Mold exposure in Miami apartment building reportedly making elderly residents sick

The Haley Sofge Towers, a housing unit for elderly residents in Miami, isn't exactly providing its inhabitants with the relaxing Florida lifestyle they crave in their golden years. According to NBC 6, a South Florida publishing network, the building has a serious mold problem.

The source states that many of the tenants, a large percentage of whom are on fixed incomes and don't speak English, have been experiencing health problems as a result of constant exposure to the hazardous fungus. 

Efron Cotero, who has mold covering the walls of his unit, said that he developed respiratory problems after moving into the towers, noting that he's just one of hundreds of residents who has been sick. Additional occupants told the source that their breathing issues began when they started living in the county-owned building, and even had documentation from their doctors explaining the severity of their respiratory illnesses. 

The situation is so bad that NBC 6 took the tenants' grievances to Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, who issued a formal complaint to the county. 

"We've taken it to the administration level," said Barreiro. "There are a bunch of cases I've elaborated in the letter to the administration, the mayor, and asked them for transfers or to fix the units."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to mold can cause mild to severe health problems, particularly for people who already suffer from asthma and allergies. No matter what, it's not good to be in its presence on a daily basis. To make sure your home or business isn't infested with this potentially dangerous fungus, contact a home inspection contractor to perform mold testing and help you determine if you're safe.

A look at a few energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for 2012 tax credits

As you're filing your taxes this season, don't forget that you may be eligible for a number of federal tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades you made in your home over the last year. The American Taxpayer Relief Act, which was part of the fiscal cliff deal, includes a couple of key incentives that can be retroactively applied to purchases made in 2012. If you've invested in green technology recently, you may be able to get some money back.

In a recent article, Consumer Reports highlighted some of the energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for 2012 tax credits. Let's take a look at a few: 

Doors and windows – If you replaced a door or window or installed one in a new space, you can gain back 10 percent of the cost up to $500 (windows are capped at $200) as long as it is Energy Star-qualified.

Non-solar water heaters – Water heaters you have purchased with an Energy Factor of at least 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of 90 percent may make you eligible to receive a $300 tax credit. 

Roofs – For metal and asphalt roofs that are made from the appropriate materials – either pigmented coatings or cooling granules – and meet Energy Star requirements, you can get a 10 percent tax credit up to $500.

To claim these tax credits, you'll need to file IRS form 5695, which you can find here. 

These offers extend through December 2013, which means that you can enjoy these incentives for any energy-efficient upgrades you make this year when you fill out your 2014 tax forms. With this in mind, now might be a great time to think about investing in green technology. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor. They can perform an energy audit and help you determine the next steps you should take.

Washington highway to feature LED bulbs

On Friday, February 22, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) published a press release announcing that it will be replacing highway lighting on US 101 west of Olympia with LED bulbs. 

According to the statement, these new fixtures will use a technology known as an "adaptive system," meaning that WSDOT workers will be able to remotely adjust brightness levels and turn off individual light poles. This will make it possible for the state to reduce energy usage and save more than $75,000 in annual maintenance and operating costs. 

WSDOT state traffic engineer John Nisbet said in the press release that he anticipates the new light system will be quite a change, noting that it's the first time they've used LED bulbs on a state highway. The lights will likely appear brighter and whiter than the ones people are used to, and it won't be uncommon to see them dimmed or shut off completely during low-traffic times.

"Over the next 22 months, we will look at how the lights function and analyze the cost savings at this location," said Nisbet. "That information will help us build a plan for more LED lights across the state. We have close to 60,000 lights on the state highway system and more LEDs could translate into significant energy and cost savings."

The new installations – which are scheduled to be complete by March 1 – are expected to be fully operational by mid-April. 

According to Energy Star, LED bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lighting and last 35 to 50 times longer. With this in mind, many homeowners choose to make this upgrade, since it ultimately saves them money over time. If you're interested in learning about how this and other energy-efficient upgrades can help you switch to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective lifestyle, contact a home inspection contractor. They can perform an energy audit and help you determine where to get started. 

New program in Florida helps low-income residents weatherize their homes

Flagler County in the eastern part of Florida has recently joined a program funded by Florida PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) that aims to bring energy efficiency to low-income residents. 

According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the organization is currently accepting applications for contractors to participate in the initiative. Since many homeowners in the state can't afford to hire professionals to make necessary upgrades to their homes, Florida PACE will be providing loans so that proper weatherization solutions can be implemented. In order to determine the best way to improve a property, the program will also provide energy audits. 

There are a number of green technology improvements that will be available to residents, such as replacement windows, sealing and insulation, roof repair and the installation of wind-resistant shingles, says the source. 

According to Jonathan Schaefer, the Florida PACE program manager, the initiative may also help boost the local economy in addition to aiding residents in the county. If all goes as planned, the program will begin in the spring.

"I hope [arrangements] are totally in place before the Florida heat and hurricane season starts," said Flagler County commissioner and Florida PACE board member Barbara Revels. "They are working feverishly to get the contractors in place. It's always heartening to see these kinds of humanitarian efforts in action.

If you're interested in making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it may actually be more affordable than you think – and the long-term savings almost always make it worthwhile. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor to request an energy audit. Additionally, as we've mentioned before on this blog, some key tax credits made it into the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 as part of the fiscal cliff deal, meaning that homeowners can save up to $500 on energy-efficient upgrades.

Ann Arbor maintenance facility’s LED bulbs to reduce energy costs by 60 percent

The city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, recently announced its plan to install 45 LED light fixtures in the parking lot of a city maintenance facility. 

According to AnnArbor.com, the Ann Arbor City Council approved the use of $30,870 in federal grant funds to replace the lights at the Wheeler Service Center on Stone School Road. Although this cost seems significant upfront, the average annual savings are expected to total $5,106. By reducing the watts from 400 to 165, maintenance expenses and the cost of energy at the facility will likely decline by about 60 percent. 

The money comes from a $1.24 million energy efficiency grant that the U.S. Department of Energy issued to the city in December 2009. Since the grant ends in March, this will be one of the final purchases that it covers. 

This most recent project is part of an ongoing initiative to upgrade city-owned lights to LED bulbs, beginning with 1,000 streetlights funded by a grant from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

"This effort was then expanded to include the conversion of the city-owned streetlights outside of the DDA using funding from various state and federal grant funding sources," the city energy program's associate, Nathan Geisler, wrote in a memo. "Opportunities to achieve energy savings through converting conventional lights to LEDs on city properties helps continue to advance these efforts."

Although the upfront costs may be a little steeper, home and business owners can save money in the long run on monthly utility costs by making the switch to LED bulbs. If you're interested in learning about how this and other energy-efficient upgrades can help you switch to a more earth-friendly and cost-effective lifestyle, contact a home inspection contractor today.

Don’t overlook these simple and effective energy-saving strategies

There are plenty of people who may be interested in converting to energy-efficient homes, but are intimidated by the potential costs or amount of work that may be required to implement such changes. But, the good news is, while you may not be able to afford buying new Energy Star-rated appliances or installing solar panels on your roof, there are some simple, cost-effective upgrades you make to reduce not only your carbon footprint but also the amount of money you spend on your utility bills each month. 

A recent article from Business Insider presents some suggestions for homeowners hoping to save energy: 

Eliminate "vampire" power – Did you know that power is still consumed when your electronics are in standby mode – or even when they are turned off entirely but still plugged in? The source suggests that this can account for 10 percent of a home's electricity use each year, so by adjusting the power-saving mode on your computer, Xbox, or other device, you can save money. 

Get an energy audit – A professional home inspection contractor can examine your home and help you determine different ways to cut costs and reduce the amount of electricity you consume on a monthly basis. 

Invest in a programmable thermostat – According to Energy Star, these devices – which cost a couple hundred dollars – can save you approximately $180 each year. There are even thermostats that allow you to change the settings remotely from your smartphone or laptop. 

Maryland residents hoping to convert to a more energy-efficient lifestyle will be happy to hear that there are many rebates and incentives to take advantage of, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison. 

Home buyers want energy-efficient features first and foremost, says survey

Owning a home is an important investment, and, while you may not be thinking about selling yours to upgrade or relocate any time in the near future, it's always a good idea to keep in mind the kinds of changes you can make to your property to increase its value. 

Recently, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) released a press statement announcing a survey it had conducted to determine what home buyers look for in a property. 

"This survey is a great resource for building professionals, as it provides an inside look at the things home buyers really want or don't want in their homes," said Rose Quint, NAHB's assistant vice president for survey research, in the press statement. "With the housing market beginning to recover, and more consumers in the position to purchase a home, it is more important than ever for builders to be armed with this information."

Builders aren't the only ones who can benefit from this information, though. In fact, existing home owners who have been thinking about investing in green technology will be happy to hear that, according to the NAHB's survey, one of the main features buyers seek out is energy efficiency. This includes Energy Star-rated appliances as well as basic weatherization upgrades to windows, heating systems and other aspects of the home. The survey states that nine out of ten buyers would rather purchase a property with energy-efficient features that would result in lower monthly utility bills than buy a home that costs 2 to 3 percent less. 

Fortunately, individuals with green technology projects in mind can take advantage of cost-effective tax credits in 2013. 

If you're interest in home energy conversion, you should contact a home inspection contractor. These professionals can perform an energy audit and help you determine next steps.

Volunteers help low-income New Orleans residents save money with energy-efficient homes

Rebuilding Together, a non-profit organization that rehabilitates houses for low-income homeowners, has recently teamed up with energy cooperatives across the United States, as well as a number of volunteers, to help residents in New Orleans weatherize their properties. 

The upgrades can start very simple, states local news source WWLTV.com – anything from caulking and sealing to plugging holes in the walls. The idea is to fix problems in the home and reduce residents' energy bills. According to Robin Young, who works for Rebuilding Together, it's possible to bring these monthly costs down from $300 to $75, which is significant for people who are living on fixed incomes. 

In New Orleans in particular, where summers are especially hot, certain energy-efficient technologies can help block the heat from entering a home. Not only does this keep homeowners more comfortable, but it enables them to stay cool without breaking the bank.

"Given all the struggles and all the challenges that [people in New Orleans] have been through, this can give them some sort of closure, some relief and a beautiful home to live in that's energy efficient to boot," said Mark Hayden, a Rebuilding Together volunteer.

It's always heartening to see these kinds of humanitarian efforts in action. It's important to keep in mind, however, that thanks to the state of Maryland's multiple rebate offerings, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison, it may be easier and more cost-effective than you think to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor to request an energy audit. Additionally, as we've mentioned before on this blog, some key tax credits made it into the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 as part of the fiscal cliff deal, meaning that homeowners can save up to $500 on energy-efficient upgrades.

Hiring a home inspection contractor is essential before purchasing a foreclosed home

Recent data from RealtyTrac, a company that specializes in foreclosure properties and real estate data, shows that the amount of foreclosure starts across the United States has hit the lowest number in 79 months. Nevertheless, 150,864 foreclosure filings were reported in January, indicating that there are still plenty of these homes available nationwide. 

For some prospective homeowners, the idea of purchasing one of these properties can be alluring, as they’re relatively cheap compared to other homes on the market and can be perfect for people looking for a fixer-upper. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that they often come with significant problems that can’t be identified by the untrained eye, so it’s essential to have a home inspection contractor take a look at them before you sign any papers. 

“There’s no caretaker on these properties. I’ve looked at quite a few. We’ve seen vandalism. We’ve seen previous owners steal cabinets and fixtures. Copper piping has been stolen,” Bill Richardson, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), told CNN, adding that previous home inspections “are only a snapshot in time.”

According to AOL Real Estate, there are a number of areas in a foreclosed property that are especially important for home inspection contractors to examine or be on the lookout for, such as heating and ventilation, mold, water problems and pests. 

The bottom line is, when you purchase a foreclosed home, you really don’t know what you’re getting until you have a professional take a look at it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, since buying one of these properties without first hiring a home inspection contractor can mean having to spend a lot of money fixing significant problems that you may not have been aware of in the beginning. 

Forget DIY and turn to the professionals for these home improvement projects

If you do a quick internet search for “DIY projects gone wrong,” you’ll probably be flabbergasted by some of the results and feel fortunate that you haven’t ever had to deal with the aftermath of such a disaster. But, for those of you currently looking for a new home, it’s important to keep in mind that there can be serious problems within a property that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. 

According to a recent article from the Seattle Post Intelligencer, many homeowners have opted to go the do-it-yourself route over the past few years to save money during these tough economic times. Ultimately, however, it can end up costing them – or the people who purchase their property – a significant amount of money in repairs. 

Here are some home improvement projects for which it’s a good idea to turn to a professional:

Roof repair – Climbing up onto a roof is dangerous, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can lead to serious injuries. Additionally, those who aren’t skilled at roof repair shouldn’t be installing and replacing shingles, as this can damage the home’s structure. 

Plumbing repair – Not only can doing this yourself become messy really fast, but if they aren’t fixed properly in the first place, pipes, toilets and drains can continue to wreak havoc for years to come. 

Window repair – Chances are, you probably don’t have the right tools required to install or repair windows. This means they most likely won’t be well-insulated and secure, which can lead to added energy costs. 

When you purchase a home, you really don’t know what you’re getting until you have a professional take a look at it. Thankfully, there are home inspection contractors who know what to keep an eye out for and can help you determine if a property is really worth the price or if there are hidden problems that could wind up costing a small fortune to fix.