Gibsonguy

That's a distinct possibility, thanks for the quick reply Jim. The gutters are old galvanized ones, and I told my client I feel are undersized. They are tucked in way under the edge of the eaves, and are clogged. Click to Enlarge 68.57 KB

I can get CO/ALR duplex receptacles at any big box store here in Montreal (even the little box ones carry them... ) They have always been a specialty receptacle, not with the CU only rated plugs. The AL bonding wire IMHO is fine to the box as it shouldn't really carry any real current, so no heat. It's just a bonding wire. Although I had one break off around a screw head when I pulled a receptacle out of the box one time. It's a good thing it broke around the screw head and not higher up, or I would have problems re-attaching it. From now on, I just look by removing a cover if I feel the need.

Any running faucets? Old seals on sinks and tubs or toilets that run can cause a "non-stop" water flow, never giving the water inside the entrance pipe a chance to warm up. It can cause a lot of condensation if the ground water is very cold (like it is here in Canada!)

Hey Guys, I could use some help on this pic. The lines for the AC unit go through the wall, and I can see the flashing membrane finishing correctly under the brick through the weep holes. It looks as though the brick is "wicking" up water from the sill plate. No signs of wet sill from the inside however. Any ideas on what's causing this to happen? Click to Enlarge 38.91 KB

Marc, It's my understanding that Canadian installations are manufactured here in Canada. There is a recall on '97 Stab-Lok breakers as they renamed the company "Federal Pioneer" here and just re-labeled US FPE breakers... however this is an older generation panel. Has anyone had any personal experience with these panels? When I mention the problems with FPE I'm looked at like an alien by agents and electricians. I don't want to stick my neck out too much on this as I'm relatively new to this still. I already have the reputation of being "too picky" and have been blacklisted here in my hometown... Last week I had a 4 way conference call with my client, myself, the selling agent and the electrician that went to verify a Federal Pioneer panel at the seller's expense because of what I had mentioned (and the rust on the connector screws) They were livid when it cost them $316 to have an electrician tell them there's no issue here in Canada with these...

Hi Guys, Does anyone have any information on Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok panels and breakers here in Canada? All the issues with these seem to be from the US only, and nothing with any Canadian panels. The panel was installed in 1986 and all was good inside, no arcing or anything else. I have read almost everything on InspectApedia on this, however it all states there's not much Canadian issues reported. Anyone have anything? Click to Enlarge 49.43 KB

I see he is already moving on, with a casting call for a new series, one in which he is fixing homes after disasters (hurricanes etc...). Is this the beginning of the end?

Thanks Rob! OK, seller told me the lightning hit the tree in the backyard, sizzled a tree root black and traveled into the house via the 3 season sun-porch and proceeded to blow a ceramic tile into bits like shrapnel into the soffiting above. Fried all his big screen plasma, modem and other low voltage electronics. Panel was hunky dory (I believe that's an inspection industry term?.. ) No damage to chase, or roof or branch wiring that I can see. Thanks for advice guys, Ian

Thanks to all for your help. Will let you know more tomorrow (or later today! I have to get to bed...)

Check the panel for any signs or scorch marks or discoloration. Look at the neutrals and grounds real good, they tend to take most of the power during a lighting strike. Try to find out where the lighting struck (ask the owner if you can). See if you can see the repairs that were made. What kind of damage was done to the home? Fire? Thanks Scott, the panel and was my main concern as is the strike point, but I'll know more about specific damage and the subsequent repairs when I see it for the first time tomorrow.

I have had vermiculite in my first home when I bought it, never understanding fully what it meant because I wanted the house so much. The testing is unreliable at best. I believe that you can manipulate the results you want to achieve from how many, where or what depth they are taken from. Although it is easy to say to leave it alone, when renovating, it is at the fire stops when you open walls amongst other places. It's not like you can avoid it forever if you just don't go in the attic. What it relates to is how other people perceive it. It could affect the resale value of your home which I do inform people verbally although that tidbit doesn't make it in the inspection. Removal is expensive. It deters others from buying the home, irregardless of asbestos contents.

Hi Guys, Not sure about which forum to put this in but since it's of an electrical nature.... I am inspecting a home tomorrow and my client just informed me the house was struck by lightning in 2009, but has since been repaired. Is there anything I should look for because of the phenomenon? I would assume most of the repairs have been addressed by now, but I'll find out more when I go in tomorrow. I guess I'm just looking for what you've come across in your inspections about lightning strikes so I can have a "heads up" approach. Thanks in advance

On the cold water supply?

I second... or third... or fourth... depending on who's counting []

In my opinion, just highlighting the fact that this is an important part of purchasing a home is an important aspect of the show. Some first time buyers don't even know about home inspectors until after they have signed their contract to purchase the home. Then they either go online and choose the first big name or take the realtors suggestion and hire their "yes" man. It is not uncommon for an agent to tell his/her client to expect a $250 fee for the inspection thereby negating someone who may charge more and do a more thorough job.

Haha... Isn't that what the shower head is for?

My toughbook isn't that heavy...

Congrats Mike... Hoping (for our sake mostly!) for many more anniversaries to come.

That's offensive to all the other mildly retarded people reading this....

I like the instant photo loading idea. I have just added some tech myself. I purchased an Eye-FI SD card and a router. The Eye-FI SD card works over WI-FI and it sends pics directly to the folder I choose in my laptop as I take them. Just trying to work out a few bugs before implementing it...

Haudok, what about snow in your area? I'd recommend IWS higher up from before that window also to prevent water infiltrating the window framing from all the snow that would sure to be built up in that area. Well the amount of snow that'd be built up from where I'm from...

No control joints...?

I don't think you'd really tell anyone that. Sure I would. It's a dumb idea: It's costly; it's inconvenient; and in the end it always looks like crap. I told a client the exact same thing just a few weeks ago. I do not get into costs for renos usually, and I never talk about house prices, but this was a young couple who had paid me for another inspection the week prior on another POS. I had to intervene, even if it meant going against inspectors ethics... If you have a lot of extra cash to throw at such a huge renovation, why not look for something in the area with 2 floors? I don't care how handy you are, adding a 2nd floor will be a massive undertaking and extremely costly. I actually drove around after the inspection to look and see other cottages in the area for sale. PS- Its a good thing that house had a bunch of structural issues.

Yes it does tremendously... again, thank-you all for your help. I have cancelled my appointment today with the ad company. I will instead be targeting potential clients by advertising pre-listing inspections as well as pre-purchase inspections by flyers, and... getting a better website. I made it with the most basic of tools. A web designer friend of my wife offered to make one for me for $500 recently, I'm going to take her up on her offer

Does anyone think it's equally wrong to shun agents' referrals? I don't get very much if any referrals from realtors. Nor do I sugar coat any findings or sway my opinions because of an agent's referral. It's easy to take the path of righteousness if you have been working full time for 10+ years already, with an established name and clientele, however if you struggle to get 1 inspection per week, and $500 will get you over 10,000 spots in home buyers hands... I kinda feel wrong with it. I just wanted to know if my feelings are justified, or if I'm being to extreme by cutting off realtor referrals PS. My name is Ian, Red Adair is a famous firefighter.