The article I chose dealt directly with a garage inspection. A few important things jumped out as me, including the inspector gathering information from a neighbor that a similar garage in the neighborhood had collapsed recently. The aspect I learned about most was about substandard qualifications to trusses in the garage. No modification can be made to trusses without the approval of a structural engineer. The example given in the article showed improper floor joist hangers and deck screws being used to support the trusses, resulting in another structure that was very close to collapse.
Hot Water Heater
Make: Bradford White
Capacity: 40 gals with supply shut off valve.
Energy Source: Natural Gas with shut off valve and drip leg.
Exhaust system:Galvanized steel exhaust, draft style.
Temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valve is present and is connected to an outside drain.
*The home inspector is not required to measure and evaluate the adequacy of the water heater. I could not determine the age or the life expectancy of the hot water heater. The home inspector is not required to open or close any shut off valves. The overall condition of the hot water heater seemed good.
The downstairs toilet was inspected. The toilet was securely attached to the ground with proper hold down bolts and no evidence of moisture was found. The toilet was flushed and appears to be in working order. No further concern is required.
This image is of the electric water heater that services the entire building. It is an 80 gallon electric, A.O. Smith brand water heater. It is installed in the basement of this 2,500 square ft. home. It is Model # LTE-80D 200, Serial # 1908113770189. As determined by its serial number, this water heater is less than 2 months old. It is installed in a drip pan that is plumbed to a floor drain near the water heater. The electric service to the heater appears to be correct for the size of water heater and is encased in metal conduit. The TPR Valve is installed, however, there is no drain tube attached. This is a concern and should be addressed with the homeowner. When running water, the water does come up in temperature and appears to be working normally.
“Inspecting GFCI and AFCI Protection”- An inspector is required to inspect all GFCI and AFCI outlets where possible, using a GFCI tester. A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI is used to disconnect a circuit when an unbalanced current is detected…for example, when someone gets energized from dropping a hair dryer in the bathtub. This then disconnects the power to that outlet, potentially saving someones life. These are placed typically in damp locations throughout the home. An arc-fault circuit interrupter, or AFCI detects potentially dangerous electical arcs within home wiring. AFCI protection is recommended in bedroom and living areas within the home. These outlets should be tested periodically to ensure they are working properly.
One of the electric outlets in the kitchen was observed. The outlet was above the kitchen counter containing the sink, and under which the dishwasher was located. The outlet was not a GFI outlet. Electric outlets above kitchen counters are required to be GFI outlets. Recommended that the outlet be switched to a GFI by a licensed electrical contractor.
Door and window framing: there are some similar components to door and window framing. Both are to be framed to a rough opening (RO). Both have king studs and trimmer studs, and both generally have cripples. Windows have cripples above and below the RO while doors have cripples above the RO. Also, both have headers at the top of the RO.
I have chosen the article 10 ways to save energy in your home. In this article Ive learned that a hot water tank stores water and Waste energy when hot water is not used. I see that using a tankless water heater would be more Efficient. Ive also learned that caulking and Insulating windows and attic areas doors will help preserve heat/cool air in different seasons.
The water supply is public. The main shut off is located on the southside of the basement beside the water metre .
No defects were found and therefore no recommendations have been made. Copper piping is the material present .
Looks to have been installed within the last three years .
It was interesting to learn that there are three types of underlayment used in residential construction and that the most common underlayment used is black asphalt saturated Felt paper. It is made from either organic or fibreglass substrate. This type of underlayment is water resistant and not waterproof.
How to Save Money & Energy in Your Home.
Most people do not realize what opportunities they have to save money and energy in their home without alot of effort. There is not only savings in energy cost but there could be tax breaks that could help save hundreds of dollars while helping our environment from global warming and pollution. The old saying “that it takes money to make money” can be said of investing in making our homes more energy efficient. A great investment would be to have an energy audit conducted by a certified InterNACHI auditor that can perform in-depth testing to find the best energy solutions for your particular home. This would start you off in the right direction to live comfortably while saving money and protecting our environment.
The associated photo depicts the presence of a fill and vent pipe leading to an old fuel oil tank that was removed at one time in the past. This was found a home that had since been converted to natural gas. Although the InterNACHI SoP does not specifically require the inspection of fuel tanks as a rule, it was noted that the former fuel oil tank was removed upon inspection of the basement, but the vent and fill pipes were never removed or rendered unusable by filling them with concrete, for example. This is an example of something observed that should be noted so as to inform the home buyer of a potential hazard with a recommendation that the pipes should be permanently capped or removed. A clerical mistake or a wrong address delivery could fill the basement of this home with hundreds of gallons of fuel oil.
In the article, “Ant Inspection” by Nick Gromicko, I learned about the “why” and “how” of ants and their importance in noting them in a home inspection. It’s one thing to just note the observance of ants or a colony/gallery during an inspection - but understanding their behavior and making an attempt to seek out the source or entry point(s) helps the homeowner understand the condition of the structure. Further, it very well often leads the home inspector to other structural issues that should be included in the report. For example, things such as unsealed entry of wires or pipes in a foundation, the presence of moisture in a hollow wall behind a dishwasher unit, or poor installation or operation of ingress/egress points in doors or windows. Perhaps the biggest takeaway I had from this article was that home inspection can sometimes be about cause and effect - meaning that (in this specific case) the presence of ants is really an observed effect, and that there are other structural defects that are the real cause and the homeowner or potential home buyer will need to mitigate.
The service wire entered a Siemens service panel located on the Garage wall with a 150 amp and 120/240 volt rated capacity, identified by the Home Inspector from the labels on the service panel. All wires entering and exiting the service panel were sheathed NM-B. The branch circuits were not label and did not identify which system or room/rooms each breaker represented. Every breaker was labeled with a number and a piece of cardboard was found laying next to the Service panel with the information for each breaker. The Home Inspector recommends the information be written on the service panel with the correct system or room/rooms next to each breaker.
Door is not plumb, screws loose at frame.Recommend further evaluation by a contractor. Seal around tub is missing, recommend further evaluation by a licensed contractor. Holes in top of shower surround, recommend further evaluation by a licensed contractor. Toilet is good, water pressure is good, missing stopper in sink,recommend further evaluation by a licensed plumber.
I read the article “Anti Tip Brackets for Free standing Ranges”. In this article it said that the brackets are designed to prevent ranges from tipping over. As an inspector we should look over the back of the stove for the brackets or tip it by gripping the upper rear section and tipping it. It should stop after several inches.The standard was created in 1991 that required all ranges to be remain stable while supporting 250 lbs. on their open doors
Seal failure in the stationary glass in the window system. A fog and light moisture in between the glass was observed. Please check the manufacturer’s warranty or consult with a certified and insured glass contractor to replace the window pane.
The image submitted was a minor defect that was found while inspecting the crawl space of a residential property. While inspecting the crawlspace, minor cracks were noted in the foundation walls. This type of crack is potentially caused by settlement and movement, which my have occurred at some point in the history of the house. It is recommended that a professional fill in the crack with a proper filler and monitor for signs of ongoing movement.
Inspection of a high efficiency gas furnace, H/W tank. A Bryant high efficiency furnace is depicted due to the presence of PVC flue and intake pipes.Gas lines appear to have a drip leg, shut-off and a union. Flue piping appears to properly slope and drain back to the unit. H/W tank appears to have a properly installed TPR valve that is plumbed to the floor.
Dryer venting. All dryers shall terminate to the outside. All piping must be a minimum of 4" in diameter. Only rigid metal pipe can be used within walls, pipe chases and crawl spaces. Screws are not permitted as fasteners due to the ability of lint to collect on screw heads eventually causing a blockage. Metal tape or rivets are permitted. A short amount of metal flexible piping is allowed in the laundry area to easily attach to the rigid metal pipe leading to the outside.
