Tom Breslawski

Perfect, the house in question was built in 1998, no WRB. I wasn't concerned with code but my client asked and I wanted to get back to him. Thank you both!

I'm looking for the year that WRB under vinyl siding became a part of the code. Any help? Thanks, Tom

The shingles were high nailed, 7-8 inches of exposure, defective tar strips, 3 nails per shingle and at least two of them were over-driven completely through. This was really a minor defect on a total hack job roof.

I believe they are just field shingles installed over the vent. I checked installation instructions and couldn't find anywhere that said they were allowed. Thought I'd ask here because there always seem to be people here who know more than I do. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. This roof had big problems, I'll add this to the list.

Are these acceptable ridge cap shingles? I've never seen them before. Just about everything else was wrong on this roof..... Thanks Download Attachment: IMG_9351.JPG 146.66 KB

Thanks to all who provided opinion and information. I'll put it to good use in the future.

Thanks Chad. There was no venting or backflow prevention on this installation either. I was surprised that a "plumber" would take credit for it and defend it.

Thanks for the info Tom! I've been searching the plumbing code and couldn't find these rubber fittings anywhere. Figured I was missing something. Haven't contacted my client or the plumber yet. Still taking in info and formulating my response. I'm going to hold off until Monday and make sure to get Chad's opinion before I respond.

Hummm. Getting shot down here, lol. Thank you guys. My other concern with this one was the elbow fitting being installed on the hub (as Jim K mentioned) and the fitting being bent to compensate for the discharge pipe being cut too short. So other than that, it looks like the plumber was right. I had always understood it that the stainless steel Fernco fittings were the only ones that were acceptable. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

Received an email from a client today; I called out this rubber Fernco connector (on the elbow) for being subject to failure (especially since the PVC is clearly cut too short). It runs from the laundry basin, through a Liberty pump and to the soil stack at the right. The plumber who installed it said; "it is a Fernco coupling that is widely accepted by plumbing contractors and municipalities, leak proof, rot proof, chemical and UV resistant, etc. Contact me with any additional concerns." Then he included a link to the Fernco website. I also received a message that he said "everyone does it this way and its legal and up to code. He has been doing plumbing for 30+ plus years and never had one fail". I didn't think that these type of connectors were "legal and up to code" and I'm kind of surprised that a plumber would defend this kind of work. Are they up to code? Click to Enlarge 36.17 KB

I have used Inspect Express from the start. The pictures are placed just like this, alongside the comment that they pertain to. I don't know how it does it and I don't care how. It just works!

I booked a job through an agent today. He found me on the web. There is only one other agent who has sent a few jobs my way. He works in investment property and deals with a lot of return clients. I am always pleasant to the agents, give them my card and such.... but I don't beg for work. It's true, they aren't ALL bad, but many are. I prefer to not rely on them. I have 3 years experience in this business, not 30 like the folks above.

I've been doing this for 3 years and each year I've picked up more business. About 3/4 of my business comes from referrals from satisfied customers or people who know that I'm in the business and happen to be buying a house. The other 1/4 come from Google. I've had 3 or 4 inspections from an agent referral and have NEVER had a second referral, even from agents who I've known my entire life. If you do a good job for your customer, the agents simply won't recommend you. Chad touched on something else that I left out; don't quit your day job or marry someone with a great job/income. For me, it was the latter. It's going to take a few years to build this business. I'm aware of that and you should be too.

I have been in this business for 3 years. Realtors will not help you. They all have "their guy" and they have a back up for him and a back up for their back up. Going to their office is a waste of time. They will throw away your business cards and anything else that you give them that's not edible. You might make some headway by going to an open house, but probably meeting a buyer directly. Bottom line; if you write a thorough report and take your time at the inspection, you won't be getting realtor referrals. Google Adwords is a decent tool, but it isn't cheap, so you better be able to convert sales or you'll just be throwing money out the window. The best thing that you can do is do a good job for your customers and ask them to refer you.

My Fenix UC35 arrived yesterday. It charged in a couple hours, it's small, compact and super bright. The coupon deal worked out perfectly. I'll be using it on my next inspection (Monday).

That's a pill bug. Not sure what the technical name is, but I've always referred to them as pill bugs. They like the dark and like moisture. They live on decomposing wood. I see them in and around old houses all the time. Turn over an old log and you'd probably see some of them under there.

I attended Chad's last session and recommend it. It was engaging and worthwhile. Much better than typical (useless) continuing ed. The Swan Library (Chad's building) is pretty cool too.

Thanks to all for the info. It was a Duravent and I recommended building a chase or enclosure around it.

Thank you. I couldn't come up with anything at all. I'll double check the manufacturer's instructions. Fire blocking was not in place and has already been written up. Thanks again!

I just inspected a home today that had B vent from the basement furnace/water heater exposed inside the house all the way up through the kitchen on the 1st floor and bedroom on the 2nd floor. I know it's probably a stupid question, but.... is this allowable? I can't find anything on it and my brain is kind of fried at this point.... Thanks!

I'd move a broom or a mop, but not a gun. In this situation, I'd probably see if I could get the realtor or the owner to move it. I usually just say something like, "I can't inspect the [blank] because something is in the way, but if I check back in a few minutes and it's not there anymore, I can do it." That's worked at least a half dozen times.

Thanks, that makes sense!

It was painted, but I'm pretty sure it was. The black part felt like rubber.

This slightly younger guy was a farmer too..... a nipple it is!

Anybody know what this is? 1958 built house with vinyl siding. Thank you. Click to Enlarge 36.37 KB