A return trip to a previous destination can either be a want to go or a have to go. With home inspections it is usually a want. The customer has asked the inspector to return to the house to check on repairs made by the seller based on the inspector's report. Once in a while a special situation comes the inspector's way.
Several months back I was contacted by a condominium management company that was interested in my inspecting work done on one of the complexes they maintain. The reason for their contacting my company was that I had inspected a unit in the complex a year or two previous. My report had been viewed by the condo association President and the owner of the management company during that time. They both thought the report was well detailed. Presently they needed someone to inspect and document some chimney work in the same complex. There was a strong suspicion the work had not been performed as specified in the proposal.
The complex consists of three separate buildings, with a total of 24 units. There are 13 chimney chases 11 of which contain two metal chimney vents, two that are single vents. Each chase was to be outfitted with a new stainless steel cap. Each vent with new caps and storm collars. Additionally, flashing details were to be added below the chase cap edges that would allow for the future installation of vinyl siding.
After waiting several months to inspect the work due to bad weather (the roofs are quite steep), a good day finally arrived. Viewing the first chimney, it was immediately clear the work was not done to spec. In fact the work might best be described as appalling. This repair project was not inexpensive. Stainless steel is very costly. Apparently the labor was not in line with the material quality.
The new and expensive chase caps had been fastened through the top! The screws were gobbed over with silicone caulk. I found holes where the installer missed the wood below and had to try again. The holes were filled with caulk.
Other issues were;
- The new vent caps are the wrong type for the pipe.
- The caps are not fasten. Some were tilted from the wind. Just a matter of time before they blow off.
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Gaps between the vent caps and chase openings.
- Sealant inconsistently applied.
- Damage to some of the new caps from installation.
- Specified flashing details missing.
- Storm collars reused.
Thirteen chimney chases with new and very costly components, not one could be said to have been installed correctly.
My guess is the company that did the work will not be asked to return to the job site. They may however be asked to go some where else.
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