For this class I read an essay on Zoning Ordinances for Inspectors.
Zoning laws are not like building codes. Building codes are, for the most part, adopted from the recommendations of the IRC, NEC and other such authorities and enforced with little latitude by building inspectors whose sole duty is to achieve compliance. Zoning laws are very political in both creation and enforcement, which makes the outcome of any specific case very difficult to predict. Because of this I highly doubt that an inspector can charge enough to justify the work involved in “learning the subtleties of their local zoning laws” for the rare situation where that knowledge might be useful. Also, if a homeowner is involved in a project, the answers to zoning questions would probably best be acquired from the city building department when they go through plan check, making the chance that they would seek out an additional cost for a home inspector seems rather slim.
These stairs have guardrails which are spaced uneven and too far apart. The overall height of the handrail is fine, but the space between the stair treads and the bottom of the guardrail is too high. The spacing between the 4 x 4 post is proper.
I read the article about causes of death in the US. This article made it apparent that people should be worried about radon leaks (21,000 times more likely to kill you than a shark attack) and carbon monoxide poisoning (170 times more likely to kill you than a shark attack). This could be a good way to convey to the consumer the importance of inspecting for these gasses.
Continue to learn with all the material available in this site. Today I continue to learn about collar ties and rafter ties. It continues to amaze me the how difficult our work is at times. The real issue is how members are attached or whether they are sound enough to do the intended job. A pre evaluation of the property to be inspected is always helpful to get your mind set of the property structure.
Most people are not aware of the dangers of an exposed light bulb in a clothes closet. A incandescent light
bulb without a cover can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees. If cloths, blankets or other items stored in
a closte come in contact with a hot light bulb a fire could easily start. Inspectors should note on their inspection
report and recommend proper clearances of light fixtures from storage items in a closet. A wall or ceiling mounted
LED or incandescent fixture with a fully enclosed light source should be a minimum of 12" between the fixture and
the storage space. A fluorescent wall or ceiling fixture should have a minimum of 6" clearance. Any recessed
fixtures must maintain a 6" minimum clearance. Home owners should replace any lighting in their storage closets
because a uncovered light bulb in a storage closet could present a
Most people are not aware of the dangers of an exposed light bulb in a clothes closet. A incandescent light
bulb without a cover can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees. If cloths, blankets or other items stored in
a closte come in contact with a hot light bulb a fire could easily start. Inspectors should note on their inspection
report and recommend proper clearances of light fixtures from storage items in a closet. A wall or ceiling mounted
LED or incandescent fixture with a fully enclosed light source should be a minimum of 12" between the fixture and
the storage space. A fluorescent wall or ceiling fixture should have a minimum of 6" clearance. Any recessed
fixtures must maintain a 6" minimum clearance. Home owners should replace any lighting in their storage closets
because a uncovered light bulb in a storage closet could present a fire danger.
The information in the library on drop down stairways is very informative. Many people take them for granted since they are not used very often. The point on shoddy installation is correct. Many times in my inspections the stairs are weak or just dangerous. Cracked wood and bent hinges are common. The aluminum stairs that the article refers to are really great. These stairs should be the standard in the industry for safety.
The attached picture shows the lack of an exterior outlet at the rear of this home. This home was built in 1961, well before code required an outlet at the front and rear of the home and no more than 6.5 feet off the ground. I would recommend installing a GFCI protected outlet with a weather guard be installed at the front and rear of the home, to potentially eliminate the homeowner using an extension cord.
The article I chose for this course was deck receptacles. The National Electric Code describes the requirement as follows:
Two Requirements for Locations of Outdoor Receptacles:
As of 2005, the NEC required at least one outdoor receptacle in the front and in the rear of
the house, not more than 6½ feet from the ground.
As of 2008, the NEC added the following requirement:
Balconies, decks and porches that are accessible from inside the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the balcony, deck or porch. The receptacle shall not be located more than 6½ feet (2m) above the balcony, deck or porch surface.
Receptacles on the front and rear of homes, as well as the deck requirement, is a common sense approach to keeping homeowners safe.
Cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deterioration resulting
in trip hazards found in the patio. Also the problems of the heaving in the patio can wick moisture toward the foundation. For safety reasons, I recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
The patio with cracks, holes, settlement, heaving and/or deteriorating results in trip hazards. Also problems of the heaving of the patio can wick moisture toward the foundation. For safety reasons, I recommend that a qualified contractor repair as necessary to eliminate trip hazards.
jclavey
(Joseph Clavey, Maryland State License 32327)
3155
The quality and safety of decks is a concern of mine, in that many home owners use their deck for entertaining guests, and don’t want to have to worry that the basic structure of the deck fail when being used. Looking at the base, or on the ground starting point, we have the posts, that transfer the weight from the deck surface to the ground. It should be pressure treated to protect it from the wear by contact with the elements and the ground at the bottom. At the top, the connection to a beam should be a notch cut to support the surface of the beam, so the attaching fasteners don’t have to carry the load of the beam, just the post itself.
Exterior receptacles are required on decks. The requirement is should be no more than 6.5 feet from the balcony, deck or porch surface. The only exception is a usable area less than 20 sq. ft. The extension cords are likely to be used in large balconies and decks. The extension cords are dangerous due to structure fires.
Reason:
1) Overloading can occur due to not sufficient wire gauge.
2) Short circuits occur when the cord becomes frayed.
3) Electrical burns and shocks due to frayed insulation on the cord.
4) Tripping cause lacerations, sprains and contusions from tripping over the
cords.
The requirement for locations of outdoor receptacles is to mitigate the dangers arising from the use of extension cords.
A dryer vent exhausts moisture to the exterior of home, and are certain requirement:
1) Vent should be connected to the dryer.
2) The vent should not be restricted. Not kinked or crushed. Airflow
restriction is a potential fire hazard.
3) One reason that restriction is a fire hazard the exhaust stream carries
lint - highly flammable particles of clothing.
House fires caused by dryers are far more common than other reasons. Most of these incidents occured in homes are the result of improper lint cleanup and maintenance. These fires are very easy to prevent.
jclavey
(Joseph Clavey, Maryland State License 32327)
3158
Deck Receptacles
Why should decks have receptacles on them? I believe the safety aspect drives me to promote the need for an outlet because we need them, always have some type of electronic device in use, whereever we are, even on the deck. Having one available is the best thing, at the very least, eliminating the trip hazard of the extension cord.
This is a photo of a section of an older wooden deck with perimeter railing at the rear of a residential home. Metal & wooden balusters were used however one concern is that the decorative detailing in two areas may be climbable by children. The decking is of adequate length although spacing may be inadequate for water drainage in some areas. There was a large tree providing shade over this area which may also be contributing to the apparent moisture & discolouration of the decking.
Wood decay or wood rot is actually caused by the actions of certain species of fungi, which are termed saprophytic. These fungi are active in temperatures between 77F & 90F & need water, oxygen & a food source (wood) to survive.
Fungi create spores & these spores require a moisture content in wood of about 27-30%, in addition to sufficient water & the right temperatures, in order to germinate & multiply.
There are two types of wood decay: brown & white rot & home inspectors should check for rot by probing suspected areas or using the pick test.
Interestingly, species of wood which are more susceptible to rot include hemlock, pine, maple, aspen, alder, elm, birch, buckeye, poplar & beech.
Deck: Noted that the girder was not attached properly. Noted that some of the spindles are spaced to far apart exceeding the 4-inch rule. Noted that a large tree had branches capable of contacting the deck and causing damage. Noted 4x4s used where they should be 6x6 and no cross bracing was used.
