Appraisers using newer technology to help check your home.

The other day I was reading about some commercial insurance company that is using more than the usual means for evaluating property. I found it interesting that they were doing things we as agents have to deal with, and sometimes resolve. When we find mold or mildew in a home, depending on the quantity and locations of it, will have the area tested. Most times things are killed off with bleach, but at times they can cause serious health concerns.

Appraisers usually measure a home, take photos, do some research on the size and permitted square footage, and that is often the extent of their home investigation. As an agent we do some of the above, and then some. Oftentimes when we suspect things may be amiss we suggest a home inspection. If the home inspector sees things that may be red flags of problems, such as wiring that looks like it had not been installed professionally, or plumbing leaks, they suggest the appropriate professional. The housing mold and mildew issue went rather ballistic a few years ago and in California we have mold disclosure on the Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory. On the Seller Property Questionnaire the seller can explain if they have any insurance claims due to water damage. This may affect your ability to get homeowners insurance.

The Chubb Insurance Company is sending out its’ insurance appraisers armed with new technology to the field. Maybe soon the home inspectors will rise to this level, though the cost is no doubt high. From an insurers stand point, what’s’ to lose is potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. By employing Homescan cameras that employ thermography, they are able to see in walls and attics of potential hot spots. When you have an electrical problem that is starting, but not on fire, or a leaky flue, this can be a lethal situation that they now have the potential to prevent. Areas that show up as cold spots can be because of a lack of insulation or a potential moisture area.

Other companies use moisture meters to look for high concentrations that could be indicative of a leak. Sometimes these problems areas can be places like your ice maker or your water heater. They may check for proper strapping and for other hazards. If there is a major water heater failure it can lead to explosive results, with death and destruction a possibility. See water heater video. When one considers the high cost of real estate, the replacement costs and relocation costs from water damage, you can see this is prudent step. Not only are they protecting your real estate investment, they are also reducing everyone’s’ liability. If you are concerned of your Santa Cruz County real estate investment drop me a line and I can give you some names of inspectors to check your home out.

This video is pretty intensive and takes about 2 minutes to load, go get a cup of coffee and then enjoy, it is pretty impressive.We as agents are warned of this potential by home inspectors. While this is a rather unlikely scenario of faults necessary for this to happen, this conclusively demonstrates the potential danger of a catastrophic failure.
Mythbusters: Water Heater Explosions

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