Charred Roof

The other day at a home inspection while traversing an attic. I squeezed through an opening to get to the other section of the attic. While there I saw what is imaged to the right. It is charred roof sheathing. It is charred because the gas water heater vent is disconnected and the exhaust is not being directed safely outside, slowing buring the wood.

The roof had been recently replaced so perhaps the roofers accidentally loosened the vent while working.

If my extra efforts of actually climbing through a hot dirty attic was not made then who knows what would have happened eventually. I am certain that the clients are very happy I saw this.

I encourage you to periodically inspect these areas of your house or have someone do it for you.

Check your crawl spaces

Crawl spaces are dirty places that are usually containing cobwebs and excess moisture. This post is to remind you to check the crawl space under your house. The other day during a home inspection I can across an issue.

The crawl space did not have adequate ventilation and moisture had been entering the space. This created an environment condusive for mold/mildew. The result is a few floor joists rotted and in need of replacement/repair. I could even poke a screwdriver through the joist.

If you do not inspect your crawl space yourself then hire a home inspector to do it for you before undesireable things happen.

Never stop marketing

I help coach a few home inspectors. One inspector recently told me that basically he was not going to do much marketing till homes started selling and the housing market was going better. I hope I misunderstood him.

No matter what business you are in never turn off your marketing completely. Slow times are excellent opportunities to gain market share.

Roof inspections

Roof inspections are an important part of the whole house inspection. That is why I try to walk every roof. Some roofs cannot be walked such as slate or too steep. The other day the slope on the rear of a house was 12/12, way too steep. The front part was walkable and good thing I did.

The shingles on the ridge were not secure. These will likely blow off someday. It should be an easy repair but important to do.

Home Inspections in Ohio

Travels

Driving to home inspections can take me many areas. The other day I was definitly off the beaten path. The house to be inspected was beautifully situated "way" off the road. So far off that if a person does not own a four wheel drive truck then they will be stranded /stuck in the rutty dirt driveway heading to the house several times a year. I drove past sandstone cliffs, small ponds and lots of trees getting to the place. At one point I could see the house overlooking a small valley, but I still had approximately a three minute drive on the driveway because I had to drive along the ridge to get there.

The home inspection found nothing of major concern, for me the minor adventure of getting there is the memory.

There were signs posted for a Moonshine Festival that is held annually in that area. I feel the urge to check that out.

How to Pick an Ohio Home Inspector Tips

How to pick an Ohio Home Inspector

Free tips on picking a home inspector to check out the home you are about to purchase.

Click HERE

Oh the sights I see....

While I am doing home inspections in Ohio I come across many things. Most are minor issues that should be improved. Some things seen are dangerous.

It is hard to see in this image. This panel has condensation on all the breakers and conductors. The floor beneath it is wet due to the recent flooding of the basement.

In this case it is definitly not safe to operate any of the breakers. Never operate an electric panel that is wet or if the floor you will be standing on is wet. When both occur do not even think of doing anything beyond looking.