Les

Eric, I was with you until the snarky comment about GLC and education. I am sure you did NOT see my name there either. I guess I am listed among those that do not believe everything Kenny Hart preaches. I like Kenny, he is one smart guy, but sitting in his class does not teach you how to inspect nor think. I am surprised you took that tack.

the second hose is to accommodate installation with another orientation. on side upside down etc. or to facilitate incoming flue(s).

I am with John on this. if I saw two off I would wonder why and come here and ask. I may have put it back on, but likely would have punted to hvac tech. I see many of these hoses that are rotted, swollen, leaking etc. but to see two that are in pretty good condition and off nipple would pique my interest.

My experience in Michigan is more varied. Unlined chimneys were pretty common until early 1950's. Intended fuel seems to be the determinant. Rectangle interior units were usually lined. Exterior units unlined. Simple stacked brick usually not lined. Metal liners are only common from late 1980's.

All afternoon i was sure that Morrison called me a sliverback and was going to come up with a smartass remark. Then I realized and saw the error in my reading and am quite flattered! Jim Morrison is a rare thing in this bidness; he has seen it from many angles and was raised up by one of the best - his Dad. Thanks for the compliment. It is true that we don't seem to worry about the agent. However, it is silly to think you can be antagonistic ala Dennis Robiltille? I have a little advantage because I never had to go around to different offices, nor try to convince them I was the best. I was just lucky. I did use that time reading and attending classes, any class, and then reading publications like Fine Homebuilder, etc. Now a new inspector should spend at least an hour or two a day online and then discuss it with someone in the real world. For instance - read all about csst, then come here and ask questions or offer your thoughts. Unfortunately, I have likely been a party to several dozen actions against inspectors and several dozen where I was an advocate. As an expert, you don't always get to chose which side. Nothing above is unreasonable and all of it can work for you. Re-read Marc's comments and try to get his perspective. That perspective is unique because of who he is and where he is.

Anthony, What do you mean by "certified"? Have you done any ride alongs?

We write improper fastening about 100 times a year. Nearly always it is a "drywall" screw or a bugle head. Now that we check every cabinet, we find a fair amount of splitting and it is common to find one or two fasteners missing or not installed. Base cabinets never get checked except for face rail joints. One of our inspectors lost his house because of a dryer fire. mylar vent matl. We started checking after we found most new house inspections had poorly or incorrectly fastened wall cabinets.

We check screws/fasteners on all cabinets. Every inspection.

it is one of those products that should be taken out of the big box stores and only sold to tradespeople. it is extremely costly, labor intensive and subject to failure if you don't use the entire system. it is wonderful if used properly and cost is not a consideration. Just my opinion. And it is a puke color!

I am not a happy fan of Schluter or any variety thereof. Tile is great, but even then the extreme temp and moisture changes would mandate a "perfect" install I would not install any laminate in a summer home. Especially over a basement. I do have some bias against laminate in general. Engineered wood is more better and certainly looks better. I know of several installs in summer house with engineered that work well. Michigan summer houses are a category that is unique. Of course, Minn, Wisc, Maine, Penn and New York are also similar.

Rob, recently had all my new tamper resistant outlets replaced. no argument from supply house, they just sent material and my electrician changed them. I have only seen one other house with sticky slots.

Dave, I likely would charge for the meeting. I would not charge any direct expense and usually don't charge an hourly rate. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. I a lucky that I don't have a bunch of kids to feed and no payment on the Impala, so I pretty much charge what ever I feel like - sometimes nothing. I have made friends from these silly situations.

Dave, does your client want the meeting with electrician? if so, the the meeting would happen and client charged accordingly. I would not meet with electrician alone. one or other of the agents would be there.

oh the joy of being an inspector! We work with over a hundred real estate agents and my response would vary according to who they are. You are in a tough spot. Many on this forum would advocate being an ass, and while I am very good at that, I would very carefully tell her that I can't serve two masters. Get the desired clarification from the other agent via addendum and please leave me out of it. Then tell her to "kiss my hinny!" Don't use ass because it is too clear what you mean.

Thanks to everyone for the responses and messages. this is a really simple condition that turned into a nightmare! The central concern was the seam between a concrete porch(poured in place) and a Dryvit wall. porch was level and the seam leaked. I found zillions of recommendations for that seam, but nothing direct other than sealant. all parties are taking a break for a week or so and I am TOO! thanks again.

This is an instance where I thought I knew everything and now find myself a bit lacking in practical experience. We seldom see any eifs in our area; maybe two or three a year company wide. I have a fair amount of classroom and field experience, however now find myself lacking in detailing experience and knowledge of joints and seams - between board, finish and dis-similar materials. I need to talk to someone that is knowledgeable with eifs and northern climate. my email is lvanals@aol.com or pm me here. Thanks!

Holy Cow! my little fingers are just a'twitching. Jim is gonna get Chad and I'm waiting. Bunch of turkeys, those mold guys.

Usually I would agree, but I know Mike O to be a good inspector and I would not want to limit my choices!

Not just ASHI. All of the organizations promote it for non-dues revenue. I am aggravated because ASHI has 25yrs plus of my support and I am really ashamed to be associated with the ASHI school. It is a joke.

all these pieces are four and five years old. just more crap responsible inspectors have to waste time explaining. it will not go away until national and regional organizations take a clear stance.

Jim43, I find much of what you are saying of not much value. your ezine cite is by a less than credible person. As a retired engineer you should have a basic knowledge of loads and forces that are applicable to residential structures and the materials used therein.

Joe, good color! nice.

I suppose that would be common sense that one dormant would not wear as much as the active. However, my recommendation, for our areas, is the lead tank is set to just above 60degrees which is 5degrees above supply and the second tank finishes the work at 120+-. That seems to be right for us here in Michigan where our water is really not problematic in most areas. I suspect this arrangement saves me a few dollars on my natural gas bill and I know we are never out of hot water with four bathrooms and two kitchens. With me, the wife and a couple cats, it gets close at times!

Tom, why? I have series with no issue.

Gary Wins! I did look at several of our reports done during the past months and found very few places we used the word hazard with out an adjective. We are not "big" on hazards and the like.