BADAIR

I may be shot for posting this but, OH WELL! P.O. Box 90745 • AUSTIN, TEXAS 78709-0745 512/370-1977• 800/241-1977• FAX: 512/370-2702 April 21, 2007 Re: Legislative Alert HB3250/SB914 Inspectors of Texas, HB3250 and its companion Bill SB914, will eliminate the TREC Inspector Committee (IC) under SECTION 52 (Page 35 in Word version) that repeals the Texas Occupation Code 1102 (b-d). I am on record with the 2006 Sunset Hearings recommending for the Inspectors in Texas be placed on a separate Board and opposing the elimination of the IC. We also had public comment from Mr. Ron Walker with the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) opposing the recommendation for removal of the IC. (See Page 22 of the Sunset Commission Decisions 8/06). One must look at the historical significance in order to understand the potential ramifications with the elimination of the IC. The 1990 Sunset Review recommended the Inspectors be removed from The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and placed over to TDLR. Why would Sunset make this recommendation? The Sunset recommendation was simply due to the obvious conflicts of interest for the Consumers of real property in Texas. TREC is the only state regulated program that represents both opposing views under one licensing and regulation entity. The only non-biased advocate that the Buyers of real property in Texas have thru a transaction is the Real Estate Inspector. Does the Public Member appointed in the TREC Commission represent the Buyer? No. They represent the “industryâ€

Thank you sir. The systems will be separated by a licensed plumber before closing. Client was unwilling to accept any risks with current configuration after understanding what possibly could happen.

Probably too late but. Here is a SOP and a great source for training http://www.exterior-design-inst.com/practice.html Here are some inspection guidelines http://www.eima.com/technicaltools/insp ... uidelines/ Here’s some graphics "Guide to Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems Construction" http://www.eima.com/pdfs/Guide_to_EIFS.pdf

Not testing or certifying just need to document their presence or lack thereof. RPZ or RPA, OK, either or both required IYHO? Do you have any links to further educate my client and myself?

Call today on a rural property with stock tanks (ponds). They say the grounds landscape irrigation is a dual feed from city water supply and stock tanks. I'm thinking due to turbidity, microbial growth, and algae there would have to be some sort of filtration system on the tank feed side. Other obvious components would be check valve and backflow prevention... Any thing else??? Anyone familiar with these systems and components, help or information would be appreciated?

Michael T. and others, Thanks This is the one I was looking for, but will look into the others, http://www.1stchoicechimney.com/documen ... fetime.pdf

I remember someone going into great detail or linking to an article about the proper construction of a crown. Please step up and reveal the link or the post. I have searched with no success. Thanks in advance

Les, I bet you asked yourself the same question I did. Why? The rest of yous guys, I don't want to here squat about Picasso, Pei, or Dali. OK bring it on. I love criticism, ask my wife. Download Attachment: sleeper roof.jpg 262.83 KB

I don't have a pic so you have to imagine what I'm trying to explain. What, or is there a name, for a rafter system coming up the rake then interrupted by a knee wall supported sleepers of the same dimension with lath strips the rest of the way to the ridge? This is all stick framing and the rake plane never changes it's angle. It has decking atop the rafters and lath surfaces for the shingles. Any engineering or architectural reason to frame this way instead of continuous rafter? Also any special name for sleeper with lath only roof framing system? Thanks in advance.

Randy, Maybe it's the eternal optimist in me but I think the "exterior / stucco specialist" is blowing bubbles up your skirt. That "membrane" sure looks like the sill poly we use down here. Why would they over hang the ledge by what looks to be 2"? Did the plans spec this?

It's not a regional thing. We just call 'em Jacklegged unless it was a Jill Download Attachment: CoverBrackets.jpg 22.47 KB

Bottom corners are where you can tell natural from most cast systems. Cast may have "L" shape pieces at inside and outside corners. Mirror works great for low terminations. Of course the substrate attachment is critical when "glued" systems are used. Cast is still much heavier than any stucco applications I've encountered. I hand pressure test for wall movement at numerous locations especially windows and doors, as I do on any brick veneer, any movement and the substrate is not correctly secured or fasteners are failing. Hollow tapping like EIFS or loose tiling often means problems underneath the surface. I see problems with these all to often.

Mike, Sorry I'm late getting back to the post but the last statement for futher eval&repair in my boilerplate is ommitted in most instances, easier to highlight and delete than type to enter. Which link doesn't work for you?

Try this newer information not yet released: http://www.wbdg.org/design/airbarriers.php

Click on the Video List http://www.bestofbuildingscience.com/ and then there is this: http://www.wbdg.org/design/airbarriers.php

Chris, This is the type keyless fixture I am speaking of. These are very common in attics and crawls around here, because they are the cheapest fixtures available. Download Attachment: Keylessfixture.jpg 1.48 KB The link in my previous post was the bulb type I advise clients to purchase when clearance or impact is an issue. Closets, under stairs, also come to mind. I'm sure I've advised these in other circumstances/locations just can't think of any right now.

Attic and crawl space keyless fixtures get advisements for these covered bulbs. Cuts down on lacerations upon impact. Knock on wood I've only popped one but did have a neck breather homeowner cut himself bad enough to require ER attention. Stitches and the works. The rest of the inspection went smoothly. http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pag ... &bulbID=23

BC, Thanks, my grandkids and I will enjoy this.

DL, I placed your add on the NACHI forum. More bids, more bucks!

More Stucco info: General installation: http://buildingcodes.jocogov.org/docume ... ations.pdf http://www.parex.com/pdf/stuccoma.pdf#s ... 0guides%22 Lath: http://www.mnlath-plaster.com/listing/L ... Manual.pdf Kickout flashing: Dryflekt diverters: http://www.dryflekt.com/ Inspection Checklist: http://www.mnlath-plaster.com/listing/S ... cklist.pdf

Anyone have the name of this gas line it is cloth covered? Any other info would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Download Attachment: Braided cloth gas supply.jpg 87.17 KB

Search "Log home" exact phrase on this site. Many previous posts.

pi, Good observation and even better of you to consult others when in doubt. That open riser is also not Kosher, for the gentiles in our audience not built to code. Here's the IRC stairs visually and clearly explained for the past 6 years http://www.stairways.org/codes_standards.htm

I had another one the other day where the kitchen has a ceiling fan (paddle type). This one extinguished the flame at the electronic ignition gas cooktop burners allowing raw gas to emit into the room. This could be a very bad scene in a hurry. These are also known to accelerate kitchen fires, for obvious reasons. Fans the flames. I've also been running into defective brand new mis-adjusted gas cook tops with the down draft type built in exhaust fans. Elevated CO levels with the built in exhaust fan on high and fan extinguishes the flames on the lower settings. These are exterior vented units and higher end appliances. At least the price tag puts them in that category. Brand names omitted to protect the innocent. Is anyone else writing these up or running into these situations?