Invariably we are summoned to perform a construction phase inspection for customers interested in ensuring their home is being assembled in a quality-like manner. This is usually not a challenge at all until the loving parents bring toddlers or small children. Folks, this is not a friendly environment for adults let alone little, curious ones.
There are numerous hazards found on virtually any construction site. Some that come to mind are:
- loose materials (during framing and roofing)
- sharp materials (including metal flashing that is razor sharp)
- electrical hazards (such as poorly maintained extension cords)
- dusty conditions (during sheetrock phase)
- silica dust generated from cutting fiber cement board (commonly known as Hardiplank)
- fall hazards (including temporary stairs without rails and scaffolding that looks like inviting "monkeybars")
- hazardous materials such as paints, sealants, adhesives, gasoline
- Equipment movement like dump trucks, backhoes, forklifts
- And so on.
While inspecting a home in Atlanta, I was walking around the exterior of the home with the customer while looking up at the roof shingles. Just then I glanced down at the cluttered job-site to witness a rusty nail in a long 2x4 pierce the bottom of my left shoe and penetrate into my foot. I believe one of the small bones in the foot was kind enough to prevent the nail from coming out the top of my shoe. Very painful! I couldn't help but mutter a profane word while thinking about the derelict contractor who knowingly left this nail exposed. Maybe I should have been more alert. I don't know. I finished the inspection with blood pooling in my shoe. The customer felt bad. I felt pain. The point is...even a trained home inspector with tons of construction site experience is not immune from an unknown safety hazard. What chance do playful children have?
Don't get me wrong. Inspectors love children. We love them enough to request parents make arrangements to not bring them to an active construction site and unnecessarily expose them to these conditions. So I beg of you parents with little ones...use good judgement and prolong the childrens' invitation to the home until it's near completion.
Caring for your home and your loved ones...The Home Inspector Community Across America
Comments (6)Subscribe to CommentsComment