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This is an image of an electrical receptacle in my home. When tested, the outlet appeared to be functioning correctly; showing that hot, neutral, and ground wires were all properly installed.
For my research exercise I actually read two of Nick Gromicko’s articles. The articles I read were “Buying a foreclosure” and “VA Loan basics”. These were very informative articles (and I even have a VA Loan). The foreclosure article is very well written for such a potential financially dangerous topic. As I have begun to work as a home inspector I continually see foreclosures bought from people who want to flip them, only to find that they are complete money pits. Needless to say, in my opinion, putting such a large amount of money down on a home that cannot be first inspected, is a huge gamble.
The VA loan basics article was also very good. Having a VA Loan has always been my go to for the last two homes I purchased. I believe that for the active service member, not having to put a down payment is what makes it so attractive.
Inspected an electrical panel in a residence recently. I have found three defects with regards to the panel. While it does have a 100 amp main breaker, it does not have an inspection sticker on the cover which means it was probably done without proper permits and never inspected. Another defect is there is no plastic bushing on the service entrance cable connector and a branch circuit NM cable is entering the panel without any connector. Recommend a licensed electrical contractor make the necessary evaluation and corrections.
I just completed the article on Dryer Vent Exhaust and how to properly inspect in accordance with current standards. I was unaware that each load of wash creates a gallon of moisture and if venting is not done properly damage to the home will occur. Also previously learned that the maximum length of duct should not exceed 25 ft. Also each 450 fitting deducts 2.5’ from the overall length allowed and each 900 fitting reduces the overall length by 5’. These are items that must be observed and documented while inspecting dryer vents in residences. Proper vent caps with dampers are critical as well as not having any screen at the discharge port which can create a fire hazard. In general, inspecting closely is critical and should be noted if defects are observed.
Cover plate missing on electrical outlet. This is a shock hazard. Recommend correction by qualified electrician.
Chinese drywall
Some brands of imported Chinese drywall have exhibited problems with outgassing of sulfide compounds. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers use unrefined fly ash in the manufacturing process; fly ash is a coal residue found in smokestacks, and contains strontium sulfide.
The off gassing of sulfides from Chinese drywall – particularly exacerbated by heat and humidity – contaminates the home’s air supply and causes lung and eye irritation, and headaches.
Inspectors can look for evidence of Chinese drywall usage by examining exposed copper wire (appears dark and corroded), using the sense of smell (aroma of rotten eggs), identifying the manufacturer and researching to see if that manufacturer has been linked to using contaminated materials, or sending drywall samples to a qualified laboratory for testing.
Installation defects at the water heater show up in my reports more frequently than any other item. The picture below is from a second inspection where on the first inspection I called out no less than six different defects in the installation. Two of those were that the TPRV drain pipe was reduced to only 1/2 inches in diameter and that there was no drain pan under the water heater. To “solve” these two problems in one shot they left the 1/2 inch drain pipe and attached some 1/2 PEX routed down into the crawl space. Problem solved ! The misunderstanding of the importance of seeing any discharge from the end of the TPRV drain pipe is pervasive.
RESEARCH PROJECT I read the article 10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
I tell my clients that it is the bulk movement of air where they should focus their energy saving efforts on. There are four simple items that I include in my inspection reports more frequently than any others. The first two are well known energy issues and they are air sealing and insulating all attic access hatches, pull down ladders and knee wall attic doors. The second one is air sealing all four edges of all exterior entry doors. The second two while well known are not typically first thought of as energy issues. They are making sure the air filter to any forced air heating/cooling system is clean and not too restrictive and that the clothes dryer duct is installed as straight, smooth and kept as clean as possible with annual cleanings. I tell my clients that air handlers and clothes dryers are only as effective and therefore energy efficient as they can easily move air through the heat exchanger/coil or clothes.
for this portion, I have read and reviewed the article Inspection Reports: Present or Past Tense? by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko. in the article, they say for the most part it is better to write your reports in the past tense to assure that your inspection results were relevant only in the past or to a particular time, and should not be accepted as a present observation, present condition, or present truth.
Defect: On the North slope of the dwelling there were multiple shingles missing. Water intrusion is very likely around this area, which can lead to damage to the roof decking, and the structure around it and below it. Recommend repair as soon as possible by a licensed, qualified roofing contractor.
My name is David Glover; I am progressing through the “Defect Recognition and Report Writing” course and have finally made it to the Essay part. I have attached a picture of the HVAC system from the Town House that my wife and I are renting.
This HVAC system is located in a utility closet in our garage. The condensing coil is located at the backside of our Townhouse. The cold air return is located on the back of the unit, through the wall into the living room. The energy source for this unit is electric and it has a metal sheaved connection to the unit from the wall and is sealed with fire stop at the wall access. It has a 60 amp breaker on the front of the unit which has a clear rubber cover protecting the breaker. This is a brand new unit, Bryant Model #: FB4CNP030. The evaporator tray has a ¾” PVC pipe that extends to a drain in the concrete floor. The unit was working with normal controls at inspection. Recommend replacing filters every 30 days and regular scheduled service of unit performed by a licensed HVAC professional.
I am writing a research exercise essay for “Defect Recognition and Report Writing” course.
The topic I chose for my short research exercise essay is “Fire extinguishers”. Fire extinguishers are apparatuses generally found indoors and are used to extinguish fires and prevent them from spreading. They are metal canisters of various sizes that contain compressed nitrogen gas that, when activated, directs a focused spray of flame-retardant chemicals. Fire extinguishers are only effective if building occupants understand where and why they are used.
Fire extinguishers are designated based on the types of fires on which they are useful. Fires are classified by their fuel source and assigned classifying letters as follows: A-class is fire that is fueled by wood and paper. B-class is fire that is fueled by combustible liquids like kerosene, gasoline, oil, and grease. C-class fire is fire fueled by an electrical nature. D-class fire is fueled by combustible metals like sodium, potassium, titanium, and magnesium. K-class is fire fueled by consume vegetable oils, animal fats, and generally happen in kitchens.
I just passed the “Defect Recognition & Report Writing” online course. I found it to be very eye opening and informative. Good luck to those who are taking the course.
An air gap was observed at the top and bottom of the latch side of the front door. The front entrance had a steel door which is not square in the frame. The latching system needed adjustment or the door casing needed adjustment. The weather seal was worn and/or improperly installed. I recommend a qualified contractor to adjust the casing.
I just read the article on “Here are some freebies an Inspector should never give out” and I thought it was pretty funny. What kind of freebies have any of you given out? Duct tape and leak stop are not on my list anymore! lol. I do know another inspector that gives out pizza cutters, they are pretty awesome.
This year I missed a small crack in a Tub. What looked like a dirty mark around the tub turned out to be very fine crack. I did run the water in the tub and did not seeing it leaking at the time of the inspection. I did how ever notice that other parts of the wood trim around the tub had peeling paint and some damaged baseboards. I chalked it up to the four kids that lived there. Needless to say I bought a new tub and trim for the client.
Gabriel Collins
Inspection Image
December 20, 2016
Inspection Image
The attached image depicts a representation of all the balusters in my home, both on the stairs and landings. They are not uniform and measure from 5.5 to 6.5 inches apart indicating they may have been non-professionally installed. The current measurements do not meet the recognized standard of 4 inches and presents a safety hazard. I am in the process of replacing all the balusters to meet recognized standards and reduce the safety hazard to my children.
Gabriel Collins
Research Topic
December 20, 2016
Research Topic
I read the article, Commercial Vehicles: Considerations for Inspectors because I am in the process of looking for a new vehicle. I found the article helpful because it covered many of the topics I am researching; new vs. used, buy vs. lease, functionality, and price. The vehicle will be used for multiple purposes to include family use, home inspections, and my contractor business, so I have to make sure it meets all these needs. I found the information on applying for a loan and getting the banks to compete especially helpful given today’s current lending market.
A home inspection isn’t technically exhaustive. What that means in laymen’s terms is this: Inspectors aren’t technicians; and therefore, aren’t required to go beyond the InterNACHI standard of practice. In addition, what it also means is that inspectors are supposed to do as little touching as possible. As indicated in the photo below, whenever an inspector encounter exterior wood siding almost ready to break-off, the inspector should never try to repair it him/herself, but should make mention that a defect of an serious nature was indeed found; and then recommend that such situation is repaired rather quickly by a license contractor.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a very deceptive gas: You can’t see it; you most certainly can’t smell it; but when inhaled, it can be quite lethal. For this particular reason, home inspectors will have to be on high-alert when operating around most fuel burning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves and ovens. In the article, “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Detectors” the writer Nick Gromicko makes mention of several ways in which to prevent CO poisoning. One such way simply entails purchasing and installing carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing that they meet the requirements of the new UL standard 2034 or Comprehensive Safety Analysis 6.19 safety standards.