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!"

Window seals? Isn't it just steam??

Hello everyone, Window seals? What are they? Do I have a problem with mine? Double pane glass has gas between the layers. When the seal is compromised, the gas escapes and the window starts to look like "modern art". The only way to know if the seal is gone is to feel with your hand on both sides of the window or door. If the "cloudy look" doesn't erase, your seal is gone. The cure is either to call a glass company to replace the damaged pane, or hire a contractor to replace the complete window. The first is definately cheaper.

A common cause of bad seals is closing the windows too hard. Another is the contractor wasn't careful handling the window when installing. The last is just window failure.

Remember.....if you have a question or comment.......write me!
Take care,
Ed

Asbestos

Hello Everyone! So is it asbestos or not? Does it look like this picture? It is usually found on large heating pipes in basements. Asbestos was the great insulator of it's time, that is until the health problems were found out! Asbestos wrap can be repaired or removed by professional licensed companies. Do not remove it yourself!
Any questions?
Call or email me.
Ed

Valentine Suprise!

Hello everyone, I suprised my wife Eileen with a "singing Valentine" by the High Point Harmonizers! They sang three songs, gave Eileen a rose, card and took pictures with us!
Definately worth doing!!
Take care,
Ed