Michael Carson

I have used pdf995 for several years and just installed it on my new laptop that runs Vista. It is very reliable with the best part being free. You can pay the small fee to have the advertisement go away if you would like.

When did, or did they ever, the EPA certify folks for radon testing? There are some here that claim EPA certification.

Budget about $25, 000 for a used one, a machine with 3D capability, like that one, $225, 000. Congrats on the baby! [:-graduat

Were you a sonar tech in the navy?

I agree with the fitness bands, etc. when you start out. Be sure to get right foods, good multivitamin, and at least a mid level protein powder (Optimum Nutrition, AST, etc) at minimum. Your body will recover faster and help with soreness and possible loss of sleep from overtraining. I am a three time body for life winner at our gym and looking at naturals competition next year.

I did tell them that they may have a problem with insurance. The buyer has a problem with panels with fuses anyway. I went over the panel with the buyer including the overfusing, etc. verbally my explanation in the report left alot to be desired.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I can see where I need the improvement.

Take a look at this panel and tell me if there is anymore I can say about this panel. In the report I typed "the main panel is an older 100amp panel with fuses, there are fuses of different amps installed. There is double tapping off multiple fuses and main pull out, suggest electrician evalaute panel/electrical system to include sub panels and repair/replace as needed". There was also a bunch of reverse polarity outlets, etc. Home seller gets their own electrician who says that it is a 100amp panel and there is nothing wrong with it. Soooo, buyer is having their own electrician look at it and it now becomes dueling electricians. Please take a look at the panel and tell me your thoughts. Be kind on my report writing. Looking back at it, I can change some things. Image Insert: 663.41 KB

Thats not true at all. If there is any smell of any kind it is cause something is wrong, poor installation, defect, neglect/poor maint. With a blind fold on you could not tell my boiler room from my bathroom. If your bathroom and boiler room smell the same, you need medical attention more than a furnace cleaning. [:-slaphap

Is anyone using scheduling software that is specific to home inspection? I am looking for software that I can use for scheduling that will also allow me to organize/display who I am receiving my referrals from etc. Thank you. [:-magnify

Improperly installed do it yourself window tint? Or, someone tried melting/killing the creature in Miscellaneous Discussions forum "The strangest Whatzit..." before throwing on the roof.

If you look closely you can see a few of the "tentacles" working their way under the shingles. Then when the home owners are laying in the bed asleep, you feel something wet on your scalp and forehead. Sleep well camping.

Wisconsin is meeting this month to adopt Arc Faults, outlet safety covers, etc can you guys give me hints and tips as how to handle Arc faults during an inspection? I feel uneasy tripping these things because one only knows what else they are going to feed. So, any help is appreciated. Also, I have seen Arc fault testers at the big box, is purchasing this product also a good idea? Thank you in advance.

I was a member of our local networking organization, got alot of business from them. When I was a member, I would do a meet and greet with the big players in the group at their home and do a mini inspection, look in attic, panel off furnace, things like that. Then when the folks referred me, they all spoke highly of what I did. Great piece of marketing.

I do not have the answer yet on the switch, the uncle is an electrician and I am awaiting his phone call. I will keep everyone posted as to what is found. What was causing the heat? I have seen that on switches for multi-bulb fixtures that did not have the proper ratings for the amount of Watts being used.

Purchased a Flir BCam SD, battery lasts me one full day. I am able to find things like this light switch on a new home that was missed the previous week by another inspector. Download Attachment: IR_0251.jpg 33.04 KB

Here is an IR image I use to demonstrate why they need to be vented to the outdoors. The vent was not running and note how much heat is escaping up and heating the structure above. The day I took this the temp outside was -15 degrees, and there was one heck of an ice dam. So, I always suggest that the vents terminate outdoors. Image Insert: 31.85 KB

I use a Canon power shot SD 30 ELPH. 10X zoom, 5.0 Mega Pixels, takes video and records voice, etc. All controls are very easy to use and is very small, I carry it in a holster on my belt. Had it in rain, sleet, snow (up to -35 without windchill) and it works beautifully. Came with very easy to use software and other gadgets. I would suggest this camera without reservation. If you go to Amazon.com you can find cameras of all varieties that are reasonably priced. Hope this helps.

Belay my last, Don't become a discount inspector. Haven't had my 2nd cup of coffee. Sorry.

Jim is right about not listening to what the schools say about easy money. They are a business like everyone else and this is one way they keep the classes full. As a newer inspector, I can verify that you will be working 2-3 years building your business, obtaining reputation, etc. Just market your @#$ off, stay above board and become a discount home inspector and the business will come.

Wow, I was going to ask a vermiculite question on this forum the other day for feedback and here we are. Had one yesterday with "possible" asbestos shingles, Vermiculite insulation in attic, Asbestos type wrap on ducts, etc. Suggested to have professionally tested and removed.

I used to go to the front desk staff and ask if I could be put on their list. They, so far, are happy to do it. Most realtors here have their own lists anyway with their own preferred people. One office has their "conceirge" list. These are folks who have paid $1500 to be on the list, I advise people to be careful with lists and interview the inspectors, etc. I get more business through word of mouth or the internet so I really do not market in the offices anymore. My world has been brighter since. [:-party]

Our old faithful dishwasher bit the dust today. [:-weepn] Does anyone have any suggestions, within reason, on a particular type of dishwasher and why. Researching online I found that just about all are subject to some form or another recall. Any help would be appreciated. [^]

I want to be a grounded outlet for Halloween. []

I purchased one last month. I have taken it to all my inspections. I am still telling folks that I am still training and learning. I was in a house this week with a drop ceiling. I pull out the infrared camera just to see what I can see. There was a tile in a spot that was not easily accessible that was warmer than the rest. I moved a couple tiles shined the light back there and found a heat duct that had disconnected itself at the seam leaving about a 1/4 inch gap around it. The register still had a fair amount of heat coming out. I am finding out that the IR camera is not the last word but it does alert me to areas to pay attention too.