StevenT

I always consider 10' per story. This formula does not consider raised foundations, attic space, etc.

Yes, welcome Bob. Brad, I suspected that you were a home inspector, but what I really want to know was if you you could send me some Beaver Tails and Poutain, Ey?

When the RE market was hot here, and it favored the buyer, I knew of contracts that were not contingent on the house inspecting or appraising out. Now, I don't see them nearly as much. I also don't like creepy dingy places, but sometimes it happens. My personal niche of choice is industrial sites. I takes what comes my way. At this point, just when I was considering doing less of Project Superintendant-ing, I was just yesterday offered o job by a company that Installs and maintains fire suppression systems. They seem to be offering me an offer I can't refuse so I will see how it goes. I also visit JLC, I know what you mean about the wall of silence. That is not my demeanor. Peace

Thanks for the info, I am reading it and will pas it on. One thing I did insist upon, comes from my knowledge of installing pex, was to have them stay away from the toilet bowl/wax ring.

Calm down Bob. I never questioned your ability nor you being welcome, I was just a bit curious why you would not be interested in existing structures. Actually, what you have in mind is almost what I do for the most part of my working day. I supervise projects, mostly high end. It is amazing how much better things are built through the eyes of an inspector. My experience in construction does not come from being an inspector. It is actually the other way around. I will add though, that with all of my construction experience, being an inspector is totally unique, and there is definately an art to the task. I have... and still do construct, reconstruct, houses, buildings, systems, Structural, electrical, plumbing, etc,. etc., and admit without training specifically to be an inspector... and continuing to train to be an inspector... I could not be an inspector. Through the years, prior to becoming an HI, every now and then, folks would ask me to check out a house they were considering. I actually found things that were both good and bad. But knowing what I know now, I have to admit that there was so much I didn't even realize to look at. As far as your question, I don't think I would market myself to the builders. Like you said, they don't want you there. You have to figure a way to reach the buyers. Maybe you can get a list of mortgage applicants. I could see a builder insisting upon insurance. I have not been challanged as of yet, but don't go by me. As far as allowing you to inspect, I don't know about Ga., but allowing for an inspection is part of most purchase contracts I know of.

The electrician is installing as much of the system as I instruct him to. The idea of a second sensor is a winner. I will insist upon it. Thank you for making me aware of something that is so basically simple, correct and makes so much sense.

I work for a company that does mold remediation, although I rarly am involved with that end of the company. They do a pretty good job cleaning up the appearence of mold. Having said that, I must add that I absolutely agree with you. When one is in the business of mold, one looks for every oppertunity to do business. It also takes very marginal expetise to jump up and down yelling "MOLD"!!!

Are you a home inspector?

I think that the "questioner" should be made aware of the difference between a home inspection... "an inexpensive way of finding out the true condition of a very expensive purchase", and a final walkthrough by the purchaser... " a final, last minute look prior to closing".

Hey Guys, Thank you hery much. I am presently reconstructing a condo on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. I am having such a system installed. The electrician that is installing the system is wiring it up with a wall stat. I just called my client and educated him about this problem. There is going to be a design change. Thank you.

I'll bet you fifty cents that Chad is on the money. There may be an additional ground problem. But, I believe that reversing the line/load will result it breakin manually but not with tester/line problem

Try Jones Fish Hatcheries, 800-662-3474. They design, build, manage, stock lakes and ponds. If they can't help you, perhaps they can turn you onto who can.

I have zero exprience with the irrigation needs, I would imagine an rpz valve... backflow preventor to prevent the pond water from backing into the city system

Hi Bob, I left you a message at AR. i wanted some input re horizon. I'm curious about 995 too.

When all else fails, use a butter knife!

AAV's ("pro-vents") are not allowed in NY either. I'm not sure if it's because of the Plumber's Union or because they are usually buried in walls and when they eventually fail, it is the same as having an open sewer system. From time to time, I ... let's say, have seen them. Always try to keep the accessible.

In my opinion, Asbestos was and is a pretty good invention/product when in it's proper place. If you don't disturb it, it's pretty safe. The only way to be sure if it is present in your friends wall is to test it. The cementious material may simply be that... cement. Used in the process of plastering. So, he could remove it, which is disturbing it, dangerous and costly... when done legal. I do know of dumps that will accept it at no charge to a homeowner, but a contractor has to pay dearly to dump it. If he encapsulates it, he will not disturb it and then I feel it is ok. Why don't you simply recommend laminating 1/4 sheetrock over it.

Before I say another word, I must tell you that... I HATE EIFS. I have a very difficult time inspecting it, reason being is that in my opinion it failed before I arrive at the house. Actually, when the bank called, the first words out of my mouth was "I must warn you, I am an enemy of EIFS" Anyway, since it is an accepted construction technique, I feel that it is my duty to look at each job indivually and objectivly. By the way, I think that outsulation is a great idea, but has not been perfected yet. And also, by the way, I do have the solution that will fix the problem. I also have never seen a true drainage system installed with EIFS, I have seen the grooved styrofoam panels used, but usually improperly. I have seen the drainage systen that we speak of used with stone veneer and stone. Yes I agree that tyveck house wrap is a vapor barrier and allows a home to breath. The moisture barrier material that I am referring to looks like plastic cardboard. It will not let water vapor to pass through it, which is why I have my concern about it allowing a home being able to breath and dry out . Am I saying that right? Scott, I understood what you meant about removing a cover and Mike your answer is the dead on "true test". I have no problem repairing the test hole that I would have to make... given permission of course... and for a fee. The only problem I would have is with color matching, so the test area would have to be in a hidden spot. Finally, Chad... Yes, Mary had a little lamina dogina catina birdina...

Scott, You opened my mind, I didn't think about opening outlet covers, etc. Good thinking, thank you so much! I also agree that improperly installed, grooved foamboard is useless as far as drainage, so any date will not be a positive confirmation. I do feel that a date can help me make a negative assessment. I also am not fully confident, even with the plastic drain system, especially in the North, where a MOISTURE barrier belongs on the warm side. I feel that any moisture from inside the home will be trapped. and prevent the home/building from "drying out" Anyway, the bank only wants to know what type of system it is, so I probably will not offer any un-asked for opinion.

Hi Rich, Thanks for the comeback. I will speak to the bank again tomorrow. As of yet I don't know the age of the house, although I thought 1994 was the magic date. I was able to get some info at http://www.toolbase.org/index.aspx They pretty much confirmed my feelings. I just was hoping that there was something that I wasn't aware of to look for. I guess if I see the drainage mesh or weep holes I can confirm it, But if I can't, then who knows and that is a no go situation. WOW!!! does that make me a "deal killer"?

I have to inspect a house for a bank. They question is... "Is the EIFS system a "Barrier "system or "Drainable" system. I understand the difference between the two systems. Other than weep holes at the bottom of walls, what else should I look for to determine which "system" it is. Or is there no way to tell for sure? My personal feeling is unless there is a "drainage mesh" layer between the vapor barrier and Styrofoam, its not verifiably draining properly. The use the new newer grooved Styrofoam is quite often installed wrong, negating the grooves. Anyway, what could I look for to determine?

If you stood 2 feet down from the top rung, and were approx 5'7" tall, wouldn't that give you 18' height? Could that be what they mean?

Don't worry about it Mike, it's a very small issue!

Hey Mike, A WHOLE bag of ice for the "old petunkis"? Obviously, you're not Jewish.

I heard the same story.