Some items found during the home inspection are very inexpensive, but still are a safety concern. The video below has a good example of this. Click on the play button in the bottom left-hand corner of the picture.

A home inspector should not only be reviewing the report with the client, but also put things in perspective to give them a better understanding.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of home inspections and their value.

Joseph Lang - Pillar To Post

The Home of Home Inspection

I have attempted my first home inspection video. I have wanted to do it for a while... and here we are. It is unscripted and not perfect, but I gave it a shot.

I hope you enjoyed it. I plan on regularly posting videos of interesting items I find during home inspections or just on home inspection subjects. Please give me some feedback on my video, it will greatly help me as I make future videos. Thanks for stopping by.

Joseph Lang

Pillar To Post

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888-7-PILLAR

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Proposed NFL stadium traffic is a concern for Chino Hills

How a new NFL stadium could impact Chino Hills Homes.

Chino Hills sees a proposed NFL stadium in the city of Industry as a doubled-edged sword.

While the stadium and an adjoining shopping complex near the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways adjacent to Diamond Bar would bring more traffic to city streets, it may also mean employment opportunities for residents.

"The upside is it will bring bring good jobs to the region," Mayor Peter Rogers said.
"In regards to Chino Hills, we hope the facility they put in will not compete with shopping opportunities in Chino Hills."

City officials asked Industry in October to determine the stadium's environmental impact on Chino Hills as part of a larger environmental assessment for the proposed stadium. The request by Chino Hills has not been considered, according to city officials.A Diamond Bar attorney said the city did not take it seriously.

"We are hoping that they take into consideration our letter of concern along with the surrounding cities that are expressing their concerns and hope they will specifically address traffic concerns to the region," Chino Hills Councilwoman Gwenn Norton-Perry said.

The likely tenant in the stadium looks to be the San Diego Chargers, Norton-Perry said.
If the Chargers do move to Industry, Chino Hills would be a major crossroads for fan traffic. A large Charger fan base in San Diego and Riverside counties would use the 91 and 71 freeways as well as Grand Avenue to get to the stadium, officials said.

"The larger impacts relate to traffic and how to get there and which team will come," Norton-Perry said.

"If the logical occurs -- and that would be the San Diego Chargers -- it doesn't take a lot of science to figure out it's gonna impact those of us in San Bernardino and Riverside (counties)."

A supplemental environmental assessment on the stadium project was approved last week by the Industry City Council.

Last spring, developer Ed Roski Jr., who helped build Staples Center in Los Angeles, unveiled his plans to construct a 75,000-seat stadium and retail center.

The project has drawn opposition from Walnut and Diamond Bar officials who are concerned about traffic, helicopters, blimps, tailgating, public safety and ambiance.

Chino Hills Councilman Art Bennett said the city is taking a wait-and-see approach about the project.
"Obviously, if we have a large influx of additional traffic on game day and other events, there will be more wear and tear on city streets, and our residents will have to pay for the maintenance of the streets," Bennett said.

"That's why we're concerned about traffic mitigation if they can't find a way to keep traffic from our city roads. We really won't know until we see what really happens."

By Joe Smilor

Real Estate - President Barack Obama extends first time home buyer tax credit

Extension's new guidelines   

First-time home buyers — or people who haven't owned a home in the previous three years — could get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers have to sign purchase agreements before May 1 and close before July 1.

Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible, subject to income limits, for tax credits of up to $6,500.

For sales occurring after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limits of $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint returns.

The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing joint returns.

We can answerer basic questions about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we advise you to consult your tax advisor.

Clearance, Cans on Isle 3

Okay, I have to admit it, this blog is not about supermarkets or department stores. But it is about something I find quite often in attics. It has to do with older "canned" recessed lighting. Look at the picture below:

The picture is of the older canned lighting in the attic. The lights will have a warning label on them. The label generally reads something to the effect of, "Warning, risk of fire, 3-inch minimum clearance needed to combustibles." Of course "combustibles" refers to anything that can catch on fire, insulation being one of those. So there needs to be a minimum 3-inch distance between the canned lighting and the insulation. The reason for the clearance is that the older canned lighting can generate a lot of heat.

So the danger is real, but the solution is easy. Crawl up in the attic and move the insulation at least 3-inches away from the light. If the insulation looks like it might fall back towards the light, then add a sheet of metal to act as a barrier. So there you go, and hence the title, "Clearance, Cans on Isle 3."

I hope this gives you a little more information about a professional home inspection and its value. Be safe out there.

Posted by Joseph Lang of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection

(c) 2009 Joseph Lang dba Pillar To Post