Bill Kibbel

Ron,

We give clients a full page of info mainly paraphrased from the EPA and CDC and finish it off with:

"It is beyond the scope of this inspection to test for mold or other air quality concerns. No fee is being charged for such testing and (Company Name)'s insurance coverage expressly excludes coverage for testing for mold or any other air quality issues. Testing for mold or indoor air quality should be performed by other qualified and insured specialists of the customer’s choice and hire."

Just to enhance David's description, click on the following to view illustrations of reversing valves.

http://www.acda.com.au/revalve.gif

(Most are black)

http://www.janazzo.com/images/elite11_main.jpg

(#3 is the location of the valve)

Brian,

That's a great idea. I never did like the candidate label though. Let's call it "Aspirant".

As far as a members forum, we plan on setting up an online group soon and we will welcome you and any other inspector interested in learning more and educating homebuyers about preserving our architectural heritage.

Until then, here are other resources that may be helpful:

http://inspecthistoric.org/resource.htm

Scroll down to Technical Resources.

Or visit our historic homes info at:

http://www.geocities.com/asiedydd/

Brian,

Finding books on historic building techniques that cover any specific region is difficult. A large majority of nationally published books focus on traditions found only in New England. In my little service area, there are historic Swedish, Dutch, English and German buildings, all with their own characteristics and building techniques.

The best printed sources that I have found helpful all came from out-of-print/used book stores or libraries. Local authors, historic societies and colleges have published books, papers and studies that can't be found at Barnes & Noble.

Another valuable resource for me was getting involved with local historic sites and districts. Seeing meticulously restored and documented buildings first hand gave me additional technical knowledge and also enriched my appreciation and dedication to historic preservation. Even if you don't get involved, just touring some restored/preserved old buildings will increase your knowledge of local historic architecture and building techniques. The tour guides are always surprised when you ask to see the basement and attic!

Kurt,

It would be wise to add more text to your index page to include keywords that potential clients might use in a search of your services. Meta tag keywords alone can't be relied on for relevance in all search engines. Perhaps moving some text from the "About Us" page like: "Home & building inspection services company providing home inspections, large building & commercial inspections, condominium building & association consulting since 1979." Also consider including your professional association as I have found that some folks use that in their search.

Someone mentioned an e-mail button to hide from spam harvesters. The following is an HTML that you might want to use:

Contact Us

They are not just a Midwestern product. I have seen a couple here in the mid-Atlantic including some near NYC and some in VA. I believe the ones I have inspected were demo models. They are constructed with a welded steel skeleton on a concrete slab with screwed-on panel walls of porcelain enameled steel. Same with the roof and interior walls. One other unique feature is the heat distribution. An oil fired furnace circulates warm air through a closed duct system to radiant panels. They were typically built between 1947 and 1950. I think some were commissioned by the Gov't, as I have recognized some near military bases. They were manufactured in Columbus, OH and shipped on one truck to the job site.