Leverage new rebates and incentives to save your clients THOUSANDS on home repairs!

Our Energy Efficiency and Electrification Resource Guide is finally here! 

We are committed to leading our industry and constantly delivering value to you and your clients. This resource guide is intended to connect homebuyers and homeowners with newly available rebates, tax credits and incentives for common home improvements such as HVAC, water heating and electrical upgrades. There is a ton of funding on the table for the taking and we want to ensure that our agents and clients leverage every possible resource at their disposal. 

 

Would you like to learn how your clients can get $2600 in rebates and credits to offset the cost of a new electrical panel? We thought so. Check out our guide to learn more about this and other helpful incentives.

 

Energy Efficiency and Electrification Resource Guide

 

Need help navigating these resources?

Schedule our new DORA approved 1hr CE class, Understanding Home Electrification and Incentive Programs to learn more about navigating and utilizing these resources. You will not want to miss this opportunity to elevate your client experience and service in 2024 and beyond!

When Should Homebuyers Consider Lead Paint Testing?

Lead paint testing isn’t necessary for every homebuyer, but there are a few scenarios where it makes sense to have lead paint testing performed. Similar to asbestos, lead paint is only a health threat when it’s disturbed and inhaled or ingested. Lead is a toxic metal that was once commonly used in various household materials, particularly in paint. While lead-based paint has been banned for residential use in the United States since 1978, homes built before this date may still pose a risk of lead exposure.

 

Here are some situations where lead testing is advisable:

  • Renovation or Remodeling Plans: 

    • If you're planning to renovate or remodel a home, particularly one built before 1978, it's essential to conduct a lead test before starting any work. Disturbing lead-based paint during renovations can release hazardous lead dust, posing health risks to you and your family.

  • Presence of Young Children or Pregnant Women: 

    • Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children and pregnant women. If you are considering a home purchase and have, or plan to have, young children or a pregnant family member, it's wise to conduct a lead test to ensure a safe living environment.

  • Peeling or Chipping Paint: 

    • Visible signs of deteriorating paint, such as peeling or chipping, may indicate the presence of lead-based paint. A lead test can confirm the presence of lead and help you make informed decisions about necessary remediation measures.

Professional lead testing can provide instant and accurate results. If lead is detected, appropriate measures can be taken to address and mitigate the risks. Prioritize the health and safety of your family by considering a lead test in the right circumstances. Alpine Building Performance is now a licensed lead inspection and testing firm and can accomodate all of your lead testing needs.

How to Determine If Your Popcorn Ceiling Contains Asbestos

Popcorn ceilings were popular in the mid-20th century for their ability to hide imperfections and dampen sound. However, many popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s contain asbestos, which presents a health hazard if you plan to remove or disturb the texture. Here are a few quick tips to help determine if a popcorn ceiling is asbestos containing:

  • Age of the House: Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until 1978 when its health risks became widely recognized. If your house was built before 1980 and the popcorn ceiling hasn't been replaced or modified since then, there's a higher likelihood of it containing asbestos.

  • Laboratory Testing: The only way to definitively know if popcorn or any material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified laboratory. Having a licensed asbestos building inspector conduct the inspection, sample collection and submission to the laboratory is the most accurate and reliable method of testing.

What about a visual inspection? 

While asbestos containing popcorn can have a more textured and irregular appearance, it’s not a definitive method for determining if popcorn is asbestos containing. Again, the only way to know for sure is to test.

Keep in mind that asbestos is only hazardous when it becomes airborne and is inhaled, so if your popcorn ceiling is intact and in good condition, it likely poses minimal risk. However, if you suspect asbestos or plan to disturb the ceiling in any way, it's recommended to take precautions to protect occupant and worker health. 

Don’t hesitate to contact Alpine Building Performance for questions regarding asbestos or lead testing We are a licensed asbestos and lead consulting firm in the State of Colorado and can perform full service testing.

How to predict what might be in the inspection report before the inspection ever takes place

Generally a home inspection reveals two types of findings:

1. Things that the inspector expects to see based on the age, condition and location of the home.

2. Things that the inspector doesn’t expect due to unpredictable happenings in the home's past. 

Real estate agents can help prepare and set expectations for what may come up during an inspection based on the first type of findings. Many inspection issues involve outdated building materials that are no longer serviceable or acceptable due to product recalls and safety concerns. Understanding what some of those materials are and when they were used can help avoid surprises that arise during the inspection.

Here is a list of Common Problematic Building Materials.

If you were going to paint one thing on a home to increase value, what would you paint? 

We spoke with Kyler from Dream Painting to get his opinion on the best bang for your buck home painting projects. Here are his painting tips for exterior and interior projects:

Exterior: Painting the front door and/or patio area helps with curb appeal and first impressions.
Interior: Painting scuffed and worn baseboards and trim make the home feel cleaner and well taken care of.

What if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

Are there any alternatives to removing popcorn ceiling and undergoing asbestos abatement?

If your popcorn ceiling is asbestos containing and you do not want to undergo asbestos abatement to safely remove the asbestos, there are a few workaround options. Below are 3 options to cover asbestos containing popcorn that don’t involve removal:

1. Install a ¼” piece of drywall over it and then do mud work to smooth the surface.

2. Install shiplap/wood paneling over the popcorn.

3. Skim Coat popcorn to create a smooth or textured surface over top of the popcorn.

Answer provided by Dream Painting

What are the residential smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in Colorado?

  1. Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement.

  2. One CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm within 15 feet of each bedroom entry door 

  3. One CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm on each level of a multi-level dwelling unit including the basement. 

  4. One CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm within each bedroom containing a fuel-burning appliance

For more information: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/678/documents/safety-information/Residential_Fire_Safety_Handout.pdf

What is required for a conforming bedroom?

The requirements for a conforming bedroom can vary depending on local building codes and regulations. However, in general, a bedroom is considered "conforming" if it meets the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Size: The room must have a minimum square footage, typically ranging from around 70 to 120 square feet depending on local building codes.

  2. Minimum Ceiling Height: The room must have a minimum ceiling height of at least 7 feet, although this can also vary depending on local building codes.

  3. Egress: The room must have a window or other means of egress, such as a door, that meets certain size requirements to allow for escape in case of a fire. The minimum size of the window can also vary depending on local building codes.

  4. Closet: The room must have a closet, although the size and location of the closet can vary depending on local building codes.

  5. Ventilation: The room must have adequate ventilation, typically provided by a window or mechanical ventilation system.

  6. Access: The room must have a door that provides access to a hallway or other common area of the home.

It's important to note that these requirements can vary depending on the location and specific building codes in the area. Homeowners and buyers should check with their local building department or a qualified professional to determine the specific requirements for conforming bedrooms in their area.

 

Source - https://www.nachi.org/non-conforming-bedrooms.htm

Why does a new oven smell like burning plastic when it’s first used?

You may be wondering why your new oven is smoking and giving off a strong burnt plastic or chemical smell upon initial operation. If so, you are not alone. The good news is that this burning smell and smoking process is completely normal for new ovens. In fact, if you read your appliance manual, you will see that this is addressed in the manual and is commonly referred to as the “burn in” period.

What is “burn in”? 

Your new oven is being exposed to high temperatures for the very first time. During this initial exposure to heat, oils used in the manufacturing process are being burnt off and the insulation enclosure is emitting an odor as it heats up. Typically this burn in process takes around an hour, but can take more or less time depending on the specific appliance.

Why is a stainless steel dishwasher interior better than plastic?

 A stainless steel dishwasher interior is generally considered better than a plastic interior for several reasons:

  1. Durability: Stainless steel is more durable than plastic, and is less likely to crack, dent, or warp over time. This means that a stainless steel interior is likely to last longer and require fewer repairs or replacements than a plastic interior.

  2. Resistance to Stains and Odors: Stainless steel is less likely to absorb stains and odors than plastic, which can be important for maintaining a clean and hygienic dishwasher. Plastic interiors can absorb stains from certain foods and beverages, which can be difficult to remove and can leave an unpleasant odor.

  3. Heat Resistance: Stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures than plastic, which is important for a dishwasher as it operates at high temperatures to clean dishes. This means that a stainless steel interior is less likely to warp or melt under high temperatures, which can affect the dishwasher's performance.

  4. Aesthetics: Stainless steel is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing than plastic, and can give a dishwasher a more high-end and modern look. This can be an important consideration for homeowners who value the appearance of their appliances.

Overall, a stainless steel dishwasher interior is generally considered to be a better option than a plastic interior due to its durability, resistance to stains and odors, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

How to determine if a wall is load bearing

Ultimately you will always want to consult with a structural engineer before making the decision to remove a wall, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to help determine the possibility of whether or not a wall can be removed.

What direction is the wall running in relation to the main support members?

  • If the wall is running parallel to the floor or ceiling joists then it’s less likely that the wall is load bearing. Load bearing walls typically run perpendicular to the supporting floor or ceiling joists. Using the example of a typical rectangular home, the main support beam and supporting walls typically run down the center of the home lengthwise with the floor and ceiling joists bearing on the outside and center wall.

  • Is the roof structure built with trusses or rafters? Newer homes built with pre-engineered, pre-manufactured roof trusses are generally designed to span large openings and are designed to be supported at each end by the exterior walls. This eliminates the need in most cases for interior load bearing walls on the uppermost level of the home. 

If a wall is load bearing, it can still be removed by taking the proper measures. A support beam can be installed to help redistribute the load. Although it’s more costly, the support beam can also be installed flush with the ceiling to maintain the appearance of a completely open floor plan. Again, always consult a structural engineer before walls are removed. 

For more information on load bearing walls - https://structuralengineeringbasics.com/how-to-tell-walls-load-bearing/

What’s the point of a vapor barrier?

A vapor barrier, which is a more sophisticated way to say plastic sheeting, is a barrier that helps prevent the entry of moisture and soil gas into a home.

Crawlspaces should have a properly installed vapor barrier with complete coverage to help regulate humidity, insects, and radon from entering the home. A vapor barrier will also help provide a cleaner crawl space which is easier to navigate. It’s important to note 2 things about vapor barriers:

  1. A properly installed vapor barrier needs to be sealed to the foundation wall and sealed at all seams and penetrations.

  2. If a radon mitigation system needs to be installed on a home with a crawlspace, a vapor barrier will need to be installed as part of that system.

How much insulation should be in an attic?

Home insulation works similar to a coat that you wear to protect you from the cold. The thicker and better the insulation, the slower the heat loss and greater the occupant comfort. Attic insulation depths have increased throughout the years and the general base standard is to have a R-38 insulation rating in attic insulation applications. This generally equates to about 12 inches of blown insulation. Home energy efficiency standards recommend up to an R-49 or even R-60 attic insulation level for optimal performance. We always recommend attic insulation upgrades as one of the most impactful and relatively low costs measures to achieve greater home comfort and efficiency.

How to navigate snow covered roofs during an inspection

Most people understand that a snow covered roof is a roof that cannot be inspected. This understanding doesn’t change the fact, however, that a home buyer will still likely want a roof inspected before purchasing the home. Here are a few tips on how to navigate the threat of snow covered roofs in the winter:

  1. Have a roof pre-inspected when the home goes on the market if there will be the likelihood of snow coverage during the active listing. This way the roof inspection report can be shared to potential buyers. 

  2. Have a roof inspection performed as soon as going under contract on the home if the threat of snow is likely before the general inspection is scheduled.

  3. Have a roof inspection performed once the snow melts if it’s still within the inspection objection period but after the general inspection.

What does hail damage do to a roof?

Hail damages the roof by breaking down the shingle over time. Rarely is the hail damage large enough to cause immediate leaking, however over time the roof will continue to deteriorate until the point that water can penetrate inside the home. Hail damage doesn’t usually look like large holes or cracks in the shingle but instead is commonly just slight damage to the surface of the shingle with very few missing granules or remnants of impact.  However, over time the damage expands and becomes worse. Hail damage isn’t always noticeable immediately following a hailstorm.  If you suspect your roof may have been damaged in a hail storm it is important to have a qualified roofing professional inspect your roof as soon as possible.

Source - Rowin Construction

How often should a whole house humidifier be serviced?

Whole house humidifiers work to regulate indoor air humidity levels to an optimal range of 30%-50% indoor relative humidity. Depending on the style, use and home water quality, maintenance intervals vary. With that being said, generally whole house humidifiers should be serviced 1-2 times per heating season to help prevent scale buildup and mold to ensure healthy and efficient operation.