Top Real Estate Inspectors in Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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By National Building Inspectors January 05, 2012
SB 183 California Law to Require Carbon Monoxide Detector
On May 7, 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Senate Bill 183 (Lowenthal), a bill that will require the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in all California dwelling units. The bill also requires that the presence or absence of these devices must be disclosed when residential real estate is transferred. SB 183 was introduced in February of this year. It was prompted by Senate hearings a few years ago that dealt with the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.The California Air Resources Board has determined that 30 - 40 "avoidable deaths", on average, occur in California each year due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, this is the cause of 175 - 700 "avoidable" emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the state. This bill deals with existing housing. (New construction standards are set by state agencies.) It covers every "dwelling unit intended for human occupancy" which means single-family housing, factory-built homes, condominiums, motels, hotels, dormitories, and dwelling units in "multiple-unit dwelling unit buildings" (apartment houses). It applies to every dwelling unit that has "a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage". "Fossil fuel" means "coal, kerosene, oil, wood, fuel gases, and other petroleum or hydrocarbon products, which emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion." In other words, unless you live in an all-electric home with a detached garage and you don't use a hibachi, you are covered by this law. The bill requires that such dwelling units will have to have installed a "carbon monoxide device" that is designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a "distinct, audible alarm." The device may be battery-powered, a plug in, or hard-wired with a battery backup. It may be combined with a smoke detector, but, if it is, it must emit "an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning." The devices must be ones that have been certified by the State Fire Marshall. The bill imposes a requirement on the State Fire Marshall to certify and approve both the devices and their instructions. It will then be illegal to sell detectors that have not met the Fire Marshall's certification requirements. The devices must be installed, consistent with new construction standards or according to the approved instructions, in all existing single-family dwelling units no later than July 1, 2011. All other dwelling units (such as apartments) must have proper carbon monoxide detectors no later than January 1, 2013. As noted, the bill also creates disclosure requirements with respect to carbon monoxide detectors. Currently, sellers of residential properties in California must provide the buyer with a state-mandated form known as the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). The TDS requires the seller to answer a variety of inquiries as to features of the property. SB 183 amends the TDS so that, effective January 1, 2011, the seller will have to say whether or not the property contains one or more carbon monoxide detectors. It is important to note that, even if the answer is "no", that will not invalidate the sale or transfer of the property. In this respect, the question regarding carbon monoxide detectors is similar to a current question regarding automatic garage-door reversing devices. A footnote explains that the lack of such a device may fail to meet current safety standards. Nonetheless, a transfer of the property may still take place. The senate bill analysis observed the following: "CO [carbon monoxide] devices are available ranging in price from $20 to $90 and can be purchased in hardware stores or on the Internet. There has been many discussions and controversy regarding this issue with Realtors during the Real Estate transaction. Under the Standards of Practice of ( CREIA ) California Real Estate Inspection Association and ( ASHI ) American Society of Home Inspectors, Home Inspectors are not required to test smoke / carbon monoxide detectors. Alarms that are tested using the test button or use a spray tester are only testing the horn and battery and clogging sensors - not the internal sensor unit therefore giving a false test. As part of good Risk Management of the transaction, it is recommended that NEW Photoelectric Carbon Monoxide / Smoke detectors be installed at appropriate locations in the properly in compliance with SB 183 and the State Fire Marshall. Tirso De Ubago,cio of Castle Rock Inspections of Walnut Creek California is a Member of Good Standing with ( CREIA ) California Real Estate Inspection Association and (ASHI) American Society of Home Inspectors with extensive training in Health and Safety Courses with ( NFPA ) National Fire Protection Agency, California Code Compliance Training and is also a FHA Compliant Certified Inspector and a Provider of Real Estate Risk Management Seminars. ©Tirso De Ubago,cio Castle Rock Inspections.com 925-518-1124 Credentials: * FHA Compliant Certified Inspector * ( ASHI ) American Society of Home Inspectors* ( ASHI ) American Society of Home Inspection Endorsed Training * Code Check California Code Compliance 2010 and 2011 Training * NFPA 73 - Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings Compliance Course * Pool Inspection Courses, Pool Construction Experience * ( ITA ) Inspection Training Associates Commercial Inspection Course Member: * ( CCRIM ) Contra Costa Realtors in Motion - * ( WCR ) Women's Council of Realtors * ( NAHREP ) National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals * ( CCAR ) Contra Costa Association of Realtors * ( DAR ) Delta Association of Realtors * ( WCCAR ) West Conrta Costa Association of Realtors Tirso De Ubago,cio - 1-800-995-8242 - 925-518-1124 ...read more
By Castle Rock Home | Condo | Pool | Commercial Inspections June 23, 2011
Castle Rock Home Inspection now offers Thermal Imaging Inspections
Contact: Tirso De Ubago Email: tirso@castlerockinspections.com Chief Inspection Officer Castle Rock Inspection Services, Inc. PO Box 3431 Walnut Creek CA 94598 1.800.995.8242 / 925.518.1124 Walnut Creek CA - Tirso De Ubago – Chief Inspection Officer for Castle Rock Inspection Services, Inc., I pleased to announce that Castle Rock Home Inspections is offering Thermal Imaging Inspections in conjunction with their Extended Home Inspection Service. Thermal Infrared Inspection Survey can quickly identify problem areas that cannot be seen by the naked eye - eliminating destructive probing methods. Our infrared survey inspection will pinpoint not only hidden water leaks, current moisture damage but also energy loss due to poor insulation and electrical "hot spots", which reveal hidden problems that often cannot be detected in the course of a traditional visual inspection. In today's market conditions were foreclosed and short sale transactions do not disclose the conditions of the property, an extended home inspection with thermal imaging inspection can have home buyers make an informed decision on the condition of the property prior the purchase. De Ubago is a member good standing with ( ASHI ) American Society of Home Inspectors and ( CREIA ) California Real Estate Inspection Association and is also aFHA ( 203K ) Certified Compliant Inspector. Castle Rock Inspections is based in Walnut Creek and also inspects Condos, Pools, Commercial Properties and services the entire San Francisco Bay Area – Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Joaquin Counties and beyond. Contact Tirso De Ubago atfor Castle Rock Inspection Services, Inc.,1.800-995-8242 or 925.518.1124 andtirso@castlerockinspections.comor visit: http://www.castlerockinspections.com #### ...read more
By Castle Rock Home | Condo | Pool | Commercial Inspections August 15, 2010