I think I am starting a new series on construction defects that are very common here in North Central Washington.Let us start with one that is super simple to fix but is almost always missing. Enter the “Intersystem Bonding Terminal” or IBT as required by NEC 250 94. The intersystem Read more…
Here are some great tips on natural lawn care from Seattle. This is aimed at Western Washington but many many of the principles apply to other areas as well. Here are the 6 steps- Mow higher (1-2 inches), mow regularly, and leave the clippings Use “natural organic” or “slow release” Read more…
Though structural fires are not on everyone’s mind it is a something we should be thinking about when such an unfortunate event occurs. Sometimes jut having a simple plan can save a life. Here is four basic steps you should take. Everyone should have plan Mark two ways out of Read more…
It amazes me how often I see improper and unsafe electrical instillation. Here is an example of an electrical panel that has been installed that is a disaster waiting to happen. Let alone all the improper wiring this is a sub-panel. Then we have metal materials around this panel that Read more…
Often we see many items during a Home inspection. Here is a great example in one photo. We have several issues all grouped together. First we have a plumbing leak. Small leaks can be a harbinger for for other condition such as wood rot, insects and rodents. Next, we have Read more…
Wenatchee Home and Pest inspector- Do you really need a pest inspection? As a Wenatchee Home and Pest Inspector I calculate that I see insects and/or damage from wood destroying insects in about 10 to 15% of the homes I inspect. That is one out of 10 or less! I have informal Read more…
Signs of the Times- Wenatchee and Chelan Home Inspector Signs have a fundamental element in providing information and direction or symbols of trade, commerce, and industry, from the ancient world to the present. In another context it can be a token or indication. Or is it a conventional or arbitrary mark, figure, or Read more…
Shaking it up with wood roofs- East Wenatchee and Quincy Home Inspections Wood roofs- Is it a Shingle or Shake? This at times is very difficult to really know because the modern milling techniques for shingles can mimic shakes, but generally shingles are sawn (smooth) and shakes are split (rough/rustic). Read more…
Where there is Smoke there is Fire- East Wenatchee and Quincy Home Inspections During a Douglas County home inspection there was a grim reminder that electrical wiring issues can have grave consequences. This home had an electrical fire that ended up taking someone’s life. Fire dynamics are a very interesting and in this home Read more…
Concrete, Moisture and forces of Equilibrium- Wenatchee and Leavenworth Home Inspection On a recent home inspection my client asked me to look at a part of the foundation that he thought may be failing. After evaluating the issue it was obvious the problem was not from failure of the foundation but the Read more…