Nolan Kienitz

I've been using Go Daddy for many years with no problems. I started out with their 'website tonight' packages and moved to more control of my own by using MS Frontpage for all website construction and I just use Go Daddy as the server. Works very well for me at this time.

Depends upon your state, city, etc., and such related laws. In Texas the pest guys have to charge tax on their WDI reports. No product applied ... just a "report". Home inspectors also provide a "report" and are not required to charge a tax. At least for now that is the case. I'm sure the State Comptroller will figure out some new rule that will require HI's to charge tax in Texas.

A fellow HI in the Dallas market does all his work on the Mac platform. He also does work with graphics/images as another side line and that was the main support for his Mac. Those new devices coming out are certainly interesting. I've heard that the new device being touted however is "not up to snuff". That is what I heard this past weekend at an inspection conference here in Texas.

Mike - You are more than welcome and in the scheme of stuff it's the least we could do. Richard - Yep ... you can still be a curmudgeon, but thanks for the coordination effort. A great group of folks ....

Let me see now ... there are 24-hours in each day.

These draft documents are changes to the SOP and the original 7A-0 form that has been in play for several years in Texas. I don't want to comment on the precise verbiage of many of the elements, but the formatting of the SOP and changes to the 7A-1 help synch up many things. The adjustments to the SOP also will make it easier to make adjustments going forward when there is a need to add/delete/change something. As for "limiting" ... in my view of all I've been reading and providing input on ... absolutely not at all. I've never heard of any HI in Texas being concerned about exceeding the SOP. Now ... let me say that I've not talked with every TX HI, but I've never heard any concern about exceeding the SOP. I am always exceeding the SOP on many of the elements.

Attached are the final draft documents for the Texas SOP and 7A-1 (Report Form) and other related/suggested TREC changes. They will be presented to the TREC Commissioners on April 28, 2008. There will not be any further changes to the 'draft' documents between now and the 4/28/08 presentation. Download Attachment: 15 Apr 08 .222 and .223 drafts.pdf 24.16 KB Download Attachment: 15 Apr 08 REI 7A-1 draft.pdf 37.73 KB Download Attachment: 15 Apr 08 SoP draft.pdf 168.9 KB

James Hardie company also wants to see 2". I'm generally pleased with 1" and a nice even match on the alignment and cuts. I shudder with the ragged cuts and when there is no clearance.

I'm sure y'all have seen the weather reports and that there were some rather strong winds that blew through North Texas overnight. I had inspected a property this past Monday in the neighborhood in Allen, TX that was one of the focal points for the path of "straight line or tornadic" winds. Client called me today and asked for me to stop by the home and recheck. The client's home sustained some damage like cracked rafters, cracked Hardie siding missing shingled, blown over fence, A/C condenser with damage due to blowing debris, gas flue pipes disconnected at joints in attic due to extreme movement. All in all is pretty good shape ... considering. Images attached are two from the house immediately adjacent to the property I inspected. It is amazing the strength of 'flying debris' and resulting circumstances. Very quickly puts one in awe of Mother Nature. Download Attachment: IMG_8929.JPG 66.74 KB Download Attachment: IMG_8932.JPG 86.5 KB

Mike, I'll keep after it as best I can. Updated 'draft' documents will likely be available soon and I'll bring them to the TIJ Forum as soon as I get a copy. They (TREC Inspectors Committee) are looking for continuing input as they approach the final presentation and review.

I'm in as well. Just tell me where to send. Great work Mike O. You deserve it.

Steve, I've been told to have all links to secondary pages and PDF files, etc. open in another tab/window ... thus keeping your primary page as the still open tab/window on the potential client's browser. That way you keep a hook with your site on their PC so they don't have to 'click back' to get to your home page. I've also been told to do the best you can to keep all information documents available via PDF or such at "your site" ... meaning that you don't link a potential client to an outside site. The thought being to keep people at/on your site as long as possible. I know at times this is not always possible. I'm sure there are multiple opinions about such, but that is one I've been working with for several years now and have not been advised otherwise ... so far.

They are supposed to have a drip leg (as most folks call 'em in Texas). Kind of depends upon AHJ. When I was inspecting the Houston market we called them out all the time and after a year or two the builders started following the rules. I moved to the Dallas area two years ago and I don't think I've seen one up here. I've been told that the gas provided by the utility is dry and due to that there is no need for the drip leg. Ergo ... no one enforces it from what I've seen. I know some HIs call it out, but not very many in this market. I would write up the "spring valve" for replacement to a current style valve.

Attached is a file from Mike Boyett who was able to attend the TREC Inspectors Advisory Committee meetings this week in Austin, TX. These are his notes and comments in blue about the activity. Move is underway to change the SOP and the standard reporting form that we have to use. Mike is a fellow inspector and lives/works in the Austin, TX market. Download Attachment: TREC_IC_040708.pdf 124.08 KB

Ed, Just go down the mountain about 439 feet and all should be fine. []

Mike, Agreed with your information. The "spray on" product is getting better from what I first experienced when inspecting Houston about six years ago. I noted he is located in Stephenville, TX and likely not relying as much on 'heat gain' as you folks up North.

Then there are the "multiple GFCI reset receptacles" that a homeowner must figure that "more is better". When you trip one and it won't reset as there are about 2, 3, 4 or more upstream/downstream and the prime one must be reset before any of the others will reset. It like an scavenger hunt.

The spray-on product has improved over the years, but as Jim noted check the ratings. Also one thin spray coat will likely not provide the results you may be expecting. Having to spray on multiple coats runs up the costs. I have personally used Polar-Ply. It is easy to install and works well. My attic temperature last summer ranged 10-15 degrees lower with the radiant barrier installed. Best practice (for after market installation) is to install between rafters below decking. Polar-Ply comes in 16 or 24-inch spans and simply staples with lip to side of rafters. Some radiant barrier installers install a light-weight film product over the insulation and ceiling joists. That is not a good idea. As Mike O. suggested read more studies from the Florida Solar Research Center. Here is the URL for Polar-Ply: Polar-Ply

Any suggestions on the software. I don't need anything fancy. Frontpage 2003 or it's replacement: Expression Web.

Lou, I do believe you posted at IN as well on this item. Make sure you are watching the various code requirements at the municipality you are inspecting. The "wind rating" levels dictact what works and what doesn't the closer you get to the Gulf of Mexico. For example ... roll-up garage doors that can be installed in Spring, TX (Northwest of Houston) will not be accepted on the Southeast side of Houston due to inland wind level ratings due to hurricanes, etc., etc.

TPR on tankless should be treated same as 'tank-types'. This according to several plumbing folks in the DFW market I've talked with and from what I read in the IRC ... as clear as mud as that can be sometimes. Routed to exterior within ~ 6-inches of grade. Now the 2006 IRC has a whole new twist on TPR drains for W/Hs and it is presenting a new can of worms/possibilities ... so to speak.

Just "fill 'er up" ! Goes without saying neither the plumber nor the electrician were talking to one another. 2005 built custom home "in the country" on acreage, bank repo and in very good condition. Buyer is getting a pretty good deal ... save for a minor lighting problem. [] Lamp holder is not designed for such vertical use as well. Oh well !! Image Insert: 80.05 KB

I've had my Xtend-Climb for over 5-years and it has worked well. Started to have 'sticky sections' for opening/closing in the past year. Spent time cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning and using the Pledge wipes (lemon of course) and even some silicone spray on towel when cleaning. Sticky sections loosen up, but stick again in a few weeks. Been in contact with vendor and it appears I'll be getting an upgraded replacement. BTW - The product has worked very well for me. I hover ('err weigh in) at around 195#.

I have to agree with Jim's comment above. I've not come across "any" free CE classes that were approved by TREC to keep your license current. There are many classes about and even some 'online', but (repeating Jim) you get what you pay for. HI is about 'always learning'. Yes, we need to be frugal, but we don't need to be cheap. David mentioned the Certainteed online training. It is quite good. I've taken several of the courses and they are free, but they are not approved for TREC CE. It appears that you are a newer HI ... just a suggestion from someone who considers himself 'wet behind the ears' ... spend some time digging for the information as you will learn a lot along the way. As for me being 'wet behind the ears' ... I've only been doing residential HI for ~6 years. I did commercial design, development, construction and inspections for ~20 years. I still learn "each and every" day.

At Thursday's inspection I observed a lot of rust on the screws for the deadfront cover. That was my first clue ... in addition to all the pool chemicals stored below the panel. Once I opened the cover I discovered a "new shade" of copper and rust on all surfaces. Then I also commented on the likely corrosion to all the circuit breaker internals. Buyer has requested seller replace the entire panel, breakers, etc. I told my client that was a very good call. Image Insert: 77.5 KB