Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio Inspector

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:24:45 -0700

(440) 521-5399. This home inspection resulted in a turn of the century gas vent for a pocket of gas that was once used by this old farm house located in Rocky River, Ohio. Back in the late 1800`s gas was drilled for by the farm owner to use for heating and cooking purposes. Drilling companies would drill for the pockets of gas and then surface case the hole they drilled. Surface casing is a pipe that protects Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDW) from oil-field contamination. Ohio requires that surface casing be set 50 feet below the bottom of the deepest USDW and sealed with cement or prepared clay. This double protection of pipe and sealant separates oil, gas and brine from freshwater supplies.The production casing allows oil and gas to move freely up the wellbore by protecting it from formations and water.

So what is a current buyer suppose to do when deciding on purchasing this home? Some questions I have been asked are, " Can I tap into this pocket of gas for my house?", " Are there any hazards I need to know about?"

So, I contacted the State of Ohio for information that my clients can use.

I met Norbert Lowder through the department of Natural Resources at he was very informative when we met at the property. The first thing he showed me was how the state keeps track of the location of these old wells. Next, he examined the vent pipe to determine if indeed this was a gas vent pipe, that it was connected, and if there was a presence of gas from the orphaned well. Everything appeared to be okay with Norbert.

Then I asked him is there anything for my client to do with the orphaned well. He said that homeowners who inherit these orphaned wells can get on a waiting list to plug the well. The program that the state of Ohio has set up addresses the need to plug abandoned oil and gas wells and restore land surfaces by administering an annual $1 million dollar account to support these projects. Now the only obligation to the new owner is to expose the casing head for the state contractors can get access to the well. Usually these casing heads are within five feet from the surface. Also to consider is for example in the picture up at the top of this page shows a the gas vent for the well. But, the casing head could be inside this garage underneath the concrete floor. And for the contractor to plug the well the garage may have to come down...thats if the head is under the garage floor. Because for the contractor to get his equipment in position the structure may have to come down. This is worst case scenario. Cost to plug the well by the state runs anywhere between $5,000 to $20,000 dollars. It really all depends what they run into.

I then asked him if the new buyer can tap into this source of gas for his home. And his answer was yes but, they are then responsible for any problems with the well from here on out. So, if there are any problems with the well it will be up to them to clean up any environmental issues that may arise with the well and responsible for permits and requirements with the state of Ohio. My personnel opinion is in a residential area this may be a huge responsibility. I think the best route to take with these wells before buying the property is have the current homeowner locate the well head ( usually done by the department of natural resources with a metal detector), and then see if there will be cost to plug the well at a later date...such as removing structures for the contractor to get into the require position with there equipment.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:26:54 -0700

(440) 521-5399 With foreclosures still prevalent in cuyahoga county. As a home inspector I see this more often than I would like to. At this home inspection Cleveland, Ohio the water main is disconnected at the meter. A common practice done by the utility company for the bank to protect the home from freezing pipes during the winter. This also prevents the intrusion of mold if a pipe should burst...which can be a big deterrent from a future buyer from buying the home. This home was discounted $140,000 dollars from its sales price from three years ago.

The problem with doing these types of inspection when the water is off is the plumbing cannot be inspected. So on top of the price for a home inspection the buyer is gonna pay another $100.00 dollars to have our firm come back out to inspect the plumbing systems. I guess that is a small price to pay seeing they bought this home at a big discount.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:58:04 -0700

(440) 521-5399 On this home inspection in Rocky River, Ohio our inspectors found this water heater showing signs of improper venting of the heated gases that heat the water for this home. Besides the burn patterns on the outside of the gas chamber, the excessive flaking of the bottom of this tank is another sign of heated gases getting pushed back down into the chamber and interacting with the cool bottom of this tank causing condensation to form and flaking the coating and paint off the bottom of the tank. This tank is only three years old.

Another indicator that this tank may be back-drafting is when the inspector placed his mirror along side the bonnet of the flue which hovers over the opening at the top of the tank and connects the flue that connects to the chimney, the mirror fogged up. Which is a definite indicator that carbon monoxide gasses are spilling out into the mechanical room.

Our recommendation is to have an licensed H.V.A.C. technician evaluate the flue system to the water tank and the heating system and after the technician has corrected the life threatening problem, to run a draft test to ensure the new install is working correctly.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:25:18 -0700

This crack in a poured concrete foundation wall was observed on a previous home inspection our company Crown Inspection Solutions performed. (440) 521-5399

This crack although seems like a serious crack for most homeowners. This crack can be dealt with without excavatating.

There are two methods that are perferred.

1. Expandable two-component polyurethane.

2. Two- Component Epoxy

Most homeowners have encountered the frustrating problem of cracks in poured concrete basement walls and thus leads to stubborn water leaks after a heavy rain. They usually try to fix the crack with some type of caulking or tar base materials. This is only a tempory solution. Water will still fill the crack on the inside and cause efflorescence, which will push off the caulking and or tar. Then it will peel and look unsightly.

The determined homeowner will pull off the caulking and or tar and start to chisel the crack into a v-pattern and then apply a hydraulic cement to the opening. Hydraulic cement will not bond well with concrete in most cases...unless you use a bonding agent. In time, the concrete will move around shrinks and expands will indoubtable create openings for water to reenter the crack. Efflorescence will start coming up around the ridgid plug, will get loose and water will seep around the hydraulic plug.

A better repair method would be to keep the rainwater out of the crack. But excavating and repairing the foundation crack on the exterior may cost thousands of dollars and may not be permanent either. Because the waterproofing membrane that waterproofing contractors use only have a 15-20 life expectancy and then it will start breaking down.

Low Pressure Concrete Crack Injection

The main purpose of concrete crack injection is to permanently fill the full length and depth of the crack to keep water out. Then, water cannot deteriorate the concrete and widen the crack further.

Expandable two-component polyurethane

Over 95% of residential foundation cracks are non-structural. the only problem is the seepage of water. Expandable polyurethane is the best choice for most basement cracks. Polyurethane does not add structural strength, it just forms a barrier impenetrable to water. Also, polyurethane remains flexible, which allows for continuous natural movement of the concrete due to thermal shrinkage and expansion or settling. It also bonds well to dry or wet concrete. It can be used to repair wet oe even leaking walls.

The polyurethane forcefully expands, which ensures that the full depth and length of the crack is filled. It will fill a crack up to 20-24 inches thick!

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:49:22 -0700

At this home inspection in Brecksville, Ohio. I observed this pile of decaying and infested wood. The general rule of thumb is to keep this type of firewood at least 50 feet away from the home. That way if carpenter ants, powder post beetles, or termites happen to decide to have a harvest festival on this pile of wood, they wont decide to bring the after hour party to your house. (440) 521-5399

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Bay Village Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:42:41 -0700

Home Inspection- Bay Village Ohio. Although this gas line was marked as not leaking by the gas company. Our gas detectors indeed verified a gas leak right at the corroded connection. We recommended that a licensed plumber come out to the property and fix the leak and also may be considered to replace the line given the age of the line coming into the home. The plumber came out and also verified the gas leak and also recommended the line be replaced for about $1,500.00. Our client was very pleased with the results because the seller ended up paying for the upgrade. Cost for inspection $249.00...Piece of mind priceless! (440) 521-5399

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:09:23 -0700

(440) 521-5399 Recently encountered this nest for a family of mice in the main electrical panel at my last home inspection. It looks like they may have been here for sometime. Recommended resealing all exit and entry points and removing the nesting material by a licensed electrician. (440) 521-5399

Crown Inspection Solutions- www.OhiosHomeInspector.com

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Brookpark Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:41:27 -0700

On this recent sellers home inspection this is what I encountered.

This water heater has been expelling its hot carbon monoxide gasses into the mechanical room of this home.

The copper piping has received the blunt of the heated gasses. Notice the pattern on the pipe. Also during the inspection I turned up the dial on the water tank and placed my inspectors mirror in between the bonnet and the copper pipe that has patina and the burn pattern on it. It immediately fogged the lens on my mirror.

The tank was 18 years old any way...so I recommended to replace the tank and make sure the plumber correctly installs the flue to the chimney without this back-drafting condition. (440) 521-5399

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Brooklyn Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:14:00 -0700

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. On this home inspection Brooklyn Ohio the wall has a considerable hump. The product on this exterior cladding is a T-111. T-111 has a life expectancy of 15-20 years. Ironically this home is 20 years old. The siding has pulled away from the structure and needs to be replaced.

This condition was evident throughout the entire home.

With T-111 you have to periodically caulk all the seams and keep a good coat of an approved exterior finish to maintain this type of product.

Cost to replace this siding with the same product will probably cost roughly between $4,500 - $6,000.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Berea Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:40:07 -0700

This home inspection in Berea, Ohio revealed obvious water intrusion into the basement. From the formation this intrusion more than likely is coming from the sewer connection that leads straight up this wall on the exterior portion of this wall and then connects into the downspout. Most often the downspout and the sewer connection leading to the downspout becomes filled with debris (leaves, helicopters, ect..). Then the winter comes and without cleaning the system out, the water gets trapped in this pipe, and freezes. Any water that is above the three foot frost line will freeze. When this happens the frozen water expands and cracks the old clay tile pipe.

Then the spring comes and now you have an open hole in the system. If you see this type of leakage in the basement simply go outside to the exterior pipe that extends out from the ground and dig about two to three feet down and remove that section of clay pipe. Then place new section into the female end and re-cement.

Before doing this hopefully you have cleaned the gutter system out. We usually referred to this scenario as the Christmas tree effect. Because you step back from the staining on the wall the outline of the stain is in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd.

Suite #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Sheffield Village, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:56:34 -0700

Performed this sellers home inspection in Sheffield Village today. This photo is of the main entrance cable provided by the utility company. The feed from the right of the photo is for 100 amp service from the utility pole and the thicker line from the triplex into the home is for 200 amps service. This could be a potential fire hazard at the triplex connection. Upgrade to 200 amps runs anywhere from $400 - $600 dollars.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Avon Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:02:35 -0700

On this Builders warranty home inspection this siding had ripples throughout. It may be hard to tell from the picture but its all over the siding. This product is a Alcoa Pebble Stone Clay.I called for the manufactures representative to come out and evaluate.

His findings were that it certainly is a manufactures defect and they will have their field reps come out and replace the siding. Besides that there are a few other residents that have the same problem. Looks like the manufacture is gonna eat this one.

To schedule your Builders Warranty Inspection call (440) 521-5399

Or visit us on the web at: www.OhiosHomeInspector.com.

You can email us at: Mark@OhiosHomeInspector.com

Home Inspection Avon Lake Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:35:19 -0700

On my latest builders warranty home inspection this hardwood maple flooring has cupped along the doorway of the sliding glass door off the kitchen. The cupping of the boards is a result of moisture penetration from underneath the door. This sliding glass door more than likely was not properly sealed when the framer installed the doors.

Also, the flashing for the ledger board was missing where the steps are attached to the home.

The remedy is to have the flashing installed for the ledger board and the sliding glass door removed and then reinstalled with the proper sealant under the threshold of the door. Then the hardwood flooring can be replaced.

To schedule your next home inspection just call: (440) 521-5399

Visit us on the web at: www.OhiosHomeInspector.com

Or email us: Mark@OhiosHomeInspector.com

Will keep you posted on this Ryan built home.

Home Inspection Avon Lake, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:45:08 -0700

On my recent Builders Warranty Inspection I encountered this framing nail left behind after the roofers pulled their jacks. They jack the roof to support their planks they work off of. This wasnt the only nail I found on this roof that the roofer left behind. In all I found eight nail heads exposed and not applied under the shingles. This is a simple mistake the roofer does because they misplace the nail from their guns and never cover the head with tar when they are done.

The manufactures want these guys to pull the shingle out and replace the shingle.

Give these nails time and eventually the water will travel through the head of the nail and make entry into the attic.

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Brunswick Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:32:22 -0700

(440) 521-5399 Mold in the attic can only get worst if you dont remedy the situation. I recently did this general home inspection last week were I encountered the bathroom vents improperly installed by the builder.

This home is roughly ten years old. The builder never properly exhausted the duct work for the ventilation system for the bathrooms. These vents should terminate to the exterior...not the attic.

In this picture you can see what can happen if you dont get these vents exhausted to the outside. Mold can start to grow because the conditions are ideal for the growth.

Visit us on the web at: www.OhiosHomeInspection.com

Also email us at: Mark@OhiosHomeInspector.com

Crown Inspection Solutions

20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

Home Inspection Westlake, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:22:39 -0700

Crown Inspection Solutions - 20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323 Rocky River, Ohio 44116

(440) 521-5399 This was found on a recent inspection I performed in Westlake, Ohio.

This is the exterior portion of the electrical conduit that is in need of repair. This expansion coupling purpose is to allow movement of the conduit so it does not pull off the electrical base off the exterior of the home. It has expanded to its full capacity and did its job. Now without repairing it, the possibility of the electrical lines running into the home could be pulled from its connection. Not to mention water intrusion is a possibility. Cost to repair could run between $300.00 and $500.00 dollars.

To have us perform your next home inspection call (440) 521-5399

Reach us on the web at: www.OhiosHomeInspector.com

Or email us at Mark@OhiosHomeInspector.com

Home Inspection Medina, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:18:02 -0700

This birds nest was found on my recent inspection in Medina, Ohio. The home was a colonial roughly 65 years old. Construction of the home is of good quality.

When I first entered the attic I found this birds nest that was recently under construction by some hard working birds. I have in the past encountered these nest but, usually the nest is as big as a horses hay stack that can be as tall as six to eight feet. Instinctual the birds will keep stuffing the hole that they create in the gable vent (not in the Pict). They will keep stuffing the hole until the mound will reach up to touch the vent. A lot of work if you ask me. The remedy is to remove the nesting material and fix the screen that usually accompanies the gable vent.

The antennae that is in this pic was used when analog signal was popular (rabbit ears). Instead of mounting on the roof the installer would place the antennae in the attic.

For your home inspection contact us at (440) 521-5399

20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

Home Inspection Strongsville, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:54:20 -0700

Crown Inspection Solutions

Found this foundation settlement on my recent inspection in Strongsville, Ohio.

When I showed up the realtor tells me you should be done with this one in about an hour. Because the house is in perfect shape. So I took about three hours and I went over this house with a fine comb. Besides finding the structure settling, I also found some electrical issues that the buyer that I was representing was happy I found.

The cost to repair all the items I found will cost the buyer roughly $4,500 dollars to repair. The buyer negotiated and had the seller knock off about $4,800.00 dollars off the sale of the home.

Cost for the inspection was $249.00. Price for piece of mind priceless!

For your home inspection contact us at (440) 521-5399

20800 Center Ridge Rd. #323

Rocky River, Ohio 44116

Home Inspection Rocky River, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:54:46 -0700

This is a old garbage holder. Most cities use to come into your backyard and actually pick up your garbage. One would simply lift the handle and place their garbage into this pit. This way the rodents and neighborhood dogs could`nt get to your garbage. I find these every now and again on my home inspections.

If you have one just get rid of the lid and back fill with dirt. This one was filled with water and the current owner couldnt figure how he was getting water into his basement.

To schedule your home inspection: (440) 521-5399

Email: Mark@OhiosHomeInspector.com

Website: www.OhiosHomeInspector.com

Home Inspection North Olmsted Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:10:20 -0700

At this home inspection in North Olmsted, Ohio our company Crown Inspection Solutions found that this breaker at some point arced out and scorched the back side of this panel. Note that the breaker is in the tripped position indicating that the problem probably was never corrected. We asked the current owner if any work was performed electrically to the home recently. Their reply was "No".

The buyer asked for a licensed electrical contractor to come in and evaluate the system. The seller has agreed to repair the safety hazard associated with this situation and actually paid $800.00 for a panel upgrade to add more spaces for breakers and to correct some miscellaneous electrical issues.

Home inspection was $249.00, and the safety of my client...Priceless.

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:42:11 -0700

This fire was at an apartment building on West 80th St in Cleveland, Ohio. The building was equipped with working smoke detectors. While working as a fireman on this fire I personnaly can vouch for the importance of a smoke detector program for every city. When we pulled up the alarms could be heard from the outside. Because of the noise that was produced the four residents were up hanging out of various windows. We rescued the residents with the use of various ground ladders.

This is another reason why shutting down fire houses in the city of Cleveland, Ohio should not be tolerated by the citizens. You the citizens of Cleveland need to call the Mayors hotline to make your voice heard! Just ask the four residents of this apartment building if fireman are needed!

To scedule your home inspection call: (440) 521-5399

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Home Inspection Strongsville, Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 06:39:43 -0700

This home inspection I performed on June 26, 2007. My client is the buyer and her only concern was water in the basement. This roof inspection was part of my exterior portion of the inspection. I make an effort to walk every roof I inspect because sometimes you just cant see defects unless you walk the roof.

When I was met by the buyer she told me the roof was done two years ago and that there should be no problem. I encountered four areas that the plywood was pulling away. I also observed nails protruding through the composite shingls.

When I performed my attic inspection the plywood was missing its clips and the plywood was improperly installed.

I recommended that a licensed carpenter make the repairs and a licensed roofer give the roof a tune up so to speak where needed.

To scedule your inspection: (440) 521-5399

Home Inspection North Ridgeville Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:31:02 -0700

I inspected this home in North Ridgeville, Ohio. I was told the roof just had a roof tune up and the roof has a certification by a licensed roofer.

I performed the roof inspection in about twenty minutes.

The roof is approxiamately 20-25 years old. It is a asphalt composite shingle with a life expectancy between 15-25 years.

This is the second layer and when the roof is decided to be done it will be a complete tearoff and replacement.

When walking on the roof there were areas that are very soft. This usually indicates that the sub decking has received moisture at some point and has weakened the wood underneath the shingles.

This could be from a current leak or moisture build-up from inside the attic due to inadequate ventilation.

The shingles in various areas have areas that need attention. In our professional opinion this roof needs to be replaced. We recommend budgeting for replacement of the entire roof system.

After the seller reviewed the report he placed into escrow around $6,000.00 dollars towards replacing the roof.

To contact us: (440) 521-5399

Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio

Mark Cassidy Home Inspection Cleveland Ohio (Crown Inspection Solutions) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:37:51 -0700

Splicing in newer style wiring into old knob and tube should be placed inside a junction box. Also, consider that the old knob and tube should be replaced when possible as a gradual upgrade to your electrical system.

The old way of splicing was done by soldering the splice together and then wrapping the splice with a electrical tape that has a cloth appearance. The shiny electrical tape is a dead give away that it is not of the older accepted way of splicing.

The seller has agreed to have this fixed at his expense..around $300.00 dollars.

To schedule your home inspection call (440) 521-5399

visit us on the web at: www.OhiosHomeInspector.com

or email us: