CHI2

Thanks Robert, They have stated that there is a generator in the crawl. So I'm sure that the generator is powered by the propane tank. Thanks for the insight.

I've got an inspection coming up on a cabin that has propane as its energy source. Water, power, heat is all propane. Do I approach this as I would a standard home inspection when the home has propane for its fuel source? Thanks,

Thanks for the input. I wrote it up in my report that it is possibly asbestos-cement board and should be tested for further confirmation. We pretty much determined that at the home, however I wanted to get a little clarity for myself.

Came across this siding today on a home that was built in 1951. It felt like a hardboard or concrete board. Installed in full sheets approx. 4x8. Grey and white. There was very little texture to it. Buyer asked the wonderful question: "Is it asbestos?" Any suggestions would be helpful. Download Attachment: DSC00034.JPG 44.39 KB Download Attachment: DSC00035.JPG 47.93 KB Download Attachment: DSC00037.JPG 32.34 KB Download Attachment: DSC00038.JPG 29.98 KB

Thanks for the input, I'm leaning towards teaching a "making the inspection process smoother" class (thanks Richard). As new agents, they seemed to be concerned that they would be able to identify observable defects as they walked through the house with the potential buyer. Your information gives me a great start for the class that I can build upon in the future. If I can get one electrical panel cleared away prior to an inspection, I will have done my job [:-graduat

I'm sure this will open up a can...but here goes. I've been asked to perform several new Realtor training classes at local Real Estate offices. So far the class has included the basics, "What is a HI", "Why does your client need one", "How long, how much" etc. However the last class I taught they asked about further training of what they could look for in their initial walk through with their buyer. I'm a little concerned with giving the agent any "clues" on what to look for, although many seem to learn the basics from attending so many inspections. Although apprehensive, I would still like to offer this service to this particular office. They would like photos...powerpoint...blah blah blah. I have an idea of several things I could cover so new agents feel a little more comfortable with their clients. Basically, it would just be items that they could see on a walk through. Things that are readily visible. FPE, LP Siding, Woodruf Roofing are just a few of the things that come to mind. I have a couple of question for you all. 1. Is it a good idea to give agents this type of training? 2. Has anyone performed this type of training in the past? 3. What, if any, items would you put on a list that agents could identify with their client? Thoughts? Rob

The flue was between 8 and 10" and a damper was present. These prefab gas log fireplaces are pretty common here. They all look quite a bit the same. Top and bottom grill, bottom pulls open to access the gas valve and electrical and blower. And they all have a stationary glass pane. This one had the glass removed. Someone had installed tile around the fireplace and covered up 1/2" on either side making it impossible to open the bottom grill. Shining a flashlight in there was no gas piping or electrical. I don't think I will be able to get back into the home. My gut tells me that I should recommend a licensed chimney inspector, but I hate to pass the buck. Better than burning the place down however. Thanks for your insight!

Fritz, Me no expurt neither, however...I call it a prefab, maybe it's called by another name as well. Normally it's an enclosed unit with fake logs and a gas line with a on off switch located near the fireplace. They usually will have a glass pane that is not readily removable. You're right, it is a factory built gas appliance. I don't have any photos of this one in particular, but it has definitely been converted into wood burning. My concern is the flue. I'm pretty sure the requirements differ for gas or wood burning.

While inspecting a home yesterday I came across a prefab fireplace that had been converted into a wood burning. The glass was gone and all gas and electrical was removed. My main question is the venting. It seems like I have read in the past that the venting requirements for prefabs are different than those for wood burning fireplaces. Any ideas? Thanks!

Lesson learned on the wider shot. My thought is that the home owner was/is stealing electricity for the garage as well. The garage upgrades were done by a previous owner, so the new owners may not even be aware of the situation. When I started the inspection, the Realtor mentioned, "When the house was inspected for the current owner, nothing was found." Hmmmmm... Thanks for the advice.

I don't like what I'm seeing here, I just don't know why anyone would do it. The large black wire is a service wire leading into the masthead. There is an additional masthead (on the right with the rust stains) that has wires coming out of it. All the wires coming out of this masthead are connected to the main service wires using wire nuts or lugs. This masthead went directly into the meter on the exterior of the home. This is a 1910 home. The garage had been converted into a workshop and was equipped with a subpanel, many 220 amp plugs,and 2 electric heaters. The wires were frayed and some had bare wire exposed. That alone is enough to contact an electrician. I'm just trying to figure out why this would have been done this way in the first place. Download Attachment: masthead.jpg 257.91 KB

You da man Mike! I apprectiate your help. We're in the same neighborhood...sort of...I owe you lunch for this one if you're up for it. Thanks again. rnsrenfro@earthlink.net

The picture is taken straight on. The rod from the top completely misses the one at the bottom. Regardless, they apparently should have lined up, but what are their use?

Found this on a new home. I don't inspect many new ones so this has me baffled. The threaded rod from the subfloor misses the rod and coupling from the foundation by a good margin. There is an identical set up about 4' to the right of this one that does line up. This is not on an exterior wall but in the midst of the crawl space. Any thoughts? Thanks, Rob Download Attachment: Threaded Rod.JPG 128.41 KB