It seems like all we ever hear is stories about how crappy contractors are today, or how difficult it is to find someone competent to do the jobs we need done around our homes. Good luck to any contractor trying to please a home inspector! It is my pleasure, in this post, to recommend the roofi
...
02/24/2013
This tree has had nothing but time on its side to make a mess of this electrical installation. Originally the wiring and electrical box was attached to the tree and was most likely more or less functional. Based on the type of wire used in the installation (rated for use underground) GFCI p
...
02/23/2013
What is one to think when one comes across window trim that looks like this? It looks…… Melted? Sure enough, right below this nasty melted paint there was more evidence of what a forced air wall heater can do if you cover it with curtains. Heat does rise after all and this is a good exampl
...
02/17/2013
***It has come to my attention that the Department of Energy has withdrawn the new standard for heating and cooling equipment installation. The following post reflects my view of the topic (orginally published before being made aware of the change) and that it still is a good idea for consumers
...
02/12/2013
As we rapidly approach May 1st, 2013, there is more and more discussion about the Department of Energy’s new standard for heating and cooling equipment installation. While roughly based on region it is more accurately defined by state. The most affected states are the ones with the higher heati
...
02/12/2013
I am pretty sure you won’t find a showerdelier on Ebay or at Amazon---or even at Archie McFees. I am very sure you don’t want one even if you could find one. This indoor chandelier is not meant for outdoor installation and the fact that it was raining at the time of inspection only adds to the
...
02/10/2013
Just because you do not see the bear in the woods does not prevent one that is there from biting you. Most home inspector standards of practice attempt to protectc (or absolve) the home inspector from some of these bears that might turn around and bite them where the sun does not shine. The ASH
...
02/07/2013
While some would argue that I am “nit picking,” the fact is that sometimes it is very important to understand the terms we use. I am sure there are interesting studies as to just how things become "generic." Take Kleenex for example. Kleenex is a brand name that is commonly used to describe
...
02/05/2013
The roof on a building I inspected the other day had two steps where the elevation of the roof changed. Both were flashed improperly. The metal flashing at this transition should never be a continuous piece whether it is installed on top of the shingles: Or under the shingles: Regardless of
...
02/04/2013
.JPG)