No rear door

[bschumacher]

A home that has only one exit door has to have egress windows in all living spaces. The windows are the second means of egress also an exit through a garage is not considered an emergency exit when determning egress from a home.

Have a great evening

Bradley Schumacher

[Mark Thorman]

So I quess my question is where are you getting this "best practices". What study or guideline are you using. I know we don't do code inspections but we should be able to site some guideline or assoication. Otherwise we look like are just making stuff up.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

Home inspectors are generalist. There is no wy that we can know every building code for every area that we service. It is important to know the national recognized standards, but you have no idea what alterations, exceptions, or amendments that each and every municipality has adopted. Know the national code and report that it is not consistant with industry standards. Recommend that the client do due diligence investigation concerning the matter by consulting with the local AHJ. (Items such as this may prevent the buyer from obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy in certain situations.)

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

So I quess my question is where are you getting this "best practices". What study or guideline are you using. I know we don't do code inspections but we should be able to site some guideline or assoication. Otherwise we look like are just making stuff up.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

Let's use GFCI as an example.

Code does not require upgrade in older homes (grandfathering) for GFCI.

It is still something I will recomend because it can save a life.

Do you believe code is a minimum standard?
Also, which code(s) and versions does each municiaplity operate under (if any)?

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by rreinhart

I inspected a home recently that had no rear door. The only entry / exit was the front door. It is newer construction; circa 2000.
Any thoughts?

Was it a single story?

[Mark Thorman]

Well, let's use the GFCI as an example. Over time and numerous studies it has been found to be a lifesaving feature. It is also become the standard. So recommending upgrades (while not required) is good home inspecting. This is far different than recommending repairs that could cost the seller money based on a personal opinion of how you would have built it. As far as the realtor goes he has every right to know what you base your recommendations on. They should IMO be based on standards.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

Well, let's use the GFCI as an example. Over time and numerous studies it has been found to be a lifesaving feature. It is also become the standard. So recommending upgrades (while not required) is good home inspecting.

Agreed. I apparently didn't express myself clearly. You stated earlier

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

Richard, I don't understand your need to go beyond accepted building codes.

Recomending GFCI (where not required) would be going "beyond" the code, correct?
That's all I was trying to get across.

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

As far as the realtor goes he has every right to know what you base your recommendations on...

Perhaps you meant client .

[Mark Thorman]

So to answer the first post, no a second door is not required, agreed.

Perhaps you meant client .

I actually meant realtor. I know that I'm among the few if any home inspectors who believe that the realtor has as much rite as anyone to question my findings. I have been in the real estate and construction biz for 36 years and I got into home inspections because of past home inspection report that I had recieved that contained made up voilations. It ends up with the realtor to explain to the client that there is no bases to have the seller do a repair on a "violation" that just does not exist and I believe it to be a disservice to the client.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[Tim Spargo]

Kinda split on that one myself. Not having ever seen a home with a single entrance as mentioned, I wonder how I'd handle it myself.

Be nice to know that Bed windows meet Egress.

BTW, I mention GFCI protection on a 1901 or 2001 ...

Tim

[Mark Thorman]

Ok, so check it out. Your buyer gets his report and goes to the realtor "I want the seller to install gfci at kitchen outlets (currnet standard), secure and caulk the toilet (always the standard), move the garage door opener button up to 5 feet above the floor (cpsc standard) and install another door at the back of the house (the home inspector thinks it would be a good idea). In the above request list the home inspector idea is the most expensive and has the least basis.

www.mauihomeinspections.com

[jkogel]

We see 1970's condos with only one door. I check the bedroom windows for width and height from floor, and make a comment in report, also make sure verbally the client is aware of the implications.
Basement apartments are another, although they can sometimes run upstairs and pound on the locked door. Again, there must be suitable window(s).

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Was it a single story?

The reason I ask this is a few years ago I sold a complete rehab I owned. It was a 100 yr. old single story built on a hillside. Front door, back door, and walk out basement door in back.
FHA loan and the only problem they had was the back door went onto a deck, that at the highest point was approx. 10' off of the ground. On the sides 3 or 4 ft. The FHA inspector and the AHJ said I had to build a stairway off of the deck because it was a fire code.