Steven Turetsky's (hi54) Blog

These are some photos from a recent inspection. I call it Inspecting Hell. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll refrain from any long narratives. Other than the filth, many of the defects are actually common defects we see everyday. What makes this inspection a bit unique is seeing so ...

Do the lending institutions in your area require "Certified" termite inspections? In New York they are required, so I've decided to get my NYDEC Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License. I have no intension of doing any applications, but the certification is necessary to issue the prop...

I have no idea where this originated, but I'd like to share it.Contents of Email received 7/24/07 Those Born 1930-1979READ TO THE BOTTOM FOR QUOTE OF THE MONTH BY JAY LENO.  IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE---VERY WELL STATED TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!! Fir...

This is actually a copy of a recent response I made on a different thread. The original is a bit old and has gone through a bit of drift, so I am reposting it as it's own blog in order to give others an opportunity to read it.It has to do with the discussion resulting fro me stating that I felt i...

Last week I inspected a home in my area. I drove past it the night before just to get an idea of what I may need (ladder wise). I was horrified! The house... a very nice house, was built in a "soup bowl". Every side of the building was pitched wrong! The house was built in an area that is histori...

EIFSExterior Insulating Finish System EIFS (Pronounced EEFS), Exterior Insulating Finish System , is an exterior cladding system is made up of numerous components, that work together form one system.The components are:Moisture BarrierDrainage Plane (optional)Insulation board. Mechanically and/or ...

I came across this and thought it might be useful. Being a boat owner, I find that there are some basic knots that simply are a must to know and really come in handy at times, whether on the boat of anywhere else. Anyway, have fun. See how many you already know, see how many you can learn.Click here

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be remove...

Memorial Day is a very special day. Living is the United States is very special. Many times, while keeping up with the news and current events, one can hear of complaints about our great country. Sometimes the complaints are well founded, sometimes they are not. But we are lucky to live in a coun...

I'm getting ready to add to my collection of moisture meters. I want to get deeper non invasive readings than a Surveymaster can provide.I've pretty much decided on a Tramex WWS for synthetic stucco and a Tramex RWS for hardcoat stucco. I know some guys that are using Delmhorst BD2100's. When I m...