home inspection: Raise The Roof - 05/26/11 04:43 PM
People come up with all kinds of ways to make a small house bigger or appear bigger by knocking out walls, building additions, using different paint colors, turning the attic into a living space or cathedral ceilings.
When taking on a task such as extending a home out or up you have to consider a few things. Whether or not you need to make changes to the plumbing, electric and/or HVAC should be part of the planning stages and not something you "realize" or consider when the project is already underway. This is referred to as the 6 P's: Proper … (4 comments)
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home inspection: It's a $5 repair job.... - 05/19/11 08:47 AM
This entry falls under the Common Inspection Issues category from a previous blog. It's also one of those issues that, if taken care of early on, costs less than a large coffee at your favorite coffee shop. If left alone however it could cost you as much as a truckload of wax rings.
Part of my bathroom inspection is checking the toilet to ensure it flushes, doesn't run continually and is tightly secured to the floor. While flushing it I place my knee against the side and push gently to see if it moves at all. If it does, I … (7 comments)
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home inspection: Environmental Concerns - Vermiculite Insulation - 05/17/11 08:46 AM
A while back I posted a blog on Environmental Concerns and gave a brief history on the use of asbestos in various products over the years. In the examples given, asbestos was purposely used to improve product performance. We all know the consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure. If you are unaware of the health concerns please visit Asbestos Exposure and Cancer.
During a recent inspection I saw what I believe to be Vermiculite insulation in an attic. I've inspected a few homes with this type of insulation before so I wasn't surprised to find it but I do know it's … (2 comments)
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home inspection: How Do You Comment - 05/16/11 06:59 PM
Having been a home inspector for a while I've seen and heard just about everything relating to this business. I don't claim to have all the answers or know the best way to do everything but there are some things I am certain on. Performing a fair and honest inspection with my clients best interest in mind has always been my intention. There have been times when I've gotten dirty looks, been called a deal killer ( I hate that term) and even asked to "take it easy on this one." On the other hand I receive a significant number of … (4 comments)
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home inspection: Point Click Shoot - 08/06/10 08:45 AM
After my first year in business I started providing electronic reporting with photographs. Prior to that I used MATRIX forms (check box style reporting) which actually took longer to complete and even longer to mail out. People seem to like the idea of having a photograph of the areas of interest along with a description and receiving the report via email is convenient for both of us. While reviewing the report they can actually look at the issue rather than trying to figure out what a particular component is.
Recently a photograph I took of an issue not only allowed my … (5 comments)
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home inspection: Beauty is in the eye...forget that. What were they thinking?? - 05/26/10 04:21 PM
While this has no place in an inspection report I have become somewhat obsessed with terrible wallpaper, paint and tile. It amazes me that not only would someone manufacture these prints but that there would actually be a homeowner that thinks, "Now that would look good." Each to his own I suppose.
This has become a source of amusement for me and I'm always looking for the next odd/outdated decoration. This week I have not been disappointed. Of course I would never let on to the buyer as these areas can be changed, that's if they share my opinion.
… (2 comments)
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home inspection: The Forgotton - 03/25/10 07:09 AM
Those out of sight areas tend to be kept out of mind as well. Walking around the exterior and interior of my home I can point out more than enough things I need to take care of. A drywall crack at the kitchen ceiling that resulted from my 8 year old who decided to splash all the water out of the tub and onto the floor. I've got a few floor squeaks that probably wake up my neighbors. And there's my daughters bedroom in need of girl type paint. She's been bugging me about that for a year now and I … (13 comments)
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home inspection: Open Ground (Electrical) - 03/18/10 06:17 AM
While performing a recent Canton Michigan Home Inspection I was finding your typical "Homeowner Maintenance" areas that are common in the majority of Pre-Owned homes. The term "Homeowner Maintenance" is actually verbiage used in my report to describe those areas where the homeowner is supposed to perform periodic maintenance such replacing deteriorated caulk in the bathroom.
Recently I was called out by an agent for reporting on homeowner maintenance issues but it's important to maintain a home to avoid bigger problems down the road. A good example of this would be trees or bushes planted close to the exterior. It's … (8 comments)
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home inspection: Step By Step Inspection Process - 03/12/10 06:35 AM
Home inspectors all have their own way of performing the inspection based on what they feel is efficient. My procedure has always been to start on the roof, complete the exterior, move to the interior, basement and lastly the attic. Unless there's a crawlspace, I always do that last. Following this step by step process allows me to keep track of where I've been so I don't forget to inspect anything.
That step by step process has been my way of inspecting for years but I still find myself going over the inspection in my head as I pull … (8 comments)
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home inspection: The Little Tree That Could - 02/28/10 09:52 AM
Walking towards the garage during a recent inspection I caught a surprised look on the Realtors face. Turning to me she said "big crack here." Hearing her say that and seeing the look on her face I knew there was something big going on in there.
Before I even walked into the garage I could see one wall was tilted and water was ponding in the area. Inspecting the parameter of the garage there was a significant amount of WDI damage due to the wet conditions. From the look of things this has been going on for years.
… (7 comments)
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home inspection: Fireplace Clearance - 02/05/10 07:01 AM
Anyone can go out and purchase a gas fireplace and install it where they like. I admit I'm not one to follow directions when putting together an entertainment center or helping the kids assemble their toys. My wife usually steps in with the booklet and points out why the extra screws and bolts are in fact important. Having said that I do know when to call in the professionals.
The photo to the left was taken inside an attached garage where the firewall separation was altered to make room for a gas fireplace. Not shown in the photo are the … (8 comments)
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home inspection: It's a trap! - 01/28/10 07:37 AM
Something is missing on this 90 ° drain. The generous amount of silicone caulk ensured the drain would no longer leak. And that pesky rusted out metal P type trap was worthless anyway.
The strange smell coming from the sink is only a minor nuisance compared to the constant leaking onto the basement floor. To the installers credit they did in fact stop the leaking as this drain was no doubt bone dry.
A plumbing trap is a device used in a waste system to prevent the passage of sewage gas into the living space.
… (11 comments)
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home inspection: Plumbing Installation - 01/27/10 05:51 AM
Finding areas where one contractor installed their systems without regards to other areas is fairly common for all of us. Looking for these areas is part of our job. Most of the time it's a minor issue like a notched drawer to make room for a plumbing trap. Sometimes it can be a big no no like a notched joist to make room for an air return or cut trusses to make room for the whole house fan.
Recently during a Canton Michigan Home Inspection I noticed the builder was nice enough to make provisions in the basement for … (6 comments)
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home inspection: This got me heated! - 01/24/10 01:01 PM
Eyes, nose and ears are three senses most used during a home inspection. Early on I purchased a digital infrared thermometer to test ovens, water temperature and other applications so I didn't have to rely on touch.
Recently I "stumbled" upon something I could not have seen as it was hidden under carpet. Can you guess what's under this carpet?
… (12 comments)
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home inspection: Bank Owned (Am I Missing Something) - 01/17/10 09:10 AM
There used to be a time when I knew what to expect when I inspected a bank owned home. A couple years ago when I was interviewing a potential client for a Metro Detroit Home Inspection I would schedule extra time if they told me the home was bank owned. Often times these properties were in excessive disrepair so I knew it would take time to document the condition. Most of the time the buyer would tell me right off that they knew the home needed a good amount of work but they just want to be sure there are no … (17 comments)
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home inspection: Raised Foundation Drainage - 01/14/10 09:25 AM
Perimeter drainage systems are common in my area, Particularly when performing a Wayne County Home Inspection. This particular installation was found in a crawlspace and is an attempt by a homeowner to control moisture in the crawlspace. For the most part they purchased the correct materials but when it came time to install the drainage system, they fell short on the know how.
The above photo shows drain tiles laying on top of the soil and extending around the perimeter. This installation might help remove some water but only after the crawlspace has flooded
Following the line back to the … (7 comments)
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home inspection: Plumbing Vent - 01/05/10 03:52 PM
Once in a while I see something that sort of jumps out at me. In this case I had to do a double take as I caught this out of the corner of my eye. The photograph to the left was taken in a recently finished basement during a Lambertville Michigan Home Inspection so I know the original builder more than likely had nothing to do with it. The basement was beautiful and obviously finished by a professional. I'm rarely surprised anymore by contractor ingenuity but I have to admit this one caught me off guard.
The photo shows an Air … (11 comments)
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home inspection: It's Properly Installed But Is It Safe? - 12/22/09 09:22 AM
Being interviewed by a prospective client I'm often asked whether or not I will be able to tell them if they home they are buying is safe to live in. The most important purpose of a Metro Detroit Home Inspection is in fact to determine whether or not various components are properly installed and safe. Of course properly installed and safe do not always go hand in hand. Outside of building your home inside a protective bubble there are general safety tips every homeowner should follow. Information on home safety tips can typically be found on your insurance provider website. … (13 comments)
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home inspection: Wet Attic - 12/20/09 05:26 PM
Yesterday presented an unusual find during a Southeast Michigan home inspection. Attic inspections are always performed last as part of my Step-By-Step process of inspecting a home unless the home has a raised foundation.
The first picture shows a B-Type Vent used for gas-fired equipment (Furnace/Water Heater) and is intended to carry combustion products to the exterior.
Climbing into the attic I noticed water stains on a truss web member but the stain looked dry so I thought it might be from an old leak. The roof was obstructed by snow so I couldn't evaluate it but with … (10 comments)
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home inspection: Inspector Limitations - 12/13/09 09:51 AM
An important aspect of providing home inspection services is managing client expectations so our clients know what to expect. My inspections are always conducted after the agreement has been reviewed and completed with the agreement being sent out sometimes several days prior to the inspection. This way my client has more than enough time to read the agreement, standards of practice, and call me with questions.
It's not uncommon for a client to ask me what a sentence means or question me as to why I won't be conducting a particular type of inspection like asbestos or lead … (10 comments)
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