In honor of Halloween, and all the posts about this day, I figured I'd chime in. So instead of listing normal haunted houses in my area, I'm going to give you a list of truly haunted places. Halloween doesn't have to be just about October 31st. There are millions of people all around the world that enjoy or are interested in haunting a. And with all the scary movies that have been released in the last few years, "haunted" locations are becoming more and more popular. So for anyone interested in looking for a frightful place in the beautiful state of California, here's a short list.
RMS Queen Mary- Located in Long Beach, California. This retired ocean liner that once sailed for the Cunard line is now a permanently docked museum ship. Rumor has it that cabin B340 is haunted by a murder victim, and ghostly children can be heard playing in the ships nursery. Also, the engine room is haunted by a sailor who was killed there, and a lady in white, who is u identified, also has been seen.
Savannah Memorial Park Pioneer Cemetery- Located in Rosemead, California. During the daylight hours, apparitions have been caught on photo. During the night, the sounds of people conversing can be heard. a children can be heard playing at night. This place is filled with the bodies of orphaned children. Everything within a few blocks is built on top of unmarked graves. The bodies are still there.
Claremont Hotel Club And Spa- Located in Berkeley, California. In the late 1800s, this site contained a castle-like home, but in 1901 it burned to the ground. The Claremont hotel opened in 1915, and to this day, folks say they can smell smoke in their smoke free rooms. On the fourth floor, said to be the most haunted, witnesses report flickering lights and tvs that come on by themselves.
Los Coches Adobe- Located in Soledad, California. Here you may see a ghostly lady in black walking the grounds, and hear the screams of trapped miners coming from the old well.
To view and learn about the entire list of haunted places in California, we recommend visiting: www.hauntedplaces.org/state/california
Saturday, October 31, 2015
How Sports Can Help In Running A Business
While I was sitting down watching the World Series, I started thinking about my business, EC Home Inspection. Yes, I am a huge sports fan and most definitely a fan of my business. I wanted to find a way to correlate the two together. After some thinking and of course research, here's what I came up with on the subject.
When a team has virtually no chance of winning, it becomes a great indicator of who the best players are. Who's still launching himself out of the batters box, hustling his way to first? Who's diving for balls?
Those are the commuted players, who realize that consistency over time equals credibility. The ones who know that to be successful, you have to give your all, all the time. "Play the game, not the score".
Entrepreneurs, employees, everyone should perform the same way. When you walk into your office, can you tell whether it's nine in the morning or six at night? Is it the end of a bad month? None of these factors should matter. A Valuable employee should be a valuable employee regardless of what's going on at the company.
Too many salespeople misunderstand the unique importance of consistency. They have a big sales day, and to celebrate, they buy themselves a big lunch or dinner. Then, they leave work early because they feel they've earned it.
The days when you have a big sale, when you're riding a big wave, are the ideal days to go for a second big sale, and possibly a third. In my experience. the best time to make more money is when you're already in the process of making money.
It's like a batter on a hot streak. He doesn't want to take a day off. He wants to ride the wave as long as he can. You might think you're giving 99% to something, but being all in means giving 100%. Either you're all in, or you're not.
When you play the game, and not the score, you usually end up scoring more as a result.
Read similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
When a team has virtually no chance of winning, it becomes a great indicator of who the best players are. Who's still launching himself out of the batters box, hustling his way to first? Who's diving for balls?
Those are the commuted players, who realize that consistency over time equals credibility. The ones who know that to be successful, you have to give your all, all the time. "Play the game, not the score".
Entrepreneurs, employees, everyone should perform the same way. When you walk into your office, can you tell whether it's nine in the morning or six at night? Is it the end of a bad month? None of these factors should matter. A Valuable employee should be a valuable employee regardless of what's going on at the company.
Too many salespeople misunderstand the unique importance of consistency. They have a big sales day, and to celebrate, they buy themselves a big lunch or dinner. Then, they leave work early because they feel they've earned it.
The days when you have a big sale, when you're riding a big wave, are the ideal days to go for a second big sale, and possibly a third. In my experience. the best time to make more money is when you're already in the process of making money.
It's like a batter on a hot streak. He doesn't want to take a day off. He wants to ride the wave as long as he can. You might think you're giving 99% to something, but being all in means giving 100%. Either you're all in, or you're not.
When you play the game, and not the score, you usually end up scoring more as a result.
Read similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
Friday, October 30, 2015
Why You SHOULD NOT Let Your Realtor Hire Your Home Inspector
We know exactly how stressful buying a home can be. It can be a pain in the butt with all the moving parts involved in the process. I hope your Realtor has been able to alleviate as much of the stress as possible for you. You've looked at multiple homes, placed an offer, offer was accepted, and now it's time for inspections. We believe you should not just go with who your Realtor recommends, especially when it comes to the Home Inspector. This is one area where you should do your research. The truth is, most of the time the Realtor is going to recommend an inspector that is one of the following: 1) The cheapest, 2) Is not thorough enough, meaning they do a "look around" inspection, or 3) possibly provides some sort of kickback to that specific Realtor. I a, going to cover each of these types of inspectors.
The Cheapest- This type of Home Inspector is often part of the 2nd type. This is usually why they are the cheapest. 99% of the time you get what you pay for when it comes to Home Inspectors. You are buying a home remember, that's a HUGE investment. You are not helping yourself by going cheap with your Home Inspector. If you bought a Ferrari you wouldn't put the cheapest gas in it would you?
Look Around Inspector- This inspector will typically only walk around the house for about an hour and be done. And once he leaves, what are you left with? A report that's about 15 pages long. If you think a complete, thorough inspection of a home will only take 15 pages, you are very WRONG. Keep in mind the inspection is a review of the entire home at the time of inspection. I'll say that again, the report describes the condition of almost every single aspect of the home. Before scheduling with anybody, regardless of who was referred to you, always ask for a sample of the report. Tip: If the inspector won't or doesn't send clients a sample report, that's a large red flag. There's a reason they won't.
The Kickback Inspector- This is probably the worst inspector there is. This inspector could not care less about you or your home. All they care about is they got work. Their gonna get paid, and in return send some sort of kickback to the Realtor. And you, the homebuyer get screwed. This person works for the Realtor, not you. Again, this is your home, your investment and your monthly mortgage payment.
The best way to protect yourself? Do your own research, talk to multiple inspectors, ask for a sample report. In short, a Home Inspector is essentially just like any other type of contractor. Don't be afraid to spend more, and more importantly do not ever use a Home Inspector who is either hard to get a hold of, or one that won't send you an example of his work.
Happy Home Inspector Hunting!
Find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
The Cheapest- This type of Home Inspector is often part of the 2nd type. This is usually why they are the cheapest. 99% of the time you get what you pay for when it comes to Home Inspectors. You are buying a home remember, that's a HUGE investment. You are not helping yourself by going cheap with your Home Inspector. If you bought a Ferrari you wouldn't put the cheapest gas in it would you?
Look Around Inspector- This inspector will typically only walk around the house for about an hour and be done. And once he leaves, what are you left with? A report that's about 15 pages long. If you think a complete, thorough inspection of a home will only take 15 pages, you are very WRONG. Keep in mind the inspection is a review of the entire home at the time of inspection. I'll say that again, the report describes the condition of almost every single aspect of the home. Before scheduling with anybody, regardless of who was referred to you, always ask for a sample of the report. Tip: If the inspector won't or doesn't send clients a sample report, that's a large red flag. There's a reason they won't.
The Kickback Inspector- This is probably the worst inspector there is. This inspector could not care less about you or your home. All they care about is they got work. Their gonna get paid, and in return send some sort of kickback to the Realtor. And you, the homebuyer get screwed. This person works for the Realtor, not you. Again, this is your home, your investment and your monthly mortgage payment.
The best way to protect yourself? Do your own research, talk to multiple inspectors, ask for a sample report. In short, a Home Inspector is essentially just like any other type of contractor. Don't be afraid to spend more, and more importantly do not ever use a Home Inspector who is either hard to get a hold of, or one that won't send you an example of his work.
Happy Home Inspector Hunting!
Find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
4 Inspirational Instagram Accounts To Follow
Being able to peek into the daily lives of successful individuals through images and 15-second video clips can provide you with constant inspiration as well as give you that extra boost of motivation when you feel exhausted or frustrated. You can even think outside the box and copy their strategies to make money with Instagram yourself!
Richard Bronson- Is an individual that every entrepreneur looks up to, he is highly successful, constantly innovating and always having fun. He updates his Instagram profile with a great mix of motivational quotes, travels as well as business activities. His mantra can be summed up by this quote "To stand still today is to go backwards, and quickly".
Mark Cuban- Cuban is another extremely successful,entrepreneur. His profile is a great example of a work-life balance. A quick look at Cuban's Instagram will reveal pictures at business functions, at the gym, and with his family. It just takes dedication and impeccable time management.
Timothy Sykes- Sykes is a penny stock expert that turned $12,415 into more than $4.2 Million and now teaches his strategy to students all over the world. He is a great example of living the dream. He took his passion and what he was good at, and turned it into a successful business. Look at Sykes pictures and know that you can have the same if you apply yourself and aren't afraid of hard work.
Zig Ziglar- I personally, am a huge fan of motivational quotes. A and Ziglar's profile is a constant source of new ones that I haven't seen before and old classics that still provide inspiration every single time.
If you know of any other great, inspirational, motivational Instagram accounts to follow, please feel free to leave a comment!
Read similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
Richard Bronson- Is an individual that every entrepreneur looks up to, he is highly successful, constantly innovating and always having fun. He updates his Instagram profile with a great mix of motivational quotes, travels as well as business activities. His mantra can be summed up by this quote "To stand still today is to go backwards, and quickly".
Mark Cuban- Cuban is another extremely successful,entrepreneur. His profile is a great example of a work-life balance. A quick look at Cuban's Instagram will reveal pictures at business functions, at the gym, and with his family. It just takes dedication and impeccable time management.
Timothy Sykes- Sykes is a penny stock expert that turned $12,415 into more than $4.2 Million and now teaches his strategy to students all over the world. He is a great example of living the dream. He took his passion and what he was good at, and turned it into a successful business. Look at Sykes pictures and know that you can have the same if you apply yourself and aren't afraid of hard work.
Zig Ziglar- I personally, am a huge fan of motivational quotes. A and Ziglar's profile is a constant source of new ones that I haven't seen before and old classics that still provide inspiration every single time.
If you know of any other great, inspirational, motivational Instagram accounts to follow, please feel free to leave a comment!
Read similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
What Exactly Is Synthetic Grass?
There is something very beautiful about a fresh cut lawn. Whether you're throwing a ball around, lying in the shade, or,just sitting outside on a war, night. A green lawn is a small pleasure.
Lawns are also an environmental nightmare if you live in a dry climate, such as California. Some people have opted for the default xeriscaping. If you don't water, you don't have to mow. But it's not pretty. The weeds start to take over, and people stop picking up after their dogs.
Synthetic grass is not AstroTurf, exactly, but long, smooth blades of grass that look exactly like real grass. It is laid down like a carpet, over prepared ground. It can typically pay for itself in about 8 years.
They roll out the lawn in sheets, so cleverly that it's impossible to see the seams or the darts at the corners. It looks like the worlds most pristine sod. You can get synthetic lawn that's late-summer long, or putting-green short, or somewhere in between. You can get dark or light green, based on the grass that grows near you.
You can find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
Lawns are also an environmental nightmare if you live in a dry climate, such as California. Some people have opted for the default xeriscaping. If you don't water, you don't have to mow. But it's not pretty. The weeds start to take over, and people stop picking up after their dogs.
Synthetic grass is not AstroTurf, exactly, but long, smooth blades of grass that look exactly like real grass. It is laid down like a carpet, over prepared ground. It can typically pay for itself in about 8 years.
They roll out the lawn in sheets, so cleverly that it's impossible to see the seams or the darts at the corners. It looks like the worlds most pristine sod. You can get synthetic lawn that's late-summer long, or putting-green short, or somewhere in between. You can get dark or light green, based on the grass that grows near you.
You can find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
Thursday, October 29, 2015
The 3 R's For Choosing The Right Contractor
Reputation: Online reviews are a great starting point. Check out a contractor's Google reviews, Yelp, Manta, Kudzu, Angie's list (paid membership required), etc. You should take every single online review with a grain of salt, and here's why: the online review game can be easily rigged and manipulated. Some contractors will even put a clause in the contract that offers a discount off the price or even free work if he customer provides a review. In some extreme cases contractors will go around to review sites and create false profiles, giving themselves 5-star reviews and even writing bad reviews for their competitors. References are the best way to check out your contractor's reputation.
References: Any decent contractor will have a long list of references available. Check them out, ask about the work and the things that are most important to you when it comes to customer service. Ask each one the same questions. Know what is most important to you, and you'll find the right contractor for your job. If the references check out and you're impressed, then we recommend do a little more independent research.
Research: There is a wealth of information available for you to look up licensing information, examples of contractors' work, where they work, etc. Check out their social media profiles. The Internet and social media in particular, is an extension of word of mouth. It's a great place to find out as much as possible. Communication is crucial. More likely then not, you will need to talk to and work with your contractor during the project. make sure you have chosen someone with whom you can easily communicate. It helps the entire project go smoothly and it guarantees that whatever problems or issues arise you'll be able to work it out.
Best Of Luck!! And happy home improving!!
If you found this article useful, please feel free to share it!
You can find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
References: Any decent contractor will have a long list of references available. Check them out, ask about the work and the things that are most important to you when it comes to customer service. Ask each one the same questions. Know what is most important to you, and you'll find the right contractor for your job. If the references check out and you're impressed, then we recommend do a little more independent research.
Research: There is a wealth of information available for you to look up licensing information, examples of contractors' work, where they work, etc. Check out their social media profiles. The Internet and social media in particular, is an extension of word of mouth. It's a great place to find out as much as possible. Communication is crucial. More likely then not, you will need to talk to and work with your contractor during the project. make sure you have chosen someone with whom you can easily communicate. It helps the entire project go smoothly and it guarantees that whatever problems or issues arise you'll be able to work it out.
Best Of Luck!! And happy home improving!!
If you found this article useful, please feel free to share it!
You can find similar articles at www.echomeinspection.com
5 Habits Of Successful Entrepreneurs
As a business owner, it's the small daily routines that keep my business moving forward. These habits are both in my personal and business life. Keeping and staying on schedule can pay big dividends.
Plan Tomorrow's Agenda Today
Review and forecast what to tomorrow is going to look like and how to get through it. Having a plan for the next day can also help you at bedtime. Studies have shown, it helps you become more efficient and productive.
Put Your Meetings On A Diet
Ask entrepreneurs who have left corporate America what they don't miss and they'll tell you all about the endless, unproductive gatherings referred to as meetings. Many fast-growth companies keep meetings short, so employees have time to get projects done.
Manage Your E-mails Your Way
The key is to avoid being sucked into constantly responding to and send emails. One tip to help with this is putting emails you need to act on, and those you don't into separate places in your inbox.
Never Stop Selling
You'll lose many productive days if you wait until you're almost done with current projects before pitching new business. The smartest entrepreneurs I know are always coming up with new business, so they can quickly plug holes that open in their schedule.
Exercise Regularly
It's truly amazing how many creative ideas can and will come to your mind during runs in "creative solitude". It can give you the physical and mental endurance to work 18 or 20 hours a day. Learn about Fortune 500 companies, their senior executives are there at 5:30 or 6 before work begins. Shouldn't you be there, too?
Read similar articles and blogs at www.echomeinspection.com
10 Fun-Sized Stats On Halloween
Halloween is approaching us once again. As you have probably seen all over your social media, there is a lot of emphasis on safety for Halloween night. While safety is extremely important, we have chosen a different route. We would like to focus on the fun and interesting numbers about Halloween. Here are 10 fun stats for October 31st.
20 Million
An estimated 20 million people will dress their pets in costume this Halloween. That's about 1 in 10. The most popular costumes for our furry friends? Pumpkins and hot dogs.
81 Percent
If you think Halloween is just for the kiddos, think again! An estimated 81 percent of millennial plan on attending or throwing some sort of festivity. Where will they go for costume ideas? Pinterest!
2323 Pounds
Guinness book of world records says the heaviest pumpkin in history weighed in at 2,323 pounds. Grown by Beni Meier of Switzerland. This record breaker would have made over 774 pumpkin pies!
3.2 Million
In 2015, an estimated 3.2 million children will dress up in princess costumes, making it the most popular kids' costume for the eleventh straight year.
25 Percent
Putting off your preparation until the last minute? You're not alone! According to the National Retail Federation, a quarter of Americans will procrastinate when it comes to Halloween shopping.
6.9 Billion
Around 6.9 Billion is estimated to be spent by Americans this Halloween.
2.6 Billion
$2.6 Billion will be spent on candy alone!
#1 Favorite
The #1 favorite candy is candy corn
68 Million
68 Million Americans will dress in costume.
4.3 Million
4.3 Million adults will go as a witch.
As we near Halloween, we do want to mention safety. Every should have fun and enjoy this night as much as possible. But please be safe, do not go out alone. If you have children keep an eye on them at all times and bring a flashlight if you plan on being out while in the dark. As always, don't drink and drive. Plan and prepare for this evening!
20 Million
An estimated 20 million people will dress their pets in costume this Halloween. That's about 1 in 10. The most popular costumes for our furry friends? Pumpkins and hot dogs.
81 Percent
If you think Halloween is just for the kiddos, think again! An estimated 81 percent of millennial plan on attending or throwing some sort of festivity. Where will they go for costume ideas? Pinterest!
2323 Pounds
Guinness book of world records says the heaviest pumpkin in history weighed in at 2,323 pounds. Grown by Beni Meier of Switzerland. This record breaker would have made over 774 pumpkin pies!
3.2 Million
In 2015, an estimated 3.2 million children will dress up in princess costumes, making it the most popular kids' costume for the eleventh straight year.
25 Percent
Putting off your preparation until the last minute? You're not alone! According to the National Retail Federation, a quarter of Americans will procrastinate when it comes to Halloween shopping.
6.9 Billion
Around 6.9 Billion is estimated to be spent by Americans this Halloween.
2.6 Billion
$2.6 Billion will be spent on candy alone!
#1 Favorite
The #1 favorite candy is candy corn
68 Million
68 Million Americans will dress in costume.
4.3 Million
4.3 Million adults will go as a witch.
As we near Halloween, we do want to mention safety. Every should have fun and enjoy this night as much as possible. But please be safe, do not go out alone. If you have children keep an eye on them at all times and bring a flashlight if you plan on being out while in the dark. As always, don't drink and drive. Plan and prepare for this evening!
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
How-To Guide For Winterizing Your Evaporative Cooler
Cut Off The Power Supply Before Working On The Cooler
You do not need the power on to winterized the unit and it is always safe practice to disconnect any power source before working or repairing any appliance.
Turn Off The Valve Supplying Water
The water line must also be drained to prevent freezing during the winter. This can be done by disconnecting the water line at the supply valve and the cooler. If the water line does not slope in one way the water will not drain by itself. If that is the case, go to the highest end and blow through the line to force the water out of the line.
Drain The Cooler
The pan should be drained every fall and the drain left open to allow rain water to escape. After draining you will find dirt and mineral sediment in the bottom of the pan. This should be cleaned out. Using a shop vacuum works well for removing the dirt and minerals.
Change The Cooler Parts
Many people think of doing this in the spring when starting the cooler. The pads are pressed against the metal louvers and can speed up the rusting all throughout the winter. With fresh new pads installed in the fall, you will keep the louvers from rusting all throughout the winter.
Remove The Fan Belt
This step is constantly missed by homeowners. Especially for people in colder climates. With freezing or sub freezing temperatures, this can cause belts to crack/break. Belts are typically cheap to buy, but if you can take two seconds and remove the belt during the winterizing process, it's one less thing to worry about when spring or summer comes back around.
Install A Cooler Cover
It stops the outside air from entering the home or building. Most home coolers have a damper that can be closed that will prevent most of the air from entering the ducts and getting into the building. A cover is especially needed if you do not have this damper or if the damper is not tight enough.
Read and find similar articles of information at www.echomeinspection.com
You do not need the power on to winterized the unit and it is always safe practice to disconnect any power source before working or repairing any appliance.
Turn Off The Valve Supplying Water
The water line must also be drained to prevent freezing during the winter. This can be done by disconnecting the water line at the supply valve and the cooler. If the water line does not slope in one way the water will not drain by itself. If that is the case, go to the highest end and blow through the line to force the water out of the line.
Drain The Cooler
The pan should be drained every fall and the drain left open to allow rain water to escape. After draining you will find dirt and mineral sediment in the bottom of the pan. This should be cleaned out. Using a shop vacuum works well for removing the dirt and minerals.
Change The Cooler Parts
Many people think of doing this in the spring when starting the cooler. The pads are pressed against the metal louvers and can speed up the rusting all throughout the winter. With fresh new pads installed in the fall, you will keep the louvers from rusting all throughout the winter.
Remove The Fan Belt
This step is constantly missed by homeowners. Especially for people in colder climates. With freezing or sub freezing temperatures, this can cause belts to crack/break. Belts are typically cheap to buy, but if you can take two seconds and remove the belt during the winterizing process, it's one less thing to worry about when spring or summer comes back around.
Install A Cooler Cover
It stops the outside air from entering the home or building. Most home coolers have a damper that can be closed that will prevent most of the air from entering the ducts and getting into the building. A cover is especially needed if you do not have this damper or if the damper is not tight enough.
Read and find similar articles of information at www.echomeinspection.com
Negotiating Repairs After A Home Inspection
Most first time buyers and sellers believe the real estate deal is negotiated at the signing of the contract. Realistically though, in many cases, decisions and negotiations only start at the contract signing.Even in more competitive real estate markets, negotiations still happen once in escrow.
Here are a few tips for negotiating repairs after a Home Inspection.
Ask For A Credit For The Work To Be Done
The sellers are on their way out.n If the property is moving towards closing, they're likely packing and thinking of their new home. The last thing they want to do is repair work on their old home. They may not even treat the work as a high priority. If you take a cash-back credit at close of escrow, you can use that money to complete the project yourself. Honestly, chances are you will do a better job than the seller too. Finally if you get the credit there is less back and forth.
The 'Big Picture'
If you want to renovate a bathroom within a few years, then you likely won't care that a little bit of the floor is damaged, that there's a leaky faucet or that the caulking needs to be redone. These issues will get fixed during your future renovation. Asking the seller for a credit to fix these issues will help offset some of your closing costs.
Keep Your Cards Close To You
A good listing agent will walk the Home Inspection with you, your agent and the Inspector. Showing and telling your comfort level or intentions can come back to haunt you. For example, if you mention you're planning a gut renovation of the kitchen, the sellers will certainly hear about it. Making them less likely to offer you a credit back to repair some of the kitchen cabinets.
Keep Your Eyes Wide Open
You should never complete the original contract assuming you can negotiate more as a result of the inspections. You need to go into escrow with your eyes wide open as well. A Real Estate transaction is never a done deal until all the money has been wired in and the deed transferred. Prior to signing the real estate contract, your main concern is that you may be competitive with other buyers. Once you're in escrow and doing inspections, however, it's just you and the sellers. Stay on your toes. Otherwise, you may risk losing out on further viable negotiation opportunities.
Find more articles and blogs at. www.echomeinspection.com
Here are a few tips for negotiating repairs after a Home Inspection.
Ask For A Credit For The Work To Be Done
The sellers are on their way out.n If the property is moving towards closing, they're likely packing and thinking of their new home. The last thing they want to do is repair work on their old home. They may not even treat the work as a high priority. If you take a cash-back credit at close of escrow, you can use that money to complete the project yourself. Honestly, chances are you will do a better job than the seller too. Finally if you get the credit there is less back and forth.
The 'Big Picture'
If you want to renovate a bathroom within a few years, then you likely won't care that a little bit of the floor is damaged, that there's a leaky faucet or that the caulking needs to be redone. These issues will get fixed during your future renovation. Asking the seller for a credit to fix these issues will help offset some of your closing costs.
Keep Your Cards Close To You
A good listing agent will walk the Home Inspection with you, your agent and the Inspector. Showing and telling your comfort level or intentions can come back to haunt you. For example, if you mention you're planning a gut renovation of the kitchen, the sellers will certainly hear about it. Making them less likely to offer you a credit back to repair some of the kitchen cabinets.
Keep Your Eyes Wide Open
You should never complete the original contract assuming you can negotiate more as a result of the inspections. You need to go into escrow with your eyes wide open as well. A Real Estate transaction is never a done deal until all the money has been wired in and the deed transferred. Prior to signing the real estate contract, your main concern is that you may be competitive with other buyers. Once you're in escrow and doing inspections, however, it's just you and the sellers. Stay on your toes. Otherwise, you may risk losing out on further viable negotiation opportunities.
Find more articles and blogs at. www.echomeinspection.com
2 Reasons To Replace Old Plumbing
Every piece of plumbing from the '60s or older is on its last legs. That's because most of the piping used pre-1960s was galvanized steel. In fact, if you are looking at a home from that era or earlier, chances are it probably has had so many problems that it's already been through extensive repairs.
If they have not been fixed before, here are two of the top plumbing concerns.
Galvanized Pipes
To perform a quick test of an old house, turn on the hot water heater. If the pressure is low, the home probably has galvanized pipes that have corroded and plugged up. Hot water pipes are usually the first to go.
The house could have good pressure in the hot water lines, but still have unseen galvanized problems. It is possible that only the bad pipes were replaced,melanin get the remainder of the pipes still in the house and either in need or soon-to-be-in-need of replacement.
Experts will tell you to replace the entire plumbing system when galvanized piping starts to go bad, but that's pricey, and often homeowners opt for the most economical, halfway fix by just repairing the problem areas. Worse, the bad galvanized pipe may have been replaced with more galvanized pipe instead of copper or plastic pipe, meaning the problem has been extended.
It's very difficult to determine the entire plumbing system,mince most plumbing lines are behind walls. One way to get an idea is to,look under your sink to get an understanding. If the house has a crawl space and you're not to uncomfortable by going into it, you can get a much better picture of the plumbing.
Anytime copper piping has been attached to a galvanized pipe, dielectric coupling is required to stop corrosion by dissimilar metals from bonding. If repairs were a do-it yourself job, the homeowner may not have included the dielectric coupling.
Sewer Line
Plumbing isn't strictly a residential issue, it begins and ends in the street. On the supply side, all piping on the house side of the meter belongs to the homeowner, and everything on the street side belongs to the local water district. If you turn off all the water inside the house, and the dial still moves, there is a leak in the system somewhere. The sewer line can be root-bound or crushed. You can probably rent a sewer camera for around $150 for a half day if you want to check the line yourself, but you really need a very skilled eye to understand what you are looking at.
Sewer lines can be cast iron, clay, or plastic. A World War II era product, orange burg, made of tarpaper, and if you have that in your house, no question it needs to be replaced. Plastic, which became common in the 1980s, is durable, but can be crushed.
Old houses, like anything else getting on in years, can be notorious for age-related ills. When it comes to plumbing troubles you can suspect galvanized pipes and bad sewer lines are the source.
Read similar articles and blogs at www.echomeinspection.com
If they have not been fixed before, here are two of the top plumbing concerns.
Galvanized Pipes
To perform a quick test of an old house, turn on the hot water heater. If the pressure is low, the home probably has galvanized pipes that have corroded and plugged up. Hot water pipes are usually the first to go.
The house could have good pressure in the hot water lines, but still have unseen galvanized problems. It is possible that only the bad pipes were replaced,melanin get the remainder of the pipes still in the house and either in need or soon-to-be-in-need of replacement.
Experts will tell you to replace the entire plumbing system when galvanized piping starts to go bad, but that's pricey, and often homeowners opt for the most economical, halfway fix by just repairing the problem areas. Worse, the bad galvanized pipe may have been replaced with more galvanized pipe instead of copper or plastic pipe, meaning the problem has been extended.
It's very difficult to determine the entire plumbing system,mince most plumbing lines are behind walls. One way to get an idea is to,look under your sink to get an understanding. If the house has a crawl space and you're not to uncomfortable by going into it, you can get a much better picture of the plumbing.
Anytime copper piping has been attached to a galvanized pipe, dielectric coupling is required to stop corrosion by dissimilar metals from bonding. If repairs were a do-it yourself job, the homeowner may not have included the dielectric coupling.
Sewer Line
Plumbing isn't strictly a residential issue, it begins and ends in the street. On the supply side, all piping on the house side of the meter belongs to the homeowner, and everything on the street side belongs to the local water district. If you turn off all the water inside the house, and the dial still moves, there is a leak in the system somewhere. The sewer line can be root-bound or crushed. You can probably rent a sewer camera for around $150 for a half day if you want to check the line yourself, but you really need a very skilled eye to understand what you are looking at.
Sewer lines can be cast iron, clay, or plastic. A World War II era product, orange burg, made of tarpaper, and if you have that in your house, no question it needs to be replaced. Plastic, which became common in the 1980s, is durable, but can be crushed.
Old houses, like anything else getting on in years, can be notorious for age-related ills. When it comes to plumbing troubles you can suspect galvanized pipes and bad sewer lines are the source.
Read similar articles and blogs at www.echomeinspection.com
So You Want To Own A Business?
Having thoughts or dreams of being your own boss? Honestly, I'm sure the thought has crossed every person's mind at some time or another. And who wouldn't want to be their own boss right? No one to answer too, make your own work schedule, no doubt the good seems to outweigh the bad, on the surface. Speaking from experience, as a young man of just 24 years old when I opened my business EC Home Inspections. I thought the same thing. My only previous occupation was being a member of Active duty in the Air Force. However, after years of working long and odd hours. Not to mention deployments. I had enough of the grind, and dreamed of running my own business. I am going to share with you a few of the realities of being a self-employed entrepreneur.These are just a few things to shine a little cold hard truth into the dream.
Marketing
So you've gone through any and all training needed to go out on your own and run your business. Congratulations! You've got your business license, your company name, maybe a logo and a website. You're all ready to start working. Only problem now is, you don't have any clients/customers. Maybe you know about marketing maybe you don't. Question is, how do you get clients and in turn, start making. money? To be successful, and that's the goal right? you have to be marketing everyday. Truth is, success doesn't happen overnight. Just having a website won't make you busy. You will try and fail at several attempts to bring in business. I want to emphasize that point,you will try and fail, you will try and fail dozens and dozens times. Do you have the courage, perseverance, determination, heart, patience to fail constantly and still remain overly positive and optimistic?
Business Taxes
Probably the least fun part of owning a business is having to do taxes. Unless your job IS doing taxes, odds are you won't enjoy crunching and putting together numbers. Adding up invoices is one thing, but factor in adding up gas mileage, company expenses and you would probably spend at least half a day doing this task. The solution does sound and is simple enough, pay for an accountant to handle it. However, keep in mind your first year or so you'll be lucky. very lucky if you can afford to pay an accountant.
Doing The Job
Alright, now we've got to the easy part right? Doing the job. You may or may not be an expert by the time you open your business. I sure wasn't. True, I took my courses. But realistically, I knew just enough to not look like a complete fool on my first job. If you've been doing the same job at a different company working for someone else, that's great, should be a smooth transition. For us that are crazy enough to jump into something head first, we have a very steep learning curve ahead of us. This is another area where you will be tested. You must be confident in your abilities, but also, learn on the go. You are going to mess up, you are going to lose an account or two, you are going to forget something some aspect or some small detail along the way. All you can do, pay attention, realize where you messed up. learn from it, and try not to do it again.
Dealing With The Bad Times
When business is going great, you're super busy you feel on top of the world. And you should, you've worked hard and you've earned everything. When business is good, life is good. But how about if business is slow? How will you handle it then? I mean, this is your livelihood, this is what you gave up your stable, reliable job for. Do you have the guts to work harder, and to be even more motivated when times get rough?
These are just a few things to be aware of if you are looking to be self-employed. I love every second of being my own boss. I constantly tell people, I don't have a job or a career, I have a passion. It takes a hell of a lot of heart, patience, perseverance, determination, motivation, guts, courage, and focus at all times. It will consume you. Rather that's a good thing or not, I'll leave that up to your personal opinion.
Find more of our articles and blogs at: www.echomeinspection.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Winterizing Your Pool
As the weather is beginning to cool down, many people will be putting away their pools for the winter. This is a very important task for homeowners, especially in the colder climates. We've put together a 10-step process to getting your pool winterized for the next few months.
Clean Out The Pool
This includes any leaves, insects, dirt and debris. Use your pool vacuum or your net. Clean the skimmer and the pump basket too. Clean the tile with the proper cleaner.
Balance The Water Chemistry
This protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup. Adjust the water to the recommended levels using a water test kit. If you would like to add a winterization chemical kit, now is the best time. These kits put high levels of chlorine and algae ice in the water to prepare it for the months ahead. In the case of larger pools, you may be advised to supplement the kit with additional quantities of some chemicals.
Don't Let Your Chemicals Damage Your Pool
Do not add tablets or a floater that contains chlorine or bromine-they can damage the equipment nearest them. If you already have chlorine or bromine tablets in the feeder, let them run out so none remain. Pour winterizingnchemicals into a bucket and then into the pool. Some chemicals advise you to turn on the pool filter while adding these chemicals. You don't want stains on your,liner from un-dissolved granules or damage to your equipment from concentrations of chemicals in the water.
Freezing
Water expands with enormous force when frozen. The type of force that breaks up highways, splits garden hoses, explodes beverage cans in your freezer, and also expands and cracks pool pipes, filters, pumps, and skimmer baskets. Even pool owners in the south have learned, their regret, that freezing temperatures are a risk. To begin, drain the water down below the skimmer mouth. Do not, I say again, do not empty the pool. The expansion of the soil under the pool as the water in this soil freezes can jack the pool right out of the ground; it needs the weight of some water to keep it firmly in place.
Take Care Of Your Pump And Heater
Be sure to disconnect your pump and filter. Make sure all water is completely drained from the pump. To be sure, turn it upside down once and dump any excess water. Remove drain plugs (there may be one or two). Once the pump is drained, turn it on for just a second or two to release any remaining water from the impeller. Store small plugs or parts in the pump basket.
If you have a heater, drain it as well and make sure there is no standing water inside, You can blow it out with a compressor or shop vac. Drain the heater completely. Remove all return jet fittings. If one cracks, don't panic, you can replace it next spring. Remove all skimmer baskets.
Remove Water From The Pipes
Unscrew and loosen any quick-disconnect fittings or unions at your pump and filter system, then blow out pipes. The use of a wet-dry vacuum or air compressor is ideal for this. Force the air from the pump down the skimmer and through the skimmer pipes. Blow out the return plumbing by hooking up your compressor to the return lines at the filter system, or by screwing it into the pumps drain plug. Continue until you see air bubbles emerge from the return jets, the. tightly plug the fitting below the water line. Cover all exposed pipes with plugs. Also, blow out the main drain line (if any). When you see bubbles coming out of the drain, plug the pipe on your end or close the gate valve. This creates an "air lock" in the line, ensuring no water can enter from the pool side.
Cleaning The Filter
Remove filter hoses. Spray the cartridge filter elements and D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) grids with filter cleaner, then rinse clean with a garden hose. For D.E. filters, drain the filter tanks and leave backwash valve open. IF you have a sand filter, clean it by back washing.
NOTE: Don't acid wash a D.E. filter at pool closing time. It's best to wait till spring. When you can conveniently run the pool water through the system to rinse it out. Simply rinsing off the acid and putting away the filter will give the acid all winter to attack filter components.
Open the drain at the bottom of the filter to let out any water in the filter outlet, be sure to open the air relief valve on top if you have one. Place the multi-port into the closed or "winter" position. are,over the pressure gauge,
The Floatation Device
Before. putting on the cover, you should install a Floatation device in the middle of the pool. It does not need to be anything fancy. The float balances the rain water and ice, sure to form on the pool cover. More importantly, it will ease the pressure off the pool walls by allowing ice to push in one the device, not outward onto the walls.
The Winter Cover
It's stronger than a summer cover. And is able to withstand the weight of snow and ice, and to protect people or pets from falling through the cover. If your cover has any rips, fix them. Stretch the cover over the pool, black side down. This can be a 2-3 person job. Run a strong wire through the holes around the perimeter of the cover and snug it up using a wrench so the cover stays down.
Storage
Remove any and all ropes and floats. Store away your dive bolts or ladder bumpers.
All Done!!
Your pool is ready for the cold winter ahead. If you have any advice or tips for winterizingnchemicals a pool, p,ease feel free to leave a comment!
Clean Out The Pool
This includes any leaves, insects, dirt and debris. Use your pool vacuum or your net. Clean the skimmer and the pump basket too. Clean the tile with the proper cleaner.
Balance The Water Chemistry
This protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup. Adjust the water to the recommended levels using a water test kit. If you would like to add a winterization chemical kit, now is the best time. These kits put high levels of chlorine and algae ice in the water to prepare it for the months ahead. In the case of larger pools, you may be advised to supplement the kit with additional quantities of some chemicals.
Don't Let Your Chemicals Damage Your Pool
Do not add tablets or a floater that contains chlorine or bromine-they can damage the equipment nearest them. If you already have chlorine or bromine tablets in the feeder, let them run out so none remain. Pour winterizingnchemicals into a bucket and then into the pool. Some chemicals advise you to turn on the pool filter while adding these chemicals. You don't want stains on your,liner from un-dissolved granules or damage to your equipment from concentrations of chemicals in the water.
Freezing
Water expands with enormous force when frozen. The type of force that breaks up highways, splits garden hoses, explodes beverage cans in your freezer, and also expands and cracks pool pipes, filters, pumps, and skimmer baskets. Even pool owners in the south have learned, their regret, that freezing temperatures are a risk. To begin, drain the water down below the skimmer mouth. Do not, I say again, do not empty the pool. The expansion of the soil under the pool as the water in this soil freezes can jack the pool right out of the ground; it needs the weight of some water to keep it firmly in place.
Take Care Of Your Pump And Heater
Be sure to disconnect your pump and filter. Make sure all water is completely drained from the pump. To be sure, turn it upside down once and dump any excess water. Remove drain plugs (there may be one or two). Once the pump is drained, turn it on for just a second or two to release any remaining water from the impeller. Store small plugs or parts in the pump basket.
If you have a heater, drain it as well and make sure there is no standing water inside, You can blow it out with a compressor or shop vac. Drain the heater completely. Remove all return jet fittings. If one cracks, don't panic, you can replace it next spring. Remove all skimmer baskets.
Remove Water From The Pipes
Unscrew and loosen any quick-disconnect fittings or unions at your pump and filter system, then blow out pipes. The use of a wet-dry vacuum or air compressor is ideal for this. Force the air from the pump down the skimmer and through the skimmer pipes. Blow out the return plumbing by hooking up your compressor to the return lines at the filter system, or by screwing it into the pumps drain plug. Continue until you see air bubbles emerge from the return jets, the. tightly plug the fitting below the water line. Cover all exposed pipes with plugs. Also, blow out the main drain line (if any). When you see bubbles coming out of the drain, plug the pipe on your end or close the gate valve. This creates an "air lock" in the line, ensuring no water can enter from the pool side.
Cleaning The Filter
Remove filter hoses. Spray the cartridge filter elements and D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) grids with filter cleaner, then rinse clean with a garden hose. For D.E. filters, drain the filter tanks and leave backwash valve open. IF you have a sand filter, clean it by back washing.
NOTE: Don't acid wash a D.E. filter at pool closing time. It's best to wait till spring. When you can conveniently run the pool water through the system to rinse it out. Simply rinsing off the acid and putting away the filter will give the acid all winter to attack filter components.
Open the drain at the bottom of the filter to let out any water in the filter outlet, be sure to open the air relief valve on top if you have one. Place the multi-port into the closed or "winter" position. are,over the pressure gauge,
The Floatation Device
Before. putting on the cover, you should install a Floatation device in the middle of the pool. It does not need to be anything fancy. The float balances the rain water and ice, sure to form on the pool cover. More importantly, it will ease the pressure off the pool walls by allowing ice to push in one the device, not outward onto the walls.
The Winter Cover
It's stronger than a summer cover. And is able to withstand the weight of snow and ice, and to protect people or pets from falling through the cover. If your cover has any rips, fix them. Stretch the cover over the pool, black side down. This can be a 2-3 person job. Run a strong wire through the holes around the perimeter of the cover and snug it up using a wrench so the cover stays down.
Storage
Remove any and all ropes and floats. Store away your dive bolts or ladder bumpers.
All Done!!
Your pool is ready for the cold winter ahead. If you have any advice or tips for winterizingnchemicals a pool, p,ease feel free to leave a comment!
Our Service To You
EC Home Inspections delivers professional and extremely through Home Inspection services for both Home buyers as well as sellers. At EC Home Inspections in Merced, all of our Home Inspectors are trained and certified. We offer our clients a 400+ point Home Inspection that includes major concerns (I.e structural issues) to the minor and cosmetic concerns (I.e a cracked or missing outlet cover). By hiring EC Home Inspections not only will you receive our 400+ point Home Inspection, but we will also help educate you, the client, to understand the Real Estate Transaction. We will also give home maintenance tips and advice included in our reports. After the Home Inspection, we will follow up within 48 hours to answer any questions or concerns you may have. And even after closing we will always be ready to help you in any circumstance regarding your home. Our Home Inspection included all areas of the home to include: Exterior and siding, electrical systems, roofing, foundation, plumbing, HVAC systems, crawl space, attic (if accessible) and much more. Within your Home Inspection Report all of the areas of the home will be broken down into specific sections. Our Home Inspection Reports will also include pictures of all defects or issues found, as well as detailed information on the particular item. We send out our reports the same day as the Home Inspection via email. A typical Home Inspection with EC Home Inspections will last an average 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours. As stated before we are more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have before, during and after your Home Inspection.
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