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Michael Almeida - Licensed New Jersey Home Inspector

Pillar To Post Information Series Vol I

The Pillar To Post Information Series is a valuable resource to help buyers and sellers to learn about how their home works and how to keep it functioning properly. From safety tips to energy conservation ideas, the series is educational for both real estate professionals and homeowners. Here are just some of the topics covered:

  1. High Humidity in the Home - High amounts of humidity in a residence can cause and accelerate mold growth, a musty odor, and can potentially cause health problems and property damage. This section in the Pillar To Post Information Series reviews causes, effects, and solutions.
  1. Central Air ConditioningCentral air conditioning systems are a luxury in some areas of North America and a basic necessity in others. Whatever the purpose, it is in a homeowner’s best interest to understand how to choose the right system for their home, and how to maintain it for optimal use.
  1. Garage Door SafetyThe garage vehicle door is often the largest moving object in a home and can weigh up to 400 pounds. The Information Series offers tips on how to ensure garage door safety, including checking the weight and pulley system, as well as the operability of the springs and the balance of the door itself.
  1. Zero-Clearance FireplacesAdding a wood burning fireplace to an existing home is appealing to many homeowners; however, it can be an expensive proposition as it usually involves foundation construction and a masonry chimney. This article details the merits of a zero-clearance wood burning fireplace, which can be installed in almost any home, using existing floor structures and a prefabricated chimney.
  1. Insulating the BasementThe basement is usually the last place people think to insulate, yet it can account for up to 1/3 of heat loss in a home. Adding or upgrading basement insulation can significantly cut down on energy use. A finished basement also creates a comfortable space, which is especially appealing to people looking to affordably extend their recreation and living areas.

For a full listing of the Pillar To Post Information Series, or to obtain your copy of one or more articles, please contact your local Pillar To Post office or visit pillartopost.com.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
Michael.Almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com


Detecting and Addressing Radon Contamination in the Home

Radon Contamination

Detecting and Addressing Radon Contamination in the Home

More and more homeowners are considering radon detection a “must” - and with good reason. Health officials have warned that exposure to unsafe levels of radon can cause an increased risk of cancer. In fact radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in North America, yet it is easily preventable. The Environmental Protection Agency has dubbed January “Radon Awareness Month.” Read below to learn more about testing radon levels in your home and protecting your family.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF RADON?

Radon is naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing residents to possible health risks.

HOW RADON ENTERS THE HOME

Radon gas can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls or floors are common avenues.  Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure.

HOW CAN MY CLIENTS FIND OUT ABOUT RADON IN A HOME THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE?

A Pillar To Post Home Inspector can conduct a Radon test as either part of the home inspection process or on its own. An inspector will set up the testing equipment and report on the results once the proper measurement procedure is complete. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to lessen the concentration inside the home.

REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RADON IN THE HOME

Radon mitigation methods can include sealing likely entry points, improving ventilation, and a process called soil depressurization, which vents air from the house back into the surrounding soil, reducing the level of radon that can enter the home. Professional mitigation services are recommended to provide recommendations for a home’s specific conditions.

For more information about home inspection and radon testing, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
Michael.Almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com


Slowing up the Sale...

Water Heater Safety & Relief Valve Discharge

Overlooking the simple installation of an approved safety valve discharge pipe may slow down you sale!!!!!

I always encourage agents that we work with to take a walk around their new listing. If you see this call us. We all have didigtal phones with cameras now a days. Just take a pic and send it off to a reliable Home Inspector. We provide free consultation to all agents we work with over the phone.


Check this photo.

Proper Relief Valve & Discharge Pipe Installation

Safety and relief valve discharge pipes shall be of rigid pipe that is approved for the temperature of the system. The discharge pipe shall be the same diameter as the safety or relief valve outlet. Safety and relief valves shall not discharge so as to be a hazard, a potential cause of damage or otherwise a nuisance.

The discharge pipe needs to be long enough to be within typically 6 inches of the floor. If the pipe is undersized or made of an inappropriate material, it will need to be corrected. Another common issue that home inspectors find is that the pipe has been capped as a result of the heater leaking from the relief valve. This is also unacceptable and requires immediate correction.



Scheduling an Inspection in Hudson County

We can schedule a condo inspection on-line or by phone: Here is a brief list of the towns we cover:

ZIP

CITY AND STATE

COUNTY

AREA

07302

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07303

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07399

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07096

Secaucus, NJ

Hudson

201

07094

Secaucus, NJ

Hudson

201

07099

Kearny, NJ

Hudson

201

07097

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07395

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07304

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07307

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07306

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07305

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07310

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07311

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07308

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07309

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07032

Kearny, NJ

Hudson

201

07030

Hoboken, NJ

Hudson

201

07029

Harrison, NJ

Hudson

973

07047

North Bergen, NJ

Hudson

201

07093

West New York, NJ

Hudson

201

07087

Union City, NJ

Hudson

201

07086

Weehawken, NJ

Hudson

201

07002

Bayonne, NJ

Hudson

201


Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
Home Inspector Lic.#24GI00058900

201-998-9823

http://www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com


Condominium Inspection in Hudson County

Condominium Inspections????

I find it odd that some people do not feel it's important to conduct inspections on condominiums.


Check this photo.

Electrical Hazard in a Condominium

The above referenced photograph was taken at a NJ condo inspection we just performed. As you can see the scorching to the wire is of particular concern. An electrician was called in and found that the complete replacement of the panel was required. Cost - $1,550.00

This was a recent condo conversion. It appears that the electrician doing the conversion accidently loosen some fitting during the process that caused the scorching and deterioration to the wiring.

This panel was located near the entrance. Should a fire have started at the panel, the occupant could not readily leave the unit. All buildings undergoing a conversion should have their electrical inspected for such reasons.

Scheduling a Condo Inspection

We can schedule a condo inspection on-line or by phone: Here is a brief list of the towns we cover:

ZIP

CITY AND STATE

COUNTY

AREA

07302

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07303

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07399

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07096

Secaucus, NJ

Hudson

201

07094

Secaucus, NJ

Hudson

201

07099

Kearny, NJ

Hudson

201

07097

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07395

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07304

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07307

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07306

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07305

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07310

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07311

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07308

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07309

Jersey City, NJ

Hudson

201

07032

Kearny, NJ

Hudson

201

07030

Hoboken, NJ

Hudson

201

07029

Harrison, NJ

Hudson

973

07047

North Bergen, NJ

Hudson

201

07093

West New York, NJ

Hudson

201

07087

Union City, NJ

Hudson

201

07086

Weehawken, NJ

Hudson

201

07002

Bayonne, NJ

Hudson

201


Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823

http://www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com


HOME REPAIRS BEFORE SALE CAN ADD VALUE

HOME REPAIRS BEFORE SALE CAN ADD VALUE

Many homeowners often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes that can add real value to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for more.

INTERIOR

  • Bathrooms and the kitchen should be given a deep cleaning. Homeowners should consider hiring a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
  • If kitchen cabinet surfaces are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinetry, refacing can give old and worn cabinets new life and can visually update a kitchen.
  • Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives everything a fresh look and prevents buyers from focusing on an eyesore. 
  • Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the house. Stick to neutral colors so that buyers aren’t distracted by the color. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
  • If carpet is covering hardwood floors, consider having the carpet removed to expose the hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are desirable, so they should be shown off. If carpet is to remain, it should be thoroughly cleaned.

EXTERIOR

  • If the entire exterior needs painting, it should be done. Buyers notice if paint is faded and peeling. If the paint is in good shape overall, renew the doors and trim with a fresh coat.
  • Clean the windows inside and out so they sparkle. It’s amazing what a difference this can make in a home’s appearance. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the easiest and safest way to get the job done on a multi-story home.
  • Clear clutter from the yard, keep the lawn mowed, and trim any overgrown shrubs that are detracting from the home’s appearance. The home should look well maintained even at first glance.
  • Plant some bright, colorful flowers along an entry path and doorway to add a welcoming touch.

Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

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