JohnC

Inspected an 1800 farmhouse today, they had a couple of cool stoves I've never come across before. John Callan Click to Enlarge 51.22?KB Click to Enlarge 64.85?KB

I drive by the lighthouse usually a couple of time's a week ; the vast majority of my inspections in this area are Massachusetts folks. I moved up here 18 years ago and love it. Most of the locals have moved more inland because of costs living on the coast which is a shame but a reality. John Callan

Some Days the job has it perks-view from a 3rd story roof today. John C Click to Enlarge

My house is going to have new cedar siding this spring. (It needs it!) I live in a condominium association very near the Ocean (18 units-cape houses with full rear dormers with full basements about 2100 sq ft) we are going to install Maibec double dipped Kennebunk cedar shingles. All the trim, garage trim, fascia and soffits is going to be replaced with PVC (Azek) using stainless steel fasteners and painted with two coats of latex paint, installing one piece corner boards. We are also installing pre-fab window trim on all Anderson 200 series. All bay windows, etc., will be trimmed in field. The cost of our project is about $390,000 including removal of old shingles trim and cost of material plus installation (tyvek wrap, tape seams, grace ice and water shield, stainless steel staples, staining all cuts etc.) (Final estimates from our two contractors (out of originally 5) coming in about two weeks) We did all the roofs two years ago which came out great. The structures were built in 1985. My question is one of the contractors is recommending a mesh shield, this will up the cost about $22-24,000. I am not that familiar with this. I did to some research and talked to a few reliable people I know (some like it a lot others never heard of it.) Here is a link to the product Keen Driwall CDR: http://keenebuilding.com/commercial-walls-siding.aspx . It seems worth while to me after my research for this type of project but what do you think? It should be an interesting spring and summer! John Callan www.customizedhomeinspections.com

John Gotti died in 2002 John Callan

Can the gas line be run up the basement ash pit? I have never seen it done before. Thanks John Callan Click to Enlarge 32.19 KB Click to Enlarge 34.52 KB Click to Enlarge 50.71 KB

Thanks John Callan

I know some square d breakers allow two wires. I wanted opinions if this if one does. My interpretation looking at the label is that it does. But shouldn’t the wires be on either side of the nut. They also have three wires going into a couple of these breakers which isn’t right. Thanks, John Callan Download Attachment: Square D.JPG 161.1 KB Click to Enlarge 39.98 KB

I agree with Bruce. I have been using the XE Revolution for three years and love it. It’s much lighter to lug around. John Callan www.customizedhomeinspections.com

What was your inspectors opinion on the cause and concern about the cracks? Inspectors usually find cracks and most are typical but some are major concerns. He should give you his opinion in this regard.That's what he's paid for. John Callan

It is usually installed at the farthest point from the hot water tank. It’s to boost the hot water here is a pdf link about the device I have come across them a couple of times: http://www.faucetdirect.com/mediabase/s ... ochure.pdf John C

I been using the little giant Revolution XE (model 22) for three years,its way lighter than the older little giant models. I’m getting older so lighter is better! It's 2 lbs heavier than Jaws 18 footer but opens to 19 feet. I weight 195 and have been up and down this ladder hundreds of times with no issues. I am very satisfied with this ladder and get on just about any roof I come across with this ladder. As it opens to only 19' occasionally I have to improvise to gain access to higher roofs but usually I figure a way on. Here is some of what there web site claims about this ladder: Revolution XE is lighter–20% lighter than any competing multi-use ladder on the market. We did this without sacrificing any strength thanks to patented LiteWaveâ„¢ technology (the same technology used by the U.S. military in aircraft production). LiteWaveâ„¢ technology allows for the convenience of a 250 lb. rated ladder, yet still provides the strength of a 300 lb. rated ladder John C

Bill, I do quite a lot inspections of very old house’s but would be in awe to inspect one in your company! Thanks for all the info and advice showing me & other inspector's how much more I need to learn. It never gets old.(even if I'm getting old!) John C

That must have been fun to inspect. I have a 1780 home in a historic district Monday that I'm looking forward to inspecting. John C

This is a 2009 house with James Hardie Cement Siding. The exterior trim is puffy at many edges from water penetration. Does anyone the correct name of this product? It appears to be some sort of junk fiberboard. Thanks, John Callan Click to Enlarge 42.25 KB Click to Enlarge 46.62 KB

This boiler was almost all under water when I first looked in the basement came back a few days later and this is what I found among many other major issues. John Callan Click to Enlarge 47.91 KB

I have used for past year the Fluke TiS while I would loved to have Kurt’s TiR32 it was the most I could justifiably afford. I have to say that I am very pleased with it; I have found ice dams a number of times. If I see something that needs further evaluation I will then confirm with my protimeter moisture meter. These have been in areas with no water stains of anything unusual. It also has been useful finding leaks in attic ac duct work. It has a great wow factor showing clients radiant heat in floors and other Images. I have also got quite a number of jobs just because I have a thermal imager and most nobody cares or understands the differences between say a Fluke TiS or TiR32. I still would much prefer the TiR32 but this will do for now. By the way Kurt is right it’s a very rugged tool that needs no babying. Here is a few thermal images taken with the TiS, ice dam, ac leak and Radiant floor heat John Callan Click to Enlarge 18.85 KB

Very interesting story of NY transplant living in the Texas desert http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/10/garde ... as.html?hp

Here is a YouTube video that may help. It shows how to clean a furnace sensor. John Callan

Satellite photo of this latest huge storm, looks like something out of the disaster movie 2012. Click to Enlarge 55.94 KB John Callan

I use a iMac 27â€

I have been using iPhone for a number of years. I have great phone service and reception. No issues with phone conversation quality. I use the internet a lot for a quick reference with some issues I come across. I even used this site many time to get some quick info. I also can quickly forward pdf files to clients when a radon or water test result comes in. I think all the other smart phones are iPhone wannabes. On a side note -10 at the start of inspection today froze my ass off! John Callan

You should be very proud. She sounds great! John Callan

Hey Mike, Don't know if this is useful but i sometimes use this web site link for water heater age: http://hisearch.org/Water_Heater_Age.aspx John Callan

Thaks Bill for the diagram. John