What is That White Powdery Stuff on My Brick Wall?

Gary Smith - Home Inspector - Brandon, MS

We know that efflorescence is a fine, white, powdery deposit (see photo at right) of water-soluble salts left on the surface of masonry as the water evaporates. These efflorescent salt deposits tend to appear at the worst times, usually about a month after the building is constructed, and sometimes as long as a year after completion. Three conditions must exist before efflorescence will occur. If one is left out, efflorescence cannot form.

Life’s Soup Bowl All Boils Down to Trust

Sign for ABC's Construction Management Competition.

In early November-2013, in Las Vegas, NV, there’s a student competition underway. The ad goes something like this: ABC’s Construction Management Competition (CMC) is a hallmark competition that promotes careers in construction management.  In addition to providing a significant learning opportunity, the competition fosters an environment that will bring out the best in each team; encourage dialogue among […]

203(k) Loan Roles and Responsibility Chart

Diagram showing 'You' at the center of five roles: Lender, Consultant, Contractor, Agent, and Appraiser.

There are many players on the 203(k) Team. Browse the chart below and see what task each member is responsible for. Note that the two main team members (ones with the most responsibility) are the Lender and the Client (they have the most X marks in each type loan). Also note that the Consultant’s role […]

5 Most Important Elements of the FHA 203(k) Bid (video)

Gary Smith - Home Inspector - Picture of House on Money

Would you order a pizza without naming the toppings? Would you plan a trip without a road map (or at least an iPhone with a mapping feature)? Would you remodel your home and allow the contractor to make choose the design? If you’re considering working with the FHA 203(k) Loan there are 5 important elements […]

3 Land Mines to Avoid When Moving a House Using an FHA 203(k)

A yellow single-story house with a cluttered yard and green lawn.

Moving a house to vacant land. An older home is being either torn down or moved. Your client has chosen to purchase the house and have it moved. She wants to finance the deal with an FHA 203(k) Mortgage. The borrower owns the land and has an agreement with house mover to relocate the building. The […]