EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS FOUND

•  Structural problems in foundation due to poorly graded adjacent driveway.

•  Bathroom fan venting to attic causing mold.

•  Full gutters causing rotted eaves.

•  Hose spigot, without internal shut-off, caused interior pipe to split and leak when thawed.  

•  Copper pipe joint broken due to settling of heavy steel drainpipe.  

•  Spalling bricks on chimney possibly weakening structure.

•  Pin-hole leak in steel sink-trap, missed by plumber:  rotting out cabinet.

•  Rusty nails and black mold streaks in attic due to soffit vents blocked by insulation.

•  Counter unsupported over dishwasher.

•  Loose electrical connection to microwave oven.

•  Leaky toilet seal causing water to flow out of ceiling light!

•  New valve on water main installed further inside old leaky valve, meaning if old valve failed, house would flood.

•  Pipe knocking caused by high efficiency washer near water main: recommended simply closing supply valve a little.

•  Chaetomium mold growing on basement joists due to poor ventilation.

•  Faulty flashing on flat roof threatening pergola.

•  Failed grout causing deterioration of shower wall.

•  Three-prong outlets un-grounded.

•  Asbestos pipes used for heating ducts.

•  Whole side of roof failing due to poor ventilation.

•  Eaves on whole house threatened due to lack of drip edge flashing under shingles.

•  Completely deteriorated vapor barrier leading to mold.

•  Lack of "high loop" or airgap in dishwasher discharge leading to possible contamination.

•  Leaky water main valve, leading to possible flooding.  

•  2 by 10 trusses separating from ridge board possibly resulting in complete collapse of roof.

•  Scorching at connection to one of the hot leads in an electric panel, presenting a fire hazard.   

CREATIVE FIXES RECOMMENDED

• Original wood windows in good shape.  Recommended painting and new storm windows, saved $30,000.

• Broken main kitchen drawer needed new guide and addition of support brace.  Saved having to replace cabinets. Otherwise they just needed a couple coats of paint.

• New laminated counters are very inexpensive, well designed and look like granite.

• Shorter models of dishwashers solve problems with getting “tiled in” after renovated floors.

• Ceramic tile in basement sealed floor and eliminated water seepage.

• Water problems in basement solved with extending downspouts at least five feet from the foundation.

• Double carport awkward size.  Recommended screened in porch with 2X10 decking floor.  Now the envy of the neighborhood.

• Ugly side yard was fixed with simple wooden fence, raised garden beds and pea gravel. 

• Water treatment recommended in bricked corner planting area close to house.

• Suggested glass door to utility room to allow light into large room from basement window.  

• Traffic jam of drainage pipes from downspouts eliminated with double rain barrels.

• See QUICKTIPS section for 100's more ideas.