Trent Tarter

There's been allot of media coverage about toxic laminate flooring from China, just search the web and you will find plenty of info.

I just inspected a single wide with the same type of material. I just call it "single ply plastic membrane". Real strange to see it on home of that size with a decent roof pitch.

The requirement for self closing devise was pulled out of IRC around 2002, 2006? Can't remember exact year. I heard they pulled it because people were getting locked out home and would be in garage with vehicle running.

I've been looking at the Testo 870, it has 160 x 120 resolution. Testo has some cool software that claims to increase resolution and sharpen images to 320x 240. Found the camera and software package for $1695. Check out the link and YouTube video. http://www.trutechtools.com/Testo870-1?gdftrk=gdfV26224_a_7c2772_a_7c10009_a_7c3055&gclid=CPjcnPPy8sYCFcERHwodoRIIVQ

I was inspecting HVAC and first noticed AC condensation had been leaking down through the gas furnace. First thought it was a clogged drain, quickly realized it was much more. As soon as the furnace fired up I started to smell burning/melting plastic. I quickly shut it off, as the smell got worse very quickly. This happened to my neighbor last year during winter. They were at work and no one was home to catch it in time. The gas furnace had been running all day and the plastic drain pan below the evaporator coil had fallen down on the heat exchanger causing it to melt and burn. It was pretty bad, black soot everywhere and horrible smell, they could not stay in the home for over a week. Luckily home owners insurance paid for cleanup.

I would say that drains have been poorly designed and have substandard drain configuration. Drains take unnecessary bends and turns, may be more prone to clogging.

You might check out "Illustrated Home" from Carson Dunlop. It's $219, has over 1700 illustrations. I was thinking of buying it, I have the ability pull images like this directly from my software, or have them directly attached to auto comments.

Not sure what theses devises are, possible surge protection?. They're attached to both service masts, home has 2-200 amp panels. They are connected to smaller service mast in center, wish I would have taken some better pictures, any ideas what these are for. Wire insulation looks a little rough. Click to Enlarge 43.83 KB Click to Enlarge 83.07 KB

A good way to restrict combustion air.

I totally agree.

This place has a wood stove flue pipe that's been routed out basement wall, portion of pipe is below grade. Flue pipe is not in use, stove has been removed. I seen a few of these before but they have always been above grade. As you can see in the photo my main concern is water accumulating near foundation where soil has been dug out. If this type of installation approved? If so, do they make some type of shroud for a soil barrier and to prevent leaves/debris from coming in contact with pipe. Click to Enlarge 63.38 KB

This was the front entry door. The home also has a side entry door and a garage-house door. I would consider front entry a required egress door, however I am not for sure if that's how the code views it for this type of situation.

This is the front entry door, so it's a required exit door. Builder is trying to argue it, just wanting to make sure I am right, everything I can find in the code states that a minimum 36" landing would be required at this location.

Wanting some clarification on minimum 36" landing requirements. This place is new construction and has single step/short landing at front entry (exterior side). Step is 7-3/4 inches below threshold. Click to Enlarge 34.12 KB

Wanting some clarification that anchor bolts are required on all foundation sill plates and knee walls, specifically the foundation knee walls for floor structure support. New home I inspected yesterday had no anchor bolts on foundation knee wall footings in crawlspace. Appeared that the used nails to secure sill plate to footings. Click to Enlarge 41.9 KB

Foot soaker?

Personally I would never climb something that high, especially without a safety harness.[:-bigeyes Years ago I interviewed to be a wind turbine technician. Wearing a safety harness attached to a cable I climbed up a 200 foot wind machine tower. Once I got to the top I had to crawl out top of access hatch and scoot the the edge of a small railing that was about 8" tall, safety straps on both hips. You would be surprised how much they move and flex at the top.

Yes it's an old vacuum breaker for sprinkler system.

Looks like possible ITE or Bulldog Pushmatic breaker. Do you know what brand of panel it is?

In my opinion it was a mistake to call out the panel for having two many breakers. The panel was designed for that many, sure it's definitely full. By looking at breakers I would guess that the home has gas heat, gas water heater? If so, it takes the large loads off the panel. I would call out the cover being difficult to install. Recommend an electrician clean up wires in panel so cover fits. I would not recommend a sub panel as its' not needed. A sub panel will not increase the 200 amp capacity, just create more breaker space which is not needed.

I would speculate that water has leaked below crown and freeze-thaw cycles have lifted it up.

I inspected my first permanent wood foundation (PWF) last year. I had read about them in the past. The one I inspected had a traditional concrete footing, it was in good shape and I found no problems other some damaged masonry coating at exterior perimeter. Some types of permanent wood foundations have a rubble/gravel trench footing. This type will have treated stud frame stem walls resting directly on rubble trench footing. The main things to look for are rot and any displacement of perimeter walls. Google "Permanent Wood Foundations" for some more info.

You're cracking me up.

Looks like "Woodruf" shingles to me. They have had a good life at 30+ years. Most of the ones I find are real curled and warped. Here's part of my standard comment when I find them. This home has masonite fiberboard roof shingles, also known as "Woodruf" shingles. Majority of these types of shingles were recalled due to premature deterioration.

Here's the worst one I have found. Panel had to be replaced. Click to Enlarge 56.2 KB