Jesse

Shopping for a house last year, I entered a home in Forest Park, about 90 years old. On the kitchen counter was an inspection report. The listing agent said something to the effect of, "It was already inspected, so you won't have to worry about that." I quickly paged through the report before looking around. Into the unfinished basement first, I dragged the wife, where we found the concrete block foundation had some major displacement - behind the headboard of a curiously placed twin bed(remember: unfinished basement). Back up to the kitchen for that inspection report. The foundation problem was nowhere to be found. I love this game.

Thanks. I love this stuff.

I don't get it.

Does the Miele installation guide tell you to use a high loop? Or, because of the valve, do they ignore it?

Could some one explain the occasional older window that has warped? I've only seen it on west exposures, 100yrs+. I'd always bought the liquid-glass-moving-slowly-over-time theory.

Saw the same thing on a big split-level in Westchester a couple weeks ago. And yes, they wanted to hyperextend when I used them. One of those days I was happy to be a little guy.

Really a guess: A light, with indicator, for the attic. The buttons are controls for a vent fan in the attic.

I've never seen anything like this.

What was a bagel shop burning that created soot?

You're more likely to get the lens than the $5.

Jim Do you have that copyrighted? Can I use it?

Bob How did your townhouse go? Is this another first for you?

Drywall is fine firewall. Watch for unsealed penetrations.

What we have to explain every day was on Good Morning America today. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/Stor ... 098&page=1

You pointed out things that you think are issues to your client. Your client, then, makes the decision to buy, negotiate, or walk away. Code schmode. If you think it's a hazard, write it as such. As far as your clearance example: Just because the builder didn't violate law 90 years ago doesn't mean it's safe. Good luck.

6 years. Why are you still a candidate? It's honest curiosity, not an attack.

Looks like crap. Tastes like crap. It's a good thing I didn't step in it!

My nose is definitely interesting, Kurt. It's really the thing I worry most about passing on to my kids.

What's the best one? Durable, dependable, interesting features?

You'll still have GFCI protection. The test button should still trip it.

Yes, it's certified by the Professional Certification Institute.

I'm sure others from around here will agree - there are plenty of houses that fit your rafter description that are doing just fine. When you look at the structure of a home, you analyze both the manner in which it was built, and the degree to which it has performed. About a month ago, I did a 1904 house, original cedar shingles plus 3 layers of ashpalt shingles, 2x4 rafters, 24" on center. Not a steep pitch. Not a bit of sag, no cracks in the rafters, no bounce. It always brings a smile to my face, literally, kneeling in an attic like that and looking around. I report on the methods of construction. No recommendations necessary. I'd love to hear from others on this.

No louvers in the door for ventilation? 50 cuft/kBtu/hr I think is the reference. Often times, there will be a combustion air intake duct running up to the roof, along the flue, to bring fresh air into the utility closet. Sometimes it's hard to spot if you're not looking for it - it might just terminate behind other ductwork. Chicago, I'm reading what I just wrote, and I explained it pretty poorly. If you aren't familiar with the set-up I'm talking about, say so. Maybe someone else can explain it better. Bad brain-to-fingers connection today. Congrats on getting the gig. Hope it was otherwise painless.

Set the ladder up, fully extended, proper angle. Stand on the highest rung that you're supposed to stand on. Then add your height, assuming you are some industry standard "average" height, which I now don't recall.

Good catch.