Sometimes even the easy things can be hard. I was doing a home inspection on a new construction and checking the exterior receptacles and found that they were not “WR” Weather Resistant type receptacles. As well the cover for the receptacle has to be rated and marked “Extra Duty” when Read more…
Now that we have several months post the adoption of the 2020 NEC in Washington State you will see a new item on the exterior of homes ( Single family and Two family (Duplexes)). The emergency disconnect. In Washington State the new code became effective November 1 2020. It was Read more…
As a home inspector I do a lot different types of inspections. From commercial to residential home inspections. In addition I do construction defect, building and remodel consultations, foundation certifications for manufactured homes, commercial land development bank inspections and structural pest inspections. Draw Inspections One type of inspection I do Read more…
You know you are not a plumber if you see something like this. Let alone an improper standpipe we have a direct connection to the waste line from a condensate trap. Often you think it may be working and is okay but this can create health issues and potential flooding. Read more…
A law designed to protect home buyers from poorly performed and shoddy electrical wiring became effective on July 25, 2021.
As with many things necessity will drive the codes on how to handle them. Enter the loft sleeping area or as the code states “Sleeping Loft”. With the advent of the “Tiny House” craze the model code bodies are now trying to grapple with the issues of these type of Read more…
Sometimes you have to wonder if those who are building our home are properly trained or ever read installation guidelines. With this said I know a lot of very good builders out there but I also see many poorly executed portions of the home that really should just not ever Read more…
Heat pump water heaters are going to be much more commonplace. With the new energy codes in place in Washington State, if you apply for a building permit and it is submitted after February 1, 2021 you will be required to meet the 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). This Read more…
You have to sometime wonder if people actually understand what and why they are doing something. When we build homes there are rules and they have reasons. Here is a great example. This was a new construction home and we have a duct penetration in the ceiling of the garage. Read more…
Membrane roofing, specifically single ply membrane roofing can be a great choice on flat roofs. There are several materials that can be used. Many of the newer roofs are using plastic (Thermoplastic) types of membranes. Most have heard of PVC, EPDM, TPO but let’s add one more to the list Read more…