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We’ve lived in a building in the heart of Burien on 152nd for years, and we love it here. But recently, I’ve been dealing with a persistent issue—my basement sump pump has been running non-stop for four days. This pump is critical, protecting our water heater, furnace, and our personal 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.
The question isn’t can you, but should you?Vinyl siding moves/expands/contracts with the weather more than other types of cladding. Vinyl siding, known for its flexibility with temperature changes, requires unrestricted movement horizontally after installation. Usually, the panels overlap, it’s recommended they do so by approximately half the length of the Read more
This may be the most dangerous deck I’ve ever inspected. It has a cantilever construction that is hanging over the support beam by approximately 12 ft! There’s only ten feet of joist behind the beam. This makes the entire structure want to teeter totter over down the embankment. The only Read more
I think the field training part of home inspections is one of the best ways to learn. We have walked our students around our neighborhood more than 40 times. It is one thing to learn about “stucco” in the classroom, and something totally different to actually see and touch it. Read more
Holy smokes that’s one burnt up meter. Gives you great respect for the power of electricity. There was a failure at the transformer that transformed the house. ” The transformer at the pole blew out that powered the home. My electrician friends, what could cause this? Fried the service feeder Read more
Today I have the pleasure of inspecting possibly the most dangerous, certainly the dumbest furnace install I’ve ever seen. If you look at the air intake and exhaust for this high-efficiency furnace they have been swapped. This is causing soaking wet exhaust from the furnace to vent into the attic. Read more
This is a live panel, still working after 100 years. Just a few dangerous things in here, like live conductors everywhere and a little asbestos liner too boot.
It is code to have 6 mil black plastic vapor barrier in a crawlspace, we will often see no plastic or clear. The clear plastic will grow plants readily, below we found a home with the plants taking over. The vapor barrier will help prevent structural pests by reducing the Read more
When I call for structural repairs, I always recommend that permits are obtained from the local authority having jurisdiction. Yesterday I was out on the east side looking at a fantastic home with a big deck. This deck has a cantilevered beam. there appears to be a modification done to the 6 joists Read more
Sometimes you are asked to look at “repair” work on the homes we inspect. This home has a metal roof a masonry chimney. The mortar cap is gapping allowing rain to enter the hollow bricks. This was a major concern and I called for professional repairs. Today I got an email Read more
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
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
Video post: 60 home inspection issues in under 3 minutes By Reuben Saltzman On March 21, 2017
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
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