RickSab

Thanks, I considered a leveling compound but the thickness was puzzling. It was the same level ah the plywood in the hall. You guys have all been very helpful. Thats why this board is the best.

I came across a type of sub flooring I am unfamiliar with. It's a mortar type material, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Based on what can be seen in the basement it is over a wood subfloor and wood joists. Linoleum was laid right over this material. I suspect it might be a fireproofing or sound proofing material. The problem is is has cracked and the floors are uneven. This is a four unit multi family built around 1942. Click to Enlarge 43.06 KB

I have taken to wearing them for the entire inspection. DeWalt has a great pair with bifocal lenses for reading in them. They make sunglasses versions too, it was getting to the point I couldn't read serial numbers anymore.

I would tell my client that I am calling it out, especially if the client is older. Of course there is little that can be done about it. Even if the code at the time is was built was a max of 7 3/4 the AHJ can make an exception. Too late to do anything about it.

I much prefer my mac over the PC I have. The problem is I use HomeGuage and they don't make a mac version, but there is hope! I contacted them a few weeks ago and thy expect to have an IPad version this summers.

Wouldn't a fire rated expandable foam work. Great stuff and others make fire block spray.

Just ordered both. Look forward to delivery.

It must have been a slow news day. I don't know anyone who can say thats asbestos just by looking at it. As for mold I think the inspector may have been trying to cover his butt. Some inspectors are afraid to say the M word. In the midwest I haven't seen much Chinese drywall. I think if I spotted some of the associated problems then I might think to look, but if it's up and painted and I can't get behind a sheet what next. It's outside of the scope. The anonymous inspector may be heading off a law suit. If he's the whistle blower he might not get sued for missing something. Too bad he thinks the minimum standard prevents him from giving his customers good value foe the money.

I love a good flashlight and a good deal. If your looking for a deal and 200 lumes works for you, check out Costco. For less than $20 I bought a three pack of tactile flashlights by Techlight. They are only 4.5" long. They use three AAA batteries. You could use rechargeable batteries. The only downside is the switch is on the bottom of the flashlight and I occasionally walk around with a shining light in my back pocket.

Thanks to all. Some of the Sears stuff drives me nuts. Jim, How did you arrive at 1985. I'd like to update the charts you already provided. Thanks again to all.

I came across a Sears furnace model 867.769030. The size and woodgrain front panel suggest it is old. The yellow energy efficiency rating label has no number, it says "Your contractor has the energy fact sheet. Ask for them" but the furnace has a 98% efficiency banner on the front. I can't find an age code for a sears and the Kenmore makes no sense. The serial number is H429 61602. It is vented out the wall Any ideas on age? Thanks, Rick

Thanks to all that replied. I thought 01 also, but it looks to new. I plan to call them tomorrow. I'll post what I find out. Enjoy whats left of the weekend.

I have a 81 gal 154,000 btu A O Smith hot water heater I need help finding the age of. It looks like it was recently installed (2years) but, I used Mike trusty age chart and this serial number is longer than the charts coding. Serial number MMO1-1353893-110. Does anyone have a new date formula? Thanks for the help.

I know its overloaded but how many appliances can be run into a chimney. Yesterdays inspection, a typical Chicago three flat had 7 gas burning appliances in one brick chimney. 3 furnaces and 4 hot water heaters. The chimney, as an aside' was also collapsing in upon itself from the roof up so it's good only the top floor was occupied.

LEED is a work in progress. Certainly not perfect. Unfortunately like many things today everyone is trying to figure out how to make money off it or anything sustainable. It will take some time but I think we will get there. I was at a Residential Green Building meeting last night and the people involved truly want to make a difference. The group consisted of builders, modelers, Architects, bankers, and Realtors, all working at the local level to improve the system. Many feel hindered because those involved with USGBC, NAR and others have to tow the policy line even if they disagree with it. What was sad is that I was the only home inspector there. Sooner or later we will need to be involved as an industry because the movement is here to stay. We need to be heard because we are the ones who will have to deal with it down the line. As for green building codes, see if there are any classes offered in your area by your state. In Illinois there were several all day classes offered for free, code books and all. It was part of federal money given to the state. The classes were offered to designers and inspectors. The biggest takeaway I got was that many communities would likely farm out green inspections rather that pay to have their inspectors trained. Illinois adopted the energy code state wide(except Chicago). For now I am trying to navigate the green waters. Like the 70's there is a lot of crap out there, however there are some good products, materials and systems that are sustainable. Sustainability is here to stay.

While I am interested in alternative energy and I see a need to educate inspectors about the technologies that are beginning to appear in residential building; I don't feel we need advertising in the forum. Thanks for the edit.

Kurt, Please be sure to post when your presentation will be and where. I don't see much of this so I'd like to attend.

I will be in Nashville for the conference. Last year was the first time I attended. It was in Chicago so it was convenient. I had a good time and found the educational classes worth the price of admission. There are always one or two where the instructor can put you to sleep, but most of them were well informed and interested in teaching you something new. Illinois only requires six CEU's a year so this conference more that fulfills that, however I like to attend as many as I can for my benefit and that of my clients. Anyone else going? Lets meet for a cold beverage.

I've only run into this once. The city wanted the roof certified before the property could close. I contacted the city for my client to see what they required and their only requirement was that a Licensed Roofer put in writing that the roof was in good condition and submit it on company letterhead.

This is an excellent article. I built decks for years and always made them self supporting. It ment more posts but I avoided penetrating the siding whenever possible. The decks were almost always a step or two below the the interior floor anyway so attaching to the band joist was not an option. We always tried to step down to avoid snow and ice buildup at the threshold. Most of the decks I see now are homeowner built and I get a lot of pushback when I point out problems.

Sorry guys its late. I've been on the road the last three days. Now that I look at it again I feel stupid. Its right in front of me. Duh

Anyone know how to decode the serial number on a Gibson furnace? They are a Nordyne company. Here is what I got 10253P8H1G Thanks for the help.

I am glad to see this discussion continue. I have not found a lot of interest in energy audits and found it better to hook up with some one to recommend than to spend the money myself. As for CFL's I cut my electric in half changing lights out. I did find out though that a lot of occupancy sensors do not work with electronic ballasts. Read the fine print. I hope LEDS continue to fall in price. They work fine with occupancy sensors. Right now it takes a long time to save the cost of a LED though.

Thanks for all the help. I've seen the holes woodpeckers have left in rafters and trim when they go after the carpenter bees. They were never so uniform. One of the things I love about this place is you get to learn something new every day.

My first thought was wood peckers,but the holes always lined up perfectly and repeated on some sheets at the exact same spacing. Always horizontal patterns about 30 inches apart.