What the...
OSB is not approved insulation material     It is not unusual to go into areas where the code is, "There ain't no codes!" Builders doing construction in jurisdictions such as this, loosely adopt the IRC (International Residential Codes) as they know that there will be no codes inspectors looking over their shoulders making sure that they correct irregularities in their construction practices. However; home inspectors must still adhere to their standards of practices and "codes" governing their trade.
     Recently, I came across an unusual situation in which the builder installed expensive OSB (Oriented Strand Board) on the crawlspace walls. Immediately the red flags went up and I thought "What the..." IRC, as adopted for this area, requires the area below theMissing thermal barrier living space to be insulated and the thermal barrier from the living space to be extended into and through the area below. OSB is not a recognized insulating material, and the thermal barrier has not been extended.   
     I am not the brightest bulb in the string, but in IMHO, it would have far less expensive to install batting between the floor joists or use some other approved methods to conform to industry standards. It really makes one wonder at times...

This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton CEO of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. We provide quality real estate and commercial inspections for Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, Davidson, Williamson County TN and surrounding counties. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

This posting and the contents herein is the intellectual property of Michael Thornton, CEO of The Complete Group.

Complete Home Inspections, Inc
615.661.0297
Brentwood, TN
 
Our Website address is:

This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

 

 
Post is included in group: Tennessee Highways and Byways
Post is included in group: Blogs Happen...
Post is included in group: Best Practices
Post is included in group: Nashville Real Estate
Post is included in group: Home Inspectors across the country

26 Comments on What the...

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

APR
04
2012
133,083 Points 18 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Michael ~ Even though they do have codes in this County, they have no regulations on who can call themselves Contractors. While there are several that are Licensed, there are many more that just found a hammer on the ground and decided they were builders...
5:06am • #7
227,522 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

As usual, your posts are entertaining, amazing and unsettling all at the same time. It's hard to fathom what you come across in your line of work...and to think some people waive home inspections to "save" money. Thanks for again pointing out the red flags we need to know are out there...if we know to look for them!
5:11am • #8
1,112,486 Points 72 Featured Posts

Michael, This is why we always recommend getting an inspection done before going ahead with the deal. Anyone in the Brentwood TN area should call Complete Home Inspections for a thorough inspection of the property!
5:14am • #9
280,883 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michael, Builders doing construction with no code enforcement will create destruction for you to find! This in not good for the original owner if your on the stage for the next buyer!
5:22am • #10
578,941 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That is just craziness.  People will get away with whatever they can.
5:23am • #11
1,226,794 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good morning Michael,

What did the buyer have to say about this mess?? Charles is right..we all feel the same..your posts are entertaining, amazing and unsettling! Thanks for the red flags..you certainly see them all!!
6:22am • #12
1,056,241 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Never seen anything like this, until now..thanks for sharing it.  And, I think you are definitely the brightest bulb on the string LOL!
6:29am • #13
1,445,292 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks, Michael, for sharing your experience.  We always recommend a professional home inspection.

Have a most productive week, with your camera in hand.
6:58am • #14
797,811 Points 80 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow Michael, it just lookes really loosey goosey to me...thank goodness for the share...that is why i love good home inspectors!
7:11am • #15
473,532 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What the hey is right. I actually crawl under a house and take a peek, if it's not too dark and creepy, when I have a serious buyer. I figure it's going to tell me a lot about the quality of the builder. Naturally, I'm not qualified as an inspector, but if I spot something weird, it generally gives me a heads up that there might be a few issues.

Naturally, most can be addressed with a great inspector and proper remediation.  ( Hope you're looking forward to a wonderful Easter Michael.)

8:06am • #16
988,609 Points 82 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Is there anything that comes as a shock to you Michael?  I bet you've seen it all.
8:35am • #17
1,055,311 Points 287 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I am not a fan of OSB.  Just a little water added and it's about worthless.
8:45am • #18
548,645 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Michael, you have managed to prove, yet again, than "common sense" is not that common...
10:04am • #19
1,329,554 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michael

That's using the term builder loosely at best.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig
4:41pm • #20
APR
05
2012
976,735 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Here I was enjoying all the pretty colors on those long white things, whatever they are, and you spoil it with some home inspector common sense.
2:20am • #21
670,722 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Morning Michael when the boss (inspectors) are away and what they don't see won't hurt them attitude will come back and bite them at some time in the future.
4:02am • #22
564,602 Points 10 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

"There ain't no codes," but thankfully for the buyer, he got a home inspection! Enjoy your day!
4:21am • #23
APR
06
2012
564,801 Points 17 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Michael - I'm sure you see thousands of interesting things, but I agree "There ain't no codes" is not a good start!
5:13am • #24
APR
07
2012
761,543 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael ...If I were buying a Home in Nashville I would definitely want you on my side!  Have a great weekend!
4:31am • #25
568,010 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Looks like it gets wet down there. How longdo you suppose it will be before that OSB starts coming unglued. 
5:11am • #26

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Adsc_2328 Ambassador_large

Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

More about me…

Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Address: 217 Jamestown Park Road, Suite 12, Brentwood, TN, 37027

Office Phone: (615) 661-0297

Cell Phone: (615) 473-8803

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog