Can a Real Estate Agent Sign the Home Inspection Agreement on Behalf of the Client. Yes If the client has authorized the agent to do so. The Inspector should get verification from the agent or Client and if not the agent that signs should note by their signature *Authorized Agent. *Sometimes Buyers are out of town and need help with many aspects of the home buying process and realtors assist.
Agreements are important and this article helps to address this issue well.
Free Negligent Referral Protection for Realtors Print this one and use it in your marketing to realtors. They can be protected by Internachi for their buyer choosing an Internachi Inspector to from the Inspectors Recommended by them to their client. Once they register and recommend an Inspector that is an Internachi Certified Inspector they will be protected up to 10,000.00 from liability for damages resulting from an Internachi Inspector the Buyer chose from recommendations made by Realtor. Another great reason to choose Internachi.
The rain gutters on this home are improperly installed. The gutter hangers are not fastened into any wood on the facia whatsoever. The only thing that holds these gutters on to the home is the metal drip edge that has sheet metal screws fastened to it because the gutter hangers are not holding anything. Clearly this is an improper installation of the gutters and it should be repaired by a licensed gutter installation contractor. Basically, the gutters should be removed the facia boards should be extended up to the top of the roof and then gutter hangers should be installed over the top of the drip edge not cut around it as it presently is done.
A common occurrence during inspections, condensation in windows is a defect which should be noted on an inspection report. The expansion and contraction of the gas between the panes as a result of solar warming is the main reason for seal failure. This allows moist air to enter the space between the windows. It’s important to explain to the client that many times the window may be able to be reglazed to repair the defect.
Estimating the Lifespan of a Water Heater
Normally, I don’t get too specific regarding predicting the life of a water heater because there are so many variables which can affect its longevity. The article did a good job explaining why some water heaters can last longer due to use and water quality. My experience has been that homes with well water that is unconditioned seemed to go through water heaters faster than homes with city water.
Two Layers of 3Tab shingles here at edge of eave. Lots of snow lately and very cold. Have had a few warm days and now we have Ice filled gutters. Gutters are draining okay as the ice melts. It will be feasible to get on this roof by placing ladder at dry area large sections will go unseen. attempts to remove snow once there has been a few days of melting and freeze in between would be futile dangerous without right equipment and you can damage the shingles best to disclaim and verify dry attic. Nice view of layer of Ice on shingles under snow on this one as well. Two layers of shingles are not advisable to best protect from hail damage. Many Insurance Companies in our area do not want to insure a house with two layers. Buyers should be aware that this could pose a big problem once they close on the house and the insurance demands a replacement of roofing materials to comply with their policy requirements.
This is a photo of the roof of a house in Milton Ontario, near Toronto. My client was in the process of purchasing this house.
This area had experienced some heavy winds in the few weeks leading up to the inspection and upon inspection of the west side of the roof, I discovered shingles that had been torn back as a result of high winds.
Also, on the south side, a shingle appeared to be in the process of lifting as a result of high winds.
In the pre-purchase inspection report, I recommended that the client consults a roofer to address.
The most common roofing defects I come across during my inspections is roofs that have had their shingles partially replaced, meaning the shingles on the problematic side (south and west) have been replaced while the north and east sides have not been replaced at the same time. This practice appears to save a few dollars in the short term and leaving half the roof prone to leakage or neglect due to a false sense of security about replacing shingles on half of the roof surface.
This picture is of siding meeting roof flashing, meeting the roof covering, In it there is a crack from settlement or movement,and there appears that there is less than 2" of separation between the covering and the siding. Also there appears to be granules missing and some patching on the shingles. It probably should be checked a little closer to see if some bracing is damaged or missing. Also, the siding may deteriorate prematurely due to lack of clearance and water splashing.
I read the article on ants. They are social creatures and have many characteristics like termites.Carpenter ants tunnel and like moist wood environments, and can be destructive like termites, but not usually as bad. You can usually see a trail of ants or a few scout ants wandering about, and/or frass (sawdust type material) around the area they are. Other type ants like to find food in places where spills or crumbs may be so care should be taken to keep clean of waste.keep vegetation and tree limbs trimmed back, as they may also enter the home that way. Ants also have wings at certain times and swarm as do termites. The second article was asbestos. It can be found everywhere. Automotive brakes, and exhaust, home siding roofing, insulation,tile, ect. It was banned in 1977. But it still can be found in some older homes. Although it’s not as threatening if it is in good shape as if it is damaged. Damaged asbestos can release tiny fibers which can be inhaled, and if exposed to any considerable amount, can cause lung damage. If asbestos may be present, a professional should be contacted for evaluation and/ or removal. Also care should be taken that all hazardous materials are handled and disposed of properly.
Pictures of all the roof slopes should be taken. This helps to show the condition of the roof at the time of inspection. This can also help the inspector avoid to go back an view the pictures if any questions should arise.
“Mastering Roof Inspections: Hail Damage, Part 1 and 2”
I dont think that there could be “cosmetic” damage to an actual roof system. If Hail has ruined the look of shingles it had to cause functionality of the shingles. It was stated whether this could actually happen.
Here are a few pictures of a roof that had several repairs and damaged shingles. The shingles were also curling and the roof was at the end of its life. There was also a lot of aggregate at the downspout extensions.
In this picture we have can see a guttering system install in front of the main entrance of a home. The installation of the gutter and down pipe don’t show any trace of leakage. We also can see that the down pipe directs the water to splash block and not to the house foundation.
Attic pull-down ladders have common defects specially because they are usually installed by homeowners. We have to be aware of this installation defects, some of this are.
Fastened with the improper fasteners or screws
Insufficient fasteners or screws
Loose mounting bolts
Pull down ladder either too long or short
This defects should be fix as soon as possible for home owners safety. The replacement of a wood ladder for an aluminum ladder is also a good practice. Keep in mind that for safety purposes kids should not be allowed in attic spaces, and carrying of heavy loads is not a good practice when climbing on attic ladders.
It is always good to check on these defects, fix them ASAP and to keep in mind these recommendation to stay safe at home.
Carpeted Bathrooms
The idea of carpeted bathrooms sounded so extravagant and comfy to me. Until I read about the disadvantages.
Even though, carpeted bathrooms look more inviting, warm and reduce the hazard of slipping, they have a huge disadvantage that crucial to me.
I am talking about the growth of mold caused by the large amount of moisture sucked up by the carpet. Considering that the steam created while taking a shower will condensate, the splash of water from either taking a shower or a bath (specially with kids), I know there will be a lot of moisture on that bathrooms carpet.
Under those wet conditions the growth of mold is a matter of time and mold can damage the sub-floor wood and cause respiratory illness to the homeowners.
In conclusion, carpeted bathrooms are not reliable to me, However, If they sound good to you, make sure to do all the maintenance requiered.
Hi,
This is an organic roof, in the photo you can see that is damage by wind, also there are missing shingles. And the roof aspect is not good at all.
In my point of view this roof should be completely replaced.
In this world with all the problems that are causing the global warming. We must be aware and take notes of these small changes.
I think if at least 10 percent of the planet perform theses changes in their daily lives would not be so bad. Maybe at the beginning probably it turns difficult but then when we see the reward it’ll be satisfactory.
This roof was inspected 2 weeks after the replacement was completed due to hail damage. All the flashing’s look good as does the roof surface itself. Because of the area in which i live, the dry desert of southern New Mexico, ice and water shield and gutters and downspouts are rarely used or seen.
On a recent home we inspected, a previous roofing contractor had performed a roof inspection. The purpose of the roofing inspection was to inspect for hail damage from a previous storm. The contractor verified that hail damage was visible. The owner submitted a claim to the insurance company and the insurance company was in the process of paying the claim for the new roof.
The down spout on the west front of the home is damaged from hail. The down spout is painted and will need to be replaced and painted as needed. The inspector should make aware that it is painted to the insurance adjust to provide proper pricing for replacement.
