Comments for A Home Inspector's Weblog by Frank Schulte-Ladbeck http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com exploring homes and the lives in them around Houston Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:08:00 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on A Little HOPE in Houston while Going Green by frankschulteladbeck http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/a-little-hope-in-houston-while-going-green/#comment-1256 frankschulteladbeck Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:08:00 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/?p=194#comment-1256 Thank you. All we can do is to try our best. Thank you. All we can do is to try our best.

]]> Comment on A Little HOPE in Houston while Going Green by DHI Home Inspection http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/a-little-hope-in-houston-while-going-green/#comment-1255 DHI Home Inspection Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:41:30 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/?p=194#comment-1255 I have been a home inspector for 11+ years. We have inspected everything you can think of. I read and right a lot of blogs. I always enjoy reading something new and relevant. Well done nice blog I have been a home inspector for 11+ years. We have inspected everything you can think of. I read and right a lot of blogs. I always enjoy reading something new and relevant. Well done nice blog

]]> Comment on Oh, For A Beautiful Exterior, Part 2: Looking at some design elements of exterior walls by frankschulteladbeck http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/oh-for-a-beautiful-exterior-part-2-looking-at-some-design-elements-of-exterior-walls/#comment-1184 frankschulteladbeck Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:44:40 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/?p=172#comment-1184 I like your website John. When this post was written, the code was 6", but it is currently 8". I was just inspecting a house that used EIFS for the trim last week, and some truly great designs can come from it. I like your website John. When this post was written, the code was 6″, but it is currently 8″. I was just inspecting a house that used EIFS for the trim last week, and some truly great designs can come from it.

]]> Comment on Oh, For a Beautiful Exterior by John D. http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/oh-for-a-beautiful-exterior/#comment-1183 John D. Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:08:57 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/oh-for-a-beautiful-exterior/#comment-1183 First of all, I'd like to congratulate you Frank, on having a blog not filled with misinformation about EIFS. This is one of the few sites I have seen where people seem to be up to date on the issues in the industry. The issues of the 90s were a combination of installer and manufacturers... as was mentioned the people being hired to install this product were for the most part, plasterers and went at the job the same they would with traditional stucco. The manufacturers weren't all doing their "due diligence" either. They have however, come a long way since. As you have said, exterior sidings need to stop above grade, 6" where you reside, I believe it is 8" up here in Toronto. But you don't need to settle for unsightly exposed foundation. Though the EIFS needs to terminate above grade, a DAFS (direct applied finish system) may continue right to grade. This finish consists solely of the mesh, base coat and finish coat applied directly to the foundation. Since the foundation can not rot, and doesn't provide nutrients for termites, there is no issue of "hidden tunnels" for them to use. Again, the weeping vent is required at the base of the EIFS to further protect from infestation and allow drainage. As Rob said, EIFS is here to stay. Though you need to be wary and hire a certified home inspector when purchasing an older home with EIFS, new installations by proper applicators provide better drainage and insulating value than other exterior cladding systems currently available. If you're interested in learning more, I have a site set up at torontostuccocontractor.com/blog which has lots of articles on the various aspects of EIFS. First of all, I’d like to congratulate you Frank, on having a blog not filled with misinformation about EIFS. This is one of the few sites I have seen where people seem to be up to date on the issues in the industry.

The issues of the 90s were a combination of installer and manufacturers… as was mentioned the people being hired to install this product were for the most part, plasterers and went at the job the same they would with traditional stucco. The manufacturers weren’t all doing their “due diligence” either. They have however, come a long way since. As you have said, exterior sidings need to stop above grade, 6″ where you reside, I believe it is 8″ up here in Toronto.

But you don’t need to settle for unsightly exposed foundation. Though the EIFS needs to terminate above grade, a DAFS (direct applied finish system) may continue right to grade. This finish consists solely of the mesh, base coat and finish coat applied directly to the foundation. Since the foundation can not rot, and doesn’t provide nutrients for termites, there is no issue of “hidden tunnels” for them to use. Again, the weeping vent is required at the base of the EIFS to further protect from infestation and allow drainage.

As Rob said, EIFS is here to stay. Though you need to be wary and hire a certified home inspector when purchasing an older home with EIFS, new installations by proper applicators provide better drainage and insulating value than other exterior cladding systems currently available.

If you’re interested in learning more, I have a site set up at torontostuccocontractor.com/blog which has lots of articles on the various aspects of EIFS.

]]> Comment on Oh, For A Beautiful Exterior, Part 2: Looking at some design elements of exterior walls by John D. http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/oh-for-a-beautiful-exterior-part-2-looking-at-some-design-elements-of-exterior-walls/#comment-1182 John D. Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:52:07 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/?p=172#comment-1182 Hey Frank, Great article, I'm always telling people styrofoam-core mouldings are easy to install and really, really enhance focal points. I agree with your point that the trims should be a different color -- and this can even be achieved after the final coat is placed. Most EIFS manufacturers provide a paint-like product that goes directly over the finish coat. There are tons of architectural elements made of the same styrofoam-based product, columns, pilasters, quoins, you name it. Check some out at www.decoramould.com/shop Hey Frank,
Great article, I’m always telling people styrofoam-core mouldings are easy to install and really, really enhance focal points. I agree with your point that the trims should be a different color — and this can even be achieved after the final coat is placed. Most EIFS manufacturers provide a paint-like product that goes directly over the finish coat.

There are tons of architectural elements made of the same styrofoam-based product, columns, pilasters, quoins, you name it. Check some out at http://www.decoramould.com/shop

]]> Comment on Foreclosure Inspectors by frankschulteladbeck http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1180 frankschulteladbeck Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:18:17 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1180 There does seem to be an attitude that home inspection is an easy business to get into, and that quick money is to be made, but like any business it takes work. There does seem to be an attitude that home inspection is an easy business to get into, and that quick money is to be made, but like any business it takes work.

]]> Comment on Foreclosure Inspectors by Anna http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1179 Anna Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:10:49 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1179 Nice forum. I have had one experience with pre-disaster inspections and one with post-disaster inspections. There seems to be a mentality of 'makin a quick buck' attitude out there regarding inspections. Yes most of us get into the inspections business for income, however, too many think they can skate by without attention to detail or just not reveal all that should be revealed. This is not the business to get into if you are not consciencious. Even with two years experience I make a better inspector than some who have 20 years, but because I am consciencious. It seems to be the missing ingredient for some of the independent inspectors. So, in my opinion, if you can't focus and find the details that most people miss, this is not the business to get into. I have discovered that inspections is like detective work. To be a good one, you need to be able to see through the obvious and have analytical clarity. It is my hope and belief that my attitide to get things right, will get me very far in this business. I really like this line of work. Nice forum. I have had one experience with pre-disaster inspections and one with post-disaster inspections. There seems to be a mentality of ‘makin a quick buck’ attitude out there regarding inspections. Yes most of us get into the inspections business for income, however, too many think they can skate by without attention to detail or just not reveal all that should be revealed. This is not the business to get into if you are not consciencious. Even with two years experience I make a better inspector than some who have 20 years, but because I am consciencious. It seems to be the missing ingredient for some of the independent inspectors. So, in my opinion, if you can’t focus and find the details that most people miss, this is not the business to get into. I have discovered that inspections is like detective work. To be a good one, you need to be able to see through the obvious and have analytical clarity. It is my hope and belief that my attitide to get things right, will get me very far in this business. I really like this line of work.

]]> Comment on Foreclosure Inspectors by frankschulteladbeck http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1162 frankschulteladbeck Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:56:56 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1162 Sergio- I sent off an e-mail. I hope it helps. Montray- basically let me put down what I wrote in the e-mail to Sergio: Florida does not have laws regarding home inspectors status (such as licensure) so you will have to prove to the firms that you have an appropriate background for such work. Clearcapital.com is one place to register to see if you can do quick inspection work. Otherwise, it is a matter of contacting the REO specialist at a local bank to see which firms are specifically operating in your area, or contacting insurance companies. Sergio- I sent off an e-mail. I hope it helps.
Montray- basically let me put down what I wrote in the e-mail to Sergio: Florida does not have laws regarding home inspectors status (such as licensure) so you will have to prove to the firms that you have an appropriate background for such work. Clearcapital.com is one place to register to see if you can do quick inspection work. Otherwise, it is a matter of contacting the REO specialist at a local bank to see which firms are specifically operating in your area, or contacting insurance companies.

]]> Comment on Foreclosure Inspectors by Montray http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1161 Montray Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:57:59 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1161 Hey everyone can some tell me how to get foreclosurer inspcetion work I'm located in north fl. Hey everyone can some tell me how to get foreclosurer inspcetion work I’m located in north fl.

]]> Comment on Foreclosure Inspectors by Sergio http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1160 Sergio Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:46:14 +0000 http://aninspectorslog.wordpress.com/2007/11/03/foreclosure-inspectors/#comment-1160 Hello Frank, thanks for all your valuable info on this blog. its filled with great info and i commend you trying to help people. I have been a real estate broker and mortgage broker for the last 8 years. Due to the horrible economy i need to supplement my income. I would like to obtain information on possibly doing some foreclosure and insurance (windstorm mitigation) inspections here in florida. Can you email any suggestions? Are there legitament companies i should contact? thank you sergio Hello Frank,
thanks for all your valuable info on this blog. its filled with great info and i commend you trying to help people. I have been a real estate broker and mortgage broker for the last 8 years. Due to the horrible economy i need to supplement my income. I would like to obtain information on possibly doing some foreclosure and insurance (windstorm mitigation) inspections here in florida. Can you email any suggestions? Are there legitament companies i should contact?

thank you
sergio

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