Harold Miller's (kelly1) Blog

The past couple years I have had a chance to see alot of bank owned properties. Some owned by HUD, and those referred to as REO (Real Estate Owned) properties. These properties can offer home buyers a great value and an opportunity for building equity. Having a home inspection on one of these pro...

"Grandfathered" is a term often used when referring to something installed in a home that was in compliance with codes at the time it was installed, but no longer would meet the current code. Like the old drum style trap in this picture. It is grandfathered, meaning that the building code officia...

     Camano Island, WA Camano Island is considered large with a land mass of nearly 40 square miles. During the last census in 2000 there were 13,358 residents, but it was estimated that 17,000 during the summer months. It will be interesting to see what the 2010 Census report says. Camano Island...

Anyone can drive down to the big box store and buy electrical supplies, yet once they get home, there is a chance that they will install it right. But in alot of cases I see there are often serious safety hazards created by the "weekend warriors" attempt at adding electrical circuits. The results...

I don't know what compelled manufactured home builders to install these "water intrusion devices", .....but unfortunately they did. In fact., if I am going to find a leaking skylight it is often this design. The problem is they run a bead of sealant around the back, and slap it into place. Sealan...

Kick out flashings are important in diverting roof water from an adjacent exterior wall system. Kick out flashings are normally installed at the lower end of the step flashing run. These flashings divert water into the gutter system. Failure to repair may be conducive for water damage, and fungal...

A new Washington State law has been passed requiring the licensing of home inspectors. (RCW 18.280)   By Sept 1, 2009 All experienced home inspectors must be licensed   Must prove a minimum of 100 hundred inspections completed Must prove in business for two years (as of June 1, 2008) Must pass th...

Yesterday I encountered my first new construction home that was equipped with Tamper Resistant Receptacles. These new receptacles have built in spring loaded shutters which are designed to protect children, and are now being required by the 2008 National Electrical Code. To me this is alot better...

      I have been finding alot more plumbing leaks in crawl spaces after last winters harsh conditions than usual. Seems that it was just too cold for too long. Old homes, new homes doesn't really matter. Alot of these I have found at hose faucets and their related supply line. In this case it is...

The answer to this depends on how well the addition was contructed. I am routinely reminded of this when inspecting homes. For instance a recent inspection of a homes' addition revealed that the structure had no foundation, but rather was constructed more like a deck structure that someone added ...