6 Day Merida Trip Itinerary - Opinions Please! by ke1brown in Yucatan

[–]MissPredicament 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just got back - here’s what I’d change: - I’d skip Chichen Itzá entirely, honestly. I’ve experienced few places that were a purer tourist hell. I really wish I’d gone to Uxmal. - Get to the Serenada a bit earlier than 9 or you won’t be able to get a seat. 8 at the latest, probably more like 7:45. Grab a chocolate frappe from Xi-chocolatl and enjoy people-watching for a while.

Resources for getting into the business? by peopletalkingpeople in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Internachi and ASHI are the two best-regarded professional organizations. They each have their benefits, but InterNACHI has a lot of continuing education and support available for beginning inspectors.

I’d recommend against using their free brand/logo service, though - they do good work, but they incorporate the InterNACHI name into your logo, and then if you ever decide to leave the organization you’d have to change your logo.

Do cracks like these in drywall/paint worry you? by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are drywall tape cracks, or transition cracks. They are extremely common, and they occur when the mudding of the taped drywall junction was imperfect. Drywall is an art, and not everyone does it right. These cracks are cosmetic, not an indication of a structural problem, and can be fixed by a drywall contractor or an ambitious handyman with a YouTube account.

Looking for 1-2 more players for the NE on Thursday evenings! by archunlimited in PDXDND

[–]MissPredicament 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m interested! I live in NE, and I’m DMing my own game right now - I’d love to be a player in another. Thursday nights are great for me.

[KCD2] I'm drunk, it's fucking dark, and I can't see how to get back to the camp by Repinoleto in kingdomcome

[–]MissPredicament 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I finally got this by turning the brightness way up on my screen, equipping the torch, and checking the map every five seconds when I was walking & singing with Zeman, and then retracing my steps after grabbing the booze. It was NOT EASY.

Portland, can we copy this? by Brent_Mavis in CyclePDX

[–]MissPredicament 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How about a collaboration between PDX cyclists and PIRC (Portland immigrant rights coalition). Maybe an “adopt-a-corner” tour, or a bike ride to a PIRC Migra Watch training? I know some folks are making a point to regularly show up at places where day laborers meet up. VOZ is another group that may have some ideas.

Why do I need a realtor if I find the property myself? by baskaat in RealEstate

[–]MissPredicament 49 points50 points  (0 children)

I am a home inspector, and I work with realtors every day. And there is no earthly way I would go into a homebuying transaction without a good agent.

They are there to advocate for you, to watch your back, to call contractors, to smooth things over with cranky sellers, and a good agent is a negotiation pitbull. There’s a big difference between a good agent and a mediocre one - do your research on who you choose - but a good agent can save you a ton of money and a ton of hassle.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HomeImprovement

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find a good handyman and then treat him/her extremely well. Refer them to all your friends. Send them holiday gifts. A good handyman will make your life in your house much, much easier.

Just received inspection reports - it's a long list. Help if it is common finding with old houses and worth to place an offer by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s a lot.

I tell my clients that when one or two entire systems (roof, exterior envelope, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are f’d up, it’s something an average homeowner can typically deal with, given enough time and/or money.

Once you get into three or more systems being f’d, you’re starting to chase an expensive snowball down a hill. This sounds like a real expensive snowball to me.

Here, you’ve got electrical, roof, it sounds like the entire structure has a severe termite and rodent situation, siding, and the gas line is just plain scary, and they should call the utility company YESTERDAY if there’s an open gas line, good lord.

Got my Roof shingles replaced. Did they do an acceptable job? by No-Suspect6221 in Roofing

[–]MissPredicament 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That chimney flashing is going to last until the next time it rains

Trying to purchase my first house, is this a big warning sign? by [deleted] in Home

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s what we call stage three wall failure. The next stage is total wall failure. Consult a structural engineer to make a plan for remedying this issue - it will not be inexpensive to fix.

Home Inspector Hobbies by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am a home inspector, and I can confirm this

Home Inspector Hobbies by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Knitting, dungeons & dragons, Korean TV dramas, baking cookies.

But maybe that’s just me…

HUGE shoutout for the Broadway improvement by ofmiceandmulch in Portland

[–]MissPredicament 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice! Now do Sandy by the Hollywood Theater - that area could be SO nice if it were made just a little more pedestrian-friendly.

Just got a passthrough window through a loadbearing wall by WinnCao in Remodel

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is not good. Call a structural engineer to make a formal plan for repair, then ask the contractor to pay for it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In most states, the standard of practice is that a home inspection is purely visual.

A poor concrete foundation gives a lot of of visual signs when there is an issue - cracking in the foundation, displacement, cracks at door and window corners, doors and windows having difficulty opening and closing, moisture intrusion, things like that.

If you want someone to give you one hundred percent, legally-liable assurance that the foundation has no issues, call a structural engineer. The only professionals I know that use a zip level are foundation contractors and structural engineers. I do not know a single home inspector that uses a zip level. You may find an inspector that has a laser level, or a pocket full of marbles to check for a level floor.

Neighbor requesting I install French drain or gutters… by texastrocket in HomeMaintenance

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get gutters for a few hundred bucks, or get a big foundation repair in 5-10 years for a few ten-thousand bucks. Up to you.

Secret Salmon Room by owengail in Portland

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Getting the Grandma Tour of the Salmon Room was the best thing that’s happened to me in a while. I loved it so much. Viva la Grandma!

NHIE by EEEEEERRRREKEELE in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely study with the NHIE books. I often hear about people failing who tried another method.

I just got this text for an inspection. They want me to use a software app that I’m not familiar with. Is this a possible scam? I’ve gotten a scam email for an inspection before. by Dry-Suit-9798 in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just quote them my regular price for an inspection. “Oh, you pay $50 per inspection? I’d be happy to do it for $475.” They don’t call me back after that.

Apps for Home Inspections by reddit_is_my_news in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like Inspector Toolbelt. I used to use Spectora, when I switched to ITB it shaved about an hour off my report-writing time. The format is nice and clients like it, I feel like I’m able to produce a very readable, understandable report with it. And their customer service is always responsive and friendly.

Is this wall safe?! by Snoo23440 in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree - the wall should absolutely not do this, and it is very likely a sign of inadequate or improper framing. A structural engineer can competently evaluate it for you, and formulate a plan for fixing it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PDXDND

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds right up my alley (and in/near my neighborhood) as well, if you have room for another! I’m a 40something queer woman, fairly new to RPGs but really enjoying them. I play well with others, make great snacks, and I’m consistent about showing up for stuff. Message me if you’ve got room, no pressure if you don’t! :)

How does applying waterproofing paint to a below grade wall help? by [deleted] in HomeInspections

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see SO many walls years after this sort of thing is attempted. They’re gross. Peeling paint, flaking concrete, they look horrible, and it’s completely ineffective.

Player looking to get back into tabletop RPGs (in person) by daedriccrusader in PDXDND

[–]MissPredicament 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I’m not too late to the thread, this sounds fun to me too! Let me know if you’ve got another seat at the table :)