Jim EllisDec 17, 20201 minBe careful of “home completely updated”This home in Elberta Alabama could have used a licensed plumber or at least someone that had some idea of modern plumbing installation...
Jim EllisJan 8, 20181 minBrick veneer cracksIt’s not uncommon to find cracks in a brick veneer sided home. Lots of different reasons are possible. Most often in our area, it’s minor...
Jim EllisJan 15, 20171 minRoof leak repairsDuring this home inspection we noticed a few water stains on the 1st floor, then directly above on the 2nd floor and yes, then on the 3rd...
Jim EllisMay 31, 20161 min3 way light switchToday’s home inspection had a problem with the wiring for a 3 way switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch so that you can an operate a light...
Jim EllisFeb 22, 20161 minHome & CO SafetyI just finished an inspection that the client didn’t want, at first. Her lending institution told her she needed one to get a loan....
Jim EllisNov 15, 20151 minMold safety revisitedIn the recent past I have started using a full face respirator. Currently model 3m 6898 which gives me lots of protection form...
Jim EllisMar 6, 20151 minChimney problems?We found these problems with this chimney during a recent home inspection. The base flashing had been removed and someone painted on...
Jim EllisOct 1, 20141 minBidet’sThis may be a little unorthodox for most, but we do live in a country full of inventive people. I kind of think of this as a Redneck...
Jim EllisJul 20, 20141 minSink traps (not)This well meaning home owner didn’t know anything about installing traps under his newly remodeled bathroom sink. All kinds of problems...
Jim EllisJun 17, 20141 minWater Catch PanNewer building dictates that there is a catch pan under the water heater if a leak will damage the interior materials and belongings. I...
Jim EllisMay 4, 20141 minDrainage problems?You don’t have to be a Home Inspector to think something might be wrong with this sink drain. Just in case, there is a huge bottle of...
Jim EllisNov 10, 20111 minHow many circuit breakers can fit?Current building guidelines require no more than 6 main service disconnects in a main panel. During this home inspection, there were a...
Jim EllisNov 6, 20111 minFoundation PiersThese foundation piers found installed under a home are another good example of why you need a home inspection! This home had been...
Jim EllisJan 5, 20111 minHow long will it last?Very often I am asked how much longer will these appliance last. There are so many variables that I can’t accurately answer the question....
Jim EllisJan 5, 20111 minAir filtersI frequently recommend at least a quality pleated air filter over the cheapie blue or green see through type as shown below. MERV ratings...
Jim EllisApr 24, 20101 minPool caution & maintenanceWhile inspecting this pool recently I had a friendly reminder, look before you leap. I started inspecting the leaf basket and drain,...
Jim EllisApr 24, 20101 minRe-inspectionWE were told that the pool company had fixed the pool and the closing was set for that afternoon. The buyer requested we check out the...
Jim EllisFeb 13, 20091 minMore flashingSome people don’t seem to understand the reasoning behind flashing. It’s a must to properly flash or you can / will end up with water...
Jim EllisAug 24, 20081 minCreative repairsIt is very common to find squirrels have chewed on the lead plumbing vent collars on roof tops. This eventually allows rain to enter into...