Research & Writing Assignment:
This picture show the clearance for foundation. In crawlspace pier it should be 18" from the ground to the floor, in column support only minimum 8" from the ground to the wood column. Clearance from exterior grade should be no less than 8".
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an example of a improperly sistered rafter. This is also commonly found in crawlspaces with the floor joists. The sistered member must span from bearing point to bearing point. This photo shows that it is only “scabbed” partially on the member.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Vented crawlspaces are a great idea in warm climates. Rather than having warm moist area accumulate underneath the house, the air is controlled. Higher vapor pressure than the framing can cause condensation to accumulate on the structure which can lead to mold and other deterioration.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Couple of things noted from Advanced Crawl Space Inspection Video. One scene showed a plumbing drain pipe entering the crawl space and the P-trap appeared to exceed 24 inches. Another point is during the scene of perpendicular joist. Think you could see the joist hangers, but no mention of them - their size, nailing pattern…
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While I was inspecting the outside of the dwelling, I walked around the house and I was able to identify that the house do not have a crawlspace, neither a basement. The house is built over a slab-on grade foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While I was doing my research in how to inspect the crawlspace and basement, I was able to learn that the correct wood sill plates should be anchor to the foundation with anchor bolts, the bolts should be spaced a maximum of 6 feet from the center and should have a minimum of 2 bolts per plate section.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Slab-on-grade floor: Slab-on-grade floor is in good condition. No spalling, heaving, or settling on the floor surface. This basement also includes properly sealed vapor barrier over batt insulation. Another positive with the floor is that the framed walls are floating for soil movement over time. Columns are also steel that are tightly fastened to the steel joists.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawl Space Hazards: This article pertains to crawl space hazards and inspection. One dangerous hazards in a crawl space is the presence of mold. If you feel mold is present, note it, take a picture of it, mark it as “possible mold”, and notify the client to have a certified mold inspector come out and test it. It’s important not to freak out the client, just let them know that it could be a possibility.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The vapor barrier is correctly installed on the floor of this crawl space, as it goes around the foundation supports. The vapor barrier also goes up the foundation wall which is incorrect as it can draw moisture to the sill plate and floor joist . The duct work is also insulated which we will help save on the energy bill.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting the crawl space might be the dirtiest job of the inspection. You may come across mold, pest, standing water, and sewage. When entering the crawl space be sure to have on your PPE to help protect you from the harmful dangers the might occur.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As soon as you find out the home has a crawlspace wild imaginations go through your head. 1 in 100 crawlspaces are clean and dry in my area. It is important not to let the norm keep you from reporting on potential problems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace hazards for the inspector. Mold and fungus, inhaling or touching can cause allergic reactions yo some people. Pests " I don’t like spiders and snakes" but I’ve seen a lot in crawlspaces. I don’t think county inspectors go into crawlspaces I have seen a lot of electrical problems in them.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a crawlspace that has had polyethylene placed on top of the dirt to prevent moisture problems. The polyethylene needed to be pulled tight and fit more properly under the house. Also, it should have been taped at the over laps to prevent it from pulling apart and exposing the dirt.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The picture I studied showed the clearance there should be in a crawlspace from non-treated wood to the grade. The clearance from the bottom of a girder to the grad is a minimum of 12 inches. The minimum clearance from the floor joist to grade is a minimum of 18 inches.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This tie back system was new to me, quite interesting. Curious about the photo not showing any gravel backfill or curtain drainage at the footing; and no pitch at grade. Some measurements for bar/rod size and depth would help too.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There were moisture stains visible on the subfloor beneath the first floor hallway bathroom. Moisture levels in this area were tested and found to be within normal ranges. I recommend monitoring this area and the bathroom plumbing fixtures for leaks.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home inspectors may come across any of a number of potential safety and health hazards in a crawlspace. Debris and building materials may have protruding nails, screws or other sharp edges. Animals, their nests ans possible feces may pose risks to an inspector. It is important for an inspector to exercise caution and use protective gear when inspecting crawlspaces
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This crawlspace appears to be of the right code. Even though there are wires hanging the vapor barrier is installed, looks to be 6 mil and is sealed more than the 6 inch requirement when sealing on a wall. The vents are insulated.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspaces need to be approached with caution, making sure you have the right gear. It’s imperative that the space is looked at very carefully. If defects are seen they should be noted, but may not be necessary to list unless it poses a real hazard.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a footer in a crawlspace. It is a structural component that supports the main beam in this structure. There are 6 of these footers. The footer has a adjustable aluminum pole and is sitting on a concrete slab that is 24x24x10. It is bolted at both ends and appears to be properly supporting the structure.
