Posts Tagged ‘hazards’
We found these problems with this chimney during a recent home inspection.
The base flashing had been removed and someone painted on roofing cement in an ill attempt to stop water leaks. From the ground these repairs looked a little off, but nothing very alarming. My home inspector antennae went up just enough to make sure I got a closer look. These repairs have been leaking for sometime and there is an unknown amount of wood rot surrounding the chimney in the attic.
The chimney cap mortar has completely disintegrated and was falling off the chimney while we were there. Rain had been getting inside and causing even more problems. Upon closer examination, we found a crack at the outside of the chimney which carried through to the clay liner inside. This is certainly a fire and safety hazard!
The buyers are certainly glad we climbed the roof and found these dangerous and very costly problems during our home inspection.
Current building guidelines require no more than 6 main service disconnects in a main panel.
During this home inspection, there were a total of 8 found. This is not to mention other problems found inside the panel. In order to correct this deficiency , they will need to install a sub panel next to the main which will cost several hundred dollars. This is likely the reason they did not add the panel in the first place.
The other day I arrived at an inspection to find the water meter had been removed. Though this is nothing new lately, it is impossible to perform a full inspection without water. The selling Realtor thought the water was on (whoops)
So, I revisited a few days later after the new meter is installed. I turned it on at the street and there was plenty of water running inside. After 5 or so minutes I started loosing water pressure inside. I looked outside toward the water meter and saw water gurgling up through the ground.
Another good reason to make sure all utilities are on prior to the inspection.
While posting this on our web site http://www.ellishomeinspections.com and thinking about which of these items I report on during our home inspections, I couldn’t help but notice a common thread…
Parents not watching our children like we should. Now we need the government to tell us about some rather evident safety hazards. I know accidents happen but, if you have children, take care of them and yourselves the way responsible adults should.
CPSC Releases the “Top Five Hidden Home Hazards”
Each year, 33.1 million people are injured by consumer products in the home. Some hazards are from products the Agency has warned about for years; others come from new products and technologies. To keep Americans informed of dangers, the CPSC has identified the Top Five Hidden Home Hazards – associated with products that people may be using everyday, but are unaware of the dangers that they can cause. These home hazards are often unseen or unnoticed by consumers.
To learn more about these and other home hazards, and to sign up for recall information, visit our Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.
#1
Magnets
Since 2005:
1 Death, 86 Injuries;
8 million magnetic toys recalled.
#2
Recalled Products
Each year there about 400 recalls.
#3
Tip-overs
Average of 22 deaths per year;
31 in 2006 and an estimated 3,000 injuries.
#4
Windows & Coverings
Average of 12 deaths annually from window cords;
Average of 9 deaths and an estimated 3,700 injuries to children annually from window falls.
#5
Pool & Spa Drains
15 injuries, 2 fatalities from 2002-2004.
Ask The Home Inspector 