Michael Brown

Uh, Thanks John, but I'm, uh, er, well, that is, you see,..well, I'm retired.......ARMY!!![:-banghead] You knew that, you just forgot. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike USA/MSG(Ret.)

Hey guys, Come'on, the poll asked about branding and you're hijacking it into a debate about IHINA. You both have been down this road a hundred times and are as far apart as oil and water where IHINA's concerned. Why not just agree to disagree and leave it at that? If you want to debate the merits of IHINA vs. marketing to realtors, why not start another thread and then beat each other to death over there? (Just trying to avoid too much thread drift, and not trying to limit your debate.[:-boggled] ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Psst,[:-psst] Hey Dennis! Careful, your robe, wings and halo are starting to show. [:-angel] [:-snooty] ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike []

Hi All, Well, maybe it is possible to raise the bar, not have licensing and still have enforceable standards for home inspectors. There is presently not an ASTM standard for residential home inspections, but there is one for commercial inspections. If there were an ASTM standard for residential inspections, do you think states would adopt such a standard as their law, the way they have with plumbing codes and so forth? Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Ironically enough, the Australians, though they do not have licensing for home inspectors, have Australian standard 4349.1-1995. (The Australian Standards are their equivalent of our ASTM.) AS 4349.1-1995 was put together through a cooperative effort of a number of folks who I guess we could say are the dreaded word 'stakeholders' in the process. They sat on a committee BD/85 that represented: Association of Building Consultants (As close to an ASHI/NAHI/NACHI/AII/CREIA/TAREI as they have.) Association of Consulting Engineers, Australia Australian Concrete Repair Association Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Australian Federation of Consumer Organizations Australian Institute of Building Australian Institute of Building Surveyors(Sort of cross between appraisers and engineer/inspectors) Clay Brick & Paver Institute Concrete Masonry Association of Australia Housing Industry Association Local Government & Shires Association Master Builders Australia National Association of Forest Industries Queensland Law Society Royal Australian Institute of Architects To quote the standard it: "Sets out recommendations for the visual inspection of residential buildings, including pre-purchase inspections and for the preparation of the appropriate property inspection reports." The standard defines what a consultant is; what the inspection criteria is; what is considered a minor defect (A matter which, in view of the age, type or condition of the residential building, does not require substantial repairs or urgent attention and recertification.); What a pre-purchase inspection is; What a property is; What is considered to be reasonable access, including the minimum size of access covers for attics and crawlspaces(in mm), minimum vertical clearances required in crawls for access, and the maximum height attic or roof that a consultant must access (Accessible from a 3.6m ladder). It also sets out the minimum requirements to be contained in residential and special reports, but doesn't limit inspectors from adding to these. It also requires all inspectors to carry a minimum amount of E & O and professional liability, as well as life insurance for employees.) Another feature I like is that it tells the customer that they must specify what else about the site, besides the building, that they want inspected for defects. Sections 2.3.6. and 2.3.7 state: 2.3.6 The Site The person requesting the inspection should specify any items and areas on the site which have to be inspected for defects, in addition to the items listed below which form part of the standard property inspection. Items, which are in addition to the following list, may fall within the scope of a special-purpose property inspection report: (a) Car accommodation, detached laundry, ablution facilities and garden sheds. Small retaining walls (i.e. non-structural). Paths and driveways Steps. Fencing. Surface water drainage. Storm water run off 2.3.7. Smoke detectors The person requesting the inspection should specify any items which have to be inspected for defects. Note: The inspection should be limited to the location of smoke detectors and number installed only. Checking the operation of the smoke detector is not part of the standard property inspection. As an example of what is required, section 2.3.3 specifies what the inspector must look at on the roof exterior. Here's that section. 2.3.3 The Roof Exterior The consultant should inspect and assess the condition of the following for defects: (a) Roof For example --- (i)tiles; (ii) shingles and slates: (iii) sheet roofing; and (iv) roof flashing. (b) Skylights, vents, and flues © Valleys (d) Guttering (e) Downpipes (f) Eaves It should be clearly stated if no access was available, or access to limited areas only was available at the time the inspection was carried out. Their reports include the interior and exteriors of buildings, the attics, crawlspaces, exterior roof and site and (oddly enough) smoke detectors. Section 3 describes the report requirements. 3.1 SCOPE This section sets out recommendations for the basic content of a standard property report. 3.2 GENERAL Although it is necessary to inspect each of the areas in Clause 2.3, it is not necessary to report on each one. Individual consultants may choose to report only on an 'exceptions basis' e.e., listing only defects, rather than also reporting items which are in an acceptable condition. 3.3 THE STANDARD PROPERTY REPORT A building report should not be seen as an all-encompassing report dealing with a building from every aspect. Rather it should be seen as a reasonable attempt to identify any significant defects visible at the time of the inspection. Whether or not a defect should be regarded as significant, depends to a large extent upon the age and type of building being inspected. It is unrealistic for the consultant to comment on minor defects and imperfections in the standard property report, although this may be required for a special-purpose property report.(see Section 4). A standard property report provided by the consultant should include the following: (a) A statement of who requested the report and the purpose for which it was requested or is intended The date or dates of inspection The scope of the inspection Any area or item which is not inspected and the reasons which prevented an inspection, and if appropriate, a recommendation for further investigation. A summary which includes an opinion as to the overall condition of the residential dwelling in the context of its age, type and general expectations of similar properties. A list of any significant matters which requires attention or rectification. If necessary, a recommendation that a further inspection or assessment be carried out by a suitably accredited specialist, e.g. pest inspector, electrical authority, water authority, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor or solicitor. The summary is possibly the most important part of the report. The important points should be extracted from the body of the report to provide the reader with a brief summary of the major faults found int he building. The summary should also put the overall condition of the building in the context of the average condition of similar buildings of approximately the same age. 3.4 LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS 3.4.1 LIMITATIONS The standard property report should not contain any assessment or any opinion in relation to--- (a) any item which is the subject of a special-purpose property report; (b) any area or item which was not, or could not be inspected by the consultant; © a matter which is not within the consultant's expertise; or a matter, the inspection or assessment of which is solely regulated by statute. What I especially like about their method is that is spells out clearly what an inspector is not required to inspect. Although there system is much less comprehensive than ours, the details of what they are not required to inspect are indisputable. The standard states: For example, the consultant normally would not check the adequacy of the following: Footings. Concealed damp-proof course Electrical installations, smoke detectors and residual current devices. Plumbing Drainage Gas fitting Air conditioning Garage door opening mechanism Swimming pools and associated equipment The operation of fireplaces and chimneys Alarm systems Intercom systems[*]Soft floor coverings including carpet and lino[*]Appliances including dishwashers, insinkerators, ovens, ducted vacuum systems.[*]Paint coatingsHazards Whether or not services have been used for some time prior to an inspection being carried out will affect the detection of leaks and other defects. For example, in the case of a shower enclosure, the absence of any dampness at the time of inspection does not necessarily mean that the enclosure will not leak. Sprayed subfloor areas should not be inspected without suitable protective clothing and apparatus such as a replaceable cartridge respirator. IN any event, sprayed subfloor areas should not be inspected unless it is safe to do so. If the subfloor area has been sprayed and is not ventilated, it is extremely dangerous to inspect it without a full-face mask. This is kind of cool too: A3.3 THE STANDARD PROPERTY REPORT A standard property report is not intended as a certificate of compliance of the property within the requirements of any Act, regulation, ordinance, or by-law, or, as a warranty or an insurance policy against problems developing with the building in the future. Estimating the cost of remedying defects is not included in a standard property report, although it may form part of a specific-purpose property report. A4.4 THE SPECIAL-PURPOSE REPORT If the cost of work estimates are given, it should be clearly indicated whether the estimates have been carefully calculated or if they are merely opinions of possible cost. The cost of work is ultimately dependent on what a contractor is prepared to do the work for. Okay, I'm not advocating we change our whole way of inspecting to what the Australians do, what I'm saying is they've put together a system there where realtors are not even part of the home inspection equation, where the law spells out clearly what will be inspected, what is required in the report and what an inspector is not required to do. Their standard is a form of blanket protection for all home inspectors while at the same time ensuring consumer protection and establishes a consistent standard across the country that all inspectors know they must comply with and one which the vendor (seller) or the purchaser can't dispute. All without any licensing of HI's whatsoever. If any of you folks are curious about how they write their reports down there, you can view one at this link: Australian Pre-Purchase Inspections ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

At the suggestion of Mike, I am starting this thread with two main questions. They are as follows: 1) If you are a member of ASHI, do you support Branding? As far as I know, this question has never been asked to the membership. 2) If you are not a member of ASHI, why? To get the ball rolling, I am opposed to Branding. I think it is a huge waste of money and it is a desperate attempt for ASHI to remain relevant in a licensed home inspection environment. I will probably not a be member of ASHI in the near future because I will not pay for Branding and will be thrown out. It is sad for me because I have been a member of ASHI for almost 20 years (member #433). Steven C. Hockstein, AIA Editor's note: I've moved this post, in order to be able to provide Steven a poll. Please, if you are not an ASHI member, do not vote in this pole. I know it will be hard to resist, but Steven is trying to determine from those affiliated with ASHI, outside of the ASHI arena, whether those affiliated feel it is a wise move. Let's be fair and allow him to do that without interference.

If you are a member of ASHI, do you support Branding? Please folks, participate in the discussion, but if you are not affiliated with ASHI do not vote. Let's keep it fair.] [:-idea]

Holy Moly! Looks like I plucked the right string on that guitar. There're some pretty strongly held opinions here! I know it's all kind of tied together, but lets try not to let thread drift take us to the next planet in our solar system by morphing into ASHI politics, E & O and branding. Steven, you obviously have strong feelings about ASHI's branding and the politics behind that, so how about if you begin a thread to discuss the pros and cons of ASHI's branding campaign? I'll even see what I can do about putting a poll up for you, although you're going to end up with a lot of non-ashi folks voting I'm afraid. Brian, you seem to be in favor of E & O and Dan is obviously opposed. How about you guys beginning a separate Hannity and Colmes type thread on the pros and cons, and the necessity (or lack thereof) of carrying E & O insurance? If I can do it, I'll throw a poll up there for you as well. The only question is: Which one of you looks like Sean and which like Alan? This is only a suggestion guys, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. I just thought it might make it easier for some of the newer inspectors and independents, who aren't familiar with the debate going on within ASHI over branding or with E & O, to follow the debate. I'll do what I can to make it more interesting for you. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike O'Handley

Hi Jim, Well, it's a pretty closely guarded secret. All of the rules are hidden within 24CRF200.926d and in HUD Handbook 4905.1. To make it easier for you, I just went over to the HUD site, tracked down the page with the basic information: How to become a 203K Consultant Basically, you have to be a remodeling contractor, general contractor or a home inspector with 3 years of experience. You have to complete a HUD course for 203K consultants and then you have to apply to be accepted as a consultant. Once you are, you are placed on their list of approved inspectors. Work then comes on a rotating basis from whoever is doling out inspections in your area. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi All, I'm re-posting an e-mail here that was sent to me by one of my former platoon-mates. I know this has nothing to do with home inspections, but for a retired GI such as myself it was particularly poignant. Nobody hates war more than a soldier. But, whether you agree with what is happening in Iraq or not, all should be able to feel proud of the way these soldiers were honored. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Subject: A Soldier was buried Today Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2003 08:35:57 - 0500 Col Rex Forney on Kim Orlando's ceremony LTC Kim Orlando was laid to rest Friday where he had told his wife he always wanted to be buried...among the rows and rows of soldiers interred at the Veterans National Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. In typical 101st Airborne Division fashion, the "Screaming Eagles" pulled out all the stops to honor a great soldier, leader, husband and 43 year old father of two. As a Military Police Battalion Commander, he understood the dangers of Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT). He knew where the most danger potentially would be on the night of 16 October, and that was where he was. As ground forces often have to do, he was eyeball-to-eyeball with bad people, displaying the unrelenting determination and absolute resolve of the American Soldier and this countries' commitment to the Global War on Terrorism. The firefight was brutal and intense. The results are now history. The 716th MP Battalion recovered their dead, evacuated the wounded, accounted for sensitive items of equipment, redistributed ammo and continued with the mission. Friday, I was present for this outstanding American's memorial ceremony at Fort Campbell Kentucky and burial in Nashville, Tennessee. What happened on the approximately fifty-mile funeral procession from Ft Campbell to the Cemetery is something I want to share with everyone, and something I'll never forget. I wish everyone who wears a uniform, or has ever worn a uniform, could have seen this. Thanks to the Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association several law enforcement agencies quickly volunteered to assist with the funeral as it would proceed down I-24 South to metropolitan Nashville. Two other great MP noncommissioned officers, SSG Bellavia and SGT Grilley died in the firefight with their commander. SSG Bellavia has a brother on the Hendersonville, KY police department. In an effort to alert motorists and share the information with more local law enforcement, the plan was apparently announced via the NCIC computer system for general knowledge of police and emergency responders. I haven't seen as many Fire Department, Police, Sheriff, State Trooper cars and motorcycles since the Watts riots. The show of support for our fallen soldiers was overwhelming. And it was a good thing, since the procession was at least two miles long. But the story doesn't end here. Kay and I were in the back of the procession on I-24 watching the myriad light show disappear forward over the horizon southbound. A news helicopter was paralleling the convoy. Then we noticed the first exit/on ramp was blocked with a law enforcement vehicle, driver standing outside and saluting as the vehicles passed. What a class act and great show of support. But then, the next ramp had a similar sight...and the next, and the next. And there were fire, EMT vehicles and emergency responders of all sorts. Lights flashing, people standing outside, lined up, with headgear removed or saluting. The Kentucky troopers and law enforcement stopped at the state line, and Tennessee showed how much their native son's sacrifice meant to them. More vehicles on the overpasses, waiving American Flags, displaying the POW/MIA Flag. These were units from small towns along the route, coming out to the interstate to show their support to a fallen soldier who was at the tip of the spear in the GWOT. To them, he and his troops had gone after the people who had inflicted such tremendous losses on our police, firemen, EMTs and civilians in Pennsylvania, the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. It went on and on...it was about an hour drive. Then, we saw a sight that knocked our socks off. In the distance we could see two large hook and ladder type firetrucks on an overpass, literally spanning the south-bound lanes. One had the ladder extended straight up...and waving in the wind from it as the hearse and procession went under was an American flag that had to measure at least 30 feet by 50 feet. Enough said....that message was loud and clear. A big "thank you" to each and every one of them for their show of support to our soldiers and the armed forces of this nation. One Team, One Fight. In loving memory, respect and eternal gratitude for their devotion to duty and ultimate sacrifice for their country: LTC Kim S. Orlando, SSG Joseph P. Bellavia, SGT Sean R. Grilley. National treasures of the United States; soldiers that saw their duty and did it. Very Respectfully, Col. Rex Forney

Wow, I'm surprised at the results of this poll. I'd actually thought it would be 3 to 1 in the other direction, 'cuz I've always believed that the majority of home inspectors were against mandatory licensing. For the record, I have not voted in this poll but I am against it. Nonetheless, I am working with others in my state to try and put together something that inspectors on both sides of the issue can live with, should we find ourselves up against the wall and facing it whether we like it or not. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi Scott, I think you are right. HUD only recommends that the home be inspected. However, the problem that inspectors run into - and I've run into it myself - is that some banks and lending institutions will not loan money on a HUD/FHA home until it's been inspected. Then, they expect everything in the inspector's report to get fixed before they'll allow the home to go to closing. Because HUD used to require that any inspectors doing inspections on HUD homes be HUD certified, banks and lenders who are not familiar with the change are still demanding that inspectors be certified. It's a matter of educating a whole lot of bankers and lenders who are dead set in their ways and a lot of them would prefer not to be educated 'cuz it makes it easier on them. We don't see too many HUD/FHA deals in the Seattle area. When I get called for them, I tell the prospective client to check with the lender to see if the lender will be obstinate about whether the inspector is 'certified'. I tell 'em that if the lender says that the inspector 'must be' HUD/FHA certified, to explain the changes to the lender. If the lender insists on still being obstinate, don't bother calling me back - just keep looking around until he or she can find someone that had gone through that process before. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

There are two ways to post here. You can simply reply to this post and then put in the item that you have for sale or information about the business you are selling. Or, if you want it to be segregated from other threads, you can begin a new topic thread. The choice is up to you. Just keep it home inspection related. [Ed.]

Hi Orvin, No, you don't have to be HUD certified to do VA or HUD inspections - you only need to be a professional inspector who provides an actual report. That means they want to see a professional document that covers all of the components of the house and shows the results of the inspection on paper. There is no set format, but you can't go wrong if you follow the standard of practice of any of the major home inspection associations. All of their SOPs provide sufficient coverage to satisfy any HUD lender. HUD used to require inspectors to be certified by them, but that stopped about three years ago for everything except 203K inspections. HUD has a very good basic inspection manual that provides you some insight into what kind of detail they inspect. I've included the link below. However, this is a 162 page pdf document, so if you want it you're going to have to be patient after you click on the link, because it takes a looong time to load and you'll need to make sure you've got plenty of toner and paper in your printer and a very stable connection. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike HUD Residential Inspection Rehab Guide P.S. Orvin, I'd meant to remark that I could see that your keyboard is giving you fits. Happens to all of us - not all of us can type that well - so check out the link below for a neat little spell checker tool that you can use before posting. Just get the tool, install it on your computer and then right click on any messages that you post before you post them. It will go through your text, find the words that are misspelled and give you the correct spelling. Then, just click 'change' and it corrects each word and moves to the next. http://www.iespell.com

Hi, Thanks for your comments. We're happy to oblige. While your at it, why not stop by to sign the guestbook and tell us what you think there, so your comments will be seen on the front page. Hope everyone's busier than a one-armed paperhanger. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike

Hi Guys, Thanks a lot, but most of the credit goes to Rose Balden and Mike Brown at DevWave. They did all of the programming. I just bugged 'em for stuff and they told me when it could be done and when I was being an idiot. Hell, if it weren't for them, TIJ would still be a pipe dream. I really have to hand it to Mike B., cuz he's poured heart and soul into this thing. How many programmers do you guys know who can be found still working on a site at 2 or 3 in the morning!? It's only gonna get better from here. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! M.

by Douglas Hansen This article focuses on the controversy over inspecting and reporting Federal Pacific Panels. It has been published in the magazine for the California Real Estate Association and in other technical journals. Federal Electric - later known as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Read More Douglas Hansen is a member of ICBO, IAEI and the NFPA. He's a former member of the American Society of Home Inspectors and the California Real Estate Inspection Association and is a retired home inspector and contractor. He serves on the faculty of the Building Technology program at the College of San Mateo in northern California, is certified by IAEI and ICBO as an electrical inspector and serves on the education committee of the Southwest Section of IAEI. He travels extensively to provide electrical seminars and training to home inspectors all over the United States, and, along with Redwood Kardon and Michael Casey, authored the CodeCheck series of books and Electrical Inspection of Existing Dwellings. For more information, go to CodeCheck.com Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

Sadly, Bob Graham of RSG Associates, Highland, MD succumbed to cancer on December 8th. Bob was born and educated in the Silver Springs, MD suburbs of Washington, DC. For many years, Bob was a contractor in Washington, specializing in historical preservation, where he was very active in the community and improved the ambiance and hospitable character of Logan Circle. Eventually, he and his wife moved to Highland, MD, a less developed area between Baltimore and Washington. Bob became a home inspector in 1987 and joined ASHI's MAC-ASHI Chapter soon after. His service to MAC-ASHI was characterized by diligence and leadership throughout the more than 12 years he was active in the chapter. He served as both a Director on the Board, two years as Secretary and contributed greatly to committee and task force assignments. Always willing to pitch in, Bob was instrumental in helping to organize MAC-ASHI's annual Crab Feast, an annual event attended by up to 100 inspectors every year for the past 22 years. Bob was an expert at preparing crab and barbecuing beef, venison and baby back ribs. His memorial service was held at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior on December 15, 2003 and was attended by representatives of the MAC-ASHI and NOVA-ASHI chapters. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow inspectors. Special thanks goes to Bob's friend, J.D. Grewell, for contributing this item. - Ed. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

By Paul MacLean The idea of a professional home inspection in Texas was born in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1977 that a group of dedicated inspectors who wanted to share information and set industry standards formed the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI). TAREI is the oldest such statewide organization. It has been argued that TAREI was formed before the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), but ASHI claims 1976 and TAREI’s early records are muddy at best. Regardless, both have been around a long time. TAREI’s founders drafted a Standards of Practice defining a real estate inspection. With the understanding that a home inspection requires integrity “beyond that of a person involved in ordinary commerce,â€

A group of New Jersey Home Inspectors has formed a new professional trade association called the New Jersey Association of Licensed Professional Home Inspectors (NJ-ALPHI). According to the group's Secretary, Steven C. Hockstein, the goal of the new organization is to: Provide a source for continuing education as required by the State of New Jersey. Help to improve inspection techniques and reporting methods. Assist people that are interested in becoming New Jersey Licensed Home Inspectors. Work with insurance providers to obtain affordable insurance at group discounts. Develop alliances with Compatible Trade Associations and Affiliates. Maintain involvement in Political and Legislative Issues as they relate to the Home Inspection Profession in New Jersey. Pursue any other relevant Home Inspection matter. NJ-ALPI's first meeting will be held at the Westwood (North Avenue, Garwood, NJ) on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 from 6 to 9 PM, and will include a two-hour presentation on chimney defects that has been approved for New Jersey continuing education credits. Additional details can be obtained by contacting Hockstein vea email at: shockstein@AHMarchitects.com or telephone at: 973-258-0800 Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

The Ghost of John Crapperid="size4">id="maroon"> by John Wells Many believe that a long time ago an English gent named John Crapper invented the flushing toilet. Obviously some of the nicknames for the toilet came from that myth. However, I personally take offense when someone calls a crapper the "John". Why not call it the Mike, or the Paul, or Norm, or Kurt, or even a Willie? Oops! I guess a "Willie" is something else often associated with a "John". Sorry to those named Willie out there. But I digress, this was supposed to be a story about ghosts. Here's the bit, I've had more than one Client ask about a horrid moaning noise in their house that comes at odds times, but from no particular location. The noise is a long, fairly high-pitched moan that builds to a crescendo and dies off slowly. I tell them, no worries mate, it's the ghost of John Crapper. There are two culprits (maybe ghosts) that cause the noise. One is a worn toilet refill valve washer, and the other is a leaking flush flapper. The flapper leaks and when the flush tank water-level drops the refill valve is actuated, but still almost closed and under high pressure. On occasion, these conditions can cause the refill valve washer to vibrate rapidly like a clarinet reed. The result is a very rapid water hammer that vibrates through the house plumbing, making it difficult to pinpoint the source. That's the technical explanation. You and I know that it's actually just old John Crapper expressing his displeasure with people for taking his name in vain.id="maroon"> Editor's Note: This story was originally posted to TIJ by John Wells in 2002. We thought it might give our readers a few chuckles, so we posted it again. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

WASHINGTON - There is a reason why many American families can't buy their first home - they can't afford the downpayment and other upfront closing costs required to qualify for a mortgage. For as many as 40,000 low-income families, that will change as President Bush today signed The American Dream Downpayment Act into law. Applauding Congress for authorizing the annual $200 million downpayment assistance program, Bush and Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Alphonso Jackson said the initiative will also help meet the Administration's "Homeownership Challenge" to increase minority homeownership by 5.5 million families by the end of the decade. "Today we are taking action to bring many thousands of Americans closer to the great goal of owning a home," said President Bush. "These funds will help American families achieve their goals, strengthen our communities, and our entire nation." "This is a good day for thousands of families who have only dreamed about sharing in the American Dream of homeownership," said Jackson. "Not only will this law allow thousands of hard-working Americans to unlock the door to homeownership, it will also help close the gap that separates minority households from the rest of the country when it comes to owning a home to call their own." High downpayment and closing costs represent the most significant barrier to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. The American Dream Downpayment Act will provide a maximum downpayment assistance grant of either $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price of the home, whichever is greater. In addition, the Bush Administration is committed to reforming the homebuying process that would lower closing costs by approximately $700 per loan, further stimulating homeownership for all Americans. The American Dream Downpayment Act will be administered under HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Since its inception, the HOME Program has played a vital role in addressing the shortages of affordable rental housing and homeownership in communities nationwide. Information about the American Dream Downpayment Act is available on the Internet. Last year HUD released a report that concludes adding 5.5 million minority homeowners will stimulate an additional $256 billion in benefits to the housing sector of the U.S. economy. In addition, HUD created The Blueprint for the American Dream Partnership, a coalition involving every segment of the housing industry to build broad-based support of the President's goal of increasing homeownership opportunities for minority families. HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

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ATLANTA -– The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) residential ventilation standard is now available. ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the only nationally recognized indoor air quality standard developed solely for residences, according to newly appointed committee chair David Grimsrud. The standard is intended for use by code bodies with many of the requirements already existing in one or more codes. It can be applied to new or existing houses. The standard provides the minimum requirements necessary to achieve acceptable indoor air quality for dwellings. Prior to publication of the standard, ASHRAE addressed residential ventilation through ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. "The standard is appropriate for a wider audience, such as designers, contractors and engineers, of all who design and build residential buildings," he said. "While 62.2 has evolved from the residential portion of Standard 62, it represents a major discussion of ventilation issues in residences, a substantial subset of buildings that were covered only briefly in Standard 62." Grimsrud said that the most significant new guidance contained in 62.2 includes: The change to continuous mechanical ventilation. "This eliminates long periods during the year when houses are under-ventilated if infiltration is the only source of ventilation," he said. The adoption of a requirement for kitchen ventilation exhausted to the outside, which helps control the moisture and cooking-related pollutants generated in the kitchen.The cost of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2003, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is $37 ($29, ASHRAE members). To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, by mail at 1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or visit ASHRAE.org. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

The November 10th Seattle Post-Intelligencer carried an article about a 21-year old college student at Skagit Valley College who died the previous week from complications confirmed to have been caused by Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a particularly deadly disease spread by common deer mice. Concerned that home inspectors who routinely inspect rodent-infested attics and crawlspaces may be at particular risk of exposure and infection, TIJ contacted the Skagit County Public Health Department to learn more. Corinne Story, Public Health Nurse, informed TIJ that the State Health Department was still conducting a follow-up investigation to determine where the student, who died just days after being taken to the hospital suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, was exposed. According to Story, hantavirus works very quickly. Anyone exposed can begin showing symptoms within a day and reach end stage disease within 5 days. There have been 25 reported cases of hantavirus in Washington State since 1994 - nine of which were fatal (Nationwide, the mortality rate for the virus is 40%). Once infected, there are no antibiotics or known cures. All a hospital can do is provide support while the disease runs its course. Story recommends that anyone entering rural structures that have been closed up and unoccupied, such as camp cabins, barns or sub-structure areas - anywhere there is likely to be rodent infestation - wear at least a paper filter mask and gloves. Those who frequently inspect crawlspaces or attics should wear a respirator with P100 cartridges, surgical gloves and bag their coveralls until cleaned. Story suggests home inspectors working in rural areas warn their clients to avoid dry sweeping floors or dusting furniture or shelves in structures which have been closed up. Instead, buildings should be aired out for at least an hour and then floors and surfaces damp mopped, sprayed or wiped down with bleach. (The Seattle P-I story recommended soaking rodent nests with a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.) Story confirmed that hantavirus can't be spread human-to-human and that in Washington State roughly 11% of deer mice tested carry the disease. She said that to her knowledge it has never been found in roof rats, Norway rats or field mice. Nonetheless, she advises extreme caution in any rodent-infested environment, and says that any inspector experiencing sudden onset of flue-like symptoms - chills and fever - accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of break, should seek immediate medical attention. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Skagit County Public Health Department at 360-336-9380, or at theWashington State Department of Health. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.

'How should buildings be designed, built and operated to minimize problems with mold and moisture' may be the No. 1 question asked today in the construction industry. A new online technical resource from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will help provide the answer. Mold and Moisture Management in Buildings contains 22 ASHRAE Journal articles and papers presented at ASHRAE IAQ conferences and ASHRAE's semi-annual meetings. "This collection provides extensive technical background along with specific suggestions for avoiding mold- and moisture-related problems," Lew Harriman, a member of ASHRAE's technical committee on moisture management in buildings, said. The papers and articles address mold fundamentals, moisture movement in building assemblies, dehumidification and HVAC systems, and also discussions of typical problems and solutions for both commercial and residential buildings. "Problems associated with mold and moisture seldom fall neatly into any single professional responsibility," according to Harriman. "Biology, medicine, engineering, architecture, construction and building operation all contribute to understanding and managing moisture in buildings. When difficulties occur, they usually expose gaps between these disciplines and often expose shortcomings of our overall understanding of the behavior of moisture and its consequences." The collection can help the professional community as well as the general public understand the technical issues surrounding mold and mildew, according to Harriman. The cost of Mold and Moisture Management in Buildings is $49 ($35 ASHRAE members). It is available only via download from the Bookstore at ASHRAE.org at ASHRAE Book Store. ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. Its sole objective is to advance through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve the evolving needs of the public. Check out ourother news items or visit our forums.