Hi Everybody. I have been away from Active Rain for a long time. It has been a tough "SLOW SEASON" on Long Island, but it looks like busines is finally picking up some. Yesterday during a home inspection I saw the following. It never ceases to amaze me what some people will do to "repair" a defic
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01/15/2008
Most areas of North America are subject to infestation from wood-destroying insects and organisms in varying degrees. With few exceptions, the common denominator for this activity is excessive wood-moisture levels. This moisture can be due to roof leaks, plumbing leaks, unvented crawl spaces and
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01/15/2008
Homeowners can repair and reseal their blacktop driveways, creating a professionally finished look, particularly if the driveway is a manageable size. Simply follow these simple steps: Plan ahead. Schedule the job during a week when the forecast is sunny, warm, and dry for several days. Reschedul
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01/15/2008
Buyers and would-be investors often look to foreclosure sales to find real estate bargains. But newcomers to this market could find some unpleasant surprises if they go in blind. All homes should be thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector before sealing the deal. Why inspect if you
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01/15/2008
And, do you know that more than one time I have heard, "Well, it was like that when I bought the house."WOW! OK, the small hole at the breech here, between the two pipes is not that large. That would make it easy to miss, right? Well what about this one? Yes it was in working condition and it w
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11/20/2007
Hi-hat lighting fixtures should never be allowed to come in contact with fiberglass (or any other type) insulation because it is quite simply a fire hazard. Does the electrician who installs them not care? Does he not know any better? Was it done by a homeowner who is clueless? Probably a combin
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11/20/2007
Incredibly, this homeowner just cut a hole in the ceiling. He made no attempt to secure the joist ends, or frame out the area where the attic stairs were to be installed. This scared the hell out of me, I walked very carefully under the attic stairs every time I went down the hallway. The ceilin
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11/18/2007
My largest picture collection consists of electrical nightmares! It is simply UNBELIEVABLE what some people will do electrically in their homes. So many things I see are an accident waiting to happen. Here are just a sample of my 300-400 photos of electrical nightmares. I encourage you all to pa
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11/18/2007
I just cannot believe what I saw today. I inspected a split level home today on Long Island. The wall between the kitchen and the living room had been removed. The living room ceiling was vaulted, and the kitchen ceiling was flat. I suspected something funny because it appeared that the ceiling
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11/17/2007
Nice job repointing this chimney. If this was done by a chimney professional he should have his license revoked, and he should be banned from ever using concrete again. I would not be at all surprised if this was done by the homeowner though. Also, note the condition of the roof shingles......
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11/16/2007
