Bill Kibbel

I've gone through 3 vans, a mid sized van, 6 SUVs and 3 wagons. They get replaced when they start showing wear. Show up looking like maybe a professional consultant with the equipment to get everywhere needed. At least 80% of mine need a 28' ladder. 5% taller and 15% shorter. That's horrible for the client for several reasons.

A. Great Stuff has a product Big Gap Filler B. Flex Seal/Flex tape - not just for half boats C. Just recommend it be monitored?

What lot of people? Pull up to a property around here without a ladder and they'll likely call someone else to do the job. In NJ, the license regs require a ladder, among other equipment. I've had numerous vans and suvs, but have been using wagons recently. Lifting ladders up on the roof racks of tall vehicles for decades has done a number on a shoulder. I still use a full size suv to carry my biggest ladder, but only when necessary.

Don't know. We're not appraisers.

The earliest I've seen the product was around 2005. I think it may have been available for maybe a couple years before. I'm pretty sure it wasn't produced before 2002.

I recently covered this at a couple conferences. This batten track mounted French hook system was developed for a (ceramic) imitation slate roof system. The tiles are square. It has now been adapted to real slate (still square). The advantage is this system significantly reduces the amount of slate (or tile) needed. There is NO headlap. 12" tiles with 10" exposure. I call that negative headlap. That's why the membrane interlain with each course is needed. I know a roofer that installed this on his home. He gave me samples. I kinda know the guy that developed this -- then sold it to GAF. I think they call it TruSlate.

What's the voltage there in Romania?

The most valuable training, after having learned the basics in classes, is experience in the field. Go out with many very experienced inspectors. It's probably going to be difficult as few may be willing to allow ride-alongs. It's best to meet and ask them in person, not texts or emails. Visit the local home inspector association chapter meetings and conferences. Also, read as much as you can of what's discussed here at TIJ. You'll find answers to so many questions you would never think to ask. I lost count of folks I mentored, but most decide it's not for them after a couple days to a few weeks. I know of only 2 that actually succeeded and have a business survive more than a year. A smart guy we know put together some excellent resources here: https://b4uclose.com/author/erbycrofuttjr/ Folks here aren't keen on marketing to agents - they're not the client. Good luck and monitor the real estate market trends in your area for timing.

I've never had it happen or heard of it happening. Maybe it's not the sensor. I have heard of some special few individuals that can pass undetected by photo-eye motion sensors. Sometimes it's intermittent. Ever have a floodlight not turn on when you pass, but a moth a hundred yards away sets it off every time? Ever have the grocery store door not open for you? How about those sensor flush toilets and rest room sinks?

I received this Tuesday. It has the plant code and date codes. SqD-Inspector.pdf

Mid-Atlantic - invite the crawlspace to be part of the house.

Search for papers or articles by Dr. Joe Listurbek (sp?) of Building Science Corp.

Roof hydrants, just like yard hydrants are specifically designed to be frost proof as they provide for year round water use. "and signage is code required for nonpotable" I really can't think of a reason that I would assume non-potable water would be conveyed to this hydrant.

I see them occasionally. They're made specifically for commercial roof installation. Idon't think there's a requirement, unless maybe something local. It's handy to be able to clean the economizer screens and coils without having to leave the roof (and for techs to cool off fixing the AC in 100°).

The diagrams are probably from one of the The Plumbers Trade Journals 1890-1930. The text is from Standard Practical Plumbing 1910.

It looks like a typical 3-coat plaster-on-lath application. The first coat (that keys into the lath) is usually the only layer that has fibers added. The fibers are almost always cattle, goat or horse hair.

That small size tank (usually 50-60 gallons) was for supplying the early water heating system only. The water was heated by passing through the cooking range and stored in a tank next to it. These were installed if there is a municipal water supply. I have a PPT slide that shows the set-up. I'll try to find it later today.

Hey Dan, I don't think anyone here knows about any HVAC contractors (or motorbikes) in Punjab, Pakistan.

I think that group of people are examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect. It often emerges as a symptom of incompetence. The life-saving occupation list includes first responders and medical professionals - certainly not home inspectors. Les is gonna lose a scoop of brain cells interacting with that group.

I don't know what's going in it. Wide stuff or skinny stuff against the walls? I'm usually a double door on the skinny end kinda guy.

23.4 amps. You won't find one, so 25 Amps. Might not find one, so 30 amps. You'll find one.

Sounds like what I've seen from heavy tobacco use.

I was just reading the Plumbers Trade Journal from 1917. In it, the 'Sewer Pipe Manufacturers Association' states, among other virtues: "Clay pipe always outlasts the building in which it was installed, in fact it has proved indestructible in thousands of cases". I would like to show the SPMA those same thousands of buildings now.

If they want me, it's everything or nothing (if I had a nickel for everytime I've heard that...) I'm quite busy right now partly because of all the folks that waived inspections are now calling for help with serious concerns discovered after moving in.

Photos go in the reports, not texts.