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MAR-13-1998 12 36 LEAGUE bF MN CITIES P.12i22 claufficatifon .J, Muniei ali � tY A. �stl•�M�. Date G T. Cv+.yro« a►y . Research and Informatior, Service � Truth-in-HoUffln2mogram turns ,"buyers 4 beware 9 Into 6be warned ' .... By Eileen Harvala -7 evaluators set their own fees for floor. _ TLrni�g"bi y�efs beware"Into 'h��hon, but most of the •Gas appUcs ►titer buyers — at the least — "be range from$loo to$125. heaters and furnaces-=withot The certified evaluator will in- draft hoods,or with hooch shovi►- forewarned"Is the goal of a new sped the home with very few ing., spillage of combustible program in Hopkins. tools—a flashlight and,maybe, products. Hopkins' Truth-in-Housing a ladder, said Graham. "The •Freestanding space heaters program takes effect Aug. 1. It evaluator is not going to come located in bedrooms of requires inspections of residen- into the home and start taking bathrooms that take their co-m'- tial housing for sale prior to the things apart with a screwdriver. bustion air from the room ir1 houses being sold. The law ap- The evaluator is not going to which they are locate& plies to housing from single- take anything apart or look at •Heating plants,.water heaters family homes to fourplexes, in- anything that may be covered, : of fuel-burning equipment *Ith eluding condominiums and although that will be noted on missing or defective safety townhouses. It also applies to I the report,"he said. controls. houses currently on the market. Basically, the evaluator will .Fuel-burning appliances and The only exception is those check to see if there is damage vent systems with rust holes or homeowners with a signed pur- to the roof; ifs ' pen joints. burgles have fail- o chase agreement by Aug. 1. ed; the condition of the siding, • Vent systems or fuel-burning The Truth-in-Housing pro- windows and foundation; appliances creating imminent gram is not designed to inhibit whether the electrical service is !fire hazards. the sale of a house,laid Patric =adequate and done by a profes- •Underground metal electrical Graham, Hopkins' building in- ;sional; the condition of the .fixtures located within reach of spector and housing specialist. 'floors, walls and ceilings; signs a person touching grounded It is designed to protect both the.- of water damage; and the condi- 'plumbing fixtures. seller and the buyer,he said. tion of the heating and water .Rooms used as bedroom The purpose of the law is systems and if they meet usually in basements, 'without threefold: maintain, preserve standards, approved eerie"`enc egress and improve Hopkins' housing Hopkins' inspection depart- doors or windows y stock;provide a way of enn rWg ment will not become involved -Other conditions causing compliance with the city's hous- unless the evaluator flags items distinct inuhinerlt life- ing code;and correct health and 'as "hazardous." Meven items threatening hazards. safety hazards, are called "hazardous" in the Correction of the hazards It is designed to give the buyer city's law, requiring mandatory must take place immediately, information on the home before correction: arid is the i�espotrsibllity of the it Is sold,said Graham. •Gas piping,remaining after Ah seller,, said Graham: Building Residents selling their homes appliaTi- ties been dLSCdn- perrnits for tht`a coin-�ioas must hire a "certified nee. not properly plugged or ntyst_be obtain' ftoni the city's evaluator" to do the inspection. �• btiildiiig liisp�torh,The IN of Evaluators currently certified •Water heaters and f iriiaces in the house Gill billy undertake by Minneapolis and St. Paul are confined spaces, lacking proper the coitections if prior permis- eligible e for certification by air for combustion. sion is obtained form the city,he Hopkins as well. A list of cer- •Water heaters or hot water said. tified evaluators is available at boilers without temperature "Other than requiring (azar- Hopkins City Hall, 10101st St.S. relief valves, or with undersized dous items to it Is not A list may also be available drain pipes or pipes not eaten- ' from real estate agents. The ding to within 18 inches of:the