StevenT

Is anybody familiar with the proper ratio of sand:portland:lime? to mix a sand mix biscuit to level a floor in preparation to lay ceramic tile? In a previous thread there was mention of a site... DeGruchy, I thought it might be there, but I've had no luck finding the site.

Hey Mike, Are you busy this weekend, come help me stucco my house.

Originally posted by Brian G. Brian, I also read the jokes. [:-eyebrow

I find your description very interesting and informative. No rocket science, just simple facts. For the group you're addressing, reading it will probably be more meaningful than any oral presentation. I prefer the changes Mike suggested...a bit easier to read, and I agree not to word it in a way that will embarrass anyone.

Mike, Funny you should say that. In the past, other than the few times during a sale that I met a home inspector, the only contact that I have had with H.I.s, has been either at school, ASHI meetings, or on this website. So far, it seems that to me, that to the home inspectors I have encountered, one's reputation is very important, no matter who they piss off. (I've even gotten the impression that some take great pride in pissing off RE agents/builders in the process of being honest and accurate.) Although, I'm sure there are some that are shady... there always are. I'm also sure that in states that allow HIs to do the repairs on what they find (as NY used to allow), there is some funny business going on. I'm not implying that any HI that does repairs is dishonest, it just affords more oppertunities for the dishonest ones.

Good Advice!!!

Why single out construction trades? There are thieves and liars all over (to me, there is little difference between a thief and a liar). Can anybody think of even one trade or occcupation that is free of this infestation? Whether it be Chimney Sweeps or Judges or even Presidents and anything in between? But, if you do want to stick to construction, what about siding contractors? In many cases, the whole purpose of the product itself is to hide the truth. When I was a kid, I had a job (for about two weeks), as a door to door siding salesman. We were taught, never to give the price, but to tell the people "how much a week" it would cost.

To mgb, You da man!!!

Hey Mike, How ya doing? Sure, I do requests... There once was a gal that sold houses, had less scruples than a nest full of mouses. When the deal was inspected, the folks were protected, by the honest H.I. they selected. Mike, I always said,"If my legs were longer I'd be taller. So, this came to mind. There once was a guy Little Round, often tested, and soon it was found. However tall was the tree, he chopped down 1,2,3 Little Round still stood tall on the ground. Hope to see you soon, regards to Donald.

Rodgers and Hammerstein step aside, here comes Goodman and Turetsky! [:-bonc01][:-bonc01] "The Yiddles with the Riddles"

It amazes me how we love our Little Giants, and never get tired of praising them. So, I couldn't help myself, and wrote this Little Giant jingle. Here goes: Little Giant ( to the tune of Dreidle, Dreidle, Dreidle) I have a Little Giant, I use it everyday And when I'm done inspecting It folds up an' I'm on my way Oh, Giant, Giant ,Giant I think your really great I wish I would 'av invented you, Once again I am too late. It comes in different sizes For those that wish to choose If you buy one of each There is no way to lose ... to be continued

When I originally posted my reply,I questioned whether the cable was stranded or solid, for exactly the same reasons that Jim pointed out.I then edited it because I saw so many people hadn't objected to the "plug"... I now feel like a cow, following the herd... Last time I do that. I also questioned whether the cable was continuously enclosed in conduit from one pull to another, for overheating reasons.

I would not have a problem with the plug at the end, since it serves as a disconnect.

Too bad you couldn't train him to wear a "snakecam" and inspect the crawlspaces.[:-graduat You did inspect the crawlspaces, didn't you?[:-scared]

originally posted by charlieb I think he means grounds and neutrals But once again, why is there no neutral service conductor?

Isn't 1/2" of insulation coming into the panel box the limit on nm cable? Where is the neutral service conductor?

Is it better to swallow or be swallowed?

Gerry, I lived with my ex wife, Maybe you're right... I can live with anything!

Gerry, I read the article you listed. I doesn't seem to say anything detrimental. I don't plan on using straight veggie oil, I think I will go with the estrified oil. The smell, well, so long as I put it behind me... anyway it can't be worse than traditional fumes. I'm still investigating, any more info/input is appreciated.

By the looks of the roof, I don't think anything was done to correct any leaks. What good does she think painting will do? But than again, with everything else that the pics show, and she still wants the house, either she is buting it extremly cheap, or what's the expression that used car salesmen use? "there's an a_s for every seat"

Bravo for Kettlefoods!!! When my research is completed, depending upon what I find out. If it is feasible, I will try biofuel! Not only for the economics, but because of it's envioronmental impact. If it works out well, I'll get a larger unit and try to supply others. I have a few friends with diesel vehicles, one with a lumberyard that has about 5 trucks. Who knows! I used to make wine, I rarely drank it, I used to love to sit in the cellar and smell it. If you were a good friend, I would give you a bottle. I think I would enjoy making biofuel... especially since I can smell it! (Lucky for me, I'm not considering making my own glue!)

Looking at the picture, I agree it is definately an area of concern and would have included it in my report. I do have some questions, though. The area below the skylight, is it spongy or is it a repair with different thickness plywood? Which I would consider "poor workmanship", but not necessarily unsound. I see damaged, lifted shingles. I don't see any flashing. I don't see any gutter system in this or your other pictures. What does the rest of the roof look like? And the ceilings below? I would ask the squirrel if there are any leaks, since he is familiar with the attic/crawlspace, and you were unable to enter it (rightfully so).

I agree about the knife. Recently, I came across one that was wallpapered in. I had the RE agent contact the owner, then had her sign a note authorizing me to cut it.

I recently built a house where the attic space is being used as living space, besides adaquate ventilation in the area itself, Raftermates and insulation, along with ridge and eave venting was built in prior to finishing the undersides of the rafters.

Scott, Soy is actually not thread drift, there are other sources also, such as peanuts and numerous more.