allspec33351

I recently found two links on my web pages to home inspector's directories. None of which I approved. I am my own web master (not very good) and I publish using Microsoft Front page. I could not get rid of the links even by overwriting my whole web site The site is hosted by my son and he did something to remove them. So besides spam we now have this crap. Please check you web sites for unauthorized links. Mitchell

I respectfully disagree. Flipping a float switch using my professional judgment, a little science, and basic logic. Is exactly what I am hired for. As to time management, my time management is to do the job I was hired. I've spent too many hours too many times at a home inspection but that's my job. Well everything fails it is only a question of time. But I am hire to tell my client is it working today. I am kinda surprised as I have always (mostly) admired your stand against the bucket head realator sucking inspector. When I started in this profession I was a member of the local home inspection association. At meetings we usually had a speaker and one night the very well respected and owner of a large multi home inspection company did a presentation on waters heaters. He explained it all and then said something like now you know what to inspect when you are inspecting a water heater. So the not so shy self asked "so you test the tprv? " "oh no" replied the speaker "it may get stuck and the realator will be upset." I then asked "do you write it up when the tprv goes uphill?" "of course not" replied the speaker Then I asked "do you write it up if the drain line is reduced?" "Listen" he said " you can write up anything you want but if you want to get realators to refer you then don't."

In So Fl almost all the houses have acs. I test every float switch period. That's my job {I think every one turned back on. Some never turned off and that's a problem. } I know this is going to sound harsh but some of you should not be a home inspectors if you are afraid of checking a float switch, a tprv, a garage door opener etc. because of liability. I have NEVER been sued or received a letter because something I tested broke.(15 years) I test what I can to a logical standard. Do you turn a faucet to see if water flows? Well, if you are in the profession long enough; a handle will break off or you can't shut the water off. If you test a GFIC sometimes it will not reset or blow up. I have had acs literally blow up when turned on, dishwashers that flooded the house, showers that took out ceilings, and one refrigerator that was electrified. Come on guys do your job for your client. And if you are scared have the seller sign a release that you will not be liable if you use proper standards and care when testing.

Get a copy of the permits pulled and make sure all are signed off. And make sure all permit were pulled. mlc

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/art ... 403995.htm Captain

http://www.homegauge.com/report/437706/ mlc

I have never seen a roof without a drip edge in So Fl mlc

That is not correct. 2006 IRC P2803.6.1 says the discharge may be to the floor, to an indirect waste receptor, or to the outdoors. There must be an air gap in the same room as the water heater. I have only tested one with an air gap and it doesn't work. Nor can I see how one can work. mlc

Based on opening thousands tprv I would say the percentage of "stuck " valves is about 1%-2%. The number that stay open are between 1/2%-1%. Please note that a gentle tap on the top of the tprv usually stops the leak at least until I leave. I would say the decision to not test by inspectors is based on the fear of repercussions of a stuck valve and not based on whether testing of the valve is a legitimate test. mlc

Another interesting read. http://www.nationalboard.org/NationalBo ... sic26.aspx Sometime lifting a lever or pushing a button is the only test we have. I probably will never save a life because of my recommendations but I'm not going to stop. How about if I don't lift the lever I will never know. mlc

I like this http://www.onthehouse.com/wp/19940207 mlc

Maybe I heard about one http://www.dailyitem.com/homepage/local ... 74909.html mlc

Have you ever heard of a water heater that exploded because the TPR valve stuck shut or failed? - Jim Katen, Oregon No ? Have you heard of a fire started or cause by FPE panel ? Have you heard of a fire started or cause by Zinsco panel ? Have you heard of a person being electrocuted by a faulty GFCI ? Have you heard of a fire started or cause by a double tap in a panel ? Have you heard of a confirmed lead poisoning in a residential home ? Have you heard of a confirmed asbestos medical condition in a residential home ? Have you ever heard of a water heater that exploded because the TPR drain line went up hill? Have you ever heard of a water heater that exploded because the TPR drain line was reduced? Have you ever heard of a fire spread quicker because the insulation paper was on top? Have you ever heard of a song in your head but couldn't remember the name of the song??? MLC

For some reason I can't use firefox if I want to upload a file. So I just give you the file locations. http://www.watts.com/pdf/ES-10L-100XL.pdf http://www.watts.com/pdf/F-DE-865.pdf We always talk about following manufactures instructions and I think it is very clear that they want these guys tested for good reasons. I have tested thousands of tprv and could not reset maybe five and in each instance I notified the seller what happened and that they need to call a plumber. I can not recall an instance where I was threatened but a do remember a couple of thank yous. I have found hundred or so the wound not open. Would they open when the temp or pressure called for it to do so, I do not know. I am willing to risk the wrath of a seller to save my client a life or two. won ton soup and white bread mlc

"I can't understand why anyone would do an inspection without one." Well if I don't have an agreement what is a client going to sue you for? A bad inspection; well you should be sued for that. If you have an agreement it is a for the most part a one sided contract so if it is too onerous the court will not like that. In your contract you agree to do this and that and if you don't do it you can be sued. If you have no contract and go above the acceptable area practices you should be fine. All and all I've done many inspections for lawyers and for the most part they believe that agreement are not worth the paper they are written on and your chances of getting sued are less likely if you don't have a preinspection agreement. mlc I am no lawyer and I am not giving legal advice. Please consult a real licensed lawyer for real advice.

I have 'reasonably determined' that all components in a home may be damaged and do not test them. My home inspection is now under 30 minutes. mlc

I do not have clients sign a preinspection agreement. The first page of my report tells my client what they can expect from the report. The decision for the most part to sue an inspector is based on the inspection and not on the agreement. mlc

Bad tprv will leak. If it doesn't reset itself it will leak. If it is open it will leak a lot. mlc

A little trick, take a hammer and hammer around the whole panel and it will open. I only do this after the razor knife. Never had a box I coundn't open. One needed a pry bar. mlc

Yes, I "worked" with him on two inspections. And the only thing I can remember is that he didn't have a clue. Please note that was probably 5-7 years ago and I'm sure that he "must" have improved. Oh I checked my tool bag when I left the inspection and nothing was missing. CCD

Was this the truncated version? CCD

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_ ... tual_sec_2 CCD

I don’t know if I’m even smart enough to discuss this. People are born with different sets of smarts. Some have the smartability to write prose. Some have the smartabilty to understand mathematical calculations. Some have that smartability to memorize books. And some have that smartability to become professional athletes. We are born with an innate amount of intelligence. This intelligence in most cases has to be nurtured,. Look at the underdeveloped countries where tribes are more common then indoor plumbing. Some of theses humans are probably “geniusâ€

I understand KBHI is now discussing polybutylene piping as not all polybutylene piping will leak. CCD

I'm sure if say some of the magic words as " I am a Reeltour friendly inspector, I report both the good and bad of the home, I only inspect to the contract, My home has a FPE panel, and I will never address cosmetic issues. And don't forget to tell them they are covered under your E&O policy. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Cave dweller