One Never Knows...
One never knows what they will find when inspecting new construction properties in 
Nashville, TN. The other day, I came across this rather “unusual” venting system for the gas water heater.
Now I know that the "codes" officials never miss things important things such as this, how dare!! And we all know that a mechanical inspection is done before the gas meter is set, so how did this make it past the all seeing, scrutinizing eye of the codes inspector? A CO had been issued, so where did the system fail?
It does make one wonder about the QC and "Codes" process though. Like, how did the mechanical contractor fail to install the vent pipe? Where was the project super? How could he have missed this? Good argument for not being able to see the obvious.
When I see stuff like this, it really gives me a lot of faith in our codes inspectors and builders. This is the main reason that I tell everybody that they need to get new properties inspected.
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor
Whether it's a resale home or a newly constructed one, it's things like this that make me adamant about my buyers having a professional home inspection.
Oct 17, 2011 04:48 AM
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC
Michael
That's why home inspectors are an important part of the buying process.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Oct 17, 2011 05:30 AM
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta
I can remember when opening the hood brought me face to face with electronics and mechanical systems that did not resemble the engines of my youth. Homes are becoming similarly complex and we need experts like you on our side.
Oct 17, 2011 10:15 AM
Canyon Lake, TX
We don't have code inspectors out in the county. I do many new home phase inspections and find things that make you scratch your head. Any one building a home certainly should have a professional inspector on standby to do at least three or maybe more depending on the home. If they don't have someone looking over them no telling what they do as shown in your photo.
Oct 17, 2011 02:14 PM
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
Even a sharp eyed real estate agent would have caught this (that would be me).
Oct 17, 2011 10:19 PM
Anonymous
That's weird! I replied to your post and it must have disappeared! Here I go again,
I think Home Inspectors are the most intelligent human beings on earth, farmers too! I think our country would do much better if a Home Inspector was elected to be our President and ran our country. You make great problem solvers. I don't want another charismatic speaker, I want someone who can problem solve. I want someone smart enough to figure out problems and make things better.
I sure hope this one doesn't disappear.
Oct 17, 2011 10:22 PM
#20
Reliant Realty, Murfreesboro - Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro TN Homes & Real Estate
Good morning Michael! This is another great example of why EVERYONE needs a home inspection whether they are buying new construction of an existing home! Amazing!
Oct 17, 2011 10:27 PM
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586
Hi Michael.
The "C of O" should never had been issued. I ran into this type of thing a couple of months ago.
This single wall vent pipe ran through the celing to the vent cap stack on the roof. Lucky there was not a fire.
It was inspected by a "State Mechanical inspector". I noticed it first thing.
This shot is in my post "I'm the fourth inspector. Really?"
Have a good day in Tennessee, Clint McKie
Oct 17, 2011 10:57 PM
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
Michael, that's called hiding in plain site. Like Lenn I saw it but needed tpo read the text to see if I was missing something else.
Oct 18, 2011 12:03 AM
Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY
"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"
Hi Michael, always, always get a home inspection on any home including new construction homes. Things like this just make me scratch my head.
Oct 18, 2011 12:06 AM
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
Michael, it's like all the new wireless products we have in our homes. This is just ventless. Oy vey! How could they miss that, but I bet they caught that one missing coverplate on a switch.
Oct 18, 2011 12:56 AM
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
Michael...
That is just about the most dangerous oversight that I have ever seen. Thank goodness that you were hired to discover it!
Oct 18, 2011 01:17 AM
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA
Michael, another good reason for having a home inspection on new construction.
Oct 18, 2011 01:32 AM
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents
Michael fantastic catch, it also may have saved their lives or any workeds had it been fired up and the CO2 allowed to flow freely into that house. It is a wonder how the plumber, the GC or the code inspector did not catch that.
Oct 18, 2011 01:53 AM
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate
Hi Michael - I can't believe how many people think they don't need inspections on new construction! They think that because there is a one-year warranty that they don't need to go through the expense. Wrong!
Oct 18, 2011 02:10 AM
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale
Wow, what a mess, Michael. It is amazing how so many other people didn't do their job. Sadly, this "mistake" could have cost a life. I think a few people need a bit of a performance review...
Bruce
PS - is plastic piping OK like that?
Oct 18, 2011 02:51 AM
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX
Oh my, no vent? Yikes. Gas is a very scary thing for me. I am an all electric girl. The other day I walked into the bathroom of our new (old) home and could smell gas like crazy. Hubby did something. Not sure what but it's okay now. What was my inspector thinking? Or, was he thinking?
Oct 18, 2011 09:33 AM
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate
Michael - that's simply amazing that an inspector wouldn't have seen that...Amazing... That's why we need you guys so much... Amazing....
Oct 18, 2011 10:17 AM
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
Michael - It makes sense to me to get all home inspected. Then you have somebody looking out for you.
Oct 18, 2011 02:14 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,862
2,759,862
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
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