Eric B

Why is it so close to what appears to be a bearing wall?

If the buyer suspects that you're pulling a fast one you have increased the odds of their looking elsewhere. I have seem offers withdrawn simply because the trust factor went out the window. My advice: spill the beans and be as honest as you can.

Sounds like you're taking on some sort of enforcement role. Good luck with that. That column seems to have some notable height to it and if moisture is wicking up that high then there's a larger concern going on. From the photo I would pay it no mind.

This can often be associated with excessive heat and/or moisture. Conditions in the attic and home today may not reflect those of many years ago. I also tend to wonder if the plates were applied when the moisture content in the lumber was too high - I can see the plates loosing their grip as the wood dried and shank. I've also see plate failure due to fire treated wood but that usually results in severe plate corrosion. In any event we'd be guessing at this stage.

This is how my chimney is set up. One flue for the furnace and water heater and two flues for the two fireplaces. Works pretty well.

My contract is the result of both my attorney and I crafting the text. Don't hesitate to advise your attorney on what you may want in the agreement - don't let him/her do all the work - it may not end up being to your benefit, liking or understanding. In my experience inspectors generally don't mind sharing their contracts with each other - it's a great wall to help cover the bases. Finally, keep it concise and simple to read and be sure that you're able to explain to you client what the various provisions mean and that it is an accurate road map of what's involved with your particular approach to inspecting.

It's not like you Kurt to have a typo.

The baffles may or may not be the problem - there can be several potential causes. Even a well ventilated attic can have dampness issues due to some other problem in the building.

Les: It's my view that you learn from many smart guys, not just one. They are hard to come by and as inspectors we too seldom hear from them. Kenny's presentation set quite a few guys back on their heels which was my objective for his coming to Chicago. As for the GLC - it's tough searching out top drawer speakers and it can be expensive. We're have the same issues as the Ohio, Virginia, Arizona and a couple of other strong ASHI chapters - competing with free and online options. But what really is a concern for me is that the caliber of inspectors is not what it should be or what we should be able to generate for the client. Sorry about the "snarky" remark but my expectations for this industry are quite high and I realize that some don't and never will follow my thinking.

No reason to throw John under the bus because you have such a dislike for me Jerry. And as for the HVAC guys - there are a few smart ones out there. But way too many of them haven't a clue about what they should be doing. If you haven't figured this out Jerry then perhaps those chicken dinner classes may have more value than you give them credit for. BTW - I didn't see your name on the attendance roster for the GLC's July conference with Kenny Hart's 8 hour HVAC program in Mt. Prospect. Out of curiosity Jerry where do you get your HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) education? You're always welcome to our chapter events but be forewarned, we don't do much "101" stuff.

It sure seems to me John that you could burn up some valuable time trying to get such answers. And no matter what they would be I'll bet that you'd make the same recommendation to your client - let the HVAC contractor figure it out.

I don't see where it does Neal. The hose should be connected and it ain't. Furnace should be checked out. Pretty simple in my view.

Does it really make a difference why the hose was off? Where's the benefit in trying to assign blame?

The issue I would have with that can is that it's not "air-tight." These are problematic in my area when installed in attic floors.

I agree. Making a little effort to help move things along can make for positive and lasting impressions. I've picked up a few listing agents this way.

Mike, The foam alone is not going to cause overheating. If overheating did occur there'd be another problem going on independent of the foam. Even it the conduit was stuffed with yesterday's Tribune I probably won't get too concerned. But then again I don't wear a cape and mask trying to save everyone from all kinds trivial issues.

All the time or not I still say it's dumb. What they need is a sticker that says "inspected and almost approved."

I understand that - my issue is that the sticker says "approved". I'd be like me issuing a report that says the furnace is satisfactory and then say that the chimney connector has rusted through and needs to be replaced. I'm a tickler for what is written - not what was meant between the lines.

I'm 6'1" and I'm not as flexible as in the past. My right knee sometimes gives me grief while walking on roofs and I've also had a bout or two with claustrophobia. As a result I haven't always gotten into places I should have or wanted to. Perhaps some people shouldn't be hiring me either.

The tag says "inspected and approved" while the inspector wrote that the CSST needs to be replaced. Seems confusing enough to me. I'm certainly not smart enough to understand what it means.

It's probably just me but "hazard" is a bit strong. I see it as no different than the media and their use of "crisis." After a while one becomes indifferent to overused terms. I prefer to find other ways of describing conditions and still get the point across.

I comment on any extensions that are not metal pipe - it's the requirement in my state. For me it's an FYI condition.

I think that I would consider the possibility of the condensate freezing on the walkway causing someone to slip and fall.

My concern would certainly center on the rusting fasteners.

The hardware stores sell all kinds of stuff that don't meet regulations or manufacturer specs. But they're not going to tell the consumer because it would cut into their revenues. I had an ACE store tell me they sell the clothes dryer vent diverts because people want them. They also acknowledged that the diverters are unsafe. Though the TPV extensions must be in metal pipe for our state the stores still sell the plastic ones.