Preparing for Freezing Weather
FREEZING WEATHER When it looks like we are about to get into some freezing weather, the first thought that comes to mind is if you have adequately protected your home. You may have some special considerations for your home, depending upon what systems you have and...
Foundation Repair?
One of the biggest concerns when looking at buying a house is the performance of the foundation. If you are unsure if a foundation has been repaired one way you can tell is to look for patches in the flat work concrete outside or interior floors. The photograph for...
Things To Do Around Your Home to Prepare for Winter
Its Almost Winter It's fall and winter is fast approaching. As a building consultant there are a few things I do around my own house that are commonly needed as winter approaches. While I am sure that I could come up with a much longer list and then my wife could...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Cleaning up After the Flood
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 intended to assist you in moving through this process.First, Owners need to know whether they have flood insurance...