This inquiry is for my education and clarification. I completed the roofing inspection course previously, and am currently working on the exterior inspections course, one of the last few remaining as I work toward certification and InterNachi live class training in Florida.
The following pictures are from a relative’s house, I thought it odd even before beginning training that gutters were totally absent from the house. I also noticed that a large number of similar homes within their housing development are this way as well. The roofing course commented that no gutters is sometimes an ‘architectural choice’ but did not specifically name it a defect. My rationale is that if I already see a large number of homes like this in the community, I am bound to see them on paid inspection jobs in the future and should be prepared for it.
My question to CPI’s and CMI’s is this . . . if you observed this on an inspection would you include it in your report, and if so how would you comment? Much appreciated.
Some basic information about it, shed roof front with extended bracket supports, asphalt shingles, roof age is approximately 5 years. There is thick tree canopy cover throughout the neighborhood.
If there is a benefit of having something, I recommend the upgrade. In this case, if it will help keep water out of the basement/crawlspace or away from the foundation, I recommend it.
where are You located ? lots of areas don’t use gutters…In those pictures it looks like the house is surrounded by stone…If I see damaged siding from splashing water or water intrusion in a basement or crawl, I would recommend gutters. Otherwise it wouldn’t make it to my report.
Nah, @jjonas. Past posts are usually filled with long threads of silly follow-up comments. The best thing to do is what @tnovak4 just did. It’s best to make a new post for a new question that’s important to you. That’s the great value of the forum. Good post. Good follow-up comments that address that post.
Seems like kind of a regional thing more than a hard requirement. I’ve done most of my inspecting in Oregon where I definitely call out missing gutters as a problem/defect due to the impact on crawl space/basement water entry and foundation settlement. I’m now in Maui and most houses don’t have gutters or just partials at the front entry to keep water off people entering/exiting. After years in Oregon the lack of gutters here always catches my eye. I guess water runs through lava quicker than mucky clay soil.
Glad you have such high regard for the “silly” member comments. I find a forum search very helpful before I start asking the same question for the hundredth time. Often the solution is right there and I do not have to wait for a collection of responses.
I agree with @jjonas . The search feature is helpful and fast.
Well, if you type in the @ symbol and a letter behind it, you could search through the thousands of members here in no specific order, except the 1st letter. Sounds like something for a rainy day, nothing else to do before you tap a nap, kinda thing to use.
And to try and keep it on topic, I only recommend gutters when needed.
Nearly. I have found that there’s about a dozen folks who pound upon inspectors who ask questions, even if the question has been asked before. Which in my viewpoint is silly. The point of this forum is for anyone and everyone to ask question that need to be asked, and for providing thoughtful answers, advice, and guidance (even if the response has been repeated before). Just my humble opinion.
You make my point, @bcawhern1. Sarcasm is a bit rampant on the forum, and it doesn’t convey very well through text. And I see a lot of humor and sarcastic remarks in response to valid good questions from members who are seeking insightful thoughtful help. I think the forum should work as “iron sharpens iron” where one member sharpens and influences another through discussion.
But, again, I think Thomas’s original post is a good one.
