From the desk of ...
Arthur S. Lazerow

ALBAN is Expanding!

In both the home inspection and lead inspection arena, we have seen extraordinary growth for all of our services. Thank you! The business that Realtors, property managers and clients refer to Alban is very much appreciated.

We have expanded our staff to satisfy inspection and consultation needs. Our office in Hagerstown is now open. FRED NUGENT, based in Hagerstown, has completed his lead and home inspection training (graduating with highest honors) and is performing excellently.

He has absorbed the Alban evenhanded philosophy and expresses to his clients the strong points of a home to balance any deficiencies observed. Our full-fee refund policy still applies to every inspection in the event a purchase does not settle.

The addition of Fred gives Alban the opportunity to expand our free Realtor consultation service to Hagerstown and points west. Any Realtor needing advice can call our office or the inspector directly. It is our goal to help a Realtor's purchase and sale transactions proceed smoothly.

573 Lancaster Place
Frederick, Maryland 21702
Metro 1-800-822-7200
301-662-6565

Full Fee Refund
IF SALE DOESN'T CLOSE

More than 4,000 deaths result from household fires each year. Recognizing how fires start is the first step to protecting friends, family, and clients.

The Electrical Circuits

A home's electrical circuits are designed to safely carry specific electrical loads. If any of the circuits' load is surpassed, fuses or circuit breakers will open and shut off the current. Never try to increase the rated load of a circuit by replacing burnt-out fuses with those allowing higher current levels. If a fuse is not the right size, don't use it. Never place anything other than a fuse in a fuse holder.

If a homeowner experiences frequent fuse replacements or circuit breaker trips, first check the main electrical box to see which section of the house is affected. Once identified, reduce the amount of electricity used in those areas by unplugging a few appliances or moving them to another room. If this doesn't help, have a professional electrician inspect the system to determine the cause of overload or short.

When an appliance will not reach a wall outlet, extension cords are a common temporary solution. But they are not meant to be permanent fixtures. If more outlets are needed, have them installed by a qualified professional. And never run electrical cords under carpets or secure them with nails or staples.

Fires Can Start In Many Ways

Household fires can start in a number of ways. With a fire-safety checklist, you will recognize some of the more common hazards. For example, flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, and paint thinner can be extremely dangerous and should never be stored on the inside of the house or near sources of heat, especially furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances. Keep flammable or volatile materials outside. Use plastic or metal storage containers, not breakable glass, and keep the lids tightly sealed to prevent escaping flammable vapors.

In the event of a fire, smoke detectors can save lives. For maximum protection, place a smoke alarm on every level and outside each bedroom. Test each detector at least once a month and replace the batteries annually. Whenever vacuuming or dusting, do not forget the vents on the smoke detector where grease, dust, and dirt can build up and possibly cause a malfunction.