Anthony M. Zugel, Professional Real Estate Inspector & Consultant

I am very happy to announce that I'll be working with Premium Properties of Berkeley for the 3rd consecutive year!

Wow! Yeah, okay, I need to focus on my page. I'll post at least 1 update later today after I get some new photos taken. I've got plenty more to post about as well! Thanks to all of you who've taken a look or routinely check-in.

Continuing where I left off... After four back-to-back failures, they've finally got the lower foundation walls in place. My initial comments regarding the astoundingly poor planning and lack of quality control with their work have held true. I have serious doubts that city was even notified about the concrete being placed. I have even more significant doubts about how this foundation will perform and potentially fail in an earthquake. This is why I'm in business; to help m...y clients make well informed decisions and avoid situations like this. #BayHillsInspectionServices

The public needs many more inspectors. Inspectors such as myself. Inspectors that know the conditions in areas they work. Conditions that nobody else wants to recognize or talk about, because it might slow down their revenue stream. Case in point: the hills are always moving, and that movement appears to be accelerating, even if only slightly... an amount you wouldn't recognize unless you've spent many years observing and considering. This builder didn't know, or care to know.... Insufficient form building and stabilization of the hillside cut. I imagine the cost of correcting this will be eaten by the builder, but maybe not. Correcting this properly, to ensure the same thing won't happen again before the concrete can be poured and set will cost several thousand. That's not even addressing the poor decision making of starting a build so late in the year. That however could have been pushed by the client, but should have none the less been quashed by the builder, out of pragmatism and the simple understanding that building a home through the winter simply isn't a good idea. Wet wood framing, wet metal components, wet sheathing, wet sheetrock... everything other than concrete will be negatively effected. Convenience and personal desire can not trump natural and environmental conditions. Every client and agent needs a person in the mix who understands the necessity and isn't afraid to say no. This is one of the many reasons why I provide consulting services in addition to inspection. *This isn't even the worst of what's currently underway in the Montclair area. Stay tuned for odd, poorly planned, and down-right terrifying/dangerous examples and insight.

Electric cooktops that can mysteriously turn themselves on are not a good thing.