RECENT BLOG POSTS
Answer: Improper and Temporary; Replacement Needed - Chasing an elusive roof leak... Roof leaks are problematic in that they can travel long distances from entry or source to the point they are observed. I believe from seeing the amount of "repair square footage" present, this is one of those le...
01/28/2012
Answer:  Improper Materials, Improper Configuration, Unsafe Condition This kitchen exhaust vent has taken a very long and complicated journey to the outdoors. The homeowner and proud installer had actually boasted that, "Venting this newly purchased kitchen exhaust fan was such a simple process....
01/20/2012
Any home inspection will include actively looking for water leaks or signs of water piping that has been compromised. While you might expect to find more water breaks from freezing in vacant homes, many a homeowner can tell you about the time they had a water incident in their occupied home. Stat...
01/17/2012
Answer: Improper Kitchen Fan Venting "Surely this will exhaust and vent all that smoke and steam from the kitchen stove!" Here is a 'vented' range hood.  It was originally designed to be recirculating until the homeowner got creative and added a tube to the exterior, through the window sash. Hav...
01/13/2012
Answer: Convenient, Yes....Practical, Maybe......Sanitary, Probably Not! A recent home inspection revealed this "plumbing component" under the basement staircase. In case you haven't guessed, it's a homeowner crafted, installed, and functioning urinal. It's been constructed of a modified plastic...
01/06/2012
You may have received a home inspection report describing either the absence of a 'Chimney cricket' or the need to install one. What is the inspector referring to? One hint: it has nothing to do with the movie Pinocchio. Simply stated, the inspector is indicating the need to have a chimney compon...
01/05/2012
Answer:  Improper & Insufficient Materials For Proper Floor Support - You'll quickly notice the array of materials used to build this support column. How do you spell U-N-S-T-A-B-L-E? While this 'fix' might work for a while, it is not a safe long-term solution. Let me explain: support columns ar...
12/31/2011
Answer: Improper venting configuration.  A perfect reason to have a home inspection. This find by one of our home inspectors may have saved a life! The smaller pipe the inspector is pointing to is the clothes dryer vent pipe. The larger pipe is the forced air furnace exhaust vent. While conducti...
12/16/2011
Answer:  Rubbermaid Trash Can Lid Temporary Only - Probably from the street, you would never notice this fancy attic fan cover designed and installed by our creative homeowner or his hired worker. At first glance it almost looks like it should. However, it's actually a plastic trash can lid that...
12/15/2011
U.S. Inspect is seeking to hire experienced full time inspectors in Northern Virginia, Southern California, Houston and Indianapolis.  Those interested in learning more can send their resume to Faith Greenwell at fgreenwell@usinspect.com. Thanks!
12/14/2011
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William (Bill) Zoller

smartphone(970) 201-1325
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