Brian G

I don't know the By-the-book answer either, but plain logic says the full discharge of two won't fit in the space of one. Of course the same logic would say that there is virtually zero chance they would ever both go at once, if you forget about By-the-book. Wise home inspectors stay very near to the book, whenever there is one. Brian G.

It's interesting, but I can't tell much about it. Apparently they have a severe shortage of photos available for the website to post...1. Brian G.

Oh picky, picky...you damned home inspectors think you just HAVE TO find something wrong! [:-dev3] Brian G. Repeating What I've Been Told [:-mischievous]

Interesting. What handhelds are you guys using? How's the battery life? Has anyone tried a Dell Axim? They look like a lot of bang for the buck, lots of memory and flexibility. A tad chunky, but I actually prefer that to all of the "itty-bitty"ism myself. Brian G.

In my sweeping re-evaluation of all of my equipment and methods, I'm also looking at handhelds as a possible piece of the overall puzzle. I'd be interested in any and all opinions based on experience, good or bad. I'm also looking at 3-D software if I go that way. Anybody using 3-D with a handheld? Good, bad, ugly? Brian G.

Not the one I'm looking at. I suspect it may have copper pipe run to it, but I can't be sure. I see copper under the sink, but it's those skinny little supply tubes coming out of the floor. They may have run PVC from the house to the building. Water is a poor conductor? I thought water was a very good conductor, hence the danger of water and electricity together....? Brian G.

Lord Jim, In Electrical Inspection of Existing Dwellings by Douglas H., et al, it says "The code allows a 3-wire feed to the seperate building, using the neutral as a grounding conductor, ONLY when there are no other continuous conductive paths between the buildings. A conductive path could be metal water piping, a concrete sidewalk, a metal fence, or even a telephone line. In practical terms then, a 4-wire feed is needed almost every time a subpanel is installed in a second building." Capitalization and italics exactly as the text shows it. What do you think about a PVC water line? Is the water itself a potential conductor, or is a metal pipe the only significant concern? Brian G.

Thanks Jim, IRC was what I was hoping for. As to the thoroghness and candor, I doubt it. Funny, the only people who have threatened to sue me so far have all been sellers. Brian G.

Thank you gentlemen. Brian G.

I just did a house with one of those whirlpool tubs where they tiled-over the whole thing, no access of any kind anywhere. 2 questions: 1. Does code say anything about it? 2. How do you write it up? (Notice: Good bolierplate / comments will be stolen without hesitation.) This is the same house that has the hidden gas heater. It was built by a local builder for himself; been in it for 10 years. I'm told he's a little sensitive about the house. Wait till he gets my report.... Brian G.

I just did one where a natural gas central unit (forced warm air) was located deep in one of those 1/2 closets with the return air underneath, then completely covered with a screwed-down piece of plywood. A shelf with music CD's and other little junk was in between, and speaker wires ran through a hole in the plywood. Not what I would call accessable. It is open to the attic above, but that doesn't seem like it would be great for air supply (sitting in a square hole). What does code say about accessability / locations of such units? Please tell me this isn't kosher. Brian G. P.S. The house is 10 years old. I wonder when was the last time anybody looked at that unit.

Read em' "Inspector Jack" one day when you're ready to tell em' about the pros and the bucketheads. They might like it, even get it. If you still have access to the ASHI board see if you can find my posts about "Candy Man" or "The Cat Realtor", though I don't think either was titled as such. If not, e-mail me. Candy Man is kind of an inside joke for HI's, but the Cat Realtor would work for sure. Brian G.

Hey at least they put a cricket behind the chimney, hardly ever see 'em here. They usually just flash straight across and caulk like hell. Brian G.

I can't help but think of my breif appraisal career. This would have made an interesting sideline there too. "Listen Mr. Shilling, I've checked the comps all over this garage and I'm telling you, nothing above the 2nd floor has ever brought more than $153,900. They're gouging you at $158,000." Brian G.