As homeowners, we don’t typically give too much thought about the lights in our homes as long as they are doing what lights are supposed to do. We flip the switch, instantaneous illumination, we can see and life is good! However, it is usually what we can’t see that can be a cause for concern. […]
Incorrect Certification
Inspecting a new construction home last week we observed and noted that the thickness of the insulation in the attic was between two and eight inches deep, as opposed to the twelve inches that should have been there according to the foreman. There was no card (as required) stapled at the access stating what the […]
Attic Ladders Are Generally Unsafe
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 (What’s It?)
Looking at the “floor” of an attic in an older house that was insulated between 1919 and the late 50’s you might see a granular material with a silver/ whitish colors where you expected to see fiberglass insulation. If you are looking at buying or are living in a home with this stuff you need […]
Who Needs Mortar between Bricks?
Inspecting a 4 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 made our way into the attic we discovered that the brick mason had dry stacked the bricks and blocks, in other words they […]
Roof Truss Modifications
When the chimney was installed the mason correctly built around the roof truss (framing) instead of cutting through the truss. Trusses are all too often modified with sections removed instead of ordering the correct truss from the manufacturer when the house was built. Modified trusses lose their load-carrying capacity when modified and any modifications need […]
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!
Hidden Danger
COULD YOUR ATTIC BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH?Dangerous Attic Insulation may be hidden above your ceiling. 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 the attic. […]
Bathroom Vent Confusion
Bathroom venting is simple and necessary to remove excess moisture from the bathroom, a fan, a pipe and a vent on the roof or 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 the attic. None of the pipes […]
