Artesia, NM

Stucco can be a nightmare.

Especially when not installed correctly. There are a lot of ways to install a stucco covering to a home or building of any size.

Just remember to use the proper materials to get the job done correctly.

This unit was a double unit that are rentals. This was only one of two buildings on site. The other building is a five unit complex.

This unit had siding issues. No maintenance for years is what it looked like to me.

This T-111 sideing was never maintained after installation 20 years ago.

Notice how "warped" the siding is? There were a lot of issues with he siding pulling loose from the framing of the structure.

In the next shot look at the way the stucco was installed at the parepet wall.

To me, it looks like the structure had never been maintained. I was surprised to "not see" more damages than I did.

Have a very good day everyone.

High winds and roofs don't mix. A follow up.

When I do a roof inspection, you just never know what you may find. I normally take about a dozen pictures to catch any defects or damages that may be present at the time of the inspection. Very rarely do I have to take so many shots of a homes roof.

There were so many things wrong with this roof I ended up takeing 58 pictures.

Was it over kill? Not when you see the shots of the work that was done by a local contractor. I could'nt tell you if this contractor that did the roof seven years ago is still in business, if they are...they are in need of some serious roofing instructional training.

In the first shot, you can see the "drip edge was not correctly installed.

Below in the shot look at the lower section of roofing and you can see there is no flasing and no sealer for the end wall sealing.

Look at the way the chimney was or was not sealed. I guess the roofers thought the new shingles would "self seal" at the chimney base. This area should have been flashed and sealed properly.

The home has a total of thirteen sky lites. And every one of them are the same way as the chimney.Also the chimney is falling apart. Letting in water and it could let in rodents and wood destoying insects as well.

Gives you a lot to think about when you hire your next roofing contractor. The lowest bid is not always the best contractor for the job.

Have a great day everyone.

High winds and roofs don't mix.

Here in New Mexico, we have had some really bad wind storms recently.

If you have a roof that is not quite right then you will probably have these wind issues with your roof.

As I drove up to the home I was looking at the roof from the ground and all I could think was "OH MY".

Here is another contracted job that leaves a lot to be desired.

This roof had so many "issues" I really did'nt know where to begin.

These two shots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to being installed correctly.

This was just one of the many pipe penetrations I had to inspect. Can you see anything wrong with it?

The roofing job was done by a licensed contractor and was passed by the city inspector.

I have no hair left after this inspection. I have pulled it all out. This is only the first post about this roof. There will be more. There is just too much to show in only one post.

Have a great day everyone.

Getting to know your own home.

Even though we are living in our own home today, do we really know our own home?

Here are some useful tips for the average home owner to consider.

Don't worry. It happens to the best of us. The day you met and the day you tied the knot, everything was blissful! Then suddenly it's a few years later, you're smack in the middle of a dreary winter--and you wake-up on this Valentine's Day morning and wonder which one of you let yourself go first? Sigh...

But fear not! Don't be so hasty to turn your back on everything you've invested in this relationship so far--there's still time to fall back in love with your house--all over again here's how!

5 Ways to Fall In Love With Your House (Again):

1. Take the time to reconnect with your home.
2. Our homes age and change over time. Just like our cars (or us, for that matter) they require regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. And just like our bodies--junk in, junk out. So show your home a little TLC at least once a month and be rewarded for years to come. Think of it as date night.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate! Listen closely to your home, it's constantly sending you signals and telling you what it needs. Watch for signs of deterioration or wear and remedy situations before they become major issues.

• Commit to getting out of your rut. Shake things up a little and make a change. It doesn't even have to be that big--paint a wall, get a new throw rug or change out the curtains in your least favorite room of the house. You might be surprised at the results.
• Take action. Maybe you've been neglecting your home a bit. Take some time to clean furnace filters, empty dryer vents and vacuum refrigerator coils. When your home runs more efficiently, you save money--and well, who doesn't love that?! (Not to mention that dust and debris built-up can also be a fire hazard).
• Don't forget to have fun! What were your favorite parts of your home when you moved in? Was it the sun room? The gourmet kitchen? The master soaker tub? Take the day to do something in your favorite homey spot. Yes, chores need to be done, but sometimes, it's just time to curl up in your favorite spot and read a book, soak in the tub, or make the family some cookies. Here's hoping you have a great day here in the Rain.

Today, I'm making the call.

After my recent post about a struggling homeowner that wanted to get help from his bank and the bank turned a deaf ear.

The post in case you missed it. Is it greed, or is it me? Can you believe 167 comments?

I am calling in a favor today. I am going to call the president of a local bank that I have been doing business for nearly 30 years.

Good thing is, this president started out as a loan officer many years ago. I went to him when I needed a loan to jump start my business way back then.

Every time I see him in the bank he wants to talk about everything from the economy to my business's future.

I have informed the home owner yesterday I was going to call someone on his behalf. He said any help would be great.

Now we will see if I have any kind of "pull" when it comes to helping someone with a bank.

I wish everyone here in the Rain a wonderful day.