I just read Nick and Kenton’s article on adjustable steel columns. I have come across a few in the field and given the criteria presented in this article, all have been deficient. Brief, informative, and an extra tool for all of us to take into the field. A must read.
Inspection of a fire rated door is critical in the event a fire occurs and the “in-place” door isn’t properly rated. There are a few basic items that are critical among many other factors. Check for the labeling on the door to ensure it’s a rated door that’s installed. Check the perimeter of the frame to ensure there are no gaps as well as there are no obstructions that could cause a delay in existing during an emergency situation. Also verify there’s a label identifying the door as a fire-door.
When I perform an inspection on a commercial building, I start with the exterior. Following a review of the civil aspects of the site, I carefully inspect the foundation (if exposed), and move on to the facade. As an example, if its a brick facade, I look for any signs of out-of-plumbness, bowing, or cracking, and loose or areas of spalled brick materials. Then continue review of other structural components such as lintels, or support columns and the amount of visible corrosion.
The vent pipe for oil furnace needs connecting properly to chimney flue. This is a safety item as the combustible waste material could possibly not vent properly… I recommend a qualified licensed HVAC contractor properly seal the connection to the chimney flue.
Here I took a picture of the exterior front of the commercial property which in this case is a church. From this picture I will be able to evaluate/inspect the windows and siding as well as the walk way towards the property. Also, here we can see the disability or handicap parking spots which are determined by the total amount of parking spots on the property.
The floors were observed to be out-of-level in some areas of the house. This implies that some structural movement of the building has occurred, as is typical of most houses. However, due to the amount of movement it is recommended that the foundation be further evaluated and if needed repaired accordingly by a structural specialist.
The article I chose to write about is regarding Fire Alarm Systems. According to the article on fire alarm systems, there are not many property inspectors that are qualified to inspect fire alarm systems, and the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties do not require inspectors to inspect fire alarm systems. Although as Commercial Property inspectors we are not required to inspect these systems,some basic knowledge about systems outside of the scope of a general inspection can be helpful. Knowledge of commercial property inspections give you the opportunity to educate your client about the importance of maintaining the fire protection systems in a commercial building.
The installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is required in homes with an attached garage, fuel-fired appliances and/or at every floor level in homes. Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested weekly or monthly per manufacture instructions. The installation of smoke detectors are also required in sleeping rooms and outside of sleeping areas. Devices should be tested monthly and install new batteries semi-annually. Home owners should have practice plans in place for escape and protection for all occupants in case any emergencies arise. Failure to repair defective or install alarms, detectors, and other safety equipment can result in serious injury or death.
This a compressor unit for a air handler located in the garage of a multi unit building. I was attempting to determine if the unit was a heat pump. The compressor did not operate, but the air handler was producing heat. This lead me to believe that is was using heating strips alone.
I read the article on collar ties vs rafter ties. First, I learned that the appropriate term is collar beam. Collar beams are located at the upper one third portion of the rafters and must be made out of 2x4 lumber or larger.
The location of this photo was taken in an underground garage for town house style condos. The co-owners parking sits just next to the basement entrance of their unit. This particular unit was undergoing major renovations and it was observed that the dryer exhaust vent had been installed to vent into the common garage. The vent line was removed and rerouted to exhaust to the exterior of building.
Home Safety for the Elderly; Check for trip hazards such as extension cords, telephone cords and make sure furniture is close to outlets so as not to require an additional cord. Have telephone in an accessible location in case of an emergency. Make sure carpets and runners are none slip/backing. Bathtub/showers have non-slip flooring. Bathroom should have grab bars for support an stability. Emergency numbers placed next to phone in large font for easy read. Medicine properly labeled and out of the reach of children. GFCI’s installed close to areas where water and small appliances are used. Avoid using cords in proximity to sinks. Combustibles kept away from cooking areas such as curtains, oven mitts. Make sure ventilation is functioning properly. Always vent kitchen area when cooking using hood vent and or window(s). Wear short sleeves when cooking to avoid a long sleeve catching onto a cooking pan/pot. Have an emergency exit plan in place and do a practice run. Decide on where to meet once outside and safe.
he following Heating and Cooling items or discoveries indicate that these systems or components do not function as intended or adversely affects the habitability of the dwelling; or warrants further investigation by a specialist, or requires subsequent observation. This summary shall not contain recommendations for routine upkeep of a system or component to keep it in proper functioning condition or recommendations to upgrade or enhance the function or efficiency of the building. This Summary is not the entire report. The complete report may include additional information of concern to the customer. It is recommended that the customer read the complete report.
he following definitions of comment descriptions represent this inspection report. All comments by the inspector should be considered before purchasing this building. Any recommendations by the inspector to repair or replace suggests a second opinion or further inspection by a qualified contractor. All costs associated with further inspection fees and repair or replacement of item, component or unit should be considered before you purchase the property.
Inspected (IN) = I visually observed the item, component or unit and if no other comments were made then it appeared to be functioning as intended allowing for normal wear and tear.
Not Inspected (NI)= I did not inspect this item, component or unit and made no representations of whether or not it was functioning as intended and will state a reason for not inspecting.
Not Present (NP) = This item, component or unit is not in this building or building.
Repair or Replace (RR) = The item, component or unit is not functioning as intended, or needs further inspection by a qualified contractor. Items, components or units that can be repaired to satisfactory condition may not need replacement.
This area of ceiling had moisture damage due to a leaking toilet directly above. The leak has been repaired and the drywall replaced, taped and textured. The previously leaking toilet was flushed several times to test for leaks. The infrared camera’s image shows consistent temperature across the area below the toilet. This is confirmation there is no further toilet leak in this area.
The baby boomer generation in coming years will grow to over 70 million Americans. Many seniors of this generation are choosing to “Age in place” by staying in their homes to live out their final years. Adapting their homes to be safe and accessible as the occupant’s abilities change is advised.
This is the written response for the inspection and writing assignment for the “Commercial Property Inspection Prerequisite Course” Pictured is a fabricated ramp that was installed after construction to allow wheelchair access to the building. Any ramp that is longer that 6’ must have rails on both sides.
This is the written response for the research and writing assignment for the “Commercial Property Inspection Prerequisite Course” I read the article titled “Ventless Fireplace Inspection”
by Nick Gromicko. Learned that ventless fireplaces exist and have a number of safety and health hazards, enough that they hare banned in my country of Canada.
The interior circuit breaker panel did not have proper safe access due to the machinery being placed too close to the wall. This is a violation of both the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration(OSHA)regulations and the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA)codes.
This is the written response for the research and writing assignment for the Commercial Property Inspection Prerequisite Course. The client for Commercial property inspections is usually a businessman and or investor. This is very different that clients from a residential home inspection