Water Heater Safety

Today's picture is of an interior mounted water heater in a 1980's condo somewhere in Irvine, CA. This particular unit is "Gas" fired. There are a host of issues with the installation, none more important than fire safety.

As you can see in the picture, the close proximity of stored chemicals and combustibles is unacceptable for a gas fired unit. The fire box of the unit is blocked and facing the stored materials as well. Nice touch with the fire extinguisher...

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout Southern California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Electrical Alterations

So today's photo is of a 1970's vintage home in Mission Viejo, CA. The home is tenant occupied and has had electrical wiring, switch, light fixture and or outlet alterations and additions throughout the home.

This particular issue is regarding electrical wiring splices. We'll refer to this configuration as an exposed pig tail splice without proper junction box.

In most areas of the U.S. you may not have exposed 120v or higher wiring in the interior of the home and it would NEVER be acceptable to have an exposed splice as shown in the photo.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout Southern California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Termite Inspection?

So today's topic, "Should I get a Termite Inspection" for my home purchase? I'm surprised how many buyers are moving forward in their purchase without a Termite Inspection. In the old days many lenders required a termite clearance prior to funding the loan. Today, there are many loan options that don't require it.

I'm also finding many of these "No Termite Inspection Loans" are occurring in low income areas where the properties are in distress, poorly maintained and in serious need of the very inspection and repair that they are being exempted from.

These new low income home buyers will be shocked and devastated when they begin to realize after close of escrow and move-in just what repair costs they're going to face. Termite Inspections, Wood Destroying Organisms Report, Structural Pest Control Report or whatever they're called in your part of the country. Don't purchase a home without one!

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout Southern California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com

Insulation

So today's picture is off a large sub area in a 70's hillside home. Owner had been complaining about high energy bills and wasn't sure if the home was insulated in the attic and or sub areas. As you can see from the picture, it was sort of insulated...

Not only do we need insulation but we need it to be intact, installed correctly and functioning as originally designed by the OEM, (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This particular home has approximately 2500'sf of sub area with most the the insulation either missing, out of position or damaged from rodent debris and or water.

We must also ensure that the combustible vapor barrier not be left exposed. The barrier must face the living area of the structure and installed in a manner to ensure fire safety. Again always refer to the OEM safety installation instructions.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout Southern California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!
www.progressiveinspection.com

Asbestos Ducting

Today's picture appears to be a possible damaged, altered and or disturbed asbestos bearing ducting system in a 1960's vintage home. Let me first state if your inspector believes a damaged or disturbed asbestos system is present it should be verified and reported on by a "Certified Asbestos Consultant".

The "CAC" would them determine what remediation protocol is best suited for the particular property and or project. A homeowner or buyer could then begin the process of bidding the necessary remediation with a defined scope of work.

Remember, always use licensed contractors when working on your property, pull those permits when required and when in doubt, error on the side of safety.

Call us today - we perform home and commercial inspections throughout California including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and a community near you!

www.progressiveinspection.com