Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Shown here is a four zone k-rain sprinkler system. Besides cosmetic deficiencies I detected a small leak at the inlet to the zone valve head. Also it is my belief the valve needs replacement soon as it does not fully control individual zone without flow to another zone. The motor is of adequate size for the system as witnessed by abundance of pressure at the heads. There is an automatic time that ran as programmed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Collar Ties vs. Rafter Ties:
Collar Ties are the horizontal roof framing member at the upper third. (think collar as higher up like your neck)
Although known as collar beam the collar tie may not be a required structure member but it does serve the pupose of resisting rafter separation from the ridge beam. 1x4 size beams are allowed.
Rafter ties are located in the lower third between rafters and are used to resist the outward thrust of the rafter. Helping to keep exterior wall spread these members should be a minimum of 2x4. In a conventionally framed roof rafter ties are a must.
These ties are used to counter the load (dead/live) the rafters carry if ceiling joist run perpendicular or are not connected to those rafters.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Propane grills pose a huge fire hazard if not operated and maintained properly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 500 house fires a year are caused by the misuse or malfunction of gas grills.
The following precautions are recommended specifically when using propane grills:
Store propane tanks outdoors and never near the grill or any other heat source when not properly connected to the grill. In addition, never store or transport them in your cars trunk.
Make sure to turn off the gas completely after grilling and when changing the tank. Even a small gas leak can cause a deadly explosion.
Check for damage to a tank before refilling it, and only buy propane from reputable suppliers.
Generally, no more than two 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the property of one- and two-family homes. Check with the HOA or AHJ.
Make sure connections are secure before turning on the gas, especially if the grill hasnt been used in months. The most dangerous time to use a propane grill is at the beginning of the barbeque season.
Ignite a propane grill with the lid open, not closed. Propane can accumulate beneath a closed lid and explode.
When finished grilling, turn off the gas first, and then the controls. This way, residual gas in the pipe will be expelled.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A sauna is a small, sealed room, typically constructed of wood, designed to safely increase the users body temperature through a combination of heat and well-controlled humidity. Saunas are used recreationally and therapeutically, as users find them relaxing and health-promoting.Adequate ventilation is perhaps the most overlooked sauna design feature. Outgoing ventilation expels stale air and reduces humidity-spawned mildew and moisture, which can cause wood decay. Incoming ventilation brings in fresh air, ensuring the safety and comfort of the users. Saunas typically have a vent behind the stove and another on the opposite wall near the ceiling. While the sauna may vent to the outside of the building, this is not required in residential saunas, and many systems utilize interior ventilation to heat the adjacent living space.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The garage door is the heaviest piece of equipment in a home. This garage door does not close properly. The garage door appears to be dented, which is preventing the door from fully and smoothly opening and closing.
Further evaluation should be performed by
a qualified technician.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Central Vacuum Systems
A central vacuum system (sometimes called a whole-house vacuum system) is a cleaning device installed throughout a building. Located in the garage or basement, a canister receives dust and debris sucked by the force of a motor from wall outlets, which are located for the homeowners convenience.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting a microwave oven. Inspector should report as deficient an inoperative unit, and any deficiencies in the handles, turntable, interior surface, door and door seal, lights and lenses, secure mounting of the unit and controls and control panels and heating a container of water.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Residential outbuildings called mother in law apartments are popular for elderly family members to have privacy from the main house and still have independence. An inspector should use the same inspection techniques to check the electricity, ventilation and HVAC systems.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Exteriors:My house, it happens to be a double wide trailer. It has masonite siding, composite shingle roof,that needs to be replaced.It has a few vinyl windows but the majority of windows are single pain aluminium windows that need to be upgraded.The doors are metal insulated and in good repair.The redwood decks are supported by blocks instead of piers.The elect panel is on the power pole and ran underground to the panel inside the house.There is no air conditioning unit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Exteriors: this is a picture of my house. It is actually a double wide trailer. It has masonite siding, composition shingled roof, which needs to be replaced. It has several vinyl windows but a majority of them are single pane aluminum and should be replaced. It has metal insulated exterior doors which are in good repair. The redwood decks are supported by blocks and should be supported by concrete piers. The electric panel is on the power pole and runs under ground to the electric panel in the house. There is no air conditioning.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The Dishwasher drain line does not have a high loop installed. The high loop is designed to prevent wastewater from entering the dishwasher. The Garbage Disposal appeared to function properly at the time of the inspection. No leaks were detected at the time of the inspection. The garbage disposal made a loud grinding sound when operated, while running cold water. It is recommended it be serviced and repaired by a qualified professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read: 15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko.
There are a few tools homeowners should own:
Tools are very useful and very dangerous, so please exercise caution and smarts when using any of them. Safety gear, goggles, masks, and the like, are a must.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an inspection of a GE gas range appliance. The burners and pilot lights are all operable. The door closes and seals well, not loose. There is a gas shut-off in the cabinent next to the range, the client was notified. The range had anti-tip latches installed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
FHA loans. Federal housing administration(FHA) is a federal backed loan program developed in the 1930’s to help home buyers receive funding. The FHA loan allows home buyers the chance to have lower down-payments, lower closing costs, no pre-payment penalties, and an easier time applying for credit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During the inspection the unit filled and drained properly. The soap dispenser operated and the wash pump had a strong stream indicated by opening the door during operation. There was a high loop present under the sink and proper connection was made to the garbage disposal. No leaks were noted and the door gasket was in good repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Smoke Alarm Inspection” Everyone states that smoke detectors save lives. That is only partially true. Properly maintained smoke detectors save lives. A smoke detector that is still being used past its serviceable life just takes up ceiling space and is found melted after a fire. Homeowners should be educated on how and when to test their detectors and change batteries. A working smoke detector is the most valuable appliance in a home. It saves lives.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home Safety for the Elderly. With the population ageing home safety for the elderly is becoming more important every year. The consumer product safety commission reports about a million people injured by products used in the home everyday. Falls are a major cause of death for the elderly. Inspectors can help by using a safety checklist to limit hazards for the elderly in the home and increase longevity.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Photo is a whirpool gold series model 583-1 dishwasher that appears to be in very good condition. Exterior has no dents or scratches. Interior is clean, no stains, racks are in very good condition and operate smoothly. Dishwasher was operated in 1 hour cycle and ran quietly with no visable leaks. Water supply line is connected to the hot water with shutoff valve. Drain line installed to prevent backflow.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A inspector is not required to operate a certain number of zones when inspecting a sprinkler system. Although not required a inspector may choose to exceed the Internachi standards of practice while on a inspection and inspect the complete sprinkler system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
AFCI testers are portable devices designed to test if AFCIs are working properly. They create waveform patterns similar to those produced by actual arc faults, thereby causing working AFCIs to trip. AFCI indicators are considerably larger and cost more than GFCI testers and are of questionable effectiveness. For these reasons, they are not used as widely as GFCI indicators.
