Why Isn't this a Load Bearing Wall?

Chill out, not everyone was born with your knowledge. He is trying to learn! Nothing wrong with what he asked. This stuff can be very confusing to many without construction background.

11 Likes

Helpful response. Thanks, Jeffrey.

Nope. “It’s questions like this” that confirms that this online community is a place for inspectors to become better inspectors, especially when experienced Members respond thoughtfully in order to serve.

Those who take opportunities to help sharpen others (iron sharpens iron) should be honored, and those who try boosting themselves up by stepping down on other Members trying to learn are disappointing.

IMHO

15 Likes

Exactly, WITHOUT construction background. So we end up having to initially compete against people who have no clue what they’re doing but who can sell ice to Eskimos to sell their “work.” I’ve done a lot of looking around at what other inspectors are selling as reports. Quite honestly, it’s no mystery why we are looked upon by some as scammers and why there is some concern as to the actual purpose we serve. I understand stand your point Ben, this forum is a great tool to HONE skills and knowledge. It shouldn’t be considered a training arena for those who have no clue.

For example, last year a new inspector popped up in my area. InterNACHI cert’d and what not. Looking over his “sample report” I found several things that should be very simple, common knowledge that we’re totally off base. Called out joist hangers on a cantilevered deck, counter flashing on a chimney as being a problem because it wasn’t under the shingles (step flashing was plainly visible), a 4’ wide chimney without a doghouse/saddle was completely overlooked, etc etc… but he has a brand new truck, a silver tongue, and some cash to get started. That’s the kind of stuff that really gets to me. He has no business doing this.

Back to the original post…

Pretty simple physics at play here. If you can’t get that right how will you be able to discern other issues that require a thought process of this affects that and so on. It’s down right frustrating.

1 Like

Taking out your frustration on a newbie on this fine forum is of no use to anyone. You do not know the man that created this post, you don’t know what he does and how he does it. I bet if we took your reports apart we would find issues, too! nobody’s perfect. I highly recommend meditation and hiking for relaxation :slight_smile:

11 Likes

I’m just a student, and I realize I have a lot to learn. That’s why I visit this forum - to expand my knowledge so I can be a competent inspector.

As for the “basic Physics” comment, sure, I’ll concede that my (rudimentary) knowledge of physics is not rounded enough to fully understand these concepts. Hence the reason why I created this topic.

That being said, I’m not a practicing inspector nor do I charge clients for services rendered.

this forum is a great tool to HONE skills and knowledge. It shouldn’t be considered a training arena for those who have no clue.

Where do you suggest I get further training since you don’t consider InterNACHI a place for education?

6 Likes

I’m just pointing out what I see as a serious flaw in our profession. It doesn’t look good for any of us if we have people out there giving out bogus information under the Nachi logo. It says without saying that they’ll let anyone who can pass a test be an inspector.

I’m not trying to pick on anyone. Just being brutally honest. Rubs people the wrong way sometimes.

How do you suggest I continue my training?

I’ve worked physical, labor intensive jobs most of my life. I have no interest in spending several more years in the construction industry.

So, if I’m not going to be a laborer who builds homes first, should I just give up all hope of being an inspector now?

Do you see how asinine your statements are? I understand your frustration of having to compete with people you believe aren’t ask skilled as yourself - but your assertion that only people from the construction industry can be competent instructors doesn’t make any sense - how did those people learn anything?

3 Likes

Nope! What you did was attack a specific individual, more specifically a newbie for asking a question! If you wish to discuss our profession, a new thread is perfect to talk about it :slight_smile: Others, I’m sure, would give their 2 cents.

4 Likes

So you’ll learn at the expense of your clients or your insurer? That’s gonna get pricey and it will damage the industry’s reputation just that much more. People will have less faith in us as a whole. No bueno…

Seems to me he is trying to learn here. I for one welcome his questions!

Duty to the Profession and to InterNACHI®

  1. The InterNACHI® member shall strive to improve the home inspection industry by sharing his/her lessons and/or experiences for the benefit of all.
8 Likes

Agreed! Saman is here to learn. He has asked some great questions and shouldn’t stop! :slight_smile:

7 Likes

There are a lot of components to home inspection, sure having construction experience will give you a leg up on construction related components which is very very helpful but what about the rest(HVAC, Electrical, Roofing, Plumbing). An HVAC technician will kill it in HVAC but may know nothing about construction. No matter what profession you’re coming from(with the exception of maybe a contractor) you will probably still have to learn a good deal about this stuff, some people will have to learn everything and it is a long road but doable. I do think Robert is right about giving your client a product that is worth the money they are paying for and that requires a lot of hard work, knowledge and not rushing through things when you are gaining that knowledge which sounds like it may be a big problem in the industry.

5 Likes

It’s highly unlikely that criticizing others for what is perceived as a serious flaw in our profession, whether the content of the point is valid or not, will result in an overhaul of the industry. If that is the intent, get involved in activities which work to create standards/regulations for the industry. The incessant sniping and criticizing of others, whether specific or in general, accomplishes nothing except making those doing it, feel superior. People come here to ask for assistance/information/advice/guidance. The chances of someone exiting (or never entering) this profession, because someone said they are unqualified, is slim.

4 Likes

His spelling and grammar for one could use a bit of polishing up.

1 Like

Saman, I came from the Aviation industry as an electronics specialist. My construction background was from learning over time doing repairs for my home as well as friends also being part of a small family crew building cottages. It looks like you are eager to learn and that is 85 percent of the curve right there. Then 10 percent of being able to say I don’t know and seek help from those that do. You will do well. But there are those on these forums that seem to forget that we were all once where you are now. Good luck.

4 Likes

I will concede that grammar, punctuation and presentation are important. It goes to credibility once the client and/or agent receive the report. Should it matter? Irrelevant… it does.

2 Likes

The reason the top wall is not a bearing wall is because the roof trusses are designed to be self supporting for the entire building span . Basically you can leave the second floor as big open space with no walls at all . Because of the truss system , there is no storage permitted in the attic so no weight . If there was need to store items in the attic , or to install heating / Air cond equipments the trusses needed to be designed for that purpose .
Hope that helps .
Franco .

2 Likes

Great question. I haven’t come across this, but, I hadn’t thought about the walls on lower floors as different than the top floor. Now, I know.

1 Like

Welcome to our forum, Gary!..Enjoy! :smile: