WestPoint Interview luncheon with Michael Joseph of ReMax/The 5 Wins

It was great to meet with ReMax's top producer Michael Joseph and briefly discuss Home Inspections in the Cayman Islands. We had lunch at Da Fish Shack on the water near the Harbour. 

Michael's series, 'The 5 Wins' is an ongoing, very informative mini-series of video luncheons featuring interviews with local company owners. Afterwards, donations to local charities concludes the videos.

Below is a link to the video:

https://youtu.be/fupkso6nUio

WestPoint Inspection Minute episode 2 on the Cayman Real Estate Channel

Click below to see our 2nd segment (WestStar Channel 37, 24 and Fuse 3 in the Cayman Islands)

Click here to see the 2 minute segment

WestPoint Inspection Minute episode 1 on the Cayman Real Estate Channel

Click below to see our first short segment (WestStar Channel 37, 24 and Fuse 3 in the Cayman Islands)

Click here to see the 3 minute segment

WestPoint Home Inspection TV interview on Cayman27 News

Follow the link below to see our Cayman27 TV interview

Click here to go to WestPoint Inspections TV interview

Hot water heaters - what temperature is too hot?

TODAY, WE HAVE TANK AND TANKLESS WATER HEATERS......

Of the two types mentioned above, your water heater can be powered by electricity, propane (LP gas), solar and natural gas. The latter being the least likely option in the Cayman Islands. 

Both tank and tankless water heaters have a temperature setting. Some tank water heaters

have them hidden behind a small metal panel, while others have them in plain view. 

Electric tankless water heaters typically have an obvious dial or digital setting directly in the front for easy viewing and setting.

If your water heater has been installed correctly and is functioning correctly, you should not have to adjust the setting. However, factory settings can vary and if you are not the original owner of the heater, the setting may have been previously adjusted.

The average temperature setting is generally around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius), while a majority of manufacturer settings are as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius). Turning the temperature lower than 120 degrees (49 Celsius) may allow certain strains of bacteria to survive, while raising the temperature above 140 degrees (60 Celsius) can be dangerous.

At 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius, an adult can sustain a third degree burn in only 5 seconds and much less for a child! So be careful, set the temperature accordingly, and be safe.

Home Inspection: what do you think this is?

On a recent property inspection, while walking the Exterior and Grounds, we found the following on a concrete and stucco wall: 

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What do you think this is?

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Pro Tip: Porcelain vs. Ceramic

Which tile should you pick, and why?

Tile is tile, right? The short answer is yes. However, when trying to decide between porcelain and ceramic tiles, there are a few quick facts and tips you should know.

FACTS:

• Porcelain is harder than ceramic and typically costs more
• Ceramic usually costs less and has a top layer of glazing
• Porcelain has the same color throughout the tile - so if it chips, it's not so noticeable
  
• Ceramic has a top layer glazing, and if it chips, the different colored clay layer below shows, and is very noticeable
• Both Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are made of clay
• Both Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are suitable throughout the home in hot climates like the Cayman Islands, Southern United States, and the rest of the Caribbean.

PRO TIP:

If you are planning to install the tiles yourself, it's probably a better idea to buy ceramic, because they are easier to work with and standard tile cutting tools will work fine. Porcelain however, is hard and will not cooperate nicely with standard tools and additional equipment may be required.

Conversely, if you are planning to have a professional install the tiles, then buy porcelain if your budget permits!