Steven Hockstein

If nothing else, licensing will help provide consumers and our profession some protection by requiring insurance and registration of inspectors. This can help to weed out SOME of the inspectors that just want to make a quick buck, screw the client, and go on to their next scam. We still have a long way to go as a profession and many mistakes have and will be made, but I think we are slowly moving forward [:-turtle].

And if all else fails, open up a school and charge a lot of money to teach other "Johnnys" how to get rich as a home inspector.

One of the good things about being a "Licensed Professional" Home Inspector in NJ is that NJ requires an "Affidavit of Merit" in order to sue for professional negligence. Check out this link for more info about this issue: http://mdwcg.wld.com/cm/defensedigest/d ... est111.asp

I received the latest edition of the NJ Code Communicator newsletter today and there is a clarification regarding the question of the 18- inch elevation requirement for water heaters in residential garages. Apparently there is an exception for this requirement if it is a flammable vapor resistant water heater. It is not permitted in the IRC 2000, NJ Edition (the current adopted edition), but it is noted as being an exception in the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code (which has been adopted in NJ). According to the newsletter, a flammable vapor resistant water heater can be installed without the 18-inch elevation installation requirement in a residential garage because NJ has adopted the IFGC/2003.

If it was not late and I was not so tired I could probably think of a joke to tie marketing to real estate agents into the plumbing forum but my brain already went to sleep. Any suggestions for the punch line?

That is smart marketing. Do you create the newsletters yourself or have someone else do it for you?

I agree. It is likely that the sheathing or lath joints are transmitting through the finish because of improper installation.

Masonry or wood frame construction? How old is the house? EIFS or traditional stucco?

It looks to me like the framer cut the rafters too short and this was the "Solution" to the problem. This should have been caught during the framing inspection, full bearing is required at the ridge. Are there collar ties? Knee walls? Are there any signs of movement? Sags? A 20 foot rafter span is very long, especially when it snows. More info and analysis are needed to determine the proper fix. It is a problem but it may not be an expensive repair. Too many variables to accurately answer what is needed. Good catch!

One of my clients recently failed his plumbing inspection because he installed a whole house trap. The plumbing inspector required it to be removed. The builder usually works in NY and was confused by the differences in requirements.

I agree that it is a sewer vent. It is regional. In some towns around here it was required as part of the local plumbing code to provide a through-wall vent and a whole house trap for the sanitary sewer. I see this mostly on houses built between 1945 and 1960. Is it common in your area to leave the foundation blocks bare?

Just phone book listing cost. No big display ad.

For those that want to really know how low pitched roofing systems are supposed to be specified and installed there is a program offered in Denver. I went to it about 10 years ago and it was very useful. Additionally, I got to see Denver! http://www.jm.com/roofing_systems/2360.htm Check out the online training info as well. The introduction to commercial roofing systems provides a good basic lesson on the different systems with photos. http://www.jm.com/roofing_systems/2375.htm

I would isssue an Addendum for clarification of the report or if there is an error that needs to be documented. We write it in letter form.

Now I really need to lose my Mag Light. How is the Ultra Stinger at fighting back mutant dogs and the occasional angry agent?

Never tried to fix it myself. I actually picked up my 12 year old Mag Light from a local authorized repair center today. I dropped it off on Thursday and picked it up when they opened today. They would have done it while I waited but the repair tech was out that day. They installed a new switch and replaced the lens. The only cost was the purchase of a backup bulb because I had already used the one in the foam pad under the spring. I keep two lights with me and have been using the same lights for many years. Only had to to buy one new set of batteries for each light since I owned them. They have had the switches replaced a couple of times on each light. Best tool investment I ever made. You may be lucky and find a local repair center and if you are even luckier they may fix it while you wait. I have been very satisfied with their warranty service. I guess they hope you lose them before they need repair. Now I jinxed myself and I will lose one this week!

I suggest that you team up with someone that does commercial inspections regularly. Offer to share the fee and learn. Consider it tuition. How old is the building? Do you have to verify things such as fire rated separations and handicap access compliance? You should consider recommending an infrared scan of the roof. Bigger buildings=bigger costs to repair problems= more exposure. Does your liability insurance cover you for this inspection? Many home inspection insurance policies exclude this type of inspection. When we inspect a large commercial building we submit a written proposal that defines the scope of work, fee schedule for various services, and define what is not included. Make sure that you have a solid agreement about the scope of your services. For example, are you going to check loading dock levelers? Hope this helps.

Check out Chapter 11 (Storm Drainage) of the International Plumbing Code and you will see many of the issues that relate to your question. It is very complicated to figure out the affects of how the sub-surface drainage conditions, roof area, pipe sizes, rainfall maps, grade, and soil materials all combine together. The less variables, the better chance that the system(s) will be designed correctly and will work properly. Additionally, if there are drainage problems, keeping them separate makes it easier to figure out what is wrong. It is better to keep them independent.

The good thing is that if you use that toaster you can simultaneously use the electric meter as a fan.

I know it is a drawing and not reality, but if the windows were real, they would leak because they are too close to the roof below.

If you are asking what are the most common issues that are found in a basement it is my experience that water related problems, termite damage, and foundation cracks are high on the list.

I would recommend further evaluation by a Licensed Engineer. On a similar tangent.. There is contractor in my area that is promoting a foundation repair system that consists of carbon fiber straps that are bonded to the inside of the foundation. Has anyone had experience with this type of repair?

Is it possible that as the system switches zones there is a time when both zones are active? This temporary additional demand for water can cause a reduction in flow throughout the system until there is only one zone in use.

And that causes the munchies which results in overeating and the need for weight loss.

Sorry MCramer, guess I missed the joke in your comment.