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OLDER HOME - This is a problem commonly found in our inspections
and can be quite dangerous. Additional circuits
were improperly added to this main electrical panel box. They were "Double Tapped" into
a 240 volt breaker. Double tapping electrical breakers and circuits can cause overheating, notice the burn
marks on the wires. This is dangerous and a potential fire hazard.
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Inspectec will find dangerous electrical conditions |
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NEW HOME - At this new $350,00 home, gutters were improperly installed. Water was directed
and discharging against the shingles and into a flashed valley area. This can cause water to get up and under the shingles, causing
damage to the structure. This gutter should have been sloped the other way so the water could discharge into a downspout or,
a small downspout could have been added at this end diverting the water down the shingle, not against it. Big gaps in
the trim have also allowed birds to get into and above the soffit areas and are making a mess below. New home builders, for the most part, try their best to build a well constructed home,
but some times corners are cut that can cause problems down the road. Even for the best builders, it's hard to stay
on top of the many sub-contractors that have to be hired to build a new home. |
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OLDER HOME - Wow, This is a dangerous one! These wires
are the main electrical feed lines to the home. This is high voltage and unprotected power. As you can see
in the photo, the insulation is totally gone from the splices on both hot wires. What makes it really dangerous
is that these bare wires are within an inch of the aluminum trim. If these wires come in contact with the trim it would
energize the trim, siding, downspouts and anyone that touched them. Although this is a serious and dangerous
condition, it is very easy to correct.
As is, Very dangerous!
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60s - 70s HOME - Aluminum wiring, used
in some homes from the mid 1960's to the early 1970's, is a potential fire hazard. According
to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fires and even deaths have been reported to have been caused by this hazard.
Problems due to expansion, or more likely micro-fretting and arcing at the connectors, can cause overheating at connections
between the wire and devices (switches and outlets) or at splices. The connections can become hot enough to start a fire without
ever tripping a circuit breaker! Repairs inlcude re-wiring
the entire house but there are other solutions. Pigtailing using "COPALUM" connections is one.
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OLDER HOME - The homeowner had no idea that this duct
had come loose. One bedroom in the house always seemed cold. No wonder, These flex ducts
were poorly installed with bad supports and there was also no insulation installed on the main trunk duct. All
of the ducts running through this crawl space had to be re-supported and re-insulated properly. How much heating energy had been
lost over the years?
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Inspectec will find energy wasting conditions |
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REMODELED HOME - Someone has added a fireplace & chimney
to this home and cemented the cut rafter right into the brick. When a structural wood member is cut through
in a situation like this, the load it carries must be transferred to surrounding structural members using a "Header" installed
perpendicularly and connected to the two adjacent rafters. This allows proper support and a safe space between the wood framing
and the chimney. Spacing from framing to wood should be at least 2". Many times homeowners and some remodelers, just don't know how to go about a project properly and
safely.
This is not a proper installation & a severe Fire Hazard.
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OLDER HOME - Homeowners are required
to disclose known defects / conditions such as water infiltration, mold, ect, but many times we find items hidden or
concealed. In the corner of this basement was a large box. Behind that large box was water damage to the wall
& mold that was recently painted over. I'm sure the box was just put there coincidently!
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Our Inspections protect YOUR interests! |
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OLDER HOME - This is the main support bean under the center of an older home.
The home had several additions over the years and as you can see in the photo, the original wood support beams could
not handle the added weight. This and other support beams are now cracking / splitting under the load. This
is a very coslty repair item to find out about after you buy. This home had many serious problems.
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OLDER HOME - Roofing
problems are common. This photo shows caulk used incorrectly. A properly installed roof will not need caulk as in this
photo. In an area like this, metal "Step Flashing" would be used, installed under the siding and between shingles, to
protect the structure from water infiltration. Caulk used on a roof in this manner is a sure sign of problems
and / or a poor installation job.
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