habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (7/19/08) - 07/19/08 09:07 PM
I don't know for sure but I don't think this brick pier on the right was installed by a professional?!
And the electrical wire splices should be in an electrical box as well.
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and … (2 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (7/18/08) - 07/19/08 08:59 PM
You are looking at the inside of a furnace after the front cover has been pulled off. When we inspect a furnace, we look for various components such as the red emergency shutoff valve to the right. These are intended to be used for periodic maintenance but also in case of … (11 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (7/12/08) - 07/12/08 05:24 PM
So this is the end result of a failed condensate drain system. Below are photos of a rusted fuel manifold in a residential split HVAC system. The interior unit houses the fuel manifold and combustion chamber, among other things. This area shown in the photos is located behind the removable panel … (3 comments)
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habitec: How Much Attic Debris is Too Much? - 07/05/08 09:27 PM
I think this may be too much.
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and are intended … (6 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (7/3/8) - 07/05/08 09:07 PM
Careful of those fan blades, especially when they can hit the kitchen cabinet door when it is open!!
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real … (7 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/27/08) - 06/27/08 07:59 AM
This is an excellent example of what can happen if a water management system component fails. In this case, the siding was allowed to deteriorate and water penetrated the seams. Once inside it soaked the insulation and from there the wood. Obviously a major expense.
… (2 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/17/08) - 06/17/08 05:54 AM
Maybe a better question is "What Are You Looking At?" The answer follows at the bottom of this blog.
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and … (14 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 6/8/08 - 06/08/08 12:05 PM
Notching, or cutting, a floor joist is allowed under very strict conditions. In general, notching of a joist on the bottom (tension side) is not allowed. This photo is where a joist was notched to allow space for a plumbing pipe. Unfortunately the pipe is now abandoned and the notch is … (8 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (6/7/8) - 06/07/08 03:52 PM
Fireplaces can penetrate directly through the roof or on the side of the roof/house. These penetrations present a water management challenge because of the large size of the penetration and the frequent use of flashing associated with them. This photo is where a chimney on the side of the house has … (6 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (5/30/08) - 05/30/08 01:28 AM
Flat roofs can be challenging when it comes to water management. In reality, flat roofs should not be flat but should have a minor slope to eventually drain water. With age a home or building may settle and flat roofs are not only really flat but may actually reverse the original … (2 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture??? (5/17/8) - 05/17/08 08:03 PM
So, where do I begin? The electrical panel, the service conductors/hand rail, the toilet or the sink. I think I'll just let you make the point.
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of … (14 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (5/12/08) - 05/12/08 04:56 PM
So, is this guy retired Navy? One use to tieing things off to secure them? Or is this just the latest in water management? Or is it water management gone amok?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building … (5 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? (5/7/8) - 05/07/08 06:23 PM
How close is too close? The metal downspout goes directly behind the street service conductors, then down to ground level at the garage door entrance. Maybe the downspout should have been located around the corner to the veneer side?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property … (4 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 04/19/08 09:11 PM
You get one guess.
Plumbers usually do not resort to wood braces to keep a bathroom sink in place. Nothing on the disclosure form either. So it must be OK?
Richard
www.habitecinspections.com
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the … (11 comments)
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habitec: Water Heater Breakdown - What To Do Now - 04/07/08 08:48 AM
This is a true story blog about what to expect when your water heater breaks down and starts leaking.
It's 8:00 AM on a cool and damp Saturday morning and you walk down into your finished and carpeted basement to start your day. As you enter the main room you notice the … (5 comments)
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habitec: Water Management System Components - Condensate Drains - 03/24/08 08:06 AM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a major source of issues in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure. The purpose of this article is to discuss Condensate … (2 comments)
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habitec: HABITEC Completes 12,000 SqFt Commercial Building Inspection in Columbia, TN - 03/21/08 04:40 AM
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, is pleased to announce that we have completed a Commercial Building Property Condition Assessment (Inspection) in Columbia, TN!
The building shown below was Inspected in February 2008 by Ron Rittiner, Chief Inspector and Business Manager of HABITEC and Richard Acree, President of HABITEC. Ron … (2 comments)
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habitec: Water Management Systems - Gradient - 03/07/08 10:47 PM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a major source of problems in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these of systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure.
The components of the Water Management System include … (2 comments)
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habitec: Water Management System Failures - Skylights - 03/07/08 10:00 PM
Experience at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, has shown that Water Management Systems are a frequent source of problems in Home and Commercial Building Inspections. Failures of these of systems can lead to more serious problems such as mold and structural failure.
The components of the Water Management System include the … (0 comments)
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habitec: Foreclosure Rates: Reverse the Numbers! - 02/26/08 08:06 AM
Todays (2/26/8) Tennessean Business article headlines about foreclosures in the US says that, according to RealtyTrac Inc. and a CA research firm, foreclosure activity increased 57% in January versus last year. Sounds terrible doesn't it!? THE SKY IS FALLING! Yet go further in the article and you see that these foreclosure … (1 comments)
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habitec: Question: When Is A Crack in Brick Veneer Too Large? - 02/24/08 09:16 PM
Well, to some any crack is too big! But to many Inspectors 1/8 inch is a key number. If a crack in the brick veneer of a home or building exceeds 1/8" in opening, OR, shows differential movement, then the crack should be repaired.
In this picture on the right the vertical cracks are approaching … (5 comments)
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habitec: Question: When Is A Crack in the Brick Veneer Too Big? - 02/24/08 09:10 PM
Well, to some any crack is too big! But to many Inspectors 1/8 inch is a key number. If a crack in the brick veneer of a home or building exceeds 1/8" in opening, OR, shows differential movement, then the crack should be repaired.
In this picture on the right the vertical cracks are approaching … (2 comments)
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habitec: HABITEC Quoted in Tennessean Williamson AM Real Estate! - 02/22/08 07:36 AM
Please check out the front page article about Home Inspections and Home Inspector Reviews in today's (2/22/08) Tennessean Williamson AM Real Estate section.
Richard Acree, President of HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, was interviewed by Nancy Mueller of the Tennessean about Home Inspection services available at HABITEC and within the industry … (0 comments)
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habitec: A HABITEC Milestone - 12 Music Circle South on Music Row!! - 02/20/08 09:50 PM
A HABITEC MILESTONE
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, was recently selected to complete a Commercial Building Property Condition Assessment on 12 Music Circle South, Nashville, TN. This unique, two story music recording studio located in Music Row was purchased by the Black River Music Group. The building has a rich history … (0 comments)
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habitec: A HABITEC Milestone - 12 Music Circle South on Music Row! - 02/20/08 09:35 PM
A HABITEC MILESTONE
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, was recently selected to complete a Commercial Building Property Condition Assessment on 12 Music Circle South, Nashville, TN. This unique, two story music recording studio located in Music Row was purchased by the Black River Music Group. The building has a rich history … (2 comments)
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habitec: What's Wrong With This Picture? - 02/14/08 11:00 PM
This is a HVAC condensate drain termination on the outside of a new house. The issue here is where is all the condensate going to go? The house sits on a crawl space so the water drains downs next to the foundation wall and follows the path of least resistance. Some … (0 comments)
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habitec: Mold Assessment Services - For or Against? - 02/09/08 12:25 PM
Some have suggested that mold services including testing and assessments are not necessary. I disagree and here is why.
First let me say that mold services are not for everybody. At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we have undergone training at two agencies and I can say that this is a complicated subject and … (2 comments)
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habitec: STORMS - PRAYERS AND DAMAGE CONTROL! - 02/06/08 12:38 PM
Prayers: For those of you who know someone who lost their lives or were injured in this recent storm damage please accept our condolences and know that our prayers are with you at this time.
Damage Control: When these major storm damage events come through there is much to be done to stabilize … (1 comments)
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habitec: Mold Assessment Services - For or Against? - 02/04/08 08:49 PM
Some have suggested that mold services including testing and assessments are not necessary. I disagree and here is why.
First let me say that mold services are not for everybody. At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we have undergone training at two agencies and I can say that this is a complicated subject and … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How much does a Commercial Inspection cost? - 01/27/08 11:48 PM
Answer: Costs vary depending on the services requested by the Client. The services available for a Commercial Building Inspection are offered on an ala carte basis. Costs are then computed based on either a square foot basis or an hourly basis.
… (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: What services are available for a Commercial Building Inspection? - 01/27/08 11:46 PM
ANSWER: A reputable Commercial Building Inspector will offer the following services: a visual walk-through survey, a document review, key personnel interviews, an opinion of probable costs (estimate) to repair or upgrade, an abbreviated Tier II ADA survey, and environmental services.
… (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How long will a Commercial Building Inspection take? - 01/27/08 11:45 PM
Answer: Again the 1 hour per thousand square foot rule is a reasonable estimate. Like Home Inspections, the time to complete a Commercial Building Inspection will vary depending on the services requested, the age of the structure, occupancy, etc.
… (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: What is the difference between a Home Inspection and a Commercial Building Inspection? - 01/27/08 11:40 PM
Answer: Home Inspection rules apply to structures that have (or are intended to have) people living in them but have no more than 4 family dwelling units. For instance, a 4 unit quad-home is a "home" that should be Inspected, individually or as a group, using the rules of a Home Inspection. … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How much does a mold assessment cost? - 01/24/08 02:03 AM
ANSWER: Protocol dictates that a mold assessment starts with a mold survey/inspection. From a mold survey/inspection comes a recommendation for mold sampling. Each component of this process has its own cost. Mold samples are charged per sample. Normally the most basic service involves a mold inspection followed by two air samples (one … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How do you take mold samples? - 01/24/08 02:01 AM
ANSWER: There are 3 types of mold samples that can be performed; indoor and outdoor air testing, contact (swab, bulk or tape), and carpet testing. A thorough and complete evaluation will usually involve all 3 types of samples.
There are two categories of mold samples taken. These include viable (field collected and … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: Why should I have mold sampling done? - 01/24/08 01:58 AM
ANSWER: The science of mold is growing daily. There are literally hundreds of known species of mold and many more suspected. Different molds develop from different habitats. If you can determine what kind of mold you are dealing with you are more likely to find the source of the mold growth … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: If I cannot see the mold is it still a problem? - 01/24/08 01:55 AM
ANSWER: YES! If mold is in your building it is a problem even if you cannot see it. The main health threat from mold is mold spores. Mold spores are microscopic. In other words you cannot see spores. Once dispersed the spores can be spread through the air. If mold is … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: If I just stop the roof leak isn’t my mold problem solved? - 01/24/08 01:53 AM
ANSWER: NO! Stopping the source of water does not completely solve the problem. If mold is deprived of its source of water it does not die, it only goes dormant. If the moisture returns, such as from humidity, the mold comes back to life and continues to grow.
… (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How and why does mold get started growing? - 01/24/08 01:50 AM
ANSWER: Mold and mold spores are present as a natural part of life on earth. As long as a habitat for mold growth is not inside a building then this natural mold is not an immediate threat to our indoor air quality.
Mold needs 3 things to survive: moisture, food source, … (1 comments)
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habitec: Question: Does everybody react the same to mold? - 01/24/08 01:47 AM
ANSWER: No. People can react differently to mold. Within the same family some people can react very negatively to mold while others do not react at all. Mold can be allergenic, pathogenic or toxic. If exposed to toxic mold, the reaction can be fatal. People can be exposed to mold thru … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: What are the physical symptoms of mold? - 01/24/08 01:43 AM
ANSWER: Symptoms of mold exposure may include respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include sore throat, blurred vision, headaches, memory loss, aches and fever. A classic symptom of building induced physical symptoms including mold is when you feel better (ie. the symptoms dissipate) when you leave the … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: Is a mold inspection the same as a Home Inspection? - 01/24/08 01:41 AM
ANSWER: A mold inspection/survey is not a home inspection, but a mold inspection/survey can be done in conjunction with a home inspection. This will, of course, add time to the overall length of the combined inspection/survey.
A mold inspection is conducted in a manner that is similar to a home inspection … (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How much does a Commercial Inspection cost? - 01/21/08 04:55 PM
Answer: Costs vary depending on the services requested by the Client. The services available for a Commercial Building Inspection are offered on an ala carte basis. Costs are then computed based on either a square foot basis or an hourly basis.
… (5 comments)
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habitec: Question: How long will a Commercial Building Inspection take? - 01/21/08 04:46 PM
Answer: Again the 1 hour per thousand square foot rule is a reasonable estimate. Like Home Inspections, the time to complete a Commercial Building Inspection will vary depending on the services requested, the age of the structure, occupancy, etc.
… (2 comments)
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habitec: Question: Are the rules and standards for a Home Inspection different than the rules and standards for a Commercial Inspection? - 01/21/08 04:37 PM
Answer: Maybe. In some states Home Inspectors and/or Commercial Building Inspectors are licensed by the State. If licensed, Inspectors will be required to follow the standards set by the State. It is frequently the case that these standards will be different for a Home Inspection versus a Commercial Building Inspection. In … (0 comments)
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habitec: Mold Testing - 01/21/08 02:04 AM
Some have questioned the need for mold testing as part of a mold evaluation and resolution. I would like to respectfully disagree. Those who have been through a mold training program (as have the Inspectors at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, 615-376-2753) have learned that there are different sources for different … (0 comments)
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habitec: Home Inspector Advise: A Story About Radon (January is National Radon Action Month) - 01/21/08 02:01 AM
A STORY ABOUT RADON
By Richard Acree
President
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January is the National Radon Action Month. This is a story about radon that everyone should read. First a brief review.
Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas that is produced from the … (0 comments)
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habitec: HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC - 01/21/08 01:59 AM
HABITEC serves the Middle Tennessee area including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Hermitage, Gallatin, Goodlettesville, Hendersonville, Fairview, Dickson, Columbia, Bellevue, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, Green Hills, and more. We provide home inspections for single family homes, townhomes, condominiums. We offer Commercial Building Inspections for apartments, … (0 comments)
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habitec: Home and Building Inspector Qualifications - Training - 01/18/08 07:33 PM
Several blogging events of late made think about the qualifications necessary to be a good and reputable Home and Building Inspector. A basic list of qualifications would include training, testing, experience, insurance, licensing, certification, integrity and character.
Training is important because without training an Inspector is working in a vacuum. Many Inspectors … (2 comments)
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habitec: Question: If I have questions after seeing the Home Inspection Report can I call the Home Inspector to get answers. - 01/18/08 01:13 PM
Answer: YES! Reputable Home Inspection companies offer this service. A good Home Inspection Report will leave few questions for the home buyer but it is virtually impossible to eliminate all questions. A few minutes on the telephone can clear the air quickly.
… (0 comments)
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habitec: Question: How will the results of the Home Inspection be presented? - 01/18/08 01:05 PM
Answer: Most Home Inspectors offer a computer generated Home Inspection Report to present their findings. The best companies offer reports that include digital pictures embedded in the report to add clarity to the discussion. There should also be a summary section at the end of the report. However, buyers are encouraged … (6 comments)
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habitec: Question: Should the Buyer be present for the Home Inspection? - 01/18/08 12:47 PM
Answer: A home buyer is not required to be present for the Home Inspection. However, it is recommended that at least one of the buyers attend all or some of the Home Inspection. A great deal can be learned by talking to the Home Inspector about the house you are trying … (10 comments)
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habitec: Home Inspector Advise: A Story About Radon (January is National Radon Action Month) - 01/06/08 03:32 PM
A STORY ABOUT RADON
By Richard Acree
President
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January is the National Radon Action Month. This is a story about radon that everyone should read. First a brief review.
Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas that is produced from the … (0 comments)
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