Photo evidence of a slope in motion and a retaining wall in distress. The pushed forward blocks and mortar cracks in this retaining wall are a clear call for action. If you have a retaining wall on your property and see this happening do not ignore it. If tree roots are impacting the wall remove the damaging roots (and/or the whole tree) and have a qualified professional repair the damage. If blocks are being pushed forward reach out to a qualified professional to evaluate th

Drip legs and sediment traps are a capped off section of gas line that is designed and installed to catch debris or moisture in the gas line to keep the system clean. Unfortunately, the lack of, or incorrect installation of, a drip leg or sediment trap is another common item found by home inspectors daily. In this case, a drip leg was improperly installed in a horizontal position and will not perform its required function. Moisture and debris will simply pass by the assembly

Another "you can't make this stuff up" moment in home inspection. Someone actually installed a plastic gas valve handle INSIDE this fireplace. When you are buying a home do not trust that common sense has prevailed during construction or repair. Trust an educated, qualified home inspector to make sure that common sense prevails at the time you take ownership! Call ProSpect Home Diagnostics at 951-767-0192 to schedule your inspection today! . . . .#prospecthdinspections #homei

The pig had his own room inside the house, weighed easily 300 lbs...and had tusks! A fellow home inspector, who shall remain and be hereafter referred to as "Nameless" called and told me he had a nightmare of a tenant occupied home to inspect. "According to the buyer, the place is falling down around the tenant who doesn't want to move and is really angry. It would be great to have another inspector along on this one. Can you help me out?" As we pulled up in front of the hous

Top to bottom electrical montage. All of this is in the same house in Riverside County, California. (1) Electric service entrance wires don't need that insulation on them to protect someone from being electrocuted, right? Wrong! (2) Just fasten the wire to the ceiling joists, it's not like anyone might ever walk across there. Wrong! These wires need to be relocated or protected by a rigid conduit or other approved means. (3) Ran out of wire? Don't have a junction box? No pr

There are some specific requirements for doors and other materials that separate your garage from your home. A lot of flammable materials are stored in garages and many also have gas fired appliances in them. If a fire gets started in a garage with all that fuel, well, let's just say that a bit of added separation from is required to give your family time to get out of the house and away from the fire before it is in the house and all around you. There are some specific requ

The patio concrete on this home was poured too high so that it is inhibiting the function of the weep screed. The purpose of the weep screed is to allow moisture to drain from behind the exterior wall surface. Most exterior wall installations (particularly stucco) can be penetrated by moisture for a number of reasons. If not properly drained the moisture will damage underlying materials such as wood framing, insulation and drywall. It also creates a mold friendly environment.