Research & Writing Assignment:
Safety is the most important aspect of conducting an inspection. Inspectors should be aware of their surroundings and observe mentally what they are about to perform before actually executing a particular duty. For example, if a roof is to steep or wet, the inspector should delay or excluded that particular item due to a potential fall hazard.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to read the article on EPDM roof covering as this is a commonly encountered roof covering used on commercial buildings. Common issues with this type of covering are 1) Failure at seams which can be inherent due to variables in the installation method or influence from substances such as oil, fat or solvents. These influences can come from food service exhaust fans and even from condensate drains from AC or HE HVAC systems. 2) Tearing of mechanically fastened areas due to billowing of the membrane from wind lift. 3) Damage to membrane from foot traffic (install sacrificial membrane recommended at these areas). 4) Seams submerged in water pooling areas of the roof are subject to increased pressure and exposure and may become failures. These are just a few things I learned which make me feel more comfortable inspecting this type of roof covering. https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=124
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The garage door in the shop area appeared to be damaged. There was a wide gap at the top and bottom of the door and appeared to have been hit by a car. The rollers holding the cable was damaged, and the wire was not attached. The door was stuck shut. Recommend hiring a licensed contractor to repair the door
Research & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the fire extinguishers, It was noted that there was only one fire extinguisher available for use in the 6,000 square foot warehouse. There should be several more added within the range of another not to exceed 75 feet, with marked locations. Recommend installing several more extinguishers and signage
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The solid-fuel burning fireplace in the attached photo is located in a residence. Although not a commercial structure, a smoke alarm and a CO detector are required to be installed int he same room as the fireplace. Both are missing in this home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article on Bag House Inspection for my research due to the fact that I have a number of years experience with them. They are used widely within manufacturing. Almost all manufacturing plants have some form of this type of dust collection.
They work by drawing air into the system from a process and through the filter bags to remove all or most of the particulates from the air. The self-cleaning type have an air-pulse system to provide a blast of compressed air to remove the particles from the filter bags allowing it to settle in a hopper in the bottom to later be removed manually or by an auger system. Other types may include a manual or electric bag shaker to clean the bags.
Numerous defects can impact the performance of a bag house but regular, routine maintenance and cleaning can prevent many problems and insure efficient performance.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting out in the countryside the other day I was alerted to the fact that the home may contain rodents by a fellow tradesman. He had asked me to go inspect the house for him as a “pre-listing” inspection. Upon my opening of the dead front cover on the service panel I was Shocked to see a rodent had got nice and warm on the neutral cross bar. Based on the minor arc flash residue on the bar the rodent must have nosed up to the breaker hot bus stab.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read “Building Permits” under the commercial literature section and learned the consequences of undocumented alterations for my clients. I’ve been wondering about the liability side of this as well. Supplementary to my technique I employ already this article has provided me with insight such as researching building permit “final” approval dates vs my observations at the time of the inspection. More language for my reports is needed here as cosmetic improvements can mask alterations. I suppose it wouldn’t be readily observable at that point. Good article. Want more.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
absence de garde corps sur les marche extrieur. il est important pour la scurit des personnes dans installer.Faite appel a un spcialiste au besoin. respecter 4 pouce de distance entre les poteaux et 36 pouce de hauteur ou 42 pouce si plus de 5 pied de haut.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows a carbon monoxide alarm located within a commercial building office. Although this is not required in this office, the type of business requires the use of welders, torches and other heat related equipment that exudes gases and fumes could potentially have negative affects on office employees health if they should infiltrate the office environment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Green Strategies for Commercial Buildings:
“Going Green”, especially in California is becoming the “norm” when it comes to residential and commercial real estate. In commercial buildings, options such as solar power, recycled building materials (as in insulation products) efficient lighting (as in LED and CFL). While using these types of products, building owners can benefit not only from the cost savings, but they can also reap some tax credits from the government. Often, these tax benefits to owners and tenants, give them the incentive to go into business.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The deck appeared in generally good condition, but as with any surface recently painted, it can hide a few “sins”. A few areas of decay were painted over, there were quite a few “nail pops”, and one board that was split. The guardrail around the deck is 38" tall, and the steps and handrails conform to proper safety standards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to read the article on Baghouse Inspection by Nick Gromiko. I am glad i did, as I did not know what a baghouse is. It is a rather important component in any facility that produces dust that would otherwise be released into the work environment as well as the environment outside the facility. It is not likely I will run into one, but if I do, I will know what it is and will be sure to have it called out to be properly inspected by a specialist.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Window has crack suggest repair,also hardware was not operating window suggest repair, and there was sign next to window stating do not open window which would indicate problem with window opening hardware. This is one of several windows that have cracks and hardware problems. Suggest have evaluated and repaired by licensed contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Reading the article about creating a team of consultants for commercial inspections was interesting.contract for consultants was very helpful.the information about InterNACHI standards of Practice was also helpful and the association of commercial inspectors wa also helpful. I have been doing commercial inspections for over 25 years and have always had consultants work directly for client not as subcontractors.i would just coordinate with inspections.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached image that is the subject of my Inspection and Writing Assignment essay is of a commercial building. This building is a large tall warehouse-style that has offices, storage, overhead doors, and parking spaces. The parking spaces include the appropriate amount of handicap spaces. The exterior of the building is EIFS and brick veneer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The image that is the subject of my Research and Writing Assignment essay is from the InterNachi Illustration Gallery titled “Commercial Inspection 15”. This image is of a large commercial building with gravel on top of a flat roof, it has solar panels, several air conditioning units (one per unit), it’s a mixed-use property with retail store fronts and office spaces, has brick and stone veneer, and glazing windows and doors. The building is of newer construction with newer parking spaces, sidewalks, and ingress and egress accessibility for below grade building area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A white, powdery substance visible on the interior of the foundation wall is called efflorescence". This condition is the result of moisture seeping through the foundation wall and indicates high moisture levels in soil near the foundation. Moisture in soil supporting the foundation can reduce its ability to support the weight of the structure above. The source of moisture should be identified and the condition corrected.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows the location of one of the roof drains from a flat roof that connects directly to the municipal sewer system. This is an example of an important system of the building that was difficult to identify and was in question as it was not visible due to storage items when the previous tenant occupied the building.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the case of a commercial kitchen, the inspector must identify the exhaust system, the type of material and the presence of grease filters. It is not up to the inspector to determine if the system is configured correctly or is adequate for the client’s intended usage. It is also not necessary for the inspector to operate the kitchen exhaust system.
