A Loud And Fiery Death - 03/29/09 07:05 PM
I got an interesting email tonight.  It was from a client I visited on Saturday. 
The Saturday visit was to help him out.  He is a renter and there is water damage to the parquet flooring inside the front door.  It only happens sometimes.  His landlord accused him of leaving the door open during a long rain storm.  Well, it's a theory, but not a great one. He couldn't figure out why the water was coming in, but knew he didn't leave the door open when it rains.
Nonetheless, my client was gong to be charged for damaging the floor.  The … (14 comments)

A Rose By Any Other Name May Not Smell As Sweet - 03/24/09 08:28 PM
You have probably heard by now that our government, in all its infinite wisdom, has decided to stop purchasing condoms from its long-time supplier in Alabama.  The United States government is the largest purchaser of condoms in the world.  And it should be.  It needs a large and ready supply for its biggest customers - those who attend government schools!  It is a wise, caring and watchful government that takes care of its constituents, of all ages, and, soon, at nearly all levels of education!
And, at the expense of American jobs, from whom will this wise, caring, and watchful government … (9 comments)

Update - Chinese Drywall - The Lawyers Have Landed - 03/21/09 08:14 AM
Well, you knew this was coming.  The Chinese drywall problem is worsening.  As it does, people will be looking for more and more remedies.
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/18/the-lawyers-have-landed-in-the-uproar-over-chinese-drywall/
In addition to the plumbing, electrical and air conditioner problems, people are now reporting damage to televisions, computers, microwaves, refrigerators, various electrical appliances, jewelry, door stops - this list will grow with time.  This problem will grow with time.  We import Chinese stuff all the time.  Our relationship has grown with time.  It is time we stop to rethink this trade relationship.
Do you think importers are going to wise up?  Think carefully...
And you knew … (16 comments)

Do You See What A.C.?? - 03/18/09 05:22 AM
At first glance you may not notice everything this photo has to offer.  Most people would focus on the AC unit in the window, um, hole in the wall.  It is a long story, as it should be -- after all, it was a very long home inspection.
The "structure" on the right is one of three (very) illegal additions to this house.  It was build directly onto a thin slab poured onto the back yard.  The slab was very cracked, so its foundation may not have been the best.  It is also sinking.  It would not have supported patio furniture, … (9 comments)

Sometimes A Trial Separation Doesn't Work - 03/09/09 08:05 AM
Sometimes after a period of being together, a separation happens.  Often it is not the fault of either party.  I had three different houses last week with a no-fault separation, and thought it might be time for a post.
The couple on the right has been at least near each other for 10 years.  At one time they were happily married, but pressures and tensions finally got the best of the relationship, and they were forced to separate.  The gap you see between the large conduit under the meter box and the box itself opened up some time after the construction … (9 comments)

Do You Want A Home Inspector Or An Engineer? - 03/04/09 09:17 AM
I had a call from a prospective client.  She needed a home inspection.  Her first question was, "Are you an engineer?"
What can I say?  "No, I am not.  Do you think the house needs to be seen by an engineer or a home inspector?"
She didn't know.  "All I know is my boss told me to get a home inspector who is an engineer."
"I am sorry, I don't know any I can refer you to.  I know a lot of engineers and work with a few.  And I know a lot of home inspectors.  But I do not know … (21 comments)

 
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Jay Markanich - N. Virginia Home Inspector

Bristow, VA

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Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: 12315 Sherborne Street, Bristow, VA, 20136

Office Phone: (703) 330-6388

Cell Phone: (703) 585-7560

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An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.


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