Hearing from contractors working for local homeowners in preparation of the summer season.

Two issues related to Sandy are causing great concern: electrical and air conditioning.

If there is a possibility that any salt water was in your crawl space during the storm (even if it quickly drained), please take the time to inspect the area.

I looked in a crawl space hatch for a house in Avalon last week-  the duct work was on the ground, and the insulation hanging down.  Now, with just a few weeks left before the first tenant arrives, an HVAC company has to remove all of the insulation, duct work and trunk lines, and replace with new.  An expensive and time consuming job; and the central air will not function until the work is complete.

Electricians are making repairs to junction boxes in crawl spaces, too.  Property owners may find their breakers tripping or appliances not working.  The cause: corroded wires in the crawl space (even with enclosed junction boxes) from salt water.  This is a serious safety issue and warrants an inspection by a licensed electrician.

Tenants expect their rental property to be fully functional and safe for their vacation.  If you need a recommendation for a local contractor, please let me know.