Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A visual inspection of the attic and type of installation seems to be at a standard level. The type of insulation used is a cellulose loose-fill insulation. It appeared to be filled to the proper height and I took a measurement with tape measure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
My second essay is from the gallery on air filters.
From a lot of the homes that I have actually been in, most of the time the air filters have not been changed causing the A/C unit to over run and stop working properly.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The condensation drain on the heating system it leaking into the floor. This can cause damage to the homes materials as well as creating a slip/fall hazard in the basement. The condensation drain should be repaid so that condensation is properly discharged in compliance with manufactures instructions and local building codes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Cooling equipment must be a minimum 30 inches from the home. 30 inches off of the ground. 10 inches from objects and 48 inches from overhead obstructions. This allows for service and replacement of the unit as well as manufactures requirements.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This window well is showing signs of rust and corrosion. When inspecting a window well the size and appearance of the window wells as well as proper safety covers are the first things I look for. This is a sign that the window well is past it’s life expectancy.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read about pull down ladders in attic spaces. Most old pull down ladders are made of wood which makes them heavier than today’s modern aluminum pull down ladders. If attic ladder is made of wood it would be a good suggestion to switch to aluminum to make it stronger, more durable, and easier to move.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting this door, I observed the following defects: the reveal across the top indicates possible foundation heaving, the cracks in the drywall would seem to confirm this observation, also although not in this picture, the floor shows the same heaving as the top of the jamb: recommend further evaluation by structural engineer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The internachi article: “Inspecting for defects in older homes” tells us that older homes, those beuilt before 1978 can contain eld style building products, now known to be toxic. Lead, asbestos insulation are just to of the toxic items. Buried oil tanks, cesspools, wells, and septic tanks as well as radon, may also be found. It’s not within the scope of the Certified Home Inspector to rectify these obsolete components, but, simply to observe, document and report on their presence.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo represents approximately 23 of the double hung windows in a 1920s built home. All but 2 have the rope and weight system, with many of the ropes deteriorated or broken. None, however, failed to open and close. About 4 show cracked original glaze. Locking mechanisms on a few windows had missing or stripped out screws in the wood sash.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Condensation in double-paned windows is the result that the sealing properties of the assembly have failed. Water vapor turn into water droplets in between the panes. The reason the seal assembly fails is because they are under stress as windows expand and contract with heating and cooling called thermal pumping. Recent failures may not reveal observed symptoms, but long term failure usually leads to permanent window damage due to excessive moisture. While repairs or replacement is required, a repair known as defogging may be insufficient.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo, you can see the repair of the ceiling around the light and HVAC grill. The repair was probably needed due to poor insulation around the boot and the resultant condensation on the metal staining the drywall. I used this to be sure to look at the boots and the insulation around them when I was up in the attic.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the attic access ladders that are inside the home, that is one thing that is hard for some of my clients to grasp. I discuss with them that the air is moving in and out of the gap with insulation and other dust and how it is imperative that it is sealed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the attached photo showing area in crawlspace where foundation wall has separated from support of chimney base. The use of a foaming insulation material is not intended to sure up the joins between two concrete materials. It was noted to have a qualified contractor estimate and evaluate to ensure this is no longer a safety concern.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the attached photo showing area in crawlspace where foundation wall has separated from support of chimney base. The use of a foaming insulation material is not intended to sure up the joins between two concrete materials. It was noted to have a qualified contractor estimate and evaluate to ensure this is no longer a safety concern.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have attached a photo of what appears to be moisture in the insulation in the attic. The black on the insulation could represent the growth of spores. I would get this checked out with a mold test and a quote from a mold remediation company. This should get fixed prior to moving into the home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that I read was “Fire Safety for the Home.” The article was filled with lots of interesting tips and information. One thing that stood out to me was the fact they said that “adults over the age of 75 are almost three times more likely to die in a home fire than the rest of the general public.” They recommended in having a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and one on every floor. They also recommended to unplug any appliances or charges that you aren’t using to avoid electrical fires. Lastly, the key seems to be all about proper preparation. Prepare our family and practice your escape routes and alternate routs, while also making sure you have working fire alarms in the home. Some prior preparation can lead to saving a life.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this picture is interior stairs. The rise is noted to be approximately 7 1/2 inches and the run with the nose is approximately 10 1/2 inches. The hand rail is continuous and terminates at the bottom and the top of the stair case. The balusters installed will not allow the passage of a 4 inch sphere and the triangular formation at the tread will not allow passage of a 6 inch sphere. The stair case is illuminated and operated with a switch at either end. All of which are within the IRC building standards of practice.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic condensation:
Can be cause by several problems. Some of the common issues are: Improper ventilation from bathroom vents, not being vented to the exterior of the building. Inadequate roof ventilation installation, condensation from freezing snow on roof sheathing getting into the interior of the attic and creating moisture.
Just these few problems can cause significant structural and health issues if they are prolonged since it only takes 20% moisture content to create mold spores and colonies that eventually create wood rot/deterioration and health problems (mainly respiratory).
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
After the kitchen cabinets were removed for a remodel, staining was found. The heat register is located under the kitchen sink cabinet. The insulation in the crawl space has been damaged by mice or other animals and is hanging down from the floor joists. Fresh air vents are present and open allowing cold air into the crawl space. Because of the insulation not being in place, condensation has formed and frozen on the underside of the sub flooring. These problems have allowed water to penetrate the wood and cause damage and has possibly allowed mold to grow.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this InterNACHI online course I have learned that to help my customers be more energy efficient with there homes. By simply inspecting the attic space. And letting them know if they need to add more insulation to help keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer .
