2 charged in the death of Evergreen State College student who died from carbon monoxide poisoningThe installation of the tankless water heater was "negligent" and outside standard HVAC industry practice, a forensic engineer found.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Two contractors have been charged after being accused of negligently causing the death of an Evergreen State College student who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in December of 2023.

Jonathan Rodriguez, 21, was found unconscious in student housing on the evening of Dec. 11 and was later declared dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. Two other students were also found unconscious inside the building, were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning and later recovered.


heater as the cause of a carbon monoxide leak in the building.

A forensic engineering expert found that the boiler had been installed without a proper source of "outside combustion air" for the unit, leading to a higher-than-normal carbon monoxide concentration. In addition, the exhaust piping was not sealed, allowing highly contaminated exhaust air to spill into the utility room.

RELATED: Evergreen State College student's death 'tragic, yet avoidable' in WSP findings

Frank, 53, and Brett McCutcheon, 32, were the technicians who installed the water heater in early December. They were both charged July 11 with manslaughter in the second degree, alleging that their negligent actions caused Rodriguez's death.

Frank McCutcheon had a court appearance Aug. 6.

When the water heater was in operation, carbon monoxide levels rose to as high as 1,294 parts per million in the residential area of the building. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration set the permissible exposure limit for carbon monoxide as 50 parts per million over eight hours.

The forensic engineer concluded that the McCutcheons' installation of the water heater was "negligent" and "outside the accepted practice" in the HVAC field.

"That deficient installation caused the death of Jonathan Rodriguez by introducing into the residence levels of carbon monoxide over 20 times the acceptable limit," court documents read.

Introduction
Home inspection is a crucial step when buying or renovating a property. While most home inspections focus on structural integrity and safety, it's equally important to assess indoor air quality, especially when it comes to the potential presence of asbestos. Asbestos exposure poses significant health risks, including the development of pleural epithelioid mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In this article, we will explore the importance of assessing air quality during home inspection, the dangers of asbestos exposure, and the symptoms of mesothelioma. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/malignant/epithelial/
Understanding Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. It was commonly found in building materials like insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and pipe insulation. However, asbestos is now known to be a hazardous substance, as inhaling its microscopic fibers can lead to severe health issues, including various forms of Asbestos Exposure and Health Risks
When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed during construction, renovation, or demolition, asbestos fibers can become airborne. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to long-term health problems, with one of the most severe consequences being the development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Pleural epithelioid mesothelioma is a subtype of mesothelioma that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in this tissue. Unlike other forms of mesothelioma, epithelioid mesothelioma generally has a slightly better prognosis, though it is still a serious and often fatal disease.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be subtle and may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. Some common symptoms include:
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or breathlessness, even with minimal physical activity, is a common early sign.
Chest Pain: Persistent chest pain and discomfort can develop as the cancer progresses.
​Cough: A persistent, dry, and painful cough may develop, often accompanied by blood in the sputum.
Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue and weakness can be a sign of advanced mesothelioma.
Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss can occur as the cancer progresses.
Fluid Accumulation: Pleural mesothelioma can cause fluid buildup in the chest
cavity, leading to pleural effusion, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties.
Air Quality and Home Inspection
Given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it's vital to assess air quality during a home inspection, especially for older properties built before asbestos regulations were implemented. Here are steps to consider during a home inspection:
Asbestos Testing: Engage a certified asbestos inspector to conduct thorough testing, especially in areas where asbestos is commonly found, such as insulation, pipes, and ductwork.
Review Asbestos Documentation: Check for any documentation or records related to asbestos-containing materials in the property. This information can help identify potential risks.
Inspect the Property: Visually inspect the property for damaged or deteriorating materials that may release asbestos fibers into the air.
Consult an Expert: If asbestos-containing materials are found, consult with asbestos removal experts to evaluate the need for abatement.
Conclusion
Air quality assessment should be a fundamental part of every home inspection, particularly in older homes where asbestos exposure may be a concern. Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk that can lead to conditions like pleural epithelioid mesothelioma, which has devastating consequences. Recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma and taking proactive steps to assess and mitigate asbestos exposure can protect your health and ensure a safe living environment for you and your family. Always consult with certified professionals to address asbestos-related concerns during home inspections or renovations.

For more information about asbestos and air quality please visit: https://www.asbestos.com/

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For complete article:  https://consumernotice.org/environmental/indoor-air-quality/.

Indoor air pollutants can cause health problems ranging from allergies to asthma, and many pollutants are hard to detect. Fortunately, you can take several steps to eliminate sources of indoor air pollution or reduce their effects.

When you think about air pollution, you probably think about the air you breathe when you’re outside. But because we spend 90 percent of our time indoors — and indoor contaminants are usually more highly concentrated — it’s actually indoor air quality that more often affects us.

In fact, a growing body of research indicates that the air inside homes and office buildings is often dirtier than the air in some of the largest and most industrialized cities in the world, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In other words, indoor air quality is an important environmental health issue.

Indoor air pollution can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, coughs, dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Usually these symptoms will resolve when the source of pollution is eliminated. In some cases, though, repeated exposure to air pollution can lead to long-term health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease and cancer.

Common Pollutants
Indoor air pollution has a variety of causes, including outdoor sources. Outdoor air pollution generated by burning fossil fuels, for instance, can flow inside buildings through cracks, gaps and ventilation systems and become indoor pollution.
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Most of this pollution is particulate matter, or tiny particles of matter and droplets of liquid that can become suspended in the air and easily inhaled. Appliances that burn fuels for heating and cooking can also generate indoor particulate matter, as can tobacco smoke.

Other common indoor air pollutants include:

• Carbon Monoxide
• Radon
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Building material and furnishings
• Asbestos
• Building and paint products
• Household cleaning products
• Formaldehyde from pressed wood products and other sources
• Lead
• Mold and mildew
• Bacteria and viruses
• Pesticides
• Pet dander
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Cockroach droppings, saliva and body parts
• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen

A lack of adequate ventilation can contribute to the buildup of contaminants and make indoor air pollution worse. Inadequate ventilation is the primary cause of half the workplace indoor air investigations conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

For complete article:
https://consumernotice.org/environmental/indoor-air-quality/.

What can cause a home sale to fall through on an inspection report?

A home inspection is one of the most important aspects of buying a home. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but an inspection can also help save the buyer money if there are major issues that need to be addressed.

The inspection is a physical inspection of the property, from the roof down to the foundation. A proper inspection should help the home buyer make a more informed decision on an important financial decision.

While there is no such thing as a “perfect” home inspection, there are a few common sticking points among buyers. First, let's go over a few key points about home inspections in Oklahoma.

When is an inspection performed, and who pays for it?

Home inspections are a normal part of the home buying process. Typically, the potential home buyer will order an inspection to be completed once they’ve identified a home they are interested in purchasing, and their offer has been accepted by the seller.

The home inspection period is meant to provide useful information to the buyer before they finalize the purchase. Our standard inspection will cover Appliances, Attic, Electrical Systems, Fireplaces, Foundations, the General Interior and Exterior, HVAC Systems, Plumbing and Roof.

In times of a ‘sellers market’, where there is very low inventory, some buyers have waived their inspection entirely in order to secure a home. This can turn into a costly decision especially if there are foundation or other issues with the home that could be expensive to repair. This practice should be avoided if at all possible.

Are home inspections required in Oklahoma?

Home inspections are not required, however they are highly recommended. Purchasing a home is a major life event and a home inspection can help you make sure you are getting the quality you expect.

A home inspection by a certified and licensed home inspector is recommended on brand new homes as well as existing homes. There may be other items in the property that need to be inspected that are not covered by a standard inspection process.

Termite inspections, mold, septic and well inspections are common add-ons that may be recommended for your property. Your real estate agent will likely work with you to recommend other inspection needs.

Who should attend the inspection?

Since the home buyer is the one paying for the inspection, typically the buyer as well as the buyer’s real estate agent can attend the inspection. This allows any questions to be asked and helps the buyer be more comfortable with the overall transaction. Typically the seller & seller’s agent is not present since it can be viewed as a conflict of interest. The purpose of the inspection is to have a neutral third party perform an honest inspection of the property.

What happens after the inspection?

The completed home inspection report will be sent to whoever requested the service, which is typically the buyer & buyer’s real estate agent. The buying party then puts together a list of requested repairs, and submits that to the seller. This is called the TRR report (short for Treatment, Repairs and Replacements). The TRR is a document outlining what the buyer is requesting to be fixed or replaced based on the inspection report. After the TRR is received, the buyer and seller can negotiate on needed repairs.
Once final repairs are complete, a final walk-through should be performed to ensure satisfaction. Depending on the type of needed repairs, you may wish to have an inspector return to confirm the repairs have been completed. Ideally this happens prior to closing day to allow for extra time if needed.

What could cause a home sale to fall through?

Once the inspection report has been received by the buyer, the buyer could technically “walk away” with their earnest money at this point for anything they’re not comfortable with. However, most people understand that homes aren’t perfect, and there is no such thing as a “perfect” inspection report.

Typically the biggest priority for buyers would be anything in the home that could affect their health or safety, such as mold or foundation issues. The age of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) could be a sticking point as well. Even if the unit still works well, once buyers see the age it could raise concern as a major cost down the road and buyers could request concessions.

It is important for the seller to disclose any known issues with the home in the original listing that could cause issue or concern. If the buyer discovers major or even minor issues in the inspection report that should have been disclosed, then it could cause doubt about the integrity of the home and could cause the buyer to back out. Issues such as untreated termite damage, known electrical issues, known plumbing issues, water damage, lead paint, fire damage, or other safety issues need to be disclosed. Issues that have been discovered and fixed should be disclosed as well, as this can help the buyer feel more confident that the seller has actively been caring for the property.
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If the seller is willing to rectify the issues to the buyers satisfaction, then the deal could still go through after some negotiation.

HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR
Buying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If your new home has hidden structural issues and needs major repairs, you may be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property before you buy.
WHAT’S A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure and mechanical condition of a home - from roof to foundation. The inspection is designed to identify problems, advise of repairs needed and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance advice. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.


TIPS FOR HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR
Pick a home inspector who has experience, positive references, and is known for being very comprehensive. While this may cost more upfront, hiring a great inspector will save you money in the long run. If you don’t get a complete, accurate inspection, you may miss major problems and your chance to negotiate repairs with the seller.

• Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Ask for and experienced home inspector who is known for being very thorough.
  
  
• Find someone familiar with your type of home and the issues you need to inspect. Be sure your inspector specializes in homes, not commercial properties, and any issues you anticipate finding. For example, if you’re concerned about a home’s structure, consider hiring a professional engineer or architect who also does general home inspections. Also, be sure your agreement with the inspector covers the systems you most need to have examined.
  
  
• Ask prospective inspectors questions about their professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in business. Find out if the inspector belongs to a professional association, such as Membership in professional associations may offer added assurance of an inspector's qualifications and training.
  
  
• Make sure your home inspector is working in your best interests. For example, many home inpectors rely on referrals from real estate agents for their business. This means that the inspector may be more interested in maintaining that relationship than providing you a thorough inspection. They may be less inclined to identify major repair issues that hold up the sale of your home. Also, be cautious about hiring a home inspector who is looking to get contracting work from you.
  
  
• Be present during the inspection. The majority of inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions during or after the inspection. The inspection can last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the size of the house.
  
  
• Ask how soon after the inspection will you receive a copy of the home inspection final written report. Carefully read your home inspection report and make a list of items that need correction. Understand that the home inspection report records the condition of the home, both positives and negatives. This will help you to determine your future expenditures for repairs and maintenance. The report will contain useful information that serves as a reference for you in the future. Ultimately, no inspection can guarantee that something won’t go wrong with a home, but getting a thorough inspection job can really help prevent expensive, nasty surprises.

​Your electrical panel is the control center for all the electricity that flows through your home or business. That’s why it’s important to have your electrical panel inspected annually by a qualified electrician. The need for inspections becomes even more vital if you’ve made changes to your electrical wiring, after you’ve installed new appliances or if your electrical panel is more than ten years old. Occasionally, an electrical panel may also need to be replaced because of age, stress or heat damage. Other times a specific model may have been removed by Underwriters Laboratories due to safety concerns. There are a few electrical panels that at one time were commonly installed but have been removed from the UL list. Below, you can find a few electrical panels that have been deemed hazardous and should be replaced to ensure a safe and efficient electrical system. 
Zinsco Electrical Panels
In its heyday, Zinsco was a popular company that manufactured electrical panels which were installed in many homes across America. Unfortunately, as time progressed, more and more Zinsco panels became the source of major issues including fires and electrical shock. Increased demands on electrical systems has rendered most of these panels completely obsolete, and in some cases, may become overheated, creating short circuits and power surges. If you currently have a Zinsco panel installed in your home or business, it’s important to schedule an inspection with a certified electrician as soon as possible. 
Federal Pacific Electrical Panels
Federal Pacific Electric Company, also known as FPE, is another company to watch out for. They created millions of circuit breaker panels in the 1950s through 80s. However, in the early 1980s, the company was investigated by the state of New Jersey, and it was found that FPE had committed fraud by selling their panels despite failing to meet minimum standards. Though they were deemed defective at the time, the Consumer Product Safety Commission didn’t recall the panel boxes due to budget problems, and so many faulty panels continued to be installed inside homes and commercial buildings. Now, it’s estimated that nearly 3,000 annual fires are caused by a Federal Pacific panel issue. If your electrical panel was made by this company, it’s highly suggested that you replace it as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary property damage or personal injury. 
Signs of Outdated Electrical Panels 
While these two companies are notorious for their problematic electrical panels, homeowners can still run into problems with other outdated panels created by quality manufacturers. Regardless of how well made a product is, time will render almost any physical object useless eventually. With today’s high dependency on electronics, older units simply can’t perform the basic functions of the average modern household or business. If you are experiencing frequent power failures, tripped breakers, unreliable circuits or other electrical issues, you might need to get an inspection. Chances are, if your electrical panel was built before 1990, then your electrical panel is probably in need of a repair or replacement. 

​By OBAR on August 10, 2018​

So you’re thinking about buying your first home. Your very own house (and mortgage). A place to call — and make — your own.

It’s a big move, literally and figuratively. Buying a house requires a serious amount of money and time. The journey isn’t always easy. It isn’t always intuitive. But when you get the keys to your new home — that, friend, can be one of the most rewarding feelings pretty much ever.

The key to getting there? Knowing the home-buying journey. Knowing what tools are at your disposal. And most importantly? Creating relationships with experts who can help you get the job done.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll show you not only the major steps you’ll take during the home-buying process, but also explain the relationships and experts you’ll need along the way. We’ve even made a handy infographic that outlines the home-buying process from start to finish.
You ready to live the dream? Here we go.

Do Your Homework
Oh sure, everybody wants to jump right into open houses. But before you even set foot into a foyer, you should identify your list of “musts” and “wants.” This list is an inventory of priorities for your search. And there’s so much to decide: Price, housing type, neighborhood, and school district — just to name a few.

If you’re planning to buy a home with a partner (in life or in real estate), fill the worksheet out with them. You want to be on the same page while buying a house. If you’re not, you’ll be less able to give agents or lenders the information they need to help you. And you risk wasting time viewing homes you can’t afford — or don’t even want in the first place.

Find a Great Agent
Your relationship with your real estate agent is the foundation of the home-buying process. (And your agent = your rock.) He or she is the first expert you’ll meet on your journey, and the one you’ll rely on most. That’s why it’s important to interview agents and find the agent who’s right for your specific needs.

Choose a Lender
Once you’ve found your agent (AKA, your new best friend), ask him or her to recommend at least three mortgage lenders that meet your financial needs. This is another big step, as you’ll be working with your lender closely throughout the home-buying process.

Pick a Loan (It’s Not So Bad)
Once you’ve decided on a lender (or mortgage broker), you’ll work with your loan agent to determine which mortgage is right for you. You’ll consider the percentage of your income you want to spend on your new house, and you’ll provide the lender with paperwork showing proof of income, employment status, and other important financials. If all goes well (fingers crossed) you’ll be pre-approved for a loan at a certain amount. (Sweet.)

Visit Open Houses, and Look Around
Now that you have both an agent who knows your housing preferences and a budget — and a lender to finance a house within that budget — it’s time to get serious about viewing homes. Your agent will provide listings you may like based on your parameters (price range, ZIP codes, features), and will also help you determine the quality of listings you find online. Then comes the fun part: Open houses and private showings, which give you the unique opportunity to evaluate properties in a way you can’t online.

Make an Offer
Once you find the home you want to buy, you’ll work with your agent to craft an offer that not only specifies the price you’re willing to pay but also the proposed settlement date and contingencies — other conditions that must be agreed upon by both parties, such as giving you the ability to do a home inspection and request repairs.

Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate
Making an offer can feel like an emotional precipice, almost like asking someone out on a date. Do they like me? Am I good enough? Will they say yes? It’s stressful! Some home sellers simply accept the best offer they receive, but many sellers make a counteroffer. If that happens, it’s up to you to decide whether you want your agent to negotiate with the seller or walk away. This is an area where your agent can provide real value by using their expert negotiating skills to haggle on your behalf and nab you the best deal.

Get the Place Inspected
If your offer is accepted, then you’ll sign a contract. Most sales contracts include a home inspection contingency, which means you’ll hire a licensed or certified home inspector to inspect the home for needed repairs, and then ask the seller to have those repairs made. This mitigates your risk of buying a house that has major issues lurking beneath the surface, like mold or cracks in the foundation. (No one wants that.)

Ace the Appraisal
When you offer to buy a home, your lender will need to have the home appraised to make sure the property value is enough to cover the mortgage. If the home appraises close to the agreed-upon purchase price, you’re one step closer to settlement — but a low appraisal can add a wrinkle. Not one you can’t deal with.
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Close the Deal
The last stage of the home-buying process is settlement, or closing. This is when you sign the final ownership and insurance paperwork and make this whole thing official.
When it’s all said and done — break out the rosé. You’ll have the keys to your new home!  For the step by step infographic or to get a copy of a home buying worksheet please contact the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® or visit the houselogic website at www.houselogic.com
Article provided by Houselogic.com

Adding to a previous blog - during a standard home inspection discovered a cracked foundation.  A solid foundation ensures structural integrity and durability. 

If you happen to see cracks in your foundation - especially cracks this large, please be sure to have your foundation evaluated.  Your foundation is one of the MOST important parts of your house.