Home inspectors are often the first to discover vermiculite in a home. They are in a unique position to help ensure that all parties are aware of the potential hazards of vermiculite and the availability of the Trust to help fund an abatement. While you cannot complete claim forms for your customers, you can provide a valuable service by documenting certain things in your report.
Specifically, it is of substantial benefit to the claimant if you:
1. Describe the vermiculite in reasonable detail to include areas covered (e.g., throughout the attic, far left corner, etc.), concealed or obvious, and approximate depth if ascertainable.
2. Include several PHOTOS depicting the vermiculite within the attic. This may provide the claimant with a helpful “before” picture.
3. Take photos of any original branded bags of Zonolite insulation that may have been left behind.
4. Include mention in your report of the ZAI Trust (www.zaitrust.com ) and the possibility of obtaining financial assistance with abatement.
If you discover vermiculite insulation during a home inspection, please consider completing the attached form, and providing a copy to all interested parties. A copy may be found HERE
USEFUL INFORMATION
EPA Asbestos Web Page and Asbestos in Your Home publication.
Home Inspection Opportunities for the ZAI Trust
On occasion, the Trust has a need to confirm or clarify the status of vermiculite abatement in a claimant's home and/or characterize the appearance of the attic. On such occasions, the Trust plans to retain a home inspector to perform a limited inspection. The Trust intends to identify interested home inspectors utilizing the ASHI and InterNACHI membership roles. The inspection will typically consist of visually verifying the presence, or absence, of vermiculite in the attic; taking pictures and filling out a short form/checklist; and emailing the findings to the Trust. The fee will be based on the inspector's normal rate, not to exceed $200. Unusual or special circumstances that justify a higher rate, e.g., lengthy travel time, can be discussed in advance. The fee will be paid upon receipt of an invoice and report from the home inspector. The specifics of what the Trust seeks to confirm or clarify will be discussed with the home inspector in advance.
A Sample Report
On _____________________________, I performed a limited inspection of the home at ________________________________, at the request of the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust.
The limited purpose of the inspection was to verify the status of vermiculite abatement or containment at the home and my findings are as follows:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
I am attaching __(#) of pictures from different vantage points taken by me within the attic at __________________________________________(property address)
Name ______________________________________________________
Date________________________________________________________
FRAUD
The Trust takes fraud and attempted fraud very seriously and under some circumstances is required to report fraud or suspected fraud to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The Trust will investigate suspicious claims and apply heightened scrutiny as it deems warranted. Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Fraud are violations of both state and federal laws and can expose a claimant and/or anyone participating or assisting in the fraud to both civil and criminal sanctions. A professional (and his company) suspected of assisting a claimant with a fraudulent claim will also be reported to the state licensing board.