Hank Spinnler, Atlanta Home Inspector

I recently enjoyed some fun in the sun over the holidays in central Florida. I really tried to leave my inspector hat at home and enjoy time with my family, however, the lines for some of the rides forced me to slow down and observe my surroundings.

Trying not to be too critical of things and knowing that the chances of some type of mechanical mishap while I was there were between slim & none, I could not help but notice a few things.

This picture shows a square shaped concrete footing or "footer" as some refer to it. This footing was located beneath stairs to a wooden roller coaster ride.

There is a 4"x4" post placed right on the edge of the footing. Instead, the post should have been installed with the post bracket placed dead-center of the footing. Otherwise, the footing could tilt or worse, fail due to the load placed on top of it.

The "Inspection Photo" below is from an attraction featuring boats that navigate through a water canal and between docks. The weatherproof covers for the GFCI protected outlets have been knocked off or are missing. They should be there to protect from accidental splashing of water into the outlets.

Would you like me to inspect your local theme park to make sure it's safe for you and your family? Otherwise, do you need an inspection of a residential or commercial property? Visit me at: www.HarmonyInspection.com

It's just part of the inspection routine to inspect the insides of toilet tanks. Typical findings include plumes of rust and corrosion on the tank bolts or some type of a jerry-rigged link between a flushing handle and a flapper.

While in the home stretch on this inspection, which was clean vacant home, I found this little guy or girl. Which sex it was I'm not qualified to determine. This GA gray tree frog did not move a muscle. I hope the new owners leave him alone. The little cut-out in the back of the tank allows it to come and go with the lid on.

If you happen to need a home inspector in GA, don't hesitate to contact me directly.

The ubiquitous shower head. I sometimes let my guard down and momentarily forget some of the lessons I've learned while inspecting homes. Here's what I am referring to:

I try to remember to first look up at the shower head before turning on the shower. In the above instance, I had my camera on and ready because these heads with extended shower arms often leak.

Otherwise, it's all too easy to spray surrounding walls, floors, ceilings, and body parts. The fix is usually easy, but sometimes they simply need to be replaced.

Feel free to share a memorable account of a time when you got soaked.

Former home of heavy chain smokers with at least one child living there. Reusable filters, unfortunately, have to be washed once a month. Not every 3 months as this guy reasoned. This one was never cleaned anyway. Black tar coats the filter.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, January is National Radon Action Month. You can obtain low-cost test kits locally or hire a radon professional to test. In a real estate transaction, the EPA recommends hiring a qualified professional to conduct the test. It's a sure way to obtain accurate results within your due diligence period. According to the EPA, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

You can verify that your radon testing contractor is certified through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA-NRPP) by selecting your state here: http://www.radongas.org/radon_measurement_service.shtml#search