A Hawkeye's View

Where's the electric panel?

2011-08-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was searching for the electric service panel at a buyer's inspection. I had taken at least two laps around the house, inside and out, looking for the electric panel to no avail. My client shouted out, "here it is, in the bathroom linen closet, right next to the shower."

Electric panels should not be located in a bathroom (wet location) and need working space clearance for accessibility.

How long does stuff last?

2011-06-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Life expectancy
The Old House Web Editor's note: This story is adapted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide, 2000. Click here for other stories in this series.

The following material was developed for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Economics Department based on asurvey of manufacturers, trade associations and product researchers. Many factors affect the life expectancy of housing components and need to be considered when making replacement decisions, including the quality of the components, the quality of their installation, their level of maintenance, weather and climatic conditions, and intensity of their use. Some components remain functional but become obsolete because of changing styles and tastes or because of product improvements. Note that the following life expectancy estimates are provided largely by the industries or manufacturers that make and sell the components listed.

Life Expectancy of Household Components
Appliances Life in years
Compactors 10
Dishwashers 10
Dryers 14
Disposal 10
Freezers, compact 12
Freezers, standard 16
Microwave ovens 11
Electric ranges 17
Gas ranges 19
Gas ovens 14
Refrigerators, compact 14
Refrigerators, standard 17
Washers, automatic and compact 13
Exhaust fans 20
Source: Appliance Statistical Review, April 1990

Bathrooms Life in years
Cast iron bathtubs 50
Fiberglass bathtub and showers 10-15
Shower doors, average quality 25
Toilets 50
Sources: Neil Kelly Designers, Thompson House of Kitchens and Bath

Cabinetry Life in years
Kitchen cabinets 15-20
Medicine cabinets and bath vanities 20
Sources: Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Neil Kelly Designers

Closet systems Life in years
Closet shelves Lifetime
Countertops Life in years
Laminate 10-15
Ceramic tile, high-grade installation Lifetime
Wood/butcher block 20+
Granite 20+
Sources: AFPAssociates of Western Plastics, Ceramic Tile Institute of America

Doors Life in years
Screen 25-50
Interior, hollow core Less than 30
Interior, solid core 30-lifetime
Exterior, protected overhang 80-100
Exterior, unprotected and exposed 25-30
Folding 30-lifetime
Garage doors 20-50
Garage door opener 10
Sources: Wayne Dalton Corporation, National Wood Window and Door Association, Raynor Garage Doors

Electrical Life in years
Copper wiring, copper plated, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper 100+
Armored cable (BX) Lifetime
Conduit Lifetime
Source: Jesse Aronstein, Engineering Consultant

Finishes used for waterproofing Life in years
Paint, plaster, and stucco 3-5
Sealer, silicone, and waxes 1-5
Source: Brick Institute of America Floors
Floors Life in years
Oak or pine Lifetime
Slate flagstone Lifetime
Vinyl sheet or tile 20-30
Terrazzo Lifetime
Carpeting (depends on installation, amount of traffic, and quality of carpet) 11
Marble (depends on installation, thickness of marble, and amount of traffic) Lifetime+
Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Congoleum Corporation, Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association, Marble Institute, National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, National Wood Flooring Association, Resilient Floor Covering Institute

Footings and foundation Life in years
Poured footings and foundations 200
Concrete block 100
Cement 50
Waterproofing, bituminous coating 10
Termite proofing (may have shorter life in damp climates) 5
Source: WR Grace and Company

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Life in years
Central air conditioning unit (newer units should last longer) 15
Window unit 10
Air conditioner compressor 15
Humidifier 8
Electric water heater 14
Gas water heater (depends on type of water heater lining and quality of water) 11-13
Forced air furnaces, heat pump 15
Rooftop air conditioners 15
Boilers, hot water or steam (depends on quality of water) 30
Furnaces, gas- or oil-fired 18
Unit heaters, gas or electric 13
Radiant heaters, electric 10
Radiant heaters, hot water or steam 25
Baseboard systems 20
Diffusers, grilles, and registers 27
Induction and fan coil units 20
Dampers 20
Centrifugal fans 25
Axial fans 20
Ventilating roof-mounted fans 20
DX, water, and steam coils 20
Electric coils 15
Heat Exchangers, shell-and-tube 24
Molded insulation 20
Pumps, sump and well 10
Burners 21
Sources: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration News, Air Movement and Control Association, American Gas Association, American Society of Gas Engineers, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., Safe Aire Incorporated

Home security appliances Life in years
Intrusion systems 14
Smoke detectors 12
Smoke/fire/intrusion systems 10
Insulation Life in years
For foundations, roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors Lifetime
Sources: Insulation Contractors Association of America, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Landscaping Life in years
Wooden decks 15
Brick and concrete patios 24
Tennis courts 10
Concrete walks 24
Gravel walks 4
Asphalt driveways 10
Swimming pools 18
Sprinkler systems 12
Fences 12
Sources: Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Irrigation Association
Masonry Life in years
Chimney, fireplace, and brick veneer Lifetime
Brick and stone walls 100+
Stucco Lifetime
Sources: Brick Institute of America, Architectural Components, National Association of Brick Distributors, National Stone Association
Millwork Life in years
Stairs, trim 50-100
Disappearing stairs 30-40
Paints and stains Life in years
Exterior paint on wood, brick, and aluminum 7-10
Interior wall paint (depends on the acrylic content) 5-10
Interior trim and door paint 5-10
Wallpaper 7
Sources: Finnaren and Haley, Glidden Company, The Wall Paper
Plumbing Life in years
Waste piping, cast iron 75-100
Sinks, enamel steel 5-10
Sinks, enamel cast iron 25-30
Sinks, china 25-30
Faucets, low quality 13-15
Faucets, high quality 15-20
Sources: American Concrete Pipe Association, Cast Iron Soil and Pipe Institute, Neil Kelly Designers, Thompson House of Kitchens and Baths
Roofing Life in years
Asphalt and wood shingles and shakes 15-30
Tile (depends on quality of tile and climate) 50
Slate (depends on grade) 50-100
Sheet metal (depends on gauge of metal and quality of fastening and application) 20-50+
Built-up roofing, asphalt 12-25
Built-up roofing, coal and tar 12-30
Asphalt composition shingle 15-30
Asphalt overlag 25-35
Source: National Roofing Contractors Association
Rough structure Life in years
Basement floor systems Lifetime
Framing, exterior and interior walls Lifetime
Source: NAHB Research Foundation
Shutters Life in years
Wood, interior Lifetime
Wood, exterior (depends on weather conditions) 4-5
Vinyl plastic, exterior 7-8
Aluminum, interior 35-50
Aluminum, exterior 3-5
Sources: A.C. Shutters, Inc., Alcoa Building Products, American Heritage Shutters
Siding Life in years
Gutters and downspouts 30
Siding, wood (depends on maintenance) 10-100
Siding, steel 50-Lifetime
Siding, aluminum 20-50
Siding, vinyl 50
Sources: Alcoa Building Products, Alside, Inc., Vinyl Siding Institute
Walls and window treatments Life in years
Drywall and plaster 30-70
Ceramic tile, high grade installation Lifetime
Sources: Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries International, Ceramic Tile Institute of America
Windows Life in years
Window glazing 20
Wood casement 20-50
Aluminum and vinyl casement 20-30
Screen 25-50
Sources: Best Built Products, Optimum Window Manufacturing, Safety Glazing Certification Council, Screen Manufacturers Association

What's wrong in this photo?

2011-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

How to Survive a Home Inspection

2011-03-25T07:13:00.001-07:00

How To Survive a Home Inspection
A home inspection is one of the most crucial steps on the path to old-house ownership. Here’s how to use it to determine if you should take the plunge on that fixer-upper. By Jane Powell

Buyer beware: What looks like a dream house from a distance could turn out to be riddled with problems upon closer inspection. (Photo: Lori Martin)
You’ve taken the leap and made an offer on an old house, and the seller has accepted it. Caught between euphoria and dread, you have only a few short weeks to reassure yourself that it’s the right house for you—and make sure you haven’t agreed to sink your life savings into a proverbial money pit.

And while you need to investigate the neighborhood, the zoning, the schools, and other concerns, the biggest piece of what the real estate people call “due diligence” will be the physical inspection of the house. Much of your decision on whether to go ahead with the sale, and a large part of your plans for fixing the house after you buy it, will be based on this document.

An inspector will look at the building’s systems and components and let you know if they are functional, when or if they might need replacement, whether they could be upgraded, or if their present state constitutes an immediate threat to life safety. A home inspection may not cover absolutely everything—extras like swimming pools, septic tanks, or burglar alarms will probably not be covered, so you might want to get separate inspections for these. (Especially septic systems—if not properly maintained, they can cost thousands of dollars to repair.)

The Inspector Hunt

An inspector’s written report may come in the form of a simple checklist, or a more detailed narrative report. Narrative reports are generally preferable, as they tend to give more specifics about the home’s issues. (Photo: Jake Hellbach)
First, you’ll need to find an inspector. Real estate agents will often refer you to one, but you may want to find one on your own to ensure you’re getting what you want from the evaluation. Inspectors are not licensed in most states, though many inspectors belong to ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors; ashi.org) or NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors; nahi.org), which may be able to provide referrals to members in your area. In addition, a subset of ASHI members has formed the Historic Building Inspectors Association (inspecthistoric.org), whose members specialize in older buildings. Many general contractors also perform inspections, but remember, you want someone who is experienced and trained in inspections—knowing how to build a house is not the same as knowing how to inspect one.

Any inspector you hire should carry both general liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance, and the contract should spell out what will (or won’t) be covered in the inspection process. Personal referrals can be helpful, so ask around. It may be more difficult to find an inspector who is familiar or knowledgeable about old houses, especially if old houses are not in the majority where you live. It requires more know-how to inspect an old house than one that’s only a few years old—the inspector needs to know how things were done back in the day, as well as how they’re done now. If you can’t find an inspector who is conversant with old houses, then be prepared to take some of the recommendations you get with a grain of salt.

Nationally, the cost of an inspection ranges from around $300 to $700, and it should take three to four hours. A larger or more complicated property may cost more and take longer. A $99 inspection with a checklist is probably not adequate for a historic home. You should make sure the inspection includes a narrative written report in addition to whatever the inspector will tell you verbally during the inspection.

Asbestos removal requires proper equipment and techniques—if in doubt, leave it to the pros. (Photo: Profotokris)
What to Expect When You’re Inspecting
If it all possible, you should be present during the inspection, and if you want to follow the inspector into the crawl space, then you might want to leave your dress slacks or high heels at home. How much an inspector will look at varies; some will climb on the roof or go into the attic, while others will opt for examining hard-to-reach spots with binoculars. Inspectors are not Superman: They can’t see through walls, behind furniture, or into areas that are inaccessible, and obviously they’re not allowed to poke holes to get a better look, since most inspections take place before the close of escrow.

A good inspection should cover both the interior and exterior of the house and its various systems, including plumbing, heating, and electrical. This doesn’t mean that every single electrical outlet or window will be tested—generally just a representative sample—but the major stuff should be looked at. A good inspector should have tools like moisture meters, electrical testers, carbon monoxide detectors, and water pressure testers. Be aware that even the best inspector may not find everything—depending on the timing of the inspection, certain problems (such as roof leaks or drainage problems in the summer) can be difficult to uncover. Usually the report will include some recommendations for correcting issues that were found, often boiling down to “Get somebody to fix this” or “Get a new one.”

Don’t be disheartened if the inspector comes back with a seemingly endless list of things to fix. Even a brand new house will have a few things wrong with it, and an old house is likely to have lots of things wrong (but no matter how neglected a building has been, it takes a very long time for one to actually fall down). Some will be in the category of annoying rather than life-threatening—broken sash cords, non-functioning doorbells, or missing window screens. Other things that an inspector may consider unsavory will be the very things you find charming about the house—a vintage stove, functioning gas lights, or an original bathroom. Many things in old houses are now considered obsolete, and the inspector might use phrases like “the end of its useful life” or “average lifespan,” but that doesn’t mean that component of your house is going to fall apart tomorrow or that you can’t go on using it for the next 50 years. On the other hand, there may be things that are an immediate life-safety threat, such as gas leaks, a porch in imminent danger of collapse, or rats living in the stove. Most of the inspector’s finds will fall somewhere between these extremes.

In most cases, there’s no need to fear the inspector—take the report, along with your subscription to OHJ, and set forth into the wonderful world of old-house ownership.

Longtime contributor Jane Powell is a restoration consultant and the author of several bungalow books.

Online Exclusive: Worried about what’s on your home inspection report? Share your concerns and get reassurance in our special forum.

Published in: Old-House Journal October/November 2010

Best Remodeling projects

2011-02-25T11:59:00.001-08:00

Homepage Home Finance Best Home Remodeling Projects

article.aspx Best Home Remodeling Projects
Opt for exterior updates to get the highest return on investment
By Dona DeZube, FrontDoor.com | Published: 1/18/2011

Image courtesy of Amarr Garage Doors
The best bangs for your home remodeling bucks this year boost curb appeal without draining your checking account: adding a new front door, garage door or siding.
You might crave a new kitchen or a spa-like bathroom, but if getting a good remodeling return matters, spend your dollars where the Remodeling magazine 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report says prospective buyers will be most likely to see them: on your home's exterior.

Among the projects with the highest returns:

Front door - 102.1 percent

Garage door - 83.9 percent

Fiber-cement siding - 80 percent

Wood deck - 72.8 percent

Minor kitchen remodel - 72.8 percent

Wood windows - 72.4 percent

Remodel attic into a bedroom - 72.2 percent

Finishing the basement - 70 percent

Completely new kitchen - 68.7 percent

Two-story addition- 65 percent
Check out Top 10 Home Remodeling Projects to find out exactly which updates the 4,000 Realtors and appraisers surveyed for the report predict will have the best return based on their cost and the value they add to your home.
Start slideshow >>

And read 6 Smart Home Remodeling Tips for more ways to spend your remodeling dollars wisely.
Start slideshow >>

Copyright 2010 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete regional and city data from the Remodeling 2010 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com.

NOTE: Remodeling Magazine releases its Cost vs. Value Report each year, so ROI values are subject to change

Post Super Bowl Buying Frenzy

2011-02-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

OK. The Cheeseheads have won the Super Bowl and bragging rights for the coming football season. Lot of good that did the Saints.

Anyway, rumor has it that after the Super Bowl, people will start opening up their wallets and start buying houses again - whoopy!

I certainly hope so, cause I'm ready to help.

Septic Systems and Their Maintenance

2010-02-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

Anybody interested in getting down and dirty about this hot topic? I'll start a multi-part posting about this subject soon. I gota go.

Are the Utilities ON?

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This year has started out with a number of potential clients who want an inspection completed on their home under contract, but the home does not have the utilities on. The home is winterized, for good reason. It's freezing out there.

Remember that a home inspection is a visual examination of the home and includes operating all components and systems by their normal controls. If the power is off, nothing can be operated. No gas = no heat.

Winterized homes provide the biggest challenge to home inspectors, since water problems can create big problems. Some folks think the home inspector should turn the water on or de-winterize the house. But this is usually not within their scope of work, can be time consuming and usually is a two man job (one at the water meter shut-off and one inside the home looking/listening for leaks or open valves). It also puts the home inspector in a postion for potential damages due to water problems during or after the inspection, when the seller turns the power off again but does not re-winterize the home.

Best advise is to have the home professionally de-winterized and all utilities turned on prior to the home inspection. I believe this should be the seller's responsibility since they want to sell their home.

I'm looking forward to a better year in 2010.

2010 Guide

2009-12-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

HANDBOOK for 2010 (or the rest of your life)

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Blessed New Year!

Who are you going to Call?

2009-12-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

How to select your Home Inspector

You’ve been looking at homes for months, made an offer and its been accepted – Yippee!

Now it’s time to get the property inspected. Find out the real condition of the property. Looking beyond the fresh paint and new carpet. But who are you going to call?

It’s not like buying a candy bar; all inspectors are hardly alike. And the Great State of Georgia has No Minimum Requirements for a home inspector’s qualifications. That’s right, anybody can call themselves an expert home inspector, a certified master home inspector or any other impressive sounding title.

So what’s a Buyer or Seller to do? Ask a lot of questions, such as:

What’s your education? Architects, engineers and building science degrees are the best.

What’s your experience? How long have you been in business? How many homes have you inspected? Are you full time or part time?

What’s your professional affiliation? Are you a member of any national or state home inspection organization? Do you maintain a minimum number of continuing education credits annually? What does it mean to be “certified” by your organization?

When the above questions have been answered, then ask for a quotation and schedule availability, so you can evaluate and select the best inspection firm for you.

For more information about Hawkeye Inspection Services, our qualifications and fees, please check our website at www.hawkeyeinspection.com.

Who Knew?

2009-10-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

WD-40. Who knew?

! WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.

Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.

2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.

5. Keeps flies off cows.

6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7. Removes lipstick stains.

8. Loosens stubborn zippers.

9. Untangles jewelry chains.

10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing ..

13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.

18. It removes black scuff marks from t he kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!

20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.

22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31. Removes splattered grease on stove.

32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35. Removes all traces of duct tape.

36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.

37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.

38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.

40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!

43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

Says Who?

2009-09-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I attended the SE Home Inspectors Conference in order to maintain at least 20+ hours of continuing education every year.

Sometimes, the best advise comes from an unexpected source - this time from a conference speakers 7 year old son. He explained that frequently his son would question his parental authority by simply asking "Says Who?" That got me thinking about similar situations often occur during the Home Inspection process of explaining defects to either Buyer or Seller and their agents. The discussion usually starts by me explaining a particular defect, for example some steps missing a handrail, when the Seller states "that's the way it has always been and our builder said it was OK."

I always try to provide an authoritative reference for any defect listed in the Home Inspection Report, such as manufacturers written installation instructions or the Building Code in effect at the time of the home construction. It's also good to remember that the building code is the absolute minimum construction standards which are in place for your safety. You can always exceed the building code, but you should never go below these minimum standards.

Good advice from Lance

2009-09-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Lance's List

Five ways to triumph when feeling overwhelmed:
Get mad. Focus your anger on making positive change.
Put fear in perspective. What's the worst that can happen?
Be ready. Preparation breeds confidence.
Don't dwell. Forget minor setbacks; move on.
Embrace anxiety. It's motivation to take action.
From an interview with Armstrong in Men's Health magazine at http://tinyurl.com/ntdryz

Just for Today

2009-08-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, be courteous, criticize not one bit. I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Help me fight MS

2009-07-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with MS. That's why I registered for the Bike MS Ride, and why I'm asking you to support my fund raising efforts with a tax-deductible donation. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS but they can't do it without our help. It's faster and easier than ever to support this cause that's so important to me. Simply click the link below to donate online to my personal page. If you prefer, you can send your contribution to the following address.National MS Society- Georgia Chapter1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101Atlanta, GA 30338Please mark my name on the memo line of the check. Any amount, great or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. I appreciate your support and look forward to letting you know how I do.P.S. If you would like more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from Bike MS are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit nationalmssociety.org.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?px=3961406&pg=personal&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the team page for Erin's FightIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?team_id=145083&pg=team&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838
Click here to view the company page for 24 Hour Fitness Bike TeamIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/GAABikeEvents?company=24+Hour&pg=company&fr_id=9982&s_tafId=99838

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).
Our postal address is:National Multiple Sclerosis Society733 Third AvenueNew York, New York 10017
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Dr. Tiffany is PG

2009-07-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS

Just heard from NYC that Tiffany & Mark are PG. Apparently, the blessed event took place right there in our Lake Wedowee loft over the Fourth of July family gathering. I knew I felt crowded, and now I know why!

40 years ago on the Moon

2009-07-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Exactly 40 years ago, I was pitching a night game near Lake Forest, IL, when the umpire looked at his watch and yelled "TIME OUT". He said we're all going inside to watch the astronauts get out of the lunar lander and walk on the moon.

So both teams took off the spikes, and everybody crowded into the adjacent building and sat on the floor staring at a 13" TV. Walter Cronkite was describing what was going on, then Neil Armstrong got out on that little ladder, said his famous words "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" and jumped down to the surface of the moon. WOW! We were all mezmorized watching Neil walk around on the moon's surface until the umpire yelled "Play Ball", and back we went to finish our ballgame.

I hope you remember where you were that special night.

Foreclosures

2009-07-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Last year , many of the homes I inspected were foreclosures, owned by a bank, aka REO's. This year it seems that the market has turned for me, as I am inspecting more homes that actually have people living in them, their utilities are all on and the whole real estate process seems to be going smoother.

But what really gets under my skin are those foreclosures that don't have their utilities turned on, including water, gas and electricity. I always ask the listing agent if all of the utilities are on, and they quickly say "yup, everything's on". But when I show up, it's dark, water meter locked at the street, gas meter locked at the meter - nothing's on.

Now I can inspect those properties, but the major systems can not be operated, and the Buyer does not get a complete inspection.

So I encourage all Buyers to insist that all utilities be energized and all systems started up BEFORE the home inspector shows up for the inspection.

Thanks for letting me vent, I feel better already.

D

My first post!

2009-07-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings all.

I am updating my website, www.hawkeyeinspection.com, and my webdesigner suggested that I include a blog to post items of interest. Hope you enjoy.