Nashville TN, Inspector Finds Poorly Installed Pull Down Stairway

Most builders fail to read the mounting instructions when installing pull down stairways leading up to the attic. They are most often found installed with sheet metal screws which do not have the sufficient side to side sheer strength.  Most installation decals found on the inside of the ladder require a minimum of 16 16D nails that should be applied to all sides of the ladder. This can be a safety issue when carrying boxes or large items up the ladder to store in the attic. 

Franklin TN, Inspector Discovers Decayed Cast Iron Plumbing Pipes

Cast iron plumbing drain pipes have been around since the early 1900’s.  They are often found in a decaying state and will eventually need to be updated and replaced with today’s PVC poly vinyl chloride plastic pipes. The pipe view in the picture was found in a 1900 house and has split and decayed to the point the entire plumging system needs replaced.

Nashville TN, Home Inspector Locates Missing Flashing

Poorly installed shingles were found on roof in Nashville.  Any time shingles intersect with an exterior wall, step flashing should be installed under each roll of shingles and counter flashing should be installed on the exterior wall that overlaps the step flashing. The shingles picture will allow rain water to penetrate behind the shingles and enter the structure.

Nashville TN, Inspector Locates Improper Clearance on Power Lines

Power lines are sometimes found on older home where they do not have the proper clearance needed between it and the roof line.  Power lines should be at a minimum of 18″ where they cross over a section of roof.  This is needed to protect the house from the electrical wires and to allow workmen to safely service and replace the roofing shingles.

Franklin TN, Electrical Splices Found in Home Inspection

Elecrical splices are often found during an home inspection by home owners that do not hire a professional and do their project or repair themselves.  Electrical splices should be performed inside of an approve electrical junction box and a cover plate installed to protect the structure from possible over heated connections and anyone else who may come incontact with the spliced wires.   

Franklin TN, Inspector Discovers Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels were produced in the 1980’s and are considered to be unsafe. The electrical breakers have been known not to provide the protection needed causing wire damage, electrical fires, and personal injury. The company was also involved in a class action lawsuit. If you have one of these panels it is highly recommended it be replaced by a qualified license electrician.

Franklin TN, Inspection Reveals Faulty Wiring

Unprofessional wiring is often found in older homes that have been remodeled by the home owner. The sub panel pictured has the neutral and the ground wires (white and bare copper wires) attached to the same bus bar. These wires need to be separated so the neutral and ground wires have their own bus bar and the neutral bus be kept non-bonded from the metal panel enclosure. 

Spring Hill TN Inspector Locates Damaged Crawlspace Vents

The 3 louvered crawlspace vents like the one pictured are often found damaged and their screens missing from small animals that can easily separate the louvers and enter the crawlspace. It is recommended that this type of vent be removed and replaced with a grid or grille type screening with sliding vents. Small animals can do costly damage to the HVAC ducts and flooring insulation as well as other damage. 

Nashville TN, Home Inspector Locates Leaking Clean-Out Plug

Plumbing clean out plugs are often found loose and not properly sealed during a home inspection. Plumbers seem to overlook this when the plumbing drain pipes. The plugs will need removed and sealed with pipe dope and properly tightened to prevent sewage from leaking in the crawlspace.

Nashville TN, Home Inspector Measures Elevated Moisture

Small leaks are hard to detect around the toilet wax ring. The pictured toilet did show elevated moisture levels and will need the wax ring seal replaced. During all inspection, Ultra Sound Home Inspections measures around every toilet for elevated moisture levels with an non invasive Trimax Moisture Meter.

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