NJinspector

Scott, I have tried marketing to realtors about their listings. Not by letter, but stopping by the office and pitching the idea. Most if not all, think that a buyer is going to look at the inspection as invalid, cuz its the realtors' inspector. What language are you using to get by this? Or have I just not found the right realtors yet? You send the letter to the address or to the realtors office? thanks

This was not an inspection, but a house being built in my neighborhood. I could not help but stop by and take a couple of pictures. I am still new at this, but shouldnt they have termination beads or expansion joints at the side of the windows? What about cap flashing at the top? Image Insert: 136.28 KB Image Insert: 83.69 KB Image Insert: 92.32 KB Image Insert: 90.54 KB

On a six year old townhome, attic hatch was located in the bathroom. Is this a code violation or just lack of common sense. Unless the hatch is completely sealed, which it is not, arent you going to have some serious moisture problems in the attic? Of course, the attic was ventilated quite well, and I saw no signs of any moisture. Just looking for some info so the next time I see it, I dont have to stand in front of my client and say "i dunno". thanks Jason www.SerenityInspect.com

I believe in Zig - "It is your attitude, not your aptitude that determines your ultimate altitude in life" Zig Ziglar Happy Holiday everyone!

Insulation level was fine, but the attic stairs were poorly sealed and the insulation was pulled back several feet away from each can light. I forgot to check which way the house was facing, but I would bet your right about the north side. And, yes the bathrooms alre also on that side of the house.

Hi all, Todays' inspection, 17 year old home, bank owned , so I dont know how long it has been vacant. Image Insert: 267.3 KB Image Insert: 251.63 KB Image Insert: 235.57 KB Image Insert: 236.74 KB Now, even though the shingles are worn, cracked and installed incorrectly, I dont think water is getting through to the attic. The only ventilation to the attic is the vinyl soffit vents. No gable vent installed or ridge . A power fan is installed but, disconnected. Here is my question. If this is condensation surrounding the nail heads and turning the plywood black, why is it on only one side of the roof? thanks

Hi, I was thinking about adding energy audits to my list of services. When I make the switch to full time, I'm hoping this will fill some of the slow time. Or, I may just be prematurely keeping up with my states home inspection requirements. Once you complete the workbooks, videos or educational requirements, are you certified? Is there a state or national exam? thanks

Darren, I have not seen this yet, this is great info. Are you doing this with every new home inspection, or is this an option for more cost? Have you heard any news on the bill that will require us to perform and energy audit on every inspection?

Anyone know what this white box is? Not sure if this thing has anything to do with the lightning rods all over the roof. Image Insert: 248.8 KB Image Insert: 261.9 KB

New construction, these pipes are coming out of the slab. Drains for a future bath? One a drain and one a vent? What about the pit? There is another pit for the french drain? So this one.......maybe for a future ejector pump? Image Insert: 103.3 KB

Yeah, its been a while. Working two jobs, with two kids and a new house with never ending projects is kicking my but! On the bright side, after close to 40 inspections, I am just now comfortable writing a good report. Trying to adapt to the less is more strategy that has worked so well for the more experienced guys. This forum helps alot, read between the lines and you can learn alot from everyone here. Thanks guys

Inspected this house today. Approximately 50 years old, nobody has lived in the house for 14 years. Looks like ghosting to me, but have never seen it this bad. Wanted to toss it out to you guys and see what you thought. Image Insert: 196.35 KB

Inspected a new home yesterday with brick veneer. I expected to see termination beads around the side of the windows. Is this something that is only common with stucco? All that was there was a bead of caulk. I brought it up to the site supervisor who was walking my buyer around. He of course has never heard of termination beads, they let the water in and out the weep holes. Did I get this wrong? What should i see around windows with brick veneer? Vinyl siding: Most contractors I have talked to, dont use cap flashing on windows with vinyl siding. The J channel, if done right is cut with enough overhang to direct water away from the window. But, if the cap flashing is installed, can we always see it? Or can we simply look for conditions that may exist because of lack of flashings, such as moisture below and around windows. thanks

Download Attachment: roof.jpg 41.12 KB No valley? How do you get from the lower roof to the upper roof?

Cant picture that? Do you mean one leg on either side of the lower ridge?[:-boggled

Mike, I carry the same ladders as you, the 21 ft gorilla and the 13. My 21 has taken me to most roofs without a problem. I know it varies with different roof styles, but can someone explain the safe way to setup a ladder on a pitched roof? What do you do when you have two gable roofs, one high and one low adjacent to each other ? Is it safe to straddle the ridge? Is that even possible without the bottom rung hitting first?

I am looking at investing in the the google "pay per click" plan. Marketing directly to realtors and traveling to the open houses is not yet panning out the way I would like. Purchased a yellow page ad, (book just arrived). I know I should give it time, but I am impatient when it comes to this. So, I am looking for more ways to gather some leads. The only issue I see with the pay per click is this. If I have a limited budget, and can only afford , lets say the average monthly budget according to google, where does that put my listing. If it is not in the top ten, is it really worth it? Glad I didnt quit the day job yet![:-banghea Thanks in advance

I took the required courses to get my core and category 7b pesticide license, but was hesitant to take the test. Mostly for liability reasons. I figured, I'm a new inspector, and I will have enough to look for. I decided to subcontract the work. But, I am rapidly losing patience with termite companies. I have quickly learned that the less people that get involved with the inspection the better! Who can make it at this time, and who cant! Here is the question: What percentage of HI's are doing there own wdo/wdi inspection. Here in southern Jersey it seems that alot of inspectors are sub contracting the work. What are the pros and cons? Would certainly like less hassle and more extra money, but is the liability worth it?

Mike, You hit the nail on the head. I usually recommend upgrading "grandfathered" items, but was not sure how to handle this one. Thanks for the info much appreciated

I have come across several older homes, that have illegal "S" traps installed. How is everyone writing this situation up? I cant expect the seller to correct this. Do I just point out the dangers to my client? What are the real dangers, other than possible siphoning? thanks

Hi all, I have a condo inspection coming up that I am doing for a friend of the family. This is a second floor unit. The only concern they have, is that there is a dip in the floor, leaving one of the bedrooms. I of course can not see any of the subflooring or floor joists. What can I possibly tell them? When you replace the carpet in the future, remove padding and inspect flooring to determine cause? Thanks

Got it! Thanks Jim

Mike Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Everyone that sells this book is out of stock, or no longer carries it. I checked google, froogle, amazon, ebay. Not sure where else to look. Any ideas? thanks

I grew up with a father that loved to remodel and fix things around the house. I learned at an early age how things worked and how to fix them. BUT.... he was scared to death of electricity. Never touched it. So, I never was exposed to it, dont know much about it. My schooling consisted of the carson/dunlop series of books. Although this provided a decent base of knowledge for the industry, I feel I need more help on the Electrical. Can someone give me some advice on what literature I can purchase to further my education on this subject. Thanks

Inspected a 34 year old single family home today. Electric rads for heat and a chrysler central air system. Can somebody give me an age and size on this ac unit? I think it is orinigal. Does anybody have a link or more info on chrysler units? Serial# IE009312 Model# C482-01 thanks