ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS
2017
"All our houses are built strictly to code..." Part 2.That was the focus of the previous post which considered the idea that we have been conditioned to accept a minimum standard in so many things. And we have been conditioned to replace!Our computers, phones, most electronics, software, fashio...
02/28/2017
25
Comments
"All our houses are built strictly to code..."That's what the young supervisor said to me and my clients when he showed up at the end of our pre-drywall inspection.Me - "Are you sure you want to say that?"Supervisor, smiling proudly - "Yes! We are very careful and the county checks us."Me - "Well...
02/27/2017
This was a highly-touted, and new, hardwood floor.And it looked great everywhere! It was a very professional job.Except in the powder room.The toilet wobbled. And there was a hefty and dark stain behind and beside the base of the toilet.Since the floor was newly installed I had to think the toi...
02/26/2017
This is a beautiful light fixture! But don't forget the insulation!This is new construction. The entry way featured an open ceiling with a circular, wrapping staircase leading to an upper level hallway that serviced all the bedrooms.A very attractive, hand-painted globe was in the ceiling.And t...
02/25/2017
This is the most attractive clean out port cover I have ever seen!A local builder who designs and sells only a couple of houses a year hires me to do inspections when the houses near completion. He considers it to be another layer of protection for him, and peace of mind for his buyers.In a base...
02/23/2017
This is the clogged peek-a-boo dryer exhaust vent opening - and dangerous!I had to search for it. Knowing it was behind the house it took a minute to locate it.But there it was, the clogged peek-a-boo dryer exhaust vent.The underside of the deck was covered with a plastic lattice work material.W...
02/22/2017
The addendum list of requested repairs said, "Insulation to be evaluated and improved by a licensed contractor."In the previous years this homeowner had done many home improvements with less-than-stellar results. At the inspection I said it was my opinion that the homeowners really thought they ...
02/21/2017
New construction inspection - would you like to take a bath here?I do a lot of pre-drywall and then final inspections on new construction. And it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. We never know what we will find.On every inspection I do a sweep with my thermal camera. Mighty Mo is great at finding miss...
02/18/2017
16
Comments
Do you have mice in the house?These folks do. And they don't know why.It's a bit of an unusual request to get me to try to determine why there are mice in the house. Usually that would be left to some pest company, and responding to some ad coupon received in the mail.So I asked why they called...
02/16/2017
10
Comments
A very important thing is what home inspectors call Whirlpool Access.This is the case of Whirlpool Access - when access is not access.Every whirlpool tub has a motor and wiring. All that needs access.That is in case there is a need to get to the motor to repair or replace it.Inspectors also like...
02/14/2017
Rainmaker
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2,017,731
Jay Markanich
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
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An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.