ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS
2013
No matter what, you can't leave low spots in bathroom vent tubing in the attic. Every now and then the bathroom vent has a long way to go as it traverses an attic space. The longer it is, the more condensation can develop. In this case the tubing runs quite a distance, so the on bathroom has insu...
06/14/2013
44
Comments
As so often is the case on a "remodeled" house, I found double trouble wiring in this electric panel box. The first had me saying, "Star light, star bright, first star I have ever seen like this one!" It was five wires all fitted together and connected with electric tape! That is a first for me....
06/13/2013
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you is simply a formula for life and business. Imagine, imagine what life would be like if everyone subscribed to that rule for life! There are two kinds of builders - Builder One - during the pre-drywall inspection the house is empty of workers an...
06/12/2013
33
Comments
I have seen this three times in the last four pre-drywall inspections - I should call it A Tale of Two Tubes and AC Condensation. Larger houses have two HVAC systems (or more) with one usually in the attic space. This is the most efficient way to do it - the service tubes can run unfettered in t...
06/11/2013
"The necessity for struggle is one of the clever devices through which nature forces individuals to expand, develop, progress and become strong through resistance. We are forced to recognize that this great universal necessity for struggle must have a definite and useful purpose. That purpose i...
06/10/2013
As to the sump pump, if it can't be accessed, don't put it there! This sump pump is in the center of the basement of a very large house. And this is a pre-drywall inspection. It has to pump water a long way before it goes outside. Ideally a sump pump is nearer to the side of the house so that th...
06/09/2013
I love looking in a bathroom, seeing a creative toilet installation, and imagining the contractor's conversation - Biff, "Should we screw it or glue it?" Boff, "Aw, screw it. Just glue it!" When you go into a bathroom adorned with new vinyl flooring, and see the toilet set up on shims, with th...
06/08/2013
This happened within a couple of days - a pre-drywall inspection find, and a quick repair. Depending on the house and the amount of plumbing each will have two or three indoor clean-out ports on a main drain line. There is another one in the yard outdoors. This is in case your drains clog to all...
06/07/2013
16
Comments
One of the most important installation criterion when installing faux stone is drainage.When I pull up to a house with faux stone and see mortar touching window trim, or the stone extend to the soil, or the stone abutting siding, I already know it was installed incorrectly.On my inspection report...
06/06/2013
Two rooms with a view - new construction windows already leaking! This was odd - both houses are new construction, and very nice houses. They are in fine neighborhoods. They have the new super-efficient windows, with good U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, in houses touted to be super ...
06/05/2013
Rainmaker
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Jay Markanich
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An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.