Mark P

This is on a very old house. There were 4 other fire places and chimneys. I don't think there was every a fire place where this "chimney" is located. I've nver seen one capped like this and I want to think it was always like this, but why is my questions. Click to Enlarge 68.83 KB Click to Enlarge 70.95 KB

Very interesting and challenging inspection today. House was built in various stages between 1804 - 1976. Approximately 5400 sq ft finished. Being sold as is and needs lots of work. Inspection took 6 hours; the report will take much more; about 400 pictures taken. By far the oldest home I've ever inspected. America was only 28 years old. The town (New Athens, IL) this house is in a small now, in 1804 I can't imagine anyone being there. I feel good; this house would have scared the shit out of me a few years ago, today I was excited and I reveled in the challenge and uniqueness. Here are a few pics of the oldest part of the house. Click to Enlarge 66.59 KB Click to Enlarge 41 KB Click to Enlarge 50.35 KB Click to Enlarge 48.72 KB Click to Enlarge 46.5 KB Click to Enlarge 41.49 KB Click to Enlarge 42.22 KB

These boxed openings in the floor were in two rooms that were once doctors exam rooms. Any ideas? Click to Enlarge 39.91 KB

I'm wondering if the a date can be obtained from these numbers on an EPDM roof covering? If not a date do they tell us anything useful? Click to Enlarge 22.58 KB

All the sink drains in this part of the house were connected to the cast iron main DWV like this. I can't remember ever seeing this before sort of connection before ( going in on the side) and I'm not sure what to think / say about it. Click to Enlarge 60.24 KB

The face turns. Click to Enlarge 81.15 KB

How strange. And stranger yet, someone is buying it.

Ah Yes, I knew I had seen it somewhere - damn HI folk lore almost took me for a ride - thanks Bill. You know I've even heard realtors saying if it has a round mter base it is 60amps.

I've always learned that if the meter base is round the service is 60amps. In times past when I have seen this round meter base I find the inside service is in fact 60amps. However in todays home everyting points to it being 100 amp. The panel is rated at 100, it looked like at least #4 awg coming in from the meter. I did not pull the fuse blocks, but it looked like a green 60 amp on the left with the stove on it own cercuit on the right. So does the round meter base actually only provide 60amps or is this folk lore? Click to Enlarge 28 KB Click to Enlarge 85.06 KB

Around here it seems the only time they want to pay for a reinspect is when the mortgage company requires it. Last week I had a realtor text me if i would reinspect some repairs, I said sure $50 since I'll be in the area later in the day. She replied "Ahhh - I don't think she wants to pay $50 for a reinspect" I replied "no problem have a nice day". I mean really did they just want me to donate my time and knowledge and car expensive?

I found the following statement doing a google search. "In saline environment, thin concrete elements need to be protected on top and bottom surface from corrosion" Is that salt water?

I once ran a jetted tub in new construction, drained it and when I got to the unfinished basement there was 30gl of water on the floor along with a piece of the drain. The plumber had forgot to use glue. Anyway I tell folks to go to the store and buy a product designed to clean jetted tubs, yes I run them.

But when the insurance company settles a BS claim instead of fighting to prove the inspector is not at fault costs the inspector his deductable and the next years premium goes up. What is the typicaly E&O deductable? $5000. So an honest inspector that did nothing to be held liable for is screwed out of a big piece of change because the insurance company is in business for themselves and have zero interest in anything else.

I have a friend that bought a condo in Hawaii. He said his HI wrote up the popcorn ceiling as containing asbestos and that the sellers had it removed. My friend made it sould like that is very common in Hawaii.

Might consider a GFCI breaker on that circuit, that way they could keep all 4 outlets.

Heat Lamp? Bong?

The EPA claims that the use of textured finishes was banned in 1977, but this is incorrect. The manufacture of textured finishes containing asbestos was prohibited starting in 1978. There have been popcorn (acoustic, cottage cheese) ceiling finishes that have tested positive for asbestos fibers into the early 1980s. Same as lead paint - I can remember that.

A Box.

Thanks for the info Mike. I decided not to spend the time putting together a bid for the county contract. Besides not having the "HUD Certification" I'm sure no matter what I bid someone else will come in lower.

I accept Cc through Paypal. Maybe 1 or 2 jobs a month pay this way. I don't like paying the fee, but it has made life easier in dealing with clients I never meet face-to-face. Some people like to pay everything with their Cc (like my wife) beacuse that have a rewards or cash back card. I can relate.

Yes, it relates to section 8.

I've been searching on how to become "Certified" in "HUD's Housing Quality Standards" and I can't find anything online. There is a county near me that is seeking proposals to conduct these inspection and wants proof of certification as part of the proposal. I have the standard and other documents, but can find nothing on being certified. Anyone know anything about this?

I've found water in a ceiling yesterday that I would not have seen without my IR. This is the 1st time I found something that I think I would not have seen otherwise.

Thanks Darren. Turns out it is 1969.

Hydro Therm Model 145 Serial OZ12980 Click to Enlarge 64.07 KB