michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/29/10 11:08 AM
Inspection Photo of the Day... In older, more experienced properties, the HVAC system most likely has gone through many upgrades. In upgrades, where permits have not been pulled, contractors often take short cuts in order to save a few dollars. While duct tape may work as a temporary solution to keep probing fingers out of the live parts, it is not a permanent solution. The installation of breaker knock-outs, a $2 item available at home improvement and electrical supply stores, is the preferred solution.
Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2010 michael thornton | complete home inspections, … (0 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day ~~ We'll Leave the Light on...
- 04/26/10 09:29 PM
Inspection Photo of the Day ~~ We'll Leave the Light on...
When I first saw this while inspecting a rehab in Nashville, TN not too long back, I was reminded of a line from a ad that ran for several years on TV and radio. There are a few very obvious issues that most novices can point out such as the missing glass and those dreaded dangling participles.
What isn't so obvious though is the actual installation of the fixtre. Because this fixture is mounted on vinyl siding, there has to be a weather proof mounting plate that … (20 comments)
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michaels dig: Please Help Bubba...
- 04/25/10 11:08 AM
Please Help Bubba... Bubba, my aspiring home inspector has misplaced something. Bubba was out carousing and doing some 16oz curls last night. When he came in this morning, he looked kinda puny and said he was feeling kinda foggy. Later on the job, he swears up and down that there was something in the back yard earlier, but can't recollect what it is. Real estate agents just love to fool with Bubba's head when he's in this condition. Maybe the tricksters moved this item when he wasn't looking. Ya think? Seriously folks, could you please help Bubba and tell him … (19 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/23/10 10:32 PM
Inspection Photo of the Day... Electric panels. In Davidson Country/Metro Nashville, rehabs that under go an electrical upgrade must conform to current standards. Such was the case in an inspection. A new box was installed but the installation was not up to current standards. A novice might notice the missing breaker in the lower right, but an experienced inspector see's much more than that. The litany is as follows: Arc Fault breakers for bedroom circuits not installed Panel legend not in place Missing handle ties on 220/240 circuits {There were 3 sets of these (see inset to … (23 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/22/10 09:16 PM
Inspection Photo of the Day... Decks can be great places to spend some quality time with the fam provided that they are well constructed and safe. Much to my chagrin, I find that home owner and unhandy-man construction practices often leave much to be desired. The chances folks take with their safety and the safety of their loved ones never ceases to amaze me. Kinda goes to show you what a few friends, consuming a few cases can concoct on a Saturday afternoon. I know, picky, picky ~~~ <sigh>...
For other posts in this series: Inspection Photo of the … (26 comments)
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michaels dig: (not so) Wordless Wednesday...
- 04/21/10 12:08 PM
(not so) Wordless Wednesday... I don't know about y'all, but this week has been a blur. Between working in the business, on the business, and giving folks THE business, here it is Wednesday evening and I have only written 2 posts for the week! With all the warm weather we have been having it looks as if all the critters have come out of hibernation. Although, cute, these little buggers can really wreak havoc on a garden and my Koi pond. H-m-m-m, looks as if I will have to start my chipmunk relocation program again this year.
Complete Home … (19 comments)
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michaels dig: Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...
- 04/18/10 10:07 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... " Do what you can, for whom you can, with what you have, from where you are!" ~~Unknown... Far too many times, we get hung up in trivia. Those useless annoyances that urgently beckon us to stop what we are doing. Start what you finish. Expect the best - be the best...
Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2010 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Help Others Live THEIR American Dream
… (19 comments)
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michaels dig: (not so) Speechless Sunday...
- 04/17/10 11:56 PM
(not so) Speechless Sunday... Ever since the first "Confounded Contraptions" were being invented, America has had a love affair with the automobile. But then, why not? The automobile gave folks speed, comfort, and status. Yesterday, while driving down Franklin Rd in Brentwood, TN, I stumbled upon an open antique car show. Ever ready with my camera, I was in paradise. What's not to love about some of these timeless classics such as this 1935 Caddy...
Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2010 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, tn | … (27 comments)
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michaels dig: Friday's Fotos...
- 04/15/10 09:20 PM
Friday's Fotos... It's finally Friday!!! The last day of the week for the typical nine to fivers but not for us in the real estate business. Our week is just beginning. Now I typically dedicate this day to post a "speechless" or "wordless" type post, however; this week I have been having fun with my "Inspection Photo of the Day" series. So what better way to end the 9-5 week but with another, "silly things you see on the job" type post that will leave you totally speechless. This one really had me scratching my head. On a recent rehab … (31 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day - Part Duex
- 04/15/10 09:40 AM
Inspection Photo of the Day - Part Duex Earlier today I wrote a post about S-Traps in my Inspection Photo of the Day Series. In order to demonstrate what an air admittance valve looked like, and what the installation should look like, I took this picture earlier today. Alas, all is not right with the world however. Never have a cabinet installer do a plumbers job. During a recent rehab on the kitchen, new cabinet tops and sink were installed, leaving the uphill plumbing and other idiosyncrasies under the sink, much to be desired. Oh, well, their heart was … (9 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/14/10 11:22 PM
Inspection Photo of the Day... The dreaded S-trap lurking under the sink or basin will certainly show up in an inspection report, provided that the inspector is on the ball. While certainly not a deal killer, these serpentine slip-joints, slithering under your sink can raise a real stink. Under the right conditions, these can siphon dry allowing sewer gases to enter the property. While I typically see these in rehabbed properties, such as the property I inspected in the Nashville real estate market, I have also seen these in newer construction. The repair can be quite simple. Install a air … (20 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/13/10 10:49 PM
Inspection Photo of the Day... The Medusa. The mythical Greek gorgon who would stop any onlooker in their tracks and turn them into stone if directly gazed upon. While gazing at this monstrosity that was living in the crawlspace, did not turn me into stone, it certainly stopped me in my tracks. Home owners pay tradesmen good money to perform services for them. Half-assed workmanship such as this can be filed away in the "out of sight/out of mind" department. That is, until the property gets put on the market. That's when a can-of-worms, such as this is revealed. … (29 comments)
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michaels dig: Inspection Photo of the Day...
- 04/13/10 12:54 AM
Inspection Photo of the Day... I feel sorry for some folks. Having to write about the same ol' same ol' day in and day out. Having to come up with new and different material every day has to be challenging. Home inspectors are really lucky. We never run out of things to write about. All we need to do is look through the pictures of our last job and "Voila". Another blog post. Thankfully, there are enough unhandy handymen out in the real world to earn us a living and keep us amused. I do not see anything that is … (29 comments)
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michaels dig: Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder...
- 04/11/10 09:58 PM
Monday Morning Motivator & Some Points to Ponder... Didja ever have one of those Monday's? You're raring to go, put your key in the ignition and all you get is "Ro-O-owr", "Ro-O-owr", "Ro-O-owr" ~~~ "Click", "Click", "Click" <sigh>... What can I say? No "Mo" means no "Go"... I can still give you a pretty picture to look at. "Click", "Click", "Click"...
Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2010 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc./complete video promotions | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com Helping YOU Help Others Live THEIR American Dream
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michaels dig: Make Mine a Fuzzy Navel...
- 04/09/10 11:46 PM
Fuzzy Navel. What a cool name for a foo-foo drink. The name might seem appropriate because after chugging down a few of these at the end of a long, tiring work day, all things logical just kinda sorta get a little fuzzy. Fuzzy isn't always Wuzzy either. While it might be neat to cuddle with a nice fuzzy blankie and teddie after having consumed a few too many. A fuzzy tongue in the morning isn't the best way to start the day either. Speaking of fuzzy tongues, how many tubes of toothpaste do you think it will take … (22 comments)
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michaels dig: Watch That Last Step...
- 04/08/10 12:37 AM
Watch that last step, it's a doozie seems to be the order of the day on my latest inspection on a rehabbed property in the Nashville TN real estate market. It has often been said, that the devil is in the details, and it appears as if the contractor left out one minor detail on this balcony. But then, who would want safety to get in the way of the beautiful view of this back yard anyhow...
Complete Home Inspections/Complete Video Promotions © 2010 bubba fife | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com … (18 comments)
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Inspection Photo of the Day... In older, more experienced properties, the HVAC system most likely has gone through many upgrades. In upgrades, where permits have not been pulled, contractors often take short cuts in order to save a few dollars. While duct tape may work as a temporary solution to keep probing fingers out of the live parts, it is not a permanent solution. The installation of breaker knock-outs, a $2 item available at home improvement and electrical supply stores, is the preferred solution. 
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