During the inspection of the exterior I looked at the garage doors pictured here. Both doors show excesive moisture damage to the bottoms. Also the doors springs are showing wear and are difficult to raise the doors. Both doors have loose boards on the panels of the doors.
![1442284989846[1].jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/d/1/d17490d37f91f5778d98f4035da2634cf87ce7e2.jpeg)
This post is for the fundamentals of inspecting exterior. I first inspected the driveway of this home, there were a few items worth noting; 1. concrete has multiple cracks and mostly likely stems from not having control joints. I also wanted to note that the carport/garage is not connected to the main home, there is a 1" gap between them and flashing is not provided. The same situation occurs at the porch roof and the front of the home and there is no guardrail/hand railing at the front steps.
This posting is for the article aging in place. During my reading of this article, I was shocked at how many modifications were available for the elderly. I assumed I would find a few to be directly related to the ADA. I appreciated the advice section for those who wish to age in place. This was very good in giving the person the big picture view on what to consider when they wish to age in place.
This post is for the article on Aluminum Siding. I learned that this product was popular from the 40’s thru the 70’s and gained popularity from the panels on the Chrysler building. I was shocked that the recommended paint was every 5-10 years. I also noted that the aluminum siding must be grounded and that during an inspection a magnet can help define weather the material was steel or aluminum.
The dryer vent is visibly clogged with lint. This can shorten the life of the appliance and poses a fire hazard.
Recommend vent cleaning by licensed technician.
Exterior Report
The Stucco and the paint finish look to be in good condition.
Some shrinkage of the caulking at the windows if the front.
The tree roots are running to the house on the east side with some lifting the the pavers the the east side patio that could be a trip hazard.
**Writing Report Narrative
Inaccurate descriptions of conditions result in, financial damage and inspector liability. The narrative should make clear how urgent the problem is. It should fully explain the problem and the proper recommendation by the inspector.
No Visible Evidence Language May Be Evidence Against You
No visible evidence could mean that the defect doesn’t exist. But what the inspector meant was is that he didn’t observe or couldn’t observe. A recommended way to stat this would be
I did not observe any indications of___ during my inspection. **
Writing Report Narrative
Inaccurate descriptions of conditions result in, financial damage and inspector liability. The narrative should make clear how urgent the problem is. It should fully explain the problem and the proper recommendation by the inspector.
No Visible Evidence Language May Be Evidence Against You
No visible evidence could mean that the defect doesn’t exist. But what the inspector meant was is that he didn’t observe or couldn’t observe. A recommended way to stat this would be
I did not observe any indications of___ during my inspection.
Hey all,
To fulfill the requirement of an inspection of the Fundamentals of an Inspection Exterior - I preformed an inspection of the windows of this 17 year old conventional framed home - these are my findings.
The trim around the windows has pulled away and is need of attention.
One of the windows outer pane has shattered (see the broken glass in the picture) - this needs to be replaced.
Some of the windows show signs of moisture intrusion - the windows are not performing as they should - this should be evaluated and address as needed.
Thanks,
Karl
Hey all,
To fulfill the requirement of reading two articles and a brief write up - I read the following two articles: Can a Real Estate Agent Sign the Home Inspection Agreement on Behalf of the Client? and I formed a corporation or limited liability company. Now what?
In the video presentation for the Fundamentals of Inspection of Exteriors - the host stated numerous times about keeping ones self out of trouble - these two articles address just that - one from making your that you have a signed and legitimate agreement to corporate structure that protects the business owner. both items are vital items to have. when you sign the inspection - do so as an officer of a company and not an individual.
Thanks,
Karl
To fulfill the requirement of an inspection of the Fundamentals of an Inspection Exterior - I preformed an inspection of the roof of this 10 year old ranch home - these are my findings.
Several shingles are curled and the nails have pulled loose at the SW corner of the home. Repair is needed to prevent the shingles from being blown off the roof in high winds and water damage to the interior. A qualified roofing contractor should repair as needed. The remaining roof covering and structure was in overall excellent condition. Beside the defect identified at the SW corner of the home, no further damage or defects were noted.
None of my photos will upload as card reader will not cooperate? I completed an inspection of a manufactured home with many defects. Also, a foundation cert for the lender.
Reading and Writing Assignment
Sewer gasses in the home - Due to the many hazardous materials that comprise sewer gasses, every effort should be taken to keep it out of a home. A qualified plumbing contractor should evaluate and repair any drainage systems that are compromised or may not be properly configured to prevent sewer gas entry. All plumbing systems should be designed to exhaust sewer gasses out of a vent pipe through the roof of the home.
Ghosting - is staining or discoloration of walls and ceilings caused by small particles attaching themselves to a surface. Most airborne particles are sticky and can carry an electrical charge that will make them stick to any surface with an opposite charge. Solutions to ghosting should include analysis and reconfiguration of airflow through the home to prevent continuous directional airflow.
Attached is a photo of a window on the back of a home, from the outside. The window appears to be in serviceable condition, with the sill properly sloped downward. The only recommendation to note on the report is to have the caulk stripped and reapplied as it is showing some cracks along the sides and bottom.
Concrete for Exterior and Structural Walls:
In states such as Florida (my state) and Louisiana, concrete homes account for approximately 1/6 of new construction. The higher costs (as opposed to wood frame) are justified in the long run as concrete offers lower maintenance costs, better energy savings, and lower property insurance costs. It also is more resistant to natural disasters such as flooding and hurricanes.
Inspecting Visible Masonry:
Inspecting the exterior on a home can take up as much as a 1/3 of the total time of the home inspection. Understanding the exterior environmental factors, such as climate, terrain and vegetation can be very helpful in determining the cause of any defects you come across. An inspector should look for and evaluate cracks and corrosion and note them on the report.
This a pic of step cracking that looks to be repaired recently .
Home inspectors use a lot of different tools ranging from volt testers to cameras and laptops .
When inspecting a home be very careful how you word your reports .
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Fundamentals of Inspecting an Exterior:
During the exception of a home in Florida, I first walked the perimeter to do an overall assessment of the property. For the most part, the home seemed in good condition with only a few noticeable concerns.
There are two that I reference here.
I noticed a portion of the flashing from an upper balcony/deck cut into the actual fascia. I would point this out as a direct path for water to enter the material and possibly cause decay.
The bushes and foliage around the exterior was in direct contact with the exterior. In some cases, I observed snakes and a nest within areas of the shrubs.
Reading & Writing Assignment:
Drones and Inspections:
While it is currently illegal to fly a drone for commercial use, I do own one as a personal item with the intention to use in my business when the process is allowed by the FAA.
I did a personal inspection, that was not deemed commercial and was simply for the training and practice of flight. I operated with no bystanders, in a safe and low manner, not exceeding 40 feet in the air.
The following shots were what I was able to achieve. I think the use of UAVs is a huge asset to inspectors as well as customers who can zoom in on photos to get a much better assessment of their purchases.
