Haubeil

Jim, I agree, verbal discussions are the best and I perfer that approach, but I still need to right a report and many clients choose not to be present during the inspection, else unable (a relocate). Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but stating that minor defects are not reported sounds too simple. The clients definition of 'minor defects' is likely different than mine. ...and it implies that you choose not to disclose items that the client may deam important. It's needs to read that, if they were not noted, it's because they were not seen. ...see where I'm going? Maybe it does suck, but that's why I'm asking for input. Saying it sucks doesn't help. Nonetheless, thanks for the input Jerry. - Haubeil

I like that, THANKS!! - Haubeil

LOL!!!! ...I'm trying to be a little more professional than that. Yeah, stating the obvious should make since, but if it were as easy as preaching to the chior, them we wouldn't be in business. - Haubeil

I've been call on the carpet from some anal retentive clients asking why I didn't note ALL the small damaged pieces of wood, whether it be on the soffit, fasica, bottom of entrance and garage door frames, etc. I try to explain to them that I only inspect what I see and will not put myself in harms way to inspect boards out-of-reach, hidden by objects or nicely painted over. ...but I note that. ...still I'm asked! Since, I've been trying to develop a statement that be my CYA. Yes, they ALL sign the standard agreement, but not all read it. I was wanting to get your feedback and/or comments. ...please feel free to rewrite it!!!!!!!!! I state: "NOTE: The importance of maintenance to the exterior wood. The wood can be highly susceptible to moisture, thus will require efforts to maintain. This inspection was not intrusive, so not all boards were individually inspected; only visually from an adequate amount of safe view angles. Recommend the appropriate efforts to maintenance and plan periodic inspections to avoid further damage or decay." Thanks in advance, Haubeil

I know this has been discussed, but I can't find what I'm looking for...so I apologize in advance for possibly beating a dead horse!! What is the best attic ventilation methods or design? ...ridge & soffit, gable & soffit, gable, roof & soffit, forced fans, etc? Can an attic be TOO ventilated... and is that just as bad as not enough? Is the 1/300 rule for the attic area or the surface area of the roof? Do the principles apply for all types of roof coverings (i.e., metal, slate, shaker, asphalt, etc? Thanks, Jeff

I had the most interesting request from a potential client...asking that they want to make sure the house they'll be buying was never a 'meth lab.' How can an inspector tell for sure? Regardless, any negatively impacting safety concerns from buying a prior meth lab? Thanks, Haubeil

I thought I understood the physics behind it, until I seen several heat pump units operating during our recent COLD spell(<5 degrees). ...now I second guess it. I need to look for some causal reading material ! - Haubeil

I've read related forums and comment here on TIJ stating the exterior temperature was too cold to test an air conditioner unit. ...why? What exterior ambient temperature is the cut-off for acceptable testing? ...is there a default comment to use? I always heard the differential for air conditioner & heat pump units was ~30 degress. ...hence a heat pump's heat funciton is not efficient in the colder climate. Although, I've seen some heat pumps running while the exterior temperature was ~5 degrees. Is the ~30 differential a myth? ...because at 5 degrees, that would only generate 35 degree heat! Thanks in advance, Haubeil

I was not aware that a ridge and gable vent combination was bad...or let say, does not provide adaquate ventilation. Is there a publication that lists all the variations ventilation combinations and scenarios...and the respective pros & cons? Thanks, Haubeil

...and the size of the bathrooms!!! I could not get to the sink area, in photo 153. This will be a most interesting report!!! [:-crazy] - Haubeil Download Attachment: Picture 153.jpg 65.35 KB Download Attachment: Picture 112.jpg 34.53 KB

Okay, maybe it's just fine...but I don't see how. This is the biggest one-off home ever...with too many do-it-yourself'er additions to mention; some of which should not work, but have for ~50 years. Check out the plumbing below the sink. ...and all the sinks/showers/tubs/washers drain down over the hill and not into the septic tank. - Haubeil Download Attachment: Picture 051.jpg 71.54 KB

Did any manufacture ever make 'tongue and grove' exterior redwood siding? ...more specifically during the mid 1950's, when this home was built (southern Ohio). The buyer must have found a special on T'n'G redwood boards, because it's everywhere, both inside and out. Is it possible the redwood was not designed for the exterior? Apparently it worked as exterior siding for ~50 years, but the attached #41 illustrates the existing condition. The new buyers are asking if it should be replaced. I'm not knowledgable on this siding to answer with confidence. Can they salavage the existing wood or should it be replaced? ...or where should they turn for advice. Thanks in advance, Jeff Download Attachment: Picture 041.jpg 58.31 KB Download Attachment: Picture 109.jpg 39.58 KB Download Attachment: Picture 037.jpg 68.38 KB

Mike, ...you're GOOD!!! The roof was once covered with cedar shingles!!! I'm impressed! ...my client is going to think I'm a smart man!! [] THANKS, Haubeil

Hmmm.... I never thought about that. Here's another photo of the same general area...it does look a little crispy! - Haubeil Download Attachment: Picture 122.jpg 41.8 KB

Hey folks, this may be a dumb question or a question recently asked or discussed, if so I truly apologize...but can you tell me what causes OLD attic boards to become black (shown in below photo)! It looks wet, but it's not...just glossy black. Thanks in advance, Haubeil Download Attachment: Picture 124.jpg 58.53 KB

Thanks fellows!! - Haubeil

What would cause ice to form on the AC lines? What should I recommend to my clients? The ice is not only outside (shown in Picture 15) but inside as well as well (see Picture 49). I can assume the evaporator is one big ice cube! Thanks, Haubeil Download Attachment: Picture 015.jpg 74.11 KB Download Attachment: Picture 049.jpg 73.13 KB

LOL!!! ...yeah, a secrete litter box!! I hope not.[:-crazy] - Haubeil

Was sand EVER used as insulation?! I have an upcoming inspection and my client has forwarded a question in advance: "In the attic there is what looks like sand as insulation? I will attach a picture I didnt know sand was used for that but if you check if you dont know." Anyone know why sand would be in an attic...in Ohio!? [] Thanks, Haubeil Download Attachment: Sand insulation.JPG 72.22 KB

mgbinspect, I'm impressed...to be that consistant over 13 years! If you had a couple slow years, you would have done 800 or 900 per year to keep your 700 average. - Haubeil

DEAL!!! [] - Haubeil

My apologoies... I should have researched the topic further. Regardless, thanks for the feedback!! - Haubeil

LOL!!! ...alright, we must be kin!! [] To everyone at TIJ, THANKS!! I wish y'all were attending the show in Vegas this fall and included on our name tag our TIJ username (and pic)...I would love to meet y'all!!!

Do many of you measures voltage drop at the outlets? For example, I use Ideal's 61-165 Suretest and scan the 12A, 15A and 20A load tests. It's very common for me to find a couple outlets exceeding 10%-15%...more recently in new homes where they've installed TOO MANY outlets on one breaker. If you do test for it, what do you write if you find a failing test? Below is what I wrote for the most recent report (with attached pics in the report illustrating the exact outlets): "A few areas of the home measured a high impedance level, at the receptacles. The impedance levels exceeded 10%, which indicates either an excessively long run of wire or too many junctions leading back to the distribution panel. An impedance (resistance) reading of 5% or lower is acceptable. A product of electrical resistance is heat; excessive heat may result in fire. If plans are to operate high power appliances in said room, first recommend an electrician further evaluate said receptacle wiring. " Thanks, Haubeil

Who here completes the report before they leave the property?! I take several photos and notes, take it all back to the office (home) and compile the report and deliver (and/or email) it the next morning (color laser printer, heavy weight paper and coil ring bound; very profesional look!). [] I've been scalded by local inspectors that it's foolish to not have the report done the minute the inspection is complete (using a Palm tech like software). "...never leave with the property with the report not complete." What are the pros and cons of each?! I know I'm missing something, but I don't see how it's possible to deliver a custom inspection report with 'canned comments'. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea but I can't understand how it's done. I take several hours to write a single report. And yes, I'm up late every night writing!!!! I would LOVE to leave the home knowning I'm DONE, and not dread the seveal hours I have remaining to write it up!!! Thanks, Haubeil