Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Photo of stairway shows lighting top and bottom landings. Handrail is continuous, gripable , returned to the wall both ends. Width of stairway 37 inches, at handrail measures 34 inches. Risers are 7 3/8 with 12 inch treads. Newel post firmly anchored, 3 3/4 inch between spindles. This stairway is compliant with all existing safety standards.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This motor is for the jetted tub above. It has the correct GFCI outlets and tests good. There is only one jet that works out of the six that this pump operates when turned on or tested in the tub
Research & Writing Assignment:
This picture of a large window and the dark markings in the corner of the frame resembles water penetration as seen with a IR camera still shot. This would be an item to call out in the report window section
Research & Writing Assignment:
Evaluating structural framing. Evaluating structural framing can be a challenge for the inspector in existing homes as much is covered by finishes. Evaluation should be done in context as an 80 year old home can not be inspected a 5 year old home. Inspector should look at load path,settling, erosion and other factors to help in the evaluation process.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo of the turning portion of the stairs is unsafe and does not meet the safety requirement needed. The minimum width of the riser at the narrowest end must be at least 6". The is also the absence of a continuous hand railing at the lower section of stairs. It is recommended for evaluation by a licensed contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned that stairway abnormalities are responsible for many injuries and deaths every year that are easily preventable. Elderly are at particular risk of falling down stairs, mostly due to impaired vision, reduced strength, and poor balance. Handicapped and young children are also at increased risk of sustaining stairway injuries. Confirming why stair inspections are crucial to a home inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The stairs in this less than 3 year old house are in good shape and meet all recommended measurements for height and width. The only visible concern is that the handrail on the first flight is not continuous and has a break in the middle of the first flight of stairs. Both sections of handrail are secure and properly fastened to the wall with the correct clearance.
NOTE: I would probably point that out in an inspection, but I’m not sure what the remedy would be?
Research & Writing Assignment:
Egress is one of the main requirements for a bedroom.
In addition to being an important safety consideration for home inspectors, egress is one of the 4 things a bedroom must have. In addition to egress, a bedroom also needs an entrance, a ceiling height of at least 7 feet and a square footage of at least 70 feet, which no side being shorter than 7’.
It’s important that a bedroom, which as the name implies has some sleeping going on in it, has 2 means of egress, or escape. In case of fire, an egress to the exterior is also required.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the main uses in using IR cameras in the home inspection industry is to identify potential moisture issues in areas that are not visible during a general inspection. The difference in temperature that is picked up by the IR camera could potentially be an area of moisture and a quality moisture meter can help confirm whether or not the area is in fact wet.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This handrail is sufficient for the stairs pictured. It spans the entire length of the stairwell and falls within the required height ranged of 34 to 38 inches. The space between the wall and handrail in less than 1.5 inches.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection consisted of a balcony/patio of a 3rd floor condo. Railing appeared to be in good condition and no movement or rusted areas were noted. Rail ends were properly secured to the walls. There appeared to be proper spacing between the balusters to prevent unintended injury. The overall height of railing which is shown in photo was approximately 43 inches.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have learned that deck collapse is generally caused by overload and by the deck pulling away from the structure. This can be prevented by properly securing the deck with proper materials such as lag bolts. It also helps if the deck is properly installed with the use of footings and support that provides proper weight distribution to prevent improper or overstress on areas of the deck. Do to the nature and use of a deck or balcony it is also very important to make sure the rails are properly secured and can withstand tolerances that are within their limit. Proper maintenance and routine inspection of deck structures is a must because the sooner you see possible issues the quicker you can fix them before injury or worst occurs.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
my essay is about emergency escapes and rescue openings in my home, this a window in a bedroom,its the only window in the room so I measured it and it met the 24 inches in height and the 20 inches in width, it also let directly to the yard with min. obstructions.
Research & Writing Assignment:
all lighting outlets in a home must be mounted on the wall as you enter the room, even if the room is used for storage or an attic,. if you have a permanent stairway, a switch to control the light must be installed on both levels.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The tank for this toilet is loose. This might be a deteriorated gasket or it may just need tightening of the attachment bolts. You will want to tighten this tank in order to reduce the chance that leaking will occur.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Stoves with ovens are susceptible to tipping over if not equipped with an anti-tip device. Inspectors should check for the anti-tip device to be installed at each inspection by pulling the stove from the top while keeping one foot in place, at the base, to brace the stove. If the stove lifts up more than a few inches then this deficiency should be called out in your report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article titled, Anatomy of A Commercial Property Inspection because my company is considering whether or not to offer commercial inspections. The means of egress plays a key aspect of commercial inspections as well as residential inspections. For commercial inspections a door expert must be listed in the report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Balusters installed on stairs must be installed no greater than 4 inches from one another to prevent the passage of a child’s head through the spacing between balusters. The spacing on these balusters represents a safety hazard. It is recommended to be evaluated and repaired by a licensed professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home inspectors should report any stairway with four or more risers that doesn’t have a continuous handrail at least 34 inches or taller yet less than 38 inches on at least one side. Balusters on stairs should be installed vertically and not horizontally to prevent children from climbing and should be spaced not more than 4 inches apart from one another. There are 2.8 million annual children’s injuries related to falls and this is one way inspectors can play a positive role in prevention.
