manicrodder
$50 site donor 2022
I purchased my current home in UT when retiring from my job and living in the Denver area. At the time I had worked 37 years in all aspects of building inspection/plans examining. During the process I hired a home inspector as I was a good distance away. I asked my realtor for a reference.
My realtor recommended an individual to whom I paid 400.00. Some states require home inspector certification. Colorado and Utah do not.
My association with home inspectors in CO and elsewhere proved for the most part that they were competent. Although not building inspector types some knowledge of codes is required.
My home was built in 1956 and obviously received work in 65 years. It shows well to the eye.
Inspector prepared a lengthy report and here are only some of his findings:
Building
Exterior and interior gas piping to code. This was the most egregious condition IMO. Flipper had converted electric range and dryer to gas. I pulled out the range when I moved in and the gas flex was coming through the floor and no shut off was present! I went to the basement and cut out the ceiling under the area and the valve was visible. I have installed a 12” X 12” access panel and will remove more ceiling in the future to fully correct the situation.
I decided to start my own home inspection and code consulting business and applied to the City for my license. Upon review of my application. I was asked to apply for an open Building Inspector position and was subsequently hired. I am now working full time again and loving it.
My intention was to take my home inspector to task. I won’t as my current employment would make this action unpleasant for me and family. My realtor was excellent throughout my purchase transaction and is fully aware of these findings. He was shocked and will no longer give references but will refer to yellow pages or search.
My advice is to be careful in selection of home inspection services. It may be best to hire a reputable electrician and mechanical contractor.
My realtor recommended an individual to whom I paid 400.00. Some states require home inspector certification. Colorado and Utah do not.
My association with home inspectors in CO and elsewhere proved for the most part that they were competent. Although not building inspector types some knowledge of codes is required.
My home was built in 1956 and obviously received work in 65 years. It shows well to the eye.
Inspector prepared a lengthy report and here are only some of his findings:
Building
- Attic and mechanical ventilation satisfactory. In reality, the lower attic vents were all blocked by blown insulation. Bath exhaust fan un-ducted and blowing unconfined in attic. Pics showed plenty of insulation, but 25 sq. ft. area around same bath fan had insulation pushed back down to the gyp board ceiling.
- Drainage problem against house. Right he was. I saw it when viewing prior to purchase.
- Dead/inoperative switch controlling furnace. Whoever wired this circuit used it as a j-box and left the unwired switch in it. Further in the inspection he indicated the furnace was working. So much for proficiency.
- All GFCI receptacles noted operative. Out of 6, one was operative. Inspector obviously hit test button only and they tripped. 5 remaining receptacles were reverse polarity and will not trip by using a tester, even though they trip at source.
- Visible wiring to code. Wrong! Flipper had wire nutted connections in attic and taped them without using boxes. This is prevalent and visible from the ceiling access.
Exterior and interior gas piping to code. This was the most egregious condition IMO. Flipper had converted electric range and dryer to gas. I pulled out the range when I moved in and the gas flex was coming through the floor and no shut off was present! I went to the basement and cut out the ceiling under the area and the valve was visible. I have installed a 12” X 12” access panel and will remove more ceiling in the future to fully correct the situation.
I decided to start my own home inspection and code consulting business and applied to the City for my license. Upon review of my application. I was asked to apply for an open Building Inspector position and was subsequently hired. I am now working full time again and loving it.
My intention was to take my home inspector to task. I won’t as my current employment would make this action unpleasant for me and family. My realtor was excellent throughout my purchase transaction and is fully aware of these findings. He was shocked and will no longer give references but will refer to yellow pages or search.
My advice is to be careful in selection of home inspection services. It may be best to hire a reputable electrician and mechanical contractor.