Most of us are familiar with and have observed ants. Arguably, all buildings that hold food and water can attract these pests. Ants are more likely to be found in moist wood. In a home this could include almost any wood dampened by water leaks.Windows and door frames, roof leaks, and hollow spaces with moisture intrusion are common causes for ant nesting. Ants are attracted to any food. Especially sweet items such as sugary drinks, honey and pet food. Sealing and cleaning storage containers, correcting moisture leaks and removing garbage are good exclusion practices.
Phase #3 is pictures of one of three receptacles in the kitchen area. I am commenting on the Kitchen area because none of the receptacles, are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and two of them are wired adjacent to the kitchen sink. Because this is generally a wet area, this is considered to be a hazard and it is highly recommended that you have an Electrician upgrade the receptacles in this area.
Inadequate installation of laminate flooring. 2.5 inch gap between laminate board and sliding balcony door with the subfloor exposed. This can provide an avenue for moisture intrusion to laminate subfloor. Uncovered subfloor allows for greater communication of inside air with the outside making the photographed area of the room a place of heating or cooling loss.
Overt defects and altercation to trusses is a cheat way to redesign. However, cutting into manufacturer predesign trusses defiles the structural intent of the trusses, and would be considered to be extremely dangerous for the Property Owners, and anyone else in the area underneath that structure, especially if this is in an area where it snows heavily.
This is an image of the original roof from 2008. It has asphalt shingles with only one layer that appears to be in good condition for its age. No evidence of the granular covering starting to curl and no evidence of replacement shingles. The flashing around the structure surface is in good condition. The gutters are aluminum with a splash guards and appear clean and free of debris.
i didnt take this image. The new roof was installed vertical side flashing along the chimney and no counter flashing. the roof was installed with no counter flashing. Cracks and openings at chimney flashing admit wind-blown rain into the structure.
the motar joints are the space between a brick, concrete, or glass that is usually filled with grout. the style depends on the mason. different styles like raked, grapevine, extruded, concave, V, struck, flush, weathered and beaded. a mason can use tools to make these designs such as jointers, rakes, or beaders.
This is a mid efficiency furnace. It is determined by seeing that it has open and excessable components. It is also fueled by forced air. This is an obvious observation due to the fact that the fan is visible. So it is determined that it is mid efficiency.
Ranges are required to have anti tip devices installed. That are fasteners that are connected to the floor and connect to one or more of the rear feet of the range. If a visual inspection is not possible, a pull test from the top mid section can determine if one is present and secured properly. No inspector should leave a range door open and unattended during an inspection.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
This article was interesting especially the history about Henri Rubins creation of the first high sensitivity system to help in the mines. Which definitely lead to industry awareness and the beginning of standards to come. I also like that this article contains the NEC requirements which states where GFCI should be used and the testing of the devices.
Further, testing the receptacle once a month is new information to me that I suspect many home owners probably are not aware of. As a home inspector I can use this articles information and share with my clients. Most certainly the GFCI is an important advancement in homeowner safety.
This is an image of the kitchen ceiling, As you can see , the ceiling has a mold from a leaks , the paint on the wall are peeling from a moisture , and the kitchen cabinets need clearance . They are defects here which need to be check by a professional contractor.
dkopp
(Dan Kopp, Certified Professional Inspector)
30392
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A ‘non fire rated’, pull-down ladder assembly in the garage ceiling has been added after the initial construction of the home and it violates the necessary firewall separation between the garage and
the living quarters. We recommend that the original firewall separation be restored by removing the ladder and installing a conventional scuttle that includes a type ‘X’ sheet rock lid that is supported by a sheet rock trim band.
dkopp
(Dan Kopp, Certified Professional Inspector)
30393
Research & Writing Assignment:
Double-Tapped Breakers: Circuit breakers must be installed according to the manufacturers installation guidelines. Circuit breakers that are not designed to accommodate more than one circuit must only have one circuit attached to them. If you want to connect two load wires to a single breaker, you must use a breaker that is “labeled and listed” for two wires.
All inspectable piping on the hot water system appear to be properly sealed and connected correctly. No visual leaks or cracks in any of the lines. Check valve is properly seated and hot water heater is sitting on a no leak out tray, which is a nice feature.
Looking at the basement foundation we see a hairline crack. This is totally normal and not to be concerned with. As the concrete heals over time this is a normal reaction that occurs. Our main focus is to check for water leaking and if the crack goes all the way through to the exterior foundation wall as well. In this crack there is no leaking indications and only about a 1/16 in crack.
This is a window in good condition in bedroom #2. I started on the right top of the window and moved left then inspected the bottom right and moved left. I next looked at the screen in the same fashion. I saw no visual defects or anything of concern. There was no signs of moisture.
I learned that one of the best ways to save money and energy in you home is to “beef” up the insulation in the attic. Since heat rises more insulation and sealing of any holes in the roof will dramatically increase the efficiency in you home.
This is an image of the bathroom sink under-cabinet. It shows the water sink drain piping and main shut-off valve. The large white piping includes the “trap” which prevent larger object from going through the main outflow. There are currently no leaks at any of the piping whether the drain piping or shut-off valve.
However, the wood at the bottom of the cabinet has been previous wet and soaked from a previous leak. Although the system shows no leaks at the time of inspection, the cabinet needs repaired or replaced and further monitoring of the water system should be observed.
This image is of the crawlspace. I noticed some moisture in the corner of the foundation. After observing what seemed to be wet concrete I went back outside and to the backyard and noticed the concrete patio was slightly sloped towards the house. I checked the slope with a level and there was a 3 inch drop within 6 feet. This was causing rain water to run towards the house creating a moisture problem. Recommend re-pouring the pad or a cheaper method would be cutting a shallow joint in the concrete and going deeper, away from the house to get water to run away.
When I inspect the exterior of the house, I will start inspecting from the front of the house, so I wont miss any defects. As I walk around the house I will make sure identify the type of siding on the exterior of the house. And make sure I find all the defects that are visible for example : cracks on the foundation , bad siding and looking out for vegetable on the Siding.
