Inspector Mike's Blog

Many home inspection reports call out the lack of GFCI receptacles. Many of these areas are 'grandfathered' in so far as having to install these devices. Using the 2008 NEC here are the locations that are now required. 1.) Bathrooms. 2.) Garages: This includes GDO's (garage door openers), freezer...

I was recently asked if I could perform an electrical certification for a home. What most Realtors do not know is that only an Electrical Safety Inspector can inspect the electrical installation and determine if it has been properly installed. Why can't an electrician do this? I am a Licensed Ele...

I know this will 'spark' some controversy. You may be surprised to learn that the electrician that you use is NOT qualified to remove the electrical panel in your or your clients home. What did he just say? Yes this is very possible. Here is a link to the article: http://ohsonline.com/Articles/20...

During your travels what kind of signs do you see?     Me, I see signs like the one above. I know that others have seen many a funny sign. If so would you please share them with the rest of us? Saw a "this road is not maintained" sign once did not think to take a picture of it. The road looked li...

"A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home." From Wikipedia. Nothing more nothing less. Please note the word  condition. That said many Home Inspectors choose to offer opinions on the structure and/or it's components...

EXAMPLE: My home inspector says that my 'xxxx' system has a problem with it. The city inspector says it is OK. Who is correct? What you have to remember that at times 'we' as code officials have to use our judgement in existing structures. Not meeting code does not mean unsafe. It is up to the AH...

I would like to share some basic electrical information with you. Click here  This is one reason why a home inspection, which should include the electrical system, is necessary for all older homes. As stated in the video most people assume that the electrical system with always operate as new and...

Recently I was ask if you had to rewire to install 3 prong outlets. Yes you can but you do not need to do so. The reason for this question was because some home improvement experts and some Home Inspectors claim that you must rewire to install these outlets (receptacles). 406.3(D)(3) of The NEC® ...

How do you find the best Home Inspector around? Do your own homework! Anyone can claim to be certified or having attended a school or having XXX years of experience.  While Ohio does not regulate Home Inspectors there are certifications that the State of Ohio offers. These certifications come fro...

This is just one example of why you want to have any home that was 'Recently Remodeled" inspected by a professional. This rehab was done by a Realtor. You would think that a Realtor would have know that permits were required and that the would was required to be performed by a licensed contractor...