Nolan Kienitz

Unless something changes 'tween now and EOM on Tuesday ... I'll finish August with 14 inspections and that is only down 6 from my normal 20/month. Some weeks/days have been really quiet, slow, but ... again ... as noted above: Looking back at the week gives a different perspective than the beginning and I certainly cannot predict each/every week. One day at a time and thankful for each and every one.

Did a courtesy visit and met with client this afternoon. All clothes in house bagged to be cleaned as part of "mold protocol" ... still in process. Walls open in couple of locations as repairs from recent incident are underway. Fundamental failure has been lack of "proper fitting" installation by builder's plumber. One location has had 3 failures after repeat repairs by different individual at same plumber. Other base-line failure was traced to a plumber (or helper) using utility knife to cut binder from roll of PEX and slicing into roll of PEX across entire roll-bundle. Lord knows now where those potential "weak" spots in the house are. CEO of builder called this AM and advised client acknowledgment of their complaint and he was having information provided to him. He would follow up shortly. Client is asking builder to "make them whole" (IE: take back the house and let them move on). I'm slightly hopeful that this will be the resolution. If not my client has already talked with an attorney, but would prefer not to exercise that option. I will be involved as an EW if it goes to arbitration and client advised that whatever property is in the offing I will be their inspector. I've had good response from several sources and will be providing a bullet list of items for my client to have as talking points with support data for the short term.

Mike, Thanks. They are not too far away. I was inspecting a new home this past Monday less than a couple miles from their offices in Irving, TX.

For the sake of this information query the manufacturer does not make any difference. Approach is generic with respect to PEX tubing.

Anyone aware of any granular information regarding failure of PEX piping product itself and/or as it relates to handling/installation? That is a multi-part question I'm sending in an attempt to collect a wide berth of data if possible. This is not necessarily connector related (IE: 2007 Class Action on Zurn fittings) ... there is plenty of information about that suit. I'm dealing with my client (they are not upset with me ... rather I'm their consultant source) who has had 8 leaks in a new home construction since moving in ~ November-2009. All leaks (to date as best I can determine) have been due to small slices or slits in the PEX tubing. The slits have eventually leaked and finally failed causing more water seepage/flow and now there is mold, etc., etc.. There is a huge set of dynamics involved with some wild statements by the CEO and COO of the plumbing company and I don't want to bring them out here at this time ... just in case. I'll repeat that I'm not a target on this one and have worked with the client and builder to resolve some of the early leaks ... thinking they were all good, but they keep happening. Obviously my client is concerned/worried. Legal counsel has been contacted/engaged so I'm sure it will be interesting to say the least.

Hope they work for you. Have not run into anyone over 8+ years who have had any good luck with Service Magic or similar companies. Certainly wouldn't be any $$ I'd be budgeting for advertising.

TeleSteps and 17-18' Little Giant and small step-stool ladder. Telescoping unit gets most of my use/abuse.

Here's a retro-fit style of water re-circulation system that adds a device at the remote fixture. May have been the additional item you saw. Grundfos - Water Recirculation System (retro) WATTS - Recirculation System Device at remote fixture Click to Enlarge 52.05 KB

Think weapon for protection[]

I think I read somewhere in an installation guide for a couple of the on-demand units that they are not approved for use with the pumps to provide instant-on hot/warm water at the far reaches of the home. Don't recall the brands at this time.

I'm sure many may have seen the text below that has been circulating via our e-mail in-boxes. I've pasted the gist of the message below simply as a reminder, wish and prayer that we can all honor our America in some fashion each and every day and especially on 9/11/10. I know that we each get a ton of the "please forward this and that", but simply do what you think is right for you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GET YOUR FLAG READY! THE PROGRAM: On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this ninth anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds. Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do ... (1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you. (2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day. Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America !!! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Usually, the builder owns the property until construction us complete. What Chad said. Builder technically is liable for any/all injuries/damages on that hunk of dirt & structure until "closing" and it is moved off the tax rolls of the builder to the client. Once that happens the builder doesn't care.

Extraordinary observation and comment. I'm also very glad to be a part of this group and as noted am proud to be in this "profession".

Dallas, TX - Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 The Dallas Morning News had an article today about the failure rate and safety concerns with the FPE panels. I'm sure many electricians will be busy answering their phones on Monday.

I have had $4M for over 7-years at $350/annual. Big name company, but they no longer write new policies for HIs. I'm grandfathered and won't be leaving them anytime soon.

.

Related, but a slight drift here ... Had 'head' about this from another HI in Texas as it relates to E&O and what I 'heard' was confirmed: New policy for my E&O (renewing on 09/17/2010) excludes "cement board siding" and "precast stone veneer". Too many pending lawsuits according to agent. BTW - I'm changing carriers as there were just too many "exclusions" added to the list this year. I've been trying to figure out what "was" or "would be" covered.

Did you also take regular JPGs to overlay with the IR images?

Have come across some new combination (frost-free and anti-siphon) devices that simply don't have easily noticeable ID of being such. A recent one happened to have a label on it that provided me a link to the website: Arrow-Breaker

Take a look at the Allegro "gel" knee pads. Scott Patterson also has a link for some good ones as well, but it may be same location. Allegro Safety

Once you get handy with Firefox you will likely not want to go back to IE. I keep Firefox as prime ... occasionally use IE to double-check things and also use Opera now and then. I know Kurt is a fan of Chrome.

Well, let's see now ... How 'bout starting here ? Click to Enlarge 9.57 KB

Old paint being poured into a mixing/recycling barrel?

My subject may be a 'tad off', but I think I read somewhere that the far too common practice of bundling the branch circuits into one entrance at the top of an SEP started in Texas or at least somewhere down South. Goes without saying that most of the time we can't see the remainder of the wiring above the panel, but when it is possible it is all bundled up the wall through the top plates and then pulled through the attic. Obviously should be de-rated. Newer construction actually attempts to spread out the branch circuits as required from the top plate, down the wall and into multiple entrances at the top of the SEP. When my panel was replaced last fall it had originally been done the common bundling way. My electrician was quite fussy about spreading everything out as best he could and made it right with the new panel. Anyway ... a few images of recent HIs I've had with "bundling": Click to Enlarge 68.83 KB Click to Enlarge 78.31 KB Click to Enlarge 78.89 KB

At long last the Houston, TX lawsuit with a "seller" suing a home inspector is finally over. It was termed a "take nothing judgment" ... meaning that there were no awards and that each party walked away. Albeit both sides still had their respective legal fees to pay/absorb. You can imagine the pucker factor had this been found in favor of the seller and what the ultimate implication would have been for all of us inspectors. E&O would have gone to the moon unless they just canceled period. Thank goodness we don't have to go there for now anyway. I was just reminded this Sunday AM that the motion is still waiting for "final signature" from the judge. Download Attachment: FoxTakeNothingJudgement.pdf 311.65 KB