Plumbing Drain Testing
Drain Testing-What are the Risks? Plumbing drain testing has become a common occurrence when purchasing an older home known or suspected to have been built using cast iron for drain lines. In older homes in the Houston area, those built before the 70s, cast iron was...
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Smoke Detectors – Health and Safety Code Chapter 766
Smoke Detectors and the Seller's Disclosure While performing an inspection on a residential building (home) the other day my client asked me about the line item in the seller's disclosure form that asks the seller if smoke detectors in the building are installed in...
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Watering Your Foundation – Foundation Watering Systems
Watering your foundation during the hot summer months can reduce the potential your building will experience differential settlement for buildings resting on expansive soils. For the best results it is recommended that you install a dedicated foundation watering...
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Hurricane Preparedness – Are you Prepared?
Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Season is serious business on the Gulf Coast. The hurricanes affect residents from the coastal counties and extending many miles inland, causing severe property damage as the hurricane dissipates moving inland. DO NOT underestimate...
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City of Houston Approves New Flood Plain Rule
The Houston City Council has approved a rule that will require homes and business in the City of Houston located within the 100-year floodplain to be built two feet above the 500-year floodplain to mitigate flooding to structures. This mirrors the requirement passed...
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DEALING WITH DIFFICULT CONTRACTORS
By: Gary J. Caruso, P.E. R.S. Criterium-Caruso Engineers. Dealing with a contractor requires some understanding of what they do and who they are as persons. To understand your contractor, you have to understand that contracting is a very difficult, risky and...
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Finding a Contractor After the Flood
After the Disaster Finding a contractor after a disaster can be difficult and stressful, especially on short notice or under the conditions of a disaster. Construction work is something that most people have a difficult time dealing with, even when they have had time...
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Cleaning up After the Flood – NABIE
The following article was reposted with permission from the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers. After flood waters recede and you have access to your home or building, it is time to start the cleanup process. The following questions and answers are...
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Beware of Post Disaster Reconstruction Scams
Professional Engineering Inspections can assist you with your post disaster reconstruction process and help to avoid scams. The first steps are going to be documenting the damage and having your insurance adjuster out provide an assessment of what they will cover....
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Accessing to Disaster Assistance and Resources
FEMA Assistance Information To apply for FEMA assistance please visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. People without internet access may sign up by calling 800-621-3362. Individuals have speech disabilities or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly;...
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