Florida Changes Wind Mitigation Report, AGAIN!

First of all, what is a Wind Mitigation Report?  

A Uniform Wind Mitigation Verification Inspection is a form issued by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that mandates Insurance Companies to provide discounts to Home Owners that have ensured their home can withstand major storms.  

These discounts can range from a few hundred dollars per year to Several Thousand Dollars!  

In order to qualify for these discounts, the Inspection must be performed by a qualified Inspector.  

The form required by the State of Florida has seen significant changes over the past two years.  The changes are intended to provide Insurance Companies with enough information to determine what risk the property poses during a high wind storm.

On 2/1/2012, ALL Inspectors will be required to use the new Uniform Wind Mitigation Verification Inspection Form [OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 01/12) Adopted by Rule 690-170.0155].  This new mandatory form requires the Inspector to perform more due diligence before and after the Inspection and to report more details of components than the previous versions required.  

Don't worry, these changes allow for even more discounts for Home Owners as they provide more detailed evidence regarding the roof construction and hurricane protection installed on the property!  

However, this does mean some changes regarding the Inspection itself:

• Inspectors will be required to conduct more research about the roof materials and the property permits.
• On Site Inspection time will increase approximately 25% for some properties. 
• Older versions of the form may require follow up Inspections upon Insurance renewal, depending on which Insurance Company is renewing the policy. 

Wind Mitigations will remain to be a valuable tool for Consumers, whether they are existing Home Owners or Home Buyers looking to save on Insurance premiums.  

If you would like to obtain a copy of the new Wind Mitigation Report Form or find out more about how Kross Inspectors can help save Home Owners and Home Buyers on Insurance premiums, please email Inspector@krossinspectors.com or call (941) 538-7181.  

Purchasing A Home That Has Been Remediated For Chinese Drywall

There are some amazing opportunities for Home Buyers in our market.  One of these opportunities is to purchase a home that has had a complete remodel of the interior.  However, many of the remodeled homes available in the market today were remodeled only because they originally contained problem drywall from China!  

Being the most experienced in performing Chinese Drywall Inspections, Kross Inspectors receives inquiries daily from potential Home Buyers and Real Estate Professionals about Chinese Drywall Remediated Homes.  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Will Chinese Drywall come back after the home has been remediated?

The problem with Chinese Drywall is that it produces an "off gas" that occurs when the drywall is subjected to high temperatures and humidity levels.  If 100% of the Chinese Drywall is removed from the property, then the source of the problem is eliminated.  However, the gases that were emitted while the drywall was installed in the home were most likely absorbed by other building materials and personal property.  We often notice residual effects of Chinese Drywall after remediation is complete when these affected materials are not properly cleaned or replaced.  

How do I know that a property has been remediated properly?  

The only way to confirm that a property has been remediated properly is to witness the entire process yourself or rely upon third party documentation provided by the Seller or Remediation Contractor.  Reputable Remediation Contractors and Sellers will hire an independent Inspector that does not have any interest in the property to oversee the remediation process.  That Inspector will provide a thorough report showing all the steps the Contractor took to remediate the property.  At a minimum, this report should state that 100% of the problem drywall was removed from the property.  If any drywall was not replaced, the report should clearly state that the drywall was laboratory tested and confirmed to be non problematic.  

I am purchasing a house that has been remediated.  The seller has all the building permits and Inspections from the City or County that shows the house was remediated.  Should I rely upon those inspections to make my decision?

NO!  The permits required by municipalities for Chinese Drywall Remediation DO NOT require that the Contractor remove ALL drywall from the property.  The inspections performed by the building Inspector ONLY provide evidence that certain components were installed according to current code.  

Are there any government agencies that provide regulations for Chinese Drywall Remediation?  

No.  There are no government regulations that require certain steps in the remediation process.  However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does offer guidance.  You may obtain a copy of the most current document by visiting www.krossinspectors.com/drywallremediation or email Inspector@krossinspectors.com.  

The Contractor that performed the remediation on the property says he replaced everything.  Should I believe him?

Although there are many reputable contractors out there performing Chinese Drywall Remediation projects and doing it right, there are still many that take short cuts and place buyers at risk.  It is still wise to demand a copy of a third party Inspection report performed by an Independent Inspector.  It should also be noted that Kross Inspectors has performed over 500 Inspections on homes after they have been remediated for Chinese Drywall.  Over 60% of these homes still displayed positive indicators! 

The lessons to be learned here are to be an INFORMED buyer when you are looking to purchase a home that has previously had Chinese Drywall!  To find out more about Chinese Drywall Remediation or for a FREE Consultation, visit

www.krossinspectors.com/drywallremediation or call our Chinese Drywall Hot Line at (877) 496-4662. 

Name That Deficiency

It's your turn to be the Inspector!

Each week, we offer Consumers and Real Estate Professionals the chance to  "Stand in the Inspector's shoes!"

At the end of each Inspection, our Inspectors give the Clients and Realtors a "Walk Through" in order to offer maintenance tips and to point out items observed during the Inspection.  Often these items are not so obvious to the untrained eye!

Test your Inspection skills by taking a look at the photo below:

Take a moment to review the photo above.  Enter your guess as to what deficiency is showing in the photo by clicking on the photo or email Inspector@krossinspectors.com (Clicking on the photo will take you to our site where you can view a larger image).

Good Luck!  This week's winner will receive a $25     Publix Gift Card!

Home Inspection Events of 2011

2011 was a very eventful year for the Home Inspection Industry.  As you know, we have been keeping you update on many of the changes that have occurred in order to assist you in becoming better informed consumers. 

We would like to provide you with a brief recap of Industry changes which have changed the Home Inspector Profession and how they affect consumer interaction:  

• 3/18/2011:  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued new guidance for both identification and remediation of homes affected by Chinese Drywall.  
  • The significance of the identification guidance confirmed that the comprehensive protocol utilized by Kross Inspectors is a proven method in identifying homes with problem drywall.  After performing over 11,000 of these Inspections, our protocol has always exceeded  minimum guidances issued by the CPSC.  
• 7/1/2011:  Licensing Enforcement of Home Inspectors goes into effect.  
  • With the enforcement of the licensing law, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation also began enforcing regulations applicable to Licensed Home Inspectors:
    • Home Inspectors must deliver a copy of their license and the Scope of the Inspection to Clients PRIOR to commencing or accepting an assignment for a Home Inspection.  
      • Compliance of this regulation is mandatory.  Kross Inspectors provides the most efficient method of delivering compliance materials by doing so electronically.  As part of our order process, we deliver our Inspection Agreement which includes a link to the Inspector's on line license and a copy of the Standard of Practice in which we perform Inspections (Scope of Inspection).  This eliminates the long wait of having to mail or fax a copy of the license prior to accepting an assignment.  Kross Inspectors was the FIRST Home Inspection Company to be in full compliance with the law.  
    • Home Inspectors may not perform or offer to perform any repairs to a home on which the Inspector or Inspector's company has prepared a Home Inspection Report.  
      • Kross Inspectors has maintained a strict company policy to this effect for years.  We have always seen this as a conflict of interest that induces the Inspector to falsify reports for financial gain.  
    • Home Inspectors may not offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to any broker or agent for the referral of an Inspected property.  
      • Kross Inspectors has NEVER compensated a Real Estate Broker or Agent for the referral of an assignment.  However, many Realtors have helped their Clients save on Inspection Fees by learning of special discounts offered in Realtor privileged communications such as this newsletter!  The Realtor looks like a hero to Clients and helps everyone maintain a Superior level of Ethics and Professionalism in the process! 

• 8/1/2011:  Home Inspectors Observe Significant Increase In Mold Activity In Vacant Homes
  • A study of Air Quality surveys conducted in vacant homes Inspected by Kross Inspectors shows that approximately 40% of these homes have elevated mold spore counts!  (The majority of these homes surveyed DID NOT display any surface mold or water damage!)
• 11/1/2011:  Studies Show Higher Demand For IMMEDIATE Delivery Of Inspection Reports
  • Kross Inspectors began delivering Inspection Reports ON SITE via email in March of 2011.  Since that time, our Inspection demand has increased by 15%!  Not only can we deliver reports ON SITE by being the ONLY Inspection firm to use the KwikReports Application in South West Florida, but our staff of Professional Inspectors are able to be ON SITE within 24 Hours of request!  We understand that “Time is of the essence”!

Now, What’s in store for 2012?  To be continued……..(Tune back to the same station next week to learn what changes in the Home Inspection Industry are in store for Consumers in 2012!)

*Don’t forget!  Receive $25 OFF of our Home Inspection, Chinese Drywall, and Mold Inspection fees by visiting www.krossinspectors.com or call (239) 677-4403 and ask for $25 OFF! 

FREE RecallChek With All Full Home Inspections!  

Common sense tells us that a Home Inspector cannot see everything that is wrong within a property in which he or she is inspecting.  Many flaws are hidden or even worse, not yet found as it has not yet malfunctioned.  One of the most common hidden defects not discovered during a typical Home Inspection is a known factory defect within an appliance or major manufactured system. 

Hidden defects can create many hazards that can surface at any time:

• Personal Injury
• Fire
• Electrical Shock
• Water Damage
• Personal Property Damage

These are only a few problems that can occur when a known manufacturer defect goes uncorrected. 

But Wait!  How can the Inspector miss it, if it is a “known” defect?

The answer is simple.  The defect is only “known” if the Inspector performs a RecallChek on the installed appliances.  A RecallChek report will discover any recalls issued by the manufacturer and can save consumers from the hazards above and also money from repairing many inoperable appliances!

RecallChek Reports are now FREE from Kross Inspectors! To find out more about how to obtain a FREE RecallChek Report with a Home Inspection, visit our RecallChek site at www.krossinspectors.com/recall or call our office at (239) 677-4403. 

Name That Deficiency 

It's your turn to be the Inspector!

 

Each week, we offer Consumers and Real Estate Professionals the chance to  "Stand in the Inspector's shoes!"

 

At the end of each Inspection, our Inspectors give the Clients and Realtors a "Walk Through" in order to offer maintenance tips and to point out items observed during the Inspection.  Often these items are not so obvious to the untrained eye!

 

Test your Inspection skills by taking a look at the photo below:

 

 

 

 

Take a moment to review the photo above.  Enter your guess as to what deficiency is showing in the photo by clicking on the photo or email Inspector@krossinspectors.com (Clicking on the photo will take you to our site where you can view a larger image).

 

Good Luck!  This week's winner will receive a roll over gift, a $100 Visa Gift Card!

 

 

The Answer to last weeks question was:

NO DEFICIENCY!  The aerator for the water system was installed on a platform in order to provide extra water pressure to the home. The home owner intended to use "gravity" to increase the pressure!  Although this is not a deficiency, a much easier way to increase pressure is to install a pressure tank! 

Chinese Drywall Update 12/23/2011

This week a published settlement agreement from a Chinese Drywall manufacturer became available.  The agreement shows great promise that there may be recourse for those that have suffered damages from the effects of problem drywall being installed within their home. 

A few highlights from the published settlement agreement:

• Benefits available through:Homeowners Foreclosed Upon Due To Chinese Drywall Eligible For Benefits
  • Cash Settlement; or
  • Remediation
• Homeowners Forced To Short Sale Due To Chinese Drywall Eligible For Benefits
• Benefits Available For Renters of Chinese Drywall Properties
• Medical Benefits Available For Those Suffering Health Complications Due to Chinese Drywall Exposure

One of the most important requirements for eligibility to participate in this settlement agreement is to provide proof that the Chinese Drywall was present in the home PRIOR to the settlement cut off date of December 9, 2011.  

Our comprehensive Chinese Drywall Inspection Protocol along with our Inspectors' extensive training and experience provides consumers with the evidence they require to file a claim for benefits.  

If you or someone you know has suffered damages due to Chinese Drywall, please email Info@krossinspectors.com for a FREE consultation.  

If you would like to review a full copy of the published agreement, please email Inspector@krossinspectors.com. 

Happy Holidays From Kross Inspectors!

Kross Inspectors would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal Clients and Realtor Referral Partners for their continued support in making Kross Inspectors THE leader in Inspection services throughout Florida.  

Your continued support in relying upon an Inspection Company with the highest ethical standards, most comprehensive Inspection Protocols, and a Superior Level of Customer Service has helped provide many new job opportunities in a region with few jobs to offer.  For this, the families employed by Kross Inspectors are thankful!  

We wish you and your families a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!  

Name That Deficiency!

Water Intrusion Part 3 Of 3

In our final article of this series, we discuss an obvious source of water damage to a home.  The Plumbing!  

Plumbing leaks, even a slow drip, can cause serious property damage!   

Many home buyers are taking advantage of purchasing vacant foreclosed homes at great prices!  With these great opportunities, come some risks.  These risks include purchasing homes that may have plumbing problems that are not detected until the water service is restored. 

Plumbing Leaks That Can Cause Property Damage & Promote Mold Growth:

?Leaking Shut Off Valves:  Shut off valves are typically located within cabinets under sinks and can create slow drips that accumulate water.  These slow drips create an ideal climate for MOLD to grow!  This is why it is important to test and inspect shut off valves at least once per year and to check under sinks at least once per week.  (When you reach for that towel, tube of toothpaste, or dish soap, STOP and look for water!)

?Leaking Faucets:  Leaking faucets can often drip to interior wall surfaces or into cabinets.  If your faucet leaks around the handles or under the spout, watch for where the water travels.  You will find that often it disappears!  When it disappears, it is traveling to a location where it will accumulate and promote MOLD growth and damage adjacent surfaces!

?Loose Toilets:  Loose toilets can create hidden water damage very rapidly.  Loose toilets often leak water at the seal where they are mounted to the floor.  These leaks can damage floor coverings, and also create an unsanitary condition within the home.  

?Sink/Tub Overflows:  Overflows that are not properly connected or damaged can also create pools of water that promote mold growth and damage adjacent surfaces.  

?Water Heater Fittings:  Water heater fittings require constant monitoring.  When a water heater fitting fails, often water accumulates unnoticed and can cause ideal MOLD growth conditions AND cause significant damage to adjacent surfaces.  Water heaters should be reviewed at least once per week.  Any small leaks require IMMEDIATE attention! 

These are only a few examples of how pluming leaks can cause significant problems in a home.  Not only can plumbing leaks damage adjacent materials and create ideal conditions for mold growth, but they can significantly increase utility bills!  (Keep in mind, even homes serviced by private wells can be affected.  Water leaks cause the well to activate more often which increase electric bills!)

To find out more about how Kross Inspectors can help Home Buyers make informed decisions about a Home Purchase, visit www.krossinspectors.com

 or call (239) 677-4403. 

Why Kross Inspectors?

Since 2007, Kross Inspectors has performed over 12,000 Inspections for Consumers!  This makes Kross Inspectors THE Leading Home Inspection Firm in Florida!  

Why have so many consumers turned to Kross Inspectors for help?  

?Appointments Available With Only 24 Hours Notice!

?Comprehensive Inspection Reports Delivered via Email ON SITE!

?Convenient Order Methods:

?Phone; (239) 677-4403 Answered Daily From 8 AM til 8 PM

?Order Online Anytime at www.krossinspectors.com/orderform

?Email Your Request To Info@krossinspectors.com

?Fax Your Order To (239) 214-2684

?The FIRST Company to EVER Offer Chinese Drywall Inspections!  Chinese Drywall Inspections ALWAYS Included for FREE with all Full Home Inspections on homes built between 2003 and 2009! 

?$1,000,000 Professional Errors & Omissions Coverage (Including Premises Liability) *Insurance also provides coverage for Realtors that refer Kross Inspectors!

?Discounts! When you save us time by entering your order online, we pass on that savings by offering $50 OFF Full Home Inspection, Chinese Drywall, and Mold Air Quality Surveys!  Visit www.krossinspectors.com and click on the $50 OFF Button!  That's all it takes!  

To find out more about how Kross Inspectors can help Home Buyers make informed decisions about their purchase, visit www.krossinspectors.com, email Info@krossinspectors.com, or call us at (239) 677-4403. 

Name That Deficiency 

 It's your turn to be the Inspector!

Each week, we offer Consumers and Real Estate Professionals the chance to  "Stand in the Inspector's shoes!"

At the end of each Inspection, our Inspectors give the Clients and Realtors a "Walk Through" in order to offer maintenance tips and to point out items observed during the Inspection.  Often these items are not so obvious to the untrained eye!

Test your Inspection skills by taking a look at the photo below:

Take a moment to review the photo above.  Enter your guess as to what deficiency is showing in the photo by clicking on the photo or email Inspector@krossinspectors.com (Clicking on the photo will take you to our site where you can view a larger image).

Good Luck!  This week's winner will receive a roll over prize a $25 Edison Mall Gift Card!