Solid Home Inspections

Here is yet another 15 year old house with worn out 3-tab shingles. These are more liable to be damaged in a wind storm and spot repairs will not stick. The ceiling infrared image shows the large leak.

The gap where your AC refigerant lines go through the wall to the attic can be an easy path for mice to get in your attic/wall. Pest Blocker spray foam is a cheap and easy solution.

How cold will the weather have to be to freeze the electric wires for your sprinkler system?

Good news story for a change. I was stressing about how long my air conditioner was running overnight, after a while, how much the repair would be. Turns out the crêpe myrtle tree, with sniper accuracy, shot a twig down through the top of the unit  preventing the fan from starting.  Works fine now.

Manufacturers should be ashamed for making roof shingles that are worn out and easily wind damaged in 17 years, and builders too for buying them

These are support studs for the beam over a garage door that supports significant weight from the second floor above. Note that most of the studs are not contacting the beam above. This will cause significant movement if not repaired. Some of the worst framing I have seen.

I saw my first batch of copper clad aluminum wiring in new construction this week used to save $$. The thin copper coating hopefully will prevent the fire hazard problems associated with 60's-70's aluminum wire (electrical resistance, oxidation, and expansion / contraction), which causes loose, overheating connections at outlets and switches.

Even new construction can have unprofessional wiring. This circuit breaker with 2 hot and 2 neutral wires (double lugged) can be a fire hazard when those wires get loose. Builder had security screws on this panel, (to prevent theft or to keep inspectors out maybe) but thanks to online shopping, I had the key👍

These are the smoke detectors from my kid's college apartment. Every one is 15 years old (expired 5 years ago) and some are malfunctioning. Despite legally being required to have working detectors, they just keep putting in new back-up batteries 🤬. If your smoke/CO detectors are discolored or you suspect they are beyond 10 years old, just replace them. Your life is worth it!

A pest control treatment before moving in to a new house is a good idea (yes, that's a Black Widow spider). It's much easier to spray without furnishings and you could bring pests from the old house.

Just remember when prepping for the next freeze: It will never get cold enough in TX (or anywhere on Earth) to need to wrap your gas pipes👍

New construction siding installers decided to just cover up that laundry room vent fan duct. Why is it so steamy in the laundry room?! Get that new house inspection...