Time is right to tackle projects

     By Nancy Quon
     View columnist
      With the new year upon us, it may be time for local homeowners to deal with home issues previously put off because they were either too expensive, too time consuming or just too overwhelming.
      The following are some New Year's resolutions homeowners should consider for 1999:
      First, if you live within a community association, take the time to read the CC&Rs and bylaws for your association together with the entire chapter of Nevada Revised Statute 116 to determine your rights and obligations. NRS 116 is a bit complicated, so ask for help if you don't understand a particular section.
      Organizations such as Community Associations Institute (CAI), Nevada Association of Residential Communities (NARC) and even the UNLV Continuing Education Department offer educational programs for homeowners living within associations.
      Also, Nevada law now provides for an ombudsman to help homeowners with questions. The ombudsman may be reached through the Nevada Department of Real Estate.
      Next, become more involved. Find out when your next board of directors meeting is and attend. Be aware of what's happening within your community.
      Stay on top of legislation which may impact you as a homeowner in the 1999 session of the Nevada Legislature. Get to know your representatives and let them know you're interested.
      Consider becoming a member of your association's board of directors or volunteer to serve on a committee within your community. If you can't make the commitment yourself, help support one of your neighbors who you know will do a good job.
      Get to know your neighbors personally and try to solve problems amicably. Remember the key to a successfully run association is communication and compassion.
      Every homeowner, whether living within an association or not, should take care of lingering maintenance items. Fixing a leaky roof or plumbing problems are especially important to take care of quickly. If you leave a leak too long, it may be doing more damage inside of your walls than you think.
      For example, there has been a tremendous amount of media coverage lately about a mold called Stachybotrys. According to Linda Stetzenbach, director of the microbiology department at UNLV, Stachybotrys is a toxigenic fungus that has been found in homes and businesses in Las Vegas.
      The mold can grow as a result of water intrusion into the home either from leaking roofs or broken water pipes. The mold likes material that contains high cellulose and low nitrogen -- which means continually moist wallboard provides a perfect growing environment.
      Homeowners or workers who inhale airborne spores from the mold have reported adverse health effects, especially lower respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
      The mold has a very distinct odor, says Stetzenbach, although it is not necessarily visible. If you think you have Stachybotrys, investigate. Don't wait. The best cure is removal of the mold. There are specific guidelines available for removal of Stachybotrys-contaminated materials.
      Meanwhile, Stetzenbach offers homeowners some advice.
      First, assess the amount of damage. If it is less than two square feet of visible growth, completely cover the area with plastic, cut it out and put the material in a double plastic bag, seal the bag and throw it away. Finally, clean the entire area with household bleach. Be cautious, however. Don't touch the mold without protecting your skin, as rashes can develop.
      If there is excessive damage, you will need the assistance of a qualified remediator. You might need to have the water-damaged material, such as wallboard, carpeting and padding, professionally removed.
      Here's hoping these homeowner tips help make 1999 a happy and healthy year.
     
     Nancy Quon is a partner in the Nevada law firm of Maddox & Quon. She can be reached by phone at 366-1900, or by mail at Maddox & Quon, 501 S. Rancho Drive, Suite E-32, Las Vegas, NV 89106.