Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire safety in the home is very important. Planned fire escapes are a critical part of home ownership, it could save lives. There are multiple fire hazards at many locations in the house; kitchens, garage, bathrooms(electrical in moisture areas), attics & chimneys. It is beneficial for a home buyer to have these systems inspected prior to inhabiting the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A gap in the garage wall/ceiling was observed at the time of inspection causing the fire rating of the garage wall to be compromised. This is a fire safety concern. Recommend further review by licensed professional contractor for repairs / correction as necessary prior to close.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture–and a lesson–on how to incorrectly install an electric garage door opener. The wiring for the photoelectric sensors is all bound up with duct tape to the door opening mechanism. That is a defect. The sensors are nowhere to be found, which is also a defect–and the outlet that the unit is plugged into is not GFCI protected. I would recommend a licensed electrician to repair and monitor these defects.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read Nick’s and Kenton’s article entitle, “Garage Doors and Openers.” What I really liked about it was the safety advice for clients near the end of the piece. Tips included: not attempting to fix the springs themselves (ouch!), not walking under a garage door while it’s in motion, keeping hands away from pulleys and hinges, and not messing with the dial inside the opener (a trained professional needs to do that). Great suggestions for not getting hurt.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo of the automatic garage door the tension spring is visually broken. Operating of the door was not able to be performed. Inspection was not able to be performed and it is suggested to have a professional licensed contractor fix the problem. Preferably one who specializes in garage doors.
Research & Writing Assignment:
An attached garage and a fire hazard. It is more common for a fire that start in. One reason for fires to start in garages are due to what is stored in them. Households store flammable materials in garages. This is why it is very important to look for proper fire barriers between the garage and the living area.
Chosen
Article by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I conducted a practice inspection on my friends house and took this photo of the electric sensor eyes and as you can see, this one (on the inside right) is measured at 6 1/2". The other side is also at 6 1/2". They are working as expected.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Garage Doors and Openers”
This particular test is especially important to me and hits a little close to home. My niece was injured because the reverse tension wasn’t set to an appropriate setting so I always take extra care in performing this test during an inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
From this photo we see that the motor component is called a motorhead which may answer that question for radio listeners from the mid 1970’s. The Motorhead should not be powered by an extension cord and the red handle used to disconnect the drive mechanism should be in easy reach at no more than 6 foot above the floor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Great care should be taken with garage door inspections, there is some level of risk with safety and for potential damage to the property if not conducted properly. An inspector should be especially careful in checking the safety features of the door.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that I chose to read and write about was termite baits. Termite baits have there advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of these baits are easy access, environmentally friendly, and can be as a preventative measure. Some disadvantages are that it can take a long time, termites have to randomly discover the bait, and bait is expensive.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of some wood rot in the subfloor of a crawlspace. On the exterior is a stone veneer that may be the culprit of this staining. I recommended a qualified contractor come to evaluate and repair the damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Residential inspection; the garage.
Defect, the garage floor does not scope towards the vehicle entry. This is a defect in need of correction. A licensed professional should be consulted for evaluation and repair.
As reference in the attached image from the Internachi library of images. Garage floors must be constructed on non combustible materials. Concrete is a commonly used material. The floor should sloop towards the main entry door to drain liquids and heavy gases from the garage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Internachi inspection article; a garage inspection
A garage inspection should include the garage door. The door should be alerted using the electronic switch located on the wall at least 5.5’ above the floor the door should have all the required warning labels attached in the proper places. The door should have el tropic safety devices located on each side no less than 6" above the floor. The door should be tested for automatic reverse from the pressure test.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Metal garage door with torsion spring. All bolts are tight. Door opens easily using opener and also hand opening. Door passed both safety requirements of sensor interruption and pressure test. sensors are located within 6 inches of ground. There are no visible signs of damage to the door, rails, or the opener. Safety pull works properly.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Garage inspection will include doors walls and flooring. A GFCI is required for each bay of the garage. A type X 5/8 drywall is required for any sleeping or living area located above the garage. All joints and screw locations should be filled using tape and joint compound. Garage opener shall not use and extension cord for power, it should be plugged directly to an outlet. Floor should slope towards the vehicle entrance.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
AS can be seen in this photo, the garage door sensors are not located in the proper position to detect a potential problem/object in the path of the door closing. Recommend having them relocated to the correct position to perform their intended safety purpose.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Garage door and opener deficiencies are safety issues that should not be overlooked and reported upon discovery. Surprisingly, there are many yearly injuries that happen within the garage areas and the many moving parts within the door assembly… and extra caution should be taken with children playing or congregating in the vicinity of these areas.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting of garage, I observed the garage door safety release cord was missing/damaged. Manual release cord should be installed no more than 6ft from the floor. Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace garage door safety release cord, as necessary. I was able to still perform a manual release on the garage door and completed garage door inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
How to inspect bathroom exhaust Fan
