Searching local codes / duplex questions

[jkaufman (Jacob Kaufman)]

I have an inspection on Thursday, duplex - finished basement (possibly converted from single family home to a duplex) built in 1965. My clients had their “contractor friend” walk through with them and he said that there was some settlement in the foundation and that the foundation might have been poured without rebar. My clients asked me about this and asked if there was a way to determine if there was.

1. How do i find out what requirements were back in 65? Or how do I determine the rebar question?
2. If this was a single family home and they converted the basement into an apartment, is there anything specific I should look for?

[jkaufman (Jacob Kaufman)]

​1300 E St in South Anchorage, Anchorage

$426,100 | 4 bd • 3 ba

See details at: https://b1iw.app.link/TUcsuiGRM6

Or: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1300-E-St_Anchorage_AK_99501_M80580-95519?cid=soc_shares_core_ldp_android

Here’s the link to the duplex for visual reference.

[rlewis5 (Roy Lewis, CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR RETIRED)]

@jkaufman

Or how do I determine the rebar question?

Not your job , but this will find rebar…
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zircon-MetalliScanner-MT6-Metal-Locator-64054/303732474

[jkaufman (Jacob Kaufman)]

Haha I told them the only way to determine if there was is if I had a metal detector amlnd bit was beyond what I can do but I’ll try to find some information for them.
Have you ever used that tool? That looks like I’m going to get sued using it lol.

[mgoldenberg (Marc Goldenberg, Inspector # HI1365)]

I use the cheapie one works just fine.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zircon-MetalliScanner-M40-Metal-Locator-62518/202184893?MERCH=REC--pipinstock--303732474--202184893--N

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

@jkaufman

I told them the only way to determine if there was is if I had a metal detector amlnd bit was beyond what I can do but I’ll try to find some information for them.
Have you ever used that tool? That looks like I’m going to get sued using it lol.

Jacob, refer it out to a qualified contractor…preferably their “contractor friend” and maybe he will learn to keep his mouth shut. LOL!

Seriously, did you see any evidence of foundation settlement?

If so, report it and refer it out and be happy on the way to the bank.

[ccurrins (Christopher Currins, CMI)]

I would be concerned about the means of egress in the basement, or lack of, especially if the basement is a separate living area (duplex).

[jkaufman (Jacob Kaufman)]

@ccurrins

I would be concerned about the means of egress in the basement, or lack of, especially if the basement is a separate living area (duplex).

I did notice that from the pictures.

@lkage

Seriously, did you see any evidence of foundation settlement?

Haven’t done the inspection yet.

@mgoldenberg

I use the cheapie one works just fine.

Maybe I’ll check it out.

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

Basement unit bedrooms do not seem to have proper Egress windows.
They can research the re-bar concerns when they cut into the walls to install the egress wells!!