Wenatchee and Chelan Home Inspections- It passed the building inspector.

Wenatchee and Chelan Home Inspections- It passed the building inspector.

As home inspectors we are not local building inspectors. We do not have any real authority other than making observations, recommendations and providing information.

But like the local building authority we do need to have knowledge on codes and building practices.

I live and perform home inspections in an area where we have much dryer climate than much of the rest of the state. But that is not an excuse for not doing things right, by code and/or good building practices. Many times I see short cuts taken and I hear “well this is not the coast… or we have been doing this for “how many” years.

As a home inspection service I see homes after they have been in their environment for 2, 5, 10, 20  years or more and I can tell you many times those short cuts come back to roost and will have an effect on the home. This leaves the home owner or buyer to deal with the situation and the cost many years after the builders have hung up their hammers.

Here is an example of a home that has just been completed.  This is from the final report prior to occupancy.

                                                 

 

This is what I saw.

                                          

 

 

                                                          

Of course I called this out but I see this same thing so many times it makes me really wonder.

Just for the record here is the IRC Code for grading.

R401.3 Drainage.

Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection so as to not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded so as to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade away from foundation walls shall fall a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3048 mm).

Exception:

Where lot lines, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches (152 mm) of fall within 10 feet (3048 mm), drains or swales shall be provided to ensure drainage away from the structure.

 

Inspecting the World-One Home at a time”

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East