All Forum Posts by: Kelly R.

That depends on how you plan to repair the aluminum. The problem with aluminum is at the connection and not the conductor (wire) itself. What type of home? 2 story, 1 story, basement, cralwspace, or slab? where is the electrical panel located? 

You can use copalum crimps. The crimp connector repair consists of attaching a piece of copper wire to the existing aluminum wire branch circuit with a specially designed metal sleeve and powered crimping tool. This special connector can be properly installed only with the matching AMP tool. An insulating sleeve is placed around the crimp connector to complete the repair.

This would have to be done by an electrician familiar with aluminum repair. 

Your other option is a total replacement with copper. 

When you say duct work "not per code" what does they mean by that?

The duct work is separate from the furnace except were it connects in so if it needs to be repaired, repair it.  As for the furnace what year and model is it? 

For a rental is there any way you can refinish the existing tub? That would save a lot of demo work. You can also do a two or three piece fiberglass tub with fiberglass wall sections and save the tile work for the rest of the bathroom.

For flipping I would generally avoid that type of situation.  I would visit the property at different times of the day during different traffic periods (rush hour) to get a feel for the noise.  Think about the time of day you will be hosting an open house or walk through.

Sounds like Bethesda area, you might want to drive around and contact some of the builders directly.

I am certified by InterNACHI as a home inspector and instructor. I teach a home inspection course here in Maryland. InterNACHI is by far the best value for the money.  They have endless free educational material online and a great inspector support system. 

If a contractor is so broke and can't deal with a 1/3rd down then I wouldn't want him because he is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" and it will eventually catch up with him.  In Maryland contractor are not allowed a deposit greater then 1/3rd. 

 Fernco makes a bushing to replace the lead, no need to cut the hub off.

I guess I should add you will need the pipe lubricant to help with the installation, its not easy to squeeze that PVC into the bushing, it takes a lot of force, but it will go if you lube the pipe and bevel the edge of the PVC slightly to make it slip in easier.

If you remove the old lead seal, with sharp chisel, you can use a rubber Fernco bushing to adapt PVC to the cast iron with no drilling or cutting.

Stay away from burning out the old lead if at all possible, you can start a fire inside the wall in a heart beat.

4 in. Service Weight Cast Iron Hub x 3 in. Sch. 40 PVC Compression Coupling