nashville home inspector: FYI - Smoke Detectors
- 02/11/16 06:18 PM
Smoke detectors. Something we all take for granted as these silent sentinels are on the job 24/7/365. The only time most of us think about them is either when they begin to chirp indicating it is time to change the battery or when we take heed and replace the battery at the beginning of daylight savings time. Because daylight savings time is just around the corner, did you know . . . - That the average life expectancy of smoke detectors is 10 Years. - That during its lifetime it's been on the job for over 87,000 hours. At … (14 comments)
nashville home inspector: Leeks Anyone?
- 12/04/15 07:14 PM
Leeks anyone? Of course I am not talking about the vegetable that is in the onion and garlic family, I am talking about roof leaks. On yesterday’s inspection, there were several water spots on the ceilings and the roof looked pretty rough. Maybe not as rough as the one to the left, but it was close. When I see arrays such as this in attics, it reminds me of some of the old Snuffy Smith cartoon strips. Him snoozing away during a downpour; and his wife Louise hustling to put out more pots and pans to catch the water. Now, … (17 comments)
nashville home inspector: Paying Good Money for a Bad Repair
- 04/27/15 07:04 PM
I love the older, more experienced properties. (Yeah! Right!) Like many of our more ‘experienced’ citizens’, there are certainly stories to tell, and a journal of what has historically happened in its life. Yesterday while inspecting a property in the East Nashville area, I ran across this unusual repair by an unhandy handyman. One again, a classic example of how not to support a load-bearing girder. The blocks were setting on the ground with no concrete foundation (18x18 for Davidson County). The bricks were haphazardly mortared together and because there were some building materials lying around, the contractor used asbestos … (20 comments)
nashville home inspector: Thanks for Giving Us...
- 11/27/13 05:17 PM
Thanksgiving. A day when folks gather around a table with family and friends and give thanks for all that they have. For some, it is health, family and friends. For others it may be prosperity and possessions. The list can go on, for each and every one of us is (or should be) thankful for all that has been given to them. But for me, I am thankful for the person who ate the first cranberry. As we all know, nature has a way of warning humans away from foods that are not good for them. For example, the color red is … (22 comments)
nashville home inspector: Healty Eating - NutriBlast Recipe #1
- 11/24/13 07:27 PM
Healty Eating - NutriBlast Recipe #1... Most folks wait until the first of the year before they start their annual weight loss program. I have made the decision to start mine now. My goal, is to lose 10 pounds between now and the first of the year. So what's for breakfast and lunch today? A healthy mix of vegetables and fruits. I am using my Nutriblast to create healthy meals that will sustain my energy through the course of the day. There is a science to this as I have been reading a lot about nutrition lately. While I do not have a … (19 comments)
nashville home inspector: An "Attitude of Gratitude"…
- 11/02/13 06:39 PM
An "Attitude of Gratitude"… Several years ago, "The Secret" was Vogue. In the video, there was a segment about being grateful and adopting an attitude of gratitude. I for one, am grateful for every day that has been given to me. However, there is one day in particular that I spend an hour in quiet contemplation being grateful for the vehicle that is taken me through this life. I am grateful for the toes that are attached to the end of my feet that help keep my balance. I am grateful for the feet that have helped me climb mountains, walk … (8 comments)
nashville home inspector: Ductwork Is Not All it is Quacked Up to Be - Part 1…
- 09/20/13 09:07 PM
Ductwork Is Not All it is Quacked Up to Be - Part 1… Next to the water heater, the average home's duct work system is the largest energy waster. Most residential duct systems have numerous leaks which spills conditioned air into attics, between floors and crawlspaces. This condition also creates room-to-room imbalances thereby creating hot and cold spots on the same floor. The reason for this is cost and that most municipalities do not enforce current IRC (International Residential Code) guidelines for air duct tightness. Mainly because they have no interest in leaky ducts or energy conservation. The use of mastic or sealing … (40 comments)
nashville home inspector: Monday Morning Motivator ~ 09.16.13
- 09/15/13 07:44 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had. ~ Unknown Good business relationships are like best friends. We understand each other, share our mutual thoughts, feelings and desire to serve without ever having to say a word. The Complete Home Inspections Team … (16 comments)
nashville home inspector: Just a Thought...
- 09/13/13 06:33 PM
Just a Thought... A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life. A timely word may level stress. But a loving word may heal and bless. Unknown Every day, the average person uses 10's of thousands of words. Words are important. However; most use words carelessly and unwisely. Words used in idle jibber-jabber accomplish nothing. What you say to yourself and others is of utmost importance. Are you careful with the words you use? I hope so... It is true that sticks and stones can break bones. Words can heal sooth and encourage. What words are you using? … (22 comments)
Jeremiah the Bullfrog said, time is fun when you are eating flies. While not exactly one of my cullinary delights, I have been on the fly and time has gone by quickly. But then, time is really all I have. Every day, I have choices. Do I trade my time for money or trade my money for time? I find it a queer balancing act. Like waltzing with a partner with two left feet, I lumber across the floor. Twirling and whirling I hesitate momentarily to reagin balance before resuming my Odyssey in 3 quarter … (15 comments)
The other day, Dorie Dillard wrote a featured post about the EV charging stations in the Austin, TX area. I do frequent the merchants in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin area that provide EV charging stations as my Chevy Volt is an EV. Unlike many EV's, the Volt is classified as an extended range vehicle in that when the battery is depleted, the gasoline powered generator provides the electric power necessary to continue. I do strive to run the vehicle as much as possible using my primary power source -- the battery; however, there are … (23 comments)
Having been engaged in the home inspection business for almost 13 years I'm unflappable. Nothing really surprises me and, for the most part, I think I've seen it all. That is until yesterday. <Sigh> In the "If there's a will, there's a way" department, this ingenious home owner found a creative way to power the disposal. Doesn't necessarily conform to accepted trade standards but what the heck. It works; right?
Every now and then, we need a facelift. Having looked at my tired, frumpy, out-of-date I realized if I didn't like it, neither would my customers. For those of you are into DYI, it was time to crash, bash and smash and do a total make-over. It all started with the domain. When I got the domain 6 years ago, I never liked it. I thought it was too long. More keystrokes, more prone to errors. This becomes even more crutial with mobile devices. Word Press v/s Conventional. I opted for WP as there are so many user … (17 comments)
nashville home inspector: The Warner Parks...
- 10/19/12 08:06 PM
The Warner Parks... As the doldrums of winter fast approach, what's not better for the soul than a slow, peaceful, relaxing drive down a canopied lane? To me, the Warner Parks are an oasis of solitude just a short drive from the restless sea known as "Life in the City". Nashvillian's are are so fortunate, in that years ago, there were individuals who sat on the Park Service Board that were forward thinking. They they created a 2,600 acre park in South West Davidson County that generations have enjoyed. The park was named after the man who conceived this idea, … (18 comments)
nashville home inspector: Load Bearing Windows...
- 10/21/11 09:54 PM
Load Bearing Windows... As a licensed home inspector, I need to get continuing education credits every year in order to maintain my license. That being said, I really do my best to keep up on the latest and greatest especially when it comes to new new products and construction practices. The other day while doing a framing inspection at a new subdivision that they are building in the Brentwood, TN area, I came across the latest and greatest in window technology. The new load bearing windows designed and developed by ~ Labor Savor Technologies, totally eliminates the need of headers … (27 comments)
nashville home inspector: Inspecting Older Electrical Systems...
- 10/18/11 11:31 PM
Inspecting Older Electrical Systems... When inspecting older properties, a Nashville Home Inspector needs to stay on their toes and leave nothing to chance, especially electrical systems. The picture to the left shows an older panel with wires tapped off the top of the main bus lugs which are leading to another panel. As the need for energy increased, many older electrical systems did not have the capacity to meet the expanding demand, hence taps such as this one. My concern is always for the safety of the occupants. Being rated at 60 amps, the wires leading to the sub-panel did … (55 comments)
nashville home inspector: A Few Bricks Short of a Happy Meal...
- 10/01/11 09:44 PM
A Few Bricks Short of a Happy Meal... I ♥ new construction - never a dull moment. You know the drill, the lowest bid gets the job. And, along with that comes the short cuts to profitise the project. As we all know, home inspectors are not "Codes" inspectors; however, we must know and understand the "accepted trade practices" for the various professions in the municipalities in which we serve. The HVAC contractor who installed the furnaces and air handling units for this property must have either been a few bricks short of a Happy Meal or was … (53 comments)
nashville home inspector: Codes Inspectors Miss More than You Think...
- 09/04/11 10:59 AM
Codes Inspectors Miss More than You Think... I am critical with electrical issues especially when it comes to safety. While inspecting a new construction property located in the of Middle TN area, I was surprised to see so many problems in a recently installed panel. It has always been my practice to give the "tug test" on all wiring connections in panels. During the inspection of one of the sub-panels, I found one of the main leads to the was loose at the connecting lug. To me, this is a potential shock and fire hazard as aluminum wiring … (33 comments)
nashville home inspector: Looking for the not so Obvious...
- 08/25/11 12:04 AM
Looking for the not so Obvious... Like everything else on this planet, there is an expected service life for products. Older cast iron waste systems prevalent before the early 70's certainly fall in this category. Typically, this material rusts from the inside out, gets sclerosis (much like your arteries), and is prone to clogging as the system ages. However, rehabbers often overlook these aging systems as they are often expensive to replace - especially between the house and the main. Service caps in the yard should be securely threaded into the pipe to prevent raw sewage from exiting the pipes … (19 comments)
nashville home inspector: What's Right with the Property?
- 08/22/11 09:37 AM
What's Right with the Property? As home inspectors, we are hired by agents and prospective owner alike to find what's wrong with the property. Far too many times, inspectors are quick to start the litany of what is wrong. This often leaves the buyer with a "bad taste" in their mouth and second thoughts about the dwelling. Every property, challenged or otherwise, has some good points too. It could be the neighborhood, new floor covering, or beautifully manicured landscape. I have talked to many real estate professionals over the years searching for the number one reason why agents look elsewhere … (8 comments)
;)
;)
;)
