Robert Jones

Appreciate the replies guys.

Just curious. How do you guys handle electric furnaces as it pertains to age? For example, if I have a home with a 30 year old gas furnace, I am recommending replacement. Do you guys feel that the electric furnace(s) fall into the same category?

Neal. I simply use the tablet to setup most of the report on site. I don't finish or print on site. 3D has a cloud service that you upload/download the report between your tablet and your home computer. It's kinda like the old version where you synced your handheld and computer. The pictures I took with my tablet were pretty nice as well.

I am very happy with the Acer Iconia 500.

Of the keyboard? I use the Flex 9 keyboard which is very cool. Drag for words and it remembers your input as well. The Iconia has a 10.1" screen and the keyboard is plenty big. I have added a pic.

So I have been using the 3D report program since my introduction into the inspection world 9 years ago. Anyone else that uses this program should know that the new Android app for 3D(same as the Windows 7 app), is awesome. A few weeks back, I purchased the new Acer Iconia 500 at the local Costco, which runs on the Droid system. Today I was able to actually take the tablet and use the new 3D app. Excellent. The photo's are clear and just a small amount of touch up when I got back home. Click to Enlarge 35.04 KB

That is disgusting!

Nice link spot there Bobby.

Yeah was gonna say the sulfur smell is more than likely the water heater. No AAV's(air admittance valve)under the sink(s)?

I haven't read an exception to the fire blocking rule either. I would think that the manufacturer install instructions would be the proof the builder needs. Some are stubborn and you can imagine how many homes he has built like this. Found this in the California Building Code: FIRE BLOCKS Fire blocking is required in all stud walls at ceilings and floor levels. The vertical distance between blocking shall not exceed ten feet. It is also required where a ceiling is below the top plate of the wall such as soffit ceilings, and around the edges of tubs and showers on wood floors. Holes for pipes that pass from one floor level to another or into an attic space must have the openings firestopped with non-combustible material. Where insulation batts are used as fireblocking between studs, they must be stapled in place. Fire blocks must be a minimum of 2X nominal thickness or 23/32 plywood with joints backed with 23/32 plywood, or gypsum board, mineral wool, or other non-combustible material securely fastened in place.

My clients were there and young first time buyers. I voiced my concerns about a few things rather strongly. I went so far as to say that when they replace the roof and underlying framing, they could raise the ceiling at that time. I also joked that it should help with heating costs. When finishing up I told my clients that it was very important to get some estimates for repair as the costs could add up rather quickly. Beautiful HUD home. Just needs new siding, a new service panel/lateral, roof and truss system, insulation(which had been taken over by rats), you get the idea. But hey, it was priced right at 70k[:-censore

Was there a minimum height requirement for ceilings in the 40's? The reason I ask is the home I inspected today had a ceiling height of about 6' maybe 6'2". Home was a rambler built in 1941.

All of the "nails" were in this condition. I can't believe the siding stayed on. You think it voids the warranty? Also when you make a bad cut, just caulk the crap out of it. [:-paperba Click to Enlarge 42.36 KB Click to Enlarge 52.22 KB

I didn't see one Marc. It looked like the current shingles were installed over an older wood roof.

I see this every now and then and I just don't get it. Why install the rake flashing on top of the shingle. It's not like the water can't run under it. Click to Enlarge 65.93 KB

I explained to them that it might or might not have asbestos. I told them that what I normally see is newer insulation installed on top of the vermiculite and that is OK to do. I also explain why they shouldn't store anything in the attic, how they should use caution if cutting into the ceiling(to install can lights for example). Then I attach a link for them to read up on it a bit more. I don't sweat the vermiculite. I had a previous client test the stuff in her attic and it was clear, no asbestos. Here is the actual report wording; "Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like accordion shaped pieces when heated. The expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, fire-resistant, absorbent, and odorless material. These properties allow vermiculite to be used to make numerous products, including attic insulation. EPA and ATSDR strongly recommend that homeowners make every effort not to disturb vermiculite insulation in their attics. If you must go into the attic follow these basic rules; 1.Make every effort to stay on the floored part of your attic and to not disturb the insulation. 2. If you must perform activities that may disturb the attic insulation such as moving boxes (or other materials), do so as gently as possible to minimize the disturbance. 3. Leave the attic immediately after the disturbance. 4. If you need work done in your attic such as the installation of cable or utility lines, hire trained and certified professionals who can safely do the work. 5. It is possible that vermiculite attic insulation can sift through cracks in the ceiling, around light fixtures, or around ceiling fans. You can prevent this by sealing the cracks and holes that insulation could pass through. 6. Common dust masks are not effective against asbestos fibers. For more information please visit; http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/insula ... WhatShould.

You called it on this one John. There were at least 4 different colors of shingles and three layers. Check out the added pic.

Yes, it appears to be leaking in the attic cavity! Click to Enlarge 113.73 KB Click to Enlarge 65.86 KB

This was the most vermiculite I have ever seen. I guess normally it is covered with something else by now. Click to Enlarge 67.38 KB

My first Crosley manufactured water heater. Is 2009 the correct age? Click to Enlarge 43.92 KB Click to Enlarge 57.48 KB

"#2: Also, inspector found bio-organic material (aka mildew/mold) in the attic on the wood underneath roof. Could this be from the mold in other areas of the house? The bathroom vents into the attic so this could be the source of the mold/mildew. Can this be remedied by cleaning the wood and fixing vent?" I highly doubt that the staining that is visible on the sheathing is from any mold condition within the home. It can be caused by a bathroom(shower) venting into the attic cavity, it can also be caused by poor ventilation, age, moss build up on the shingles or a previous leak. Definitely route the vent to the exterior of the home(preferably through a roof cap). "#3: Deck out master bedroom connects to the living room window ceiling area. Inside the window sill are signs of a leak & water damage. Although we know this needs to be fixed, what issues could we see inside the wall from this be left while the home has been empty?" It's quite possible the deck wasn't properly flashed to the home which has caused the visible leak, or there is an opening around the window which is allowing the water penetration. What you can find when the wall is "opened" are numerous issues like rot, mold, insect activity, wet/damaged insulation etc... The initial fix is to stop the leak and open up the damaged area. The damage will more than likely extend beyond what you are seeing right now.

I have heard good things about the Asus line of Eee pads. I was told that they give a lot for the $$.

Thanks guys and thanks for the link Mike.

This home was built in 1999. I can't say that i have ever seen a setup like this before. Two water tanks, both being used, but the handle for the heater on the left is in the off position and the tank is still full of water. What am I missing? Click to Enlarge 40.12 KB Click to Enlarge 34.95 KB

Thanks everyone.