Wenatchee and Chelan Home Inspections- It passed the building inspector.

Melanie,

That is really too bad about your home. Roofs are the number one line of defense for the home. I see way too many bad practices on roofs. I do not know what your inspector saw or what the weather was like, but I will comment that there was apparent leakage at some point and without it raining at the time of inspection or very recently we can only speculate in many cases. But if your was leaking as you stated I am sure there was many signs available that should of thrown a red flag up.

Dan, Where I am they are pretty good on the life safety issues. But I see a lack of enforcement in some basic stuff such as lot grading and damp-proofing. There will be things missed due to how the system is. This is why it is so critical to have a very thorough home inspection on new homes. If  someone is having a home built having an independent inspector to perform phase inspections would well worth the money.

Gloria, I have called that exact same issue out several times on new/very new homes. If builders would add 8" to their stem wall so many issues could be avoided. Kudos to you also for looking out for your clients.  I am not here to beat up builders/ sub contractors but if they can not police themselves then they will have to deal with Home Inspectors calling out issues.

I think it would be proper that all of us in the industry strive for higher standards, this is from builders through inspectors and Realtors. We can all help each other and deliver better homes for everyone.

Beverly,

This is so true. I try to counsel my clients with the use of composite materials so often that maintenance is even more important. And like you state when other things are not done properly they can have a greater overall effect on the structure.

Jim,

Thank you.

Robert,

You are so right. Control of roof drainage and site slope is the fundemental control method.

I rememeber you said that you have a book you give your clients on the home. It this somthing you wrote? I give my clients a guide and generel information on homes. I am thinking about writing someting for my clients.

Jay,

If they were that clever that would be good ; )

Michael,

It is unfortunate that this is so easily overlooked. It can have such extreme effect on the home.

Gerard,

Yes, the unfortunate thing is these can rear their ugly head many years down the road.

Adrian,

Many times the inspectors (AHJ) are looking for life safety and various items that is hot on there list. But I think grading should really have a higher priority. It too many times has a very negative effect on the structure.