Steven Hockstein

If you people in NJ would just pony up and pay your fair share of taxes, you wouldn't have that problem. . . HUH? What does that mean? The problem is the governor wants to collect more taxes one way and the legislators don't agree with how the taxes should be collected. There is a shorfall in the State Budget. There is a stalemate between them. Non-essential services have been shut-down until they can agree. So what does that mean when you say that us NJ "People" don't want to pay our fair share? What is a fair share? A fair share of what? FYI-I pay almost $10K in real estate taxes, a 2.5% state income tax, 6% sales tax, tolls on some highways, tolls at bridges and tunnels, and numerous other additional hidden taxes on items. That is all in addition to my Federal Taxes. Sometimes I feel like a government employee!

At least you have someone to call to get no answer. I called NJ State DCA with a code question last week and I was told that they were closed because of flooding in the city (Trenton) and there was nobody there to answer my question. I called today and was told that due to the state budget not being approved, the office was shut down until they approve the NJ State budget. So now I have a delayed project because of politics and Mother Nature. Sorry for the thread drift-just venting my frustrations. I feel better now. Happy 4th of July to everyone.

How about if you give the seller and their agent a close-up view of the roof in your bucket and leaving them up there until you finish the inspection with your client! You could be nice and leave a bottle of water and a couple of snacks for them while they wait

I would suggest that the big roofing suppliers offer extended warranties for an extra fee to have one of their reps perform phase inspections of the roof installation. I think many people would extra for the peace of mind.

When I see a Reliance water heater I assume that Uncle Louie came over and helped install the water heater that was purchased at the local home improvement store. At least the TPR was piped downwards! Where does it terminate?

That makes more sense. I was wondering why everyone seemed to be driving the same type of car. Duh.

Really cool and efficient use of space. Can you imagine the wait for your car after a major event and everyone wants their car at the same time. One good thing is that there won't be a traffic jam at the exit. What happens if there is a mechanical problem with the retrieval equipment? "Sorry I am late, there was a power failure and my car was stuck on the seventh floor."

Is that the final installation? I don't like the way it looks. It seems unfinished to me. I also think that under certain wind conditions there can be uplift of the exposed flashing edge. Will you fold the end down somehow so it looks more finished and elminates the exposed end?

Inventive product-thanks for the info.

I see a lot of new steam boilers in NJ. The system is old, only the boiler and controls are new. It is often cost prohibitive to change out the steam heat system.

Is the water heater being used to provide baseboard heat or radiant heat in a floor somewhere?

Luckily for the home inspectors in our area, through education at various home inspection organization meetings, most of us know of the problems and controversy with Federal Pacific Panels. The company was located in NJ and many buildings had them installed. Everyone I know recommends replacement. Over the last five years I have never had a Real Estate Agent refute me when I recommend replacement of the FPE panels. As a matter of fact, sometimes when I start my inspection, the agent even tells me to make sure that I don't miss the FPE panel. A agree with Mike that an inspector will have a hard time defending not reporting about FPE panels.

Thread drift but wanted to share these photos of a really cool house that sold near me for 1.9 Million. These are some amazing railings and other woodwork. Download Attachment: Exterior 1.jpg 8.61 KB Download Attachment: Inerior-2.jpg 9.39 KB Download Attachment: Interior 1.jpg 9.97 KB

Is this a mutliple choice question?: 1 For when Rapunzel stood there 2. For Juliet 3. For Cyrano di Bergerac to court his woman. 4. For some rich person that had a carpenter friend that needed some extra cash.

Gourmet coffee maker. Product soon to be available at Starbucks for $25/cup.

Part of the latest amendment to the NJ Home Inspection Act: C.45:8-76.1 Action, commencement within four years. 10. An action for an error or omission in the performance of a home inspection contract with respect to a home inspector licensed pursuant to P.L.1997, c.323 (C.45:8-61 et seq.), shall be commenced within four years of the date of the home inspection.

Thanks for the offer Jim sent it to me and it was a great help.

There is a section in the IRC 2000 that prohibits doors to swing out onto a landing where the step-down is more than 1 1/2 inches but I think it is a stretch to include shower doors in this.

Looks like some mold as well! The inside of the walls probably look like a bad science experiment. Run, Will Robinson, run!!!

That would be great. I just need that specific section. My fax is on 8-5 EST (M-F) 973-258-1333. IBC 2000 references that section in the R-4 use requirements and I need to make sure that I am in compliance. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Is it a flat lot?

This house was from 1740. It is one of the oldest homes in Morristown, NJ and is still a private residence. The barn building was also really cool. Download Attachment: Exterior House.jpg 10.28 KB Download Attachment: Foyer.jpg 7.05 KB Download Attachment: Second floor.jpg 7.8 KB Download Attachment: Fireplace.jpg 8.88 KB The tree at the front corner of the house had been removed because the roots were destroying the stone foundation. The living room fireplace was awesome. There was a kitchen on the other side of the fireplace. It was a modern kitchen that did not fit with the house so I did not take any photos. Otherwise the house was mostly original except that a bathroom was added on the second floor. No signs of the orignally outhouse remained!

If anyone has a copy of NFPA-101-97, I need the 22.1.3 section regarding egress requirements. If anyone has it, please let me know and we can figure out the best way to get it to me. Thanks in advance.

I agree it would be best to build a sloped roof over the existing roof. If aesthetics or zoning restricts this option, they can consider a taper insulation roof system with exterior gutters or scuppers (this option will most likely be more costly).

Me too. I also tell them that there may be concealed problems such as damaged or missing shingles, loose flashings, etc..