Harold Miller's (kelly1) Blog

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Home Inspector - Miller Home Inspection - WA HI Inspector Lic. #209
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Kick out flashings are important in diverting roof water from an adjacent exterior wall system. Kick out flashings are normally installed at the lower end of the step flashing run. These flashings divert water into the gutter system. Failure to repair may be conducive for water damage, and fungal...
08/15/2009
Yesterday I encountered my first new construction home that was equipped with Tamper Resistant Receptacles. These new receptacles have built in spring loaded shutters which are designed to protect children, and are now being required by the 2008 National Electrical Code. To me this is alot better...
05/19/2009
      I have been finding alot more plumbing leaks in crawl spaces after last winters harsh conditions than usual. Seems that it was just too cold for too long. Old homes, new homes doesn't really matter. Alot of these I have found at hose faucets and their related supply line. In this case it is...
05/17/2009
The answer to this depends on how well the addition was contructed. I am routinely reminded of this when inspecting homes. For instance a recent inspection of a homes' addition revealed that the structure had no foundation, but rather was constructed more like a deck structure that someone added ...
03/20/2009
A well ventilated attic stays dry and free from condensation, mold, mildew, and fungal wood rot decay. Having the proper air circulation is a key to prolonging the roofs' longevity, and preventing damage. An attic ventilation system is generally comprised of upper vents, such as the common box ve...
03/20/2009
In my business I see alot of dryer ducts. Some good, and some not so good. Due to the way homes are constructed these ducts sometimes are neglected because they are hard to get to. In out of the way places like your attic or in the crawl space under the home. My favorite place for a dryer exhaus...
03/17/2009
What is causing all these holes? Is it termites? Carpenter Bees? Some species of wood boring beetle? Well there is no need to call the Pest Control Operators, or a repair contractor.  These holes from Teredo Shipworm did not occur in the structure. However their evidence can be found in some olde...
11/18/2007
I bet the plumber is wondering what keeps happening to all his test plugs. Well I found one of them. For those that don't know..... test plugs are installed on each plumbing vent so that the drain, waste, vent (DWV) system can be pressurized with air. Any leaks will prevent the system from holdin...
11/07/2007
  Defective safety equipment on your hot water tank can result in serious consequences. I was reminded of this tonight as I watched an episode of Mythbusters with Jamie and Adam. They were testing out the "myth" that hot water tanks can rocket out of a home when safety devices fail. Well I alread...
11/07/2007
  This structural support wall appears OK from a distance. But fortunately the rodents had torn away the vapor retarder in places to reveal that it is sandwiched between a double bottom plate. The plate is not treated lumber... I can only wonder what this builder was thinking when they placed the...
11/06/2007
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Harold Miller

Certified Professional Home Inspector
local_phone(425) 501-2382
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