Les

I would imagine we have inspected a thousand or more over the years. for the first couple of decades 1976-1995 most were poorly done and a quick and cheap alternative to concrete. Remember, we see crawl spaces one or two times per year. Now there are entire subdivisions with wood foundations. They remain less costly, but still have a certain stigma to potential buyers. Mostly there are well done now and have an advantage of being more energy efficient and easy for a homeowner to finish. I have seen only two failures (poor workmanship) on the ones built since abt 1995. Builders now have better barrier materials for exterior walls and understand it is all about moisture control; sumps, pea stone, perf pipe, etc. Still, I can't recommend the system unless concrete is not available.

I am back in the market for used sun nuclear devices. I would like to buy several. Any model would be fine. private message me if you have any or know someone that does. Last summer Erby helped me find several. Thanks!

Thirty is just getting broken in! This one is at least 65yrs old. Click to Enlarge 48.49 KB

Are you seeing the new models yet? Does anyone have definitive or anecdotal info about replacing old models with the new sizes? http://www.bradfordwhite.com/doe-depart ... -questions

Pretty funny production!

Subconscious slip of the finger? Only on TIJ!

Mike, how would I handle it if the s trap was in the bathroom and not the kitchen?

Mike we do the same as you. Sometimes, we don't even write it. I am curious what the brethren will say about this.

Jim, you must admit this is a tough crowd! There are none better in the world than you find here! And, we know how to laugh at ourselves and enjoy others.

This structure is abt 65yrs old with a 2/12 roof. this is the interior of garage. Obviously the engineered beam is new; glue and drywall screwed. I had never seen concrete blocks laid up like that either. Click to Enlarge 63.68 KB Click to Enlarge 41.24 KB Click to Enlarge 44.55 KB Click to Enlarge 40.53 KB

Obviously you guys do not know John G! It will be a cold day in hell when He does not have a rejoinder!

Tim, See Les's post above. I got a few years on you and agree - comfort trumps economy. Global warming be damned, I am cold now! Jim K is right on point for me; I do not like heat pumps. I believe floppy any thing (ducts) needs replacement. Well, maybe some hats would get a pass.

Hey Tim, I got back from Philly last month to find my home furnace croaked! I had been thinking about a new one, but the event pushed me to make a choice. I had gfa and replaced it with gfa. I have natural gas and a typical rambling walk out ranch with lots of southern exposure. I went with trane (every bldg we own has Trane/AmStd) just because I like them. 90% stripped down model. Did the cursory math and found the $2200 I saved offset abt 5yrs of efficiency and I am not going to care in five years! In your case I likely would go gas and eliminate as much floppy duct as possible. PS: Marc is right.

If we could get a meaningful discussion going about the school, then some progress may be made. The same people I admire and respect in ASHI seem to exercise their anal sphincter when any question is raised. I have worked hard, kept my nose clean, been a volunteer, educated and now find ASHI making a fool of me by supporting this scam school. Many very skilled inspectors have been quieted by the school employing them to teach. Don't want to bite the hand that fed you. Who will respond to this with praise for the school. Other than telling me that it is profitable. So is robbery and mugging.

KURT - PLEASE do NOT get me started on ASHI School again!! I just can't understand the entire "scam" and total lack of professionals and principles. Lots of principals ("a person who empowers another to act as his representative.") There is no personal element about my loathing of the ASHI School and how it really hurts home inspection. You and I have seen this para before and we will see it again and again. It is a joke.

Jim, I have never seen that configuration. Different practices for different areas for sure.

There are neighborhoods in our area that are nearly 75% uffi'd. It worked really well if applied correctly. I think the original post sure looks like wet cellulose.

Not UFFI in photo. Agree with other posters. I have found a relationship between the color and the density/weight. Most pure white is really light, can't feel a baseball size piece in your palm. The yellowish seems to have more weight and a little less likely to powder. We see lots of it in Mid-Michigan. It has caused us a lot of stress over the years.

Geez, now it could be the Three Musketeers. I am often challenged by a soul that uses it as the sole authority. It has great merit and tons of info, but not scholarly.

Hey Larry, welcome to the Journal. We do business with similar companies for various types of inspections. My experience is at the 70% bad and 30% good. There are inspectors that excel at this type work, but it seems that geography plays a big part. IE: In Michigan driving 100 miles to look at a roof and electric panel pays $70 plus 40cents per mile. Most pay 40cents per mile and $50. Does not work for us. Last week I stopped doing business with one of those companies because they insisted we cut the grass at a house for $20 and the entire yard is under three feet of snow. They insisted on an invoice! It can work for you, but be careful.

Life is not fair. Good luck with your doctor. Get an atty. Don't ask building experts about life events.

Amen. I like the new avatar.

Stuart, one of the first things to learn is that you were not there during that 2012 inspection and your client is not your friend. All the old timers on this board will tell you the hero is the last guy in the house.

I used a similar product in the late 1980's. was a mixture of gypsum and cellulose; don't know why. Maybe the gypsum added a little weight/mass? Get it tested.

Rich did a masterful job, considering the huge task. However, he did not do it alone. ASHI sop is a basic guide and at the same time very complex. I suppose it could be considered a "living" document and certainly has changed. The change was from us inspectors and we continue to offer ways to improve the product offered to the public. I am not in total agreement with it now, nor have I ever been in total agreement. It is as good as it can be, given the relative newness of this business. Somewhere above it is mentioned that all other sop's evolved/devolved from ASHI and I agree.