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Home Inspection FAQs
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about home inspection certification, licensing, professional associations, procedures, reports, ethics, classes & education
Q&A about home inspection education , training, classes, references:
This article series explains how to inspect and diagnose all types of defects found at residential and light commercial buildings, how to perform home inspections, home how to find a qualified home inspector, home inspection standards and ethics, and detailed home inspection methodology.
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Q&A about Home Inspection, Home Inspectors, Training, Certification, Qualifcations
These questions & answers about home inspections were posted originally
at HOME & BUILDING INSPECTION - please also check out the advice and resources given there.
On 2019-07-20 by Anonymous
thank you
On 2019-07-20 by (mod) -
I don't think the refrigeration equipment could explain your symptoms. If there was a refrigerant leak since 2016 it would be long gone by now.
On 2019-07-20 by Kari
I have been feeling shaky & ill since 2016. i feel
Worse when I'm in my kitchen. Had a
New Hvac sysmtem installed June 2016 but appears to be working fine. Ac is cool & heat in winter. My refrigerator was
Purchased in 2013 bottom freezer. Could it still be cooling but leaking a gas? Could the hvac be leaking but still cool & heat? I get shaky, tired , appetite & weight loss.
Thank you for any information
On 2018-11-03 by (mod) -
LB
We have worked on this problem of tracking down a noise source for a number of cases and you'll find several articles at InspectApedia.com that should help you out.
A place to start is SOUND EVENT LOG https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Noise_Localization_Log.php
Or see the whole article series at
ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Index_Building_Noise_Sound_Diagnosis.php
On 2018-11-03 by L Burke
Have a repeating clicking noise (1 loud click, 1 soft) that occurs 90% of the time at night or early morning. Cannot identify source. Wall heater is turned off, no central A/C. Lasts for 10-15 minutes. Not coming from appliances. Annoying as hell! Can someone help?
On 2018-10-11 by (mod) -
Jennifer,
Thank you for your interest in my services.
After decades of field investigation and forensic lab work, with exception of a few pro-bono or research assignments, I have retired from field work and also from forensic laboratory analysis work to concentrate full time on pure research and writing for InspectApedia.com.
At InspectApedia.com we provide extensive free public information about building & indoor environment troubleshooting & repairs. We also very much welcome questions, critique, content suggestions concerning those topics.
You are also welcome to send me specific questions, suggestions, photos, reports by email, and I'll be glad to comment as helpfully as I can.
Building Inspection & Diagnosis:
At CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES in the page top menu you may find a suitable on-site expert for inspection, diagnosis, testing of building & indoor environment concerns.
On 2018-10-10 3 by Jennifer Macauley
Hi,
I live in an apartment complex, 33 North in San Rafael, CA. We experienced flooding from improperly installed washer and dryer hoses which flooded the apartment in the area of the leak, but I believe throughout the 731 sq. ft. apartment. There was black mold behind the drywall and most recently, it looks like we have more black mold in the kitchen cabinet from another plumbing leak. This complex uses grey water.
My fear is that grey water in underneath the laminate flooring. I have mycotoxicosis, and in between the planks of the hard flooring/"pergo" i am finding bugs. I was alsp assessed in the ER that I have a parasitic skin infection with tiny bugs getting in my skin. I am disabled and live in a below market rent apartment. I am a single mom with a young son and I fear our health is in danger. Is it possible to schedule an inspection? It would help me so much and I would be most thankful.
My cell number is 415-444-6645, so please call anytime. I look forward to hearing from you and I also want to thank for the your website and the wonderful resources there.
Sincerely,
Jennie Macauley
On 2018-04-20 by (mod) -
Re-posting Jean's comment as requested
Jean said:
Hi, My name is Jean. I am a single mom of two young tweens who live full-time with me in our small apartment. I and my two daughters are currently suffering with sever allergies with nearly all of the symptoms attributed to black mold exposure. the apartment is covered in wall to wall carpet which appears to have green-grey dust vacuumed out of it regularly
. Additionally, I have taken a sample from the wall near the door sill which had black patches embedded into the drywall under the paint.
I am currently receiving treatment from my doctor for respiratory infection and plan on being tested for mold exposure with a skin or blood test. (possibly this afternoon) I visited my Doctor just 6 months ago for the same complaint about my respiratory irritation. I work full time and have a second job just to make ends meet
. I also do receive some public assistance for my low income status. I have recently taken several days off from work to recuperate from a very bad cough. My children have had to miss school for severe body aches and cough, as well. Since I work preparing food for customers, I thought it best to avoid contact with their food. With the loss of work, and other damaging factors, I would like to take steps at testing for mold in my one bedroom apartment for which I pay a great deal of money to have a sub-standard living environment.
I am asking you to please help me to figure out next steps at remedying the potential and ongoing mold issue in my apartment. I live in California and I am not sure of tenant laws and how to ask for a remedy.
On 2018-04-20 by Jean
Please remove my contact information at the end of the last comment
On 2017-12-27 by (mod) -
No, Kathy.
Unvented gas heaters are unsafe and dangerous and are not approved for use in homes in California - such a heater typically will be found in violation of the California Health and Safety Code. You will find this same point of view expressed by most California utility companies as well. Check with your local building department too.
Alternatives for California where ventless gas fired heaters are not permitted, would be a direct-vent wall unit.
On 2017-12-26 by Kathy
We want to install a ventless wall heater. Will it pass California code.
On 2017-04-13 by (mod) -
Mary:
I do NOT recommend that you do any digging to expose the septic tank - since we don't know the condition of the tank and digging it up can be dangerous, even fatal if a lid collapses and someone falls-in.
Depending on the level of septic system inspection, and when a septic tank is buried, the inspector will normally make a visual inspection of the drainfield area for signs of failure (wet smelly areas, odd grass growth) and then might perform a septic loading and dye test (running water into the septic system as a first-level test).
IF you agree to a septic system inspection that requires excavation to open the tank and to permit an inspection there - a procedure that does indeed give more thorough information - in my OPINION that work should be performed by a septic inspection contractor hired by the buyer, paid for at their expense, AND the buyer must restore the ground and yard in the area of excavation after the digging, inspection, and any testing.
There are several reasons for this:
1. to avoid conflict of interest and to trust the septic inspection result the inspector has to work for the buyer not the seller
2. it would not be fair nor reasonable for a buyer to dig up the yard of a seller and then perhaps decide not to buy the property, leaving the seller with an ugly mess that made it harder to sell to someone else
The depth of the septic tank can be anywhere from above ground level to 6 feet or more below it - another reason you would not undertake the job. Use the search box just above to find our article on SEPTIC TANK DEPTH for more details.
You are welcome to contact us using the page top or bottom CONTACT link if you have questions about what you are told are the septic inspection and test results.
On 2017-04-13 by mary
I'm trying to sell my deceased sisters property and have a potential buyer. The home inspector is coming. What part of tank does he need to get to for inspection? Approx how far will I need to dig to get to it?
On 2016-11-29 by (mod) -
Alex said:
Very Informative and Instructive article. Thanks for share.
On 2019-07-20 by Anonymous
thank you
On 2019-07-20 by (mod) - refrigerant leak starting & unrepaired since 2016 won't explain a current IAQ issue
I don't think the refrigeration equipment could explain your symptoms. If there was a refrigerant leak since 2016 it would be long gone by now.
On 2019-07-20 by Kari
I have been feeling shaky & ill since 2016. i feel
Worse when I'm in my kitchen. Had a
New Hvac sysmtem installed June 2016 but appears to be working fine.
Ac is cool & heat in winter. My refrigerator was
Purchased in 2013 bottom freezer. Could it still be cooling but leaking a gas? Could the hvac be leaking but still cool & heat? I get shaky, tired , appetite & weight loss.
Thank you for any information
On 2018-11-03 1 by (mod) - track down a bothersome noise in or around buildings
LB
We have worked on this problem of tracking down a noise source for a number of cases and you'll find several articles at InspectApedia.com that should help you out.
A place to start is SOUND EVENT LOG https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Noise_Localization_Log.php
Or see the whole article series at
ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Index_Building_Noise_Sound_Diagnosis.php
On 2018-11-03 by L Burke
Have a repeating clicking noise (1 loud click, 1 soft) that occurs 90% of the time at night or early morning. Cannot identify source. Wall heater is turned off, no central A/C. Lasts for 10-15 minutes. Not coming from appliances. Annoying as hell! Can someone help?
On 2018-10-11 by (mod) -
Jennifer,
Thank you for your interest in my services.
After decades of field investigation and forensic lab work, with exception of a few pro-bono or research assignments, I have retired from field work and also from forensic laboratory analysis work to concentrate full time on pure research and writing for InspectApedia.com.
At InspectApedia.com we provide extensive free public information about building & indoor environment troubleshooting & repairs. We also very much welcome questions, critique, content suggestions concerning those topics.
You are also welcome to send me specific questions, suggestions, photos, reports by email, and I'll be glad to comment as helpfully as I can.
Building Inspection & Diagnosis:
At CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES in the page top menu you may find a suitable on-site expert for inspection, diagnosis, testing of building & indoor environment concerns.
On 2018-10-10 by Jennifer Macauley
Hi,
I live in an apartment complex, 33 North in San Rafael, CA. We experienced flooding from improperly installed washer and dryer hoses which flooded the apartment in the area of the leak, but I believe throughout the 731 sq. ft. apartment. There was black mold behind the drywall and most recently, it looks like we have more black mold in the kitchen cabinet from another plumbing leak. This complex uses grey water.
My fear is that grey water in underneath the laminate flooring. I have mycotoxicosis, and in between the planks of the hard flooring/"pergo" i am finding bugs. I was alsp assessed in the ER that I have a parasitic skin infection with tiny bugs getting in my skin.
I am disabled and live in a below market rent apartment. I am a single mom with a young son and I fear our health is in danger. Is it possible to schedule an inspection? It would help me so much and I would be most thankful.
My cell number is 415-444-6645, so please call anytime. I look forward to hearing from you and I also want to thank for the your website and the wonderful resources there.
Sincerely,
Jennie Macauley
On 2018-04-20 by (mod) -
Re-posting Jean's comment as requested
Jean said:
Hi, My name is Jean. I am a single mom of two young tweens who live full-time with me in our small apartment. I and my two daughters are currently suffering with sever allergies with nearly all of the symptoms attributed to black mold exposure. the apartment is covered in wall to wall carpet which appears to have green-grey dust vacuumed out of it regularly. Additionally, I have taken a sample from the wall near the door sill which had black patches embedded into the drywall under the paint.
I am currently receiving treatment from my doctor for respiratory infection and plan on being tested for mold exposure with a skin or blood test. (possibly this afternoon) I visited my Doctor just 6 months ago for the same complaint about my respiratory irritation. I work full time and have a second job just to make ends meet. I also do receive some public assistance for my low income status.
I have recently taken several days off from work to recuperate from a very bad cough. My children have had to miss school for severe body aches and cough, as well. Since I work preparing food for customers, I thought it best to avoid contact with their food.
With the loss of work, and other damaging factors, I would like to take steps at testing for mold in my one bedroom apartment for which I pay a great deal of money to have a sub-standard living environment. I am asking you to please help me to figure out next steps at remedying the potential and ongoing mold issue in my apartment. I live in California and I am not sure of tenant laws and how to ask for a remedy.
On 2018-04-20 by Jean
Please remove my contact information at the end of the last comment
On 2017-12-27 by (mod) - Unvented gas heaters are unsafe
No, Kathy.
Unvented gas heaters are unsafe and dangerous and are not approved for use in homes in California - such a heater typically will be found in violation of the California Health and Safety Code. You will find this same point of view expressed by most California utility companies as well. Check with your local building department too.
Alternatives for California where ventless gas fired heaters are not permitted, would be a direct-vent wall unit.
On 2017-12-26 by Kathy
We want to install a ventless wall heater. Will it pass California code.
On 2017-04-13 by (mod) -
Mary:
I do NOT recommend that you do any digging to expose the septic tank - since we don't know the condition of the tank and digging it up can be dangerous, even fatal if a lid collapses and someone falls-in.
Depending on the level of septic system inspection, and when a septic tank is buried, the inspector will normally make a visual inspection of the drainfield area for signs of failure (wet smelly areas, odd grass growth) and then might perform a septic loading and dye test (running water into the septic system as a first-level test).
IF you agree to a septic system inspection that requires excavation to open the tank and to permit an inspection there - a procedure that does indeed give more thorough information - in my OPINION that work should be performed by a septic inspection contractor hired by the buyer, paid for at their expense, AND the buyer must restore the ground and yard in the area of excavation after the digging, inspection, and any testing.
There are several reasons for this:
1. to avoid conflict of interest and to trust the septic inspection result the inspector has to work for the buyer not the seller
2. it would not be fair nor reasonable for a buyer to dig up the yard of a seller and then perhaps decide not to buy the property, leaving the seller with an ugly mess that made it harder to sell to someone else
The depth of the septic tank can be anywhere from above ground level to 6 feet or more below it - another reason you would not undertake the job. Use the search box just above to find our article on SEPTIC TANK DEPTH for more details.
You are welcome to contact us using the page top or bottom CONTACT link if you have questions about what you are told are the septic inspection and test results.
On 2017-04-13 by mary
I'm trying to sell my deceased sisters property and have a potential buyer. The home inspector is coming. What part of tank does he need to get to for inspection? Approx how far will I need to dig to get to it?
On 2016-11-29 by (mod) -
Alex said:
Very Informative and Instructive article. Thanks for share.
...
Continue reading at HOME & BUILDING INSPECTION - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Home Inspection Articles for Consumers & Home Inspectors
- BUILDING DEFECTS LISTS
- CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES
- HOME & BUILDING INSPECTION - home
- HOME INSPECTION BUSINESSES & FRANCHISES
- HOME INSPECTION COMPONENTS MASTER LIST
- HOME INSPECTION ETHICAL CODES
- HOME INSPECTION, GET THE MOST FROM
- HOME INSPECTION PUBLICATIONS
- HOME INSPECTION REPORT CHOICES
- HOME INSPECTION REPORT WRITING
- HOME & BUILDING INSPECTION SAFETY HAZARDS
- HOME INSPECTION STANDARDS & ETHICAL CODES
- HOME INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION
- HOME INSPECTOR EDUCATION
- HOUSE DOCTOR, HOW TO BE A
- OLD HOUSE MYSTERIES & SOLUTIONS
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- [2] Gregory Brown, P.E., Eastern Environmental Engineering Services, Califon NJ, Tel: 908-832-5098, Email: gabrown48@comcast.net. Mr. Brown, a licensed professional engineer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, provides environmental / compliance, investigation, and remediation services and is the contributor of ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, New Jersey - Update on New Jersey Environmental Regulations that impact real estate transactions.
- [3] Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 ISBN-13: 978-0471331728
- [4] Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) ISBN-10: 1405161035 ISBN-13: 978-1405161039
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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