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A recent new construction walk through was scheduled intentionally a day before the final walk through with the builder.  My client had said they wanted to do our inspection after the final with the builder!  To that I said , "No, no, no!  You need them to include anything we find on the list of repairs they will sign and give to you."  My client emailed me back a simple, "Good point."  So he asked and they agreed to have us come earlier.

The kitchen vent was one of those powerful commercial types.  It has five speeds and at the highest setting could suck out a small child. 

My client asked me if it vents outdoors.

I said, "These are very powerful and designed to only vent outside."

Then I opened the cabinet.

Wow, was I wrong!

This is the new, very special, In And Out Kitchen Vent!  Silly me...

It vents inside AND outside!

Now there is so much wrong here it is hard to mention it all.  But look:

1.  The vent hole in the wall was obviously an after thought.

2.  They cut through the cabinet, then wall, then exterior sheathing, then the Tyvek wrap.

3.  The exterior vent opening is apparently screwed into the siding.

4.  The insulation is no longer there and no work-o.

The kicker?!  The agent emailed me back after their walk through with the builder to say the gentleman who walked through with them was "surprised" at the number of items I had identified.  And as to this vent?  She wrote, "the guy that did the walk through with us agreed entirely about the need to do something to improve the aesthetics of the area around that vent!!" 

Well, praise, praise!  And just the AESTHETICS??!!  He "agreed??"

My recommendation:  On a final walk through check the inside of all cabinets!  I always do...

 

 

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia

www.jaymarinspect.com


 
This post has been included in Virginia Real Estate News Prince William County, VA Real Estate News Bristow, VA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: The Vent
Post is included in group: Professional Home Inspectors
Post is included in group: Ask the Home Inspector
Post is included in group: Adventures in Home Inspecting

40 Comments on In And Out Kitchen Vent

SEP
03
2010
616,808 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The assumption that new construction or even recent construction is "high quality" is unfortunately pretty common. You must have an inspection new or not!

7:26am • #1
992,498 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

More good reasons to have a professional home inspection on any purchased home. Thanks for sharing.

 Blooming for home buyers.

7:31am • #2
382,208 Points 6 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Good point but did they get away with it or did your client accept it as it was?

7:31am • #3
1,546,289 Points 417 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ah!  Memories.  When the vent for my kitchen hood was installed, it vented through the wall INTO THE GARAGE on the other side.  Fortunately, the construction super made the correction early on. 

 

7:34am • #4
806,130 Points 27 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good morning Jay,

So many assume that since it is new construction it will be done correctly..not so!! Love the picture you have of the vent!

7:36am • #5
604,084 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

OMG.  Can anyone say "plan ahead."  Looks like they forgot the critical path and then had to go in after and install it.  So avoidable.  But, then after that mistake to then have all the others.  I do hope you set her straight on the aesthetics vs. the functionality which clearly is more important, (Not to mention the aesthetics will be hidden).

7:38am • #6
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gary - it is uncommon!  I have done new home inspections for over 10 years, with good reason.  Thanks for the reblog!

Roy - those reasons will never end!  And thank you for the reblog!

James - I have not heard, nor returned.  But knowing this client they will fix it very well!

Lenn - that's the classic In And In Vent.  Hopefully you don't have a 30' tube through to the end of the garage to vent outside!

Dorie - it is a bad assumption.  And I am thinking Smithsonian for that photo, what do you think?

7:42am • #7
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debbie - I think they forgot the path altogether!  Maybe some bread crumbs along the way so they can find their way back...  And you are right, it is the entire package that is important.  People are going to look into that cabinet from time to time and don't want to see that!

I thought that the super's "agreeing" that something needed to be done was classic!

7:46am • #8
1,157,516 Points 117 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Had a home inspection a few weeks ago and discovered the vent fan on the microwave was set to recirculate but there was a vent to the outside esentially sitting as a big hole in the back of the cabinet.  It might have been astetically pleasing but not working as it should.

8:01am • #9
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy - sounds like they took out an exhaust hood in favor of a new microwave, but did not know how to punch the right microwave opening to vent out!  I'm not a fan of interior venting, no pun intended.

8:06am • #10
431,251 Points 72 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Another case of high quality new construction. And yet so many for go a home inspection because the home is brand new.

8:37am • #11
421,694 Points 76 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jay - C'mon; it's close. And if you leave the cabinet door closed, where else could the exhaust go?  I think you were too critical.  Isn't it the thought that counts?  Did you give him an "E" for effort?

8:43am • #12
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

True Jim!  And this was not a cheap house, upward of $700K.  Wouldn't you think the guy who did that did not think that there might be a call back?  I hope HE isn't the guy who gets called back -- he stinks!

8:44am • #13
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Well, John, the bright side is that there would be little back drafting from the tube!  You can give him an E for effort, but my shop teacher would have given him an E for something else...

8:45am • #14
147,617 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay, I always look forward to your posts as you have some great pointers to help our entire industry and clientele.

9:13am • #15
421,694 Points 76 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jay - BTW, aren't there any quality homes being built in your area.  You highlight some pretty nasty construction techniques. :  (

9:36am • #16
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thank you Don.  I am glad you are finding so much benefit!

9:36am • #17
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It's unfortunate John, but every now and then I have a good one.  The custom builders, of course, are the way to go.  People like the tract homes because of the prices.  But once you add on the things you want in the house - ceiling fans, speaker wiring, upgraded this or that, the tract homes get very expensive too.

9:39am • #18
161,232 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am going to use this example of a reason to have an inspection on new construction with a current client.  They are saying that as the builder provides a one-year warranty, there should be no problem.  But once closing occurs, who knows how receptive a builder will be to making these "aesthetic" improvements.  Great post!

9:45am • #19
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathryn - this is only one of many things found in this inspection.  The realtor has emailed me three times to commend my "list" of things that the builder needed to do and how happy the clients are with what I found.  A one-year warranty is nothing.  I had one on my house, and a substantial list of things the builder "promised in writing" to do, and guess what?  You already know the answer.

9:47am • #20
354,908 Points 59 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jay:  Surprised the Builder Rep even 'agreed' to allow you on to the property before settlement.  I've fought that battle before.  I wish every new home buyer would insist on their own home inspector.  Great post; thanks!

9:59am • #21
750,674 Points 100 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay, that is just the required "air gap"-----no?

10:11am • #22
210,726 Points 5 Featured Posts

The kitchen vent was one of those powerful commercial types.  It has five speeds and at the highest setting could suck [...] out a squirrel.

Really?... Suck out a squirrel? heheh

PS You didn't really expect me to pass on this, did you?

12:15pm • #23
396,446 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I bet if you turned it on, it would open the cabinets!  HAHAHA!  Your posts are always good!

12:59pm • #24
176,410 Points

What can you say Jay.  I guess they were hoping that the new owners wouldn't look in that one.  Just make sure they don't tape that wide gap closed.  Looks like it might be just the right size.

 

1:59pm • #25
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tish - the final inspection is usually set up when I do the pre-drywall, but not always.  I have never had a builder not allow me on site, but one did threaten to kick me out when I looked at the walls with my flashlight!

Charlie - air gap device.  Maybe they could hook the dishwasher up to that and vent the air there!

6:19pm • #26
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nana - that was meant for you know who.  He will be along any time now...

Chris - The cabinet doors didn't jiggle even.  But I always check inside the cabinet anyway!

Jack - maybe they thought I would not check! Who knows... They might try to get away with the tape thing!

6:21pm • #27
210,726 Points 5 Featured Posts

Jay, Yah, he already is mucking up my posts. He thinks you are his great supporter. Nana

7:10pm • #28
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am a supporter of all God's creations.  Aren't you Nana?  That would include squirrels. 

 

;)

7:45pm • #29
210,726 Points 5 Featured Posts

Sure I support squirrels. Just not Nutsy.

9:33pm • #30
2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

You never run out of things to talk about...AND have a picture for...Thanks again for sharing your experiences!

10:15pm • #31
SEP
04
2010
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nana NaahNaah - I think I get it now!  Hey, hey, good bye...

Jen - every day is a different adventure!  I am in the process of creating a new character - Mr. Jay's Neighborhood.  I was inspired by the backyard of a recent house.  We'll see how it comes out!

5:54am • #32
801,406 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Too many buyers with new construction make the assumption that nothing could possibly be wrong with new...nothing can be broken...yicks ....we will send them to Billy Jay to break them...or to you to point out the broken parts !

6:33am • #33
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Sally!  I am sure Billy would like the publicity and the supervisor will appreciate my coming over!

7:02am • #34
883,020 Points 34 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ouch! To find something like that in a brand new home! Once again, nothing can replace a good inspection!

10:31am • #35
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Brand new Barbara-Jo!  And you should have seen the looks when I opened that cabinet!

3:33pm • #36
SEP
06
2010
608,871 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay, we just did one last week where the inspector found NO insulation over the Master Suite! There were some other things too, but I always recommend an independent inspection - and if they are building, I recommend slab, pre-dry wall and final. Nobody's perfect.

6:24pm • #37
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sharon - that is not as uncommon as you might think!  I had a whole townhouse once without any insulation, and at the time of the inspection the house was about 11 years old!

7:46pm • #38
173,947 Points 50 Featured Posts

The asthetics, huh?  What a tool.

Any time I find one of those super-powerful fans, I also look for an equally oversized fresh air intake.  In new construction, it's always a powered makeup air fan with an electric heater.

9:38pm • #39
SEP
07
2010
614,414 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It's all about the aesthetics, huh, Reuben?  Or not!

5:59am • #40

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Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector

Bristow, VA

More about me…

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: 12315 Sherborne Street, Bristow, VA, 20136

Office Phone: (703) 330-6388

Cell Phone: (703) 585-7560

Email Me

An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.


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