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Crash & Burn

By
Home Inspector with Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC

After entering this basement on this inspection, it was determined that the light bulb/socket needed to be moved/covered for obvious reasons (also notice the knob and tube wiring).  Soon after I snapped this pic, I was down on my hands and knees looking at the water heater burner compartment. At the same time, I was also involved in a discussion with the realtor about combustion, carbon monoxide, etc. and as I got up to check the drafting, yep, you guessed it, I moved the light.  Well, not technically "moved" it, I shattered it with my noggin.  Being 6' 3", I often get in many fights with light fixtures and normally, they win. I always keep spare light bulbs in my vehicle, for this reason.

 This is why light fixture covers are important- safety, safety, safety.

 For the record, dining room/kitchen table lights in vacant houses seem to be my biggest foe (I am about 0 - 20 against these guys).  Maybe I should start wearing a hard hat....

 

Hope all is well.  Until next time....

Richard Ives
Chicago, IL

Great post Joshua.  Great points.

Oct 20, 2008 09:46 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I've got you by three quarters of an inch, but I've never broken a light bulb. I've got a much better record against those dining room lights, too. I'm about 0 for 200. Even when they hang a little lower than my head, I run into them.

Oct 20, 2008 08:36 PM
David Saks
Memphis, TN
Broker / Industry Analyst

That fixture in the pic looks ominous, Joshua. Glad your careful around those bulbs.  Fine post. Hope you have a great week ahead.

Oct 20, 2008 10:33 PM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

You don't have to be 6'3" to run into the dining room chandelier.  I do it quite well at 5'9" thank you.  I also have a tendency to turn my head and talk over my shoulder to whoever is listening behind me.  That has led to 1 or 2 boughts with dining room doors and 1 bought with a pocket door that was half open (that one was a TKO).

Jack

Oct 21, 2008 03:38 PM
Hank Spinnler
Harmony Home Inspection Services of GA - Hoschton, GA
Atlanta Home Inspector

I wish I was a little taller.  I'm reaching to my limit in order to insert the temperature probe into those 8' ceiling supply registers!

Oct 22, 2008 02:33 AM
Jacques Mountain
Dream Home Inspections/203K Consultant - Fayetteville, GA
Inspector/203K Consultant

I think this were they came up with the name HEAD-LIGHT!

Oct 22, 2008 04:23 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Looks like the light bulb is winning in its battle with the plastic ductwork as well:)

Oct 23, 2008 04:46 AM