Nolan Kienitz

10 point Arial here. We have to work within the TREC promulgated template form constraints.

Them there (had to borrow that from Phillip) big box stores are often the 'featured stars' in so much we see. [:-crazy]

Dittos to Bill's and Jim's comments. Another big factor is how the product has been "handled" from manufacture to site installation. No way one can see that "crystal ball" and be sure. I had a client, with a new home, that was purchased back by the plumbing company due to mis-handling of the PEX that had caused over 10 leaks in less than 7 months. Builder then gutted the home and replaced all the plumbing lines and apparently have the house planned for sale again. I'm not sure that PEX is truly ready for prime time ... albeit there is a lot of it being installed. Most AHJ's down here require a copper transition at the fixture connection. So what one sees is the copper below the sink and the PEX is kept inside the wall cavity.

New one for me today. 2-story, 4000 s.f. built in 2002. All static vents in attic have been very neatly sealed off. Two of the former static vents (now with sealed covers) have a six-inch flexible metal duct attached and the bottom end of the duct is hanging near the attic decking floor level. Two "power vents" (thermostatically controlled) had also been installed ... only one was working the motor was toast on the other. BTW - I dislike power vent fans as i can't wrap my head around spending money on electricity to "save money on electricity" to move air from an attic in the summer. The static vents work just fine ... no moving parts, no electricity, etc.. Anyway ... I'm not sure what the former homeowner was trying to do as I've not run across such. Anyone else seen such? Sealed static vent port Click to Enlarge 49.32 KB Sealed static vent port with 6-inch flexible attached Click to Enlarge 42.5 KB Bottom of flexible at attic floor deck level Click to Enlarge 81.77 KB

Search right here at TIJ ... Kurt has posted information on the Fluke and there are many threads about IR work and adding that "tool" to the kit.

Say on the news this AM where Linked In is about to delivery an IPO in the $40 range ... which is high for Silicone Valley offerings ... but ... what the heck? FWIW - I've had a recent flurry of linking requests over the past week or so. Don't even know many of them.

Been "Linked In" for years, but nary a request for an inspection. Lots of historical and peer connections, but that's about it.

Custom Toolchest

Maybe when it was first built it was "ground level" and then it just moved up when the tree grew !!! [:-bigeyes HAH ! I continue to be amazed at what you find over there Phillip.

Looking for a/some inspector(s) I can refer to a client who is moving to the Wilmington, DE; West Chester, PA ... Western Philly area. Likely looking to lock on a home and buy in next 2-4 months.

... and I'm not sure what electrician or HVAC company, etc. who will come out for a 'courtesy' inspection at $25, $50 or so. All companies in the D/FW area have minimum trip charges of $125 to $175.

Sry ... dang bi-focals and my eye-site just don't cooperate some days. [:-yuck]

Mike Your right, This house had a control problem and having to go when it wasn't suppose to.[:-bigeyes "Depends" !! []

Phillip - Did you spend the time to flip the switches to see which one operated what fixture?

BECAUSE !!!

Mike - Now that is just "not nice" [] You should take the time to test each and all pieces of gymnastic equipment and provide images of you making the moves necessary on the treadmill, bowflex, etc., etc.. [:-bigeyes

Bill - You are correct. I have such in my reports, but was having a brain lapse today. Thanks.

John - It's an old and long story ... but here in Texas we have the onerous TREC SOP that says: "We shall test" the TPR Valves. Most of us come up with reasonably inventive ways to exclude such tests.

Jim, Attached is a PDF about a W/H explosion in Seattle (but article notes that the TPR Valve was 'capped'). It also refers to another W/H explosion in St. Paul, MN years ago. I seem to recall a posting and image of a W/H exploding in a garage (side split open at seam) in or around the Phoenix, AZ area a couple of years ago. I don't recall if it was posted here at TIJ or over at IN. Download Attachment: SEA_PI_WaterHeaterExplodes_article.pdf 60.2 KB

Helped out a client and replace his TPR Valve that was leaking and would not reset. House and Water Heater are a 2006 vintage. Image shows inside of valve. Somewhat surprised at the amount of chemical mineral deposits. There was also a boatload along the threads when I removed the valve. It was a side mount unit. The particular water supply in this community must have high chemical content. Interesting things we keep running across. Click to Enlarge 33.43 KB

Fantastic! Love it when a plan works out ... [:-thumbu]

Happy Birthday - Jon ... I consider the maturing process like a bottle of fine wine. Just gets better with 'age' ... [:-thumbu]

I know that Marc in LA will appreciate the image. 1958 house being purchased from original owner/family. Only updates were carpet over hardwood floors and replaced HVAC at least once. I'm still working on report. I just wanted to post the image for Marc's sake. [] Click to Enlarge 48.12 KB

John's verbiage is good. I just call it "composite siding".

Brian G. - Excellent information. As for home sales in the D/FW market ... they are way off. Houston is similar. Many full-time HIs are no longer ... they are doing part-time and other work trying to make ends meet. Of course there are those ($195.00 drive-by specialists) who are keeping somewhat busy as the zoids love them and their reports. My business is down 30-35% compared to last year.