OLD House

Local Inspection Issues Florida and SUNachi Inspectors
1

Hi All,

I am a new inspector in the Daytona Beach area. I have enjoyed reading the forum, and learned a ton off of it so far. I am really happy that I joined NACHI. So many resources with this organization, it really is unbelievable.

A little history on myself. I have a varied background. I have owned a general construction business with my dad and brother, and have done a bunch of various construction jobs over the years. Remodeling type of work, so I’ve done a little of everything. In my younger years, I thought that I wanted in to work inside in the A/C so I did graphics on the computer on and off for about 10 years. I got tired of sitting and couldn’t take it anymore, so I did some other little things for a couple years. My mom has been a realtor in the area for about 30 years and one day asked me if I had ever thought about doing home inspections. Started looking into it, and decided it was a good fit for me, so here I am. I have a good amount of contacts through my mom, so I have been getting work here and there, just from people knowing her. I haven’t really had a chance to go out and promote myself, but plan on doing that soon.

So anyway, I have been taking it slow and doing 1 or 2 inspections a week, and I really like it. I graduated from AHIT last November or so, and had bought there software, had to get it during my weekend class to get a discount and didn’t really know much better at the time. Well, it didn’t take me long to realize that there are much better packages out there, so I have been test driving HIP for a few weeks. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I will be purchasing it soon, those guys over there are the best.

On to my question. I have an inspection booked next week for a 104 year old house, and am a little worried, just not sure what I am going to run into. I’ve never inspected anything this old. If anyone here could give me some tips on inspecting an old house like this, I would really appreciate it. Again, thanks everyone for all of the posts and help on everything so far, and I look forward to hints, tips, questions, suggestions, etc., and giving my input for years to come.

2

Know your foundation systems really well and what constitutes issues with piers and perimeter bearing/precast. I didn’t inspect old homes here the first 2 years I was in business just due to foundation liability. I followed around a structural engineering firm for a week and got comfortable with what they look for. Companies here charge around $1k to replace 1 pier. It adds up quick.

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Rehabilitation Inspection Guide

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Thanks for your guys help Glenn and Christopher. I appreciate it, and will do se further research over the weekend. Wish me luck.

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Important things to look for is “updated” items, or should I say partially updated. Especially regarding plumbing and electrical.

Example: You may find a newer service panel with NM cable (Romex) terminating at the panel and then find live knob & tube in the attic and improper connections in between.

Same with plumbing. Sections of damaged piping may have been replaced, while 50 plus year old supply and drain pipe still exist.

Also look closely at condition of wood framing and structural supports, especially in basement/crawl.

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Thanks Chris, that is good advice. This area has mostly slab on grade foundations, so I am both excited about what I am going to find and worried about what I might miss at the same time. I appreciate you help, and I’ll let you guys know how it goes. Good thing is I have it set up for Wednesday, so more time to think about it beforehand.