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News For Homeowners
Last Updated April 20, 2004
Smoke
Detectors Recalled
The January 2004 edition of Remodeling Magazine
reports that GE Interlogix has announced a voluntary recall of their Model ESL
500N smoke detectors. They may fail to work properly upon installation or
if there is an extended power loss according to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission web site. You can contact the company at 1-800-684-7422 or log
on to www.ge-interlogix.com/500N
for more information.
The
Toxic Mold Scare
As reported in Fine Homebuilding
Magazine, a group of physicians associated with the American College of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine have issued a report, published October
27, 2002, that states, "Current scientific evidence does not support the
proposition that human health has been adversely affected by inhaled mycotoxins
in home, school or office environments." That is not to say that mold
growth should be ignored. The report goes on to say, "Mold growth
should not be tolerated, because mold physically destroys the buildings on which
it grows, mold growth is unsightly and may produce offensive odors and mold is
likely to sensitize and produce allergic responses in allergic
individuals." The authors recommend that the best way to prevent mold
as well as bacterial growth and dust mite infestation is to eliminate water
intrusion and to control indoor humidity levels. The full report, titled
Adverse Human Health Effects Associated With Molds In The Indoor Environment,
can be downloaded at http://www.acoem.org
.
Dryvit
Class Action Lawsuit
A legal notice was
posted in the July 2002 edition of Walls and Ceilings Magazine regarding a
proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit, Posey v. Dryvit Systems. If
you have exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) or components sold by
Dryvit Systems, Inc. on your house, your rights may be affected by this
settlement. For more information and claim forms, log on to www.stuccosettlement.com.
Low-Flow
Toilets - December 2002
Tired of flushing your toilet twice instead of the once that was
needed before the Federal Government decided to regulate toilets? Well,
The National Association of Home Builder's has just released their findings
based on a study of low flow toilets. The top five best performers were
#1
- Toto Ultimate Elongated Bowl
#2 - Toto Ultramax
#3 - Toto Ultimate Round Bowl
#4 - Niagara Flapperless
#5 - Mansfield Alto
For the complete story log
on to www.savingwater.org/toilettest.htm
Product Recalls
The Andersen Corp. has announced a voluntary recall of defective tilt latches on about 400,000 windows. For more information call 888-888-7020 or log on to the company website at www.andersenwindows.com
The Whirlpool Corporation is recalling1.8 million microwave-range hood combinations that have been found to overheat and catch fire. For more information call 800-785-8897 or log on to the company website at www.whirlpool.com
The American Water Heater Co is recalling 16,000 water heaters to replace gas burners that could produce excessive carbon monoxide, posing a risk of CO poisoning. Brand names included in the recall are: American Proline, Envirotemp, Mor-Flo, Powerflex, Premier Plus and US Craftmaster. For more info call 800-999-9515 or send e-mail to support@americanwaterheater.com
Progress Lighting is recalling 10,600 fluorescent ceiling and bathroom lights because of improper wiring that could pose a fire hazard. A complete listing of models can be found at www.progresslighting.com/recall.tpl or call 866-696-8593.
BSH Home Appliances is recalling 2460 Thermador brand gas ranges because the door can get too hot causing burns. Only model numbers PRG484GGUS, PRG486GDUS and PRG486GLUS and serial number ranges 98020001-98129999, 99010001-99129999, 20010001-20129999 and 81010001-81119999 are included in the recall. Call your local Thermador service center or contact Thermador at 800-735-4328 for a free repair.
You will be surprised at how many items you own that have been recalled and you didn't hear about it. For a full listing of recalled products go to www.consumerreports.org and click recalls.
Home Improvement is #1 Complaint
In 1999, the latest figures available from the Consumer Federation of America and the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, home improvement contractors led the nation in consumer complaints. Previously, home improvement was third behind auto sales #1 and auto repair #2. The NACAA said a possible reason for the increase in home improvement complaints may be the booming economy and the high demand for a limited supply of reliable contractors and remodelers. The most common complaints were failure to complete jobs and poor quality work. The above was published in the March 2001 issue of Qualified Remodeler Magazine.
Do your homework before hiring a contractor. Ask yourself these questions:
A) Have I seen their work product?
B) Were they referred by a friend that they have worked for recently?
B) How long have they been in business here?
C) Are they licensed?
D) Do they carry General Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance?
E) Are there complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau?
F) Can they provide a long list of past clients for me to call?
New Lead Law Requirements
Effective June 1, 1999 any contractor working on housing
built before 1978 must provide owners and occupants with the Lead Information
Pamphlet (EPA747-K-94-001) prepared by the EPA and obtain a signed receipt from
the occupant which states that they have received the pamphlet. Failure to do so may result in substantial penalties.
Pamphlets
and acknowledgement forms can be obtained by calling 202-512-1800 or off the
internet at www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/leadpdfe.pdf
Cost vs. Value Report - November 2002
The Hanley-Wood publication, Remodeling Magazine, has completed its annual survey of remodeling projects averaged on a national level. This report, among other things, compares the cost of a project with the expected return on investment if the house were sold within 5 years. All of these numbers can be affected by the health of the housing market whenever you decide to sell but they will give you an overall expectation of the retained value of an upgrade to your house. One other thing to keep in mind is that the cost of these projects are pretty much middle of the road to low end as to materials and fixtures. In my opinion the cost numbers published by Hanley-Wood are on the low end of the scale but they are a good starting point and the value retained would remain true for high end remodels as well. The interesting thing is that the majority of homeowners do not remodel to sell their property but remodel to enjoy the upgrades themselves which is the way it should be. These are the average numbers for the Atlanta Metro Area.
Project Cost Return on Investment
Bathroom Remodel (9' x 9' ) $ 21,394.00 119%
Master Bathroom Addition (9' x 9') $ 36,329.00 96%
Major Kitchen Remodel (200 Sq. Ft.) $ 68,181.00 98%
Family Room Addition (16' x 25') $ 42,664.00 91%
Basement Remodel (784 Sq. Ft.) $ 30,000.00 76%
Two Story Master Bedroom / Bath (24' x 16') $ 62,840.00 71%
Master Bedroom / Bath Suite (24' x 16') $124,835.00 91%
Siding Replacement (1250 Sq. Ft.) $ 4,009.00 63%
Window Replacement (10 - 3x5 vinyl clad) $ 14,835.00 72%
Roof Replacement $ 5592.00 62%
For the full report log on to http://www2.remodeling.hw.net/specialfeatures/cvv/default.asp
Weyerhaeuser Siding
Settlement
From Bloomberg News - December 2000 - A settlement given final approval by a
judge in California will pay hundreds of thousands of homeowners who have
problems with the company's hardboard siding. This includes siding that
has become swollen, warped or buckled. The company will pay all valid and
timely claims with no limit on the total amount of damages. The agreement
covers property owners who have installed siding that became swollen, warped or
buckled. The settlement covers siding installed between Jan. 1, 1981 and
Dec. 31, 1999 and consumers have nine years to make a claim. For more
information, call 800-365-0697 or visit www.weyerclaims.com
Marvin Windows Lawsuit
If you own Marvin windows that have rot then you may be able to get up to 58% off of replacement windows if the judge approves the proposed settlement of a class action suit against Marvin Windows and Doors. For more information call 877-725-5795 or log on to www.windowsettlement.com
Class members have until 9/30/2004 to submit their claims.
GFCI Electrical Receptacles Failing
The February 2001 issue of The Journal of Light Construction Magazine reported the findings of a study funded by the Leviton Corp., a manufacturer of electrical equipment. This study found that 15% of installed GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacles no longer work. Failures were attributed to power surges from utility companies and lightning. In regions where lightning strikes were more common, failure rates were between 23% and 58%. Since many GFCI's can continue to deliver power even when they no longer provide ground fault protection, homeowners are often unaware of the problem. It is a good idea to check the function of the receptacle by periodically pushing the test and reset buttons on the front of the receptacle to make sure that they are working properly. GFCI receptacles are most commonly found around kitchen and bathroom sinks, garages, basements and in all exterior locations. All that are not in proper working order should be replaced by a qualified electrician.
Termites - Yikes!
In metro Atlanta, over 4000 new homes were built without adequate treatment for termites during construction according to findings by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Most of the homes were in and around Newnan and Fayetteville but homes in other areas may be affected. To get more information and instructions on what to do if your home has not been properly treated, go to www.agr.state.ga.us
The good news is that a new chemical was introduced into the United States last year by Aventis Environmental Science to combat termites. Termidor is applied around the home's perimeter. Upon contact it is absorbed into the termite's fatty tissue where it creates havoc with it's nervous system resulting in death. As termites feed and groom each other, the chemical spreads through the colony like a deadly virus. For more information go to www.termidorhomeowner.com
How Stuff Works
Ever wondered how some things actually work or how things were named, like WD40? Go to www.howstuffworks.com for a real education. You will be amazed as I was.
Roofing Shingle Lawsuits
If you had Bird or GAF brand shingles installed on your house in the late 1980's or early 1990's you may be entitled to collect from the manufacturer to pay for replacement. There is a problem with these shingles cracking and splitting with widespread complaints by homeowners. To find out if you are eligible for replacement go to www.birdshingleclaims.com or call 800-247-3047. For GAF information go to www.gaf.com/settlement or call 800-458-1860. Elk brand shingles is currently fighting an ongoing suit in court. Attorneys for the plaintiff are Gilman & Pastor - 781-231-7850.
O-Ring Sprinklers Replaced
Free parts and labor are being provided to replace 35 million fire sprinklers that have o-ring seals on a limited number of models sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and Star Sprinkler. This action was voluntarily initiated by The Central Sprinkler Company when it discovered that over time minerals, salts and other water contaminants can adversely affect the o-rings rendering the sprinkler heads inactive in a fire. For more info visit www.sprinkler-replacement.com
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