It's a great day here in Orem, Utah! Did any of you feel cheated last week when February ended so abruptly??? I could not believe it when I told a client that there was plenty of time to get their inspection done before their March 1st deadline.... What happened to the time???
Most of you Northwesteners were shaken up a bit earlier this past week and we will get into some information on that later in this edition of the MMM. You will also need to be patient with this edition of the MMM because it is very lengthy. Some of the topics might not be of interest to you, but you can always skip past those areas. I want to thank again all of those that have responded in the past few weeks. Your responses make my load much lighter..... Those of you who haven't responded in a while deserve a good swift kick in the behind...... Please don't give me the "I've been too busy" excuse.... If I used that one, there would be no MMM..... Let's hear some input from all of you.
NOTE: As a result of either the earthquake or the brand new computer upgrade that I went through this past week, I lost some of my e-mail. There were some great responses last week that are now forever lost.... I apologize for that. If you don't see your response, please forgive me. Now, let's get on to the meat of this MMM.
Last week I shared some advantages to having the Adobe Acrobat software to convert inspection reports to a PDF file. Jim Corbin shared....
I use PDF files just to keep it all together. I am sure that some of the agents would like to modify the report, but can't due to PDF files. Remember the virus I mentioned a few days ago?? Well it sure messed up my computer insides. The computer was doing fun stuff, like sloooooow motion, lock up on startup, lockup on shutdown, cutting off the net, cutting off mail, etc. So, I took it into the hospital. Now it is much better and I can send a hello to you. Nothing like going fish'n to see what you catch. Regards, Jim Corbin - Bow, WA
Hey there Michael, On a tip from a 3D tech support call the other day, I went to my local college bookstore and purchased Adobe Acrobat for $99.00! Best Buy was nowhere close at $249.00. I could have received an additional $15.00 off if I had a student ID card. -Mark VanBuskirk - Pleasant Hill, CA
I was shocked to learn of the situation that occurred to Jon Larson in Ephraim, Utah. Jon performed an inspection for a buyer that wanted to get out of the deal. This was one fact that they failed to share with Jon. The home did not inspect that badly and there were no major issues. Jon sent the buyers an e-mail summary later that evening and then followed with his report the next day.
Jon then received a phone call from the irate agent. This agent was in the middle and representing both parties. Jon was pleasant as the agent ripped him to shreds over the fact that he didn't have a clue what he was doing in this profession. Jon's findings were ridiculous and how could he report such inaccuracies. Jon had no idea what the agent was talking about. Jon then pulled out his summary and asked the agent to read to him what the summary that they had received from the buyer said...... The summaries had very little in common.
It turns out that the Buyers wanted out of the deal and they received Jon's summary via e-mail. The Buyers thought that they had to have some major issue identified to back out of the deal and Jon didn't provide them with any, so they modified his findings. Then they forwarded this along to the dual agent as their reason for backing out of the deal. This is a very dangerous scenario that has several liabilities and errors in judgment.
The bright side is that if somebody was going to modify an Inspector's findings, then Jon's scenario provides the least amount of damage. I am thankful that nobody relied upon Jon's modified findings and purchased the home. That could get really ugly, especially if horrible findings had been sugar coated
Your Name:City: State:
Please include your name or I don't know who it is from...
Okay, so let's go on the pretense that you have heeded my warnings to purchase a virus protection software. I was a little surprised that the newest version of McAfee is only $29.95. Now you have installed the software and you think that everything is perfect. Then you heard that you should update the software weekly and you have been diligent in doing so. Isn't that all that needs to be done...... I say "Nay!" Since the major source of computer viruses being introduced into your system is through e-mail, is you McAfee set to scan your e-mails??? Unless you have directed it to do so, the answer is also "Nay!"
I was a little dismayed to learn that I had not set my McAfee settings to scan each e-mail. Here is how you do it.
This turns on the option to scan your e-mail attachments. While in the property box you should check out the other options available. At the same time, you should breath a sigh of relief because before your checking of that box your McAfee software would probably only scan your hard drive when you booted up your computer. This meant that if you downloaded e-mail and read them right away that the virus would have been released to do its damage...... I recommend that you also enable the Internet Filter that will warn you when downloading Java Applets and Active X files. These are the most common sources of viruses and they should be shunned unless you know that the person sending them is actually sending you something. It is not uncommon for me to be alerted and I will not do anything with the file until I receive a confirmation from the sender of what is being sent..... Better safe than sorry. This is a pretty good learning tip isn't it???
Contact a qualified plumber to inspect/evaluate the dip tube and make any necessary corrections. Tom Burnham, RVHI Ashland, OR
I would say that the dip tubes are an inert material that are not reactive to water. They reside in water inside the tank. The particles in the baskets simply need to be removed to reduce the pressure drop of water and the disturbing effects on the water. If they get through the screens, they are much too small to hardly see. Jim Corbin - Bow, WA
A great story for us as Home Inspectors, but in reading this the thing that jumps out at me is that we could be on the edge of solving our energy crisis here in California. Seems if we all could drain off the hydrogen from our hot water pipes and store it, we could then utilize it for fueling our furnaces, water heaters, etc., couldn't we?
Seriously, though, I have heard since way back in my days in college that our energy challenges could be put behind us forever if we could effectively pull the hydrogen out of water. It sounds like a good project to put Richard Grisham on! Scott Merritt - Grass Valley, CA
It is an interesting investigation and the results are enlightening. I will now approach the water system in a different way. We sure get new information all the time and it is in a constant state of flux. As an aside...I received this same article from my wife who still works at my old refinery "home". It had been presented in a safety news article for the whole plant. I had it on my desk to send to you to include in the MMM. Great minds, eh? Anyway, it is food for thought. Pretty dramatic pictures, for sure. Regards, Jim Corbin - Bow, WA
I intentionally left any explanation from last week's photo challenge because the view was one that we would all be seeing if we had climbed into this attic. I admit that I was unaware of the specs for purlins or strong backs.... This profession is one where we are ever learning. Some of us are far down the road of learning in some components, while others of us are well-versed in other components. Our goal is to become well versed in all of the components in a home. So, from a photo only, we received the following responses.....
Hopefully, this is not an instance of introducing myself to the group AND showing my ignorance at the same time... but shouldn't the purlin knee braces be turned on edge, nailed to the rafter sides, and notched to let in the purlin? I think I've also seen instances where rather than notching for the purlin, a cleat is nailed onto the edge of the brace, just behind the purlin. At least the framers got the right side of the OSB sheathing facing down. That's the side that's stamped "This Side Down". Steve Handlen "AII™ Newbie" - Post Falls, Idaho
My best guess is that the ductwork was required by the mechanical code to be sheet metal, right? Bill Craig - Florence, OR
It appears that the bracing of the rafters is not correct and not properly attached. Something looks strange regarding the air ducts at the right. The smaller pipe (Is this an exhaust vent?) appears to connect to the larger one. Hard to tell in this picture. Tom Burnham RVHI - Ashland, OR
Strong backs that are angled rather than vertical to take the loads to an interior structural system. Jim Corbin - Bow, WA
Here is the explanation and scenario from Noel McShane. Noel is the one who shot these photos........
I just got off the phone with a Builder. He wanted to know why I wrote up the purlins in the attic of the new house he built.
I told him to read what I wrote in my report back to me.
He reads: Purlins: purlins are girders that reduce 2x6 rafter spans in attic. These purlins are constructed of two 2x4s not 2x6 as required.(Minimum Code says purlins must be no less in size than rafters they support). This 2x6 is installed on its flat side.
Girders/beams supports loads on their edges and have little comparative strength when installed on their flat side In effect, this purlin is a single 2x4. Source: Minimum Mandatory Code CABO, 802.4
Sounds right to me, says I, what part don’t you understand?
Where’d you get this from? Says he
From the codebook where it says the purlin must be at minimum the same size as the rafters it supports, say I. Aren’t your rafters 2x6’s?
Yes, says he, but it doesn’t say anything about installing it on its edge, says he. I have been building for 16 years like this and the County inspectors have never said anything about this or any other home inspectors for that matter.
Well, I can’t speak for the knowledge or lack thereof of other people, I replied. But I can tell you that the Minimum code says that a purlin must be at least the size of a rafter and that a purlin must be installed on its edge so the weight bears on the depth of the purlin not its width. Now you seem like an intelligent man, do you think a piece of wood is as strong on its flat side as it is on edge?
I’m not sure about that, says he. What makes you an expert?
Oh, I suppose the fact that I’m prepared to get up in a court and testify to the truth of my findings.
Can you prove it?
Well, now you see, I’m only citing what the minimum code says. You're the one who’ll have to prove that the method you used is the equivalent or better than what the code requires. Me, I make my living substantiating what I report…..
Silence for a moment…………
Now the repair is real easy, says I, as I pointed out in the report, all you have to do is install 2x6’s on edge on the existing purlins…….Would you like me to send you a picture of a correctly installed purlin?
OK, says he………
Attached are a picture of his incorrect purlin (2x6 on flat) and correct method (2x6 on edge). I estimate that about 60% of purlins in Georgia are installed incorrectly.
Noel McShane - Georgia
Name, City & State: Please include your name or else I don't know who it is from.
This will be the last notification from me for those of you 3D Inspection System users to take advantage of the 3D subscription plan before the newest 3.0 release. Most of you will ignore this notice thinking that the $99 annual subscription plan is not a big thing. Taking advantage of it right now will save you $149.00 in the big scheme of things. If you wait until after the 3.0 upgrade release to then subscribe, the subscription plan will only be available to those with the 3.0 system and you will have to first pay the $149.00 for the 3.0 upgrade. By subscribing now you will automatically receive the 3.0 upgrade for no additional fee........ You will also receive any updates or patches automatically for 1 year from the time you take advantage of the subscription plan.
My conscience is now clear.... There will shortly be weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth by those who fail to subscribe before the 3.0 upgrade..... This will be a sad day. I will politely listen to the moanings, but I will have done my job as a sentinel..... Consider taking advantage of this loophole and savings in the natural software upgrading process.
For those of you that are wondering why you should consider upgrading to the 3.0 system of the 3D Inspection system when the 2.5 version works so well, I had Donna at 3D Technical Support forward on a list of major system improvements.....
I have provided Donna's text here, but for a graphic laden PDF version click here to download.
Only important changes are listed for various 3D Inspection System software products, starting with the most recent upgrade. Please review changes made to all versions released after the one you are upgrading from. This will inform you of new features or view any applicable instructions for converting files from older versions. To check your currently installed version number, switch to the Report Writer and click Help…About 3D. Get free upgrades and be the first to receive 3D Inspection System releases issued throughout the year by signing up for your annual software subscription! For more information, contact our Sales Dept at 800-745-6126 or visit our website at http://www.3dinspection.com
NEW SUMMARY FEATURES
HOT KEYS: Now quickly mark the current report line for summary 1, 2, or 3 by pressing CTRL- F1, F2, or F3 hot keys without needing to click the Summary Areas menu. Properties: Click Summary…Properties to set display and merging options. The new “Name of Fields” lets you label the summary areas on your pull down Summary Area menu for easy reference while working on reports. For example, if Summary 1 is used for marking major deficiencies, you might use a name like “Major Items” for Summary 1. Use other options to determine how summary text transfers. Auto-number will automatically number the comment items when merged into your Word Processor document. Also choose what additional information is included with the comment line.
Create a combination that works well for you.
After merging takes place, you still have the ability to edit your summary information in the Word Processor document.
PRE-SET MENU ITEMS FOR SUMMARY: Now menu comments can automatically be marked for summary when checked off in the report writer. Use this feature by setting the desired summary area for your menu items in the Custom Form Studio part of the program. In the Custom Form Studio, you’ll see Summary settings for each Menu item properties at the bottom of the screen. For each menu item where desired, just click the summary area appropriate for your comment.
After compiling your forms, the settings will work with new reports. Since only one summary area can be selected for each report writer line, the last menu item selected could override the setting of a previous item you checked off, so be careful about mixing different summary areas under the same subheading.
REQUIRED FIELDS: A Required Fields feature has been added to the program. In the Custom Form Studio you can now set headings and subheadings as "Required" in the Properties area for these items. If a heading is required, then at least one item under that heading must be filled out or the report will not print. If a subheading is required, it must be used. You can preview a report anytime, but to actually print a final report all required fields must contain data. Otherwise, an error message similar to that shown here will indicate which required items need to be entered before the report will print.
REPORT SCREEN: If you have not previously set your own Screen Settings, you’ll notice the default fonts for displaying the report headings and subheadings have been changed to more closely match Windows standards and to fit more on the screen. As before, you can still adjust the display font styles and sizes as desired using the Options…Screen Settings feature. If you have not previously saved other special screen display properties, you may notice the lower editor window is minimized in size. If you like using that editor window, you can adjust it using the Reduce Report area and Enlarge Report Area icons at the top of the report writer screen or use the Cursor Size icon to enlarge your regular report lines into a mini-editor: When your screen is adjusted as desired, use the Options…Save Properties setting to save your settings permanently as the default.
EXPORT: The new File…Export feature allows you to send your final report data to a standard non-3D format such as Word, RTF, HTML, etc. or to another application. The feature exports actual report data, but any background or index documents that normally print are not included. Also, graphically designed forms do not maintain their special printed format when the data is exported and narrative inspections may not follow your particular report layout design. After selecting to Export, you can specify a basic Header for your report. Of course once exported, you can always customize the output file further as desired.
FIND REPORT: This new feature allows you to locate past reports that contain a certain word or phrase in the report comment or descriptive text area. Did you forget which report had that wonderful asbestos comment you wanted to copy into your forms? Or do you want to find old reports that contain a particular client name? After choosing the report writer File…Find Report option, just enter the word or phrase you are looking for and/or a date range and let the program search for you. When it finds the reports you are looking for, you may open one directly from the list.
PROTECTED FORMS: The ability to permanently unlock password-protected forms has been added. This means you can now unlock a set of forms for unlimited uses on a particular computer, perhaps your master computer you use or to provide full usage rights when you sell forms to others.
NEW FORMS: The full version of 3.0 now comes with updated and additional form groups. However, if you are installing this program as an upgrade, the installation will never alter your existing customizable form file selection. If you want to use any of the new forms you can manually copy the files from the Sample Data folder that installed under your 3D Inspection System program folder using My Computer or Windows Explorer to do so (Form files are those ending with .CFS, .CFG, and .SET). To avoid overwriting any files you already customized, choose No if prompted to overwrite any existing files. That way, only new files are added to your system. If you need assistance transferring these files into your program, please contact our technical support department and we’ll be glad to help.
OFFICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (If Purchased and Installed):
LINK TO ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE: The office management now interfaces with the popular Peachtree or QuickBooks accounting software. First make sure your accounting software is completely set up or already in use. Next in the 3D Office Management System, use Maintain…Company Information to select the program you are using. If using Peachtree, you must also designate your Company name and GL Sales Account Income account number. Then use the Customize…Product Billing Codes to link your various products and services to the appropriate sales accounts. Once set up, you will be able to periodically export your inspection sales data using the File…Post to Peachtree or Post to Quickbooks option (available if an accounting system is selected). See the Office Management Help screen Accounting Software Interface topic for more details about this feature.
ATTACH MULTIPLE REPORTS: Now you can attach multiple reports to a single database job record using your different product codes. Thus, you can merge the same database information into all reports for the client (NPMA termite reports, ERC, HUD, Radon, along with your main inspection reports). The available variations of your Report Name are now shown when clicking the New Report or Open Report buttons at the top of the office management screen. Depending on the button selected, just choose the report name and form you want to start or select an existing report to open. You can also modify the available report name combinations using the Report Name column at the right side of the Invoice grid.
TIP: You can import just the main Report Name (without Product Code) or other client or job information into a document, report header, or footer by using the Word Processor Insert…Database Field feature. To merge the Report Name with the Product Code making up your complete filename use the Word Processor Insert…Report Name to insert a [RPT] code which merges the actual filename of your .R3D report file into your document.
SCHEDULER DISPLAY: Now you can choose to display either the job Address, City, Client, or Zip code within the job boxes displayed in the main schedule area. Simply right click in the main scheduler area and select the desired item to display.
POCKET 3D REPORT WRITER (Purchased Separately for Handheld Computers):
GRAPHICAL FORMS SUPPORT: With version 3.0 of the report writer, you can now use your favorite reports designed with graphical printing (like ERC or NPMA) on your PocketPC. Just recompile your forms for CE to make it work. See the updated Pocket Report Writer User Guide for details.
RTF SUPPORT: Now bold, italics, underlining, or color already set up in your form comments will work with your CE reports when uploaded into version 3.0 of the regular report writer. Just recompile your forms for CE to start using these options.
IMAGES: New import image options were added. Captions or reference Grids can be added to the printed image. Also, images are now saved with the report file, so that when reports are moved or archived the images go with them. Default image options (width, position, etc.) are set with the new Configure menu when importing images. Edit your images with MS Paint or your favorite image editor after importing them. Editing only affects the image saved inside the report, and doesn’t change your original. These new options are accessed through the normal Import Graphic icon.
REPORT PREVIEW: New preview options allow you to jump to any particular page or report section.
SUMMARY: Report Summary items merge into your report documents in the font style and size set in your documents. Previously, there was no choice of font for the summary.
UPDATED SOFTWARE LIBRARIES: Version 2.5 is compatible with newer Microsoft libraries. There are known issues when older versions of 3D software and certain newer versions of Microsoft products are installed on the same computer. Updated libraries prevent these problems.
“3D FOR CE” INTRODUCED: Version 2.5 was the first version to integrate with the “3D for CE” or “Pocket 3D” software designed to run on a handheld or palm size Windows CE or PocketPC computer. An example screen is shown at right. The small hand held computers are ideal for easy data entry on-site and quickly upload to the main program for final touches like images and summaries before printing. The Pocket 3D program that runs on handheld units is purchased separately as an add-on option for the 3D Inspection System. Contact 3D Sales at 800-745-6126 for more information.
PASSWORD FORM PROTECTION: New password protection features were added to the custom form studio. Preset a specified number of times the forms can be used before requiring a recharge. This feature is particularly useful for managing multi-inspector firms or when selling forms to others. Works with the Graphical Form Studio to computerize paper forms and protect them. Generate repeat business selling forms electronically and save the cost of printing and shipping.
ENTRY SCREENS: Database entry screens were redesigned as a single scrolling screen, with quick navigation tabs at the top. The number of Inspection Requested boxes was increased and other new fields added or re-arranged to make entry more efficient. For example, the Job Info part of.the screen now contains the Client and user defined Miscellaneous fields. New fields were also added to the Invoice area for entry of an alternate Ship To address. Multiple Inspectors, Dates, Times: To accommodate multi-inspector firms, inspectors, dates, and times are now entered in the Invoice grid section of the database screen after choosing to Fill Invoice with Job Info Settings. Previously, only a single inspector, inspection date, and time could be used. Now multi-inspector firms or call centers can now search for inspectors based on services they provide or areas they cover, and assign different inspectors, dates, or times to different services or product codes, making it easier to track individual inspector schedules and commissions. Single-inspector firms only need to enter the inspector, date, and time for the first product code on each job record.
SCHEDULER: The scheduler was improved to accommodate larger inspection firms. Multiple schedule views with different inspectors can be created. You can Block Off Time on the schedule for non-job related activities. If upgrading, set up your main schedule using the instructions in the Help.
DATABASE PASSWORD PROTECTION: A Maintain… Setup Users and Privileges section was added for security. User passwords can be set to limit viewing or changing information in various parts of the database and scheduler. This is particularly useful for multi-user or networked systems.
NEW CUSTOM FORM STUDIO REPLACES DOS-BASED EDIT FORMS: Reports and forms can be open at the same time, so it’s easy to cut and paste report comments directly into your forms. Fewer steps are needed to navigate and change forms. Include bold, italics, underlining, or color in your forms, instead of adding it to the report later. New features like Save As, Search, and others were added. **If upgrading from a version PRIOR to 2.0 you must Convert your forms before starting new reports. Old reports are not affected. If upgrading from version 2.0 or higher, these instructions do not apply:
Note: The File…Edit Forms was replaced with the Custom Form Studio. Your old (*.for) Form Files were converted into the new (*.cfs) Custom Form Studio Files and (*.cfg) Custom Form Groups. Your older .FOR form files were not deleted during conversion, but are no longer used and may be deleted if desired.
Other Features in Version 2.0 or Prior are Not Listed
I was able to attend a special meeting where the father of Elder Burke Jensen spoke. If you remember, this was the missionary who was beat with a baseball bat in Dallas, Texas. Jack Jensen shared.......
Burke is still trying to regain his speech. After his beating he was told through special Priesthood blessings that he would live through this experience and that his mission here on earth was not yet complete. I know that the power of prayer is real. The neurosurgeon came in two days after the assault and said that he had been getting calls from other neurosurgeons all over the nation wondering what special things he had been doing to bring about this miraculous recovery. "I told them I can't take any credit for this. The healing is coming from on high," said the neurosurgeon. The attending nurse told me, "Your son must have a direct link to the Almighty." Burke is still going to a speech therapist to regain his ability to teach so that he can complete his two year proselyting mission.
Immediately following the Olympia, Washington earthquake earlier this week I sent out an e-mail for information from Inspectors in that region as to what was really happening. Here are some of the e-mails......
How are our Seattle area Inspector friends making it through the 7.0 earthquake??? I tried to call Brent Foster in Olympia and the phone lines are jammed. Michael Leavitt - Orem, Utah
No damage to our home/office here. All the family I can contact are OK. I was on the second floor during the earthquake and it felt like the structure was going to tip over. Phone lines are jammed or not working at all. If this gets out I will be amazed. More later ..... Mark S. Daughtry - Redmond,WA
Hi Michael, We're across the water from Seattle, but felt the earthquake hard here in Kitsap County. The floors, doors, windows were swaying and rolling for what seemed like minutes. No damage except for a couple of things falling off the shelves. Thank God! Surprisingly, our phones and electric stayed on. Thank you for your concern. Will try to contact our AII™ friends in Seattle, too. Anne & Chuck Fair - WA
We are north of Seattle in Arlington. We are OK. Olympia was where it was centered. There are 13 injured in Harborview Hospital, but we are all ok .... a little nervous, but ok. The airport is closed and Boeing Renton and Everett plants have been closed. Todd Churchill - WA
I did just fine. So did my 1951 house. Few things fell over and the bookcase in my office would have fallen if the file cabinets hadn't stopped it. I have a huge wood pile in the back yard that fell over, though. Looks like my wife is going to have her work cut out for her. Thanks for asking. Greg DeVault - WA
Michael, I'm just sitting here working on the computer. Actually, I was writing an e-mail. Mid sentence "I wrote oops, I'm outta here," hit send and headed out of the house with the dogs. I have 40' trees in the back yard and wanted to know which way they were going to fall. They didn't. The heavy blast lasted only a few seconds, and the ground just rolled after that for 30+ seconds. Was like being out on the water and not having your sea legs. Lots of damage throughout the area and some injuries reported at Harbor View trauma center in Seattle. But really, it is amazing to me how well we faired. Deaths would have been in the thousands in a third world country. Roy Brown - Lake Stevens, WA
Hi Michael, I was just able to get onto the net to send e-mail. I am about 100 miles north of Sea-Tac airport. The Magnitude has been upgraded to a 7.0. The word is that the quake was felt in Salt Lake City, too. True Michael?
I had just gotten back to the office from the morning client, sat down and listened to the voice mail. I then felt my chair doing the rock 'n roll on the floor mat, the blind was swaying, the house was creaking and groaning. It is surprising to note that, even with training, you are struck by the fact that there is an earthquake and something needs to be done. I moved to the interior door space and had to hang on to the jam to stay steady. All is well here, nothing jumped off the shelf nor off the wall...BUT, there was definitely movement of this structure. I went to two elderly neighbors to see if they were OK. Both ended up at one home to look at the news. Their structures are ok and nothing fell. The 92.5 year old gentleman just happened to be doing his dishes so had something to hang onto...I was concerned he might have fallen. All is well.
To date, on the radio...Sea-Tac is closed, Boeing Field is closed with a visible crack in the runway, the ferry docks were closed but are opening up, buildings in Seattle are closed, no one can get their cars until approved, the Olympia Capitol Building has a crack and rumored to have one column split at the base. There was a lot of old building face brick that came off down in Seattle. Amazing that people were not hit. There are 16 injured, 4 critical, at Harberview Hospital in Seattle (the prime trauma center for Seattle). No deaths yet reported.
I contacted Diane at the refinery and all is ok there. Only shake and roll. All the kids have reported OK too, either by short telephone or e-mail. My Brother was in Seattle at the time and made fast tracks out. The traffic is packed on the freeways with everyone trying to get out of Seattle and elsewhere. Some ramps have been closed by the State Patrol.
Possibly a wakeup for people in this area, don't you think? We are in a high risk zone.
We are ok, though. You will all see more on the news. So far, Seattle is the worst hit. I haven't tried to call Brent, but he is not far from the center of the earthquake. Everyone stay well. Jim Corbin - Bow, WA
No problems here. The house I was inspecting made a lot of noise and the trees sure were swaying. No damage to my house except a few sheetrock cracks. Mark Bremerton - WA
The ground shook, things fell and people screamed, other than that, life is good. The phones are ringing off the hook for damage inspections and that would be great if we were not all ready booked up. It appears that old brick buildings took the hit. No big visible damage to stick built homes. Busy in Olympia!! Brent Foster - WA .... The epicenter was just 11 miles away.
Hi all: The calls are coming in for earthquake damage inspections. My question is about the service agreement. Should I use the standard service agreement and just make a note on it that this is for earthquake damage and have the client initial it or ???? What are the rest of you doing out there? Thanks. Mark Daughtry - Redmond, WA
I drove through the heart of old Bremerton today, the first time since the earthquake. A lot of those brick chimneys that were built 90 years ago and not touched since were fallen, crumbled, leaning or just barely in place, the next big windstorm should finish them. Some of them will get fixed, but it won't surprise me if I see no change in most of them months and even years from now. It's amazing what people won't do (I mean, nothing has been done for the past 90 years, why start now, right?)
On a positive note, the doublewide I inspected today had no concrete runners, anchors or tiedowns and it came through just fine. Mark Bremerton - WA
The EQ rumbled through Seattle on Wednesday (I was in my 2nd story home/office and it felt like the house was going to fall over) No damage here and everyone was ok. Gas meter was leaking across the street at a neighbors but it got shut off and then repaired later that afternoon. I didn't know what the damage was (if any) to the surrounding areas so I started calling the cities around my area to let them know that if they needed my help that I was making myself available to them for inspections. None of them called back, but I got several calls for EQ damage inspections that afternoon. I booked 3 of those for Thurs. 3-1. Then I started to think about how to handle the inspection/service agreement.
What I ended up doing was taking the standard service agreement and adding on the front page: Earthquake Damage Inspection only. See attached report for areas inspected. Then I wrote out a short list of the areas inspected and what I observed. I charged my hourly rate for the short inspections. Two of three inspections were for properties that were about to close and the buyers just wanted some peace of mind. No damage was observed at any of the inspections, the wood frame buildings took the shaking pretty well. As Brent Foster said: The ground shook, things fell and people screamed, and yes, life is good. Mark S. Daughtry - Redmond,WA
Here in Oregon, four hours south of Seattle, I was explaining the intricacies of separating grounds & neutrals in a sub panel, when the large metal shelves I was leaning against began to move. "Oops, I must be leaning against them too hard," I was thinking, when the agent and buyer started to get this look of deep concentration on their faces.
"Boy," I thought, "I've really got them interested in this ground/neutral stuff, yessirree." The agent raised her hand as though she were in a classroom and said, "Excuse me, Jim, but I think we're having an earthquake." They never did get to understand the ground/neutral thing.
Afterwards, I got a call from my friend and chief competitor, Larry Hay, who was in a tight crawlspace when the quake hit. He said that after the ground started moving, he sighted down a row of posts. They were moving 4 inches from side to side and moving several inches up and down off their pier blocks. He was as panicked and high on adrenaline as I've ever seen him.
"Well, Larry, I guess that crawlspace was wet by the time you were done." - Jim Katen
This brings up the question of damage inspections. Are you set up to do these??? If so, what Service Agreements are you using??? Are you covered by your E&O??? Are the clients just frantic??? Are you doing a full home inspection, or just major damage inspections. So many questions and so few answers..... If the damage had been greater, couldn't some of you with the FEMA training been called into action??? Being so close to home I would think that you could make some great money while helping those in need..... Along these lines came the great experiential e-mail from Doug Hansen........
There might be a business opportunity for you Seattle area inspectors as a result of this earthquake. It took me a while to catch on, but after the Loma Prieta quake the best money was from insurance companies. If you have a lot of folks up there with earthquake insurance, the companies will set up their little field offices to quickly dispose of claims. They need people to go out and assess damage and make cost estimates. I charged 'em 3 C's a pop in '89, and could do a half dozen in a day.
I wish I had spent more time doing that and less time holding the nervous homeowners' hands. My phone rang off the hook for weeks with people wanting me to come check out their foundation, chimney, etc. Didn't charge 'em enough, and what most of them needed was simply an assurance they could safely sleep in their bed. Next earthquake I won't make the same mistakes.
Now I know this might all seem a little crass, exploiting folks' misfortunes and all, but there is a real need for your expertise up there right now, and you darn well deserve to get paid for it. Douglas Hansen - Palo Alto, CA
Your Name: Please include your name or else I don't know who it is from.
Today's Photo Challenge comes from the Leavitt Family archives of personal experiences.
If you look real closely you can better see the damage.......
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