ASHI Forums

New ventilator

Charlie Rice — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:13:56 GMT

This guy added a soffit vent hole and then decided to rearrange the insulation to get the maximum effect.

Plastic Roof Cement on Concrete

Terence McCann — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:57:24 GMT

Saw this material on a concrete chimney cap. I thought putting this type of material on a chimney cap wasn't a good idea.

DEWITT’S PLASTIC ROOF CEMENT is excellent for sealing expansion joints and cracks in concrete, brick and as a joint filler for pre cast roof slabs. Do not use on COAL TAR, EPDM, PVC, or TPO roofing systems.

https://www.dewittproducts.com/client_images/catalog19954/pages/files/201_plastic_roof_cement_tech.pdf

Cultured Stone Installation Question

Terence McCann — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:31 GMT

Is it OK to mortar over the weep screed or should the weep screed be left bare? Thanks.

Plastic supply type

Jim Robinson — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:27:02 GMT

Basement bathroom - amateur homeowner install.

Any idea about this plastic pipe - PB?

Thanks

Wrong home sold to buyer

Walter Cook — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:39:24 GMT

Foreclosure Flub Costs Woman Thousands

There is also a video with this article if you wish to watch. Click on the above link.

Listing agent 'objecting' to me inspecting her listing

Matthew Steger — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:23:33 GMT

I had an inspection set up for next week and just got a call back from the buyer's agent stating that the listing agent objected to the buyer using me for the inspection. From what I can tell, the listing agent didn't as far to say "you can't use Matt" but suggested the same inspection company who inspected it a few years ago when the listing agent was the current seller's buyer's agent. Her reasoning was "they (other inspector) know the home better since they've been there before". I was speechless...

See ethical issues all over this.

I called the listing agent and mentioned the discussion that I had just had with the buyer's agent. I have not worked with the listing agent to this point and I don't think I've inspected any of her listings in the past. I asked if she (listing agent) had an objection to me performing the inspection and she said 'no' but that both agents came to a mutual agreement on who should perform the inspection...apparently after the buyer's agent had her arm twisted.

The listing agent and buyer's agent are both relatively new in the business and the listing agent apparently pulled the 'I know more than you since I am more experienced' idea. I would see a listing agent trying to steer the buyer into using a specific home inspector to inspect her listing or trying to steer a buyer into not using a specific inspector as an ethical issue. Ideas on how to proceed?

Plumbing

Scott Warga — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:10:05 GMT

This one may get some discussion going.

What is wrong with this and how would you write it up?

What is the Future of the Home Inspection Industry?

Kenneth Tabak — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:40:32 GMT

Fellow Inspectors, After returning from a long vacation I've often pondered this ?, what is the future of the Home Inspection Industry and here are my thoughts. I would appreciate your comments. 1: The general housing market in this country is in bad shape. It will take years if ever to recover housing values and sales. 2: Lack of new and younger buyers, many prefer to rent instead of dealing with the maintenance issues on a house, decreasing the buyer, seller pool. 3: A very poor economy that will take a long time to recover if ever, as a country we manufacture almost nothing with the continued concept that outsourcing is a good idea. 4: No younger individuals getting into the business. Who wants to climb under a house exposing them to environmental issues, low fees and lack of any kind of adequate training. I will be out of my business in the next 5 to 7 years taking 45 years of experience with me without passing it on, as I’m sure many of you will too. 5: We are a small countrywide group, instead of banding together for the benefit of our business everyone wants to be an individual. We have let the Real Estate and building industries control our livelihood. In NC we have an 8 member board with four individuals from Real Estate and building industry. What business in their right mind would allow for such a goofy board make up providing such a conflict of interest? Do honestly think these four members care about us and the H.I business. 6: Constant low inspection fees has created the American psyche to shop us like we are a Walmart, the lowest price is the best. We as a business have reached the lowest common denominator, he who gives the basic report the cheapest is best. Instead of realizing our information has taken us years to obtain and we save people thousands of dollars, we've allowed others to reduce our business to cheap is better. I have seen Realtors tell my clients in front of me that they could have found someone cheaper (my response to them is another subject). It doesn't occur to people that someone with 40 years of experience may know more than a less experienced individual. When you need surgery do you go to the cheapest least experienced doctor? 7: We take on a massive response of liability in a very dangerous business. The large stock of poorly built homes in neglected repair has definitely created more work and time on an inspection. 8: I have moved away from Realtor referrals over the years, it has allowed me to report as I see without a conflict of interest, but, sadly this is not how our business operates. 9: Increase state regulations, insurance requirements, education and general increase in costs is putting a greater strain on us. Harder requirements to gain licensing have thinned the herd on anyone wanting to enter this business. Like I said these are my thoughts and what I see. I like helping people and realize that we are the last stop from someone buying a structure that can ruin them financially. With no new talent and a business terrified to raise costs I see little incentive for new people to join. This has particularly evident in my state. I would appreciate your comments Kenneth Tabak TBK Home Inspections NC #697 ASHI #203109 919-408-0551

Sub Panel

Scott Warga — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:50:51 GMT

This is a sub panel from the same house that the service panel was located.

What is wrong?

Raw Sewage

Mark Thorman — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:03:28 GMT

Who would have thought that saying "raw sewage" would be putting it nicely.

Service Panel

Scott Warga — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:48:53 GMT

This is from Saturdays Inspection.

Just as a reminder:

The Associate Corner Section was set up to provide "teachable moments".
The idea is that an experienced inspector posts a photo of something and the newer inspectors respond with what they think the problem is, or perhaps what they would write in their report WITHOUT other experienced folks jumping in and spilling the beans.

The original poster in "Associate Corner" isn't looking for information, they're trying to provide it.

It should be a safe place where more experienced inspectors can provide help for newer inspectors or Associates.

Associates are welcome to use any section of the discussion board they have access to, they are not restricted to the Associate Corner.

So with that being said, any newer inspectors want to identify the issues with this service panel?

I will give you the first one, this is what I saw when I opened the door, there was no dead front cover.

Needing a 1027 Sun Nuclear Radon monitor:

Lou Voss — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:55:59 GMT

I am looking for a new or used 1027 Sun Nuclear Radon monitor, if anyone has one they would like to sell please give me a call.

Lou Voss
Countywide Professional Home Inspections
636-795-0070
countywideinspect@yahoo.com

Associates-What is this?

Mark Reinmiller — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:57:17 GMT

I occasionally see these in toilets. Perhaps some Associates can identify what this device does.

Today's Whats This!

Mark Thorman — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:00:31 GMT

Found this in a 1970's condo today. Haven't had a chance to research yet.

Arizona Inspector Needed Monday May 14th

Ben Schern — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:31:17 GMT

I need help Monday the 14th of May with a 100+ unit complex, if you are in Phoenix, AZ and have that day open, Interiors only, SD card provided, no reporting needed, please email targetinspect@gmail.com or call me @ 480-228-6165 Thanks Ben...

Sloppy electrical work

Mark Reinmiller — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:07:19 GMT

I rarely open a panel without finding something wrong that should not be wrong if the electrician paid attention to what they are doing. This wire was behind the screw hole. Fortunately it was a neutral wire.

Code check and decks

Douglas Kaup — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:24:59 GMT

Does anybody know a version of code check that has good information about decks. My current version of code check complete has none.

attic ladder short coming

Mark Thorman — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:11:25 GMT

Not even close.

Newspaper Interview

Lawrence Transue — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:20:24 GMT

I was recently interviewed by A local Newspaper. The Morning Call.

The article will be titled " The ins and outs of home inspection" I strongly recommended ASHI inspectors as the best qualified and only truly certified inspectors.

Article will be a feature in the April 15th Sunday Real estate section.

I will post the link once it is online

Proper piping for hot water supplied by boiler

Cliff Kornegay — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:58:56 GMT

I did an inspection today where the boiler that provided the heat also provided the hot water. A hot water line coming off the supply led to a mixing valve that supplied the hot water for the residence. The boiler was mfd in 2006 and already had a leaking pressure relief valve.

I felt like it could have been possible for contamination of the hot water supply lines. Is there a proper piping method for this type of system? Should there be something in place to prevent contamination.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Electrical Panel labeling

Jim VanSuch — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:29:28 GMT

I like that they labeled the electrical panel but...

EIFS

Douglas Zumach — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:04:44 GMT

Does anyone in Colorado know of the State outlaing EIFS??
Thanks

A first for me and the Realtor

Denny McAuley — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:40:04 GMT

At my second inspection of day yesterday a first happened to me and the Realtor. Three-fourths of the way in the inspection the Realtor sees that her car is not parked where she originally parked it in the driveway. The inspection was a townhouse in an area with parking covenants that are are not posted nor known about unit until you purchase. Her car was parked in the driveway, but crossing the sidewalk.

The Realtor asked what to do and I told her to call 911. She did and was informed her car was towed as it was parked across the sidewalk. The complaint came from within the association. There is a For Sale sign in the yard and window clearly stating the home is for sale. My car, with signs of my company on it, was parked in the street next to that driveway. No common sense was used here. No knock on the door to ask if the car could be moved. Didn't even hear the tow truck arrive and remove her vehicle.

I offered to give her a ride to the impound lot, but she stated she could ride with the client as they lived close by the lot. The sad thing was she left her purse in her locked car.

Moral of the story. Don't park in driveways and block the sidewalk. You get receive a "gift" from an association. Second Moral if story. Never park in driveways if at all possible.

pesky parent

Douglas Kaup — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:46:49 GMT

There should be a forum just on dealing with clients and their families. I am sure everybody deals with this issue. I had a pesky father at a recent inspection. He had to check and approve every comment I made on the house. Cracked heat exchanger - he had to look. unlined chimney - he has to look. Fireplace problems.... You get the picture. He started off with wanting to see a copy of my license. Pa has no licensing. Had to do the history of Pa certification and lack of licensing. What a jerk. Problem is I am too nice to clients, which is usually good as it one of the reason why they come back to me. But this guy was totaly abusing the "ask any questions. We are her to help you understand this home" statement.

Any body have any good suggestions how to pisitively deal with such a situation. I realize up front there may be no good answers here, as I don't want to put off the client.

Four wire to three wire circuits

Stephen Wilson — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:28:28 GMT

Okay electricphiles I have a question, and if it makes me look stupid, so be it. At the main panel box the neutral and grounds are separated creating a four wire system. (Yes, I know these are not the technically correct words, but this is how everyone knows them.) So they are separated at the main box, and as I have been told after this point in the electrical system never the two shall meet. But air conditioner units and other devices are run as three wire systems - two hots and a bare ground wire. When I look inside most of the sub-panel boxes, the neutral wires (white) are on an isolated bus bars and the bare grounds are on the bus bar connected to the panel. Haven't they just created a return path for the electricity that is meant as a back up and not a primary by connecting the bare ground of a three wire circuit to the grounding bus bar? But if I open the panel box and see bare grounds connected to the neutral bus bar, then I get that tingling in my spine because bar grounds are not suppose to be connected to the neutral bus bar, but if it is a three wire system, then connecting it to the neutral bus bar makes sense to me. Dryers are four wire now - why aren't other components? Okay without getting too technical because you will lose me, what do you think?