islander238

Thanks gentlemen, I appreciate the support. That's how I feel about it.

Am I missing something here? This flat roof has 2 sheets of 5/8 low-density fiberboard underlayment with a plank deck under that. 1) Would it get this spongy (note the footprint) with a leak in the rubber covering (I am assuming it can, but rather than assume, I am asking for an opinion)? 2) Would it be common to add a foam board insulation to a repaired area (white styrofoam), and then add the rubber covering over that? How about a lot of cement or tar to level out a prior repair (the garage door header was replaced and painted over). It was actually spongy enough to maintain my footprint in the roof covering (but then would relax), for a bit. Temperature today was 65/sunny, inspection at 3:00PM. It does not seem swollen under the covering and there are no signs of moisture in the garage area, soffits or interior. No signs of moisture. You can make a 1/2+ inch divit if you push your finger in it. Thanks in advance. Click to Enlarge 48.61 KB

Thanks again boys. As always, when I have to look something up or come here for input, I pass that information along to my clients. In this case, they wrote me a really nice review, so you all share in the credit.

Could this be used for some sort of pump motor? I admit I have not seen this set up before. I was originally thrown off by the SC for the electric heat (just seeing it in the box). Panel had a breaker for the well pump, so this does not serve the well pump or sump. I could not find any other motor or device that might need this. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the help guys.

My apologies... Click to Enlarge 86.9 KB

I came across this appliance today. SC for the electric heat comes in from underground and into this box and then on to the 100A 240V electric heat panel (separate SC for the house electrical). My question is, what is this brown box I'm looking at? I see it reads "Arrow Heat" model E on the left side, but I cannot identify it. Do any one of you what this appliance is?

Yahoo this morning. Homeowner sues over homes troubled past

I sort of see this as a "do-unto-others" kinda thing. Perhaps the buyers are from out of town (or state, OR country) and don't know. Would I want to know about an issue such as the one Bill proposed? One that could potentially cause me difficulty to resell my property? You bet I would. I don't think an ethics issue like this would go in my report, sort of outside the scope of the inspection. I would make an advisement, though. I would very carefully but tastefully do what I could to make my clients aware of the recent history and then stand by my word should any chips fall. After all, in Minnesota a seller would have to disclose relevant history such as this, so the bug is on them. If I have my facts straight, I have nothing to worry about. If a Realtor got mad, I would point out their responsibility concerning disclosure issues. If they didn't use me again, good, I don't want associate with someone who does business like that. I am more concerned about doing a good job and subsequently getting quality referrals from satisfied clients than you-know-who. Again, I would want to know. After all, if the price is right, anything can be sold. Maybe my client uses the information and renegotiates the price. Serves someone right for trying to pull a fast one.

I'm sorta in both camps. I type well, but lately I have been using Microsoft speech recognition that comes with windows 7. Once you train on it, things go pretty well. For those that want to try it free, go to start menu, all programs, accessories, ease of access, speech recognition. You will need a mic, of course, but once you get it up and running you can see if it works for you. And you already have it free on your operating system.

Like Jim I used my brain. If it looks good, I'd turn it on. Recently had a job with an electric baseboard in the basement, turned it on. Turns out I inadvertently bumped a pigtailed wire in the panel. Darned if I could figure it out. Cost me $310. Electrician said no way of knowing.

Sorry to hear. At least you can write it off and you had a little fun with it. You are ahead of your time.

Marc, I Googled your Parrot 2.0 right after you posted. Nice purchase (I like the orange/yellow). I was thinking of ordering a pair of Cougar Paws for steep roofs, but this would be sweet. Great for winter and high chimneys. Keep us posted (maybe even post some pics).

The guys have listed most of what I use; but I carry in with me a side tool pouch with a Stinger flashlight, pen, shutoff tags, 8' tape measure, outlet tester (w/GFCI), level, temp sensor (pen type), utility knife, voltage sniffer, screwdriver. laser pointer, dust mask and of course a camera (I actually get all of it in a small pouch). I also carry a tool bag in with me containing a small tarp, shoe covers, spare batteries, extra camera, extra flashlight, binoculars, 25' tape measure, water bottle and my paperwork/leave behind stuff. In the van, my ladders, raincoat, and a small toolbox behind the seat with odds and ends including tyvek suit, masks, gloves, toilet paper and spare light bulbs. I also have a hard hat for nasty crawls. It may seem like a lot, but my tool bag usually stays by the front door. My worksheet has a checkout section where I account for all of my tools before I lock the door. -Hope this helps you out.

Thanks for the information, Mike. I'm going to be taking another look at my reports. Good stuff here.

Only $14,995 for the base model. I thought I'd pick up two in case I forget to charge the battery.

Deveraux412, Please understand I was not shooting at you. I, too, have had limited experience with the shake-n-bake. My post was a response to what I would have liked to see as well. The course Mike was referring to is what would be a "dream" education for many of us. I did not mean to offend, or make light of your situation. My experience has been, that these courses promise big, but do not meet all expectations. Each person's journey is different and much of that journey (at least for me) has been me searching for ways to improve my knowledge base on what I already knew, and better ways to communicate that information to others.

Figuring student/instructor ratio of 10:1, say an instructor makes $8,000/mo (double that number for support staff and benefits); room ($20/day/90days); food $10day/90days); school supplies (might get promotional rates from vendors), software, books, tools $1,000 (figure derived from one year of books at a local university); $1,000 premium for the school for facility and lab. I figure the 40 hour 1 on 1 is included in the 480 hours and is included in salary. 24/7 support is part of staff support. Total package $9,400 If a person considered what he/she would pay for a franchise, that's a bargain. Some problems: 1) Accrediting 2) Convincing someone that they will succeded (people tend to think a franchise will guarantee success, JAO) 3) Marketing and maintaining student flow (startup and in good/bad times) 4) Time away from family. I think most start up inspectors are older, around 40+ (again JAO) and have families that would frown on the time away. 5) A serious program like this would only attract serious folk; as many of you know, this business trends to attract persons wishing to make "easy" money. The gene pool shrinks yet further. I wish I'd had that kind of intense training (and the business startup education and software instruction). I actually spent the better part of two years on getting into this business and trying out software before going to school (and yes, I read this entire forum, even had a method for that). I had the benefit of a realtor friend (I know those two words shouldn't be paired together) who let me into houses and I used information from this forum to make sense of it all. My official schooling was good (I learned about as much about what I did not want for my business as what I did). All said, I would have paid the $9,400 less the room and board. I am not in a place where I could take that kind of time away from my family, but the thought of that kind of training, now, would have been welcome. Just my 2 cents.

Wish I'd have known this about three weeks ago building shelves in my garage. I used a chalk line but this would have been faster and with better result. Thanks for the tip, learned something today.

Pro- I am going to assume you are old enough to see where this is going. If it looks, walks and quacks like a duck, its a duck. Lawyers like to start slow. If they didn't want to mess with you, they wouldn't be messing with you. Get a good nights sleep, and call your attorney in the morning. Do not fill out a questionnaire, do not speak with this lawyer, do not speak to your client without your own council. -JAO Good luck, keep us in the know.

ColdSnowden- Regardless of the condition of the hot water heater, its operation (or lack there of) is unacceptable. You may be aware that temperatures above 120 degrees are a scalding hazard, even more so with small or infant children. Your building maintainence person should be told in no uncertain terms that you are paying rent and it is reasonable to assume that the unit should come with more than 5 minutes of hot water at a safe temperature. Save yourself some time and request a new heater. "They claim that a lot of tenants have this problem and cranking it up to 140 solved it for them. We had to sign a waiver to take it above 120 and now it is at 130 and it is not much better." THEY are advising you to turn your water heater above 120 degrees and YOU have to sign a waiver? Get a new heater or a new apartment. -Just an opinion.

I deliver my reports the next day, or if I'm done sooner, that evening. One thing I've learned here is that there are many successful ways to deliver a quality report. I let my clients know during booking that the report will come by email the next day to help manage their expectations. I have had no problems -yet. When I gather information on site, I use a self-made checklist that jibes with my software. That way I know I won't miss anything and can write my report at home. As a newer inspector, I take 3 hours on site and 3 hours at home (sometimes even more). I go over the pictures, look in my books, and refer here. I do whatever it takes to get it right. I know that as I progress in this business the time I take to draft a report will improve. I also know that the future of my business relies on actions and habits made today. I read my completed report a time or two and then have my wife read it to be sure it makes sense to her. I wish I had the confidence (perhaps experience) to write on site, but for me that extra step to reference my findings is invaluable.

I don't use my cell often, I used to use Virgin Mobile. I read somewhere that if you use less than 300 minutes per month, you save vs. the big carriers/contract. I now have a Tracfone with an LG 800. Not a smart phone (well its kinda smart, talk text and data), but it gets the job done. On Amazon they have one for $99 and it comes with 1200 minutes, one year to use them and triple minutes for life when you reload (works out to 8 cents per min). One year service means you have one year to use the minutes, and you can add any time or let the minutes run out. No contracts. I switched because I needed a new phone and this one got great reviews. The camera is a good backup, but doesn't replace my Sony handheld. I hate to sound like a salesman for this thing, but for someone that doesn't use my phone that often, it works for me. If you live on your phone, you can do better. Hope this helps someone out.

Happy New Year to all of you at TIJ. I know I don't post much, being a newer inspector and all, but I read and reread this forum looking to improve my inspections, knowledge, marketing and customer service. When I come back from a job, I check my "surprises" with TIJ. When I have a moment, I'm taking a look around. I feel that I know some of you just through your posts. I want to thank all of you for your experience and professionalism. This forum is head and shoulders above "other" forums. The gang hanging around here is knowledgeable and relates that without being condescending or spiteful. You really offer help without the fluff. Your contributions are appreciated and you are setting the bar for the next generation of home inspectors. I wish you and your families a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Thanks for the tip Jim, I'll be heading to Menards to get to know my shingles better. I thought maybe there was a picture guide or something. Appreciate the feedback.