Eco-Inspector
2014 So Far: The Good, the Bad, and the Future
The end of spring/summer real estate season is time to catch up on personal business, analyze trends and plan ahead. Armed with flashlight, screwdriver and little gray cells here’smy look around the housing industry Mega-trends I’ve worked for up-and-coming multi-degreed professionals, investors, software engineers/designers/managers, medical professionals, first-time buyers, retirees, divorced and widowed persons; everyone except my main source of income; the middle-middle class.…
Read MoreLetters Home
Inspectors typically work Point of Sale transactions. A lot of what we do gets lost in the buyers rush to negotiate, move and settle. Here are my reasons to schedule aMaintenance Inspection every 6-9 years. The science of how we build and live in homes is changing. Materials, methods and lifestyle all have an impact on function and…
Read MorePostcards from the field
These recent intown Atlanta inspections put my understanding of building science to the test 1. Poor Drainage A reputable builder purchased mid-block properties in an older neighborhood. Local ordinance required he dispose of roof and surface moisture on-site, not to the storm sewer. He built a comfortable, durable and efficient Earthcraft home. This property and adjacent lots contain large amounts of organic clay…
Read MoreCool in June
Thermostat Wars and The Streetlight Effect Too much A/C gives me sinusitis, too little and I can’t sleep. You may be comfortable at 79, but it’s 78 for me. Family beach week is a constant battle between the 70F-crew and grumpy uncle Dan. Individual comfort depends very much on the specific needs of the comforted. How homeowners solve cooling deficiencies depends upon their understanding of the problem. When I see a fan in every room during an…
Read MoreA Question of Balance
Economies in Equilibrium Efficient systems require balance. Part of my job is to discover out-of-balance components before they compromise function and safety. I rail against the over-emphasis on appearance at the expense of durability because I know, sometime in the future, failures will occur. Appearances do make a difference, especially when they express common architectural language with a unique voice. Lowes and Lead Paint Contractors are tasked with…
Read More2014 Atlanta Home Trends
These real-world trends in the Atlanta market are worth a look. Thanks to agent Peggy Desiderio and landscape contractor David Curl for your knowledge and advice Walk To Pizza What was once a lifestyle decision is now an economic necessity. This nation-wide trend holds for Atlanta, ITPand OTP. http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2012/05/why-you-pay-more-walkable-neighborhoods/2122/ Take the Last Train to Boomerville Ranch-condo quads…
Read MoreDan's List: Media, Products and Services With not much of an apology to Angie
Homes on TV Tearing houses apart makes for a show, not an inspection. The inspector’s goal is not to entertain but to assess and recommend cost-effective repairs. If Tom tells Kevin “We’ll just have to tear it out and start over” he’s spending money most of my clients don’t have. The success of This Old House created a market for home-style reality…
Read MoreOpen Up
For 28 years I’ve seen the windows of neglect: bound with paint, sashes screwed shut, locked-never to be opened, damaged hardware and screens, rotted sills. No matter what type home, town or country, big or small, rich or poor, black or white, folks do not open windows. Windows are designed for the simultaneous and independent control of: Natural illumination Natural ventilation: The subject of…
Read MoreCold-Weather Comfort and the three-legged stool
Cold, Comfort and Energy Cold-Weather Comfort and the three-legged stool Building Science has shown there are three components required for comfort and efficiency: A source of energy A building enclosure in which the flow of energy is controlled A system of delivering energy from a source to the enclosure Of these three sources of…
Read MoreBeautiful, Functional, Durable
Vitruvius the Roman said it, Palladio the Florentine said it, Frank Lloyd Wright the American Architect said it yet still the timeless way of building (Christopher Alexander said it too) eludes most of our buildings. Beauty is needed because no one will love and care for an ugly building, functional buildings are needed so that…
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