A Little Perspective

With October slipping away we all start another week. “This one seems to bring with it some rather nasty weather” I am thinking as I stand on top of another roof.  Last week was beautiful and even afforded me some late season golf; sadly this week is back to fall reality.  I hope everyone got started on their list last week and at least got their gutters clean because they are getting a workout this week.  I looked at some great homes this last week from Black Diamond,

Federal Way, Tacoma

, Fircrest and even Yelm.  Two things really stood out among the rest and I would like to share them with you. 

                                       The first thing is how important it is to have an inspection done on new construction.  I am asked frequently by agents and customers alike weather or not an inspection is necessary on new construction.  “Doesn’t the county/city have inspectors that check new houses?” and “Everything is new, what can be wrong?” are two of the most common responses I get.  Well I have to say “Yes!” you need an inspection done on new construction.  Imagine that you had to hire at least eight different companies all with their own employees and you and they had to complete a large scale project together on time and on budget (I said imagine).  Now imagine that you have not one but multiple projects going at the same time and not always at the same location.  That is about what it is like to be a contractor.  It is very easy for something to be missed or forgotten.  As far as city or county inspectors go, they have an awful lot of projects to look at as well and not enough time to do it in.  The reason I bring up new construction this week is I looked at both a brand new house and an original owner ten year old house that never was inspected.  The new house had a small list to complete but they were important items.  The one that really warrants’ talking about was the ten year old house.  The original owner of the house happen to be there and we got to talking just about the time I started into the attic.  She explained that no one had ever been in the attic as I started up the ladder.  I Popped open the hatch, looked right and there was the dryer vent duct.  The duct stopped six inches short of the exterior wall.  A hole had been cut through the sheathing but had then been sided over.  For ten years the dryer had been exhausting into the attic.  Luckily no damage to the sheathing had occurred mostly due to very good roof ventilation but it could have caused major damage and health concerns (mold).  She was shocked and that started the discussion of new house inspections.   It is always a good idea and not a waste of money.

                                       The second thing I wanted to mention was this morning’s client Darren.  Darren reminded me this morning of how lucky I am and how precious life is.  He also reminded me of what a positive attitude was worth.  You see, Darren was in the army.  I say was because at age 31 Darren has been retired.  It seems that on Darren’s second trip to Iraq, his vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb.  He survived while others didn’t and it only cost him half of his leg and major injuries to his mid-section.  Not bottom to top mind you but left to right.  After eighteen months and countless surgery’s he has come home to buy his first house and go back to school and even though he can no longer bend his knee and is scars from hips to chest, he still crawled under that house with me and was happy to do it.   Life is not only short and stressful but also precious and exciting.  Thanks for a little perspective and a great morning Darren.  Enjoy your new house.  And thanks to all the men and women in the armed forces that do what you do.   Until next time have a great week and take time to enjoy what you do.     

Here’s the picture of the dryer duct that never got hooked up to the exterior.  You can see the hole in the sheathing for the vent but then it got house wrapped and sided and forgotten about.  You can also see the piles of lint in the attic.  Have your new construction houses inspected.  It is necessary.

                                                Sincerely,   Matt Sorensen WestCoast Home Inspection.

WestCoast Home Inspection                                                                                    Phone:           253-380-2922

903 291^st Street

                                                                                        Scheduling:         253-380-5949

Roy, WA 98580                                                                                                                     Fax:        253-843-1807