Steven Hockstein

I have been swamped with home inspection requests during the last few weeks. Since I limit myself to 2-3 a week, I estimate that I referred away between 20-25 inspections to my home inspector friends because I could not meet their schedules(they better remember this when it is time to buy drinks at our next gatherinmg []). Darren, come to the June Seminar and talk to me.I can add you to my referral list.

The reason is that Home Inspections is a minor portion of my business and income. I am primarly an architect. As far as my insurance, the small amount of home inspections that I perform (2-3 a week) is covered under my architecture policy.

Thanks for the input and advice Rob. When I say small areas. I mean two or three areas where there is about a 1" area of wire lath texture visible at the bottom edges of the stucco where it was installed a little thin. I did not see exposed metal. I know that it was not installed over fiber mesh. Generally, I thought it was a good application. The surface was very solid, no crumbling, and minimal cracking. There was nothing alarming to me. I called the my client today and told her that it was not EIFS. I also suggested that since the original owners are selling the house, she should ask for any available documentation of the construction.

I heard that NJ Assembly Bill A3983 was passed yesterday. I understand that this reduces some of the requirements to become a Licensed NJ Home Inspector. I was grandfathered for my license so it does not really affect me personally. I feel sorry for everyone that was not able to be grandfathered and worked hard to jump through all of the hoops and did everything required to become licensed and now finds out that they did a lot of extra work for nothing. On the positive side, these people are now much more qualified to do inspections.

Thanks Mike and everyone else that responded. You have been extremely helpful. Hope I can return the favor.

I know that the system is not typical EIFS. I am just concerned about issues with this hybrid system. I like the idea of pulling the outlet cover to make sure.

I am going to inspect a house built in 1991 next week and I know that there is stucco siding. I alerted my client to the issue of EIFS and they questioned the listing agent about the stucco. They were told that it is a traditional portland cement stucco with stucco covered foam quoins and trim. I have spoken to my client again and they told me that they noticed some small cracks. I know how to red flag the EIFS stuff but have not inspected many newer houses with this type of installation. My client is so concerned about the stucco that the have asked me to look at the stucco before they come out to meet me (from California) next week. I was at the house today and I saw very small areas where there is visible wire mesh. I am assuming that this is a traditional installation. There are horizontal metal expansion joints where the wood framing meets the foundation. The metal joints may also be some type of flashing/weeping system. I tapped on the siding and the stucco covered foam trim areas were very apparent. The fields are very solid. I searched for any areas where I could see fiber mesh but could not find any. Additionally, there was no visible mesh at siding penetrations (light fixtures, AC lines, etc.). There are a few minor cracks but the stucco is in good shape. The stucco covered wood framed areas is vertically aligned with the stucco covered foundation. I have a few questions. Has anyone every seen wire mesh used in an EIFS installation? Am I wrong in assuming that this is not an EIFS system. What else should I be looking for. Can anyone suggest some sites to find more info? I took some photos and will try to post them tomorrow.

Shame on the installer for using some of those shingles in the first place! I also see some rusted staples, large knot holes, and warped shingles. If you didn't say it was a six year old house I would have guessed that the shingles were 30 years old!

A few years ago I had the potential of designing some buildings in Colorado and I started to investigate Expanding soils. I found this site and learned a lot: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-do ... tm5-818-7/

If the attic is considered part of the garage, it is acceptable to locate the fire separation between the living areas and the attic/garage.

Chad, Sometimes when were are in a bind, we will dress up the structure and create a coffered ceiling using the structural beams and adding some false ones to create a pattern. Steve

Hi Chad, Marble, like ceramic tiles, is not very forgiving. If the joists deflect, you will get some cracking. If it is not a big deal, add the beam. The deflection will be reduced if you shorten the joist span to thirteen feet. Good Luck! Steve H.

Try this link for product info: http://www.culturedstone.com/

I asked a few builder friends about their experiences and the only negative feedback that I have gotten is that if you install long clapboard style pieces they can appear wavy. It has been suggested to use shorter sections.

I am home and don't have my NEC. Can anyone let me know if it is prohibited to connect a closet light into a GFCI circuit. I was in a condo and they tapped a bedroom closet light off of the bathroom GFCI circuit. The closet light does not work when the GFCI is tripped. Should I call this out as a defect?

Access is still required to service whirlpool equipment.

Check with ASHRAE http://www.ashrae.org/ They have an online bookstore.

When we write the specs for new bathrooms, we require green board throughout the bathroom except that we specify Wonder Board or approved equal in wet areas. For you experts out there, do you think that greenboard is adequate in tub and shower areas?

I believe it is acceptable as long as there is no vapor barrier sandwiched in the middle. Make sure that the insulation does not block any of the vents. I commonly see soffit vents blocked by insulation.

Mark, Thank you very much for the response. The statistics are quite impressive. I still wonder how this actually affects the individual home inspector and the way that they get business. My personal experience is that very little of my work comes from strangers that call out of the blue. This was the case even when I did more advertising in the past. People call me because they have heard about me through referrals from past clients, lawyers and real estate agents that know me. Would this be different if I actively marketed my work or is this how most home inspectors get their business? Has anyone done the research to determine how people actually select their home inspector? Have you goten any work directly from this campaign? I am glad that ASHI is still solvent. Even though I am not a member anymore, I still have fond memories of the many meetings and war stories heard at Garden State ASHI meetings.

I have been out of ASHI for a while now so I do not hear much about it. I am just curious of what has happened recently. I was wondering if the Branding has been a success and if it is going to continue? How much does it cost to be a member now? Is ASHI financially solvent? What are the membership numbers? Anyone know or want to tell?

Velux skylight company recently started to sell this type of system. Checkout the Velux Sun Tunnel. They can provide installation details and requirements.

If there are wires or pipes passing through the joists, another option is to install steel angles along the bottoms of the joists.

I was tempted to point out your mistake but I was afraid to hurt your feelings and I do my best to respect my elders.

One of the many exotic jobs I had as a kid was "lane boy" at the local bowling alley. I was in charge of oiling the lanes and maintaining the oiling machine. I had to wash down the machine and the rag oil applicators with carbon tet. I was up to my elbows in the stuff daily for two years straight. It's taken thirty years for the health effects to show up, but they're undeniable. My hair has turned gray and is thinning on top, I've developed quite a growth around my middle section and I complain, frequently, about the government. Undoubtedly the results of carbon tet exposure. I'm thinking of suing the bowling alley. - Jim Katen, Oregon Funny but I don't ever remember being a pin boy. Who do I sue?