Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose the article “Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection”. Before entering a crawlspace is very important to let someone know that I will be entering there. To inspect a crawlspace I should take proper precaution . This includes respirator to be protected from hantavirus and mold.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the crawlspace the soil was wet/damp. This condition may be the result of rising ground water or may be the result from surface runoff seeping under the foundation. It is recommended that action be taken to identify the source of the moisture intrusions and actions to correct the condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspaces are known to contain a large number of conditions that may harm the house or inspectors. It is not uncommon to find pest, mold and fungus, asbestos insulation, standing water or sewage and even the hantavirus. Never enter a crawlspace without proper personal protective equipment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection
by Nick Gromicko…
This very interesting article highlights what are the needed areas to inspect an d potential hazards a certified home inspector may come across in crawl spaces. It explains when and if a crawl space should be entered by the inspector.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection of crawl space by home inspector observations of photo. The crawl space appears to be poorly insulated, have access available for rodents and vermin to enter. There appears to be a lot of moisture present and possible wood damage. this space is to risky for the inspector to enter
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I’m currently working in an area that is a bit isolated, so no direct photo of a crawlspace, however, I can show that the area has proper drainage with a freeze breakline and barrier separation to keep water away from the foundation. If there were a crawlspace, the exterior precautions have been taken to prevent water from entering it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have read the article about “If a Home Inspector Misses Something”. Like is implied, if you do enough of these, you may miss something. I would say that the more photos taken, the better. Never be afraid to admit you made a mistake. Learn from these mistakes, and move on. Also, as is written, use it as an opportunity to grow your business, by how you react in a positive manner.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
For this module I chose to write about a crawlspace access. This access is preventative for the inspector due to the size of the opening. The opening must be at least 18" x 24" for the inspector to safely access the crawl space.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this module I chose the article “Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection,” to write about. In this article and the module I learned that I most likely will be turning away as many crawlspace inspections as possible. This is due to the unpredictable nature of the space which pose a serious threat to my short term and long term health.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace And Basement inspection are important aspects of the overall house inspection.But its the inspector who needs to check is it safe or accessible to look for these spaces, as you can see in this picture the crawlspace was full of household stuff and debris which was not easy to look inside for any damage to the foundation or any moisture problems there.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture problems in the crawlspace:The major causes of moisture problems in the crawlspaces are poor site drainage,damaged or lack of ground vapor diffusion retarder ,improper wall insulation and venting problem. Any one of these can cause significant structural damage resulting from water accumulation, wet insulation ,moist wooden panels and mold growth.These issues should be checked during inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A lack of vertical structural support was observed across the entire middle section of floor joists. Floor joist show significant uniform sagging. For a building of this age and workmanship it is not uncommon to find this amount of settlement and wear on the structural beams, however no attempt has been made to reinforce the middle section of floor. I recommend that a licensed contractor perform the work required by foundation. There was no evidence found of moisture intrusion or wood decay on the structural members of this foundation at the time of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Efflorescence can be an indicator of both active and past moisture intrusion problems in masonry materials, and may also lead to spalling which can be devastating to masonry’s structural integrity. When inspecting the crawlspace of a home and properly identifying efflorescence on structural item of a homes foundation such as foundation walls and slabs, further investigation should take place to determine the cause of the moisture intrusion. Effort should be taken to determine whether the moisture could be making its way into building materials due to a negative grade outside of foundation walls. Or on the contrary, a change in underground water levels could wick water up into the building materials and further into the air inside the crawlspace and the home itself. Once enough information is gathered, your report should explain the observation of the efflorescence, its adverse effects, and what can be done to further investigate and solve the problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
make sure you think safety before even entering the crawlspace. proper opening to enter crawlspace and use your flashlight from the entrance to scan the room and make sure you see nothing that will harm you… animals, electrical wires hanging, etc.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspaces are host to a large number of conditions that may harm the house or inspectors. Never enter a crawlspace without proper personal protective equipment. Crawlspaces are notorious for the nasty discoveries made there by inspectors, and it isnt hard to figure out why; for one thing, their cool, dark environment attracts undesirable pests and can promote dangerous conditions
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Evidence of previous leak is visible under drainage pipe from dishwasher in kitchen. Evidence of leak is also visible on sheathing near the drainage pipe drop. Leak is not currently active, however, request for disclosure regarding leak and method of correction as well as further monitoring is recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Studies have shown the best method of controlling moisture levels in a crawl space is through the installation of 6mil plastic, insulation on the walls, and providing conditioning for the crawl. While modern building standards don’t allow for “unvented crawlspaces” they do allow for conditioned spaces. In some areas, interpretation of the standards has resulted in continuation of a substandard practice.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture that was taken in a crawlspace.
The floor joist were sagging due to span and poor beam construction practice. The floor joist in this one section had some added support, which consisted of an 2 x 8 turn flatways with a 8 x 16 masonry block pier on each end.
The added support is sagging worst than the beam. No support on wood boards turned flatways. Also as seen insulation missing on duct work.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on hazards of crawlspaces. There is just about some hazard in each crawspace. So it is important to be looking for them and is will help you to be a better inspector in seeing needed items. I have developed a bad rash from one crawlspace and meet five skunks one time. So it is very important to be aware of the environment you are in.
