Ask the Home Inspector

During a home inspection in Foley, AL I ran across this big guy. This spider was close to 5 inches long. It is my understanding most spiders are venomous to some degree. This "Banana Spider" is low on the totem pole for being a threat to humans, however I do my best not bother them much just in case.

At the beginning of this home inspection done in Pensacola, FL a few days ago I ran across this tube used and made by termites. I did not disturb it and left it for the termite inspector that was scheduled to be there the next day. I'm not sure what kind of termites they are or if it's even active. There is no way to tell how much, if any damage has occurred inside the wall without removing some of the drywall

Check out this video of services we perform for you while looking under your home in the crawlspace.

Hold onto your hats, when the ceiling fan hits you in the head it will hurt! Chances are no major injuries will happen. Technically the fans are not supposed to be mounted below 7 feet from the floor. I usually find these low fans on room additions such as porches.

Many installers do not follow the manufacturers recommendations. Screw used for installation So many times during a home inspection we find the pull down attic stairs not installed properly. This topic is the use of screws vs 16d nails as required. Most screws are not designed for sheer strength and can break without any notice leaving you on the floor or hanging above it. Below is part of a sample installation instruction sheet: PERMANENT MOUNTING OF STAIRWAY B. Nail the sides (jambs) of the stairway frame to the rough opening frame, using 16d nails or 3" lag screws. Holes are provided in the pivot plates and piano hinge brackets. Also nail through the end boards into the rough opening headers. Complete permanent installation by using 16d nails or 3" lag screws to secure stairway frame on all four sides of the rough opening. Stair installation instructions This illustration shows what the manufacturer recommends. In this case, the the screws installed were right