DonTx

How far does the NEC allow the wires to be stripped back from a breaker terminal? Does anyone have the code?

Phillip, No, I probably wouldn't have found it. I don't usually pull these off. Kurt, this is what I call a transition piece between the top of the direct vent fireplace and the flue. It's not connected.

Thanks John and everyone else. Amazing, the new home I inspected today had a plastic face plate below the brass one. First time I've seen one like this. Also, since I've been thinking about it a little more, the foam piece that I generally see below the brass plate is just like the foam piece that goes under the outdoor cover plates. Probably one and the same.

Normally when I find floor outlets there is a brass cover plate and a piece of foam around the receptacles. Today's home had the brass coverplate but once you flipped up the receptacle covers, the terminal screws on the outlet were not covered. What should be in place to protect a person from getting zapped? Does the foam piece have a name other than "foam piece around the receptacle?"

Thanks everyone! Steve, I appreciate the CPSC link. I'm lucky they didn't send out that report yet!! Donald "Now I know...and knowing is half the battle" ...GI Joe

The way I understand it is that CO is heavier than oxygen and will start to pool at the floor and work it's way up. Kinda like "filling" up a room or home. If this is so...why are smoke detectors combined with CO detectors (other than financial reasons). Some builders are putting these combos in their new home while other are putting the CO detectors next to the smoke alarms. Shouldn't the CO detectors be near the floor? Donald

I don't trust cities, counties or the state myself. In the future, if they need the tax base, they will re-classify any part of ground plus they're talk the Feds into helping them. Looks like there is another high area out a little further in the picture. What will keep someone from building there and block your view? Donald

Thanks everyone, that's what I needed. Donald

Does the NEC require the use of 4 prong 220V outlets for dryers or are the old 3 prong still allowed in new construction? Donald

Just got a call from the Client. She wasn't there and had sent her son-in-law to the Inspection. She said "Oh, the Seller is an Engineer, the neighbors say he can do anything" "Except wire an FPE Panel" I thought I just told her "That would explain a lot of things" Donald

First time I've seen such a contraption. Anyone have any ideas? EDIT: It will probably help to start with the last photo first.

Found this jewel today. The scary thing is, he's still probably out there doing this!! Someone's gotta stop him! Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_0394[1].jpg 71.38 KB

Chris, I had a similar problem when I bought their QuickCheck software. I thought I could change it around to meet Texas' promulgated form. However when I changed it around too much it would lock up every time I opened the program. I'd have to completely uninstall the program and get rid of every folder associated with it and re-install it. After a half dozen times doing this I said "enough" and went back to Whisper. Got the same answers you did from PV. It was either me or the puter or "we'll research it and get back with you". Donald

Take a look at Whisper Solutions software. It is a data base system as opposed to much of the software ou there now that is MS Word based. Whisper can do all the things you want it to at a cost a lot less than other "commercial" software ($225). I've tried most of the software out there and in my opinion Whisper beats it all hands down. Simple to use with powerful functions. Although it was originally intended for Texas inspectors, the owners will now modify it for your state. You can find it at; http://www.whispersolutions.com Donald

Chad, I'm sorry, you're correct!! The most important reason to own a Hummer is because chicks dig 'em!!!! Of course, that's about all I see driving them. Donald

Scott, My mother/father in-laws have had two KIA's. They bought them because of the warranty and have needed several times on both vehicles (turn lights have fallen out of both vehicles going down the road just to name one). They get crappy service no matter which dealership they go to and it's always a hassle getting warranty work done. FYI Donald

Easy Mike!! Things change. I'm sure if you'll take a ride down to the local dealer and take a test drive you'll see the civy version doesn't have much in common with their military conterparts any more. Besides, Jimmy may have been talking about a 'different version' of the Hummer when he said "Who wouldn't love a Hummer. Donald

Trying to find the 'best' inspection vehicle is like asking 10 people what the best rifle is. It's the one that fits you and that you shoot the best. You need extra room for tool bags and goodies plus room for your ladders. Depending upon your tool choice, that can be anything from a compact to a van. I think Mike or Kurt's choice would be great if you're comfortable driving the smaller vehicles. I know a lot of inspectors who drive mini vans for the room and gas mileage. I think you also have to look at your inspection area. I bet trying to get around in Kurts environment in a 4 door Extra Cab F-250 would be a pain in the arse. However it might just be the ticket if you do a lot of inspections in smaller communities and rural areas. If you get a lot of winter weather you might also consider adding a 4x4 to the options. Pick what you like to drive and one that has plenty of room for the toys. I currently have a 2000 Silverado extended cab. I hope it has one more year in it (147,000 miles on it currently) and then I'll be looking at buying Suburban or Tahoe....um...well...I'll probably take over my wife's Tahoe and buy her another one or a Suburban...that's what I meant to say. (I can never tell when she might read my post) I always thought a Hummer would be the perfect inspectormobile, but I can hear my Clients now..."No damn wonder he's higher than everyone else...look at what he drives". It sounds like you've worked hard. Buy something nice and reward yourself. Donald

Terry, We do quite a few 1 year warranty inspections. For the last few years I've been putting together our mailings. Most states separate new construction homes and existing home sales when they are sold and logged in at the county. You then pick out the new home sales from the previous year for the month you want. I like to send mine out at the 10th month. Earlier and they forget you, later and they may have found someone else. I send out a letter and brochure simply because there is a lot of competition in my area for this niche. This has upped my return as compared to just sending a letter or brochure. I'm now starting to help other inspectors in other states market their 1 Yr. warranty inspections (yes, for a fee). Email me if you'd like more info. I'll have to check, but I think that OH is one of the states that does not separate new and existing home sales for taxation purposes. That makes it tough to target strictly new home buyers although you could market you maintenance inspections to these people. Donald

I light 'em and like Bruce, carry a long grill lighter. I tell clients if they will be using the fireplace, to get them one or the long fireplace matches. I've only burnt the hair off my arms once. It was an older home and I barely cracked the valve open and this baby was a friggin blow torch!![:-jump] I then started turning it all the way up to show my clients how dangerous this particular unit was. Half way open and the flames were just inside the opening. They got the picture. Sometimes when I expect wasp or other critters in the flue, I'll turn on the burner for about a minute and slowly open the flue. I've torched a few lively wasp this way. It kinda takes the fight out of 'em. Donald

Crusty, this is the type of joint I'm talking about. It's a rather large file, I didn't reduce it. Download Attachment: 0371.JPG 170.29 KB

Let me clarify, a joint at the bottom board of a doubled top plate. If they occur in a structural wall, then there must be a stud there. I'm just wondering if they would be required at butt joints of the pony wall supporting the floor joist in the crawlspace. Donald

Yesterdays home was a 7300 sf custom home. 1 Yr. warranty job. When they started the home they poured a slab, then supposedly the city told them it was too low. (it may be in a flood plane) The builder then used pony walls with 2x6 double bottom plates and double top plates. My question is, I know that if there are butt joints at the bottom top plate then a stud has to be added. Would a stud at the butt joints be required at the bottom top plate of these pony walls? (I donlt see why not, just wanna make sure before I put it down) Also, some parts of this foundation had mil plastic stapled on the bottom side of the joist while most areas didn't. The batt insulation had the paper backing facing the floor. I know paper is suppose to face the living side of the home in an attic, but how about in the crawlspace in a hot/humid climate? I've seen it the other way on some pier & beam homes in the area. (paper facing the ground, no moisture barrier over the soil) Donald

What got me to thinking about this was a question the other day from a client. She said that they'd had a gas leak once with a range. She was there with her kids and could not figure out where in the range the leaks was. She knew the shut off was behind the range but could not slide it out to shut it off nor could she reach it when she tilted it forward. She ended up calling the gas company who told her to leave the home and wait for a gas tech to arrive. Her question to me was...."What should I have done?". "Exactly what you did" I told her. She said if the shut off vavle would have been where she could have reached it, then she could have shut it off. True enough I guess. Donald

Some builders are putting the gas shut off valves in the cabinets to either side of the range. Since someone mentioned the "spirit" of the code, here is the IRC's definition of "ready access". READY ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction. Wouldn't the range be considered an obstruction? Donald