Foundation & Structure Articles
Structural and seismic topics for Portland-area homes, including cripple walls, anchor bolts, and what a visual inspection can and cannot see.
Carpenter Ants, Insect Damage and Tree Stumps Next to the House
Ant frass, insect-damaged wood and tree stumps next to the house came up at 26 of Russ's inspections. What he can see, and when a pest pro is...
Form Ties, Honeycombing and Pop-Outs: What’s Usually Cosmetic on a Concrete Foundation
Form ties, honeycombing and pop-outs came up at 72 of Russ's inspections, mostly newer homes. What each one...
Squeaky Floors: When It’s Normal and When It Isn’t
Russ noted squeaky floors at 55 houses, including new ones. What causes squeaks, why most are a nuisance,...
Structural Engineer vs. Home Inspector: What Each One Does, and When the Report Says to Call One
Your inspection report says to call a structural engineer. What the engineer does that the inspector can't, what...
Which Garage Floor Cracks Are Normal, and Which Ones Mean Something
Most garage floor cracks are shrinkage. Some point to settling soil or water. How to tell them apart,...
Cracks in Drywall, Plaster and Ceilings: Which Are Normal and Which Point to Movement
Most drywall and ceiling cracks are lumber shrinkage and seasonal movement. A few point to settling or framing...
Notched, Cut and Drilled Joists: What Plumbers and Remodelers Leave Behind
A notched floor joist under a bathroom is a common find. What the code limits are, why trusses...
Composite Decking Problems: The Recalls, the Class Actions, and the Framing Underneath
Two CPSC recalls and several class actions hit early composite deck boards. Which brands, which years, and what...
Deck Inspection: What Gets Checked, From the Footings to the Railing
What a deck inspection checks on a Portland or SW Washington home: footings, posts, ledger, framing, railings, and...
What Does Out-of-Level Floors Mean in an Older Portland Home?
Out-of-level floors on your inspection report? Here is what causes them in older Portland homes, when it is...