Five Top Essential Tools For Every Homeowner - 08/29/11 06:43 PM
 

For the women in our audience, you've probably heard your father, husband or boyfriend comment at one time or another, "You can never have enough tools!" Especially, if you're married to the type that likes tinkerin' and fixin'!
But, seriously, if you had to choose your "5" most important tools, what would they be?  You know, the ones you couldn't function in your home without.
Well, here's my initial list. I had to think long and hard about this one, but experience has shown me most jobs around the house can be solved with these very essential and basic … (10 comments)

What's Wrong With This Picture? Gross Neglect - 08/29/11 10:15 AM
 

Answer:  Extremely Dirty Air Filter!
A recent inspection took me to a fairly nice townhome complex, but a neglected and very unclean single family unit. What I found were grossly stained carpets, holes in the walls, missing doors, etc.
My next 'find' was this extremely dirty air filter from the forced air furnace. This home had an unfinished basement with unimpeded access to the filter, easily replaced by removing only the furnace front cover. The furnace was a 2005 manufacture, and it's possible this filter was never changed.
Incidently, the furnace was defected for 'short-cyling'.  Who knows how long … (4 comments)

What's Wrong With This Picture? 3-2-10 Rule - 08/19/11 10:31 AM
ANSWER: Improper function, poor planning, danger.                                                                           Look closely at the metal chimney. What do you see? Exhaust vent too close to the structure? Loose chimney cap? Rusted? Venting appears to be compromised?
In the inspection industry we frequently refer to a building standard called the “3-2-10” Rule.  That is, the chimney must be 3 feet above roof at the high side of the roof/chimney penetration, 2 feet above any building member within 10 feet.
Well, the inspector of this home sent us what appears to be a new take on the 3-2-10 Rule. Tie the chimney to the eave 3 times. … (4 comments)

What's Wrong With This Picture? Chillin' or Grillin'? - 08/12/11 10:36 AM
ANSWER: Interesting choice for replacement part. "How in the heck did someone figure out their A/C could double as a BBQ? Brilliant!”- Jerry Blodgett, U.S. Inspect Calif.
 Well, okay, they’re probably not using the A/C condensing unit as their BBQ, but this grille sure looks familiar? Nice fit, don’t you think? And, it works! BBQ or A/C? Hot dogs, anyone?
Thanks to our inspector Jerry Blodgett of our Orange County, California area inspection team for this lighter moment.
Posted at U.S. Inspect blog by Bill Zoller.
… (7 comments)

Picture Perfect: A Lighter Moment - 08/07/11 04:50 PM

A recently scheduled inspection for U.S. Inspect inspector Joe Donnelly began with these very clear instructions from a somewhat concerned, but very polite little homeowner. Joe thought this was too cute to pass up and decided to snap a picture to share with us (and we're glad he did!). He joked that while the request was a little upsetting, it did reduce his inspection time by 20 minutes!
Good home inspectors always anticipate the unexpected, and roll with the flow!
Thank you, Joe, for showing us just one of the pleasures of being a home inspector. We appreciate your honoring … (11 comments)

 
Zoller_bill

William (Bill) Zoller

Loveland, CO

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U.S. Inspect, LLC

Address: 3650 Concorde Parkway, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA, 20151

Cell Phone: (970) 201-1325

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