robert1966

I was told Federal Pacific panels are no longer used due to fire risk. Do y'all find them in older homes and what do you recommend fi one is found? The home was 40 years old and the panel was in fair condition for its age.

I have never seen the light pole or tree before, I have seen a fire hydrant sitting in the right half of a drive way before restricking the driveway to only 11 feet wide a the street.

I agree with the foundation shifting, this is the worse I have seen at a door jam. Was there any cracks in the foundation in the same area in the rear of the home?

Great information and comments as always. I was under the impression that some sewage systems based on the types of some ordinaces require clean outs every so many feet of linear run. I have also seen where an additional clean out was added to a lon run in a line after a clog occurred in the area. The additional clean out was added while the work was being performed to make the next clean out jub easier.

I normally open both as stated above unless I cannot access the main service panel if it locked out. Most of them around here are converting to the new digital systems. I some thing find issues with older units but not the newer ones.

Yeal, most of the hooked or elbow vents I see here are for the Cat IV or high E furnace intakes and exhaust.

Great info and a good catch. I don't thing I would have though to touch this one, it's a shame it does not come in a screw on model with a weather tight gasket.

Great reply Bill, is there a site on the web about this roofing material?

On roof inspections I insist on seeing the roof and the attic structure to make a full assessment. The same goes for foundations, I want to see the interior structure to make a fulle assessment. I charge a flat rate fee for foundations and roof inspections.

Does any one on HIJ have any good sucess stories with Green Guard productions?

Thanks for the information, unfortunately, I was not around back in Mississippi when his home was being built so I am not real sure of if it has a nail flange and I only visited his new home once last Christmas and I do not remember about the flashing either. Thanks again.

Is there a time when even too many steel shims are too much? I have seen manufactured homes with 10-12 steel shims with a serious lean to them. At this point, should they have not reduced the steel shims and placed another concrete block?

It does not really look like the wonderboard I am use to along the cut edges, although it does have an open meshed edge. However wonderboard can be used on decks according to the man. guidelines. Easyboard is really designed for interior use, either way both products should be sealed along any cut or exposed seams... I may be wrong, just my 2 cents.

What do you think about primary HVAC lines on homes that drain into one or more of the sinks. I know this is allowed in our area and is quite common, even in my home. But these lines and the P-trap at these sinks seem to clog a lot more frequent than when the HVAC lines drain to the exterior. I have spoke with several master plumbers and they all seem to agree that this is a bad system. Input is appreciated

Have any of you ever been told by a builder that they do not caulk around the exterior windows? The reason I as is that is what the builder told my brother who had a home built in Mississippi. I told him that I note even small open seams or gaps in the window caulking "As in need of Repair"

I agree with the 1993 requirements, at least that is all I find. If you find anything different, please post it for us.

Of the HI's that use thermal imaging, what is the best training source for those that are just getting started with it?

Ok, I am back, I got the meaning of a Jack Wagon now.....I also looked at Mike Holmes home inspection web site and all I can say is if you pay the price he has on his web site for a home inspection, your are a jack wagon!

I appreciate the above advise as I will look at this and future experiences differently. I am going to have to Google Jack Wagon and Mike Holmes, it seems my 3 year old does not watch that channel. What really made me mad was the guy whose stuff was in the house was prior military. I have been in the Army Reserves for 26 years and I would have put a boot in his butt. What I did not disclose was the amount of plant stems and left over dried out weed in the closets and garage. It was a major harvest. There must have been 1000 or more plate stems in the home, as I stated before, the entire 1800 SF home was converted to grow weed. Everythng in the house was there for one purpose, growing weed. What gets me is the lack of concern by the authorities.

Great comments by Scott and Robert, I have not seen the need to become a member, although I have filed complaints against companies that were members. I have observed that some of the high profile HI companies in Houston are members. I have never been asked if I was a member though. I don't see the benefit for the cost, I think you may do better being a member of the city chambe rof commerce although I have not joined them yet either. I also know a lot of real estate professionals who are members of civic clubs, this may be a great networking vice also.

Ken Compton seems to have lots of marketing ideals, some of they are free advise if you sign up on his email list. Some of their ideals are prestty good though. I just am not fully convinced they are all are for me at a fee yet. Your can Google his name and get in on some of his free marketing interviews. I listen in from time to time to get some advice.

Darn, I missed it the post has been removed. I though it may have been my cuz vern from Piney Woods, Mississippi. We people from MS right really well!!!!!!Hey I am from MS so don't get madd....

I have also been hounded by BNI and the funny thing is they always need inspectors. I researched it and the requirements remind me of the last 26 years in the Army Reserves......Weekly meetings, telling you how to behave, etc....Just like Uncle Sam. Forward March! I personally am looking for a little more freedom. There are several BNI chapters in the Houston area.

I will follow back for more info, as I have seen wiring and plumbing thru the returns.... Thanks,

I had a similar situation with the tonage being different by 1/2 ton. Great post as I have learned a lot on this one......