building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (7/3/8) - 07/05/08 09:07 PM
Careful of those fan blades, especially when they can hit the kitchen cabinet door when it is open!!
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real … (7 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/27/08) - 06/27/08 07:59 AM
This is an excellent example of what can happen if a water management system component fails. In this case, the siding was allowed to deteriorate and water penetrated the seams. Once inside it soaked the insulation and from there the wood. Obviously a major expense.
… (2 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/17/08) - 06/17/08 05:54 AM
Maybe a better question is "What Are You Looking At?" The answer follows at the bottom of this blog.
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and … (14 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 6/8/08 - 06/08/08 12:05 PM
Notching, or cutting, a floor joist is allowed under very strict conditions. In general, notching of a joist on the bottom (tension side) is not allowed. This photo is where a joist was notched to allow space for a plumbing pipe. Unfortunately the pipe is now abandoned and the notch is … (8 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/7/8) - 06/07/08 03:52 PM
Fireplaces can penetrate directly through the roof or on the side of the roof/house. These penetrations present a water management challenge because of the large size of the penetration and the frequent use of flashing associated with them. This photo is where a chimney on the side of the house has … (6 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture??? (5/17/8) - 05/17/08 08:03 PM
So, where do I begin? The electrical panel, the service conductors/hand rail, the toilet or the sink. I think I'll just let you make the point.
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of … (14 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (5/12/08) - 05/12/08 04:56 PM
So, is this guy retired Navy? One use to tieing things off to secure them? Or is this just the latest in water management? Or is it water management gone amok?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building … (5 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? (5/7/8) - 05/07/08 06:23 PM
How close is too close? The metal downspout goes directly behind the street service conductors, then down to ground level at the garage door entrance. Maybe the downspout should have been located around the corner to the veneer side?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property … (4 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 04/19/08 09:11 PM
You get one guess.
Plumbers usually do not resort to wood braces to keep a bathroom sink in place. Nothing on the disclosure form either. So it must be OK?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the … (11 comments)
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building: Water Heater Breakdown - What To Do Now - 04/07/08 08:48 AM
This is a true story blog about what to expect when your water heater breaks down and starts leaking.
It's 8:00 AM on a cool and damp Saturday morning and you walk down into your finished and carpeted basement to start your day. As you enter the main room you notice the … (5 comments)
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building: Unwanted Visitors! Mind The Gap! - 03/28/08 07:29 AM
At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we sometimes see gaps around the metal shrouds covering HVAC ducting that connects to exterior package units at homes and buildings. We flag this every time because of the negative effects that can come from these gaps. Gaps at the top of the shroud … (1 comments)
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building: Water Management System Components - Condensate Drains - 03/24/08 08:06 AM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a major source of issues in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure. The purpose of this article is to discuss Condensate … (2 comments)
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building: HABITEC Completes 12,000 SqFt Commercial Building Inspection in Columbia, TN - 03/21/08 04:40 AM
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, is pleased to announce that we have completed a Commercial Building Property Condition Assessment (Inspection) in Columbia, TN!
The building shown below was Inspected in February 2008 by Ron Rittiner, Chief Inspector and Business Manager of HABITEC and Richard Acree, President of HABITEC. Ron … (2 comments)
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building: Mandatory Apartment Inspections? - 03/15/08 09:21 PM
I know some will think I am feathering my own bed, but does anyone else think it may be time to mandate regular building inspections for apartments? Look at these pics and you can see some of what goes on in an apartment.
The pics above show loose electrical connections on the … (12 comments)
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building: Water Management Systems - Gradient - 03/07/08 10:47 PM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a major source of problems in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these of systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure.
The components of the Water Management System include … (2 comments)
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building: Plumbing Wall Penetrations - Mind the Gap! - 03/07/08 10:23 PM
At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we frequently see where plumbing drain/waste/vent systems penetrate the rear of a cabinet enclosure and the installation is poorly done. In the picture shown the installation basically involved simply knocking a hole in the back of the cabinet and working the piping through.
It is … (5 comments)
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building: Water Management System Failures - Skylights - 03/07/08 10:00 PM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a frequent source of problems in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these of systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure.
The components of the Water Management System include the … (0 comments)
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building: Which Candidate is Best for the Real Estate Market? - 03/02/08 11:03 AM
As we see the list of candidates for our next President narrow to 3 (Senator Clinton, Senator McCain and Senator Obama) and eventually 2, which candidate do you think would be best for the real estate market going forward?
I know there is a lot more to consider when choosing a President … (9 comments)
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building: InspectorSpeak - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly! - 03/01/08 09:55 PM
As Home and Building Inspectors we have a responsibility to "tell like it is" when we are presenting our findings. But, I suggest that when we "tell it", there is a Good Way, a Bad Way and an Ugly Way!
The choice of words we use as Inspectors, what I call InspectorSpeak, can have a profound impact on … (14 comments)
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building: Inspectors and Realtors - Working Together to Move Things Forward! - 02/29/08 03:48 PM
At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, it is the corporate philosophy that the Inspector can help facilitate the real estate transaction while still providing unbiased and clear Inspection results to the Client. There are several ways we try to do this.
First, I think we can all agree that almost every … (2 comments)
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building: Foreclosure Rates: Reverse the Numbers! - 02/26/08 08:01 AM
Todays (2/26/8) Tennessean Business article headlines about foreclosures in the US says that, according to RealtyTrac Inc. and a CA research firm, foreclosure activity increased 57% in January versus last year. Sounds terrible doesn't it!? THE SKY IS FALLING! Yet go further in the article and you see that these foreclosure … (1 comments)
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building: Question: When Is A Crack in the Brick Veneer Too Big? - 02/24/08 09:10 PM
Well, to some any crack is too big! But to many Inspectors 1/8 inch is a key number. If a crack in the brick veneer of a home or building exceeds 1/8" in opening, OR, shows differential movement, then the crack should be repaired.
In this picture on the right the vertical cracks are approaching … (2 comments)
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building: HABITEC Featured in Williamson AM Real Estate - 02/22/08 07:31 AM
Please check out the front page article about Home Inspections and Home Inspector Reviews in today's (2/22/08) Tennessean Williamson AM Real Estate section.
Richard Acree, President of HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, was interviewed by Nancy Mueller of the Tennessean about Home Inspection services available at HABITEC and within the industry … (0 comments)
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building: A HABITEC Milestone - 12 Music Circle South on Music Row! - 02/20/08 09:35 PM
A HABITEC MILESTONE
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, was recently selected to complete a Commercial Building Property Condition Assessment on 12 Music Circle South, Nashville, TN. This unique, two story music recording studio located in Music Row was purchased by the Black River Music Group. The building has a rich history … (2 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With this Picture? - 02/14/08 10:56 PM
This is a HVAC condensate drain termination on the outside of a new house. The issue here is where is all the condensate going to go? The house sits on a crawl space so the water drains downs next to the foundation wall and follows the path of least resistance. Some … (4 comments)
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building: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 02/14/08 10:26 PM
Actually it is two pictures. The same piece of untreated dimensional lumber is shown going from the crawl space floor to the engineered beam above. First, the column/pier is untreated and in direct contact with the crawl space soil. This provides an easy conduit for water to wick up and, worse, … (4 comments)
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building: STORMS - PRAYERS AND DAMAGE CONTROL! - 02/06/08 12:38 PM
Prayers: For those of you who know someone who lost their lives or were injured in this recent storm damage please accept our condolences and know that our prayers are with you at this time.
Damage Control: When these major storm damage events come through there is much to be done to stabilize … (1 comments)
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building: Mold Assessment Services - For or Against? - 02/04/08 08:49 PM
Some have suggested that mold services including testing and assessments are not necessary. I disagree and here is why.
First let me say that mold services are not for everybody. At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we have undergone training at two agencies and I can say that this is a complicated subject and … (0 comments)
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building: Question: Can mold exist on a frozen surface? - 01/24/08 03:57 PM
Answer: Yes! According to MoldREPORT, one mold type, cladosporium, is a genus that contains some species that can grow at temperatures near or below freezing. "These species can be found on refrigerated foodstuffs and even frozen meat." This information can be important if you suspect mold presence in your building but you … (2 comments)
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building: Question: How much does a Commercial Inspection cost? - 01/21/08 04:55 PM
Answer: Costs vary depending on the services requested by the Client. The services available for a Commercial Building Inspection are offered on an ala carte basis. Costs are then computed based on either a square foot basis or an hourly basis.
… (5 comments)
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building: Question: What services are available for a Commercial Building Inspection? - 01/21/08 04:51 PM
ANSWER: A reputable Commercial Building Inspector will offer the following services: a visual walk-through survey, a document review, key personnel interviews, an opinion of probable costs (estimate) to repair or upgrade, an abbreviated Tier II ADA survey, and environmental services.
… (2 comments)
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building: Question: How long will a Commercial Building Inspection take? - 01/21/08 04:46 PM
Answer: Again the 1 hour per thousand square foot rule is a reasonable estimate. Like Home Inspections, the time to complete a Commercial Building Inspection will vary depending on the services requested, the age of the structure, occupancy, etc.
… (2 comments)
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building: Question: If Commercial Building Inspectors are not licensed what standards do they follow? - 01/21/08 04:41 PM
Answer: Hopefully they follow the ASTM International Standard E 2018-01. This is an industry standard that is well developed and offers sound guidance for Commercial Building Inspections. If your Commercial Building Inspector does not follow this standard, ask them what they are using.
… (0 comments)
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building: Question: Are the rules and standards for a Home Inspection different than the rules and standards for a Commercial Inspection? - 01/21/08 04:37 PM
Answer: Maybe. In some states Home Inspectors and/or Commercial Building Inspectors are licensed by the State. If licensed, Inspectors will be required to follow the standards set by the State. It is frequently the case that these standards will be different for a Home Inspection versus a Commercial Building Inspection. In … (0 comments)
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building: Home and Building Inspector Qualifications - Training - 01/18/08 07:33 PM
Several blogging events of late made think about the qualifications necessary to be a good and reputable Home and Building Inspector. A basic list of qualifications would include training, testing, experience, insurance, licensing, certification, integrity and character.
Training is important because without training an Inspector is working in a vacuum. Many Inspectors … (2 comments)
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building: Question: How do I know if the Home Inspector will do a good job? - 01/18/08 01:25 PM
Answer: Ask the Home Inspector for references. A good Home Inspector should be able to offer at least 6 names of Clients or Realtors they have worked with who will speak on their behalf. Also, a Home Inspector should offer testimonials from previous Clients.
A Home Inspector proud of his/her work … (3 comments)
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building: Question: How will the results of the Home Inspection be presented? - 01/18/08 01:05 PM
Answer: Most Home Inspectors offer a computer generated Home Inspection Report to present their findings. The best companies offer reports that include digital pictures embedded in the report to add clarity to the discussion. There should also be a summary section at the end of the report. However, buyers are encouraged … (6 comments)
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building: Question: Should the Buyer be present for the Home Inspection? - 01/18/08 12:47 PM
Answer: A home buyer is not required to be present for the Home Inspection. However, it is recommended that at least one of the buyers attend all or some of the Home Inspection. A great deal can be learned by talking to the Home Inspector about the house you are trying … (10 comments)
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building: Question: What guidelines should a Home Inspector follow when completing a Home Inspection? - 01/18/08 12:25 PM
Answer: Most states have adopted licensing for Home Inspectors. If that is the case where you live, then the State also provides rules for conducting a Home Inspection. Your Home Inspector is obligated to follow those rules to the best of his/her ability.
Some agencies offer guidelines as well. The best … (3 comments)
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building: Question: How Long Should a Home Inspection Take? - 01/18/08 12:11 PM
Answer: A well conducted Home Inspection should take approximately 1 hour per thousand square feet. This time can vary depending on what the Home Inspector is asked to do. If a Home Inspector is also contracted to complete a radon test, mold evaluation or property inspection then the total time at … (11 comments)
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building: Question: How much should a Home Inspection Cost? - 01/18/08 12:01 PM
Answer: The cost of a Home Inspection varies depending on several issues. The size of the home, the age, the foundation and the complexity all can factor in to the cost of a Home Inspection.
Some Home Inspectors offer a variety of services in addition to the basic Home Inspection. These can … (5 comments)
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building: Home Inspector Tips - Whole-House Water Shutoff - 01/10/08 10:06 AM
UTILITY SHUTOFFS - WATER
By Richard A. Acree
President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC
It's 4 AM in January. It's dark in the house and outside. Outside it's windy and cold, real cold, like 10 degrees F. You wake up to the sound of running water. Lots of running water. The sounds are … (0 comments)
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building: Home Inspector Advise: A Story About Radon (January is National Radon Action Month) - 01/06/08 03:32 PM
A STORY ABOUT RADON
By Richard Acree
President
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January is the National Radon Action Month. This is a story about radon that everyone should read. First a brief review.
Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas that is produced from the … (0 comments)
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building: Selling A Home in a Down Market (HINT: Hire A Home Inspector) - 12/30/07 11:16 AM
THE HOME INSPECTOR'S REVIEW
Everyone knows 2007 was a tough year to sell a home and 2008 may be just as tough. With thousands more homes on the market than usual it is harder than ever to make a home that is for sale stand out. And it is really hard to … (4 comments)
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