The art of an IR inspection is to interpret the results of the taken thermal image as accurately and reasonably as possible such that your client is given actionable information in order to proceed with necessary repairs. You also have to explain the limitations and capabilities of thermal imaging.
At the time of the inspection the electrical panel had, what is known as a double tap. This is where two circuit wires are connected to a single breaker. This can cause an overload to the beaker and cause it trip unnessasraly. Recommend further investigation and repairs by a licensed electrician.
Single family homes have may have many deficiencies with their interior and exterior stairs. Due to the extreme ingery possibilities close attention during the inspection should be paid to these components. Issues even as simple as the rise of the steps being different by as little as 3/8 of an inch is a trip hazard and can cause a severe ingery.
If the breaker is tripping on overload it is not unnecessarily tripping. The load is the same with two wires directly to the breaker or spliced in a pigtail with one wire on the breaker.
This is a picture of the bathroom in my house! This particular bathroom has just been remodeled this past year! I completely gutted it and replaced all that you can see and much that you cannot see! This receptacle on the wall by the sink is a GFCI which is required! It is a safety issue taken in consideration !
Elderly safety is very important and I really realize that much more now that I have gotten older! It is much easier to trip on small obstructions due to the fact that you don’t pick your feet up as high as you think when you get older! This sets up a dangerous situation o a daily basis! So as I have gotten to a riper age I must be more attentive to what is on the floor or ground! Even small things like extension cords and small rugs!
INSPECTION RESTRICTIONS AT BASEMENT Wall and Drain Waste piping:
As an inspector, I make every attempt to observe everything in an unfinished basement. However, there are restrictions to the inspection, including, but not limited to, the electrical wires, pipes, stored items, ductwork, insulation, floor coverings, etc.
The inspection of the foundation wall and waste piping at this residence was restricted by the stored items on shelving, so I had limited visual access. There may be components behind the stored items that need improving or correcting that I was not able to visualize. As such, this area should be monitored for signs of water intrusion, leaks, or cracks.
Inspectors should write their report observations in the past tense because it may help reduce liability. By the the time that the client will sit down to read the inspection report, the inspector has already completed the inspection, so the inspector should use past tense in the report to record what was done, what was seen, and what was recommended based upon the inspection that was performed in the past. Everything that was completed during the inspection happened at some specific, definite time in the past. In other words, the inspection is not still being done.
Pictured is the home’s water meter with shutoff valves. Two valves are needed in order to be able to service the meter if ever needed. In a home inspection the inspector is responsible for informing client of the water main shutoff valve.
Article: Electric Service Panels. This article discusses the inherent dangers of electric panel inspections. It cautions the reader about some of the safety procedures that he or she needs to follow during that inspection. It also talks about some of the defective conditions that the inspector needs to look for such as aluminum branch wiring, missized breakers, rodent damage and others.
Defect: Water pooling observed on flat roof system at [location], which indicates a low spot. Water pooling could lead to leaking and structural damage. Proper drainage is necessary to maintain the integrity of the roof system and the structure below, as well as the maximum service life of the roof system. Recommend further evaluation and possible repair by a qualified roofing contractor.
This picture shows a soffit/ fascia area in which moisture has damaged the painted area, caused the paint to feel and has soaked into the wood. Based on how the two roof planes come together and the lack of kick out flashing and gutters; this damage could potentially continue.
I observed no defects in Gas range burners. Burners were lit with electronic ignition and flames appeared blue with some orange visible at tips and uniform in shape. Some porcelain burner grates were chipped near ends and most showed normal signs of wear for their age.
I observed no visible defects in the operation of the gas burners. All burners were lit with the electronic ignition using the normal controls. Flames were uniform and blue in color with some orange observed at the tips. Some burner grates had chipped porcelain and showed signs of wear consistent with age. This was considered to be a cosmetic item and not a functional defect.
Observed an open penatration on the roof at the intersection of 2 roof planes. If this is not properly flashed or sealed it will leak causing damage to the roof and interior. reccomend having a qualified roofing contractor further evaluate and repair.
Downspouts should be installed to direct water away from the home. It is recommended that they discharge was t least 6 feet for the house. The grading around the home should be as such that it directs water away from the home.
AFCI Testers…in this article, an explanation on how to utilize the tester was explained. AFCIs are also explained. Arc fault circuit interpreters utilize waveform patterns to test AFCI functionality. If the AFCI trips, then the tester is working properly, however, if it doesnt trip; doesnt necessarily AFCI isnt working properly.
Using a pressure washer to clean a roof does two things:
It lifts the shingle tabs and breaks their seal.
It removes the protective surface granules on the shingle.
Asphalt shingle roofing systems are usually installed as a restrained tab or a self- sealing system. That means that each shingle has a sealant strip on it so that when they are installed correctly, each row of shingles will adhere or seal themselves to the row above and below them.
This black strip holds the next row of shingles down. Asphalt roofing systems are designed to withstand a certain amount of wind load. It is this self-sealing shingle system that makes you roof wind resistant and keeps your shingles from blowing off the roof during most storms.
When a pressure washer is used to clean a roof, regardless of how careful the wand wielding cleaner is, there is a high probability that some shingles are going to get lifted and this seal will be broken. This leaves your shingles flapping in the wind during the next storm.
You will also lose a lot of the surface granules from your shingles. These granules play a role in protecting the shingle and helping to reflect the suns rays so your attic stays cool. The older the roof, the more granules you will lose in the washing process.
This Research writing assignment reviews the article, Easy Steps That Help Home Inspectors Avoid Lawsuits, from nachi.org. Incorporating your home inspectors business can help protect your personal assets from being attacked in a legal dispute, also know as an LLC.
Garage Doors and Openers
Garage doors are large, spring-supported doors. Garage door openers control the opening and closing of garage doors, either through a wall-mounted switch or a radio transmitter.
they may become defective over time and need to be fixed or replaced. Defective components may create safety hazards as well as functional deficiencies to the garage door assembly.
All garage doors should be equipped with this device, which will detach the door from the door opener when activated.
Inspectors should not operate the door until they have inspected the track mounts and bracing.
inspectors should always make sure to disable the manual lock on the garage door before activating the switch.
For safety reasons, photo sensors must be installed a maximum of 6 inches above the standing
surface. And make sure they opperate.
. Children should not be permitted to operate the garage door opener push button and should be warned against touching any of the doors moving parts.
In summary, garage doors and their openers can be hazardous if certain components are missing or defective. Inspectors should understand these dangers and be prepared to offer useful sa