Home Depots Worksite CD
Home depot offers a free job estimating CD-Rom called "The Worksite CD". This allows you to make accurate estimates and then convert right into a order sent to Home Depot via the internet. Plus it exports invoices into Quick-books accounting software!
I found it to be a great resource as far as seeing what a particular store has and pricing of merchandise. Anyone who has used their website knows it only shows merchasndise available for online purchase. I was excited about the ability of the cd to allow you to put an order into the store and have it ready for pickup. I placed an order through the software for 2 exterior doors. Problem is once the order is received by the store, the human element is introduced. They strung me along for a wekk or so because they had to get one of the doors from another store. Someone dropped the ball and I ended up just going to another store and grabbing the doors off the shelves.
Some additional advice, I bought a 13hp 3500 PSI and had problems with it. First it was fixed under warranty, later on I had to pay to have the pump repaired at almost $300. They never could get it right. Then I found you can buy new pumps on ebay cheap! I bought a new pump, it was identical to the one on my PW, and it has worked great ever since. 4 bolts to swap it out.
Chuck
I would go with a simpson 2700 psi .excellent all around machine with adjustable pressure and a variety of tips for different types of cleaning.you can find them in paint stores and cost is about 800 dollars.
I used to use a normal inspector, but now I do it myself. If you wanted you could use a structural engineer a couple times and learn everything you can from him and see what he looks for, then maybe graduate to a normal inspector, then eventually doing the initial stuff on your own.
A structural engineer is inspecting the structure of the house only, .........unless he is a licensed home inspector or holds proper certification to inspect other areas......then you are paying a nice price for one category.
A licensed home inspector is one that can inspect numerous systems however there may be an occassions that he will advise you to consult with a licensed professional of a particular field.
Most home inspectors have training in one or more of fields in which they inspect...............your getting more for your money with the home inspector.
Those that do it on their own should have extensive knowledge in the construction field..............especially doing rehabs. There are many products that are in older homes that can cause problems if you fail to recognize them and address such issues. Electrical and plumbing are two of the main fields that have changed drasically over the years in product use.
You should check your state licensing requirements for inspectors prior to hiring one. Many states do not have a licensing requirement however there are several organizations / associations in which an individual may hold some sort of a certificate to conduct such inspections.
NC_Yank
o.k so what i have gathered from your response are to get a good inspector, one associated with ashi for a good # of years. if he sees any potential structural damage either back out or call in a structural engineer.
Quote:
On 2005-03-31 17:52, kimesha wrote:
o.k so what i have gathered from your response are to get a good inspector, one associated with ashi for a good # of years. if he sees any potential structural damage either back out or call in a structural engineer.
Kimesha,
While your state does not license inspectors (or contractors for that matter), it does have laws in place in which one should be a member of one of their recognized inspection organizations.
My take is to find an inspector who has actual hands on knowledge in the construction field.........particularly in framing or rehabbing. Many structural issue can fixed without getting a structural engineer.
Engineers come more into play as a result of a structural failure in which the inspector or a good framer / contractor, etc. can not effectively diagnose the reason for the failure or has an effective solution to correct said problem.
NC_Yank