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Did You Know...

IRC 2003
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater. E3801.4.2

Archive for July, 2008

Radioactive Counter Tops

Based on reading some of the more recent research of radiation in granite counter tops, I have distilled the following basic information about this topic.
Some granite counter tops contain high levels of uranium, which, by generating gamma radiation and radon gas, can produce a health risk. The highest levels of radioactivity seem to [...]

Real estate agent finds body in Montgomery County home

Wow! I have always been worried about finding a dead body in a crawlspace, attic, or locked storage closet. That happened to a Realtor up near Lake Houston.
Check it Out Here

SOP Update Files

Bruce Carr sent [revisions to the SOP] out and I thought you may be interested in reviewing them. Click the link in this paragraph to download. I am also including an email from John Cahill which was sent out shortly after. Although I do not support Cahill’s opinions 100% I do believe [...]

Installing Sill Plates and Posts at Exposed Columns

A common occurrence in new construction is improper installation of column details in exposed areas of front and rear porches. I frequently find wood columns or column assemblies at exposed locations that rest directly on the surface of concrete porches or patios at the foundation, or worse, those in this configuration that will be [...]

Inspector Committee Update

Texas Inspectors
TPREIA was present at the Inspector Committee meeting on Monday July 21st. Five inspectors were present from various locations around the State. A rather short showing but the comments to the IC were many and showed a significant increase and interest in keeping abreast of the evolution of [...]

Notching of Studs In Bearing Walls

Here in Houston notching of studs to create a straight wall is a common occurrence. Most builders here will notch the studs at an angle push them in the necessary direction to make them straight and nail a short scab board along the side resulting in nails loaded in shear carrying the structural loads. [...]

SOP Public comment number 072008

My comments are included as a word document click here to download. The Word file is in color and easier to read if projected or printed in color. My comments are to long to add to this blog as a readable comment. I cannot be at the meeting but will review [...]

Real Estate Resources

We are still trying to develop this blog as an asset to our community.  As such I am working to put up relevant links and newsletters to provide easy access.  If you would like to participate on this blog, would like to post your newsletters, or any other news just leave a comment here and [...]

Public comment for the Home Inspection Standards of Practice

Opening statement:
The quest for specificity and safety in the proposed Standards is gigantic. Most persons will admit the task of Standards revision cannot be accomplished in a single revision cycle. The problem with current TREC rules is that a formal revision process does not exist. The problem is further complicated by [...]

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