It never ceases to surprise our inspectors when performing a final inspection on new construction, that there is less insulation in the attic than the buyers contract stipulated. Most of the new builds this year are getting between sixteen and twenty one inches of fiberglass in the attic. Before it is “blown in” the installer […]Read More about New Home Inspection, Inadequate Insulation
Hidden Beauty In a Church Attic
As often as this church has been used over the last 100 years, the thousands of hours parishioners spent in the pews, the thoughts they must have had of the beautiful sanctuary, I wonder how many people thought of what was above the ceiling. The attic above the sanctuary is twice as large as the […]Read More about Hidden Beauty In a Church Attic
Recessed Lights Pose a Fire Hazard
As a homeowner you probably don’t typically give much thought about the lights in your home, as long as they are doing what lights are supposed to do. You flip the switch, instantaneous illumination, you can see and life is good! However, it is what we can’t see that can be a cause for concern. […]Read More about Recessed Lights Pose a Fire Hazard
Incorrect Home Energy Certification
In the basement of the house taped to the electric panel was the home’s energy certification which stated the R-value was 49, which would be 22.5 inches of insulation, a far cry from the twelve we measured. Then we looked at the date on the certificate, and again a surprise. The legally mandated certificate that […]Read More about Incorrect Home Energy Certification
Attic Ladders are Rarely Installed Safely
Video explains highlights that manufacturers installation instructions are rarely followed which poses a safety issue. The most important fastener in the one in the hinge.
Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?
COULD THE ATTIC BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH?Dangerous insulation may be hiding above the ceiling of older homes. In newer homes the insulation is usually soft and puffy fiberglass or a cellulose (very finely ground paper). In some older homes a granular product with a silver glint to it may have been used to insulate […]Read More about Granules in Attic, Is it Dangerous Insulation?
New Construction No Mortar Between Bricks?
Inspecting a four year old home in Xenia. The front of a two story the house had a big brick gable above the garage and on up into the roof. When we were in the attic we discovered that the brick mason had dry stacked the bricks and blocks, in other words they had not […]Read More about New Construction No Mortar Between Bricks?
Roof Truss Correctly Installed at Chimney
When the chimney was installed the mason correctly built around the roof trusses (framing) instead of cutting a section out of the truss, which appears to be rather common solution to one problem and the creation of another. Trusses are all too often modified, removing parts that get in the way of attic access ladders, […]Read More about Roof Truss Correctly Installed at Chimney
Recycling at its best!
Would we “call” this “disadvantage home team”, found in an attic last week, quirky reuse of a tennis ball container as an electrical junction box. Yes it works, No its not permitted!
Bathroom Vent Confusion
Bathroom venting is simple and necessary to remove excess moisture from the bathroom All that’s required is a fan, an insulated pipe and a vent on the roof or the exterior wall. This professionally remodeled home in a Dayton historic area appeared to have it all until we questioned the direction of the piping in […]Read More about Bathroom Vent Confusion
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