1.
What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and
inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if
applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code
of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of
time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you w ant to
make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.
2.
How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her
history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. New er inspectors
can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more
experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.
3.
Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful,
but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of
home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this
should be asked about as w ell.
4.
Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
Some inspector associations and state regulations allow
the inspector to perform repair w ork on problems uncovered in the inspection.
Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of
interest.
5.
How long will the inspection take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single
inspector is two to three hours for a typical single- family house; anything
significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and
buildings.
6.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size
and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range
might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of
the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD Does
not regulate home inspection fees.
7.
What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can
understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill
your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the
inspection.
8.
Will I be able to attend the inspection?
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an
inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this
opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
9.
Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home
inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due
diligence you deem appropriate.
10.
Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up
to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector's
commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her
professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in
cases w here the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring
additional or updated training.
7
Principles to Make Homes Healthier for Families
Which would you
choose: to live in a home you could afford, or one that is healthy for your
family? Sadly, too many families in America are forced with that decision every
day
.
HUD
believes our communities should make homes available to families that are
affordable and healthy. "Healthy Homes" is a century-old concept that
promotes safe, decent, and sanitary housing as a means for preventing disease
and injury. There is a lot of emerging scientific evidence linking health
outcomes such as asthma, lead poisoning, and unintentional injuries to sub
standard housing. And, there are more than 6 million sub standard housing units
nationwide. Help Yourself to a Healthy Home provides valuable information to
assist in making your home healthier for you and your family.
But
it's not just older homes that contain hazards. Even newer expensive homes may
have hazards lurking within. Creating healthier housing promotes the healthy
growth and development of children and has the potential to save billions in
health care costs. Everyone needs a healthy home and some of the most serious
health problem s for children start in their home. There are special reasons to
think about children:
Children's
bodies are still growing.
For
their size, children eat more food, drink more water and breathe more air than
adults. Children play and crawl on the ground and put their fingers into their
mouths.
Children
depend on adults to mak e their homes safe.
So
what can you do?
Fortunately
there are some really simple ways to help make your home a healthier place for
you and your family. By following the Seven Healthy Homes Principles below, you
can help make your home a healthier place to live in.
Follow the Seven Healthy Homes Principles
1. Keep your home
Dry.
Damp
houses provide a nurturing environment for termites, roaches, rodents, and
molds, all of which are associated with asthma.
2. Keep your home
Clean.
Clean
homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants.
3. Keep your home
Pest-Free.
Recent
studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and *** roaches
and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest
infestations can exacerbate health problem s, since pesticide residues in homes
pose risks for neurological dam age and cancer.
4. Keep your home
Safe.
The
majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most
frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from
objects in the home, burns, and poisonings.
5. Keep your home
Contaminant-Free.
Chemical
exposures include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic com pounds, and
environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, carbon
monoxide, and second-hand tobacco smoke are far higher indoors than outside.
6. Keep your home
Ventilated.
Studies
show that increasing the fresh air supply in a home improves respiratory
health.
7. Keep your home
Maintained.
Poorly-maintained
homes are at risk for moisture and pest problems. Deteriorated lead-based paint
in older housing is the primary cause of lead poisoning, which affects some
240,000 U.S. children.
Feel free to email me if you are looking for a home!
Callie@CalliesMarket.com
Callie Sinkinson
Market at Lock 3 - Starts Friday, June 5
Lock 3
Fridays, June 5-September 25
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Downtown Akron Partnership and the City of Akron
are sponsoring the "Market at Lock 3," beginning June
5
and running until September 25.
The market will take place every Friday from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Products will include:
baked goods, plants & flowers, pottery, clothing, jams,
cheese, produce (starting
July) and more.
Come down at 11 a.m. for a special announcement regarding the
Italian American
2 Council Festival.
Click here for more information.
Artwalk
Downtown Akron
Saturday, June 6, 5-10 p.m.
The Artwalk features nearly two dozen destinations
for art, shopping, dinning and entertainment with
offerings that fit every budget. Hand-blown glass, pottery, ceramic,
paintings, textiles,jewelry and eclectichousewares all dot the
footprint of thisspectacular monthlyevent.
The City of Akron's free trolley service runs the
entire route, making shopping convenient and
parking painless. Trolley service begins at 5 p.m.
and runs through 10 p.m. with destinations opening
their doors between 5 and 6 p.m.
WONE's Rock the Lock
Lock 3 Live
Downtown Akron
On Friday nights the amphitheatre hosts
WONE's FREE Admission Rock the Lock Concerts
featuring the country's best tribute acts.
Terrace seating available, $5 per chair.
Friday, June 5
7 p.m. Sunset Riot
8:30 p.m. Full Moon Fever, A Tribute
to Tom Petty and The Heart Breakers
Friday, June 12
7 p.m. Cats on Holiday
8:30 p.m. The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Click here for more
information.
Downtown Akron Partnership
invites you to...
GO is an initiative to get Downtown employees out of
their offices and into Downtown - utilizing all the
great businesses and amenities that Downtown has
to offer. GO activities include a full schedule of
events hosted by your neighbors - Downtown
businesses and organizations. Everything from
walking tours, fitness days, outdoor recreation, book
clubs, music concerts, sneak peaks and behind the
scenes looks at projects will be featured.
GO: Events
Mondays: Downtown
Insider
(tours & sneak peeks of
Downtown establishments)
Tuesdays: How
To Tuesdays
(gain valuable information & have fun)
Wednesdays: Walking
Wednesdays (get some exercise & learn new stuff)
Thursdays: Recreation
Thursdays (come out & play)
Fridays: Fresh
Air Fridays (walk around, visit a
restaurant or ride the trolley)
June 5-12
Everyday
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Recess from Work at Lock 3.
Need a break from the office? Check out Recess from
Work at Lock 3. Play bocce ball, throw a frisbee or fly
a kite. Get some fresh air and de-stress! All activities
are free and open to all Downtown employees.
Friday, June 5
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.:
The Market at Lock 3, Home grown, homemade
products and Downtown establishments will be
selling different items, Lock 3
JSK Cafe, Visit their website
for a menu and more
information regarding this summer tradition, John S.Knight Center
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch at Mustill Store, Musitll Store
2-3 p.m.: CVS
Open House, Meet & Greet your local
CarePlus CVS pharmacist and MinuteClinic
practitioner, FirstMerit Tower Building
Monday, June 8
12:15-1 p.m.: Tour
of Northside Lofts, 21 Furnace St.
Tuesday, June 9
12-12:45 p.m.: How
to fold shirts & organize your
closet, Come down to RCC to learn how to fold with
the best of them & save 20%, Rubber City Clothing
1-3 p.m.: Ice
Cream Social at Menches, Menches
Brothers at Canal Park
Wednesday, June 10
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Lunch Hour Concert Series,
Cascade Plaza
12-1 p.m.: Downtown
Historic Tour with Larry
Pentecost, Downtown Then & Now, Lock 3
1-3 p.m.: Ice
Cream Social at Menches, Menches
Brothers at Canal Park
Thursday, June 11
12-1 p.m.: On
Your Mark!, Learn how to upgrade to
longer distances with easy training tips followed by a
one-mile lunch run, Marathon Start Line, 177 S.
Broadway
Downtown Book Club, Love reading? Join in on this
downtown book discussion, Northside, 110 N. Main St.
Brown Bag Financial Lunch Series with US Bank, Get
helpful budgeting tips for your personal finances
during this seminar, US Bank, 195 S. Main St.
1-3 p.m.: Ice
Cream Social at Menches, Menches
Brothers at Canal Park
6 p.m.: Thirsty
Thursday Special at Akron Aeros,
Enjoy discounted tickets and a tour of the stadium,
Akron Aeros-Canal Park Stadium
Friday, June 12
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: JSK Cafe, Visit their website for
a menu and more information regarding this summer
tradition, John S. Knight Center
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Summer
Travel Fair at AAA, Need
help with your summer travel plans? Let AAA help!,
AAA, 111 Center St.
12-1 p.m.: Tips
for Health with Ritzman's Pharmacy,
Summertime health concerns, Ritzman's, 23 S. Main St.
1-3 p.m.: Ice
Cream Social at Menches, Menches
Brothers at Canal Park
Check out the website for
more information & the Calendar of Events for detailed GO Events!
Music at The Lockview
The Lockview
Saturday, June 6: Walk Right Back
-- Ryan Humbert & Emily Bates -
perform the music of The Everly Brothers
Sunday, June 14, 6 p.m.:
Operations
Sunday, June 21, 6 p.m.: Kepi Ghoulie
Free for 21 and over, $5 under 21
Northside Events
Northside
111 N. Main St.
Friday, June 5
9 p.m.: Nightbridge
Saturday, June 6
9 p.m.: Midlife Chryslers
Monday, June 8
9 p.m.: Colin & Friends, Open Mic
Tuesday, June 9
8 p.m.: Mike Lenz & Friends
Wednesday, June 10
9 p.m.: Open Mic
Thursday, June 11
9 p.m.: Northside Jazz
Friday, June 12
9 p.m.: The Magpies
Saturday, June 13
9 p.m.: Mo' Mojo
Click here for Northside's calendar.
Musica Events
Musica
17-19 Maiden Lane
Friday, June 5
9 p.m.: Nemesis 3, August,
Switchbeck and Give the Signal
Saturday, June 6
9 p.m.: Viva Voce, Cut Off Your
Hands and Houseguest
Monday, June 8
8 p.m.: John Eddie & Ryan Humbert
Thursday, June 11
9 p.m.: Dreadful Yawns, Good Touch Bad
Touch &Minute of Arc
Friday, June 12
9 p.m.: Dingtown
Saturday, June 13
8 p.m.: Rachel Roberts CD Release Party
Click here for more Musica events.
JSK Cafe
John S. Knight Center
Fridays, June 5-August 28
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Satisfy your knight-sized appetite. Join John S.
Knight Center on Fridays throughout the summer for
delicious lunch options and great outdoor seating.
Click here for more information.
Save The Date-2009 Wine Weekend Events
Akron Art Museum
Friday & Saturday, June 12 & 13
Friday, June 12, 2009
Reserve the Night: The Napa Valley Experience
Wine Tasting at the Akron Art Museum
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The 14th Annual Akron Wine Auction
at Portage Country Club
Enjoy not one but two spectacular wine events to benefit the
Akron Art Museum.
Begin the weekend by sampling wines at Friday night's tasting
and then join
fellow wine enthusiasts on Saturday evening for the annual black
tie dinner and
auction.
Downtown Akron is the place
to be this summer!
Whether you're enjoying lunch (click here for our
Restaurant Guide)
and recess (click here for a
schedule of our GO Events) during the work day
or stepping out of the office at the end of the
day, Downtown Akron offers everyone a chance at fun.
Grab a bite to eat at a Downtown
establishment, enjoy a concert at Lock 3, take a
walk on the Towpath and so much more.
The options are endless in Downtown Akron!
The sun's been shining in Downtown Akron so enjoy the
scenery with outdoor seating.
69 Taps, Akron City Club Bistro & Bar, Barley House, Crave,
Diamond Deli, Hattie's Cafe at the Main Library,
The Lockview, Menches Brothers at Canal Park, Northside, Ohio
Brewing, Subway and VegiTerranean.
Check out our website for more information about Downtown
Akron!
This calendar is from an email newsletter I received from the Downtown Akron Partnership stsy tuned for more!!
2009 summer season event schedule
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, May 22, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Aquarius Rising
8:30pm The JiMiller Band, A Tribute to the Grateful Dead http://www.jimillerband.com/
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, May29, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Time Traveller, A Tribute to The Moody Blues http://www.time-traveller-band.com/-traveller-band.com
9pm Josh Koslen's Stage Pass Now http://www.stagepassnow.com/
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, June 6, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Sunset Riot
8:30pm Full Moon Fever, A Tribute to Tom Petty and The Heart Breakers http://www.fullmoonfever.ca/
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, June 12, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Cats on Holiday' http://www.catsonholiday.com/
8:30pm The Dave Matthews Tribute Band http://www.thedavematthewstributeband.com/
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, June19, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Blood, Sweat and Beers
8:30pm Gypsies in the Palace, Northeast Ohio's Premier Jimmy Buffet Band http://www.gypsiesinthepalace.com/
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, June 26, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Big House, A Tribute to the Allman Brothers
8:30pm Slowhand, The Original Eric Clapton Tribute http://www.slowhandband.com/
--------------
Lock 3 Live!
Old School Soul - $5 admission
Saturday, June 27, 2009
6pm Meditation
7:30pm Zapp Band
9:30 Midnight Star
---------------
Rib, White and Blue Food Festival
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, July 2, 3, 4
11am-10pm
July 2 and 3 - Free Admission
July 4th - $5.00 after 1pm
3 Days of Grillin' and Groovin' with the nations best rib vendors.
Fire
up your taste buds for North East Ohio's favorite 4th of July Festival.
Grill masters from Ohio, Texas and the Carolinas are determined to
prove they can serve up the best barbecue ribs and create the most
smokin' sauce. Bring the whole family for barbecue bliss, rides, live
music and sizzlin' summer fun! No outside food or beverage permitted.
Rib Festival Live Music Schedule:
July 2 - Rock 'n Ribs
7:00pm Cletus Black
8:30pm The Machine, America's Premier Pink Floyd Experience www.themachinelive.com
July 3 - Rock 'n Ribs
7:00pm The Juke Hounds
8:30pm Satisfaction, A Rolling Stones Experience http://www.rollingstoneshow.com/
July 4 - American Roots
2:30-4pm University of Akron Steel Drum Band http://www.uasteelband.com/
4:30-7pm Mo' Mojo www.aclassactentertainment.com/mojo_home.htm
7:30-9pm Rebirth Brass Band www.rebirthbrassband.org
9:45pm Grand Finale Fireworks on the Innerbelt
A list of barbecue vendors, other food vendors and more info coming soon.
---------
The Akron Symphony
Sunday, July 5 - Free Admission
Start Time 7:30pm
American Roots Music
---------
The Summit County Italian-American Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
July 10,11,12 - Free Admission
One of the biggest and best Italian heritage events in Ohio focusing on Italian food, music, language and culture.
Live Music Schedule
July 10
Appearing on the Lock 3 Stage:
6:00pm-8:00pm La Flavour http://www.laflavour.com/
8:30pm Hotel California, The Original Tribute to the Eagles
Appearing on the Main Street Stage:
5:00pm-6:00pm Don DeSantis http://www.dondisantis.com/
7:00pm Geeze Cats http://www.geezecats.com/
July 11
Appearing on the Lock 3 Stage:
3:30pm-5:30pm Goodfellas
6:00pm-8:30pm Eurorhythms http://www.eurorhythms.com/
9:00pm The Sands Trio Rat Pack Show
Appearing on the Main St. Stage:
3:00pm-4:00pm I Gagliardi-Dance www.italian-american.com/ifafa/gagliardi.htm
4:30pm-6:30pm Anthony Rolando and Valerie Vacco http://www.anthonyvalerie.com/
July 12
Appearing on the Lock 3 Stage:
11am-Noon Catholic Mass
1:00pm-3:30pm Danny Mazzocco
4:00pm-6:30pm Cavaliere Reale
7:00pm-9:00pm Ron Chick Band
Appearing on the Main St. Stage:
1:00pm-1:20pm Pizza Tossing (Michael Angelo)
1:30pm-2:30pm Pizza Eating Contest
2:40pm-3:00pm Pizza Tossing (Michael Angelo)
4:45pm-6:15pm I Musici d'Italia www.myspace.com/musicidelsud
6:30pm-9 pm Gene Fiocca Band http://www.genefioccaband.com/
A complete list of vendors, bands and a complete schedule coming soon.
----------
WONE's Rock The Lock Concert
Friday, July 17, 2009 - Free Admission
7pm Stormbringer, A Tribute to Deep Purple
8:30pm Atomic Punks, A Tribute to Early Van Halen http://www.theatomicpunks.com/
----------
4th Annual National Hamburger Festival
Saturday, July 18th Noon-11pm
Sunday, July 19th Noon-6pm
$5.00 Admission
As
seen on the Food Network, The National Hamburger Festival features
America's favorite food and continues to offer helpings of hamburgers
and veggie burgers from more than 20 outlets, along with live music,
kids play areas and programs, contests and more. Visit www.hamburgerfestival.com.
July 18
2pm Alex Be