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This is why a home inspection is essential. The chimney might look great from the roof, but how many people actually explore their attic space? You’d be amazed at what we find in these hidden areas. Do you check inside your electrical panel when you buy a home? This bonding Read more…
We see amazing things when we inspect homes some of these are just too crazy not to share, here are some of our favorites.
There are so many things wrong with this sink can you spot the issues here? That p trap os too deep Double p-trap Accordion drains are not “listed plumping part” and not code. But they sell them at the hardware store of course. Sink leaking. Besides those issues the sink Read more…
Usually, I am a big fan of metal roofs the materials can last a very long time. But as in any roofing project, it takes a trained and qualified craftsman following manufacturer’s installation instructions. This roof has planes are not laying flat, and a raised seam roof must have flat planes Read more…
Yesterday the sun came out so we took a short walk around the neighborhood. We always find great examples to share. Within 2 blocks we have almost every type of siding and roofing. These walks really help students to recognize different products, how they are installed and in some instances, how Read more…
Found a few gems today! Siding is not structural, and you cant attach metal hangers on it. This deck is really large, you could have dozens of people on it at the same time, it will need significant repairs We would really like to see it constructed with these metal Read more…
Some things you know without them being said. In this case, we are looking at the ‘handiwork’ of a not-so ‘handyman’, all 4 examples are in the same house. I thought this would be a good example of what we find. In each case, the sink had some problems that Read more…
As a home inspector, I give advice everyday. One of the most important things I discuss with my clients are the limitations of inspections. Some of the most expensive items that fail for home buyers are not visible during a typical home inspection. One of the additional items we talk Read more…
No I am not commenting on the supernatural here, we are talking about the mysterious stains that appear inside of homes. This “Ghosting” tells a story of poor insulation and leaky drafty homes. When insulating attics, is it best practice to completely cover the ceiling framing to reduce thermal bridging. Read more…
This is a drain for a kitchen, not too surprising it drained slowly. This is a pretty easy fix, a few more pipe supports needed All plumbing needs supports, and depending on the materials, it may be from 2.7 feet to 12. Improper support can create air pockets and clogged Read more…
In case you didn’t know, you don’t plug in water heaters with a dryer cord! I love the taped up connection, the things homeowners will do!
This is just crazy.. Really what could go wrong? I hope the power was off when this brilliant handyman hooked it up. I actually did not take this picture, but it appears to be a main feeder to a service panel. In most cases those big wires should have 200 amps Read more…
Most roof framing today are pre-manufactured trusses. Wood (and steel for that matter) trusses are among the most efficient structural components there are. This is due to their shape and construction; and to the extreme competitiveness of the truss industry. There is virtually no extra material in a pre- engineered roof or Read more…
Gutters are one of the most important part of your home. In our area with lots of rain here, home rot from the gutters in. If you fail to maintain them properly, you will have more issues down the road. This is how NOT to attach the endcap on your Read more…
Have you seen water around the base of toilet? Is the vinyl flooring have stains bleeding through? Does the flooring feel soft or spongy around the toilet bowl? I look at a lot of toilets, and it is amazing how many of them leak. Often these leaks are very small, but over time Read more…