Mark P

It is a full basement. I see exposed concrete foundations every day, in fact that is almost all I see. The postion below grade is usually sprayed with a black substance before i is backfilled. I can't remember seeing this rubbery stuff before. I told them to get the name and manufacturer of the product from the builder and I would do some homework.

I seem to have heard that too; however my filter (http://www.lennox.com/products/indoor-a ... tems/HC16/) was manufactured and installed by Lennox when my HVAC system was replaced last year. It does not make sense that Lennox would install a filter system that would damage the blower. My algeries were better this year then they have been since I moved to IL in 2001 and my equipment has had no problems.

This is new construction. The exterior foundation wall is covered in some water proofing stuff that is split and wrinkled and there is a gash, probably from the landscaping equipment, in the wall. I’ll recommend the gash be repaired. What I’d like to know is: What is the waterproofing material? It has a rubbery / elastic feel to it. Where can I learn more about how it is applied, its properties, etc? Are the splits and wrinkles normal, a problem, need correction…??? What do other inspectors say and this sort of thing? Thanks Mark Click to Enlarge 38.84 KB Click to Enlarge 58.07 KB Click to Enlarge 67.66 KB

I use a 5 inch MERV 16 ilter that cost around $100 and replace it about ever 10 months or so.

My 1st year or so I used a Checklist. As I became more proficient and gained experienced the checklist got smaller and smaller, until it disappeared all together. Now I write nothing down; all notes are taken with my camera – plenty of pictures. Once done with the inspection I head to my office, download the pics to my PC and write the report. I convert it to a PDF file and e-mail it out. I recently bought a new computer and have 2 monitors. That way I can keep the pics open on one monitor and the report open on the other. I got tired of having to flip back and forth.

Where did you check he temp. Some faucets have a regulator that can be adjusted to prevent the hot water from being turned on all the way, prevnt scalding; at least I have seen them in showers.

You might consider leasing your equipment. Radalink is around $125 a month. http://www.radalink.com/

Yes, I would sure think so. I've measured water temps at over 140 when the stat was up all the way.

http://www.femto-tech.com/default2.asp

Wow! We sure share some amazing things around here.

I believe I'm correct is saying that a jetted tub must be on its own seperate (dedicated) circuit and not share the same circuit as the other bathroom outlets, yes?

I learned today that it is not enough to have your data backed up, you really need to have an entire 2nd system ready to go. This morning I found my hard drive on my PC was on its last leg. I do a pretty god job keeping my files backed up. But when I went to set up my laptop to work on, it took me all damn afternoon to install the report writing software, my template with all its changes, all my other files I use in writing a report: camera software, picture resizer, PDF convertor, e-mail, PST files, printer & driver, etc… What a nightmare.

Camel Spider

Here is the link to the O'Fallon, IL code. scroll down to section 150.09. I expect calls back from the other townships Monday Morning. http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/ ... 3.0#LPHit1

Low refrigerant level can cause the coil to ice up. If you can see the coil it may look something like the picture below. Which I took a few weeks ago. Most of the time the coil is not visible. In your case I would report a high Delta T and recommend it be checked out by a HVAC contractor. Click to Enlarge 28.46 KB

I usually go with 14 -21 difference, but anyway a delta t above the upper limit may be a result of insufficient air flow across the evaporator coil due to heavy icing of the coil.

I've called 3 cities and 1 county this afternnon. So far I've only gotten one answer and that is from O'Fallon, IL. They only allow #12 per city ordinance: The below section is from theie web page. See section 150.09 (B) (2) I came back and shortened the below section, if anyone once to see the entire ordinance e-mail me. 150.09 ELECTRICAL CODE AMENDMENTS. The Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows: (A) Section 90-4 is hereby amended by adding thereto the following provisions: "The Code Enforcement Section of the Planning and Zoning Department of the City of O'Fallon, Illinois and the duly appointed Code Official of the City of O'Fallon, Illinois and authorized designees (individually a "code official" and together, the "code officials") that are hereby authorized and designated to carry out the enforcement provisions of this code. Any person affected by a decision of a code official or a notice or order lawfully issued under this code shall have the right of appeal to the Builders Grievance Committee, established by section 121.0 of the Building Code, which shall additionally govern the grounds and regulate the procedures for such appeals." (B) The following additional regulations and standards are hereby adopted as supplementary and in addition to the requirements of the Electrical Code and are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth therein. (1) No other electrical conductor other than copper shall be used in the City other than by the utility company in its service supply lines. (2) Branch circuits shall be at least Number 12 gauge wire, except as follows: Control wire, as permitted by the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70; provided that this exception shall not be construed to include switch circuits or legs exceeding fifty (50) volts. (Ord. 3302, passed 12-6-04; Am. Ord. 3336, passed 5-2-05; Am. Ord. 3398, passed 12-5-05)

Now that is funny!

Let me get this right: You can deny your own child professional medical services and heal them with yohimbe root. You can change the brakes on your car even if you own only an adjustable wrench. You can operate a motor vehicle, lawn mower, power saw, chainsaw, and get married but you can't work on your own house? I believe you can work on a house you are living in (maybe I'm not sure), but if your are "flipping" a house you have to contract out certain things. Also, everyone on the city's preapproved list is union - or so I was told.

Looks like I raised a bunch of eyebrows and questions. As I explained earlier in this thread there was a situation last years where the AHJ of Cahokia, IL told a lady that her house would have to be rewired because they do not allow #14. The AHJ held a meeting to discuss the house. I was called and put on speaker phone during the meeting. They wanted to know what was there, when I did my inspection, etc. It was during this phone conference that someone in the meeting said that they no longer allow #14 to be used and as far as they knew only one township, Fairview Heights, still allows it. Yesterday, I spoke with an electrician friend of mine that works in this area and he said everyone uses #12, but he was not aware of anything prohibiting the use of #14. I plan on making some phone calls to a few of the townships around here and get it from the horses mouth. I'll report back what I find out. In this area the “Merto Eastâ€

Nothig wrong w/ #14 on a 15 amp. My concern is that #14 was used where the AHJ does not allow it and sometime down the raod the buyers are on the hook for changing it. I had a situation last years where a older house was rewired with all #14 w/ 15 amp breaks. I thought okay, odd, but what is the problem and said nothing. After the lady bought the house and had to get a occupancy permit the AHJ said she would have to rewire the entire house because no permits were pulled and they do not allow #14 at all. It worked ok in the end, the AHJ let it slide, but I was interviewed by the AHJ on what was there when I did my inspection, etc. The buyer was unhappy, etc. I won't let that happen again.

I never see #14 except in older homes. I only know of one township with adopted standards that allows #14 in upgrades, additions, etc. This town is out in the sticks and I do not know if they have a AHJ or not. Yesterdays house was built in 1994. Sometime later the basement was finished and a detached garage were built and wired with #14. I was told the seller is an electrician. I am thinking of putting something like the following in the report... opinions... "Some of the electrical circuits (basement & detached garage) are run with 14 gage wire protected by 15 amp breakers. #12 & #14 were commonly used for lighting / wall circuits; however most jurisdictions no longer allow #14 to be used. Every township adopts their own standards and some have no adopted standards. Probably the original construction was wired w/ #12 (as is common practice) and when the basement and detached garage were completed #14 was used. I recommend you check with the appropriate township / AHJ (Authority Housing Jurisdiction) to see if permits were required / obtained for the garage and basement and if the have a problem with #14, being used. If the AHJ has no problem with it, then it is a non-issue. "

If the house is minimally insulated I agree it is a defect and I state more insulation is needed. However, often times I find R-30, where the DOE recommend R-38, in that case I recommend adding more and point the to the DOE website for more info. I sometimes tell people with R30 that if they are staying in the house for 3 - 5+ years to up the insulation. But if it is a starter home and they think they will move in the next few years, don't bother. Thread Drift: Last fall I took my own advice and increased my attic insulation from R-25ish to R-50ish. It sure does make a difference. In the spring when it is nice outside (60 - 75) durng the days, but still drops down to the 30 - 40 at night, we leave our furnace off and in the morning it was still be 65 - 70 inside the house. My electric bill for July was only $100 and we keep the a/c at around 75ish all the time. I also have a SEER 16 a/c which helps a lot.

I often recommend adding more attic insulation.

Good question Richard - and I don't have a good answer, except PVC is what I'm use to seeing and what 1st came to mind.