Mike, the HouseNspect guy's Blog

Its been awhile

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:43:25 -0700

I've tried Facebook, sure seems rather strange, many comments and postings just don't make sense, Twitter is even more different so I've decided this is where I need to be ... so I'm back.

(Can't beleive how long it's been, shame on me!)

Looking at a hot summer, attics are going to be rather warm, but I'm up for it.

Thanks activerain for the chance to get back online.

Just got this link from my daughter

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:01:09 -0800

This is most likely posted somewhere here, brought a smile to me earlier today. had to share.

Canadian Police Chase

St George, UT, Home Inspector: Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:24:04 -0700

Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida

At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the 'apex predator', can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and 'survival of the pack mentality' bred into the canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine.

Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing.

The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

Not for the squeamish!

Scroll down . . .

Laughter is good for the soul. Have a Great Day!

St George, UT, Home Inspector: If 99.9% is the goal then . . .

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:04:31 -0700

This will date me, received a copy of this about 15-20 years ago, but it sure makes you think about what if your goal was 99.9%, not 100%, how much do we stand to lose?

If 99.9% is the goal then . . . .
What is an Acceptable Level of Quality Performance?
In the United States it would mean:
. . . over 2,000,000 documents will be lost by the IRS this year
. . . 811,000 faulty rolls of 35mm film will be purchased this year
. . . 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next 60 minutes
. . . about one hour of unsafe drinking water each month
. . . 16,000 pieces of mail would be lost each hour
. . . 1,314 phone calls will be misplaced by telecommunications services every minute
. . . twelve babies will be given to the wrong parents every day
. . . 500 incorrect surgical procedures would be performed each week
. . . 5,517,200 cases of soft drinks produced in the next year will be flatter than a bad tire
. . . 2,488,200 books will be shipped in the next 12 months with the wrong cover
. . . two planes landing daily at O'Haire International Airport in Chicago will miss the runway
. . . 300 airplanes would miss the runway on landing each day
. . . 50 newborn babies would be dropped at birth by doctors each day
. . . there will be no telephone, electricity, heat, or television for 45 minutes each month
. . . 3,255 incorrect medical procedures will be performed by the end of the month
. . . 20,000 drug prescriptions will be filled incorrectly in the next 12 months

Just think, this was written 15-20 years ago, wonder what the numbers would be today? Anyone with updated information . . . would love to know.

the HouseNspect guy

St George, UT, Home Inspector: Had a strange call today

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:24:36 -0700

Just had a strange call from "another" inspector in my area . . . but what kind of inspector I'm just not sure . . . he's asking what would I charge to go along with him on an inspection because he can't get in crawlspaces or the attic but he still wants to do the inspection (he's also hard of hearing) . . . he said he has all the computers and stuff, he's retired, asked me if I'm busy and a few more questions, some not making a whole lot of sense . . . really had a hard time understanding him, but told him if he needed help I'm available at an hourly rate paid in advance, just really didn't know how to respond . . . didn't seem fazed at all and said he'd get back with me . . . time will tell I guess.

Anyone else have strange calls/questions asked similar to this? (I know I've received inquires from other inspectors in the area just by the way they ask questions, but this one was rather different).

A Reminder from our troups overseas in harms way

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:24:19 -0700

Received the following e-mail yesterday from my daughter . . . a great reminder for me of the men and women who have/will put their lives on the line that I might enjoy my freedoms . . . I thank the good Lord for my freedoms, for the sacrifice of men in women past and present who serve this great nation . . . hope we remember them this Memorial Day weekend and appreciate the free land we live in. God Bless the families of our veterans past, present and future . . . may we all have a safe and wonderful weekend . . . let us not forget.

This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq . Pass it on to everyone and pray.

SLEEP LAST NIGHT?
Bed a little lumpy...
Toss and turn any...
Wish the heat was higher...

Maybe the a/c wasn't on...
Had to go to the john...
Need a drink of water.. ???

Yes.. It is like that!
Count your blessings, pray for them,
Talk to your Creator
And the next time when ...
The other car cuts you off and you must hit the brakes, or you have to park a little further from Walmart than you want to be, or you're served slightly warm food at the restaurant, or you're sitting and cursing the traffic in front of you, or the shower runs out of hot water,

Think of them...
Protecting your freedom!

The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I
was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that 'WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN' and are proud to serve our country.'

The attached photo was forwarded from one of the last U.S. Marine companies in Iraq They would like to have it passed to as many people as possible, to let the folks back home know that they remember why they're there and that they remember those who've been lost.

Had a great day at the Beach B . . .

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:38:47 -0700

Had a great day today. Living and working in the St George, UT area has it good points. One of them being Tuacahn's outdoor ampitheatre where tonight enjoyed the Beach Boys Concert with my wife. . . kinda dates me, huh? Brings back great memories . . . they may be old, but WOW, 2 hours of non-stop music, almost able to sing along word for word . . . not sure how old these guys are now, but they did refer to a hit back in 1964, and right after that song (which was about the 4th song) the lead singer said it's now time for intermission so he can go take a nap! . . . during the sold out performance it sprinkled a few drops of rain but didn't stop the concert. Tuacahn Ampitheatre will be one of eight summer theatres to present Les Miserables, if anything like last years shows, we're in for a treat again this year.

One question I'm almost always asked . . .

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:47:56 -0700

One question I'm almost always asked on home inspections is, in fact I think every inspector out there is asked the same . . . what will it cost to repair/replace such and such. Well on yesterdays inspection the buyer seemed a little put out that I didn't know the cost to repair a stone (not talking little stones) retaining wall that was crumbling . . . he really wants to purchase the home but is worried about repair costs . . . property is bank owned as is . . . basically all I could do was point him to the yellow pages and the internet to seach for local companies who could be hired to do the repairs.

Inspectors: How do you answer this type of inquires? Realtors: Do you try and help as well, or defer to yellow pages/internet?

The Law of Conditioning - Part I

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:18:15 -0700

Collected this thought a long, long time ago . . . way before the internet. It has helped me to think more about what I do and how I do it than anything else . . .

Law of Conditioning
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or, your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do, you might as just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed.
You must merely be firm with me.
Show me how something is done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great men and alas, of all the failures as well.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine though I work with all the precision of a machine - plus the intelligence of a man.
You may run me for profit or run me for ruin.
It makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.
Who am I?

Author Unknown

. . . looking for your answers first, will post in blog in a little while.

Do you ralely need to slpel crorcetly?

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:34:32 -0700

I received this several years ago and I'm sure many have received this from someone thru e-mail

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

WOW, love it when I first saw it, did some research a little while back and found this which helps explain it a little more, click here.

Jsut wsih I cuold do taht all the tmie, wulodn't hvae to wrroy auobt sepll ckceher any mroe.

St George, UT, Home Inspector: I think I'm getting the hang of it

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:04:07 -0700

I think I'm getting the hang of it . . . meaning blogging . . . not sure but you write a little bit about the days events, or a subject you know about, blog, others read and your read their blogs, etc . . . what I wasn't getting was on several of my blogs, folsk that I've replied to their blogs have come and visited mine . . . you know what this place is exciting, I've learn how to blog, but more importantly (is that a word?) I'm learning from the active rain community . . . thanks!

Received this the other day

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:35:55 -0700

Just had to share with others, not sure who the author is, would love to give them credit, have even lost the link/email, but really loved what its about.

PARENT – Job Description

POSITION: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts oncall. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES: For the rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Grandparent. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do . . .

New Construction - Gas On/Off

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:05:55 -0700

Was just wondering how many inspectors on New Construction will turn the gas on if off during your inspection for a buyer? Todays inspection the flexible hose was missing behind the free standing stove and the value wasleft open (contractor was switching out stoves), if I had turned the gas on to the house today, I might be pushing up daisies.

I wonder what this is . . .

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:59:51 -0700

I would guess I'm typical of most home inspectors, I find 90-95 out of 100 homes I inspect without one of these. In fact I had a new agent when I found one similar to the photo ask "I wonder what this is . . . " This is a anti-tip bracket that should be, no, needs to be in place at the base of every free standing stove/range out there. I found the following in one manual: Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious burns to children and adults. I guess that's why so many of us inspectors call this one a safety issue/safety hazard and is a real concern. What say everyone . . . is this a concern for your buyers? . . . sellers? . . . mothers? . . . fathers?

My favorites, 1 and 2

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:40:24 -0700

Found this amoung the many e-mails of humor . . .

1. My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it's gone.
2. The only time the world beats a path to your door is if you're in the bathroom.
3. It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now, there's shipping and handling, too.
4. A husband is someone who, after taking the trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house.
5. My next house will have no kitchen - just vending machines and a large trash can.
6. Definition of a teenager? God's punishment for enjoying sex.
7. As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way . . . ouch!

PDF Files, how to reduce your stacks of paper

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:51:47 -0700

Well today I finally decided to do something about the stacks and stacks of paper I seem to produce as a house inspector. I'm sure many of use would love to become a paperless workplace person (ya, how many times have I heard that), well I know I can't but maybe I can reduce the stacks by creating PDF files of things such as important e-mail, confirmation notices, purchase orders, marketing materials, blogging ideas, etc.

I've downloaded PDFCreator and followed the directions to install, now when I have a file that I'd like to keep a copy of, but don't want to print, instead I send it to the print que called PDFCreator than save in a folder called PDF Files on my extra harddrive called backups.

So as I'm working here and I wanted to print this page for my records, I'd choose PRINT from my browser window and then choose PDFCreator as my printer of chose and save in the folder PDF Files and make a new folder down inside call AR-Blogs and titled the printed page BLOG-080514-PDF Files.

Sure hope this makes since, I'm still trying to get use to blogging, if I've confused anyone let me know and I try to add step by step instructions with graphics (images) - just have to figure that out.

87,000 Member - 4,000 Online

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:16:53 -0700

Being new to active rain and with almost 87,000 member and currently 4,000+ online, I recommend everyone read thru the NEWBIE group, folks here have been extremely helpful from everything from how to start a blog (which I knew very little just a few weeks ago) to how to post images or photos. I wish to thank those who have left messages behind for those of use still learning.

My recommendations to start:

How to complete your

Optimizing your Active Rain

Optimizing your Active Rain - Part II

The biggest obstacles to climbing

Everyone has been a great help to me is setting up by Active Rain account. Thanks to all who have helped with additional e-mails and ideas.

the HouseNspect guy

Spring checklist at . . .

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:24:14 -0700

Did you know Consumer Report has an excellant Spring Checklist for the home

In doing house / home inspection in the St. George, Utah area I am so surprised at how many homes have deferred maintenance, and so many things can be easily taken care of.

I recently did an inspection in Ivins where the home was about five years old and talk about deferred maintanance, WOW, I was really surprised, items 2,4 & 5 were all issues with the house.

Hope this helps others in keeping up with normal maintenance on your homes.

the HouseNspect guy

Just Completed 2 well Kept Homes

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:29:19 -0700

Just completed 2 inspections, one in Santa Clara and the other in St.George, Utah . . . and what a treat. Both homes were so well maintained, I felt like I was extremely nit picky on both house. I'm normally inspecting houses with deferred maintenance issues, that both were just wonderful to inspect.

Usually on a house with a tile roof I find one or two broken tiles, and the house in Santa Clara had six broken tiles and that was basically all I could report. As I talked with the owner and shared with him my findings, his teenage son dropped his head and told his dad he remember breaking several when he and his friend put christmas lights up this past year and forgot to tell him. WOW, the dad just smiled and looked at him and said we'll get them fixed (I'm thinking his son will be back up on the roof replacing six tiles).

So I just wanted th share there are houses/homes out there that owners do keep up with the maintenance issues and take pride in what the home looks like.

How long will that last?

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:35:37 -0700

“How long will that last?” seems to be a question I'm asked on every inspection, or "How much does that cost to fix?" Believe it or not everything has an expect life before failure, or just to costly to repair or keep running. The list below are averages that have been taken from surveys of manufacturers across the nation, and the life expectancy of each can vary depending upon quality of materials, care by users or how it was installed.
So, if your dishwasher is 8 years old, you should plan on replacing it 2 years from now. But remember it's based on averages of similar appliances in homes across America, your use maybe not be as demanding, so it could very well last another 10 years.
To find the age of your appliance look for the manufacturers plate or tag somewhere on the appliance, some will state date of manufacturer, while others will be coded in the serial number.
Most local manufacturer's reps are a phone call away and willing to assist with additional information.

Bathroom fixtures ............................................ 50
Bathtub, cast iron ............................................. 50
Bathtub, fiberglass ....................................... 10-15
Boilers .............................................................. 30
Cabinets, laminate and particle board............ 15-20
Cabinets, wood and plywood ........................ 20-50
Cook top........................................................... 13
Countertop, granite........................................... 20
Countertop, laminate.................................... 10-15
Countertop, tile............................................ 10-50
Countertop, wood ............................................. 20
Deck, wood ...................................................... 15
Dishwasher....................................................... 10
Disposal ........................................................... 10
Door, exterior with overhang ...................... 80-100
Dryer................................................................ 13
Drywall........................................................ 30-70
Flooring, carpet or vinyl................................ 10-30
Flooring, wood................................................ 100
Foundation, concrete block .............................. 100
Foundation, poured concrete ........................... 200
Garage door opener .......................................... 10
Gutters............................................................. 30
Heating and cooling, baseboard heater............... 20
Heating and cooling, cooling compressor........15-20
Heating and cooling, gas or oil furnace .............. 18
Heating and cooling, heat pump ........................ 15
Microwave........................................................ 10
Paint ............................................................. 7-10
Plumbing......................................................20-50
Pumps........................................................... 7-10
Range ..........................................................17-19
Refrigerator..................................................14-19
Roof, composition or wood............................15-30
Roof, slate or tile ........................................50-100
Siding, aluminum or vinyl ..............................20-50
Siding, brick or stone .......................................100
Siding, wood ..............................................10-100
Smoke detector ................................................ 10
Swimming pool ................................................. 18
Trash compactor............................................... 10
Walkway .......................................................... 20
Washing machine .........................................11-14
Water heater, boiler ......................................20-30
Water heater, gas or electric .........................11-13
Water heater, tankless ...................................... 20
Water softener/purifier...................................... 20
Waterproofing sealants .................................... 1-5

Hand tools for every home owner

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:58:05 -0700

I have read several articles on the toolbox for the average home owner and what it should contain, the lists vary slightly and several include more tools than listed here.

This is my list with a short description for each tool, please let me know if I should add more or take away what I've listed.

1. TORPEDO LEVEL. A magnetic strip recommened – laser, optional.
2. CRESCENT WRENCH. With jaws that can open to 1 5/16 inches, it can handle any nut that you'll encounter. Or, better yet, a ViperGrip.
3. NEEDLENOSE PLIERS. It tackles everything from craft projects to homewiring tasks. Look for one that can cut wire.
4. TWENTY-FIVE-FOOT MEASURING TAPE. The case should fit in your hand comfortably.
5. RETRACTABLE UTILITY KNIFE.
6. SIXTEEN-OUNCE HAMMER. Metal, wood or fiberglass--buy for comfort, balance and a good grip. Great for both big and small jobs.
7. COMBINATION SQUARE. A must for checking corners for squareness and marking cuts; metal versions are sturdiest.
8. FOLD-OUT ALLEN WRENCH SET. Recommend two--one standard, one metric.
9. CHANNELLOCK PLIERS. This adjustable tool works for a variety of plumbing chores.
10. SCREW-DRIVER SET. Size matters: Buy a set (with at least) three sizes each of Phillips-head and standard drivers.
11. PRY BAR: Use it to dismantle framing, pull nails and remove moldings, and for demolition.
12. CORDLESS DRILL: A 12-volt model will handle most drilling needs.
13. CHALK LINE: Used to snap a straight line to cut material.
14. VOLTAGE TESTER: A must have for any electrical repairs.
15. CIRCULAR SAW: Look for 12 amps minimum, to cut metal and concrete with the appropriate blade.
16. and of course a TOOL BAG or BOX.

New to ActiveRain

W Michael (Mike) Chris - the HouseNspect guy (HouseNspect) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:02:28 -0700

Just wanted to thank Paula for inviting me to join the active rain community. I have looked around the site and find useful information and everyone to be of great help.

This is my first attempt at a blog . . . will only get better with time.

Thanks everyone for your posts on how to get started.