Building and On-Site Impact Issues

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems - EIFS (Synthetic Stucco)

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. Manufacturers of this cladding product state that the product affords benefits such as:

• Energy efficiency
• Minimal need for painting
• Wide color availability

However, moisture intrusion, especially in moist climates, such as North Carolina and British Columbia, has caused major problems such as the rotting of interior wall members (e.g. wood studs and plates). Whether the cause of these problems is related to the product or its application/installation is not clear at this time.

For more information:
www.eifslaw.com

Masonite and Hardboard Siding

There has been a class action lawsuit involving certain types of Masonite brand siding. The class includes all persons owning property in the U. S. on which Masonite Hardboard Siding manufactured since 1980 is installed. A settlement fund is available for the homeowners who have damaged siding due to a manufacturing defect. Filing deadlines exist, ranging from January 2005 to January 2008.

Some other similar hardboard siding products may exhibit the same types of defects. There may be other class action funds available for these products from time to time. The buyer should consult their home inspector for additional information.

Resources on the settlement: www.masoniteclaims.com/masonite/index.html

This web page contains full information on the settlement, including forms and telephone numbers; or call 1-800-330-2722.

On Site Sewage Disposal Systems (Septic Systems)

Many lenders require that a septic inspection be performed on the borrower's property prior to issuing funds. However, any purchaser involved in a real estate transaction is encouraged to request such a test. When an inspection is done, it must be done according to regulations outlined by the Missouri Department of Health (plus any local ordinances), by certified* private loan evaluators. The regulations outline a standardized test with a checklist, which provides uniform testing of these systems across the state.

The three main components of the inspection are the connections of the plumbing in the house, the tank and the drain field. The form currently being used by the inspectors does not state whether the system "passes or fails" but instead notes whether any deficiencies have been found.

Your Realtor^® can provide you with a list of certified inspectors (private loan evaluators).

Underground Irrigation Systems

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have annual inspections of the back flow preventers of the irrigation system. Back flow preventers are valves that are installed in the fresh water line feeding an irrigation system. Their purpose is to prevent the accidental reverse flow of water from the system into the fresh water supply. Under certain conditions, it is possible for flow reversal of the water supply, which could introduce fertilizers, pesticides and other toxic substances into the drinking water. Inspections need to be conducted by certified lawn irrigation contractors or plumbers.

Water Company Stop Boxes

A "stop box" is a device located between the home and the water company line that allows the water company to turn off the water to the home without entering the home. Locally the property owner and not the water company own the stop box and its stopcock valve. Stop boxes occasionally are buried several inches or feet underground or may be incorrectly aligned. However, water companies may require that the stop box be at grade level, free of debris and accessible. A Public Utility Rider may be attached to the Residential Sale Contract of the St. Louis Association of Realtors at the time of contract to require the seller to complete any required stop box location and correction issues prior to closing.

Local water companies typically do not provide inspection services. However, plumbers may contact the water company to determine the approximate location of the stop box. Also, there are companies who specialize in the location and correction of stop box deficiencies.

Wells

All wells drilled after November 1987 are required by law to be certified and most lending institutions will not release monies on real estate transactions without the state well certification number. To speed up the process when making a request for a certification number, the following should be helpful:

Call the Department of Natural resources (Division of Geology and Land Survey) at 573-368-2100 and provide:

• The reference number from the original well certification form
• Your name, or the previous owner's name, if the property has changed owners since November, 1987
• Legal description
• The name of the contractor who drilled the well and/or installed the pump in the well.

In addition, the Department of Natural Resources strongly recommends that abandoned wells be plugged to prevent any threat of ground water contamination to any wells in use on the property. When plugging an abandoned well, state regulations must be followed. Information will be provided by the Department of Natural Resources upon request.