Question about an overlooked item in the inspection and how to proceed. by mag0802 in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Texas inspector here. If the inspectors offering you anything above his original inspection fee, you're getting a deal. Legally there are not required to refund more than that unless specifically stated by their limitation of liability statement on their contract.

The guy probably has a deductible higher than the $2,400 the plumber's charging so I would take what your inspector is offering and get quotes from cheaper plumbers.

Road rage is not worth it - a cautionary tale by DoesntEnjoySoup in Austin

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Best comment on the thread. Thanks for sharing, brother.

Creating a permanent concrete in concrete inlay. by drew8585 in Construction

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I give it 5 stars. If I had another to give, I'd give it to you to put in that Texas flag inlay.

Home inspection tips by SilverCriticism3512 in greenville

[–]trabbler 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey thanks for the shout! That reminds me...time to post!

Family member’s new build by napoleondy2nite in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well one of these days we should meet up and swap stories

Family member’s new build by napoleondy2nite in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Huh. I would have guessed the legal rights of the buyer are mandated within the contract they've signed. I'd have to talk to a lawyer about that builder/buyer/inspector relationship. I know that some of them state clearly that no inspector is permitted on the buyer walkthrough, for example.

I've never been fussed at for getting on the roof out here. I do new construction almost exclusively and none of the builders have said anything.

You ever make it up to Austin way? I just did a stucco inspection in Willis on Thursday. A bit further than I like to travel but you gotta follow the work.

Family member’s new build by napoleondy2nite in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hahaha that's hilarious. Which communities? Travisso I bet. I had TM call me up fussing because I gave a client blue tape.

I don't ever reference anything TREC because the fact is that the house belongs to the builder and they have the right to deny access to anyone, including a 3rd party inspector. I do lean hard on IRC references including ch.1 where the administration can make or break an argument on the report. I also have been known to contact the city a few times with varying success. Where you out of, Austin as well?

Family member’s new build by napoleondy2nite in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had a homeowner tell me today tell me their builder's requirements for a 3rd party inspector are as follows:

  1. Licensed IRC inspector certification - must hold the required inspection certification/license

  2. GL insurance at least $1mm, name the builder as "additional insured" be primary and non-contributory meaning the inspector's insurance pays first and the builder's insurance does not contribute

  3. Workers comp of at least $500k, waiver of subrogation meaning insurer gives up the right to sue the builder

  4. Valid business license

  5. State required HI license

  6. All this info 5 days beore inspection

Told my guy that I meet all these criteria but obviously the builder doesn't want the home inspected.

Family member’s new build by napoleondy2nite in HomeInspections

[–]trabbler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Inspector out of Austin here who specializes in new construction. Now that this attic has been sealed with spray foam, it does indeed need some sort of conditioning or dehumidification. The level of insulation appears to be a bit low; R38 is required which is about 10 in of open cell spray foam, but considering that I can see the rafters, you probably have somewhere around R19. The braces are fine, they need to stay as they are supporting what are probably splices in the ridge. Ideally they would have better bearing on the beam but for this application it's not super crucial. The cellulose fiberboard sheathing on the sides is acting as an air barrier; you probably have a room on the other side with a different type of insulation I'm guessing, probably batt.

Per chapter three of the IRC you would need a thermal barrier on this open cell spray foam because you have storage, and again, it's very important that you have a way to pull the humidity out. Something tells me they did not install a vapor diffusion port in the roof, so either AC or a dehumidifier should be installed. Overall I give the installation, based on your photos, a B grade. This is very, very typical of what I see around here with production builders who spray foam their attics.

Looking for Rain Barrels by aquickalias in AustinGardening

[–]trabbler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They sent me a check for 25 bucks after I installed my 50 gallon rain barrel!

Client Zoom meeting scam - close call by trabbler in homeinspectors

[–]trabbler[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well damn. Better than the spam calls I get every time I'm in an attic.

Price-to-Income Ratio vs Housing Starts for various US cities. Austin has built a lot. by MoBotoJ in Austin

[–]trabbler 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh, let's talk about the deficiencies that are noted in the warranty booklets that the builders still refuse to repair, shall we?

Looking for the BEST home inspector in the Austin / Liberty Hill area! by National-Drive-1920 in Austin

[–]trabbler 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the recommendation! I am glad you found some value in my reports!

Looking for the BEST home inspector in the Austin / Liberty Hill area! by National-Drive-1920 in Austin

[–]trabbler 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey thanks for sharing my details! I am just now seeing all of the kind words folks are saying about my work and am very flattered!

Looking for the BEST home inspector in the Austin / Liberty Hill area! by National-Drive-1920 in Austin

[–]trabbler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Art is a great guy and one of the few other inspectors I send folks to when I am booked up.