Hello, New Inspector just joined posted on August 28, 2008 11:05:12 am Hi everyone, I just completed my first paid Home Inspection. I was an HVAC Rheem Dealer for 15 years and in the HVAC business for over 30 years. My experience is HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing as a Building Specialist for 30 years in Iowa. I enjoy reading all of your insite on these topics of discussion. I'm learning from you! Thanks
Sump Pump odors? posted on August 28, 2008 10:51:48 am I live in the land of crawl spaces. Very few sump pumps around here due to extreme lack of basements.
Past client called this morning complaining of musty odor in basement. New construction, closed about 3 months ago. There are 3 holes in the basement floor. 2 have sump pumps installed while the third has a cover over the hole but no pump. ~4800 square feet finished space. Basement unfinished and all below grade with the exception of a stairway about 6 feet wide leading below grade to door and window.
Client had opened the window of the basement and ran a fan to draw fresh air into the basement for a while. Then he turned the fan around and blew air out the window from the basement. Then he closed the window and ran a dehumidifier. Started at 85% and has gotten it down to 45% humidity according to him. Last 3 months the weather around here has been about 90 degrees with 85%-95% humidity.
He complained to the builder about the musty odor. The builder suggested it was probably the fiberglass batt insulation giving off the odor. Huh?
He poured bleach into the sump pumps and the odor diminished and took on a slight bleach odor. Shortly thereafter the odor returned to full strength.
The one opening in the floor without a sump pump has several threaded openings which are not capped off.
My guess is that the high humidity has caused some growth of mold or mildew. Reducing the humidity is a good thing and may eventually kill off the mold/mildew.
I would think capping off the unused sump pump hole openings would limit odor and further growth but may limit the capability for water to enter the sump during high water?
I am definitely sump pump challenged. I am looking for some guidance about sump pumps in general. I am looking for suggestions to help the client better manage the moisture and odor in his basement. Any ideas?
Pics are front of house at final inspection
Blurry pic of one of the sump pump openings in the basement floor.
Flashing at pitched to flat dormer transition posted on August 28, 2008 09:50:42 am Does anyone have a link to an illustration of a better flashing technique for this transition than just adhering the edge of the sheet material to the dormer fascia? (Sorry no closer pics, or pics form above, but the roof of this three story building was beyond the reach of my 32' ladder).
Rafter Too Short at Ridge Board posted on August 28, 2008 06:51:26 am I was inspecting an attic in a house approx 50 yrs. old. On one side of the ridge board the rafters were fine. On the other side almost all the rafters were ban inch or two short. Should this be corrected or since its been like this for so long is it not worth worrying about?
Roof tiles posted on August 28, 2008 06:22:49 am I have never seen tiles run like this along a valley. The whole complex is like this, build in 2000.
Window by stairs posted on August 27, 2008 11:29:34 pm This looks like a real hazard to me. The window is tempered glass but it seems to me there should be a gaurdrail or an additional banister.
New house, the second picture is in the master bath shower. Sheeze!
Attachment 8123 (http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/attachments/building-interior-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/8123-window-stairs-dscn2050.jpg)
Attachment 8124 (http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/attachments/building-interior-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/8124-window-stairs-dscn2057.jpg)
Might as well add one more. Here is where the T&P drains from 2 water heaters (teed together) are connected to the PVC air conditioner condensate line.
Attachment 8125 (http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/attachments/building-interior-home-inspection-commercial-inspection/8125-window-stairs-dscn2060.jpg)
We need a "Why do I need to get a new house inspected" category on this forum!
Geothermal heat pump filter slot posted on August 27, 2008 09:35:55 pm I just got done inspecting a geothermal heat pump installed in a high rise condo. http://www.climatemaster.com/index/res_tranquility27_page
The heat pump is the tranquility 20.
The heat pump is located in the laundry room while the return air is located in the hallway outside this room.
Question: does it matter that the filter slot is wide open, and that some of the return air is being pulled from the laundry room? The way they installed these systems, there is about a 1" gap between the filter and return air duct. Picture a return air duct run to a furnace, but being partially open on 2 of the 4 sides.
Nations Insurance and Michael Napadow posted on August 27, 2008 08:41:24 pm Many of Y'all will recall the insurance scam that we had a few years back. I received an email earlier today. Seems like the wheels of justice have turned! The same message has been sent to folks at NAHI,INACHI, AII, CREIA and FABI. They all had members that were scammed. Close to 2,700 home inspectors fell prey to it.
---Quote---
Dear Scott;
Please advise the the ASHI membership and all other groups of the following:
Michael Napadow was convicted last week in a jury trial in the US District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Chicago) of two counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud for his nefarious "Nations Hazard Insurance" ripoff. The jury deliberated for less than one hour before reaching a verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2008 at 9:45 AM in the same court. He may still be pending further charges for a separate tax return scam he later operated.
Hopefully, he will not be in a position to rip off any more home inspectors for several years. Although the wheels of justice do turn slowly, they at least turn once in awhile.
I would have posted this myself, but it has been so long since I posted that I have forgotten all my passwords and user names on the various message boards.
Thank you for the opportunity to have served you in my small way.
Ted L. Bader, CFE
Chief Investigator, Legal Affairs Division
Office of Insurance Commissioner
POB 40255, Olympia, WA. 98504-0255
---End Quote---
Computer Hijacking on Airless Cards posted on August 27, 2008 07:38:13 pm I have an airless card by one of the major carriers and I had my computer hijacked again today for the uptenth time. I had another card with a different carrier and after it happened then, I asked them to change the phone number. I do not know what they did but after 7 hours of tech support and several trips to the store I changed carriers completely. Lo and behold it happened again later with the new card and carrier.
I have a tablet and it is installed in my truck. I have a short screensaver time frame to help eliminate the hijacking. I have noticed that they (whoever they is, I do not know) can only get into it when the lid is closed but before the screensaver kicks in. I will open the lid to check my emails or calendar or whatever and I will find a bunch of different screens up there. I originally passed it off that I must have hit some buttons when I closed it. But then I realized that it was too specific. I tried to flip the tablet lid around where I could still see the screen but maybe it was still "closed" but to no avail. So now I either have to disconnect or I have to leave the lid up. I am in and out of my truck all day and this computer really helps me do my work so getting rid of it is really out of the question.
The funny thing is the carrier told me that it was impossible for it do that. If that is so how did my network connections screen pop up after I closed the lid. Or some sign on page to a utility company is up there when I open the lid. Apparently they are getting through a port and getting into the computer. So far they have not done anything but then again I do not have a whole lot of files in there but it does really concern me. Has anyone had something like this happen? Also anybody know how I can catch "they". And by the way it has happened in the large city where I work and also on the open highway going down the road so I do not think it is necessarily a local connection.
Pools filled with Dirt? posted on August 27, 2008 06:05:33 pm Do you have any comments you mention about pools being filled with dirt?
Most I've seen have had the pool walls wrecked and large holes jackhammered out in the bottom so water can drain.
This home today had a fiberglass shell that was still visible in some areas protruding from the ground.
Just wondering what issues could be present?
Rick
Lead Based Paint/Consumer Testing Business posted on August 27, 2008 03:52:16 pm New to the group. I provide a number of services utilizing XRF analyzers. I would like to partner with local home inspectors to add lead (heavy metals) testing to your service.
Using XRF, I provide testing of consumer goods to families, preschools, doctors, toy stores, suppliers and manufacturers. In addition, I provide lead based paint inspections for realtor, engineers and families.
It's becoming a great, what I would call, side business. It give you the opportunity to make an additional 50K in sales. It may fit well in your business, especially if you have some down time.
I am in Atlanta, but have served families and businesses in NC< AL, GA, FL TX and MS.
If anyone is interested is starting this business let me know and I will work with you on an individual basis to get you set up in your area.
my website is Exposing Lead Home (http://www.exposinglead.com)
lost my best friend this week posted on August 27, 2008 03:03:21 pm hey all
when i was younger and more riskier and foolish, i wanted a harley, even though i knew i would kill myself.
thank god for sane honey's,,she said no and bought me a chocalate lab named harley
as usual he became my best friend and stayed by my side for thirteen great years
well he left me last week.
and even though you think you are tough as nailed,,i cried for hours and cancelled two inspections that next day. will miss him everyday of my life
thanks for your time
charlie
Look at photo...is this a correct application ? posted on August 27, 2008 07:50:34 am Look at photo...is this a correct application ? Water heater TPRV valve line connecting to the pan drain line. Both using the same termination line.
Pet Peeves posted on August 26, 2008 09:33:33 pm What are some of the things you come across doing HI's that just irritate you on a regular basis?
Don't hold back.
rick
vent through roof under eave posted on August 26, 2008 07:16:07 pm i am sure that this is not supposed to be here?
