Nolan Kienitz

Spray-in radiant barrier is very tough to make work with the effective numbers it talks about in brochures. Spray-on product must have a smooth surface and must be applied up to two coats to even approach a 70% effective rating. Most roof decking (bottom side in attic space) is "not" smooth. I can put you in contact with a manufacturer's rep , based in Houston who can provide you with some additional information. I can also put you in contact with a few inspectors in the Houston market who can also share data with you. Mean time take a look at: http://www.polar-ply.com

Take a look at the URL below for an updated "blowing fiberglass" insulation. I've heard and seen great things about it. Having an R19 level added to my attic next week of this product. Had a busy winter: Replaced my old/broken A/C ducts with new ducts rated at R8 and have also just finished putting in Polar-Ply radiant barrier. Now that I'm done "tromping" around in my attic I can refill what I've flattened.

1958 house, slab foundation, "hard pipe" HVAC ducts in slab with floor vents. (Mind you this is Texas ... NOT typical). Mechanical damper control in each floor vent with felt sealer to close off when there is no air movement from system. Anyone have any history? MechDamper.jpg Download Attachment: MechDamper.jpg 43.66 KB

Mike & Paul, Tnx much. I've already keyed in that a qualified, licensed electrician needs to review. The panel I saw today looks like your image (Mike) ... save for the new wiring.

Okay ... what about a Magnetrip panel? Is it just another name for a Zinsco? I ran across one today in a very small closet in a Master Bedroom in a home built in 1958. 60-amp main breaker cutoff. All copper. No obvious damage, etc. under deadfront.

Pls note the "ice storms" were NOT in the DFW area. Weather is simply fantastic! Mid to upper 60s, bright sun, blue skies. But with Jimmy being not where he was planning on being ... just sucks no matter the weather. While Jimmy was enjoying some 'brew' I was in the middle of a 4-plex inspection in a "less than spectacular" part of town. Lot of JPGs, quick notes, doors closed in face as tenants denied access and guys in development wondering 'what is he about' !! I'd rather be having some green beer ... at least today on this inspection.

Touche !

Chris, You referring to "recurring" annual inspections or just "warranty" at 1st or 2nd year of builder's "new home warranty" (end of) period? Some builders had put out a "two year" deal. I get a number of 'warranty' inspections anywhere from six months in, but most work for me at 10th, 11th and then the last minute at one year. I market mailers to new home buyers and plan the mailings at the 8th and 9th months or there-a-bouts.

Marketing 101 technique: Have a mirror at your desk and look at yourself while talking to client on phone. Smile and you will change your personna and phone presence. It "will" come across the phone to the client. The mirror helps force you to watch you "work the phone" ... so-to-speak.

Frank, I do same as Gary. I have an "appointment form" that is a "fill in the blanks" that gets the client talking about the property and I'm gleaning the data points I need to learn about their property. I'm asking them questions I need answers to ... almost without them knowing what they are giving up. Finally I'm able to bang that data against my pricing chart and I'm prepared to to a final spin and offer them the price as well as a time/date to lock in their inspection. It is a shift to move them from asking the 10 questions all inspectors should be asked as well as those who ask straight away: "How much do you charge for an inspection?" One of my quick comments has been: "Oh, nothing more than a bar of gold bullion." Always an adventure ... to say the least.

Can define lifetime to simply mean the "lifetime" of the item. If it quit working after two days ... it lasted it's lifetime !!!

My thanks to John as I got his message over the weekend. I'm putting in my website that I'm currently rebuilding. Hope to publish the new one in a week or so. Filled out the data for the 'networking site' ... Dallas may be a bit tougher with the high count of inspectors here.

Further on report delivery ... I just booked an inspection for Monday morning. Client was hoping for "on-site" delivery of report and I advised that my scheduled time at the property was for the "inspection" and "data collection" and sharing with him at the end of that time. I elaborated it was not in either of our best interests to add more time to the on-site visit waiting for a report. Agent called me later and said he has been spoiled with some inspectors who deliver on-site. I've known this agent for some time and said to him what I told the client above ... and that the liability that I assume with an inspection involves a careful analysis and a report that is written very good. I told him that a lot of the onsite deliveries are close to check-box and cut/paste or delete/paste with generics and may not be as thorough as he seems. An interesting conversation for a Saturday evening ... regardless I have the job !! AND both the client and the agent will be impressed with my product. And ... I'll be able to sleep at night !

Anyone have any images of the Wadsworth product?

Kurt - you are good! I was almost completed with my input and was scratching my head on one, but you nailed them all.

Did you just hand over the paper report or e-mail it or have client (her) download it and call it good .... OR did you verbally go over the report and make her aware of all items of concern in same? You can't assume they will read/understand every word or even take any action on anything in the report.

I did one this AM with a focus on JPG collection and will now see how it goes to write the report. Took 'some' notes ... but not too many. Images will drive this one. May work well as you indicated above.

Comments are right on the mark. Agree as well with education, etc. from other thread. I did a warranty inspection this past Sunday and I just validated my general home inspection approach to treat them all as an "education". First of all I learn from each and every one ... then I strive to share that education with my client. My client was a well educated and successful doctor ... yet maintaining and operating his new 6000+ s.f. custom home was not within his current scope. (ahh.. no pun intended). He was very interested and a tad excited about learning all that I was explaining when it came to his home's operation. He kept asking if the builder should have shown these things to him when they purchased ... well, yes ... they "should have". Regardless it just hammers home to me the focus I have to learn all I can, personally and from each inspection and to share that knowledge with my clients. As for helping one another (yes, even 'newbies') I will do all I can to help and share and continue to learn in the process. After 15+ years in commercial inspections/construction and a mere 5 years in residential I still have a long way to go to become a 'seasoned professional'.

Can easily illuminate themselves while showering by simply reaching up and pulling the chain for the 'non-recessed' overhead light. That's assuming the panel doesn't get them first !!

Now ... that will keep your toes warm during those 'snow days'.

Gooped is good! I think I'll be adding that to my saved comments.

Where on the Taunton Press link is the next link for the 30% off Code Check books? I know I'm getting on in years, but I can't find the link that takes me the next step into the 30% off books?

Short of a flush valve ... I think have been called a "hush" valve or ballcock. Was just glancing over some plumbing posts elsewhere and some folks like 'em and some folks don't like 'em. They indicated that adjustment for maximum flow/fill, etc. was a bit finicky. Pressure sensitive to water weight from what I can tell. Minimal 'moving parts' ... less to break.

Jim, Do you have any links or JPGs that you can post that would show the various breakers?

Focus onsite visit with data collection and observation along with client interchange. Go to office and prepare report for delivery to client usually by following morning. E-mail with Adobe PDF attachment. I use Whisper Reporter ... the new release of the Whisper product line.