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Solid City Home Inspection

The purchase or sale of a home is one of the largest single investments / transactions you may ever make That’s why you need a home inspection. Solid City Inspections can help you make sound decisions based on our professional residential inspections. Solid City Inspections professional report will provide you with an independent, objective analysis of the conditions. Our Infrared imaging provides important information relating to otherwise inaccessible areas of a residential building. Infrared detects extremely small but crucial differences in temperature from one area of a house to another. These temperature variations show up on the camera’s view screen as “cold” or “hot” spots, which reveal hidden problems that often cannot be detected in the course of a traditional visual inspection.

These problems may include:

·         Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses

·         Hidden moisture intrusion

·         The moisture sources of mold

·         Pipe and duct work leaks

·         Roof and ceiling leaks

·         Foundation cracks

·         Heat/energy loss

·         Structural concerns

·         Missing insulation

·         Ventilation problems

·         Moisture associated with termite nests

·         Rats, mice and other pests

Why Perform Infrared Home Inspections?

Combined with traditional home inspection techniques, the infrared inspection method reveals substantially more of the house than can be perceived by the naked eye and conventional inspection tools. Many things can't be seen with only a flashlight.
Remember no home (even a new build) is perfect.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection!
Serving Nassau, Suffolk and all of New York City

Licensed and Insured                   
516-350-9200

http://www.mylongislandhomeinspection.com

Flood Damage From Hurricane Irene

Image via Wikipedia Hurricane Irene is providing a painful reminder that the vast majority of homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding.
That's a difficult reality for those who spent Monday cleaning up flooded basements, cursing failed sump pumps, or fixing other water damage.
Whether water damage is covered depends on how it came about. Standard homeowners policies cover structural and water damage when wind or a falling tree knocks a hole in a roof, or breaks a window, allowing rain to fall inside. But there's generally no coverage for the home itself, or for personal belongings, when damage results from rising water. That includes water that seeps up from saturated ground through a basement floor, and homes near beaches flooded by storm surges.
When Irene hit the East Coast over the weekend, flood damage was greater than wind damage in most regions. Inland areas were among those hardest hit by rains that produced flash floods.
Yet many homeowners will be stuck paying all repair costs out-of-pocket, after claims adjusters conclude upon inspection that flooding was to blame, and therefore damages aren't covered.
That experience could cause many to reconsider whether to buy a separate flood insurance policy in time for the next storm.
"Nothing sells flood insurance like a flood," said Robert Hartwig, president of the industry's Insurance Information Institute. "It's always the case that we see a surge in flood insurance sales in the wake of a flood."
A poll this year by the Institute found that just 14 percent of homeowners had a flood insurance policy. The lowest coverage was in a region hit by Irene: the Northeast, with 5 percent. The highest coverage rate was in the South, with 19 percent.
Coverage remains low despite court cases consistently upholding the industry's denial of homeowners insurance claims involving damage from flooding, rather than wind, Hartwig said. A series of lawsuits followed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast in 2005.
Nearly all flood coverage is purchased through the government's National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowners, renters and business owners in about 21,000 communities nationwide are eligible to purchase federally backed flood policies, typically through private insurers that market the coverage. Information is available at http://www.floodsmart.gov/ .
The average flood policy costs around $600 a year, but can start around $129 in low-risk areas, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the insurance program. The average paid claim over the last five years was nearly $34,000.
In Vermont, just 3,673 flood insurance policies were in effect at the end of June, according to federal data. Yet the landlocked state was one of the hardest hit by Irene's flooding.
Property owners who aren't in high-risk areas file more than 20 percent of claims with the national flood program, and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding, according to FEMA.
For those recovering from Irene, here's additional information about coverage from hurricane-related damages:
— Hurricane deductibles: Out-of-pocket expenses for damages from hurricanes can be much higher than from other types of disasters. Standard homeowners policies include deductibles of either $500 or $1,000, meaning the homeowner must pay that amount before insurance covers the rest of the damages.
But in 18 states on the East and Gulf coasts, insurers are allowed to include hurricane deductibles in homeowners policies. These amounts apply only to hurricane-caused damage, and typically range from 1 percent to 5 percent of the insured value of a home. Deductibles may be higher in some coastal areas, and vary among insurers. For example, a policyholder whose home is insured for $200,000 with a 2 percent hurricane deductible would have to pay the first $4,000 to repair hurricane damage. The hurricane-prone states that allow insurers to assess hurricane deductibles include: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The District of Columbia is included.
— Renters insurance: Policies for renters cover belongings damaged by storm winds. For flood coverage, most policies require that separate coverage be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. Structural damage to an apartment building is covered under the building owner's policy.
— Property other than the main house: Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage to attached garages or decks, as well as unattached structures, such as a separate garage, or a shed or swimming pool. Contents of those structures also are covered.
— Fallen trees: Homeowners policies do not pay to remove trees that fall without damaging the house, or another structure on the property. There is coverage if the house or structure is damaged. If a tree on your property falls on a neighbor's home, the neighbor's coverage generally will cover damages.
— Cars: If your automobile is damaged by flood waters from a hurricane or other disaster, expect coverage if you've purchased comprehensive auto insurance, which covers damages from causes other than collisions. About 80 percent of U.S. drivers have comprehensive coverage. If you've only got liability coverage, flood damage to a car won't be covered.
— Spoiled food: Many homeowners have been left with spoiled food after Irene knocked out electricity to refrigerators and freezers. After hurricanes, most insurers cover food spoilage. You're generally entitled to $250 to $500 per refrigerator or freezer.
http://www.solidcitygroup.com/

Hurricane Preparedness

Solid City Inspections is pleased to provide its valued friends and customers with important Hurricane Preparedness Information. Included in this email you will find:

* tips to help secure your home in advance of the storm.

* a list of important websites for Hurricane Preparedness, Emergency Shelters, Mitigation Education for Natural Disasters (MEND), Geographic Information Services (GIS), and American Red Cross. (Consider printing the website addresses/phone numbers out ahead of time and keeping them on your person.) 

* information on Hurricane Preparedness.

* packing "go-bags" for family members and pets.

* American Red Cross Be RED CROSS ready Safety Checklist link.

As we enter another hurricane season on Long Island, it is important to make sure that you and your family are prepared in case a storm strikes our area. Planning ahead can protect more than your property — it can help save lives.

In advance of the storm you may consider...

- taking digital photos of your basement, roof, house exterior, etc., in case damage/flooding from the storm occurs - you will have some "before" and "after" photos on hand to aid with insurance issues. 

- if you have large windows that may be cause for concern, you may want to consider planking them.

- take in/tie down lawn furniture chairs, turn lawn tables upside down, take down lawn umbrellas. These preventive actions will help minimize damage both to the outdoor items as well as any mishap that may occur to nearby pools/landscape if lawn furniture/umbrellas are blown about.

- portable grills should be secured/moved into a shed or garage.

- take in flower pots that may not be sturdy enough to remain steady in severe wind. Secure/bring in lawn cushions. Secure children's toys, pet houses, etc.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES

 For Hurricane Preparedness, Emergency Shelters, Mitigation Education for Natural Disasters (MEND), and Geographic Information Services (GIS)

American Red Cross……http://www.redcross.org

National Weather Service……http://www.weather.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)……http://www.fema.gov

Disaster Assistance……http://www.disasterassistance.gov

Weather Underground……http://www.wunderground.com

National Flood Insurance Program……http://www.floodsmart.gov

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services ((DHSES)......www.dhses.ny.gov 

Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management…http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov

Suffolk County Red Cross……http://suffolkcounty.redcross.org

Nassau County………………………..http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oem/hurricane/prepare.html

Hurricane Preparedness, Be Prepared...Not Scared!

Although we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can certainly prepare for them. If you are prepared with food (items that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water) and water (1 gal. of water per person per day for at least 5 days), an emergency can be an inconvenience, not a disaster.

 
Creating an emergency plan ahead of time for you and your family, particularly if you live in a flood zone, will help you stay organized if a hurricane strikes. Your emergency plan should include a communication system, disaster supply kit, and an alternate meeting place if your home is unsafe.

Depending on the severity of the hurricane, you may need to evacuate where you live. When instructions are given to evacuate, you will be directed to a temporary, emergency refuge that will provide a safe haven for the duration of the storm. However, it is recommended that you seek refuge with a friend or family member located away from the affected area. You’ll be more comfortable on a friend’s couch than on a cot in a shelter.

Emergency Go-Kits - Personal Go-Kits and Pet Go-Kits

What you have on hand when a hurricane hits can make a big difference to how well your family handles it. In the event of a hurricane WATCH or WARNING, consider putting these items into a smaller, portable Go-Kit - such as a hands-free backpack or duffel bag - in case you need to evacuate. Keep it by your front door or an exit in case of an emergency evacuation. Each person should have a Go-Kit.

Personal Go-Kit

Your family disaster preparedness kits should include:
• First aid kit. Pack a "how to" guide as well.
• Medications. Essential prescription, nonprescription items & medical information.
• Battery-powered flashlight and radio, extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
• Clothing. A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items. Eye glasses, personal care items, & comfort items.
• Important document copies in a waterproof container:
• Drivers' licenses
• Wills
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Recent tax returns
• Credit card & bank account numbers
• Social Security cards
• Passport numbers
• Home inventory list
• Items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs

Pet Go-Kit

Your pet disaster preparedness kits should include:
• Your pets’ names
• Your name, address, phone and cell number
• Emergency contact - friend or family
• Your veterinarian’s name and contact information
• Medical records and medications
• Specific care instructions and behavioral problems
• First aid kit
• Current photos
• Sturdy leash with collar or harness
• Muzzles, if necessary
• Paper towels for clean-up
• Food (3 days supply) & manual can opener
• Bottled water and water purification tablets
• Bowls, toys and other comfort items
• Treats, brushes, combs
• Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
Also have on hand, ready to go:
• Secure carriers large enough for your pets to stand
comfortably, turn around and lie down
• Towels or blankets for bedding and warmth
• Cat litter and litter box
For more information, visit the Nassau County
Pet Safe Coalition website www.petsafecoalition.org

Be RED CROSS Ready - Safety Checklist

Access the link below for the Red Cross Be Ready Checklist, it is a useful tool to insure you are prepared for Hurricane Weather:

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Hurricane.pdf

Long Island Home Inspection Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City

The purchase or sale of a home is one of the largest single investments / transactions you may ever make That’s why you need a home inspector. Solid City Inspections can help you make sound decisions based on our professional residential inspections. Solid City Inspections professional report will provide you with an independent, objective analysis of the observable conditions. Our inspections exceed the standards of practice of NAHI.
Remember no home (even a new build) is perfect.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection!
Serving Nassau, Suffolk and all of New York City

Licensed and Insured            
516-350-9200

http://www.solidcitygroup.com/

Home inspectors at Solid City Inspections, servicing Long Island, NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan & the Bronx. Our trained & experienced professionals specialize in residential & commercial real estate inspections for the home buyer and seller.

 

Long Island Home Inspection, Home Inspector Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens and Brooklyn, Suffolk and Nassau Counties as well as Queens and Brooklyn

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