Steve Edmonds

Thermal Imaging or IR or Infrared are different titles for the same process. The Infrared spectrum of light is just outside of human range and paradoxically provides more "sight" than any human could hope for. Utilizing the density and reflectiveness of materials, IR combines temperature differences with standards for heat transfer to calculate and the visually represent the thermal heat images of most materials.

Wow that sounds neat! But what does that mean for the realtor and consumer? If knowledge is power than thermal imaging is currently the most important tool in the industry. I talk a lot about disclosure and the fact that knowledge of a property far exceeds the condition of the property. You can fix a roof, or a leak, but repairing a relationship is much more difficult and many times more costly.

Thermal imaging saves everyone time and money. One scan of a house gives the realtor the knowledge of what needs to be disclosed. In the lucky event that no defects are found, the confidence in that property is much higher than the one that has been looked at by a dozen inspectors without the benefit of an IR camera. In the event that you find multiple defects, you now have the power of disclosure. Force the homeowner to make the repairs or quit wasting you and your client's time. There is plenty of supply out there. Worried about how that foreclosure has decayed while sitting for more than 12 months? If you combine an InterNACHI inspection agreement with the accuracy and insight that IR provides, then you have almost eliminated your liability all together.

Ultimately the person that benefits the most is the client. Never before have inspectors been able to examine and identify potential problems with this kind of accuracy. The piece of mind and surety that comes with an infrared inspection is second to none. It's not "X-ray" vision but it certainly allows me to "see" through walls. Identifying water intrusion and leaks, finding electrical hot spots, scanning condenser units for irregular fluid flow, and discovering energy leaks and deficiencies are just a few of the advantages. A great video on the advantages to the consumer can be found here.

If you are looking for the most comprehensive inspection possible, then make sure that your inspector is certified and carries an infrared camera.

Can you see what I see?

Steve Edmonds

In today's reality of working twice as hard for half the money, time management is more important than ever. Proportionately, time management is more difficult with the increase in business labor. Central Florida has been hit extremely hard by the housing crash and by extension the home inspection market has not fared too well either. Like most professionals in our industry, I find myself seeking as many alternatives or opportunities as possible to market and keep my market share. Subsequently, attention to previous projects (like ActiveRain) suffers for the lack of time resources. Allowing the reduction of attention to producing projects is not a smart business move. However, not utilizing the networking opportunities presented is equally detrimental. Thus, one has to become more. This is why your parents told you adversity builds character. Finding the way to increase your attention to marketing while doing the regular business activities is what defines success or failure in markets such as these. There is no set tool, secret, organization, or system for making this occur. The only constant in any workable solution is discipline. Find the management tool you are most comfortable with and make a 100% commitment to utilizing its incorporated devices. For some it's the old fashioned written organizer. (My wife uses Franklin). For others, the organization and regimentation can be facilitated by electronic organizers, phones, PDA's. The extremely fortunate will have a highly regimented and anal retentive assistant that can handle their own particular personality quarks. Then there are those like myself that have an iPhone, Outlook, two written calendars, and several scraps of paper that precariously balance the load between a couple of businesses, some community activism and a surprising amount of family events. I am learning to schedule my blog writing, posting and monitoring of several networking sites, but I am sure I will always find time management troublesome.

Steve Edmonds

For those of you not used to Florida's seasonal rain fall, this may be a soaking experience. For the first time in many years we are finally experiencing the afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Florida has been in a water shortage situation for several years. Part of it is due to recent years' lack of soaking rains. Unfortunately, more is due to usage or consumption, poor planning, and lack of viable recharging areas.

But, Steve, Florida is surrounded by water? Sure it is,... salt water. Salt water intrusion into our aquifer is one of the primary causes of our water shortages. When the aquifer is low, the underground plumbing becomes available to saltwater entering through a wide variety of sources. This of course taints the over-all freshwater that is available.

OK back to the rain. With all of this rain we should see some relief? Unfortunately, that will not be the case. Storm water management is usually centered on diverting the water and channeling it away from the communities. This means systematic diversion away from the ability to recharge the aquifer. Much of it is diverted ultimately back to the sea.

Still, there is enough water that is produced through rainfall to sustain the state if it were properly managed and conserved. In my county the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation Board is an entity that is trying to educate on water conservation. Most counties and cities around the country have at least one government entity that can be used as a source of information. With the green movement building solid momentum, now is an opportunity to focus on using conservation to an advantage.

Three great ways to conserve are:

Flow regulated fixtures for showers and toilets. New technology has gallons per minute way down without the loss of pressure performance. I know that I can't stand a weak shower, but my new shower head uses 1/3 the water and performs better than my old one. Toilets have gone from 2-3 gallons a flush to 1.4. Not only do save water....you save money.

A sometimes HOA controversy is the use of cisterns or collector to catch rain and re-use for irrigation or washing or even flushing. These devices can range from complicated tanks and pumps to a simple rain barrel. Approximately 6000 gallons of water will fall off an average roof in a regular afternoon storm.

Finally, another HOA controversy that has been worth fighting is the idea of xeroscaping or water wise yards. Around my neck of the woods, the fight has been settled in most cases with adopting variances to lessen to use of St. Augustine grass and allow for large areas of landscaping that utilize native and drought tolerant plants. It allows for less water to be wasted on keeping a lawn green. Because native plants are used, there is less need for fertilizers or pesticides. This is my personal favorite because it allows for keeping ascetics - not concrete lawns and gives flexibility for some creative uniqueness in each yard and most importantly saves water.

Just because it's raining, it doesn't mean we are saving water. We will always need and welcome the rain.

Steve Edmonds

Chippendale Railing is an old Georgia term associated with a type of pattern worked into the crafting of handrails for all sorts of applications. When time allows I like to continue my education by working with skilled trades people. Last week week I had such an opportunity.

When I arrived, Paul had a majority of the old rotting railing removed from a small sized dock in the middle of Winter Park's chain of lakes. Paul Wilson is a long time friend and Master Carpenter. In his field for over 25 years, he has done it all when comes to residential buildings. I stepped up to the dock and was instructed to observe the previous work on the main house that we were going to match on this project. Paul Wilson Carpentry, Inc. did the reconstruction of the entire rear facade off the building five years prior.

The neat thing about this pattern is that it adjusts to the spans it has to cover. That means that each panel is hand cut to maintain the over all "look". LOTS of cuts and coordinated measuring and the careful use of a finish nailer, combined with skills that are hard to find create a unique pattern that enhances any property.

Once the initial pattern takes form, it gets a little "easier". Five and half panels and a small gate later, the new railing was complete. The painter will finish up in the next day or so.

I really enjoyed working with Paul on this project. Its nice to help create something from nothing.

Steve Edmonds

Number 10: Let the Inspector do his job. I don't mean stand aside and not participate or ask questions. I mean let the inspector do their routine. I make most of my mistakes when people pull me over to "check this out" real quick. Have your list of "can you take a look..." ready. If the inspector does not cover the issue, ask about it when the routine is done.

Number Eight: Talk to the neighbors to gather any history you can on the area and the house. When was the last major storm? Do you remember seeing regular service vehicles? Did you ever see the old owners working/maintaining the house? Share your intelligence gathering with the inspector.

Number Seven: When you book the inspection, provide the inspector with your disclosure and information sheet. Many times agents will guard this information as a litmus test for the inspector. The fact is that most people will only disclose what they feel they must. The clues that are in the disclosure will help the inspector perform a more comprehensive evaluation.

Number Six: Encourage the seller to be somewhere else. A proud owner can be a huge distraction to an inspector. The chance of misdirection and omission is amplified by a chatty homeowner trying to be helpful.

Number Five: Be aware and educated as to your regional concerns. For example, in Central Florida, you should be concerned about roof construction for wind storms; aware of polybutylene in homes built in the 90's; and concerned about Federal Pacific Energy components (mains and circuit breakers) for any house built before the mid 70's.

Number Four: Research the history of the house, its renovations, and particularly the builder. Again, in Central Florida, there are a handful of builders that have earned special considerations by inspectors. The latest builder trend includes walls and windows that do not withstand water.

Number Three: Utilize your conversation skills on the seller. Try and ascertain the type of maintenance that may have been performed on the house. If the seller is a single traveling business person that was hardly at home, then you have two distinct possibilities. The house will be maintained impeccably or not at all.

Number Two: Have a set list of specific questions to ask the inspector at the end of the routine. This is different than the "check this out" list. This is a list that you will create, edit, and adjust on a regular basis. You should ask the same questions at the end of every inspection. They should include questions on typical service. ie. "When was the last time the septic was serviced?" The inspector obviously will not know, but it will force the question of the owner or their agent. It will also let you know if the inspector has considered that component. Finally, it can be used as a simple test - especially if the property is on public sewer service.

Number One: Regardless of state laws or requirements, be sure that your inspector is qualified through state licensing (if available) certifying organizations, and or accredited schooling. NACHI certified means that the inspector has passed an industry standard test on a yearly basis and continues education at a rate of 24 credit hours per year. Other organizations exist - be sure they have national standards and continuing educational components and requirements.

Following these ideas will help you continue the premise of the Active Rain organization which is to provide collaborative, helpful, and positive information. By doing so, you will also create the maximum disclosure that helps find the win/win situation you are looking for.

Steve Edmonds