It seems so cliché to use a line like, “A new year; a time for new beginnings”, or any other of the phrases that indicate a time for change, a fresh start, or simply discussion of New Year’s resolutions. However, that’s what so many of us have been thinking about for the past several days and especially today. The New Year is a great time to evaluate where we have been and where we want to be in the upcoming months. But are the ideas you have for change really going to help you in 2011? Are you planning properly so that you have a better chance of succeeding? Do you have a way of realizing when you’ve reached your goals? Is there accountability in your plan?

Most often, people make goals to lose weight, get a better job, or save money, but these types of goals are vague and are easily brushed aside. First, think about making your goals very specific. For example, I want to lose weight. Ideally, I’d like to lose about 40 pounds. So if I simply say I want to lose weight, I have left a lot of open ends. So now I know exactly how much I want to lose. 40 pounds may sound like a lot of weight and it might seem completely impossible to some people. What’s a more attainable goal that could easily be reached? How about 2 pounds per week or 8 pounds per month? I would rather shoot for 8 pounds per month. Do the math. (8 x 5 = 40) So I know that if I can stick to losing just 8 pounds per month, in 5 months I will have reached my goal of 40 pounds lost. By breaking it down into smaller chunks I can see that it is a more reachable goal. Chances are fairly good that if I lose that first 8 pounds within the first month it will be much easier to stick to my plan and lose the rest.

I discussed the weight-loss goal first because I believe that it is a goal that so many people try to keep. Now let’s take a look at some of the other goals people set and find ways to make them more manageable.

Finding a better job – What does this mean to you? Do you just want better pay or do you want a different schedule than what you are currently working? Do you want to have added responsibility and be in charge or do you just want to do something that you really love to do? Once you determine what your definition of a better job is, you are better enabled to find it. Here’s another good example of this using my thoughts and ideas. If I were to decide I wanted a better job I would probably be saying that I wanted to do exactly what I wanted to do, something I really enjoyed. For me, two totally different things come to mind. First, I would love to work in the woods and mountains maybe as a Game Warden or Park Ranger. Now, this is something I think I’d really enjoy but the pay wouldn’t necessarily be the greatest. Also, for some states, to be a Game Warden, you need a college degree. Therefore, to become a Game Warden, I would have to complete my degree in college which would take at least two years and some tuition assistance along the way. Another job that I really think I would like is to become a Social Worker, specifically a Counselor of some type. Once again, I would need to go back to college and take on some serious courses before this could ever happen. I would definitely make a little better pay in this type of job and I would think I could have better control of my schedule if I had my own practice. Those are both added benefits that I can plan for. So define what your “better job” would be and why you want it. From there you can have a better idea of how to get where you want to be and if it is as easily attainable as you’d like it to be.

Saving money – Why do you want to save money? Have you lived paycheck to paycheck in the past and want to have the freedom to spend as you wish in between? Is there something in particular you would like to save for such as a vacation or a new car? Do you want to set up an emergency fund for the future, just in case? Decide why you want to save. Just stating that you want to save money will quickly lead you to not saving enough. I would like to save money because I have lived paycheck to paycheck and have not been able to take my kids on any cool vacations. How much do I need to save? We could go on a really great trip for $2000. When would I like to take this trip? Probably in August right before they go back to school. Why is this important? Well, I know when I need the money by, so I can work out the math again. There’s just a little over 7 months until I’d like to take a trip. ($2000 divided by 7 months = $286) I need to save around $286 per month for the next 7 months if I want to have $2000 to go on this trip in August. Now I need to figure out how to save that much money per month. The ideas for this are limitless but a few ways I could do it would be to drive less so as not to spend so much for gas. I could try to reduce the amount of utilities I use. I could buy the kids less junk during the year and fewer fast food meals to save money. Decide how much you need and then specific ways to get there so you have a much better chance of making it happen.

Another part of the setting goals equation is accountability. Accountability is defined as the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable. This is where a lot of people fail, even if they have a great plan in place. If there are benchmarks in place, or if there is a friend, maybe a relative, to ask you how you are doing with your goal, there is a much better chance of you keeping up with the plan to make the goal. This is definitely not the cure-all for goal setting but it can definitely make you want to keep up with your plan. So, tell someone you trust and can rely on that you are working on a plan to eat less McDonalds and more healthy food at home. Then ask them to check in on you every week or so just to see how things are going. Better yet, tell several people about your goals and plans to get there so more people can check on you and even offer encouragement if needed. This may be all you need to lose that last 20 pounds before spring gets here.

What are some other goals that you might think about? I have made a list of ideas that you might want to take on as your own. Just keep in mind that no matter what goals you set, even the most simple sounding goals, you should put a plan into place and remain accountable for them.

1) Contact old friends and family members
2) Take more photographs of things you enjoy
3) Sleep more or less each day
4) Read more books
5) Watch less TV
6) Do not get caught up in other people’s drama
7) Stop yelling at kids
Go fishing more often
9) Care about others more than yourself
10) Go to church
11)Paint the house
12) Fix up that old car
13) Take care of your body better
14) Find a new hobby
15) Make new friends
16) Learn how to positively discipline your kids
17) Learn to play an instrument
18) Learn to cook
19) Stop being a victim
20) Stop trying to control
21) Stop smoking
22) Start a club
23) Start a business
24) Start a website
25) Visit the museums
26) Travel overseas
27) Hike the Appalachian Trail
28) Get a dog
29) Learn a new language
30) Learn to love

Please tell me about your goals. If you have ideas to add to this list, I’d love to hear about them. If you have any other good advice concerning goals, tell me about it. Many people would end this with “Good Luck”. But someone taught me that there is no such thing as luck… only circumstance! Thanks and best wishes to you in 2011.

Nobody ever calls me and says they WANT to have me come out and work on waterproofing their basement just because. It’s always a NEED and usually an immediate need. Sometimes folks decide to put off making the repairs because they don’t see the importance of it and don’t see the problems that could be caused by water intrusion if left alone. Nobody WANTS to spend money on basement waterproofing because the finished product is not something you can see, like a bathroom remodel or new carpet would be. Basement waterproofing is an absolute necessity and needs to be repaired to avoid further problems such as structural decay, mold, etc.

Call us at 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 and check out our website at www.NVBWS.com

Throughout my real estate career, I’ve encountered more problems with wet foundations and basements than any other physical problem in a house. Therefore, it’s important when buying a house with a basement to check for signs of dampness in the basement. It’s better to find out before you buy than afterwards, especially since you can’t rely on seller disclosures. Why can’t you rely on seller disclosures? Because the sellers might not know about it. If the sellers did have knowledge, however, and failed to disclose the water problems in a basement, it could be:

• Difficult to prove in court
• Take years to get into court
• Expensive to sue
• Very expensive to dry out the basement

This is why you should always, without fail, get an independent home inspection by a qualified and accredited professional.

Signs of a Damp or Wet Basement

• Water stains along walls or floor. This could be caused by something simple such as an overflowing laundry tub or it could be a result of water seeping in through basement windows, the walls or the floor.
• Musty odor or damp smell. Excess moisture in a basement can cause an unmistakable smell.
• Mold. It could be colored black, brown, yellow or green, and you won’t know for certain if it’s mold without testing it. Often the northwest corner of a house is known as a “cold corner” and susceptible to developing mold.
• Efflorescence. This condition produces a white or sometimes grayish ash on the walls. Sometimes it sparkles. Efflorescence is caused by salt deposits left behind by evaporating water.
• Spalling. When water gets inside the surface of concrete, brick or stone, salt deposits from the water cause the surface to flake away, peel or pop off.

What does all this mean to you and me? We’ve still got a very high chance of being hit with above-average amounts of rain. If you have been putting off having that “small” water intrusion issue looked at, now might be a good time to call us. You may actually be dealing with a small problem that can easily be repaired at little cost. On the otherhand, you could very well be dealing with a large problem that if left unrepaired, may be 4 to 5 times more costly to repair after a storm hits.

Want an honest evalution of the problem with a recommendation for the best solution possible to fix your unique problem? Want to avoid sales tactics and high-pressure techniques? Call TODAY! Don’t wait until it’s too late.

In fact, a leaking foundation can silently destroy your home, facilitate health risks, and lead to poor resale value…or even worse, no resale at all. NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems is your local waterproofing company. We’ve been satisfying customers’ construction and remodeling needs in the Northern, Northwestern Virginia, and Richmond areas for many years and found we needed a better way to waterproof. The exclusive “Barrier Dual Drainage System” installed at a structure provides a 100% non-prorated Guarantee that water will not penetrate those foundation walls in any area where the system has been installed. If the walls are wet or “discolored” due to moisture you should be extremely concerned. A foundation wall is like a sponge and it will hold moisture. This can lead to BIGGER PROBLEMS! STRUCTURAL DECAY, HEALTH RISKS, AND POOR RESALE VALUE. Building materials and water don’t mix and MOLD begins growing within 24 to 36 hours of a water leak. We aren’t “professional salespeople” and we don’t play those games. We are simply hard working contractors and waterproofing professionals and will inspect your problem, show you what we do, and render our opinion. After all it’s your home and your decision, not ours. Contact us today at Jon@NVBWS.com or visit our website at www.NVBWS.com .

However, we would like to make a point concerning the current weather conditions: 

If you are planning to have your basement or crawl space waterproofed this year, now is the
time to have a date reserved by signing the contract for work and paying the deposit.  After the snow
melts from this latest storm, every waterproofing company in Virginia and surrounding states will
most likely be booked through the end of Summer. Some of us may even be booked for the rest of the year. Last month, after the snow from the Christmas storm melted, we quickly became booked up into March. 
If a fraction of the customer estimates we did after Christmas turn into actual jobs, then we will be booked
well into Summer, and that is without taking any calls for this latest storm or the ones on the way.

If we end up with another 20 inches on top of the record snow fall we already have on the ground,
basements that have never leaked before will start leaking, and those that are already
leaking may even start to flood! The ground is saturated and there are millions of gallons of water,
in the form of snow, still sitting on the surface ready to melt!

Call Jon to get on our work schedule soon! We have to wait until the snow is gone before we can
begin working, and once it starts to melt, new calls will come in. Please understand that this is just a
friendly reminder, and that we work on a “first signed, first served” basis.  

Reserve now; it is going to be a wet spring!

Northern Virginia (Fairfax/Arlington/Springfield areas): 703-866-0535

Northwestern Virginia (Winchester/Front Royal areas): 540-974-2755

Southeastern Virginia (Richmond/Norfolk areas): 804-859-2544

http://nvbws.com

Southwestern Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina: 703-901-2792 or http://www.dri-us.com

A foundation leak is no small matter! In fact, a foundation leaking water can silently destroy your home, facilitate health risks, and lead to poor resale value… or even worse, no resale at all. At NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems, we stand ready to help you reclaim your home with our exclusive
Barrier Dual Drainage Waterproofing System™. We will provide you with a FULLY GUARANTEED and
PROVEN SOLUTION to your wet basement or crawlspace problem. Contact NVBWS today to find out how
you can truly waterproof your home, with a 100% guarantee that treated walls will remain dry, and
stop the nightmare of wet basements and crawl spaces today!

1.When you see water or mold in your basement or crawlspace, for all intents and purposes it is already too late. You must take action and fix it immediately

2.Water problems only get worse and do not get better on their own

3.Water or moisture is a sign of structural problems that are only going to get worse

4.If you see white powder on the walls or floor this is a sign of impending water penetration, take action

5.That musty odor is a health warning

6.Any kind of mold in your home is must be remediated, if you see it in your basement it has already infiltrated your upstairs living area

7.Water on your floor or the bottom half of your wall is a definite hydrostatic problem and not a grading or downspout issue

Mold, Moisture and Your Home

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should promptly clean the area and correct the water problem. It’s important to dry out the water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment and serve a purpose outdoors. But inside, mold growth can be problematic. Mold reproduces indoors as mold spores land on wet surfaces. Of the many types of molds, none will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic reactions to mold are common, and may include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For more detailed information, consult a physician.

How do I eliminate or prevent mold from growing indoors?

Mold spores will not grow without moisture. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or restricted by controlling moisture. Tips to help prevent and control moisture and mold are as follows:

• Clean up all water leaks or spills quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, it is less likely that mold will grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Check the building foundation: Do the surrounding grounds slope in a way that would prevent water from entering or collecting at the foundation? If the foundation is damaged, consult a specialist like NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems to have it fixed immediately.
• Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• Vent appliances that produce moisture. Appliances such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters should be vented to the outside when possible.
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation.
• Increase the air temperature.

 Brian K. Walter

President
Walter & Walter Insurance Agency
P.O. Box 4370
Winchester, Va. 22604
Phone: 540-662-1212 Fax: 540-667-4820
www.walterandwalter.com
walterandwalterinsurance@yahoo.com

Many people are very sensitive to molds and other allergens; everybody has a reaction to some type of pollen or mold spore. We have mold everywhere; it is the higher than normal levels that are reason for concern. People have purchased homes that have not been remediated of mold properly. Most of the homes need to be cleaned again after the initial mold clean up. Home owners are getting sick and having to go to the hospital to treat major allergy infections.

It is a professional duty of all real estate agents and contractors to make sure mold issues are identified and made known to all parties interested of such issues with everyone knowing that the property has a better chance of getting the mold remediated properly, and being turned back into a livable house again. 

Mold is not something to take lightly, but also it is something that can be fixed. Most of the basement leaks need to be repaired after the remediation to prevent more water from entering.  If contractors are doing remediation then they should at least be certified to do remediation and especially be insured to do the work. Insurance now requires coverage for remediation of mold. Different states have their own requirements for insurance, check your local regulations. This is a reason that a simple handy man shouldn’t do mold remediation.

Experience is the only way to know what is going on in the house. After all, in the basements I’ve seen, the only conclusion is that they just need to be totally gutted of drywall and cleaned throughout the house. Just cleaning the surface and painting with KILZ doesn’t always work. I can’t tell you how many times I have re-cleaned where a supposed mold remediation took place (all that happened was a spray and wipe clean up, not total removal).  This isn’t just for the foreclosures but even for houses that people live in. The biggest complaint of home owners is bad air quality; this is mainly due to dirty air ducts and HVAC units, years of neglected maintaince and improper filters being used.

More information should be shared between all professions so we can help homeowners and business owners having a safe environment to work and live in.  

Patrick Hart, Atlantic Coast Inspection Services, LLC.

Cert. Inspector/ Consultant

Office-703-440-8335, Fax-703-440-8336

www.acinspectionservices.com