Concrete CracksOne of the most common questions I receive during my inspection orientation concerns concrete cracks and concrete failure. Why is the home's concrete cracking and is this a shoddy job? The fact is, when installed properly; concrete is one the most durable and long lasting products in your home. But, there are well-established rules and guidelines with respect to installation that can affect its durability, strength, and resistance to cracking. Let's look at a few reasons concrete cracks:•1)      Excess water in the mix.It's no secret that concrete is heavy. When it's being poured from the truck the concrete is stiff and hard to maneuver. In an effort to make it lighter and easier to move some contractors often add water to the mix. But the excess water also greatly reduce... 12/06/2007

ResidentialLP: $ 295,000Address: 119 SILVERADO TRAIL Stwww.herringtonrealtyco.comCity: BrandonZip: 39047-Year Built: 2006 County: RankinSubdivision: Vintners CrossingASF: 2500 / BR: 3Baths: 2 / 1Fantastic New Construction with open plan,formal dining,3BD/2.5BA + bonus.Keeping room with fireplace, spacious master suite and master bath with beautiful tilework, built-ins,lovely wood floors in main area,high ceilings with beautiful millwork.Builder has done an exceptional job on this home.   ---------- General Information ----------Acres: Lot Desc: .5 to 1 Acre New Const: yes Garage / 2 carStories: 1.5Fireplaces: 2Handicap: Total Rooms: 9Other Rooms: Laundry/Utility Room, Rec/Play RoomFlood Ins: Flood Insurance not presently requiredExterior: Brick, CedarFloors: Ceramic Tile, Wall to Wall ... 10/30/2007

Dear Gary, I am working on a remodeling project at home and am told that the holes I bore in my studs to feed the plumbing and wiring must be of a certain size. Is this true and if so what size is appropriate not to weaken the stud and to meet city building code requirements?Richard-Jackson, MS Richard, The diameter of drilled holes in studs should not exceed 40 percent of the stud depth, and the minimum edge distance to the boundary of the hole shall not be less than 5/8-inch. When studs are doubled, drilled holes should not exceed 60 percent of the stud depth. Holes of maximum diameter should not occur in more than two consecutive studs. Adjacent holes, or holes and notches should not occur in the same cross section. As an example, a 2x4 can have a maximum hole of 1 3/8-inch or 2 inch... 05/17/2007

 With respect to improved property, the condition report is by far the most important aspect of the sale. Without this knowledge, buying a piece of property is at the very least a wild guess. Let's break down some basic concepts of a visual home inspection.Visual relates to the process of receiving images using the ocular muscles and the images that are visible to the eye. Processing that information and on both the physical and cognitive levels produces what we know as experience. Experience as a general concept comprises knowledge of, skill in, or observation of something or some event gained through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event. If you have done it before...you have experienced it and therefore have witnessed it. The history of the word experience aligns it close... 03/24/2007