National Healthy Homes Month

The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes "OLHCHH"
Welcomes you to the First Annual National Healthy Homes Month 2016 webpage 

National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM) will be held for the first time during June 2016.   This month-long celebration offers an opportunity to learn more about housing and its impact on health and provide resources to encourage local activities as well as empower families to protect themselves from hazards in their home. June’s outreach activities aim to greatly boost awareness and understanding of what federal and local resources are available to make a difference in the lives of all residents, regardless of where they live. 

HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) is coordinating the efforts of NHHM. Thanks to the support and collaborations with other federal agencies and partners; NHHM will provide a deliberate, coordinated and holistic approach to creating healthy and safe homes. Creating a holistic approach includes efforts to combine activities related to:    

1. Childhood lead poisoning  prevention
2. Residential asthma intervention
3. Injury prevention
4. Smoke free public housing
5. Safe indoor pest control
6. Radon Safety
7. Disaster Recovery

The target audiences for the scope of activities are comprised of state and local government agencies, nongovernmental organization, nonprofit organizations, property owners and individual families especially those with small children. 

Each week in June; NHHM will focus on the “Principals of Healthy Homes” and associated set of activities. The themes are designed to highlight the paired topics. When you get your activities planned consider letting us know about them! We would love to hear about the event planning and results.

How to Reduce Mold and Other Toxins In Your Home

Air filters
People spend more than 80 percent of their time inside, where air may be even more polluted than outdoors.  Newer homes are designed to be energy-efficient, meaning there's not much ventilation, and irritants like dust mites, mold, and pet dander get sealed inside, potentially aggravating conditions such as allergies and asthma. To filter the air in all of the rooms in your home, I recommend getting a MERV 8 to 12 disposable high-efficiency filter for your furnace and air-conditioning system. Change the filters when they look dirty, or every 4 months or so, and in most systems, you can leave the fan running, even when you are not using your heater or air conditioner. You can find filters at your local hardware store. The most important factor is to make sure you filter is properly sized and has a good hold down to avoid un-filtered air passing through. 

NOTE: DO NOT HAVE YOUR DUCTS CLEANED, THIS IS A SHAM; SEE MY WEBSITE HOME PAGE VIDEO PRODUCED BY NBC NEWS. http://www.gpinspect.com

PORTABLE AIR FILTERS ARE EFFECTIVE ONLY FOR SINGLE ROOMS, AND SHOULD BE HEPA RATED. DO NOT INVEST IN HARMFUL ADD ONS LIKE OZONE. UV LIGHTS HAVE NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED AS EFFECTIVE IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS. 

When weather permits, open up your windows, and turn off your filter systems. Mold and other microbials do not like ventilation.

Carpeting
 Wall-to-wall carpeting can also trap dust, pollen, and mold. Carpet tiles make a good alternative, since you can remove the individual squares for easy cleaning, drying, and replacement. Flor Carpet Design Squares let you interchange patterns and colors to customize your rug. Plus, they're recyclable. Also consider replacing the carpet with vinyl, tile or wood. Carpets should be cleaned only by an IICRC certified carpet cleaner using a steam process that drys within 2 hours. If you clean your own carpets use as little water as possible.

Drinking water
 Lead, chlorine, and pesticides can contaminate the stuff that comes out of the sink, so getting a filter may be a good idea. A reverse osmosis filter system can be installed at your kitchen sink by a plumber; a good system will cost under $200 at Lowes, Home Depot or COST-CO. Be sure to change the filters every 6 months to maintain filter quality, and prevent bacteria build up.

Household cleaning
 Many cleaners have artificial fragrances and chemicals that can irritate your lungs and worsen conditions such as allergies and asthma. Try using natural multipurpose cleansers such as white vinegar distilled with water in a spray bottle instead of buying glass cleaner." Also, lemon can remove hard water stains, and baking soda is great for scrubbing pots. When dusting only use a damp cloth method, rather than a dry process.

AVOID USING BLEACH, THIS IS CONSIDERED A BIOCIDE.

MOST "MOLD REMOVAL" CLEANING PRODUCTS ALSO CONTAIN BLEACH; ABRASIVE CLEANING OF THE MOLD AREA IS MORE EFFECTIVE (BUT ONLY FOR NON-WOOD, AND NON-DRYWALL SURFACES). POROUS AREAS WITH MOLD GROWTH REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF THE MATERIAL TO PROPERLY REMOVE MOLD; IT IS NOT CLEANABLE.

Laundry
You can save energy and lower your toxic load by avoiding those chemical-laden detergents and fabric-softeners. Washing your bedding in hot water once a week can cut down on dust mites. Also, your pillows and mattress should be contained with dust might covers.
Shampoo
Many shampoos contain sulfates, a sudsing agent that's also used in laundry detergent and actually doesn't help get hair (or clothes) clean and ends up making strands more brittle. Whole Foods has an entire aisle devoted to non-detergent beauty lines.

Skin-care products
The average American uses approximately 10 to 15 personal care products with a total of 126 different ingredients each day. The most common offenders are parabens; hormone disrupters such as DEA, MEA, and TEA; fragrance; mineral oil, and propylene glycol. Just as you scour nutrition labels, read the ingredient list on your beauty products and opt for those with plant or fruit essential oils, herbs, and natural preservatives, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants and are safe for your body.

Clutter
Letting stuff pile up not only makes it harder to think, but also tougher to clean because it becomes a breeding ground for sickness-causing bacteria and dust (which is a breading ground for dust mites). The key is to pare down and minimize your belongings to maximize your space-whether it be by donating, recycling, or reselling. Try handing off old blankets to an animal shelter, recycling computer ink cartridges at office-supply stores such as Staples, and selling kitchen supplies you no longer use on Craigslist.

Unwanted Dampness

Water bad!

Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, surface ground water entering the living area promotes mold and bacteria growth. Have any such water sources repaired within 48 hours to avoid future un-healthy living condiitons.

9 out of 10 Smoke Alarms Need Replacement, A Safety Update

Over 90% of U.S. homes have ionization sensor smoke alarms installed. Around 5% of U.S. homes have photoelectric sensor alarms installed. Approximately 4% have no alarm of any kind installed. 

Under UL test conditions, ionization alarms consistently respond about 30 to 90 seconds faster to open or “fast-flame” fires than photoelectric smoke alarms. However, the vast majority of residential fire fatalities are due to smoke inhalation, not the actual flames. Nearly 2/3’s of fire fatalities occur at night while you sleep. Ionization alarms respond on average between 15 to 50 minutes slower in a smoldering fire than photoelectric alarms.

A Texas A&M study concluded that, during smoldering fires, the probability of a fatality was 55.8% with ionization alarms but only 4.06% with photoelectric alarms. The study also concluded that, in fast-flame fires, the probability of a fatality was 19.8% with ionization alarms but only 3.99% with photoelectric alarms.  The Texas A&M research clearly demonstrates that when all factors are taken into account, such as how often each alarm gets disabled due to nuisance alarm problems, to how they respond in actual testing across the full spectrum of fires, photoelectric alarms have a clear advantage.

The issue with ionization alarms is far more than just the slow response to deadly smoldering fires. Ionization alarms are notorious for nuisance tripping. They frequently go off when you cook, burn toast, shower, etc. When alarms nuisance trip, people become frustrated and intentionally disable them. This leaves their families completely unprotected. Several CPSC and NFPA studies report that 97% of all nuisance alarm activations are from ionization alarms.9 An Alaskan Public Housing Study shows that about 19% of ionization alarms were disabled within six months of installation; 10 other studies indicate that the percentage may be higher. 

Considering photoelectric smoke alarms are determined by industry experts to be significantly less prone to nuisance alarm and potential disabling of the batteries by consumers, I strongly support changing out your current smoke alarms to PHOTOELECTRIC.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is the largest firefighters union in the U.S. and Canada, with nearly 300,000 members. During the IAFF 2008 conference, they adopted an official position recommending that only photoelectric smoke alarms be installed.

The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) became the first home inspection organization to take a stand when it adopted a position mirroring the IAFF position.

WHICH TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY DO I HAVE? It is not always possible to know. In general, if the label says anything about radioactive material, Americium-241 or the model number has an “I,”—then it is almost certainly an ionization alarm. If you have any doubt, there is over a 90% chance that the alarm you have is an ionization unit. Photoelectric models often have the word “photoelectric” or the capital letter P printed or embossed on them. To be safe, simply replace any unknown units with photoelectric-only alarms. Any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older should be replaced regardless of type. 

Photoelectric alarms are available today, and they cost only a few dollars more than ionization alarms. Do not allow your family, friends, neighbors and clients to become one of these statistics. This year, don’t just replace your smoke alarm batteries – replace your alarms with photoelectric alarms and recommend that everyone you know do the same!

About Steve Zivolich 
and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.

He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. 

As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com

Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

How Much Should a Home Inspection Cost?

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Home inspection fees

"How much do you charge?" is normally the first question I am asked as a home inspector, when you should be asking about qualifications, experience, insurance, if I want you at the inspection, what do I inspect, what do I not inspect, am I a certified inspector with CREIA and or ASHI and how I get most of my business! The size and age of homes vary which means that some homes can be inspected in 2 to 3 hours while older, larger homes can take 4 or more hours. Some inspection reports might take an hour or two to complete, while others might take 4 hours or more. Inspectors quote inspection fees using different criteria or methods. Some charge a flat rate, others charge by the square foot of living area. The average rate for home inspection is around $330 in the Southern California area. Some inspectors can charge up to $800 or more.   

Home inspection fees - extras

Be aware that if you have other items such as a swimming pool or spa, you may be charged extra for inspection of those items. Some might charge for mileage to the home. TIP: Most home inspectors will charge a "base price" - but then as they ask questions like how large the home is, what year it was built, age of the home, etc., their "base price" gets much higher. Be aware the "real" price isn't the base price you'll be quoted right off the bat.

Money Well Spent

While you may pay a few hundred dollars for each home you have inspected (if you are a home buyer), keep in mind the amount of money you can save if you hire a good, qualified, and certified inspector that finds the big issues. For example, if your inspector determines the home needs a new roof, that's around $3,000 (or more!) that the inspector found for you, or foundation damage or safety hazards - the inspection just paid for itself. As part of my home inspections, I also conduct and energy audit that typically saves my client my inspection fee in energy savings in the first year. This will help the home buyer make educated choices. If you are selling your home, these are items that you can take care of before selling so that you might be able to increase your asking price or you won't have to worry about decreasing your asking price because of issues found.

About Steve Zivolich 
and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 7,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics.

He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. 

As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE limited mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. www.gpinspect.com

Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Will Bleach Clean Up Mold and Mildew?

PROPER Mold remediation involves the removal and or clean up and restoration of mold contaminated building materials.

Laundry bleach is not an effective mold killing agent for wood-based building materials and NOT EFFECTIVE  in the mold remediation process. 

Chlorine bleach, commonly referred to as laundry bleach, is generally perceived to be an “accepted and answer-all” biocide to abate mold in the remediation processes. Well-intentioned historical (but retracted) recommendations of health departments and other state and local agencies had perpetuated the belief. Untrained mold remediation real estate professionals, home owners, plumbers, contractors and others continue to recommend bleach to solve a "mildew" problem.  Beware of any mold inspector, mold remediation contractor or other individual that recommends or uses chlorine bleach for mold clean up on wood-based building materials, OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF BIOCIDE FOR THAT MATTER.

Why Chlorine Bleach is NOT Recommended for Mold Clean-up. Clorine bleach is corrosive (not to mention the exposure hazards of dioxins). Yet the properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycelia (roots) of mold. The object to killing mold is to kill its “roots”. 

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect or removed wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s and EPA's guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc.

Chlorine Bleach Is Active Ingredient in Newer Mold & Mildew Products.
The appearance of newer mold and mildew household products on store shelves is on the rise. Most are dilute solutions of laundry bleach. The labels on these mold and mildew products state that they are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces and not for wood-based materials. 

Before purchasing a mold and mildew product, read and fully understand the advertised purpose of that product — and correctly follow the use instructions of a purchased product. The labeling claims on these new products can be confusing — some say their product is a mold and mildew remover while another says their product is a mildew stain remover and yet others make similar 'ambiguous' claims. 

CAUTION: DO NOT MIX CHLORINE BLEACH WITH OTHER HOUSEHOLD CLEANING AGENTS. DOING SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO HUMAN HEALTH AND EVEN DEATH. For example, mixing chlorine bleach with cleaning products that contain ammonia or acid (vinegar, as one example) releases chlorine or chloramines, gases which are TOXIC.

About Steve Zivolich and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned? No!

Probably not. I was a consultant on this Dateline NBC news show on duct cleaning scams. Watch these clips and learn how to avoid being a victim of this scam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCGihXL5GFw

According to the EPA and other indoor air quality professional publications, duct cleaning is typically unnecessary.

The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, little evidence exists to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase your system's efficiency.

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to health.

Suggestions for Choosing a Duct Cleaning Service Provider

To find companies that provide duct cleaning services, check your Yellow Pages under "duct cleaning" or contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.

	Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning — such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by EPA. Note: EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
	Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless you fully understand the pros and the cons (See "Unresolved Issues of Duct Cleaning).
	Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after cleaning.
	Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
	Interview potential service providers to ensure:   they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours; they will use procedures to protect you, your pets, and your home from contamination; and they comply with NADCA's air duct cleaning standards and, if your ducts are constructed of fiber glass duct board or insulated internally with fiber glass duct liner, with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association's (NAIMA) recommendations.
	Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may require them as well.
	If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins. About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California. Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association. Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

HOME INSPECTION, A REPAIR CHECKLIST?

The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers not to misunderstand the purpose of a professional inspection report. The inspector’s role is not to identify a complete repair list for the home, nor is it the sellers obligation to repair most problems discovered by the home inspector (other than water heater seismic strapping, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).

Potential home buyers often incorrectly view an inspection report as a mandatory repair list for the seller. The fact is sellers are not required to produce a flawless house. They have no such obligation by law or by contract.

With a home inspection, most repairs are subject to negotiation between the parties of a sale. Typically, buyers will request that various conditions be repaired before the close of escrow, and sellers will usually acquiesce to some of these demands. But with most building defects, sellers make repairs as a matter of choice, not obligation; to foster good will or to facilitate consummation of the sale. Sellers maintain the legal right to refuse repair demands, except where requirements are set forth by state law, local ordinance, or the real estate purchase contract. Legal obligations include earthquake straps for water heaters, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in specified locations. Contracts usually stipulate that fixtures be in working condition at the close of escrow, that windows not be broken, and that there be no existing leaks in the roof or plumbing.

Before you make any demands of the seller, try to evaluate the inspection report with an eye toward problems of greatest significance. Look for conditions that compromise health and safety or involve active leakage. Most sellers will address problems affecting sensitive areas such as the roof, fireplace, gas burning fixtures, or electrical wiring. The purpose of a home inspection is not to corner the seller with a repair list. The primary objective is to know what you are buying before you buy it. All homes have defects; it's not possible to acquire one that is perfect. What you want is a working knowledge of significant defects before you close escrow.

An inspection consists of a thorough visual examination of a home’s structural components including the foundation, superstructure, and roofing systems, where accessible. The heating and cooling equipment is activated along with operating plumbing fixtures, testing accessible electrical outlets and fixtures, and operating a representative sampling of doors and windows. For the current CREIA inspector standard of practice, visit my website link at: http://www.gpinspect.com/irvine-home-inspection/Standards-Of-Practice.php

Make sure you hire a qualified, professional inspector. Since 1976, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), a non-profit corporation has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. CREIA Inspectors must adhere to the Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. CREIA requires its members to successfully pass a written test of property systems and complete 30 hours of education each year. Members can accumulate credits through various sources of education including monthly chapter meetings, conferences, and other approved activities. CREIA keeps records to ensure that members are complying with the requirements. Educational topics cover a variety of technical subjects including updates and advances that affect property inspection and the business of real estate inspection.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: 

www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.