Can You Afford to Buy a House?
Friday, January 30, 2004
Pressed Board Siding Solutions
by Bill Ball
Dear Bill,
Can a home inspector make an assumption on his report without verifying the facts? My parents are selling their home and the buyers hired a home inspector to inspect the property. They have pressed board siding on their house and the inspector, without even knowing the brand, stated in his report that the manufacturer of the siding on the house was involved in a class action lawsuit.
The manufacturer, it turns out, is "Champion" and after thoroughly researching this, I have found that they are NOT one of the many companies that are involved. It is my speculation that the inspector has assumed that just because there is pressed board siding on the house that there is a lawsuit against the siding manufacturer.
What is your advice on this matter?
Jason
Dear Jason:
Although your home inspector was wrong about the manufacturer's involvement in a class action lawsuit, at least so far, he was right to alert you to this type of siding. Over the past 20 years, pressed board sidings from many manufacturers have a history of failure.
"Pressed Board Siding" is any type of composite material that is not solid wood milled directly from a tree trunk. All of the manufacturers of composite products make claims about durability and life expectancy, which, in most cases, have proven untrue, if not outright fraudulent.
Exotic Material
The protocol for home inspectors is to alert the home buyer to any "exotic" materials they identify in a home. Exotic materials include components like plastic water supply pipes, high-efficiency furnaces, and pressed board siding -- along with a dozen others.
A material identified as "exotic" means that it has not been in use for more than 25 years and the only estimate of its durability are the manufacturer's claims.1
The Problem
Incredible as it sounds, the problem with pressed board siding is almost always moisture penetration of the finished surface of the siding which causes swelling, buckling, [photo] or disintegration [photo] of the siding.
It would seem logical, wouldn't it, that a product intended for exterior siding would be good at repelling water? But pressed board materials are not! Anytime the bottom edge or an end-cut are not sealed with paint or caulking, [photo] the siding soaks up the water from normal weathering and begins to swell, then deteriorate.
If you own a home with composite siding, it is critical that it is painted regularly to seal it, and that all joints or unions are very well caulked. If this maintenance is not completed, it is likely that the siding will have to be replaced in 5-10 years [photo].
1 Source: The Uniform Home Inspector's Code Bookâ˘
Published: January 29, 2004
Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Tight Budget
by Michele Dawson
As you choose new cabinets, pore over your countertop options, and find yourself floored by the number of flooring choices, your kitchen remodeling project is quickly adding up. But there are ways to keep spending to a minimum.
Kitchen remodels are among the most popular - and costly. The average cost of a major remodel pushes $40,000, according to Remodeling magazine's 2001 Cost. Vs. Value Report.
Kitchens are more susceptible to changes in taste than other rooms. Wood was popular, then white was in, and now stainless steel is all the rage. But among real estate agents, the report says, the consensus is that a fully remodeled kitchen is a strong selling point. San Francisco remodeler and real estate broker Neil Gibbs does not hesitate when asked what buyers there desire most: a new, top-of-the-line kitchen.
"Young home buyers with money want professional-quality kitchens, even if they don't use them," Gibbs points out. "It's the driving thing in the market here, by far."
While the report points out that about 80 percent of the cost of a major kitchen remodel will be recouped when it comes time to sell, you still need to pay for the project up front, which means you may find yourself trying to stretch every dollar as you plan for your remodel.
For starters, be sure the contractor you hire is professional. Always get references, and get a detailed contract that spells out every detail and step of the remodeling job.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers some additional tips:
Try to keep windows in place. Moving windows gets expensive.
Think paint. Changing the color of a room is one of the most dramatic - and cost-efficient - ways to change your room's appearance.
Try to stick with your existing appliances. This can save up to $5,000. If you do opt for new appliances, choose ones that are energy-efficient: this will save you money on your utility bills, and will be an asset when it comes time to sell your home.
Keep fixtures, appliances, and utilities in place so you don't have to change plumbing, gas, and electrical outlets.
Go with neutral colors. Your new fixtures, appliances, and laminates will be less expensive if you go with a white or almond sink and a neutral laminate. Plus, they won't come and go as a passing trend.
If possible, use your existing floor. If you need new flooring, vinyl and laminate are less expensive than wood and tile. Choose a color that ties the kitchen to the adjoining rooms.
Carefully study your cabinet options, because this will play a big role in the cost. You can delay some options to help reduce the initial costs. If you do decide to wait, make sure the option you want will be available and can be added after your new cabinets are in place.
Consider refacing existing cabinets. This will save money and you won't need to install a new floor, countertops, and appliances.
Use standard cabinetry instead of custom.
Choose cabinets that are finger-pulled and don't need additional hardware.
Think about laminate countertops. They are less expensive than tile and granite. You can accent it with wood or tile trim.
Choosing less costly products will help bring the total cost down, so compare prices carefully. You'll also need to find out how much labor is involved in some of the features you are seeking, like tile countertops.
The most important thing you can do to extend your budget is to plan ahead. Go through the design process with a fine-tooth comb and select all your new countertops, flooring, appliances, and fixtures. This will help keep you from making impulsive decisions down the road.
Published: September 2, 2002
Dual Dishwashers, More Workspace, Sea Colors Expected To Be Popular In Kitchen In 2004
by Michele Dawson
Kitchen remodeling is expected to continue at a rapid pace in 2004 with such trends as the kitchen serving as a multipurpose room, incorporating dual dishwashers and ovens, and coloring the room in softer sea blue and greens expected to take hold this year.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry expects general remodeling expenditures in 2004 to increase five percent over last year, from $214 billion to $224 billion, according to NARI spokeswoman Gwen Biasi.
"Interest rates are projected to be stable, which is a good thing for the remodeling industry, since refinancing is often a source of funds for a homeowner's remodeling needs," said Biasi.
In a recent study, Home Depot found that 30 percent of American women between 25 and 54 find their kitchens cramped or out of date. The telephone poll, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation International on behalf of Home Depot, said the thing they'd most like to change is their appliances.
Kate Schwartz, editor of kitchens.com, a consumer website devoted to kitchen design and remodeling, said the boundaries of the kitchen will continue to break down in 2004 with it serving as a multipurpose room for cooking, dining, relaxing, doing homework, and paying bills. All the while, it will open up and flow more into the dining and living areas.
"Having a couch in your kitchen won't seem too strange," she said.
Jason Feldman, director of style, innovation and design for Home Depot, says the growing trend toward versatility in the kitchen is the basis for many kitchen remodeling and renovation projects in homes more than 10 years old.
"Most homes constructed in the past decade have an open, expansive kitchen that is more conducive to the way we live and use the space," said Feldman. "Older homes tend to have smaller kitchens that are closed off to the living spaces. For many people, this type of layout doesn't work."
Cook-friendly features, additional workspace unrelated to meal preparation or dining, and a nearby laundry room top the list of must-have features when designing a new kitchen for both men and women, Home Depot's survey found.
Some 49 percent of the survey takers say double ovens, a gas range and stainless steel appliances are must-have features for their newly designed kitchen.
Also appealing: additional workspace for homework, crafts and projects, and an adjacent laundry room.
Biasi said natural materials for countertops -- granite, quartz, slate -- will continue to grow in popularity. Maple and light finishes will be more prevalent in some parts of the country and cherry will dominate in others.
"A new trend is marrying appliances to cabinetry -- cabinet manufacturers have given the homeowner the option to hide dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances behind panels that match adjacent cabinet doors," Biasi said. "More and more homeowners are opting for this option in their kitchens, although stainless steel appliances remain strong sellers, as well."
Meanwhile, Schwartz expects to see a lot of the following in 2004:
A rise in zone design with the work triangle becoming less important. In large kitchens, it's not always practical to stick with the work triangle floor plan. Instead, design zones -- areas where the appliances, cabinets, and countertop space service a particular task -- will take over.
The hood as a status symbol. Interest in sleek or custom hoods is still on the rise.
Attention to detail -- backsplashes in interesting tile or mosaics, and lighting.
A shift in color preferences. Blues and greens -- especially hues reminiscent of the sea -- were huge in late 2003 and will continue to be popular in 2004.
More universal design touches incorporated for an all-ages, all-abilities kitchen -- pull-down shelving, custom countertop heights and pull-out pantries.
The introduction of more high-tech appliances. "While I think the purchase of these won't necessarily be a huge craze, manufacturers are certainly introducing bigger and better appliances that cook faster and more specifically," Schwartz said.
Home Depot's Feldman said the cost to remodel a 200 square-foot kitchen with new wood cabinets, solid-surface countertops, energy-saving appliances and ceramic tile flooring purchased there is about $15,000.
And homeowners can expect to recover 75 to 90 percent of the cost of a kitchen remodel when they sell their homes, he said.
Published: January 12, 2004
Federal Class Action Settlement Highlights Alleged "Reverse Discrimination" Against White Home Buyers
by Kenneth R. Harney
As a $1.2 million settlement of a federal class action suit suggests, discrimination in mortgage lending doesn't only hurt minority home buyers.
White borrowers can also be targeted -- and charged higher fees behind their backs.
Flagstar Bank, a large Michigan-based lender that funds home loans nationwide, admitted no wrongdoing as part of its settlement approved by a federal court late in December. But documents filed with the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis included formal, written pricing instructions distributed by Flagstar to its loan officers that required that white borrowers be charged higher maximum fees than non-white, minority borrowers.
The instructions forced loan officers to cap the fees charged to minority applicants at three percent. White borrowers could be charged up to four percent in fees. Loan officers whose average revenue-per-loan from minority applicants exceeded their average revenue-per-loan from white borrowers could be disciplined, put on probation, or fired.
Under the pricing guidelines, loan officers were required to determine each borrower's race from the standard Form 1003 mortgage application sheet. The policy statement defined "non-minority" applicants as "white, not of Hispanic origin."
The settlement, signed by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tim Baker, requires Flagstar to refund overcharges to approximately 1,000 loan applicants negatively affected by the policy -- an estimated $704,000 plus interest. The company also agreed to pay approximately $160,000 in "non-economic damages" and $300,000 in legal fees. The lead plaintiff in the case will receive $10,000.
A Flagstar spokeswoman told Realty Times that the company has a policy of never commenting on litigation. But the lawyer for the plaintiffs, Amy Ficklin DeBrota, said the settlement shows that racial discrimination in home mortgage lending "can take forms that you might not suspect."
In this particular case, according to DeBrota, the differential pricing policy was only discovered and documented when one of Flagstar's loan officers refused to abide by it. The loan office ultimately was fired and turned to DeBrota, an employment law and fair housing expert in Indianapolis, for legal help.
DeBrota said she has never handled a reverse discrimination fair lending case filed by whites before, but believes it could happen elsewhere. Though the company would not confirm or comment on it, DeBrota said the policy on fees was distributed to loan officers after auditors from the federal Office of Thrift Supervision detected a possible pattern of higher fees on minority loans in Flagstar's portfolio records.
To ensure that such a pattern did not occur on new loans, she said, the bank put forth a policy that essentially mandated the reverse: lower average fees for African-American and Hispanic home buyers, and higher average fees for white home buyers.
Either way, though, she said, the policy violated the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which bans any consideration of race, religion, sex, marital status or age in mortgage lending. DeBrota added that although on its face, the Flagstar policy appears to have benefited minority home buyers at the expense of white home buyers, the opposite effect could have occurred as well: Some loan officers, seeking to maximize their own commission revenue, might have sought to fund more white applicants than minorities.
Published: January 5, 2004
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Tips For Buying Furniture
by Michele Dawson
Once you buy a house, chances are you'll soon be buying new furniture. With all the expenses attached to homeownership, coupled with the one-time expenses that come in the first year decorating and furnishing the house, it's important to carefully plan your furniture purchases.
"In the first twelve months after purchasing a newly built home, owners spend an average of $8,900 to furnish, decorate and improve their homes -- more than twice the $4,000 spent by non-movers," the National Association of Homebuilderssays in its report, "Housing: The Key to Economic Recovery."
The report says about 77 percent of it goes toward furnishings and changes to the property. The rest is spent on appliances.
Those who buy existing homes spend $3,766 more than non-moving homeowners in the year after they buy a home. The Eastern Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont branch of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it's important to plan and research so you get the most for your money -- and maximum enjoyment from your furniture.
The group offers these tips:
Figure out what you need. Decide exactly what you will need and how long you will need it. That should also play a role in how much you plan on spending. For example, if you're buying a baby crib that will only be used for a few years, you may want to budget less than a table or piece that you will have for many years.
Know how it will be used. If you have small children, then you'll want to choose furniture and fabrics that can stand up to your kids' wear and tear. On the other hand, if you don't have kids or the kids are out of the house, you may prefer pieces more suitable for entertaining or that won't get everyday use.
Determine your space constraints. Draw up a floor plan of the room you will be furnishing and sketch in different furniture arrangements to see how you can best make use of the space.
Set a budget. Before you shop, determine how much you will spend -- and stick to it.
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association suggests you skim through home and decorating magazines for ideas on how to furnish your house. Specifically, you should identify your personal style, whether it's casual, contemporary, country, traditional, or eclectic. Think about your preferences -- which colors, textures and patterns you like.
The AFMA also says you should prioritize your purchases, determining which items you want or need most.
To assist you in the selection process, many furniture stores offer interior design consultation, room planning guides and product brochures. In the end, trust your own judgment and buy what you like.
The BBB recommends shopping around for quality, price, credit terms and service. Extra delivery charges or higher credit charges could mean what initially appeared to be a good buy isn't so good. And when you're shopping, be sure to check out the labels.
Federal Trade Commission guidelines require manufacturers to say whether materials like vinyl or synthetics are used to give the appearance of another material, like marble. If a label mentions only one wood, all surfaces must be wood. If there are veneers, the label has to say so.
Once you eye furniture you consider purchasing, find out the precise terms and conditions of warranties, as well as the store's return policy. And if you're buying on credit, be sure you know the full terms and know how much interest you'll be paying.
Published: January 26, 2004
Friday, January 23, 2004
Renters: Make Sure Your Carpet's Clean!
by Kate Kemp
After the Christmas dinner party and the New Years Eve bash, your carpet probably won't look too pretty. You might find a blop of cranberry sauce squished into the middle of the living room floor, or maybe a cakey, yellow goop hardened near the coffee table. Spray and scrub as you may, you just can't seem to get them out. "No problem," you think "My lease is nearly up. I just won't mess with it." That's a great solution... but only if you don't want to see any of your security deposit back.
Maybe part of that deposit will simply pay for professional cleaners to come in and get your carpets back in good condition... but what if your landlord decides to go ahead and replace the entire carpet? Goodbye security deposit. If you don't hold up your end of the lease (keeping the apartment in good, clean condition) your landlord has every right to use your security deposit to repair and replace things damaged beyond the average "wear and tear" - including your nasty carpet.
Although cleaning your carpets before you move out will probably help you get your security deposit back, it doesn't come for free. If you're tight on cash, here are some frugal carpet cleaning ideas:
You can rub any type of foaming shaving cream in to the spots or high traffic areas and then rinse with warm, wet towels. Be careful not to over wet the carpet or this could cause mildew.
Rug/carpet cleaner recipe: 2 cup cornmeal + 1 cup borax, Sprinkle, leave for 1 hour, than vacuum.
Rug/carpet stain remover recipe: club soda
If you have a little cash, go to a janitorial supply company and purchase their cleaners in bulk. This way, you'll only be paying for the cleaner, not the advertising, and the solution won't be diluted.
If you think household cleaners aren't going to do the trick, you should see about renting a professional cleaner. A rental is usually somewhere around $20.00 (plus shampoos and cleaners), and most grocery stores and rental centers rent out high quality steam cleaners.
Some people find the best option is to simply purchase a carpet cleaner. These range anywhere from $80 to $400, and you can take this with you to your next home. For consumer opinions on the best value for a carpet cleaner, visit The Dollar Stretcher Website.
There are two types of carpet cleaning machines: wet and dry.
WET
How it works: The wet cleaners work by injecting a solution into the carpet, and then sucking the solution (along with the dirt) into the machine.
Disadvantages: If the carpets are overwet, this can damage the carpet backing and underlayment and can cause shrinkage, discoloration, and odor.
DRY
How it works: Dry cleaning machines work when you sprinkle a chemical powder over the carpet and then vacuum it up.
Disadvantages: Although they usually work better than home steamers, dry machines and chemicals are more expensive than steamers and wet extraction solutions.
So keep in mind that if you're living in an apartment, and you don't get the stains out before your lease is up, your landlord could see this as grounds to replace the carpeting. While future tenants would probably enjoy new carpeting, you would probably enjoy getting your security deposit back even more. If you follow these tips to keep your carpet looking clean, you'll save yourself from losing any money in the long run.
Published: November 9, 2000
Fair Housing Important Part Of Rental Process
by M. Anthony Carr
So you got the foreclosure at a good price, fixed it up under budget and on time, and now you just need to get a good renter to start raking in the cash. Before you start eliminating applicants from your pool of tenants, make sure you are eliminating for all the right -- and legal -- reasons.
Federal fair housing laws prohibit you from discriminating against potential renters in seven categories:
*Race
*Color
*National origin
*Religion
*Sex
*Familial status
*Handicap
Keep in mind that this information is in regard to the Federal laws. Your local and state laws may include other fair housing requirements, such as sexual orientation, age, matriculation, political affiliation, appearance, source of income and others. Research your local fair housing laws before accepting your first application.
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In some circumstances, various type of properties are exempt from the Act, including: owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Outside of these special circumstances, you cannot do the following based on the above mentioned protected classes:
*Refuse to rent or sell housing
*Refuse to negotiate for housing
*Make housing unavailable
*Deny a dwelling
*Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
*Provide different housing services or facilities
*Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
*For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or
*Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.
The Fair Housing Act was written to protect people in the enjoyment of their housing as well, thus it's also illegal for anyone to:
*Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right. This means a person cannot harass a neighbor because of his or her color or familial status or the other protected classes.
*Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on these classes. For instance, advertising your property as "great for single adults," may violate the Fair Housing Act.
If you violate the Fair Housing Act, you could find yourself up against some very stiff consequences, including payment of fines, retribution payments to the claimant and even the attorney expenses. The Fair Housing Act also allows fair housing groups who sue on behalf of victims to sue for legal expenses. So if you discriminate, you're not just threatening a law suit from the victim, but the government and nonprofits as well.
The bottom line is treat everyone the same. Don't hold rules up for one group to follow and bend them for another. As you qualify potential tenants, RentGrow.com, a background checking organization that processes rental applications, suggests basing your decision on the following criteria:
*Check the credit history. Obviously.
*Consider the extent of credit established (it's not good enough to just have credit).
*Income. Is there any and how deep in debt is the applicant?
*Length of housing history. Is it stable, long-term, did they pay rent ON-TIME?
*Verify rental experience. The screener should call past rentals. Is the rent current? Were they asked to leave? Would the applicant be welcome back?
*Length of employment history. Have they demonstrated a stable work habit? Will they continue their employment so rent can be paid.
*Employment verifications. The property manager wants to know if the salary statements, including length on the job, in the position, etc., is accurate.
*Criminal record search. Need I say more?
*Eviction records search. This checks for judgments filed at the courthouse and any evictions from the past.
*Co-applicant status. Not only do you want to feel comfortable with the roomie, but can this person help or hurt the primary applicant in qualifying for renting that next penthouse condo?
As you can see, none of these questions were based on the seven fair housing classes. Following these processes can save you a lot of trouble and give you a worry-free investment experience.
Published: January 23, 2004
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Real Estate Contracts Should Include Well Testing
by Stuart Lieberman
Drinking water is of course one of those things that you cannot do without. And for persons who rely on well water, the condition of the well dictates the condition of the drinking water quality. That is why, I believe that everyone should test their drinking water well before purchasing a house or any other building that relies on well water for drinking water purposes.
I suggest that everyone who buys and sells property be required to agree that a well water sample will be taken. In addition, I propose that every real estate contract contain a contingency which indicates what will happen if the drinking water quality is not drinkable (technically speaking, "potable.")
Finding out that drinking water is not potable is not fatal to a real estate transaction. There are many methods available for treating well water which does not satisfy legal drinking water requirements. Solutions ranging from charcoal filters to reverse osmosis to more complicated air stripping are routinely employed to clean water which is contaminated.
Historically, people used to purchase homes all over this country without testing well water. While at one time, when many of us were not aware of the health hazard potentials associated with dirty drinking water, that might have been justifiable, ignorance is not bliss and it is no longer justifiable to proceed with a real estate transaction where this vital information has not been disclosed.
In the event that drinking water is not potable, it is clear that a sale might be jeopardized. Even if that occurs, many fixes can be performed in a period of months and the house can be returned to the market. In addition, a prudent course might be for a seller to test the drinking water several months before placing the house on the market. In this manner, there will be no risk of losing a prospect because of the drinking water issue.
Finding out that water is not suitable does not mean that a homeowner will have to foot the bill alone. There might be an opportunity to file a claim with the homeowner's insurance policy. In addition, many states have loan and grant programs that are available to owners of properties with wells that have been impacted by hazardous substances.
In severe cases, or cases involving multiple properties, litigation against the polluters may be appropriate. Litigation is appropriate only when the source of the pollution is known. Often it is not known.
What are the kinds of contaminants likely to be detected in drinking water? The answer largely depends on where the home is situated. Homes in rural communities might have bacteria from animal waste and they might also have pesticide contamination. Water in more industrial areas might have solvents, oils, and other kinds of industrial fluids. Of course, these are just generalities, only real testing can inform an individual of the quality of the drinking water.
In addition to transactions in which houses are being sold and purchased, I also believe that renters must be given the same level of protection. Indeed, municipalities should consider ordinances requiring that apartment owners test the quality of their drinking water on a regular interval basis to insure that tenants are receiving the benefits of clean drinking water.
Drinking water is hardly a luxury. Indeed, certain kinds of contaminants can make people ill and even kill people. We are now in the twenty first century and it is important that real estate contracts recognize this problem and address the problem in the context of the real estate transaction. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to our health.
Published: December 12, 2002
Forty-Five Toxic Homes To Be Demolished In Florida
by Stuart Lieberman
Can you imagine living in your home and feeling secure, only to have that sense of security taken away when you are told by the government that your backyard contains high levels of dioxin? Dioxin is a chemical which has long been associated with cancer.
This is exactly what has happened to a community in Pensacola, Florida. The EPA has already moved 358 families as a result of dioxin contamination. This is the third largest relocation in EPA history.
In 1992 the EPA excavated thousands of tons of contaminated soil in order to stop contaminants at this Superfund site from entering the groundwater and destroying nearby drinking water. But nobody did anything about the homes until now. Which means that these families have been living in this situation for at least ten years. One must wonder why it took the EPA so long to ensure that the families were protected.
The houses were unfortunately constructed in an area on and near what once was a toxic waste disposal site. There are similar toxic waste disposal sites located all over the United States. Is your home on one?
When builders develop new homes today, they usually will undertake what is called a Phase I and Phase II environmental study to determine whether the property is contaminated. But, not long ago developers did not undertake that kind of study and thus what happened in Pensacola has happened all over the country. People unknowingly are forced to live on top of toxic conditions.
What has happened in Pensacola reflects the most extreme kind of case: one where entire neighborhoods have to be relocated. Every year, polluters are required to relocate individuals either as part of Court Ordered directives or as part of amicable resolutions between polluters and the homeowners. But seldom are entire communities relocated.
What is a homeowner to do if he or she suspects contamination? Initially, you need to determine if it is true. Only environmental sampling will determine whether a house is constructed on toxins. If that is the case, then the extent of contamination and the levels of contamination must be professionally determined.
Once the extent and levels of contamination are determined, the next question is whether relocation is required or will some other kind of solution be available. And part in parcel with this question is the related question: Who will pay for this?
If the polluter is available, then the answer is obvious. But very often the polluter isn't available and then other sources of payment are required. This can include insurance policies, public funds, and low interest loans.
Competent legal assistance is required especially where a large scale claim is involved. And if it is determined that a residence has been located on a toxic site for years, then the question of current or possible future physical injury must also be addressed.
Most people in this country need not concern themselves with the prospect that their house is built on a toxic time bomb. But, it happens and when it does adequate and competent professional assistance is an absolute must.
Published: January 6, 2004
