DonTx

Somehow, I knew someone would spin it this way... [:-bigeyes

I had a Norton Warning pop up on the screen today saying I'd been infected the the Backdoor Trojan. Of course it couldn't repair it. So I shut down the computer and restart it in safe mode and turn off System Restor and run Nortan again in Safe Mode. Nothing shows up. So, I restart under normal again and run another full Norton scan. Nothing. By the way, I have a Norton subscription and have automatic updates as well as the MS firewall, DSL router and the rest of the MS security package. What happened to the Trojan? Was this a hiccup? Donald

Believe it or not, it did run to a disconnect box. You can't tell by the picture, but the flex stopped shortly behind the SP. Like they just stuck it in there. There were about a dozen items that were wrote up on the electrical, that flex was just one.

Well Mr. Cramer, that would be the flex conduit for the A/C wiring.

Hey, don't laugh, the man knows his bonding. - Jim Katen, Oregon I don't doubt JP knows quite a bit about bonding and many other things. I'm sure he's an outstanding and knowledgeable inspector. It's his...hmmmm....let's just say "communication style" rubs me the wrong way. The "if you don't agree with me you're wrong and even if you do agree with me, you're still wrong" style gets a little old. That and the need to reply on every single freakin' post, sometimes more than once. LOL I think the classic case was when WJ called him out over saying any A/C condenser with a worn data plate needed replaced. That was Classic. Thanks for the advice on the gutters. I've never opened one myself. I read somewhere, perhaps it was here or in Douglas's book, that you should never open one. Ever since, I've been curious to see the inside of one but my healthy respect of electricity keeps me from doing it. The reason I use the word "cut" for the bonding straps is because that's how it's done around here most often (when it's done at all). I think removing the straps altogether would be better, but it takes longer to do that cutting the thin ones. (I believe SD has a very thick strap, more like a plate)

Okay, someone go get JP, I have bonding question...LOL...NOT! Here's the set up. I have the main service entrance and three panel boxes on one side of the home and two (I'll call 'em sub panels for now) in the garage. Here's the set up at the meter. Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_2428[1].jpg 160.98 KB Two main service panels on top, another panel on bottom serving the pool equipment. Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_2426[1].jpg 173.03 KB Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_2427[1].jpg 167.23 KB Here's a pic of the box serving the pool equipment. Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_2430[1].jpg 190.57 KB Now the two "sub panels" in the garage still had the strap bonding the ground and neutral bus bars. If I've got this right, the ground and neutrals are already bonded in the 2 main panels. So the straps connecting the ground and neutral bus bars in the garage sub panels need to be cut. Also, the green wire in the lower panel for the pool equipment looks like a ground wire and will need to be seperated from the neutral wire. Correct? If not, show me the error of my ways! Thanks,

Is there any truth that AFCI breakers should not be stacked in a service panel because they can build up heat? If so, is there any documents to back this up? Thanks Donald

Perhaps it's the redneck in me, but I kinda like that wall with all those pockets. It'd be one handy area to store stuff! My previously mentioned Bachelors pad had green and gold wall to wall carpet. It really set off the wood tone paneling. The commode was that cool 70's green and the sink was yellow and the tub...was somewhere in between. Man, those 70's trailer designers were the greatest! Sadly, I think my little love nest may have been the reason I stayed single for over 8 years. Women were not open minded enough to appreciate the advanced decor. That's why I wouldn't let current wife see it until I had proposed, just in case she had less decor taste than I did. Just as I had expected, her taste were not up to mine. Her first words after seeing it were "We're not living in THAT!!" I can hear ole Mac Davis now..."It's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way"

Now that brings a tear to my eye! At first thought, I was thinking "It's a trailer, why bother?" Then I remembered what a pain in the arse it was to wrestle a partialy sunken water heater out of the jaws of a rotten floor. I especially like the decor in the background. Reminds me of my bachelor years. 8 years living in a 12x52 Palacial Mansion. Best $1200 I ever spent! She didn't go up in value but she sure as heck couldn't go down much. (I sold it for $500 when I got married)

Mike, thanks a million for the illustrations. They helped a lot. BTW, I've done the first two inspections for my client when he wasn't at the site. He made it this inspection and before I left he handed me a biz card. As usual he just attached it to his paperwork without looking and said my "Goodbye". I knew he worked for NASA but that was about all I knew. Got down the road a ways and looked at it while sitting at a light, it said "Xxxx Xxxx, Astronaut". "Damn, how cool can that be to have a biz card like that." I thought. Got home and later last night did a google search on his name. This guy is a Who's Who in Navy Aviation and NASA. Top Gun pilot, Test Pilot, two shuttle flights, one as a commander, time in Russia with the MIR program, etc. The neat thing is you wouldn't know it being around him. Super nice guy and I never heard an ounce of arrogance. I told my wife if I'd had all those achievements, my head would be so big no one could stand to be around me!! It's pretty sweet to know you can be of service to someone like this.

I have a townhome that I'm doing the phase inspection on. The windows are aluminum framed windows like you might find on a commercial job. They do not have a traditional nailing fin, they are installed with screws through the bottom frame and the side frame. Here's my problem. I can not find any manufacturers name on the windows. The builder is no help in telling who the manufacturer is. Since these frames set inside the window opening, there is a gap around the frames. The builder has used bitumen type flexible flashing on other windows in this complex. Also Tyvek paper has been used around the rough opening. Is this a typical installation method for these type of windows? I have the AAMA 2400 standards, but they seem to only cover windows with a nailing flange, not the type of windows that set into the opening. My concern is that the gap between the window frame and the framing will only be covered by Window Wrap flexible flashing, which doesn't seem correct. Thanks, Download Attachment: .jpg"] IMG_2339[1].jpg 135.94 KB

Pahrump, in the Land of Nye? Say Monte, you ever run into Art Bell? I use to come through by there the middle of the night when I hauled trailers. It would give me the creeps listening to him on the radio and being the only vehicle out there for miles around.

I guess I'm a wanderer. I start in the Kitchen and from there it's anyone's guess where I'll go. I have no set pattern of inspecting the interior. I just go with the flow....must be the Feng Shu in me. [:-blindfo The same is true for the outside, clockwise..counterclockwise...flip a coin...I don't have a pattern. My decision is usually based on where the gate to the backyard is. It it's really hot and the home is vacant, I'll pull down the attic access stairs and turn on the bathroom exhaust fans (provided they don't actually go outside like they should) while I'm inspecting to cool the attic down a little. Donald Lawson Houston Texas "A rebel against organization"

I feel your pain Bro. At one time, uninsulated KT, 3 prong 220V outlets, 2 prong non grounded outlets were all common. (Still see a lot of 3 prong 220V outlets in new construction) I'm not sure if it's in the New NEC version or the old, but what I use is 110.14(a), the manufacturers sticker on the cabinet plus a UL listing which, I can not find right now but I'm sure someone has handy, perhaps Bro Katen or Douglas.

Hi Monte, Pre-treats are done before the slab is poured. PC companies here carry a tank in back of their trucks with the goods already premixed. They just pull up and apply it. It's a strange thing here in Texas. In the Houston area, supply lines are not ran through the slab. In the San Antonio and maybe Austin and other areas, it's common.

All I know about the situation is what I posted above. I found it strange that the chemicals could get into a water system that did not have leaks. I've betting that there will be a leak found or dirt or other contaminates got into the water lines when they were plumbing the home. Very few new homes are pre-treated here. Some of the cities are requiring it per the IRC, but many look the other way. Anyhow, I'll be waiting to see what becomes of this. Donald

I received this notice from another TAREI member. The notice came from the Pest Control board. There is a pre-treat issue developing in the Bryan/College Station "Pebble Creek" subdivision. A home was pre-treated with an organophosphate product. The homeowners kept smelling and tasting "chemical" in their water. Water tests revealed the presence of "pesticide solvents." The home is plumbed with "Pex" pipe. Per the attorney representing the homeowners, the pipe has been tested and does not have any leaks. This might indicate that the solvent penetrated the pipe. More homes are being tested and as things develop I will keep you informed. This should be interesting to watch unfold.

Not trying to hi-jack the thread here, but I have a Client moving here from NJ. She said Inspectors there are putting people on waiting list to inspect their homes. She some people are choosing to buy homes without inspections because they can not find an Inspector before their option period expires. Is this correct? Seems you guys should be able to write your own retirement checks if it is/was true!!!

...She was disappointed that we don't have any members there... Looks like you're gonna have to bring that educational road show of yours down here to Dixie so some of us can qualify for membership!! That's too far for me unless she wants to pony up some $$$, besides, the oldest home I've done to date is 1919 in downtown Houston. We do a fare number of the older homes down there, but nothing like that one.

Actually, for a new inspector, her prices are rather high. Last year, before the new requirements kicked in, we had RE schools here turning out new inspectors every 21 days. These same schools would then turn around and hire some of the "Professional Inspectors" they just trained as instructors. I'm finding more and more new guys who are slashing their prices because they think it will help them stay in business. Of course, many of the Realtors love it because they can control those type of inspectors. They soon will be gone, replaced by other new inspectors and the cycle will start over. Our prices start at about what Mike charges, and that is for a very small condo; inside only. Our Phase inspections are about the same price range as well. I can't tell you how many times this is discussed at conferences and seminars and the same ole reply is "Well, everyone charges a dime a square, that's the way it has been for years." I've given up trying to explain to many of them that things go up in price. If they can't look around and see that, then they need to be standing in the unemployment line.

...I really don't want to be labelled an alarmist or even just a dumbass.... I ran across Rosie's website the other day...she doesn't want to be an alarmist either...LOL http://www.rosieinspections.com/ I'm not sure what a "non-alarming delivery" is....is that where you don't sneak up on them and holler "FIRE HAZARD..RUN"?

LMAO, Kurt, that's exactly what I thought when I saw that pic. Now, back to business..lol What are these streaks (red arrows) on this furnace? I'm assuming they are moisture related. Have never got the chance to tear apart a heat xchanger...yet. Download Attachment: IMG_1878.jpg 60.33 KB

Thanks guys, now we're cooking!!!

Gotcha...thanks everyone. Mike, have JLC send you a commission check, I renewed my online membership just so I could read that article. I like Dennis's articles. I've referred several of my Stucco clients to RAM here in Houston.

So, would it be correct to say that natural stone needs a support ledge but faux stone doesn't?