Author Archives: Edwin Dunckley

Chester County Courthouse

Why Do Home Inspectors Reference the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?

October 31, 2022 | Buyer Inspections

Why Do Home Inspectors Reference the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?Why don’t home inspectors simply say something “is not to code” when we encounter issues during an inspection? The answer lies in the complexity of building codes and the role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Let’s break it down.Code modelsThe International Building Code (IBC) serves as the foundational model for building regulations, providing minimum standards for all structures. This model is designed to be adaptable to specific regional laws and practices. For instance, while a Florida building must withstand storm surges, a California building must endure seismic activity. Both rely on the IBC but are tailored to meet local needs. Similarly, the International Residential Code (IRC) is derived from the IBC specifically for residential buildings, forming the basis for home construction standards across all states.Beyond the IBC and IRC, there are specialized code models for other building systems. The National … Continued

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Air Quality Dangers Most Landlords Don’t Know

August 18, 2022 | Environmental Services

Keeping your rental property in good condition is one of the most important tasks of being a landlord. For most property owners, this task might mean staying on top of electrical and plumbing repairs or scheduling inspections for their appliances. However, a crucial component most landlords overlook is the air their tenants breathe. Poor air can be detrimental to our health. Several studies link it to the development of allergies and other respiratory complications like asthma. Thus, every property owner that prioritizes their tenants’ health and well-being needs to pay attention to their surroundings. Do you wonder what the potential pollutants are? Or what impact bad air has? This article delves into air quality dangers most landlords don’t know. Sources of Dangerous Air Quality 1. Dust Dust is one of the most common air pollutants in any home. Sometimes they also include tiny microscopic pests, which we call dust mites. They’re common in places … Continued

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Two Ways To Fix 2-Prong Outlets

Two Ways To Fix 2-Prong Outlets

April 13, 2020 | Electric Inspections

Ungrounded Outlets: A Common Issue in Mid-Century HomesHomes built before the 1960s typically featured ungrounded (2-prong) electrical receptacles, which were standard at the time. While this setup sufficed for older appliances, it poses inconveniences and potential safety concerns for modern usage.Open Ground Condition: What It MeansTo accommodate today’s 3-prong plugs, homeowners often replace 2-prong receptacles with 3-prong ones without addressing the absence of a grounding conductor, resulting in an “Open Ground” condition. This issue is easily detected using an outlet tester:Options for Fixing Open Ground ConditionsReplacing a 2-prong outlet with a 3-prong receptacle is permissible, provided the circuit is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). GFCI devices prevent electrical shock by cutting power during faults, even without a grounding conductor. There are two ways to achieve this:GFCI Circuit Breaker: Installed in the main panel, this protects the entire branch circuit.GFCI Receptacle Device: Installed at an outlet, it protects … Continued

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