mgbinspect

Agreed. They just kinda defy conventional wisdom. But, the failure I observed was isolated and the result of improper installation - a no brainer.

Yeah, I've had the torpedo level for years too, but I always forget to take it into the crawlspace. The good news: bricklaying pretty much gave me an internal visual plumb-bob and level. Even the slightest plumb and level issues pretty much jump at me. And, truth be told, if there"s any doubt in your mind regarding a drain/waste line, all ya gotta do is give it a good shake, and if you hear stuff sloshing around, you have your answer. [:-graduat

It works for me, I've always been ahead of the curve, when it comes to phones, netbooks, etc. This Android, though, is REALLY hard to get used to. I've never had a touch-scrreen before and you must handle the thing so delicately or you accidentally touch the screen and go zooming off into some other program. It's a royal pain in the ASS. I had gotten to the point on my SideKick that I could type with two thumbs in the dark pretty well. Now, the Android took me from four rows of keys to three and made the space bar about 1/3 the size of the one I'm used to, so it's like starting over... actually worse than starting over - total re-programming... When they get it to the point that you can flat out dictate to your phone for every possible task, I'll be in heaven. [:-thumbu] Oh, well. I'll get through it.

The last one I inspected was the first, out of several inspected, to actually have some real problems. I usually lean heavy, in my writing, toward the real potential for ongoing moisture intrusion and foundation component deterioration - essentially emphasizing the "buyer beware" warnings. I suggest that my clients do extensive internet searches regarding the system to be certain that they are both familiar and comfortable with the system and its potential risks. All that being said, those foundations have always inspected much better than I expected.

I suppose it could have been a colored mortar from the start? I've laid up a lot of colored mortar, in my years as a brick layer. Colored mortar was pretty popular for a while in the 70's, but I'm not too familiar with its use in the past. Bill K, may be able to offer more.

It you own an Android phone, you can download a handy little gadge that is a compass and level, that comes in real handy on inspections. They both are quite accurate - operating apparently off solid state gyros. [:-thumbu] Click to Enlarge 25.86 KB Click to Enlarge 21.61 KB

Well, I suppose that's as good an example as any for why local building authorities require a permit for so many appliance and equipment installations or replacements.

Another fine source for information is the National Concrete Masonry Association (Just like the BIA, but for concrete masonry units). I used to have both the binder from the BIA and the NCMA, which are both totally amazing resources. Unfortunately I loaned them out and, of course, they grew legs. Those publications are not available to anyone other than distributors, unless things have changed, but the individual articles within those binders cover about any possible application or remedy to a problem regarding masonry units - including retaining wall design, graffiti removal, materials defects, installation practices, you name it! Great source of educational information regarding masonry. [:-graduat

More information and pics are required. That crack is within the confines of the average minimum foundation wall thickness. It's strange. Without more info, it could be anything from completely cosmetic to who knows what. The fact that the brickwork shows no cracking is encouraging...

The first official comment I heard regarding it, suggested that the likelyhood of a strike was a mere 1 in 250,000....

In 100 words or less. . . 1) Evaluate the property to ensure compliance with H.U.D's Minimum Property Standards. Sometimes this involves a full inspection. 3-6 hours. 2) Prepare document package detailing work to be completed on the property. 3-6 hours. 3) Dealing with confusion, mis-understandings, guiding, hand-holding etc. via phone calls, emails, and revising papework. 2-6 hours. I'm kinda pumped, Randy... This sounds like it's right up my alley. I've always been a decent dispute resolution and project management guy. I think I'm going to jump on it, when I get back. The Consultant is not the project manager...The Consultant is not the project manager...The Consultant is not the project manager... Got it - better yet. Thanks.

In 100 words or less. . . 1) Evaluate the property to ensure compliance with H.U.D's Minimum Property Standards. Sometimes this involves a full inspection. 3-6 hours. 2) Prepare document package detailing work to be completed on the property. 3-6 hours. 3) Dealing with confusion, mis-understandings, guiding, hand-holding etc. via phone calls, emails, and revising papework. 2-6 hours. I'm kinda pumped, Randy... This sounds like it's right up my alley. I've always been a decent dispute resolution and project management guy. I think I'm going to jump on it, when I get back.

Wing it. It's an abbreviated inspection and progress monitoring. Marc. You control the check book Got it. Thanks. I dunno if I can do that kinda work. Mere sight of me scares away just about every contractor in my area. The job would never get done. [] Marc You could always beg for forgiveness... []

I take off in the morning at 7:00 AM for Florida to visit with my folks. While there, I'm committed to working on my reporting system - hopefully giving it a major overhaul and face-lift. Between that and having two reports to write on the flights, I won't have time to consider the 203(k) until I hit the ground running on Wednesday. Ben, kindly let me know what your initial impressions are based upon the application and qualifications, via PM or e-mail.

Well, I gather that if I used to be an estimator and project manger, then this will come fairly easy to me? I really have no idea what it all even entails. I'll have to get on it, I suppose.

Quote: Originally posted by hausdok I've tried to explain this before, Won't waste breath or finger power on it today; the report is a permanent record of what you see, smell, touch and hear at the property. A narrative report is more important to the inspector than it is to the client because it is the inspector's permanent record of what he saw and did. Without proper context, a report heavy on photos and short on proper description cannot tell the whole story. The report could very well be the thing that saves an inspector's ass in court or arbitration when the client or the client's lawyer is trying to show that an inspector didn't do what he was supposed to. Looking at a bunch of checkmarks or 3 to 4 words along with single photographs will only tell part of the story and ten years down the road might be nearly useless to an inspector without something to jog the inspector's memory. I get that folks don't get it, most non-cops don't, but those who do know why a carefully constructed narrative report is invaluable to themselves as a tool. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! MikeThat being made clear, Mike, is there any portion of your findings and observations that are not conveyed in a narrative fashion? This dialog is really going to weigh heavy in where I go with this total makeover of my reporting system over the next five days or so. Thanks folks, this is going to really be helpful.

I'm always looking for an interesting or unique shot, but I clearly got lucky on this one. Hiking and mountain biking for that wildlife shot is my true passion, and I've got a lot of miles under my belt getting a ton of unique shots. Click to Enlarge 70.52 KB Click to Enlarge 989.4 KB Click to Enlarge 776 KB Click to Enlarge 821.32 KB The bear was treed by a couple of hunting dogs that had gotten loose and tracked him. Hence his pitiful look. He was not a happy camper.

Here's one I took in the big apple last year. Click to Enlarge 876.03 KB

Well, I have a lot to ponder this very long weekend, from the masters. Thanks to you all for your continued input. I'll definitely be putting all of your thoughts to good use.

My pleasure. I usually get Williamburg in at least once every two years, if not every.

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm going to Florida in two days to visit my 86 year old folks for a week. I'll be overhauling my reporting system that entire week and will be using your input.

Thank you Les, that weighs heavy.

Based upon years of attending the University of TIJ, I'm in the process of a major overhaul of my reporting style and format. I'm wondering: How many of you guys attach your association SOPs to your report; or, spell out in general terms what you're doing in accordance with them? I did have the ASHI SOPs parsed as introductions to sections, which was probably just taking up space. I've pitched them. But, now I wonder whether to include them at all or merely mention them in my contract and let clients seek them out if they need to. What do you do?

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