chrisprickett

Thanks Mike! Not what I wanted to hear, but thanks!

I can't find a code reference in the IRC, and the NEC doesn't seem to address this: Jack-Jill Bath (two separate entry doors) one has a light switch just inside the door, the other doesn't. The user has to walk into the the bathroom (about 5') to turn on the light. This is new construction. Shouldn't there be a switch at both entries?

Did it look like this? http://www.asahi-america.com/productCat ... gSystem_ip

The problem is it's 15 years old. Not to be a smart ass but whatever the problem, trying to fix it is throwing good money after bad.

I haven't had time to read this: http://www.vinylsiding.org/install/guide.pdf but it may have the info you need. We don't see much vinyl in AZ. It tends to melt!

Purely cosmetic, you're being too picky. Are you trying to kill the deal? Bad Danny!

Donald, Those neutrals (that are tied to the grounds) aren't coming from the box. Where are they going?

There is always the option of marketing against ASHI. Take all the things you don't like about the org., put them into a a catchy brochure, and you'll capture a percentage of the market. I market myself as a small "hands-on company" and not a big franchise. People who like the advantages of a big company, won't use me, but those who want the feel of a smaller company will. The rest of my marketing strategy is not to get a bigger piece of the pie, but to make the pie bigger! Construction, warranty, pre-listing, peace of mind inspections all play into that.

I was grandfathered, but had to take the NHIA test and produce 250 fee paid inspectons. I thought that was reasonable. Our state requires taking an accredited course, doing 30 paralels, and passing the NHIA. The schools offer the paralels as a package deal, and take 20 students with 5 inspectors on each inspection. Students are getting "Certified" with no clue. I'm not sure what the answer is. In reality, my first 100 inspections were a joke.

That's about what I did, in a nutshell.

All very good points, and have valid arguements to support them. I guess I tend to be more conservative, because in my neighborhood, there is an incredible turnover in homeownership. I've been in the position several times of having to explain myself, for letting something ride that was "technically wrong", but in the real world, wouldn't make much difference. Electrical stuff tends to freak people out, so I always lean toward, disclosure, disclosure, disclosure. What I basically wrote was that while the risk was minimal, the panel had been modified contrary to the manufacturer's instructions, which could void any warranty. I did explain to the client that this was not the worse thing in the world, but could come back to bite them, when they sold. Just for clarification, Scott is correct, it is not a removable jumper. They cut it with bolt cutters. Square D says right on the inside door that if you use the panel as a sub-panel, that yo must install the grounding kit. The funny thing was, the grounding kit was installed, they just chose to do the extra work of modifying it.

Chad, I banish you to the depths of Hell, for even offering an opinion, grasshopper![:-dev3] That being said, I always try to think about getting my ass sued. If, God forbid, there is an electrical catastrophe (I did find a scorched wire in the main panel) I try to anticipate where the finger will point. I guess I'm leaning toward "the manufacurer supplies a grounding kit, so they probably don't want you cutting up their perfectly good panel." I'm still on the fence about reporting it.

Square D sub-panel. Instead of using the grounding kit to isolate the neutrals and grounds, the sparky chose to cut out a section of bus bar (not sure that's the right term) It serves the purpose of isolation, but I look at it as modifying the panel, so I write it up. An old time sparky (whom I respect) says it's a non issue. Opinions? Download Attachment: busbar.jpg 151.78 KB

We disconnected our scanner when we changed computers, and haven't hooked it up yet. I was going to upload my PDF, but couldn't figure out how to do here, I think the file's too large.

I got my brochures today. Very happy, thanks Scott!

Jim, Beautiful story! My kids loved the part about the franchise owner kssing the the ugly step-Realtor, and turning into her bitch! "Read it again Daddy!"

Devil's advocate- Using your definition of stakeholder: Does not the Realtor invest time, money, etc., in "doing the deal"? Remember, like us, a Realtor does not just fall off a truck and start getting deals. If the seller or buyer invites them into the deal(the only way they get in), are they not then "stakeholders"?

How many inspectors do you think ASHI would lose, if they came out with a "no marketing to Realtors" policy?

Just for clarification: "Working" with Realtors and "Marketing" to Realtors, are two entirely different things. I have relationships with Realtors (plenty of them) and they refer me all the time. But I do not market to them. A Realtor calls my office to book an inspection. If they like my style, they call again. I send thank you cards for every referral. If they ask for brochures or cards, I give them. I do not: Cold Call Realtors Ask to put my literature in their office Give any type of discount (or kickback) for a referral Pay to advertise in their publications, or websites. I do: Let them put a link to my site, from theirs, if it's free.(but not the other way around) Write a monthly article for a newsletter that a Realtor puts out. This particular Realtor has proven, over time, that she is a true "buyers agent" and has their best interest in mind. The term "agent is a stakeholder" get thrown out a lot. I control my business, not ASHI. Brian, you say you have "no choice" but to market to Realtors. What does that mean? You always have a choice. You choose to market to Realtors. Nothing wrong with that. But to market to Realtors yourself, and then question ASHI's motives, because you feel they are focusing on Realtors, that's inconsistent at best.

You complimented Scott, you insulted me![^]

Common mistake, we look alot alike...

...Continued thread drift[] I actually market against the matrix/checklist style. One of the bullet points in my brochure is that I provide easy to interpret narrative reports.

Before branding: 1 inspection from the website in two years. After branding: 3 in 3 months. Actually, I'm doing one today. So in essence, I've nearly quintupled my investment ($250 for branding) in 3 months. To me ASHI is like a Harley. When I ride with my buddies who own metrics, they are always explaining why they don't ride a Harley. They make a very good arguement, but they are still asked the same question over and over. I ride a Harley, and never have to explain to anybody. In my area, it's the same with ASHI. Whether you can make a good arguement against ASHI is irrelevant. It's about marketing (for me). Being ASHI adds to my credibility. I have a current GC license, and pay for renewal, even though I haven't done a contracting job in three years. Why? The perception of credibility. My business is growing at warp speed, I have high fees (for my area), and my kids are all eating. ASHI membership is playing a part in my success. If NACHI, NAHI, etc, ever become Harley, I'll join them too.

From the 03' IRC 303.3 Bathrooms. Bathrooms, water closet compartments and other similar rooms shall be provided with aggregate glazing area in windows of not less than 3 square feet (0.279 m2), one-half of which must be openable. Exception: The glazed areas shall not be required where artificial light and a mechanical ventilation system are provided. The minimum ventilation rates shall be 50 cfm (23.6 L/s) for intermittent ventilation or 20 cfm (9.4 L/s) for continuous ventilation. Ventilation air from the space shall be exhausted directly to the outside.

I just approved my prof, and sent the order in. We'll see in 4-5 business days! I'll keep you posted...