The CPSC Receives EH&E Report

Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received a 61 page draft report from Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc (EH&E).  This report is titled IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMATIC DRYWALL: SOURCE MARKERS AND DETECTION METHODS.  The CPSC has yet to issue any guidance or opinions regarding this report received. 

In the summer of 2009, EH&E began a 51-home study to characterize the relationship between source markers, gas concentrations, building dynamics, and corrosion.  Kross Inspectors has conducted a preliminary review of the report issued.  New evidence produced by the report reveals that a potential marker for Chinese Drywall (specifically problematic drywall) has been identified as orthorhombic sulfur.  The most reliable method of analysis to detect orthorhombic sulfur is via GC/ECD (Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector.  This is typically performed in a laboratory setting. 

How does this affect Home Owners and potential Home Buyers? 

Being the first company in the country to offer Chinese Drywall Inspections, we have gathered extensive research data that shows if a home is properly inspected during the initial "Threshold Inspection" (visual and invasive), then only positive indicators would warrant further laboratory analysis.  In our newsletter on 4/23/2010, Kross Inspectors issued a formal review for consumers on the Interim Guidance-Identification of Homes with Corrosion from Problem Drywall issued by the CPSC.  You may view this past newsletter by clicking on the link below:
Kross Inspectors Chinese Drywall Update 4/23/2010

Please watch carefully for updates from Kross Inspectors reviewing the CPSC's response to this very important report. 

Our Chinese Drywall Hotline at 1-877-496-4662 is open 7 days per week from 8am-8pm eastern to answer any questions and provide free phone consultations. 

Florida's Home Inspector License Law Goes Into Effect 7/1/2010

On 7/1/2010, Florida Statute Chapter 468, Part XV goes into effect.  This is the state law that requires anyone offering Home Inspection Services to be licensed by the State of Florida as a Home Inspector.

The most important thing to remember on this date is that there WILL NOT be any licensed Home Inspectors in Florida on 7/1/2010! Although technically it will be ILLEGAL for ANYONE to offer Home Inspector Services on 7/1/2010, House Bill 713 passed earlier this year which orders that the State of Florida delay unlicensed activity enforcement until 7/1/2011, allowing ample time for applicants to complete the initial licensing requirements. 

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation will begin accepting applications on 7/1/2010.  Due to our commitment to education and training, our Inspectors will be among the first in the state to become "Licensed Home Inspectors".

What else changes on 7/1/2010?

Although there will not be any "Licensed Home Inspectors" on 7/1/2010, there are still other important elements of the law that must be followed in order for a Home Inspector to be in compliance. 

The two elements of the law that will effect consumers most are:

• Disclosures (FL Statute 468.8321)
• Insurance (FL Statute 468.8322)

Chapter 468.8321 requires that PRIOR to contracting or commencing a Home Inspection, a Home Inspector shall provide to the consumer a copy of his or her license to practice Home Inspection services in this state and a written disclosure that contains the scope and any exclusions of the Home Inspection.  Kross Inspectors IS the only Home Inspection Company already in FULL compliance of the law.  We have developed a seamless process that complies with the law, even when the client is not able to attend the inspection!  Call us to find out more.

Chapter 468.8322 requires that a Home Inspector shall maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $300,000.  Kross Inspectors has ALWAYS maintained a commercial general liability insurance policy of $1,000,000!  Furthermore, we carry PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY (ERRORS & OMMISSIONS) in order to further protect consumers.  Copies of our Insurance certificates are available by emailing compliance@krossinspectors.com. 

Remember, Kross Inspectors is dedicated to protecting consumers.  We show our dedication by promising to be in full compliance of the law BEFORE 7/1/2010. 

Kross Inspectors Licensing Update Web Page

WE ARE LISTENING TO YOU!

Kross Inspectors is dedicated to providing quality services to Real Estate Professionals and Consumers!  We have been soliciting feedback from Real Estate professionals all over Florida.  We appreciate your responses to our inquiries and assisting us in developing our NEW Home Inspection Reporting Format. 

Here are a few highlights from our new reporting format:

• Table of Contents now included to easily reference the elements inspected.
• A FULL Chinese Drywall Report in each Home Inspection Report (not just a paragraph stating that the home may or may not have defective drywall).
• A Seperate Photo Report to include additional photographs.
• A compliant Certification & Disclosure Form
• A SUMMARY of Deficiencies.  Many requests have come in asking us to provide a "Punch List" of deficiencies.  We have added a section dedicated to summarizing the deficiencies found during the inspection. 

If you would like to receive a sample copy of our new Home Inspection report, please email Info@krossinspectors.com or call our office at (239) 677-4403.

Tenemos inspectores que hablan español, con servicio de profesionales locales.

Reminder:  Our $50 OFF discount for FULL Home Inspections expires on 7/1/2010!  Please place your orders by the end of the day on 7/1/2010 to qualify for this discount (appointments are available within 24 hours)!

GET $50 OFF HERE