Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows the support for a beam that has collapsed. The living room floor above has a large sunken area as a result of the loss of structural support below. I recommend a qualified contractor or structural engineer be consulted for repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Concrete for Exterior and Structural Walls was a good article that showed me that concrete is a viable option in the construction of a home. Concrete has many benefits that a wooden home can not easily meet and be affordable. But a concrete home’s larger cost is not always gotten back through energy and insurance savings. The big benefit to concrete homes is their structural strength and ability to withstand environmental hazards.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Splitting and cracking joists were noted at various joists on the left side of the basement. Insect damage was noted at various joists, beams, and sub flooring. Unable to identify the extent of the damage, the structural integrity of the framing or sheathing. Recommend a qualified framing contractor for further evaluation and repairs as needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The poured concrete foundation wall exhibited severe horizontal mid-wall cracking. Determining the cause of cracking lies beyond the scope of the General Home Inspection. Recommend having this condition evaluated by a structural engineer to determine the cause of cracking, the likelihood of continuing damage and to discuss options for stabilization.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Moisture stains and efflorescence visible on the basement walls indicated the presence of periodic moisture penetration. It is difficult to determine during a short, one time inspection if seepage will occur, how much, and at what time. Common causes include but are not limited to extreme rainy weather conditions, overflowing gutters, down spouts draining next to the foundation and the ground being flat or sloped toward the foundation. It must be noted that any area below grade is susceptible to water seepage during certain weather conditions. However possible water intrusion into the garage foundation walls often can be anticipated after heavy rains. Home inspector cannot guarantee that water intrusion into the garage foundation will not take place in the future during or after heavy rains. Ask seller about any history of water in the basement after heavy rain fall. We also recommend referring to the seller’s disclosure document to determine if there ever has ben any water leakage, accumulation, or dampness.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Adjustable screw jack-type are temporary and should only be used when repairs are being made to the columns. . If seen i always suggest that they are replaced with steel lally columns. Lally columns are steel pipes filled with concrete. The base of the columns must rest on a proper concrete footing. Have a building contractor evaluate and determine if replacement is needed
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by differential settling of a foundation, which is where one side of a homes foundation settles lower than the rest of the foundation. It could be the result of the house being built on a hill, or due to the expansion or contraction of the soil under a portion of the home. This type of crack can be more costly to repair than a vertical crack since it may be necessary to address the cause of the differential settlement after the crack is sealed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Cracks can tell you a lot about the damage to your foundation including what may have caused it and how severe the problem is. Vertical cracks go straight up and down, or maybe on a slight angle and are common in many houses. It’s not uncommon even for new homes to have this type of foundation damage as a homes foundation can settle greatly in the first few years. Another common type of crack is the diagonal crack. This type of crack may be a thin hairline crack, but will likely be wider at one end than the other. Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by differential settling of a foundation. This type of uneven tension then causes diagonal cracking. This type of crack can be more costly to repair than a vertical crack. Horizontal cracks are the most serious type of crack to report because they can signal serious damage to your homes foundation and structural integrity. This type of cracking will require the most extensive repairs, which will likely include reinforcing your foundation in order to secure it and prevent further damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the “Evaluating Structural Framing” document. A home inspector can only inspect what he can see. So when it comes to evaluating structural framing, an inspector must rely on his training to observe material failures in the coverings of roofs(exterior & interior), walls(exterior & interior), and floors. Bowing, sagging, cracks & not being plumb can all be signs of possible structural defects or possibly poor craftsmanship. To provide the best inspection possible, one must investigate where they can. Starting with the roof and exterior, and then working your way back up inside the house from the basement/crawlspace to the attic. Knowing and understanding the basic concepts of wall framing, floor framing, and roof framing will help determine if a structural defect is present. When in doubt or unsure of the cause always defer liability to a licensed professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The molding surrounding the post supporting the small overhang outside of the entry door is showing signs of separation. The lattice work attached to the post and the landing are out of level. Examining the exterior wall that this is all attached to, no out of plumb exists leading us to believe that the footing holding up the end of the landing is heaving up. It would need to be investigated if this is due to frost movement or other factors under the soil that would cause an upward movement on this small structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Foundations can exhibit cracks in several directions. One very concerning type of crack is in the horizontal direction. This type of crack is caused by excessive pressure against the outside of the foundation wall. Further evaluation by a qualified engineer should be suggested to help prevent total failure of the basement wall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During an inspection of this 1958 wood frame house in east Plano Texas it was discovered that not only was the soil grade to high around the exterior foundation but the soil sloped directly towards the foundation. I also discovered water damage to the interior sheetrock lower walls and base boards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the illustration show the installation of an underground drainage system known as French drain. These type of drainage system are necessary where sub-surface and ground water may collect near the foundation exterior wall. Inspecting the exterior grading around a home exterior is very important.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Shown here is a sign of vertical shifting in the structure. There is no basement so it appears this is a beam on slab portion of the floor in the center of the structure. There is also some horizontal cracking that is appearing, on the other side of the wall is the attic.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Upon review for horizontal foundation cracks, they can come from improper back fill process upon construction. If there are large rocks as the ground shifts this can cause the cracking, even though you have the proper slope of water away from the foundation. Another cause is would be the foundation was not fully cured before the backfilling was begun.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
It’s important to look for any cracking in foundation walls and components. Some walls may have significant cracking and heaving which can impact the other systems and components of a house, such as walls and floors. This wall, while no visible cracks, does indicate moisture intrusion, which will impact the service life of the wall and could lead to larger cracking/deterioration. Examining the exterior for water collection or vegetation/root systems could identify possible sources.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Backfilling around a foundation before the cement has time to fully cure can cause major issues in the future. The pressure uncured foundation walls encounter can lead to cracks or worse, bowing and wall failure. Look for horizontal cracks and note any significant deterioration.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace safety is of paramount importance. The very nature of crawlspaces promotes the growth and breeding of rodents, pests, mold and fungus, all things that can be hazardous to ones health if not properly vigilant and prepared. Wearing protective gear and being hyper vigilant and aware will serve and inspector well when inspecting a crawlspace.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When evaluating this chimney, cracks in the stucco are viewed. This would not be seen as indicative of a structural issue. The chimney was constructed from concrete blocks and the stucco was applied directly over the mortar seems. Because there is a difference between the block finish and the mortar joints, the stucco has not adhered as well to the mortar joints. The stucco is now delaminating from the joints.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Adobe is an ancient building material that I will probably not encounter in the northeast. It works surprisingly well where there are large diurnal temperature changes because of its thermal mass. If it is encountered it should have a exterior coating that will protect the highly moisture sensitive material. The material is also is lacking structural strength and should be reinforced with material like rebar.
