Oh My Gosh…

Home Inspector Detects Unsafe Exterior Electrical Outlet
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This home inspection video shows an improper exterior electrical installation.  The past homeowner needed electrical power to the outside, so he went ahead and drilled a hole through a basement window frame and ran a wire through it.  The hole wasn’t sealed, so outside air, bugs and possibly moisture could enter the home.  In addition the wiring was not exterior rated, and it should have been in a conduit.  The upside is that the electrical box was an exterior rated box, however, the outlet was not ground faulted to protect against electrical shock.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspection Discloses How Not To Fix A Leaky Valve

Sponge used to fix leaky faucet

There’s more than one way to fix a leaky valve.  In this particular instance the homeowner duct taped a sponge to the affected valve.  As it leaked, the water dispersed through the sponge and evaporated, thus preventing a leak to whatever lay below…

Special thanks to Trent Martin at Mr Rooter Plumbing for providing the photo and story.  Trent fixed the valve properly. I give you honorary HomePro Home Inspectors status

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspectors Discover Serious Water Heater Venting Problem

Hot Water Heater Vent Flue Disconnected

At this home inspection I came across a hot water heater in a utility closet in which the vent flue had become disconnected at the ceiling.  In addition to the exhaust and CO venting directly to the closet, you can see that the paper on the adjacent sheetrock is heavily charred from the exhaust heat. 

The home owner stated that the water heater was professionally installed less than 6 months ago.  Lucky for them, the door to the utility closet sealed fairly securely which slowed the flow of CO into the living area of the home.  I recommended to the home owner that they contact the installer immediately for emergency repairs to the vent flue.

You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. It is the leading cause of poisoning death, with over 500 victims in the United States each year.  The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu but without the fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.

 Rik Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspector Drives By Roof Collapse

Recommend further evaluation by Licensed Structural Engineer

Recommend further evaluation by Licensed Structural Engineer

We had a lot of snow this past winter and apparently the load exceeded the design specifications of this garage roof.  Or maybe deferred maintenance caught up with structure.  Whatever the case, it appears this garage is near the end of it’s useful life ;-) .

Your home inspector saw this as I was passing by and couldn’t resist stopping and taking a picture.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspection Uncovers Chared Wires In Electrical Panel
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Charred Wire In Electrical Panel

 In addition to the spider, I found three wires that were charred due to arcing and overheating in this electrical panel at this home inspection.  It goes without saying that this client was very fortunate to have not had an electrical fire.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Furnace Improvements Not Recommended By Home Inspector

The only can of green beans we have in the house.. And they are way past the expiration date.  I guess we’ll have to run to the store.  This home inspector thinks it would have been better for the home owner to have the furnace professionaly repaired by a qualified repairman.

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Canned beans supporting burner

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspector Finds Bees In The Basement
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Basement Bee Hive

Here’s another good reason you should make sure all exterior openings are sealed.  During the home inspection I usually discuss with my clients the importance of making sure that all exterior openings are sealed so that moisture and insects can not infiltrate. 

This home had been sitting empty for quite a while.  The bees found a way in through a disconnected dryer vent and built quite a large nest.  Lucky for me, someone has smoke bombed the place and killed all of the bees…. there were hundreds of dead bees throughout the home, mainly in the basement.  

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspection Reveals Damage After The Storm
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Holes In Plastic Roof Vent

Sometime it doesn’t hurt to give your roof a quick inspection after a storm.  This roof vent damage I found during a home inspection might also explain the stain on the bedroom ceiling.

I recommend that metal roof vents be used over the less expensive plastic models.  Saving a few bucks when installing a roof veny may result in repairs down the road.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspectors Grilling Safety Tips
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Melted cable, electrical box

 

It’s the 4th Of July weekend, and that means grilling out.  There’s a hot fire in the grill, the brats, hotdogs and burgers are sizzling.  It’s a welcome sight and smell at any family cookout.  Don’t let that fire make your family cookout memorable for the wrong reasons.

 Safety Tips.

  • Position your grill away from deck railings, siding, under eves and tree branches, and away from shrubberies.
  • Place the grill safely away from foot traffic and play areas.
  • Make sure pets and children are kept at a safe distance from the grill.  Declare a 3′ “safe zone” around the grill.
  • Long handled tools help to keep the chef safely away from the flames and heat when flipping burgers.
  • Any grease or fat build up in the catch receptacles should be removed frequently to prevent ignition
  • Purchase the proper starter fluid for use with charcoal grills.  Keep the fluid stored safely and out of reach of children.
  • Check propane gas grills regularly for leaks at the connections or hoses.  Use a light soap and water solution.  Leaks will result in bubbles when the solution is applied to hoses and connections.
  • All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overflow protection devices, (OPD)  The OPD is identifiable by it’s triangle shaped handle.
  • Always store propane tanks outdoors, never in sheds or garages
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals that are already ignited
  • Never use charcoal or propane grills indoors or enclosed spaces.  Not only do they pose a fire threat, you also risk potential poisonous gasses and asphyxiation.

Enjoy the Holiday!

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspector Finds Beach Outlets While On Vacation
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Beach outlet

Even when the Home Inspector is on vacation in the Mayan Riviera, he’s checking things out.  Here is an example of a public beach electrical system.  About half way from the edge of the jungle to the water I came across this electrical outlet in the sand.  Who knows what the code is in his particular area of the Yucatan Peninsula….

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com



Rick paid great attention to detail on our home inspection.  Good attitude and friendly. Thanks

Mark E, Rochester MN.

Dallas did a Great Job on my home inspection!

Jerry U. Kasson, MN

Dallas was Great!  He was very professional and did not seem rushed or bothered by our many questions during the home inspection.  Thank You!

Adam & Sarah S. Rochester, MN.


Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942