JohnC

Water pressure was fine. Thanks John

I came across this under a bathroom sink. Can anyone tell me the reason for this device? It says pump on the device and has a timer? Owner has no idea what it’s for. None of the other bathrooms have this Thanks Click to Enlarge 39.71 KB John

Hey Jim, It sure looks like Aluminum to me, but I haven't come across copper wire tinned with solder before. Is this something you see a lot? John Callan Click to Enlarge 33.31 KB

12 AWG stranded aluminum it is, which I have never come across before,1st time for everything. John Callan

Thanks Jim! JohnC

Thanks Brandon, No 4 wire feed to breaker’s, I also agree about the two many neutrals and grounds secured under single terminal screws. The breakers were listed Crouse Hinds which I think are the same as Murray. I'm aware about the double taps. I'm still not sure about the aluminum/ copper wires sharing the same breakers. Most likely will recommend a licensed electrician look at it unless I find out for sure. John Callan

Hi, I have not seen this before in a panel. A Copper/Aluminum mix on a couple of breakers? Is this allowed? In addition the main disconnect is in the garage, so I told my client that the panel in the house is the sub panel and grounds and neutrals should be separated. The realtor told me I was wrong that "technically" the main disconnect is at the panel in the house. I really don't give a s--t about his thoughts and think he wrong, but I thought as I'm writing this report I would ask for input from the people whose opinion I do care about. John Callan Download Attachment: Aluminium & Copper.jpg 84.71 KB Download Attachment: Grounds and Neutals.jpg 109.26 KB

It was not mold. It was caused from the back paper side of the old batt and it did look a little like tar residue. John Callan

It's a mini-rester water hammer shock arrestor. John Callan Here's a link: http://www.accentshopping.com/product.asp?P_ID=149132

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the type of insulation this is. I can't recall ever seeing this type before. The house was constructed in 1930. Thanks, John Callan Click to Enlarge 40.68 KB

Now thats a true american hero-Rest in Peace Ed John

How many layers of shingles does this look like? Unless I’m losing my eyesight I believe it’s two. The realtor e-mailed me and said the owner stated that the two layers are a grace ice and water shield and one layer of shingles. (8 years old) In addition there is a small sunroof and the shingles are in poor shape with a lot of cracking, these shingles need replacement. The owner said they are also only 8 years old, but regardless they need replacement. I lifted up a couple of edges and did not see much of an ice & water shield. I am enclosing a few photos. Thanks for any input it’s always greatly appreciated. John C Image Insert: 61.27 KB Image Insert: 50.66 KB Image Insert: 174.3 KB Image Insert: 185.72 KB Image Insert: 133.93 KB Image Insert: 71.25 KB

Sometimes a photo helps folks comprehend the message. I have told many people for example that the GFCI in the bathroom isn’t working properly and they get it. Sometimes I have clients’ who's eyes glaze over when I explain a bad GFCI so in those cases a photo with the written word convey the message. John C Download Attachment: Defective GFCI in 1st floor Bath.jpg 68.66 KB

Whoever “the white rabbitâ€

Brian got your dander up WJ. I think he must feel like George Forman in his Zaire fight when Ali used the “rope a dope.â€

I was hopeful you would check in Bill, thanks for the info. John C

My backyard has a lot of moss. I tried to fight it at first but then realized I don’t like cutting grass! This has worked out okay for me –no more grass to cut in my back yard! I get moss on my foundation every so often I just hit it with water from my garden hose goodbye moss. I have yet to see moss causing a major problem on foundations on my inspections, but I don’t like any vegetation growing on buildings and recommend accordingly. John C

Kurt that's what I thought , but that's what is on this roof. This is in an upscale location in Kennebunkport and they have a neighborhood covenant which among many other things states roofs must be white cedar shingle! -Who knows maybe the covenant states all building inspectors must wear suits! John C

Pats are loaded up this year. Picking up Adalius Thomas was the best move they made this off season. Randy Moss & Donte Stallworth will give Brady the wide receivers he has never had before. I'm not worried about Moss I think he feels he has something to prove and Belichick won't put up with any crap. The way his contract is written they can cut him very easy if needed. Junior Seau looks good in practice so far. I just hope they get Asante Sameul into camp and Maroney is fully recovered from his leg injury. If all goes well I see Pats in Arizona in 2008 beating any NFC team. John C

Hi, I'm inspecting a ten year old house next week with white cedar shingles. I've never inspected this type of roof before so looking for any helpful advice. Can I walk on this type of roof? Should this roof have felt strips and is it visible in the attic? Should I be able to see the felt strips from the exterior? I recall reading that these shingles are not as durable as red shingles. Are there any maintenance tips I should be giving. What is the typical lifespan of this type of roof? I saw Mike had a link to this site so I'll check it out.www.cedarbureau.org Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks, John Callan

Mike, I believe the top had something very similar to what you see on the bottom. I am going back to the house Sunday or Monday so I’ll take another look up top. Still it looks like a crappy trim job around some of these windows. John C

Hi, This house is new construction. The vinyl siding around the windows have a lot of gaps around vertical portions of the windows. Shouldn't these windows have J channels around them to help divert water? Image Insert: 69.23 KB Thanks, John C

I tell clients 120-125. My house is set to 120. John C

Thanks Mike Yes I did write up the crappy roof as well as a lot of other crappy things! John C

Hi, Correct me if I'm wrong about this. I thought clearance over a flat roof is 8ft. This home's service entrance wire goes over an old garage and connects to the main structure as you can see height is only about 3 ft. Home owner says this is okay and after all he's the towns fire chief and he should know. He’s not going be too happy when he see's what I have to say about his chimney flue which he built or the issues with the hot water boiler! John C Download Attachment: 176.jpg 184.58 KB Download Attachment: 223.jpg 73.19 KB Download Attachment: 280.jpg 71.46 KB