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You better find out if you want to sell your house in the near future.

Sounds strange huh?  Well it’s not just going to happen – it already is!  Get familiar with the term “blower door test”.  This test will be performed by a certified company/individual that will analyze the “escape” of cool/hot air – they use this test to rate how well your house is sealed.  The good news is that these tests are being conducted and mainly viewed for training purposes only and will not be marked by either a realtor or building official to have it corrected!   Important to know though – this test applies to any contractors that work on your house or build a new one, as they will be required to show a report for a final inspection related to efficiency.  If it fails, they will have to correct it for you.  For example, a test (for ratings) will be required prior to work being done on an existing home that will be adding an addition, then again after the work is completed to track the difference in escape rates.  On a plus side, since we’re all becoming more efficient, THIS WILL HELP THE REALTOR WITH SALES.  The houses that score higher and use less energy are naturally more appealing.  However, those that fail will be required and submitted for correction and improvement.

Now you’re probably wondering what is this test and how does it work?  A “blower door test” consists of removal of the interior front door then mounting a powerful fan into the frame of the exterior door. When turned on, the fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks, holes and openings. The certified auditors may use a smoke pencil to detect air leaks and infrared glasses. These tests determine the air infiltration rate of a building.  If you would like to learn more about what’s coming our way, visit: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/blower-door-tests

Craig DiPetrillo, President of DiPetrillo Properties & DP Student Rentals, is a FORTIFIED Home™ certified evaluator.  

DiPetrillo Properties offers all clients the same time and effort in pre-determining the return on their project as they do for their own projects.  Whether it is a personal or business claim, their team understands the process from point of concept to design; from business plan to finance; and all the way to construction. They will help you get the money you deserve for the claim so you can move forward with fixing your property and returning to normal life. DiPetrillo Properties also offers full in-house construction services for both residential and commercial projects. They work on both new construction and renovation projects to help clients see any investment become a reality.  

For more information please e-mail or call: [email protected]/401.232-7552

Recruiters talk a lot about company culture when it comes to finding the right candidate. Check out a previous blog post we have on the subject. We focus on how important it is to have the “right fit” when it comes to personality and values. But as a hiring manager, it’s easy to decide if a potential candidate has the right credentials, experience or skill. However, trying to navigate those more intangible qualities can leave some scratching their heads. Here are a few questions to ask potential candidates to help hone in on those that have the right qualities for your company’s culture.

How and when do you do your best work? Someone who needs total silence to complete a task will not excel in a group environment. Someone who requires constant supervision wouldn’t work well in a company set up to work remotely.

What excites you most about this company? The best candidates won’t mention compensation or benefits. They should bring up your company’s processes or other approaches that make your company unique.

Who was your favorite boss or mentor and why? This will help you figure out your potential candidates best learning style, as well as how they work with leaders and managers.

What makes you uncomfortable at work? Finding a candidate that can honestly, and effectively, open up about both their likes, and dislikes, ensures that they will be straightforward with you as well as their coworkers and bosses.

What would you like to do more of at work? This will help you see what fulfills them on a day-to-day basis. Can your company provide that for them?

Cultural fit is a tough thing to not only define, but to find in a potential candidate. However, taking the time to ask some more detailed questions can help you really see if they will get along with fellow colleagues, build rapport in the office, prove a valuable resource to the company, and be happy coming to work every day.

Learn more about finding, hiring and keeping top millennial talent.

The thaw has officially started and we’re seeing Ice Dams everywhere. Here are some tips on how to prevent more damage:

Icy gutters and snow packed high on roofs that are slowly starting to thaw…whats next? Warming temps create disaster if followed by a freeze! Do not break the ice from the gutters when solid. An old method that I myself have used to help with the thawing - add salt to panty hose then lay it across the back of the gutter closest to the roof shingles to assist the thawing and create space. After separating the two (gutter from roof shingles), move the panty hose to the top of the gutter to thaw downward. When you feel the ice is soft enough slowly break apart without adding force to the hangers or gutter. IF it breaks loose go ahead and remove it but if it doesn’t STOP and let it thaw on its own. You already broke the ice dam apart (roof from gutter) which is most important. If snow remains on the roof it will potentially fill the gap again so you may want top have that removed by a professional first? As I’m sure you already know - if you do not climb roofs regularly, do not attempt any of this on your own, it can be a hazard.

To safely remove snow from roofs, the Office of the Governor, RIEMA, HEALTH and OSHA recommend the following tips:

Tips for Residents:

•Hire a professional. Licensed and insured roof contractors are the best source of professional snow removers.

• For roof snow removal, use a snow rake with a long extension arm that will allow you to remove the snow while standing on the ground. Snow rakes are available at most hardware stores.

• Don’t use a roof rake while on a ladder and don’t attempt to scale your roof to remove snow.

• If you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored.

• Roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of future roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy snow melting. This is especially important for flat roofs.

• Make certain not to contact electrical wires.

• Don’t attempt to clear snow from your roof during periods of strong winds.

• Snow removal equipment meant for pavement should never be used on the roof since they can damage the roof cover system.

• When using products, such as ROOFMELT, read all manufacturer's warnings and product safety information carefully. These products can be harmful to skin and eyes if used incorrectly.

• “When in doubt, stay out, and evaluate” *If you feel that your roof is in danger of collapsing, get out of your house and contact your local building commissioner or a roof contractor.

Tips from OSHA for Businesses:

• When possible, use snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs.

• Evaluate loads exerted on the roof or structure (e.g., total weight of snow, workers and equipment used), compared to the load limit of the roof.

• Require that workers use fall-protection equipment.

• Ensure that workers use ladders and aerial lifts safely.

• OSHA standards require employers to evaluate hazards and protect workers from falls when working at heights of four feet or more above a lower level or 6 feet or more for construction work.

• For more detailed information on safely removing snow from rooftops and other elevated surfaces, please see information available at: http://www.osha.gov

How to Recognize Signs of a Potential Roof Collapse:

• Sagging roofs

• Severe roof leaks

• Cracked or split wood members

• Bends or ripples in supports

• Cracks in walls or masonry

• Sheared off screws from steel frames

• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles

• Doors that pop open

• Doors or windows that are difficult to open

• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling

• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds.

In addition, remember to shovel out nearby fire hydrants and storm drains andplease offer to assist elderly family and neighbors with shoveling and snow removal. The elderly or those with functional needs seeking assistance with shoveling should contact Serve Rhode Island at (401) 331-2298. Please note that Serve RI will not assist with removing snow from roofs.

Finding the right contractor for the right job task is sometimes difficult. Let me re-phrase the statement – finding the right contractor, one that you can trust when you are not looking over their shoulder or in areas that you can’t see, is sometimes (or often) difficult. It seems everybody is about price these days, “How cheap can I get the work done for?”… Even though the contractor is not registered, has no insurance, only a few complaints filed against him, “ummm, he’ll never do me wrong”.  NOT TRUE, actually this may be the furthest thing from the truth!  Do you know most complaints filed are those against referral contractors or people you ‘just know’ do the type of work that you need done? Why is it that even when people ask you, you advise against it, they often still go ahead and hire these ill equipped contractors? Human nature I guess? Then who gets the call when it goes bad? You guessed it, the first contractor – the one that had proper insurance, a valid license, no comments or violations filed against him, and not your weekend specialty – but has been doing it for many years “the seasoned professional”.

Sometimes cheap, as we all learn in so many different areas in life, is not the best way to choose for your home? Know your contractor. Check them out prior to hiring them. View the RI Contractor’s Registration Board websitehttp://www.crb.state.ri.us/search.php to really research them – you will be surprised what they do not want you to know, the one’s that “cut the corners” anyway!

As a certified Rhode Island State Building Inspector, though not active, I see what my colleagues deal with first hand and hear the stories on a monthly basis. They are YOUR stories, the one’s that end up costing you a lot of money at the end!  Do your research up front. Have everything in writing. Do not give any money until the day they show up for work with ladders ready! If they claim they need a large amount of money up front, to me, they are not established. I suggest anything paid other than material that you have on your site to be used, is called labor and, personally – I get paid at the end of the week after working all week.

I know, some say “…how bad can it be?” Well, as an example let me tell you about a job that I recently inspected for insulation. Talk about missing some areas or having a few gaps! This is a job that involved electrical, including installation of a new bathroom exhaust fan. When I inspected this attic, there was a loose piece of plywood laid over the exhaust box. Upon removing the plywood, not only were the wires not properly installed, within a junction box with the correct wire nut sizes, but the exhaust vent was never installed! This will contribute to moisture and mold in the attic…

Sometimes you may think you were successful and drilled the price down but at the end, if the contractor is not honest and unless they are caught – will end up beating you on price! Don’t lack quality for a decent price. Get 3 bids for each job from reputable contractors that you checked out completely. Ask for copies of insurance and license and each person on site should have a license as well. Don’t have the corner pub customers with nothing to do filling in as laborers on your job.

Craig DiPetrillo – DiPetrillo Properties – Planning, Investments, Construction

Stories are often told of the “older generation” that walked into a job after college and were still with the same company 30 years later. These tales are often told with a shaking of the head and a comment or two about how those days are behind us. Between the economy and a millennial generation who is used to having instant gratification, the days of an employee being able to count on a long term position, and conversely, a company being able to count on loyal employees, are over. Or so we thought.

When you actually take a look at some of the current data out there about job searchers, you would find the opposite is actually true. Current studies by the Washington Post show that in the past decade, young employees are actually staying at their jobs longer than any other time since 1983. 

So what is really going on? This takes us back to the simple answer of: the economy. This generation came of age in a time when jobs were not readily available and the competition was fierce. Many were competing with seasoned employees who had years of work experience that they didn’t have. When they did find a job, they held on tightly because there wasn’t another one readily available around the corner.

Have you recently decided to sell your home? If the reason includes: too cold, too much snow, very short sunny days – you may want to give the decision a second thought or wait until it gets warmer out – we call that seasonal depression! We all feel this way at one time or another…

But, if you truly plan on selling – let’s get to it, now is the time to plan! What do you think your home is worth? Honestly, if you are looking to move on out price it right. If you feel that you are entitled to every penny that you spent, like the money spent on those luxury accommodations that you installed for your enjoyment …you need to understand that some times these should not be included in the sale price – they should be considered attention perks that might place you at a higher level of interest than your neighbor if a similar house is for sale. One site tool that can help you find an estimate value is: https://www.chase.com/mortgage/mortgage-resources/home-value-estimator.

So, where are you going? Are you leaving the state? Are you down sizing? Are the costs of living swallowing you up? Do you have children still living with you (if they are 45 years of age, you may consider to ask them to move on…that could be a huge savings right there)? These are questions that you should be working on now, prior to listing your home for sale and searching for a new one. Each one of these questions should have a minimum of 3 answers. Then you may value the best of three and add them to a “Pro/Con” list that will help, both with the sale and the buy?

Do not list just with any real estate broker. A lot of our real estate brokers and agents are dear friends who we hold close to our hearts. We love them all. Though, they will agree, each carry a unique value proposition or differentiator. You should consider interviewing a few (since they will be working for you) prior to making a commitment. See how busy each will be at the time you list and search for a new home. Keep in mind that they are not your employee – they have more than one project/client going on at the same time (if they are good)…so, do not expect them to be yours exclusively – you should work as a “team” and see the plan through together. Never make them feel like they are not meeting your expectations, communicate all along the way instead, this will better ensure success.

Have you decided what your home is worth? Make a list of items spelling out to the broker what is new and what is not, what is included and what is not. Maybe label 3 columns:

1. What needs improvements…

2. What is new/replaced with date…

3. What is included in the sale (usually an item such a hot tub that is not affixed)…

Preparing this list will allow for the chosen real estate broker to sit with you and enter the correct criteria when getting ready to research the “local comparisons”. This also will remove your emotions during the discussions, allowing for them to ask a question for a direct answer.

What is your realistic budget for a new home? How much do you want to spend truly? Yes the interest rates MAY climb but nobody knows for sure. Don’t let that push you into a home that may not be suited to your “Pro/Con” list. Spend the time wisely now preparing all your criteria, which will include selecting the right bank and getting your pre-approval. Be sure to have a “household budget” in place. The banks do not do this. You should setup a complete budget with a what it costs to live line, so you do not have a short fall each month trying to pay a mortgage payment. Plan your cost of living right this time – consider it a second chance! Another great site that can help you create a household budget worksheet (you may need to add some fields):http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/spending/T007-S001-budgeting-worksheet-a-household-budget-for-today-a/.

Keep those comparisons fresh and stop going back to “2006”! Really, some of my clients still come out with that. It is frustrating to the professional when we’re trying to plan for the best transaction for our client, in their best interest, and they want to (which we need to respect) over price their home. Start studying the market and prepare for listing in the Spring now. You can study the market by searching online, reading the Sunday paper, listening to the news, then you’ll be ready to work with your real estate broker and have a better understanding of both “what you want to sell your home for” and “what you should expect to spend on a new one”. The broker will be so appreciative to have a REAL conversation with a client that has knowledge of the housing market and this will make the whole process flow much more smoothly.

Real Estate Planning, Investing, Construction – it’s what we do!

[email protected]

Buying a property during a snow storm?

Are you allowed to pause or extend the inspection period?

As I write this, it’s snowing…again…and it got me to thinking about how many people out there might be in the process of the 10 business day inspection of purchasing an investment property or home residence.

Just an FYI here – you do have the right to ask for an extension if you are prohibited from completing the evaluation.

Most people think, since the clock is ticking, that you are not allowed to stop it – this is simply not true. You have the right to know all about the investment/property that you are intending to buy.

33% of the inspection happens outside:

- Roof conditions

-Fireplace/chimney

-Foundation

-Finish grade pitch

-Support system for decks and porches

-Crawlspace

-Drainage

-Driveways/walkway conditions

-Trees, lawn and vegetation

-Swimming pool/hot tub

-Running exterior faucets

-Septic tank and well evaluation

-Condition of an exterior oil tank and filler line

It is not your (the buyer) responsibility to remove the snow to review all these conditions. A smart home owner or bank would insist that you do not do such a thing for simple liability reasons and insurance regulations. Be aware that some brokers may encourage you to go forward, maybe for a reason that the home is new, they saw it prior the snow fall, everything looked great to them and disclosures are clean on the property. The bottom line, once this period expires and you perform the inspection, you are not allowed to revisit it unless there are notations or exceptions – so be smart, think ahead and do not be afraid to list as many areas that need to be revisited prior the closing to be certain that there are no issues or defects. The home inspector that you hire (under contract) is not required to remove the snow or give a valuable opinion on what they simply do not know. They are allowed to write “not assessable” in regards to any items that they simply may not be able to get to. Think ahead! If you are currently in the process of searching for an investment property, whether it be commercial, residential, or a home for your family, discuss these situations up front with your licensed real estate broker and get their opinion on how they would address this phase if a snow storm was to hit or if you are left with an abundance of snow in the way…don’t let the storm cover your knowledge!

Craig DiPetrillo – DiPetrillo Properties – Planning, Investing, Construction

Will a remodel make a difference when selling?

This one’s for the realtors (or financial institutions with properties to sell)…

Say you have a residential property that you’re selling for an investor – the investor has made it clear that they want to move it fast. You can price it low and try to push it that way or have you thought about suggesting to the owner that investing a little more money in a renovation might help you not only sell it quicker but for a profit instead of a loss? We work with many financial institutions and often get called to provide a renovation analysis — working with small budgets and short turnaround times has saved our clients from suffering a loss and turned them a profit instead.

So often it’s the little things…

-We know that kitchens and bathrooms are eye candy and seeing one less major project can seal the deal for the potential buyer.

-Maybe an addition was added and that addition has different siding than the rest of the house? Convincing your client to finish the siding might be well worth the expense.

-How about previous water damage where the root cause was fixed but a stain still remains? A little paint or patchwork can take a ‘red flag’ and make it a ‘green light’!

-How’s the landscape? Is there a retaining wall that is compromised? How about some woody shrubs that have grown out of control? Investing in some of these projects, that are minor to you but major to someone else, can make all the difference.

-Is there mold on the North side of the house? How about recommending a power wash?

These are just a few examples that can make all the difference between sitting on a property for months, or even years, to moving it in weeks. It doesn’t always work that fast, with many other obvious variables to consider, but we know from experience that if you can convince your clients to invest and you have the right design and construction team(s) in place that can provide that quick turnaround on the work and adhere to a tight budget…it’s money in the bank and a win/win as the buyer will have a move in ready house!

Interested in Planning, Investments or Construction in the RI Real Estate Market? Let’s have coffee!

Are you looking to invest in the real estate market? A few key factors that should be at the top of your list:

1. Demographics. Where are you looking to invest and why? Do your research and run comps and stats on what isselling and what has sold. Figure out what properties are selling for ($$$) and what kinds of properties are selling, etc… Are the types of properties (residential or commercial) you’re looking at in that area continuing to sell or have they been sitting for awhile? Does it seem like they are on the upswing or coming down from a good run?

2. The Economy. Reports say we’re in a good place right now in the real estate market, that the economy is on the upswing and that residential real estate prices are continuing to rise and that sales are continuing to pick up. Take that one step further though and look (through a microscope) at how the economy – past, current and projected – has effected and continues to affect the area where you are looking to invest.

3. Interest Rates. Having a clear understanding of what’s happening in the mortgage industry is HUGE. Discuss your options with a trusted advisor and research your options. Here’s a great article that covers the basics…read more.

Communication in a construction project…doh!

A recent commercial construction client project gave us the idea to share some very valuable information that could potentially save you thousands of dollars by avoiding having your construction project (and dollars) tied up in the often confusing process of dealing with the different officials and/or zoning issues (and so on) that can arise during a residential or commercial renovation, upgrade, repair, etc… So often we are brought in when the problem is already occurring and most of the time it’s really just a matter of language – yes, language! Understanding where each ‘side’ is coming from, e.g. what everyone is trying to say or simply what they are looking for…which happens to be what we specialize in and that simply comes from a breadth and depth of experience working on all different sides of the planning, investments and construction industry for decades. I guess you could say we’re a bit like abridge and can usually look at each situation through an objective lens then help all the parties involved find a comfortable resolution to whatever the problem is. A few great suggestions to help avoid getting into these situations in the first place:

1. Make sure the engineers, architects, general contractors, landscape designers and any others that are on your team all understand each other, the process andhave someone ‘leading’ the project that clearly understands the entire scope of the project, thus being able to avoid unexpected issues as much as possible.

2. I would add to #1 that the town & state officials involved are also part of the teamand clear communication between all parties is essential. More often than not the issues could have been avoided if clearer communication had happened from the beginning!?!