I chose to study about tankless water heaters. I have come across many of these in New Hampshire during many inspections. I was interested due to the energy efficiency of these units. Even though the basic models are in the 80% range, the condensing models are in the low to high 90’s in efficiency.
I would have hoped the article spent some time on how to inspect the units and what to look for. I understand that these are closed units and there are normally no access to open them up.
All in all, I found the article very interesting.
Inspection of this older attached garage revealed an attempt to insulate the garage area. Insulation and OSB sheeting were improperly installed on the underside of the garage rafters. The method of installation leaves this area susceptible to condensation on the underside of the roof sheeting and possible moisture intrusion. Suggest a qualified roofing or insulation professional assessment or repair.
If there is one thing I can stress through my experience in the construction/inspection industry its the necessity of incorporating. Asset protection for business owners is of paramount importance. Incorporating your inspection business will protect you and your family’s assets from lawsuits and creditors in most cases. While I have been lucky throughout the years I have seen many friends lose assets and businesses through frivolous lawsuits and honest mistakes. Basically, if you are being honest, and not grossly negligent incorporating will protect you in almost any instance.
This is a picture of a bathroom ceiling…just outside of theshower and above the toilet. Althoughthe lighting is a little fuzzy, there is noticeable discoloration on both theupper part of the wall and on the ceiling. As there is a musty odor in the bathroom and there is a distinguishablepattern to the discoloration, this appears to be mold. Since this course focuses on report writing,I would note this in the report as follows: Discoloration noted on upper wallsand ceiling of guest bathroom. Thisdiscoloration appears to have the characteristics of fungal growth. I would recommend a follow-up with a mold professionalto have this tested so that it can be properly tested, identified andremediated.
As follow-up research for this course, I read the article on your site about whether or not to used past/present tense in the report. I learned that it is best to use present tense for obvious liability reasons…but also because, at the time of writing the report, the inspection will have already taken place. Thus, it is an accurate way to describe defects and conditions found during the inspection. I also learned that an inspector can use present tense when a problem or condition will be ongoing for some period of time going forward.
[ATTACH]163750/ATT
The vent for the bathroom terminates in the attic space. This needs to be vented directly to the outside. This needs to be repaired to prevent moisture accumulation in the attic.
I read the article Home Winterization. Winterizing your home is a very important thing to do before the frost and snow fall, because it can save you from costly repairs and over spending on energy costs if done right. There are a few steps every home in a winter climate should follow regardless of whether or not the home is going to be occupied in that time. All exterior plumbing fixtures should be drained and turned off from the inside of the home. Any plumbing that may risk being frozen should be properly insulated. Weather stripping around doors should be in good condition or installed/replaced if not previously. Window installed air conditioning systems should be removed and the windows should be resealed, cold air can damage their components and allow air to enter the living space. A well-sealed building envelope plays a large role in a properly winterized home. Seals around windows and amount of attic insulation should be monitored. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent ice damning. Chimneys should be checked for nesting animals and cleaned, as well as confirming the proper operation of the damper so as to not allow cold air from entering the dwelling. All in all winterizing your home before winter can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected costs with just a little due diligence.
A crack of 1/8 " or more was observed in the foundation wall. The cracking implies that foundation movement has occurred. Recommend further review and inspection by a qualified foundation / masonry contractor and / or a qualified geo-technical or structural engineer. The exact / precise measurement of such conditions is not within the scope of our inspection. Past or future movement may be related to soils and geological issues, which are beyond the scope of our expertise.
For my research I chose Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect. I found this reading beneficial due to its outlining how critical it is to explain the severity of any deficiencies discovered during an inspection. It is not safe to assume that the client has the same level of understanding regarding the possible outcomes of the items outlined within a report.
This is my essay;
During a home inspection, the stairway was found to have some safety related deficiencies to current industry standards. The deficiencies observed during the inspection were in regards to the handrail. The end of handrail did not return to the wall and could allow handbags or related articles to catch resulting in user to fall or otherwise become injured. Also, the lower portion of the stairway did not have a safe graspable type handrail, defined by current industry standards. This could prevent user from being able to safely prevent falls. Recommend consulting a qualified contractor to evaluate and update stairway as necessary to current industry standards, for safety.
My essay post of a topic I have learned.
I have learned how to properly address the issues of defamation. With the increasing popularity of social media and the ability to post quick comments about a subject that has either not been fully thought through or based on miss gathered information. This is becoming an issue that could quickly and unfairly destroy the good reputation of an honest, reputable, well-meaning company. Most of the defamation posts are from past clients, sellers or contractors that are not informed of our standards of practice for how we are required to perform inspections. I have learned that preparing our client, by setting proper expectations prior to the inspection, as well as providing a link to our standards of practice within the agreement and the report, may help to limit this issue. I have also learned of, and appreciate the tools that InterNACHI provides for how to handle the issue of defamation when it does occur. Knowing how to professionally respond to these issues with a properly prepared letter could save a lot of headaches and attorney fees.
Condensation Inspection
I read the article on Condensation Inspection. The article highlights the issues that are associated with condensation. Condensation can cause mold, damage carpet, drywall, furniture and valuable electronics. You can help prevent condensation by running a dehumidifier, heat, A/C, Remove plants, insulate and ventilate.
During an inspection, i noticed signs of back drafting on the water heater. As i inspected it further noticed that the water heater was connected with a “T” connector instead of a “Y”. Which allows the furnace to back draft thru the water heater piping. The connection should be replaced by a qualified HVAC Technician.
The connection between two peices of steel gutter were observed to be leaking in the west side of the house. Leaking gutters can cause damage to the facsia and/or allow water penetration into the foundation. Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified contractor.
roof observed from surface, extensive deterioration, missing shingles and curled, and exposed under layer. Roof at the end of its life, recommend roof repaired and replaced by certified roofing contractor.
http://www.nachi.org/how-to-sign-a-contract.htm
After reading the “How to sign a contract” article from the inspection library, I learned how to limit my liability when signing for my LLC. Limited Liability Corporations should be kept completly separate from personal business. When signing documents for the LLC, it should be clear that you are signing as the Manager of the LLC.
The extension pipe for TPR valve on the water heater does not come within 6" on the floor. This is a safety issue and is intended to prevent a scolding situation if the water heater should unexpectantly discharge. Recommend installing TPRV extension pipe to within 6" of the floor by qualified contractor.
I wouldn’t assume anything or what is causing back drafting 
A wye is best/preferred, but tees are acceptable.
This is a picture of the dryer vent termination located on the back northeast corner of the house. This could allow pest and weather intrusion into the interior of the house. Recommend the vent termination be replaced with one that has an operable damper.
This is a picture of a stairway handrail taken during a home inspection. It is missing the handrail returns. This is a safety concern due to the fact that handbags, garments or related items could get caught on the open handrail and cause a fall or injury. Recommend this be repaired or replaced by a licensed, qualified contractor.
