All Forum Posts by: Kelly R.

If you are thinking of moving the cabinet over check to see if the flooring has been installed around the cabinets or under them... This could affect the height of the cabinet. 

I am sorry to hear this story. I have found several nice properties over the years and passed on them for this very reason. You just never know who is in charge and usually the people involved are on such a power trip it is incomprehensible.

I hope it all works out in the end.

Welcome to the site! If you need a good home inspector familiar with investing feel free to contact me. 

As a home inspector and instructor, it pains me to read some of these post. Home inspectors are not code inspectors. That said most inspectors want to point out safety items that may not have been code, but are now. I try to word my report tactfully and it usually isn't an issue. something like "Although at the time of original construction xyz may have been acceptable, modern safety standards require xyz to be... "

This type of wording points out the issue, educates my client and allows the buyer and seller to work it out however they see fit. 

BTW, a 60 to 80 page report is normal depending on how he set up the report template. The summary is a repeat of items in the report, so the report might be closer to 40 pages.

I would get your own home inspection to confirm the seller inspection. Make sure you read both reports not just the summaries. Details can get lost in the report summary. 

As a home inspector I never prescribe repairs and I call what I see no matter who hired me. It is up to the buyer and seller to work out the details. 

I did tear downs and new construction in Bethesda for 15 years. It is not for the faint of heart. The regulations have gone out of control and the storm water management alone will run into the 10's of thousands. The county requires full storm water management plans the same as if your had 1-3 acre lot. Height restriction are also a factor you can not ignore. 

If you tear down make sure WSSC does a toilet count on the existing home prior to demo, this can save many thousands when you apply for the new water service.

You can look for an inspector that will do single systems or an investor type inspection. This type of inspection is geared more toward finding large ticket items like roof, attic, structural, system wide problems like aluminum wiring. This may or may not include a written report. 

That seems odd, in Maryland one needs proof of insurance to renew a contractors license. I personally would never hire a contractor that wasn't insured, certificate of insurance needs to be in hand before he is on site.  You may want to contact your insurance company and verify what you are covered for in this situation.  A year end audit my result in a premium increase if you are hiring uninsured workers. 

I would replace the bull nose at the top, then carpet from the first riser under the nosing to the bottom. Or paint and maybe add add a runner. The stair looks to be in good condition, I wouldn't replace them.