May 2015 - albaninspect

5 important things to remember during a home inspection

Before a new home settlement is complete, a final home inspection will be held to go over any last minute details or issues that may have been missed.

This walkthrough allows both you and the inspector to discover anything that may be wrong with the home that can be used as leverage in pricing and changes before any paperwork is signed.

During this time an inspector will discuss how the home operates, maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, warranty coverage and protections as well as the overall location of the home.

If a home is being built brand new, the inspection process is even more important. Although new homes have nearby builders, disputes can arise if inspections are not carefully done. If something is missed, such as a nail hanging out of a board or a hole in a wall, builders may think you did the damage, as there is no way to prove when it occurred.

In addition, many builders require owners to sign paperwork stating that everything has been inspected and agreed on by both parties. During this time, ensure each of the five following home components are completely in working order:

Attic and basement: Make sure the extremities of your home are well crafted. If there is any indication of water leaks, damage or significant cracking, don't sign off on any paperwork.
Electricity: Be sure all wires are inspected, outlets are grounded and anything amiss is checked out. Leave an electrical investigation, though, to a professional.
Flooring: Make sure there are no missing seams or ridges in flooring. Ensure wood floors are properly finished and rugs are tight to the floor.
Foundation: Look out for sloping, water damage and large visible cracks. If a foundation is bowing, it may not be safe to proceed with the sale.
Roofing: Are the shingles flat and tight? If it rained would the gutters protect your home?

Learn more about commercial inspections and Alban home inspection contractors on our website.

Energy efficiency for small businesses

Small businesses are showing an increasing amount of interest in energy efficiency. According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 90 percent of these businesses are attempting to become more energy efficient.

Many factors impact the willingness of small businesses to invest in energy efficient workspaces. These include overall costs, environmental impact and customer attraction.

"Small businesses are really enthusiastic about energy efficiency and this desire should be capitalized on for the good of their business and the environment. However, what our research does tell us is a simple 'one-size fits all' approach will not work as different businesses are driven by a diverse range of factors," said FSB National Chairman John Allan.

58 percent of small businesses claim they have taken steps toward energy efficiency, but more can be done to increase this number.

According to the Small Business Association, these tips include:

Be aware of phantom usage: Even when appliances are turned off, they still use a small amount of energy. Although this amount may seem insignificant, it can add up over time. Implement a power strip with an on/off button to stop using electricity when it's not needed.
Controlling direct sunlight: Consider using solar screens, awnings or vegetation to keep your business cool and energy savvy during the day. Using interior curtains can keep heat out as well, using less energy to cool the office down.
Regular checkups on air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems: If your systems are outdated or haven't been checked in a while, they may be wasting valuable energy. This can become a costly issue for small business owners. Routine maintenance is vital for both efficiency and safety.

Learn more about energy efficiency in your small business by conducting an energy audit inspection today. Visit our website for more information.

What is the future of solar technology?

According to Clean Technica, solar energy costs will drop another 25 percent by 2017.

Canadian Solar statistics indicate that solar PV modules will fall by 25 percent to US36c/watt at the end of 2017. This drop will be caused by improvements in cell efficiency and the output of a range of solar modules.

Besides these lower prices, why should your company or home consider utilizing solar power?

The Solar Energy Industries Association is one of the largest proponents of solar energy use. This type of energy is one of the most abundant natural resources found in the U.S.

There are many ways to harness the power of the sun including:

Concentrating solar power
Passive solar
Photovoltaics (solar electric)
Solar heating and cooling.

There are both active and passive solar systems. Active solar systems use electrical or mechanical means to convert the sun's heat or light into usable energy. Passive solar systems are designed to collect, store and distribute the heat energy from sunlight without using electricity or moving parts.

How can homes and businesses increase their solar energy usage?

Install solar panels: Solar panels can be expensive, but their captured energy is perfect for reducing electrical energy sources. In addition, their prices are dropping.
Let the light in: Use natural light whenever possible. Open the shades during board meetings or in the office and turn off the lights. Natural light can decrease energy usage and has been proven to increase worker productivity.
Unplug items: If you're not using it in that exact moment, you shouldn't have the appliance plugged in.

To learn more about energy efficiency or to schedule an energy audit, visit our website. The cost of a home inspection with Alban Inspections may save you money and valuable energy use in the future.

Boston, energy efficiency, and what your state can change

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently published the 2015 biennial city energy efficiency scorecard, ranking U.S. cities based on local energy policies and initiatives.

The rating is based on five crucial criteria including local government operations, community-wide initiatives, building policies, energy and water utility policies and transportation. Each category is worth up to 100 points.

Boston, Massachusetts was ranked number one with 82 points, the only city to obtain over 80 percent of the possible points.

Boston was rated number one in building policy, energy and water utilities, water efficiency efforts, as well as natural gas efficiency.

The city also has a range of energy efficient programs and ordinances including the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance, Renew Boston initiative, Renew Boston Solar and a climate action plan.

Boston has also created the Greenovate Boston campaign, a program aimed at emission reduction through citizen engagement in climate and sustainability initiatives. Engagement includes community meetings, bike weeks and how to improve energy efficiency in the home.

"Community outreach is really the key element. One thing that we're really focusing on is making sure that when we are communicating with our residents and businesses, we're making sure we're reaching out to those people who haven't heard the message already," said Boston's chief of environment, energy and open space Austin Blackmon.

The top five cities according to the ACEEE are:

Boston, MA
New York, New York
Washington D.C.
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington.

Many experts believe changes in cities can translate to innovations and new practices throughout states.

Making energy efficient changes in a city begins with the personal changes of residents and commercial changes in homes and businesses. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections to learn how your home can enhance the impact. Visit our website for more information.

How to prepare 3 crucial rooms for home sale

The current home sale market is competitive and can be hard to break into if you're not completely prepared. Although the harsh winter delayed the beginning of the spring buying season, it also gave buyers more time to pinpoint exactly what they want and don't want in a home.

Ensure your next house has what it takes to get off the market quickly and efficiently. Keep these room tips in mind during staging:

The dining room: The dining room is not often considered a selling point but has become more important to buyers. Many factors can affect dining room appeal including the size of the table, decorations and cleanliness. A table should be as expanded as possible but not so much that it impedes moving around the room. In addition, keep the table clear. Setting the table with anything other than a simple flower arrangement can distract buyers.
The bedroom: Bedrooms should always appear as relaxing, serene rooms in the home. Don't let your bedroom become overridden by storage, clothes and excess furniture. In addition, keep bedding and pillows, as well as clutter, to a minimum. Stick to one color scheme to add style and conformity throughout the room.
The kitchen: A clean kitchen, especially the sink, is a huge factor for homebuyers. A dirty kitchen signifies a dirty home, even if it's actually very clean. Keep the counters clear of excess clutter, take all the pictures off the fridge and make sure your cabinets are organized. Potential homebuyers cannot imagine themselves in your home if your presence is everywhere they look.

For more realtor tips or home market information, visit our website. As you look to buy or sell a home, consider a home inspection company such as Alban Inspections for all your energy efficiency and audit needs.

4 ways to make a good first home impression

How can you enhance the experience of homebuyers during an open house or private showing? A good, or bad, first impression is all it takes to set the stage for a possible sale.

Selling your home doesn't have to be a difficult or stressful process, especially if you implement these four tips before your first open house.

Curb appeal: Mow the grass, paint the shutters and plant some trees. No, you don't have to go all out for the front of your home, but you should make sure it's presentable and nice to look at. The front of your home is the first thing buyers see and base many of their opinions on.
Fresh coat of paint: A new coat of paint, in any room or area of the home, can make a huge difference. Fresh paint brightens a room as well as ensures cleanliness of walls and surrounding areas.
Let the light in: Use natural light to your advantage. Sunshine always feels good and brightens up a room with no cost.
Maintenance: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home sellers should focus on fundamental maintenance such as plumbing and electrical wiring. Homebuyers will often write off a home, despite renovations, if a roof is in shambles or the heating system isn't in working order.

Another recent NAR study concluded that homeowners reap about 80 percent back of what they put into a home when it comes to window and roof replacement.

For more realtor information, or to schedule an appointment with a home inspection company, visit our website. Alban Inspections is trained in a range of home issues including energy efficiency, heating and insulation and home mold inspection.

How will the Clean Power Act impact Virginia?

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Clean Power Act will have a major impact on Virginia.

The Clean Power Act was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions from existing power plants. Where is Virginia in terms of energy efficiency now?

Its renewable energy sits at about 5.5 percent, lagging in both solar and wind power. The projected renewable energy goal, as part of the Voluntary Renewable Electricity Standard states renewable energy should be at 15 percent now.
Virginia's electric generation is split between nuclear, natural gas and coal.
Virginia also has an Energy Efficiency Resource goal initiative, which began with Governor Terry McAuliffe. Its goal of 10 percent in electricity savings is to be met by 2020.
Virginia is currently number 35 in terms of energy efficiency of the 50 states. If Virginia, like other states, increased efficiency by 1.5 to 2 percent every year, the state could meet its goals.

The Clean Power Act, in its current state, would have Virginia reduce its rate of carbon dioxide by about 38 percent. As the state is already closing old coal plants and meeting voluntary renewable standards, Virginia would get credit for these acts.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently signed six clean energy and energy efficiency bills into law. These, according to Energy Efficiency Markets, include:

Virginia Solar Development Authority: Aims to foster solar developments.
Net Energy Metering: Doubles the amount of generation capacity of solar net metering facilities.
Utility-scale Solar: Allows for utility cost recovery for construction or purchase of solar facilities with over 1MW.
Natural Gas Energy Efficiency: Aims to increase approval of energy efficiency programs.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program: Expands the already existing PACE program.
Green Jobs Tax Credit: Extends a $500 per job Green Jobs Tax Credit for three years through July 1, 2018.

Learn more about energy efficient advancements in Virginia or schedule an energy audit in your home to make a change as well.

How much has energy growth expanded in the last four years?

According to Clean Technica, advanced energy is growing. What exactly does this mean? The world's energy use is growing, and the way in which we consume it is changing, for better and for worse.

A recent study known as the Advanced Energy Economy Market Report indicated that worldwide, advanced energy has grown to almost $1.3 trillion in global revenue, a 12 percent increase from 2013.

The largest segment of energy revenue was electricity, with a growth of 16 percent. Wind power revenue grew by 40 percent to $95 billion and hydropower grew 45 percent up to almost $122 billion.

Building efficiency grew 12 percent. This can be attributed to a range of factors including commercial and residential energy efficiency retrofits and zero net energy buildings.

Reducing the amount of energy your building uses doesn't have to be hard. Duke Energy Progress highlights 100 ways to save energy at home. Here are just a few:

Appliances:

If your fridge is old, leaky or doesn't keep your food cool, it may be time for a change. If you can't afford a new fridge, repair seals on the door to keep cold air in. When doing laundry, wash and dry several loads at once. This keeps your dryer from having to completely heat up from scratch time and time again. In addition, hanging clothes to dry can save even more energy.

Cooling your home:

Block the sun with heavy curtains or other window treatments. Repair leaky ducts, check your AC before you need to use it and install ceiling fans wherever possible. Ceiling fans use less energy than heavy ACs.

Windows:

Install high-performance windows to protect you and your furniture from harmful UV rays. Find windows with double-glazing and spectrally selective coatings that can keep the heat out and cool air in.

To conduct a full energy audit, contact Alban Inspections. A home inspection can help you discover the energy efficiency of your house. Visit our website for more information.

New water bill passed in hopes of helping environment

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, by a vote of 261 to 155.

The legislation was created to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from increasing federal jurisdiction and making changes to U.S. waterways and wetlands without going through a set process first.

"This legislation would prevent a federal land grab that would raise housing costs and harm conservation, water quality, job growth and economic development," said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods.

The new protection act will require the EPA and the Army Corps to withdraw their already proposed rules and develop a new plan by consulting state and local government officials. Any changes must be based on collaboration between stakeholders, as well as having sound economic and scientific analysis.

Proponents of the Army Corps and EPA plans felt that their changes would cause higher home prices, increased federal power over private property and delays in timely decisions.

The water in and around your home used for drinking, bathing and other activities can cause serious health issues if contaminated. If you're buying a new home or are selling your current home, checking the water in the pipes or from a nearby well is a vital component of the process.

In addition to a lender possibly requiring the passing of a water test before receiving approval on a loan, private wells should always be tested just in case. Testing for bacteria, nitrates, lead and nitrites could save money and prevent dangerous health conditions in the future.

Alban inspectors are accredited to collect water in all states, and our laboratories are nationally accredited. To learn more about our home inspection cost or to schedule an energy audit with our home inspection company, visit our website.

How much money are you really wasting on plugged in appliances?

Do you leave your coffee pot plugged in when it's not in use? What about your hair dryer or radio? If you do, you could be losing hundreds of dollars a year in utility bills and wasting more energy than you may have ever realized.

According to Utility Dive, devices that are "always on" waste $19 billion in electricity every year when they aren't being used.

The report conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that the energy wasted is equal to about $165 per average household. That is an approximate output of 500 MW of generating capacity.

In addition, research from the LA Times concluded that the typical home cable box consumes up to 35 watts of energy, even when not in use, costing homeowners about $8 every month.

The information, based on data from thousands of California smart meters and in-home energy audits, highlights the need for awareness of "vampire energy drainers" or unused, plugged in appliances.

The NRDC has found that consumers lose up to $440 annually because of these appliances. They have become a number one target for utility efficiency programs.

"Appliances like washers, dryers, and fridges now have displays, electronic controls, and increasingly even Internet connectivity, for example… in many cases, they are using far more electricity than necessary," said NRDC's director of high-tech sector energy efficiency Pierre Delforge.

Always on, but inactive devices account for almost 23 percent of electricity consumption in California. Although these numbers were only studied in California, researchers believe the numbers can be applied to the U.S. as a whole, as people in every state buy these kinds of appliances.

Scheduling an energy audit with Alban Home Inspectors can help you discover these energy wasters in addition to other steps you can take to reduce energy consumption. Home energy efficiency begins with you. Visit our website for more information.