What is that smell in the basement?

Hello everyone.......Happy Spring! So there I was on an inspection in Franklin with my clients. We headed into the basement and were hit with a smell that was truely unforgetable. My client asked me....what is that smell? My eyes went immediately to the main drain pipe along the foundation wall. As you see in the picture.....it's the pipe with the failed "bandaids" on it and raw sewage in the bucket below!! I quickly said.....whatever you do, don't touch it! This is what happens when you try to play plumber. "Hey kids...grab a plastic bag and some duct tape.....why isn't it working, quick grab a bucket! Just who's job is it to empty the bucket??

Please don't mess with septic and sewer issues...get a qualified contractor to repair the problem.

Tune in for more inspection nightmare pictures from the "Home Inspector With Eagle Eyes!" and a good sense of smell!!

Does it matter where the support columns go?

Hello again & welcome to my world! Hope your week is going well. So the question of the day is............does it matter where the support columns go? The answer is..........Yes!! The distance between columns is critical and it depends on the load above. This calculation is done by the architect. The other thing is where the girder wood "breaks" are. "Breaks" are where the pieces join. There should always be a column under each "break". Please see picture. Notice a triple wood girder with 2 "breaks" and no column support here. Above this area in the home it was noted that the floor and walls were sloping out of level. Easy fix! Contact a qualified remodeling contractor to install a proper lolly column on a proper footing! Any questions or comments please email me at eaglehomeinspections@embarqmail.com or call me (973) 875-0100. Also please check out my web site: www-best-inspection-best-price.com

Take care,
Ed

Are all cracks serious?

Hello, So the question is " Are all foundation cracks serious?" The answer is.............no. Sometimes cracks are just plaster coating cracks or minor settlement cracks. If you have a basement, do you see daylight coming through when your looking at the crack from the inside? Is the crack about 1/4" in width or has any signs of movement in or out? This could be a serious issue. Is the crack new or old? Do you have other signs of movement, ie: cracking on walls/ceilings or floors inside the home above the cracks?
Remember.......if you're not sure, or would like "The Eagle Eyes" to look at your home.......please call or email me.

Have a great weekend!
Ed

"Old Sparky" Hello again. Do you have anything in your home that looks like this picture? If so.......you need an electrician before you have an electrical fire!! This home only had this one outlet in the kitchen....

Need help? I can inspect your entire home for any health,safety and structural issues that you might not even know exist. Call Anytime......(973) 875-0100 Ed

Where does the air from my bathroom fan go?

Hello everyone, A common problem I see with many homes is where the bathroom fan is venting. Many homes built in the 70's and 80's are venting into the attic only. Mold and mildew will soon follow due to all the extra moist air added into the attic. The proper way is to vent it directly to the exterior. A qualified roofing contractor is the person to take care of this job.
If you're not sure where your bathroom fans are going or have other questions or concerns, please call me for a Home Maintenance Inspection.
Eagle Home Inspection.........."The Home Inspector With Eagle Eyes!"