My research essay is on knob and tube wiring. This type of wiring was use up until the 1940’s. This type of wiring system has no ground wire and cannot service any three pronged appliances. It can also pose safety hazard if improper modifications have been made in order to increase the amps.
Drainage issue around a foundation should be addressed. The area around the home should have at least 6” inches of slope over a ten foot span. This allows for proper drainage. The gutters should be well maintained and not be gushing water out of them. The downspouts should also run away from the home at least six feet and at a minimum have splash blocks that direct the water away. If grade is the issue a swale can be created in these problem areas to direct that water away from the foundation areas. Checking the crawlspace and basements for these problematic areas can show a white powdery substance called efflorescence. This is a buildup of salt deposits that comes to the surface of the concrete materials when excessive moisture content is present and is a sign of water penetration in these areas.
When we arrive at an inspection, the very first thing we do on the interior is turn on the dishwasher. Then we begin our interior inspection at the opposite end of the house, so that when we get back to the kitchen, the dishwasher is almost through its cycle. This save time and accomplishes several things at the same time.
I read the article entitled “Septic Systems” and I thought it was very good information. But sometimes locating the tank isn’t as easy as it sounds. I also can’t understand why cattle on the ground above the tank is bad. My tank is 3 feet underground…no cow is heavy enough to damage pipes that far underground…
ROOF FRAMING
Type/Material: Prefabricated light wood trusses.
Unbraced truss member(s) were observed. Top chords of wood trusses
were unbraced over a greater length than the maximum allowable unbraced length of 75 inches. No damage or displacement was present. However, without adequate bracing, these members may not perform as intended under strong lateral loads such from high winds or an earthquake. Suggest installing 1x4 wood braces at the mid-span of the over spanning compression members.
When inspection a dishwasher here are a few things to check: If the unit is built-in is it properly connected to the cabinets. Run the dishwasher on normal cycle and are there any leaks under or around the unit? Did the water drain completely form the unit? How is the drain line installed? Does the drain line have an anti-siphon device? If it’s tied into the garbage disposal does it have a high loop in the drain line? Did the dishwasher make any unusual noises? Was there any rust or broken racks inside the dishwasher.
I read the article titled “Swimming Pool Barriers”. Pool inspections are outside the Home Inspectors scope of inspections, however if an inspector sees a defective barrier/fence around the pool he/she may want to mention it in the report. In the U.S. there are over 250 children who die every year from drowning in residential pools. The inspector after mentioning the defect would want to include in the inspection report that commenting on the defect does not constitute a pool inspection and that it is excluded from his inspection.
Dishwasher: Here is an example of a dishwasher that needs to be written up, and be replaced. The rust, and mold is disturbing these people should have taken care of this problem long before an inspection happened.
Carpeted bathroom :bathrooms that have carpeted floors, instead of traditional flooring.There are a few reasons way some people choose carpeting, it feels better on their feet, they don’t slip, and is probably the most inexpensive .The draw backs are that mold will become present from the humidity ,water from the shower or bathtub , urine, or if the toilet leaks or overflows. These are some of the pros and cons of having carpet in ones bathroom. But if you decide to go that route make sure you have the carpet cleaned often and kept dry. 
Ductless Range Hood:
Often found in newer home construction, ductless range hoods recirculate exhausted air rather than venting to the exterior. Before the recirculated air returns to the kitchen, it passes through a cleanable filter which removes odors and impurities. The filters should be cleaned every few months.
The most common spot for these types of hoods are usually found above kitchen islands.
The image submitted is a gas powered range. The burners were tested but did not ignite, and the bake and broil settings did not function. The range appeared to be properly bolted to prevent tipping. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further.
Homeowner Maintenance: Changing the HVAC Filter
Changing the HVAC filter regularly is important to keep it functioning properly and to avoid any costly repairs associated with damage caused by a dirty filter.
Filters that go unchanged restrict airflow and cause stress on the system which can lead to premature failure or blowout.
Clean filters remove large airborne particles that could get into the system and clog sensitive machinery. They are also important for keeping the air quality inside the home clean and comfortable.
Filters should be changed every three months, or, as needed.
The image submitted is a gas powered range. The burners were tested but did not ignite. Other functions on the range were inoperable. The reason for the systems being inoperable is the pilot lights were not on during the time of the inspection. The range appeared to be properly bolted to prevent tipping. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate further.
Spray foam insulation is applied to surfaces and is able to encapsulate the entire are making it more resistant to air flow and have a higher R-value in comparison to standard insulation. Foam insulation comes in two types Open Cell and Closed Cell. Both types have advantages and disadvantages over the other. Closed cell foam is made up of special gas filled foam cells that make a secure bond to one another and yield a very high R-value such as one inch is equal to R-7-8. When hardened it can be walked on and is considered a vapor barrier because of the impermeable surface it creates. Making it ideal for wet surfaces. Over time the gas in some of the cells can escape lowering the R-value of the material, but long term tests have shown that this has been minimal of the course of two year period and subsides after this period. Open cell foam insulation is soft and pliable when dried onto surfaces. It has a much lower R-value over the closed cell, but still greater than regular insulation properties. The open cell insulation has a low permeability and allows moisture to wick through it allowing areas like roofs that develop a leak to allow the water to leak though exposing the issue, unlike the closed cell type. Open cell insulation is not intended to get wet and will lose the R-value rating if it gets to wet. Being pliable allows it to expand and contract in areas, unlike the closed cell type. Using foam based insulation in basement walls needs to be carefully considered in the various climates in is applied. This si a foam product and is highly flammable and toxic when on fire. For this reason the foam should be covered in any livable space with sheetrock to allow for a fire rating of an hour.
I typically use my own home for examples in these essays. Not long ago, the microwave vent cover broke off at the screws. You can see in the picture that the vent is there but the hood is missing. Although the cover is missing, it is still functional. If I found this in an inspection, I’d recommend to the client to have it repaired or replaced.
For this essay, I chose to discuss Carbon monoxide poisoning and detectors. As I was taking this course, I had my gas fireplace heating my home. After reading the article, I decided to turn off the gas fireplace and open the front and back doors to ventilate the home for a minute just as a precaution.
I am shadowing a home inspector as I am taking this course and have done several inspections thus far. I see a lot of smoke detectors but am only seeing CO detectors in newer homes. As a home owner, I’d be concerned about not having adequate protection for early warming of the presence of CO. placing them strategically throughout the home is vital. At 125 part per million, the detector should activate.
I feel a great deal more confident in these systems after taking this class.
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This dishwasher is a Kenmore stock number 15789. The interior and racks all appear to be in good shape. The drain does not have adequate high loop. The door seals appear in good condition with no visible leaks. It is securely fastened to the cabinetry.
To have or not to have a garbage disposal? Well it kind of depends on your waste system. If you have a septic system it’s probably not a good idea. The added strain on a septic tank is significant. It will cause the homeowner to have to have it pumped more frequently and runs the risk of wearing the system out faster. If you don’t have a septic system it can definitely be a help to local landfills and waste management facilities. It helps curb the need for extra garbage to be picked up and transported. Also when food scraps decompose they cause methane gas which is not good for the environment. Ultimately the choice is yours. Just look at all the pros and cons of having one versus not having one.
