tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14104002152236877672024-03-05T02:57:29.555-08:00Inspection MonologuesThe Inspection Monologues! Follow along as Joshua Roberts from WIN Home Inspection provides useful...and...not so useful information, facts, stories and so much more!!Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-85463795179912575882013-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:002013-02-04T10:00:03.572-08:00Washington State Carbon Monoxide Law<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">January
1, 2011, Washington State law required CO detectors to be installed
in all </span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="background: transparent;">new</span></b></i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">
single family homes and residences, including
condominiums, apartments, hotels, and motels. </span></span></span></span></b>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/5/1/0/ar135889903201567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CO Alarm Plug in style Chelan Home Inspection" border="0" height="225" name="graphics2" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/5/1/0/ar135889903201567.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">The
state law requires CO detectors be installed in </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="background: transparent;">existing</span></b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;"> condominiums, apartments, hotels, motels and single- family
residences by January 1, 2013. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;"> </span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">Owner-occupied
single-family residences, legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are
not required to have CO detectors </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="background: transparent;">until
they are sold</span></b></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">.
The seller of the home is now required to supply the residence with
CO detectors before any other person legally occupies the home. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">If
your home does not currently have carbon <span style="font-size: small;">monoxide detectors </span>you will
be required to install detectors when any major modifications,
alterations, repairs or additions occurs. This includes HVAC, <span style="font-size: small;">plumbing</span> and <span style="font-size: small;">electrical work<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;"> </span></span></span>
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<a href="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/0/9/0/ar135889899509025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="BOTTOM" alt="CO Alarm Wenatchee Home Inspection" border="0" height="225" name="graphics1" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/0/9/0/ar135889899509025.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">Local
code officials will check for compliance with the CO detectors
installation requirements when a permit is required for new
construction and most modifications, alterations, repairs or
additions.</span></span></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">Carbon
Monoxide Detector Installation Requirements</span></span></span></b></u><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.4in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: transparent;">Alarms
must be located outside of each separate sleeping area, in the
immediate vicinity of the bedroom and on each level of the
residence. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: transparent;">Single
station<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b>carbon monoxide alarms</span> must be listed as complying with UL
2034, and installed in accordance with the code and the
manufacturer’s instructions. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: transparent;">Combined
CO and smoke alarms are permitted.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: transparent; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: transparent;"></span></span></span></span><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE:
Carbon Monoxide is a heavy gas. Most CO detectors need to be
installed as low to the ground as possible. Always refer to the
manufacture safety information when installing CO detectors in your
home.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> More information can be found here: <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/sbcc/File.ashx?cid=2255" target="_blank">Washington State Carbon Monoxide Law</a></span></span></span></i>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-73271140121968359212011-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-06T10:00:06.693-08:00What were they thinking?<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From the "Inspection Nightmare" file...</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.231514145215.144521.231323030215&type=3&l=84b809e874" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBN1souFj3_a3dyIxAEdrhc1qSfel_TqtutPdOZFh0l8VodkD4eNO-U9sRIzKeBFx53vnx4Wg1ovG3PcuZwx9YAMMoRIpkpUfQPTw0xF_1DXEu6EjBEBDkfNmRo67v_DaWIIcaGeO7q4/s400/n1146123205_30214387_4361.jpg" width="400" /></a> <span id="goog_763953854"></span><span id="goog_763953855"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">"Double Lugged" Breakers...how many wires can you fit in one breaker? </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of the most common electrical issue we find during a home inspection…we normally call a “Double Lugged” breaker. In this case…we can call this more than double lugging! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What is a double lugged breaker? Simply stated it is a breaker that has two wires connected to a single breaker connection. Some breakers may be rated and/or designed to hold two circuits. However, if a circuit breaker is not specifically rated or designed to accommodate two wires then it is considered to be double lugged. This could cause the breaker to trip if both circuits are used at the same time.<span> </span>Hot spots have also been known to occur at the breaker connection due to improper contact or torque because of the size of the second wire, this can lead to arcing within the panel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some electricians offer a few methods of correction for an improperly double lugged breaker. If there is additional space in the electrical panel an additional circuit breaker can be installed for the second wire, sometimes a mini-double breaker can be added to replace a full sized breaker. If no room is left in the panel for an additional breaker, a single wire (pigtail) can be attached to the breaker and the other two wires attached to that connection with a wire-nut. Whichever method is used, you should ALWAYS use the services of a qualified and licensed electrical contractor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So...What's inside your electrical panel? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-33914239174346138832011-11-08T20:09:00.002-08:002011-11-08T20:09:59.286-08:00Special Alarm Offer from ADT<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iwantadt.com/ac3/?cid=0&reqID=945&PromoCode=A59719" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Alarm Offer from ADT</b></span></span></u></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Provided by:</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wini.com/tacoma" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL5Lru1odiYN2sb_9aMi4UNIU-hKwJcW3Cm84lhvN5ehNqIZ6cNuHyx322UKBhflir92H_KU6193sZ98tFaVm3kOIiZjH9vXw2NUiWmTsc3Ewf0LMnTB7DEb50iM1O8aVkL7k5W-ZIjo/s200/34985_409549550215_231323030215_5092498_7559493_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">WIN Home Inspection </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Tacoma & South Sound</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iwantadt.com/ac3/?cid=0&reqID=945&PromoCode=A59719" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbixblgXLL5qBN3XElinaJ9UXWijlm7SunsaKEPwsqcFfkdlEky4r8-LFf7A7H5wqTPuAT1288KQIKxVmvDvKDuRded2JzFU58nuLcXydJ94TlCFBIH1HD4BFAohhrNbr0L1XbiJ_Fvg/s640/ADT.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-2531489233933258532011-11-06T10:21:00.000-08:002011-11-06T12:11:29.013-08:00$99 Preventative Home Maintenance Inspection<div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.freecouponmaker.com/iframe/7591/">$99 Preventative Home Maintenance Inspection</a></b></span><span style="color: navy;"> </span></div><span id="ListSummaryOneArticle"></span><h2 align="left"><span style="color: navy;">Is Your Home Ready For Winter?</span></h2><span id="ListSummaryOneArticle" style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div align="center"><span id="ListSummaryOneArticle" style="font-size: small;"><div align="left">If you want to make sure you're monitoring your home's different systems properly, or a are unsure whether you need to replace systems in your home, you might benefit from WIN Home Inspection's preventive home maintenance inspection services. While you might diligently check your home's structure on a regular basis, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between minor wear and tear and signs of major trouble. Fortunately, many home repairs and danger signs can be easily or inexpensively alleviated. The trick comes in knowing what the trouble is. A WIN Home Inspection (WIN) inspector can help you identify trouble spots and solutions to problems. Check this link for a list of common home repair needs and the costs to complete them: <a href="http://houseandhome.msn.com/improve/top10homerepairs.aspx" target="_blank" title="">http://houseandhome.msn.com/improve/top10homerepairs.aspx</a>.</div></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color: navy; font-size: small;"><b>Like a buyer's inspection - only you already own the home...</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">A Preventative Home Maintenance Inspection from WIN Home Inspection Tacoma & South Sound can help you identify situations that need immediate attention and help you prioritize less pressing repairs or replacement needs. During a home maintenance evaluation, our highly trained and professional WIN inspectors review hundreds of potential trouble areas and recommend repairs or preventive measures that can save you money down the line. Our WIN inspectors will examine your roof, structure wiring, plumbing, as well as heating and cooling systems. WIN inspectors also check for common sources of gas leaks, potential electrical hazards and moisture intrusion and any other preventative home maintenance items. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="color: navy; font-size: small;"><b>Creating a priority list for repairs...</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">WIN inspectors consult and assist homeowners in prioritizing repairs or improvements based on their findings. Homeowners receive a detailed report of the condition of their home to help plan for needed repairs and upgrades. When you decide to sell your home in the future, you won't face any unexpected surprises and you will have a valuable resource to show potential buyers that you maintained the home over time.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Schedule your </span><span style="color: navy; font-size: small;"><b>Preventative Home Maintenance Inspection</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">from </span><span style="color: navy; font-size: small;"><b>WIN Home Inspection Tacoma& South Sound</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">Call us TODAY...or...schedule On-Line @ <a href="http://www.wini.com/tacoma">www.wini.com/tacoma</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: navy;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Tacoma ~ 253.720.0390 South Sound ~ 360.280.0344 </span></span></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: navy;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Toll Free ~ 866.540.3125</span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.freecouponmaker.com/iframe/7591/"><b>$99 Preventative Home Maintenance Inspection</b></a></span><br />
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</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-23444166766644161142011-10-01T11:00:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:44:03.167-07:00Fighting Hunger...The WIN way!!<div style="background-color: yellow; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 36pt; text-align: justify;"><i><b>We are fighting hunger...One Inspection At A Time!</b></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3yrX5x4Ar3KHmO-_-BagUrYbhxfh2uMqXaR20-_gTl3TG1Ilxz1LtvtACZ_fN4EpUw5TNvVQ6vsdsJnJ-bAFkl8-uCFgrDzxV9OJ19JX5p1oJhxt2IxFc0zfy1pgzW1s6dkSxLcI6i4/s1600/188239_10150126305164544_530514543_6411544_6433218_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3yrX5x4Ar3KHmO-_-BagUrYbhxfh2uMqXaR20-_gTl3TG1Ilxz1LtvtACZ_fN4EpUw5TNvVQ6vsdsJnJ-bAFkl8-uCFgrDzxV9OJ19JX5p1oJhxt2IxFc0zfy1pgzW1s6dkSxLcI6i4/s1600/188239_10150126305164544_530514543_6411544_6433218_n.jpg" style="background-color: white;" /></a><br />
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In 2010, <b>one in seven</b> households in Washington struggled to provide enough food for their family. This year, the state’s budget crisis will result in the elimination or significant reductions of critical services that help struggling families meet their basic needs, like keeping food on the table.<br />
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<b>WIN Home Inspection Tacoma & South Sound</b> is committed to helping those members in our community who are in need...<br />
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<div style="background-color: yellow; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 36pt;">During the months of <i>October</i> & <i>November</i>, WIN Tacoma&South Sound are donating <b>$10</b> from <span class="fbunderline">EACH</span> Home Inspection to <b>Northwest Harvest</b>...<i>PLUS</i>...Each customer who donates a bag of non-perishable food items at the time of inspection will receive $20 off the inspection fee!!!</div><br />
<b><i>Help us Fill the WIN vans</i></b><i>... </i><br />
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All three of our WIN vans will be dropping off the donations during the <b>11th Annual KING 5 Home Team Harvest</b> on <i>Saturday, December 3rd </i>at one of their Puget Sound locations!<br />
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<b>Northwest Harvest</b> can feed a family of three a nutritious meal for <u><i>67 cents</i></u> with 93% of their total operating budget going directly toward food distribution in Washington. They are Washington’s own statewide hunger relief agency and their mission is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger.<br />
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Their vision is ample nutritious food is available to everyone in Washington State. Northwest Harvest is committed to nutrition and is the state's first food bank distribution center to focus on fresh produce. Northwest Harvest has decades of experience in promoting healthy eating while reducing hunger.<br />
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</div><div style="background-color: yellow; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 36pt; text-align: center;">For other ways you can help fight hunger in Washington State please visit <a href="http://www.northwestharvest.org/"><b>www.northwestharvest.org</b></a></div><div style="margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 36pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNyT1AXbY_sv7JPlE9-EnhMHH1RrOSreECg9YVQezubshE50VgOfoQAYHLTL_LRHRI1eusbarKxbHqfQI-PAS9hUcxptlqYm-BdmTdKfelJHVDuubY5mV7_KNLtbMaMv3QPg4QmbGhQg/s1600/Home-Team-Harvest-NEW-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNyT1AXbY_sv7JPlE9-EnhMHH1RrOSreECg9YVQezubshE50VgOfoQAYHLTL_LRHRI1eusbarKxbHqfQI-PAS9hUcxptlqYm-BdmTdKfelJHVDuubY5mV7_KNLtbMaMv3QPg4QmbGhQg/s200/Home-Team-Harvest-NEW-Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C-vWggUKJRR_CDe2zgf0miDHD28EneJu-3eyraQt0uvO99YwHDbpMajE9n_0WgXL1uTxecNnBWKC3oygK3waAYRzHglrAg920-XtxpyT8qoEfIPD5tFhlPTCyEUVQ-avIdGfIR1LiJc/s1600/WINLOGOwnumber2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C-vWggUKJRR_CDe2zgf0miDHD28EneJu-3eyraQt0uvO99YwHDbpMajE9n_0WgXL1uTxecNnBWKC3oygK3waAYRzHglrAg920-XtxpyT8qoEfIPD5tFhlPTCyEUVQ-avIdGfIR1LiJc/s200/WINLOGOwnumber2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFIko1tvI97yHLRown6FRZxx1zHh_LqKLrrwSfzPP7DQ8SizA9iXgLvH2A2ToxDMVSGEqKlNULLr6U8Y565OuWhmuAETh5skKhUL-iauKeD1EOwnyk71c6FDdvDr1VS2JD-lX46BUJmg/s1600/188239_10150126305164544_530514543_6411544_6433218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFIko1tvI97yHLRown6FRZxx1zHh_LqKLrrwSfzPP7DQ8SizA9iXgLvH2A2ToxDMVSGEqKlNULLr6U8Y565OuWhmuAETh5skKhUL-iauKeD1EOwnyk71c6FDdvDr1VS2JD-lX46BUJmg/s200/188239_10150126305164544_530514543_6411544_6433218_n.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBMQhkeeSTAtHyI2KypRdEKkNe-5NRf1kDEv7H8A59KXsgsLXEJj86tI56WY6P3dBZ_HjBm3ldo1F4NWOf6Qsejyfat6Hq1vyz5pazfjHUoXbngyml025G9WWbYsjJYPLnqkigSioWJI/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBMQhkeeSTAtHyI2KypRdEKkNe-5NRf1kDEv7H8A59KXsgsLXEJj86tI56WY6P3dBZ_HjBm3ldo1F4NWOf6Qsejyfat6Hq1vyz5pazfjHUoXbngyml025G9WWbYsjJYPLnqkigSioWJI/s320/DSC_0173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-51337394461595727202011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-11T09:00:04.318-07:00Check out our new Ad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmnZKztQUSiRUHbHXZrKtJAUEsFI0VqANW4tk1f3Tqn8EI-lDlVNJYl5R9GpTddkeUd4Xib89ovc_rMdumvH29jgeMNpYU-f2jgbkzDUEOHuc7fdTxNQ_4Zf3bcPKfTe8DWQdsuFONK4/s1600/Roberts+5x2+080311-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmnZKztQUSiRUHbHXZrKtJAUEsFI0VqANW4tk1f3Tqn8EI-lDlVNJYl5R9GpTddkeUd4Xib89ovc_rMdumvH29jgeMNpYU-f2jgbkzDUEOHuc7fdTxNQ_4Zf3bcPKfTe8DWQdsuFONK4/s400/Roberts+5x2+080311-2.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-30112726956116884892011-07-09T09:09:00.000-07:002011-07-09T12:14:01.485-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Something exciting is happening at</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wintacoma">WIN Home Inspection</a> </b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/wintacoma"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tacoma & South Sound</b></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00oVxdHKjtFILC7op4BkidgIco7OwOGManPuh6CBM-JVUO3FdA3hYhyphenhyphen6SQQ6EwSyzrzVxPmzJR4PeFzX7oFLczEUxJhtICQFuLRt8r_JVog82yHVh9BclCMz4MMZ0zyK65f6pqJZeiFI/s1600/Special-Announcement-770274_800x332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00oVxdHKjtFILC7op4BkidgIco7OwOGManPuh6CBM-JVUO3FdA3hYhyphenhyphen6SQQ6EwSyzrzVxPmzJR4PeFzX7oFLczEUxJhtICQFuLRt8r_JVog82yHVh9BclCMz4MMZ0zyK65f6pqJZeiFI/s320/Special-Announcement-770274_800x332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned for a </span></span></b></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT"</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">coming this Monday!!</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">July 11, 2011</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span></b></div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-38782678804254150062011-06-11T12:21:00.000-07:002011-06-11T12:21:22.988-07:00Scan QR Code for Important Message<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAz7kSJdm61OQ-OrESVTnbmi9OyIwq4yIv1jewSQJnWCgjIFCV9trBrOveok6kfoVx6R4nzOZl8S-T12q8pEUnamwsxWt8OnMS6PD2kyputMJtZ0j6APyfTO3C_g02ADgsy0XfpzJIwg/s1600/qrcode.735091.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAz7kSJdm61OQ-OrESVTnbmi9OyIwq4yIv1jewSQJnWCgjIFCV9trBrOveok6kfoVx6R4nzOZl8S-T12q8pEUnamwsxWt8OnMS6PD2kyputMJtZ0j6APyfTO3C_g02ADgsy0XfpzJIwg/s400/qrcode.735091.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't have a phone with a QR Code Scanner?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150199752160216"><b><u>Click Here </u></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-12145306110933241702011-05-27T13:01:00.000-07:002011-05-27T13:01:32.517-07:00Experts Warn of Fire Danger With Certain Electric Boxes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electrical Panels</span></b></u> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is such a GREAT article that it must be shared!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">These types of panels are a commonly found item during home inspections. </div><b><u><i><br />
</i></u></b><br />
<div id="paragraph2"><b><u><i>From the Article:</i></u></b></div><div id="paragraph2"> </div><div id="paragraph2">The federal government has issued a message of caution about Federal Pacific Stab-Lok electric panels to homeowners, electricians, home inspectors and real estate agents. The panels were installed in thousands of homes in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s.</div><div id="paragraph2"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph3">"We've seen people injured, burned, and we've seen houses range from a small fire in a closet to almost completely burned down," said <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=Mark+Goodson" title="Mark Goodson">Mark Goodson</a>, an engineer who investigated a fire linked to the box for an insurance company."</div><div id="paragraph3"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph3" style="text-align: center;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div id="paragraph3" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div id="paragraph3" style="text-align: center;">These electrical panel have been installed in thousands of homes Nationwide!</div><div id="paragraph3" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph3" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>What kind of electrical panel do you have?</b></i></div><h1 class="title" style="text-align: center;"><span> <span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to check out the full article & video:</span></span></h1><h1 class="title" style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Experts-Warn-of-Fire-Danger-With-Certain-Boxes-117060393.html">Article/Video</a></span></h1><h1 class="title" style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">For the BEST Electrician to help with your...</span></span></h1><h1 class="title" style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Contact...</span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://olympia.mrelectric.com/"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFpdCCzS338c0M0t41scZVjgVe7psNJ3CkQJOK-IfxJg1isY2lkrBXF2twwG2i5Ha4rj08nzz8VZGpTVS4hFdjGvtaJ22zfzF52L2D0nZjpuWIlk1b3AUn6bB3Av5elDE3gBt7b15leM/s320/230211_131872120221318_131491700259360_222511_6733591_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h1 class="title" style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-81434482809939727742011-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-09T09:00:08.712-07:00New Product Added to Inspections!!<h2>BuildFax Property History Report is...</h2><h3>...a one-stop shop for building, remodel, and repair information for over 60% of U.S. properties.</h3>BuildFax collects and organizes construction records on millions of properties from cities and counties across the United States. Once in our system, we analyze, mine and compare the data so that it becomes like a "<b>background check</b>" on a property. We have data on new construction, major systems repair, additions, renovations, roofs, pools, demolitions, contractors and more.<br />
<div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">!!FREE BuildFax Report with EACH inspection </span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> from WIN Home Inspection Tacoma/South Sound!!</span></i></span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1538555545"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://www.buildfax.com/media/img/ab_data.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">!!FREE BuildFax Report with EACH inspection </span></i></span></b></div><b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">from WIN Home Inspection Tacoma/South Sound!!</span></i></span></b><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The simplest explanation is that BuildFax collects and organizes construction records on millions of properties from cities and counties across the United States. It's data on new construction, major systems repair, additions, renovations, roofs, pools, demolitions, contractors and more.<br />
<br />
BuildFax is trying to help you answer the hard questions about a property, whether you will be buying it, underwriting it, insuring it, inspecting it, appraising it or financing it. BuildFax has your back.<br />
<ul><li><i>What is the age of this roof and is it properly secured to the structure?</i></li>
<li><i>Was the foundation repaired in 2001?</i></li>
<li><i>Does this addition have the proper electrical wiring?</i></li>
<li><i>Which contractor completed the work? </i></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/wintacoma#%21/wintacoma?sk=app_125741090808900">Check out a Sample BuildFax Report</a> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Subject to data availability.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>May not be available in all locations.</i></b></span></div><i></i></div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-39698768301811844532011-02-28T11:00:00.000-08:002011-02-28T11:00:06.723-08:00Maggots...<div style="color: #20124d;">I learned many years ago when I was completing my field training as a home inspector…<b><i>never to open refrigerator doors in vacant homes</i>! </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">It was during my first inspection with my instructor that I realized this to be of the utmost importance. In this little old vacant bank-owned home that had no power, I reached out to open the refrigerator door only to hear my instructor say to me “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” Without stopping I flew the door wide open…took one full breath of the retched smell that came at me…then hit the ground! Yes…this full-size home inspector passed right out on the kitchen floor for all to see!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Learning from that experience, I went forward in my career as a home inspector with the vow NEVER to do that again! Unfortunately, several of my customers and referring agents have had similar experiences and I have seen many make the same mistake I did!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Near the end of the inspection of an older two-story bank owned home that had been empty for some time, the first-time home buyers, their agent and myself were gathered in the unfinished basement of the house. Along the very back corner of the cold, damp and poorly lit basement sat both an older 1950’s style upright freezer and an older refrigerator unit. I watched as the customer reached out to open the freezer door, I immediately said to him “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!” Ignoring my warning, like most people do, he opened the door…only to find that the previous owners had left behind a freezer full of meat! With no power on to the home for sometime now…the rotten meat had become infested with MAGGOTS!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">The stench of the rotting meat immediately hit our noses…followed by writhing maggots spilling out onto the concrete floor. Thousands…if not millions of these little off-white, slimy and crawly creatures were everywhere! The pure shock and horror at the sight of these nasty maggots crawling on the floor and the horrible smell of the rotten meat made all of us begin to gag and choke. I shut the freezer door as fast as I could and turned around only to see the rest of the group running up the basement stairs as fast as they could! I don’t think I have ever exited out of a home as quickly as I did on that day!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Needless to say, removal of the maggots and rotten meat was a recommendation on the report. I later found out that it took an additional two full weeks to find someone willing to clean up the mess. I can only imagine what it looked…and smelled like by then! I still get the “heebie-jeebies” just thinking about that day! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">MAGGOTS…YUCK!!</span>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-35100887666738706142011-02-14T11:00:00.000-08:002011-02-14T16:48:06.001-08:00The Things I See...<div style="color: #20124d;">You would be surprised at some of the amazing things that are seen during home inspections. As a very busy home inspector I have had the opportunity to see over a thousand homes…and just when thought I have seen it all something new surprises me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">There are the usual and obvious finds during a home inspection such as broken windows or missing gutter down spouts that are seen. Then there are the unexpected and almost laughable finds a home inspector can discover. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">I have seen the most amazing foundation breaks and large cracks…even saw a river running under a house one time! I have discovered, on more than one occasion, roof rafters, floor joist and support beams being supported by a car jacks! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">My nose knows the smell of mold…and trust me I have seen some mold! I once found mushrooms growing on carpet and granite counter tops with huge circles of black thick mold! I once even threw up on an inspection because of the amount of mold…oh that was not fun at all! The fun and inventive ways people have tried to stop leaks have been fun to see…but when they can’t fix the leaks in the roof they like to put pots…and sometimes kiddy pools in the attic just to catch the leaks!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Oh…the crazy things some homeowners will do! Some of the repairs that unqualified homeowners make can make a home inspector’s head spin! I will never forget the electrical meter I once saw installed along the interior of a bedroom…you will have to be on very good terms with that meter reader! Some homeowners think it is okay to jam as many wires into a breaker as possible…once saw a breaker with six circuit wires jammed into it!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">I am always amazed what I see on home inspections. I LOVE my job...I just never know what I will see next! Take a look at the video slide-show of just a few of the amazing inspections pictures from some of my inspections. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FF2BNSCWVC8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Have you had your home inspected lately?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #20124d;">Joshua Roberts</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-76723377902131489452011-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:002011-02-07T11:00:05.257-08:00Ghost on Main Street...<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">We have all experienced it at some time in our lives…perhaps it was an uneasy feeling you had at some point in a home…or something you saw out of the corner of your eye…or you just get the feeling there is something not quite right. I have the opportunity to be in and inspect hundreds of home each year and as a home inspector sometimes to experience unexplained uneasy feelings in some homes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">There are many items and systems the inspector reports on during the course of the home inspection. However, there are some things the inspector just cannot report on. This is the tale of just some of those items you can’t put in an inspection report….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">It was a beautiful day in the town of Morton, WA. with a clear blue sky and the sun shining bright on the hot August afternoon. A very full day laid ahead of me with my schedule packed with several inspections throughout Lewis County and had begun with an uneventful morning inspection. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">The inspection began in just the same way all the others had…I arrived early to find a vacant one and half story little home along Main Street. The agent had met me there and opened the door then returned to her car to work on some paperwork while I completed the inspection. The buyer was to arrive later during the inspection due to his work schedule. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">I entered the older nineteen-thirty’s style home and began the inspection of the interior. I enjoyed being able to inspect the home alone and uninterrupted…but soon, during the inspection of the old little bathroom something had caught the corner of my eye. A dark shadow of sorts, just off the right side of my eyes. The shadow had made me stop and come back into the hallway just to look around into the living room then into the kitchen…nothing. I returned to the evaluation of the home…with my ears on high alert. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Moving from room to room, suddenly I found myself startled and stunned when walking into the kitchen only to find the exterior kitchen door and some of the cabinet doors left wide open. I specifically had recalled closing each one of them a little while earlier. I suddenly was frozen in my tracks when the sounds of footsteps could be heard walking across the floor above. A cold shutter went through my body as the hairs of my arms and legs raised…a sudden temperature drop in the room was obviously felt and my heart began to race. Bravely I called out, “Nancy, is that you?” Looking out the kitchen window only to find her sitting in her car, talking on her phone. The sound of a slamming door from upstairs jolted my attention to the ceiling above me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Realizing I was somehow, potentially not alone in the home…all I really wanted to do was leave! Immediately leaving the house and returning to my van in order to regain my composure and knowing full well I had to go back in and complete my duty…I said a little prayer…put a Rosary in my pocket and went back to work. Other odd things that I just am unable to explain continued throughout the remainder of the inspection…but you will have to wait for the book for that!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">I completed the inspection…met with the potential buyer and left as soon as I possibly could! As a home inspector, what do or would you say about possible paranormal activity in a home? Of course there may be some rational explanation for everything…but for now I am calling this experience just...freaky! I drive by this house every time I am in Morton…the hair on my arms and back of my neck stand up each and every time! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">"Do Not Be Afraid."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Joshua Roberts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"></div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-74384493748762584742011-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:002011-02-06T21:41:35.563-08:00Crawl Space Encounter...<div style="color: #073763;">No matter who you are…crawling under a house is no fun at all! Any home inspector will tell you that having to crawl under a home may be one of the worst parts of the home inspection. I have yet to find an inspector who absolutely loves to crawl under the house.</div><div style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">It is the duty of the inspector to complete a detailed and thorough evaluation of the visible components of the raised foundation area…all while trying their very best to crawl and maneuver around in a poorly lit and cramped space filled with dirt, dust, spider webs and so many other little yucky things you find under the home.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Even though crawling under a home may be the least favorite part of the job for the inspector…it is also the most important part of the job. Inspection of the raised foundation area of the home is crucial in making sure there are no moisture related conditions, the home is secure to the foundation, and there is proper ventilation and insulation. It is also important for home buyers to know if any wood destroying organisms like Carpenter Ants or Termites or any other pests like mice or rats are under the home. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Besides evaluating the efficiency of the ventilation, the foundation sill plates, framing posts and beams along with other items…the inspector never knows what they may run into under the home!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">It was one of my first inspections as a newer inspector and I had officially taken ownership and had been awarded my franchisees from WIN Home Inspection. Being a newer inspector I was prepared to run into potential issues in the homes that I had not experienced yet…but nothing would prepare me for what I was about to see on this inspection!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">I had already completed my evaluations of the exterior, roof, decks and other components on the outside. After an extensive inspection of the interior areas and major systems of the home with the two wonderful first-time home buyer clients and their selling agent (who referred my services)… I found myself on the side of the house standing next to the crawl space access getting my “Under the Home” gear on. Coveralls…check. Flashlight…check. Camera…check…Respirator, knee-pads and gloves…check, check, and check….all set and ready to get dirty! I entered the crawl space area the same way I entered all the previous crawl spaces…feet first and holding my breath. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">I was expecting to see and hear the usual sights and sounds of a crawl space…vapor barrier, drain lines, ductwork and more. With the sounds of scattering small rodents and mixed with the sound the plastic vapor barrier made with every one of my movements muffled by the insulation material installed above. All of that was present on this inspection; however, there were some extra noises that were not being made by myself or some small rodent… and as I followed along the foundation wall and turned the corner to the right I came face-to-face with none other than a shaggy and scary looking homeless man. He appeared to be in his 50’s with a shaggy, brownish-gray beard, wearing tattered jeans and old dirty clothes…obviously in need of a shower. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Here I am taken by complete surprise, heart rate racing and at the same time…trapped with limited options. He looks at me and I look at him, neither one of us speaking for what seemed like eternity while we both assessed the situation. It was obvious that he had been living in the area for sometime, with an area covered by a large piece of leftover carpet from the recent remodel of the home. He had his sleeping bag laid out on top of the carpet with two or three smaller, but obviously stuffed full, back-packs and a make shift bathroom consisting of a large pot. Some other trash items were thrown about here and there…but you could tell he had made his home. He sat there smoking his hand-rolled cigarette and listening to an older portable CD player with headphones that were being held together by duct tape. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">What do you do when there is an unknown, possibly crazy man under a home, potentially dangerous with an unarmed home inspector with the exit not in sight? You move slowly…I removed my respirator and studied him very closely as I spoke “Ummm I don’t think your suppose to be down here.” He replied in a low, but rough voice, “I know.” In turn I say, “You know I am doing a home inspection, don’t you?” He hesitates and says, “Yeah…I heard you up there, but I didn’t think you would come under here.” He continued to say, “The owners are okay with me being down here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Not knowing what to say next…I start to back away slowly telling him “Just stay there until I leave.” He hesitated again for a moment, but eventually said, “You don’t have to tell anyone I’m down here do you?” I say to him, “I’m going to have to tell them something…sorry.” I continue to watch him as I backed away, not knowing if he would start freaking out on me or not, after all he was living in the crawl space. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">I returned to my waiting buyers and referring agent to report my findings of the crawl space. Needless to say…they were not too happy with some of the findings. The agent immediately got on the phone to call the police, while the buyers and I finished up with the home inspection. Keeping an eye on the crawl space access we waited for him to emerge from under the home, but he didn’t do so until the police arrived. He came out when the Sheriff’s Deputy asked him. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Later it was revealed that the current homeowners <i>did not</i> know anything about the man under the home. I crawled back under the home with the officer, when we also discovered that the unwanted "house guest" had made several small holes in the floor boards and through register vents in order to gain visual access into the home with at least one opening big enough for him to squeeze through into the interior of the home. The single mother renter of the home was not too happy when she found that out! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">The first-time home buyer clients of mine did go and buy the house. They later told me they learned a very valuable lesson of the importance of regular evaluations of the crawl space areas…I have been back under there home four times since they bought the house.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Have you inspected your crawl space lately?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Joshua Roberts, </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Inspection Monologues</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410400215223687767.post-65368281370726214352011-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:002011-01-26T11:00:00.263-08:00What to Expect....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Let’s start blogging! Don’t except too much now…I don’t even know what to expect and it’s my blog…or should I say Monologues? Welcome to the <i>Inspection Monologues</i>!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">For those of you who have had the fortune of being with me during a home inspection, then you may already know that I provide my clients with so much useful information, facts and interesting stories during the home inspection…think of the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> as the same thing! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">The <i>Inspection Monologues</i> will share with you some of the funny and interesting home inspection and real estate related experiences. Trust me…there are some VERY interesting and amazing home inspection stories! You never know…YOU may have been involved in one of them! Don’t worry…all the names, dates and locations will be changed in order to protect the innocent…and/or…not so innocent!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">It is my goal to use the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> as a tool to share, with you, valuable home inspection & real estate facts, trends and information! I will also include helpful preventative home maintenance tips and tricks to help you care for and maintain your home. I will also include some pictures and useful videos in some of the monologue posts.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">As the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> progresses, I will ask guest expert “<i>Monologuers</i>” (<i>bloggers</i>) to join the discussion and share with us some of their monologues too! I am so lucky to have access to hundreds of other WIN Home Inspectors across the nation that are also able to lend their wisdom and knowledge the discussion. Be looking forward to them as well!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Being semi new to the world of blogging, the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> will develop over time. There will become a regular “feel” to the site…it will be easy to follow along and join in the monologues at anytime.<span> </span>I am anticipating some regular scheduled monologue posts mixed with some other random monologue posts here and there! Discussions, comments and helpful feedback are welcome at any point…I would ask that criticism and general “not so nice” comments be directed to me privately...Thanks! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">The best form of flattery that I can get from you…the readers of the <i>Inspection Monologues…</i>is for you to share the monologues with someone you know. If you should enjoy the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> PLEASE pass them along to everyone you know!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">So… thank you for taking the time to stop by and read the very first monologue post for the <i>Inspection Monologues...</i>be sure to Subscribe to the <i>Inspection Monologues</i>, Follow the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> …and of course…Share the <i>Inspection Monologues</i> with someone today!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"> <br />
Stay Safe!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;">Joshua Roberts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #073763;"><i>Inspection Monologues</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Joshua Roberts, WIN Tacoma & South Sound Inspector/Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865796210346577123noreply@blogger.com1