Wood Burning Fireplace - InspectionNews

Dale W. Feb · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 12:20 AM

I need a definition of a wood burning fireplace. Is it safe to say this is a wood burning fireplace within your report? "A" for effort.

Fuel for thought
Dale

Eric Barker · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 08:48 AM

Since I'm doing a visual inspection I'd write no fireplace present. If anyone is going to assume that there is one I'll let it be someone else.

Michael Thomas · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 10:54 AM

As far as I know that could be a portal to Tartarus. I would however report items such a chimney (if present) above it, note that at one time there might have been a fireplace at that location, and that unless the flue is capped there might be future issues with water intrusion.

John Arnold · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 10:55 AM

I would only describe it as a wood burning fireplace if it was actually on fire during the inspection.

#5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 11:19 AM

Turn the TV on to the fire place station and watch the romantic flicker all night.

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Arnold

I would only describe it as a wood burning fireplace if it was actually on fire during the inspection.

Before or after you call 911 and report the fire?

John Arnold · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 01:03 PM

I just report what I see. I leave it up to a qualified specialist to call 911 after further evaluation.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 01:10 PM

Seems to me that if it is 'on fire' and 'producing heat', it's working ... isn't it?

Isn't that what agent say about a/c systems? "Well, the air IS COLD, isn't it?"

Richard Rushing · #9 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 02:40 PM

Isn't that what agent say about a/c systems? "Well, the air IS COLD, isn't it?"

Yup... they'll tell you the same thing about the roof-- "Well, it's not leaking"

No "fireplace" visible or accessible in that home.

Eric Barker · #10 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 03:28 PM

"they'll tell you the same thing about the roof-- "Well, it's not leaking""

They get real quiet when I point out that it's not raining. Or they ask if it measures as wet - and I say it hasn't rained for 3 weeks, why would it be wet?

#11 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

They get real quiet when I point out that it's not raining. Or they ask if it measures as wet - and I say it hasn't rained for 3 weeks, why would it be wet?

That would be the realtor asking that

Jerry Peck · #12 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 07:02 AM

Years ago I used to have to do that a couple of times a week ...

"WELL ... But is it LEAKING?"

My response would be to look up, hold my hand out with my palm facing up, move my hand side-to-side a few times, look down at my hand and feel for water with my other hand, then look at the dumb agent and say "Well, it isn't raining, is it? So I guess it would only be leaking sunshine. But, that makes it "LEAKING", right?" At which time I would turn to my client and ask "What do you think?" IF my client still had a straight face (most would be laughing or grinning by now) they would typically respond 'Yeah, it's leaking sunshine!'

My clients *got it*, the agents, no hope for them.

Steve Kincaid · #13 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 03:08 PM

Oh, I don't know. A couple of years ago, one of our "elite" agents in the area jumped right in on the conversation of all the daylight and the water stains in the attic (guess that is why they needed fresh paint on the ceilings) and firmly stated that the "owner just had the maid mop the attic before I came so it would be nice and clean for me". I thought I would have to perform CPR on the client as he continued to laugh to the point that he was choking.