Shallow Foundation

[Randy L. Mayo, PE]

Robert

I forgot to reply to the last part of your comment. There is no city hall to go to for 90% of all my inspections. This house was in the middle of nowhere, no cell phone reception,and no paved roads. As the locals would say this area was so remote the hoot owls screw the farmer's chickens for entertainment. The closest person with any local knowledge of this house would a nosy neighbor.

[Tim Spargo]

It’s too easy for home owners and new inspectors to focus on symptoms and not the problem.

Very well said Randy!

the hoot owls screw the farmer's chickens for entertainment

That's even better

Having said that... one of the funniest things I recently followed up on was a comment from a local HI on an agent's listing that I know.. they wrote up "cripple walls are lacking shear, no bolts visible at plate etc.... & "This structure lacks proper methods of structural re-enforcement / bracing that would be typical of it's age"

What did I find? All exterior cripples were sheared, (only nailed maybe 8-8-12 or 16) was bolted every 6 feet & breaks w 1/2" bolts. I guess it was a check box in the report software?

I guess if an inspector is looking at something they're not sure about.. it would be better to say that than stick one's foot in mouth.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Yes Mr.Mayo.
That was a job well done.
You explanation of loam ( soil ) was excellent.
I always question basement floor defect.
I rent a tool that looks for footing. I repair foundation cracks.
Yes nice explanation.