flex ducts in concealed space?
posted on November 20, 2009 12:52:53 am
I'm getting conflicting info on this one. Are flexible ducts allowed to be installed in a concealed space - like in a floor joist bay that runs between two finished levels in a house? I had never really thought about it since I don't see a lot of concealed spaces as I inspect houses but I'm running ductwork for an addition I'm putting on and can't get a straight answer. Duct supplier says no they have to be sheetmetal (big surprise, he sells sheet metal and fabricates ducts). A couple calls to local HVAC contractors left me more confused then when I started. Just lots of 'maybe' An inspector friend in a neighboring county to where I live said no problem as long as they're not penetrating a fire separation wall.... of course. Anyhow, the attached pictures are of the metal ducting at the end of the existing house which I plan to tap into and extend to the new rooms (pictured at framing stage). Flex ducts would be much easier.... I'm calling my AHJ in the morning. I'm just curious what you guys think.

SinkPositive - Toilet-Sink Combination
posted on November 19, 2009 10:25:12 pm
The SinkPositive (http://www.sinkpositive.com/site/) is a sink that is incorporated into the toilet tank lid. When the toilet is flushed water flows out of the sink faucet and drains into the tank. The user can wash his/her hands with water that goes to fill the toilet tank instead of having it go down the drain. I'm all for conserving water whenever practicable but something about the SinkPositive strikes me as odd. Using the SinkPositive would seem to be awkward. You would have to either stand beside the toilet (impossible in many bathrooms) or straddle the bowl. You would be washing your hands with cold water (unless you fill your toilet tanks with hot water). You probably would have to wash your hands without soap because adding soap to the toilet tank could cause problems. Has anyone run across one of these?

Vent near window
posted on November 19, 2009 09:29:05 pm
I wrote this in the report, vent too close to window. Pretty simple, right? Well the HVAC contractor called me and said the vent can be located 3 feet from the window if the furnace is 100,000 btu's or less. I have not heard of this. Plus is was 33 inches, that pissed him off. Have you heard of this rule. I simply refered to 1804.2.6 IRC

What would you say about these water pipes?
posted on November 19, 2009 07:33:09 pm
New water pipes to the old clawfoot tub. Plumbing permit pulled but not closed out yet.

Can I get a discount?
posted on November 19, 2009 06:50:03 pm
How do you handle a potential client when you spend time with them on the phone answering all of their questions, explaining the inspection process, explaining your credentials, etc. They then ask what is the cost, you tell them and then they have the nerve to ask "can I get a discount?" Things are a tad slow and I hate to loose an inspection but the nerve of some people really amazes me. Chuck

More photos of cut out
posted on November 19, 2009 06:31:57 pm
Jim, here are some more photos of the cut out. I don't know if this will help you. Thanks, Ryan

Cut out
posted on November 19, 2009 02:31:18 pm
Any thoughts on the way this area has been cut out? Thanks, Ryan

Correct waste plumbing material
posted on November 19, 2009 02:28:06 pm
As far as I know this is not an approved waste plumbing material but I wanted to double check with everyone. Thanks, Ryan

Roof Flashing
posted on November 19, 2009 02:25:52 pm
Is flashing needed at this point on the roof? Thanks, Ryan

I have never seen this type of water heater
posted on November 19, 2009 10:17:52 am
Do you know what type of water heater this is. I have never seen the "vent" running up the side of the unit. The house was built in 1997. I could not access manufacture information because that piece of crap cabinet was in the way.

Still looking to change software
posted on November 19, 2009 09:11:08 am
I am looking for a software program that is more-or-less identical to Inspecvue in function and appearance. It also needs to take my existing inspectvue comments and transfer them over. I have pretty much demo-ed all the larger programs. I'm kinda throwing my hands up at this point. I wonder how much it would be to create your own software? $5-10,000? more, less?

AAV & Dishwasher Tie-in
posted on November 18, 2009 09:50:50 pm
I am just finishing a new bar sink in my basement. The 2" sink drain is in the wall (horizontal) and I will be bringing the 2" pipe into the back of the sink base. I will be using an Oatey Sure Vent (AAV) as adding a vent line was going to be problematic. I am looking for any advise on a piping diagram to plumb a single bar sink, dishwasher drain, and AAV into the wall. Any suggestions? I am in Douglas County, Colorado and AAV's are permissable. Thanks in advance. Bill

Insulation Levels/Values
posted on November 18, 2009 07:29:04 pm
Can anyone point me to an insulation level chart (Recommended levels per climate zone for walls and attics) and insulation R-value per inch per type of insulation? I have a previously bankrupted new home builder, who has resurfaced under a new name, but same logo, (like we're not going to know it's him) And he's up to his old tricks, like under insulating then sealing the attic hatch off, hoping the Energy Star Inspector or the municipal inspector won't bother to look. I just need something official on paper for my buyer and for his agent (for whom I have a great amount a respect, she one of the good ones) to go back at the builder for. Thanks Guys Jim Weyenberg HouseMaster Inc. NE. Wisconsin

Dallas Reunion Arena Roof Demolition
posted on November 18, 2009 06:58:24 pm
Check out this video of the roof coming down. Watch the cat chipping away at the column. Wasn't supposed to happen as it went. It was cool to see though as it came down. rick YouTube - Reunion Arena Roof Demolition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9lvvVLDqaY)

Check out this gem
posted on November 18, 2009 06:51:53 pm
The agent told me the house is in perfect condition. But she didn't tell me the deck was a turd;)