Monday, November 27, 2006

Inspecting a Roof

Things to look for when inspecting a roof...

While looking at a house, I came upon these problems.


In this picture you will notice three things.
1. It looks like someone stepped on the roof and split the sheathing. Which is not a huge problem. Simply replacing the sheathing when redoing the roof would fix the problem.
- might want to look at the rest of the sheathing, this
failure is an indication that all the sheathing might need
to be replaced; which could get costly if not thought of
a head of time.
2. The sistering of the main beam is not only poorly done, but is also not straight.
- could mean that the whole roof structre is poorly
constructed, and needs to be replaced.
- be aware of other similiar spots
3. The virtical supports in the bottom left are not supporting anything.
- could mean the roof has shifted, indicating other issues
such as poor foundation, or settling.
- roof is not support properly



This is another picture taken of the vertical supports.

1. Notice that the beam running from the top left to the middle of the picture goes from a two board thickness to a one board thickness.
- in my opinion this is not correctly done, and is not
structurely safe.
2. One can also guess that the background of the picture is an add on because of the wall that is cut through, and the newer look of the wood


This is another view of where is looks like someone stepped on the roof, and broke the sheathing 1. Also looks like the roof has leaked and/or is
rotten in some areas


In this picture you will notice that the roof beam is not straight. You can also kind of see that the right beam has a crack running through it. It is there, kind of hard to see.



Nothing looks out of place here, just lots of spider webs and insolation.


Here is one of three cracks that I saw in the main beam. It runs about two feet from start to finish, and is completely through the whole beam top to bottom, and width wise.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Tile Basics


Recommended Reading: The Complete Guide to Ceramic and Stone Tile
Part of the Black and Decker Series

Types of Floor Tiles
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Porcelain Tile
Quarry Tile
Natural Stone Tile
Terra-cotta Tile
Cement Body Tile
Mosaic Tile
Decorative Tile
Baseboards and Thresholds


Tools for Removing Old Surface
End Cutting Nippers
Heat Gun
Hand Mauls
Flat Pry Bar
Chisels
Floor Scraper

Tools for Repairing and Installing Substrates
Straight-edges
Jig Saw
Portable Drills
Circular Saws
Drywall Squares
Utility Knife
Cement Board Knife
Trowels

Tools for Layout
Straight-edges
Levels
Carpenter's Squares
Chalk Lines
Tape Measures

Tools for Working With Tile
Coping Saws
Tile Nippers
Hand-held Tile Cutters
Tile Stones
Wet Saws
Diamond Blades
Tile Cutters
Grinders
Tile Spacers
Grout Sponges, Buff Rags, Foam Brushes and Grout Sealer Applicators
Rubber Mallets
Needlenose Pliers
Caulk Guns
Grout Floats
Trowels

Preparation Materials

Cork
Fiber/Cementboard
Cementboard
Greenboard (on walls)
Plywood
Trowel-Applied Membrane
Shower Pan Liner
Isolation Membrane

Materials for Setting and Grouting Tile
Thin-Set Mortar
Grout
Latex Fortifier
Grout Sealer
Wall Tile Mastic
Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive

Helpful Hints

1) Buy All Materials At Once
2) Mix Tile From Carton To Carton
3) Check For Warped Tiles
4) Make Sure The Subfloor is Flat
5) When Dealing With Porous Tile Seal It Before Installation
6) Dry-lay Polished Stone Tiles

Helpful Links
www.hometips.com
www.easy2diy.com
www.ceramic-tile-floor.info
www.super-tek.com
www.hgtv.com
howstuffworks.com
www.hometime.com

Friday, November 10, 2006

Permits


When does one need a permit?

- New Construction
- Additions
- Alterations
- Renovations
- Relocations
- Repairs or Rehabilitation of a building or structure
- Electrical Work
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Repairing and Underpinning Foundations
- Installing Pools
- Constructing Decks in excess of 8 inches above the ground
- Demolitions
- Building, Tearing Down, or Moving a Garage
- Cutting New Windows or Door Openings, or Widening existing openings
- Adding, Moving, or Taking Out Walls
- Building Retaining Walls
- Re-roofing when a complete tear off and re-sheathing is required
- Adding Stairways

When does one not need a permit?

- Replacing Stucco, Siding, or Shingles with the same material
- Replacing Doors when the opening is not altered
- Replacing an open landing and stairs
- Installing Cabinets and Shelves
- Laying in a new roof
- Putting in Hardwood Floors
- Installing Carpet
- Upgrading ones Countertops
- Minor Electrical work, such as replacing an electrical outlet

A phone call to your local permitting office is the best, and only, way to determine if you need a permit.

Useful Sites
homebase
www.demesne.info
homerenovations
www.hometips.com
countygovt

Monday, November 06, 2006

Roofing Basics


Recommended Read: Smart Guide, Roofing by Creative Homeowner

Equipment

Backsaw
Circular Saw
Crowbar
Pry Bar
Hand Saw
Keyhole Saw
Measuring Tape
Chalk-Line Box
Carpenter's Level
Sliding T-Bevel
Angle Sqaure
Framing Square
Roofing Hammer
Claw Hammer
Flat Spade
Utility Knife
Power Drill
Tin Snips
Chaulking Gun
Pop Riveter
Scribing Compass
Ladder

Roofing Materials

Composition Shingles
Roll Roofing
Wood Shingles and Shake
Slate
Synthetic Slate
Built-Up Roofing
Metal Roofing
Clay and Concrete Tile

Types of Roofs
www.bobvila.com

Process
1. Tear off existing roof
2. Repair damaged areas of the decking
3. Install drip edge
4. Apply Underlayment
-----Use waterproofing underlayment in problem areas, and where ice build up may
occer
-----Make sure there is proper ventalation
5. Apply Flashing
6. Install Roofing Material

Useful Links
www.doityourself.com
www.hammerzone.com
www.diynetwork.com
www.contractors.com

Friday, November 03, 2006

Possible Real Estate Deals Info

If you are interested, or know someone who is interested in partnering with any of the "POSSIBLE RE DEALS," please either e-mail me, or post a comment and I or my partner will respond with more information about the potential deal, and partnering.

Apartment Investment #2

Posibble Real Estate Deal #3


Asking - $180,000
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $183,996
12 unit

Possible Real Estate Deal #4


Asking - $199,900
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $223,528
7 Units (3 SFH, and 2 Duplexes)

Possible Real Estate Deal #5


Asking - $179,000
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $193,271
6 Unit

Possible Real Estate Deal #6


Asking - $95,000
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $92,898
7 Unit

Possible Real Estate Deal #7


Asking - $265,000
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $198,266
12 Unit

Possible Real Estate Deal #8


Asking - $95,000
Value at 10% Cap Rate - $74,710
6 Unit