home inspection: Where do these go anyway? - 11/04/09 12:26 PM
Believe it or not this is a "not so uncommon" installation. Either the installer put them their to.... well I don't know. I tried to come up with an excuse for this install but I have nothing.
Photo eye / safety beams, electric eye or whatever you want to call … (2 comments)
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home inspection: Watch your step - 11/02/09 07:18 AM
I'm thinking this was not an issue prior to the installation of the storm door. And why does one need a storm door in the garage anyway?
Actually it wasn't until I walked up the steps while holding the railing that it literally hit me.
A day in the … (4 comments)
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home inspection: Common Courtesy - 10/30/09 08:06 PM
Last minute cancellations are part of business for all of us. I've learned to accept it and move forward. But lately it's gotten out of hand. I've received three cancellations in a row the past three days with today being the third.
This morning I drove close to an hour … (6 comments)
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home inspection: Neighborhood Check - 10/25/09 02:06 PM
Recently a client told me about a site that allows you to check neighborhoods in Michigan for possible registered sex offenders. I've never considered this until they mentioned it but it makes sense especially if you have, or are planning to have, children in your home.
Of course as soon as … (5 comments)
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home inspection: Change of plans results in good food - 08/19/09 10:27 AM
It's 10:00 PM and you just started to relax from a long day of inspections and inspection reports. Thinking ahead to the next day you map out, in your mind, your steps in an attempt to achieve good usage of time. An assistant Pastor I knew used to say, "proper prior … (10 comments)
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home inspection: Structural Inspection - 08/18/09 09:36 AM
During a recent Metro Detroit Home inspection my client was humored by the obvious slope around doors. I was amused at the way the previous owners patched up the cracks, painted, and framed the doors to make up for it. An out of square door here and there is common but … (6 comments)
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home inspection: Inspector Tools (for the crawlspace) - 08/15/09 01:47 PM
Raised foundations are common in my area and my least favorite area to inspect. The heat of an attic is one thing but at least I know, for the most part, what to expect. Fortunately Southeast Michigan Home Inspectors don't have to worry much about poisonous spiders, other than the Brown … (11 comments)
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home inspection: Fix it and flip it - 08/11/09 10:24 AM
Right now is a great time to pick up one of those little bank owned homes that are in disrepair and going for less than the price of a Ford Focus. I've even thought about buying a couple and fixing them up but I've put away my days or framing walls … (5 comments)
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home inspection: Bad dog - 07/30/09 11:38 AM
Condensing units require some homeowner maintenance such as keeping vegetation off sides, cleaning fins periodically, and ensuring the unit is placed on a solid level pad. Sometimes though you need to take extra steps to protect the unit from pets.
This photo shows a unit with excessive damage probably the … (3 comments)
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home inspection: What's missing? - 07/29/09 07:20 AM
When selling a home the kitchen is likely the selling point followed closely by the bathroom/s.
But when updating that bathroom it's important to pay attention to details.
There's something missing here.
… (5 comments)
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home inspection: Blast from the Past - 07/22/09 08:35 AM
Most of us know someone who can't seem to remove themselves from a particular era. Sometimes they are stuck and retain that hairstyle from the year they graduated High School, listen to the same music, or wear those same clothes that looked good at one time. Sometimes this can … (3 comments)
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home inspection: HOT HOT HOT!! - 06/17/09 03:20 PM
It's that time of year again here in Michigan when attic temperatures can be dangerously hot. Often times I enter attics at temperatures of 120° F or more which for those of you down south is probably on the cool side. Staying in an environment like that with an extra layer … (5 comments)
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home inspection: steel drum? - 06/15/09 03:53 PM
Yesterday I noticed a bulge in the carpet of a basement floor. The carpet section appeared to have been installed in that area for reasons other than comfort. When I lifted the carpet I saw a musical instrument, or a metal bucket depending on how you look at it.
I'm … (10 comments)
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home inspection: Use the back door. - 06/14/09 03:52 PM
The only time I get a little nervous at a home inspection is while up on the roof. Being afraid of heights I don't particularly care for that part of the job. Outside of that I guess you could say I'm a fearless home inspector.
Yesterday however I was afraid … (5 comments)
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home inspection: You can stuff just about anything but.... - 06/09/09 04:37 PM
Suffing can be added to just about any fowl and I'm partial to the Thanksgiving variety. Stuffing various home components however is not recommended.
Home Inspectors see just about every imaginable homeowner fix. This B type vent shows an interesting configuration with a "handyman" remedy as to what to do with … (3 comments)
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home inspection: A little fresh paint outta do it! - 06/02/09 02:36 PM
Often times I come across poorly maintained exteriors particularly where there are wood applications. Something I learned early on is to tap each log end with the handle of a screwdriver. If you hear a hollow thud there is probably water damage. When damage is found a little probing is in … (1 comments)
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home inspection: Where are you? - 05/18/09 08:04 AM
On the way to an inspection last week I received a call from my clients who informed me they would be late and that I should just start on the exterior. It's common practice for me to arrive a little early to start on the roof so their late arrival was … (3 comments)
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home inspection: Decorative Plumbing Fixture - 04/24/09 10:59 AM
Yesterday I came across something interesting. During the exterior portion of this recently rehabbed property I noticed the bibs were sticking out a little further than they should. I always start with the exterior so I had yet to enter the crawlspace. When I grabbed the bib it was loose and … (0 comments)
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home inspection: Galvanized - 04/01/09 03:12 PM
Performing a pressure test this week I was immediately aware of breaks and/or separations. As soon as I released the pressure tank valve I went from 47PSI down to 4PSI before I could even stand up. Unfortunately for my client that was the beginning of a timely and costly repair. … (4 comments)
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home inspection: Trainmaster - 03/19/09 07:44 AM
Popping my head up in the attic I heard the buzzing sound first. This left me scratching my head as to what this Lionel transformer is being used for. Perhaps doorbell transformer? The doorbell didn't work so I don't know.
I'm guessing this is from the 60's or early … (5 comments)
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