Nolan Kienitz

Frank, I do same as Gary. I have an "appointment form" that is a "fill in the blanks" that gets the client talking about the property and I'm gleaning the data points I need to learn about their property. I'm asking them questions I need answers to ... almost without them knowing what they are giving up. Finally I'm able to bang that data against my pricing chart and I'm prepared to to a final spin and offer them the price as well as a time/date to lock in their inspection. It is a shift to move them from asking the 10 questions all inspectors should be asked as well as those who ask straight away: "How much do you charge for an inspection?" One of my quick comments has been: "Oh, nothing more than a bar of gold bullion." Always an adventure ... to say the least.

Can define lifetime to simply mean the "lifetime" of the item. If it quit working after two days ... it lasted it's lifetime !!!

Further on report delivery ... I just booked an inspection for Monday morning. Client was hoping for "on-site" delivery of report and I advised that my scheduled time at the property was for the "inspection" and "data collection" and sharing with him at the end of that time. I elaborated it was not in either of our best interests to add more time to the on-site visit waiting for a report. Agent called me later and said he has been spoiled with some inspectors who deliver on-site. I've known this agent for some time and said to him what I told the client above ... and that the liability that I assume with an inspection involves a careful analysis and a report that is written very good. I told him that a lot of the onsite deliveries are close to check-box and cut/paste or delete/paste with generics and may not be as thorough as he seems. An interesting conversation for a Saturday evening ... regardless I have the job !! AND both the client and the agent will be impressed with my product. And ... I'll be able to sleep at night !

Anyone have any images of the Wadsworth product?

Kurt - you are good! I was almost completed with my input and was scratching my head on one, but you nailed them all.

Did you just hand over the paper report or e-mail it or have client (her) download it and call it good .... OR did you verbally go over the report and make her aware of all items of concern in same? You can't assume they will read/understand every word or even take any action on anything in the report.

I did one this AM with a focus on JPG collection and will now see how it goes to write the report. Took 'some' notes ... but not too many. Images will drive this one. May work well as you indicated above.

Can easily illuminate themselves while showering by simply reaching up and pulling the chain for the 'non-recessed' overhead light. That's assuming the panel doesn't get them first !!

Now ... that will keep your toes warm during those 'snow days'.

Gooped is good! I think I'll be adding that to my saved comments.

Where on the Taunton Press link is the next link for the 30% off Code Check books? I know I'm getting on in years, but I can't find the link that takes me the next step into the 30% off books?

Short of a flush valve ... I think have been called a "hush" valve or ballcock. Was just glancing over some plumbing posts elsewhere and some folks like 'em and some folks don't like 'em. They indicated that adjustment for maximum flow/fill, etc. was a bit finicky. Pressure sensitive to water weight from what I can tell. Minimal 'moving parts' ... less to break.

Jim, Do you have any links or JPGs that you can post that would show the various breakers?

Focus onsite visit with data collection and observation along with client interchange. Go to office and prepare report for delivery to client usually by following morning. E-mail with Adobe PDF attachment. I use Whisper Reporter ... the new release of the Whisper product line.

More on flexible gas lines. Below is from a mailing residents in Sun City, TX (Georgetown, TX) received recently. It appears they have eliminated the use of 'flex' from the supply hard pipe to the hard pipe coming out of the furnace manifold and through the furnace wall. =================================== Gas Line Installations at Sun City Texas - per Jim Romine, Executive Director, SCT Community Association In the past, flexible metal hoses were used in the installation of gas furnaces here at Sun City Texas. This is the hose that brings the gas into your furnace from the gas source inside your home. This installation met all applicable City building codes at the time. According to Stan Johnson, President of Stan's Heating and Air, approximately two years ago, our City code changed and required that hard steel lines be used in the installation to replace these steel flexible lines. This was changed due to the slight possibility that the flexible line could be penetrated due to years of vibration. Since the Code was changed, all homes in Sun City have been installed per the new code. Some residents have expressed concern over the past use of the flexible metal lines and their existence in many homes in Sun City. Residents who are interested in having their lines replaced may call Stan's-Georgetown office at 869-6995. Stan's will be offering special rates this spring to switch the line for Sun City Residents. Please keep in mind that this line will need to be replaced to meet the new code if you sell your home at a future date. ============================================

No documentation with meter? Anything at manufacturer's website?

The above quote just one more reason this site is so great! Snippets of history from all over the U.S. Absolutely fantastic!

Check also height over walking area below lines and verify requirements in IRC and/or NEC. It is simply a "safety requirement" that must be corrected. At least you advise them of that ... if they choose not to correct ... that is their problem.

Don't forget to note having PVC painted for UV protection. Required in Texas, but not sure about your area.

Great for making it 'easy' for homeowner!! Also must have been drafty as there does not appear to be mastic or foil tape sealing seams.

Could be distance and/or camera angle, but are there lifted shingles at top left and middle left of roof? Has nothing to do with rafters! Comment above ... adding 2x resolves ridge beam/rafter issue all the time.

What an end to a great push. Did not look like his run toward the end zone was planned with the lack of 'sticky' on his fingers. Very frustrating ... to say the least!

Adding to the problem (noted in Jim's input above)are the builders "out in the county" who oft-times feel they are under 'no rules'. It is a fine line we balance when it comes to the basic fundamentals as noted in the IRC. The amenities (IE: tp holders) are like paint color, carpet style, etc. They technically don't impact the "functionality" of the home. On "new home finals" I'll help clients by advising them to be watchful and critical with their punch list as they do their final walk with builder.

Great information for the inspection library. Helps for adding clarity to reports as always.

I was doing some consulting work over the past 18 months and I used Vonage for the "company" phone. Company was in Denver ... I'm in Dallas. I also signed up for Vonage for my residential dial-tone. I got great service on the "company" phone ... now no longer doing that project and am still getting great service for residential Vonage. Saves a "bunch". Also blessed with "fiber to the home" and extremely high speed bandwidth.