Infrared (IR) cameras have come a long way and can be a handy tool during a home inspection. Here we have a section of a vaulted ceiling wall that has not been insulated. The IR camera quickly shows the deficiency. Read more…
During a home inspection I found this Alate stuck on a sticky trap in the attic. ” Carpenter ants are members of the genus Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). The name “carpenter ant” comes from the nesting habits of many species, which excavate Read more…
I run into this from time to time during a home inspection. A water heater that has been installed using a cord and plug. The issue is that I cannot find for these electric water heaters that any instruction from Read more…
From a recent home inspection. Here we have an improper trap installation. The trap seal is too deep and the actual trap is installed backwards. Both “Model Plumbing Codes” (UPC/IPC) specify that the trap seal should be between 2 to Read more…
During an inspection I spotted this in the yard. A spider attacking a grasshopper.
Flowers are beautiful but probably should not be growing out of your door threshold. Due to a missing capillary break from the concrete the wood is now rotting and deteriorating. This is creating an environment that even a flower can Read more…
As you can see from this joint that the siding installation was less than desirable. James Hardi recommends a joint flashing for their installation, unfortunately they do not require it, it is the recommend joint treatment. With this large of Read more…
As a home inspector and instructor I always think it is good to know what is the normal for installation in a given area. Armed with this information you can help your clients with the best information possible on their Read more…
I am always keeping my out for new products and instillation. On a recent new construction inspection I ran into a Rheem Water Heater Booster. The Rheem Water Heater Booster installs directly on a tank’s hot water line to provide Read more…
Sometime you are just being watched during a home inspection. Here was a Yellow-Pine Chipmunk who was very curious as what I was up to. But he was not the only one who was curious. I see chipmunks all the Read more…