clients - Insist that the Buyer's inspector have proper insurance of Errors & Omission (E&O); generally liability and bonding. Most people would consider it irresponsible not to make this reasonable request.

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to copy these points into you Buyer and Seller packages.

Jon Rudolph, ID Property Inspections, Inc.

Home Warranty's for Home Lisitings on the Rise in Loveland?

04-14-09
Jon Rudolph

I'm seeing a notable increase in Blue Ribbon Home Warranty (BRHW) inspection requests in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley Colorado area.

BRHW's are often purchased for home listings to help provide a marketable edge with warranty coverage on a listed home's major systems and appliances, protection for the seller and buyer. A second benefit is a cursory limited inspection by a professional home inspector.

Either the market is picking up and/or more Realtors are using BRHW's to help market their listings.

Home Warranty's for Home Lisitings on the Rise?

04-14-09
Jon Rudolph

I'm seeing a notable increase in Blue Ribbon Home Warranty (BRHW) inspection requests in Fort Collins, Lovleand, Greeley Colorado area.

BRHW's are often purchased for home listings to help provide a marketable edge with warranty coverage on a listed home's major systems and appliances, protection for the seller and buyer. A second benefit is a cursory limited inspection by a professional home inspector.

Either the market is picking up and/or more Realtors are using BRHW's to help market their listings.