Jack Gilleland

Anyone who has looked at my website knows that I give either free or almost free inspections to returning service men and women.

With this in mind I want to say that I lost an inspection job today for one of our returning vets because of my price. Meeting all criteria for a free inspection I informed them that there would be no charge for the inspection. That made the cell phone go silent for a time, I thought the call had been dropped. Finally, the person came back on line and said that they could pay for the service. I, very confused, explained that I don't charge returning vets for inspections, my way of saying thanks. The only charge I have ever had for military returning from service was for a reinspect (only because it was 40 miles to the inspection).

I want to reiterate, any returning military personnel (from anywhere outside the US) that are buying a home, your inspection from me is no charge (within 40 miles of Clayton, OH). No strings. If milage is extensive I will ask for $20 to $40 for gas and travel. That's it.

This will be posted on my website and some other areas where it can get the maximum exposure.

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services

Clayton Ohio

This time of year is usually slow for Real Estate inspections. So every year I try to plan all that I am going to do around the holidays. Of course, I really don't know what business will be like 2 or 3 months in advance when I start this list, so I normally have more list than I have time. Other lists take precedence, you know, get Christmas Tree, put up lights, shopping, visit relatives that we haven't seen since last Christmas and wash the dog (the last should be a blog by itself).

This year I was feeling a little out gunned (maybe even a little guilty) by some of the other inspectors who have this new tool or that new technological marvel. Well, threatened or guilty, I started taking some courses for expanding my offerings to my major clients (investors). Since I offer a few things to investors that not many inspectors do I have to put together my own little curriculum. Some of the courses are on-line and I figure That's Great! I can sit at home during the holidays, take the courses, study and all is well. Wrong.

Dads at home doing nothing he can watch the baby while we shop. Hey Jack, since your not busy will you come take a look at this, I have to have it fixed by Christmas. Can I just use the computer for a minute (the other 2 stations on the little network are already taken), I promise I wont be long. Hey Jack can you start dinner while I'm at XXX's house? I'll be back in a half hour. Since your not busy, here is a list for the store and while your out get gas and stamps. Oh, my favorite, your not ready, we're supposed to be there in an hour. Where?

I could go on, but I'm starting to get a little peeved. The car needs an oil change (so does the truck), the garage door doesn't go all the way down, the kitchen sink is stopped up (cookie dough), and I don't think the dog has been out all day.

I'm studying from 12 midnight till 2 am and no one better interrupt me.

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services

Clayton Ohio

So many times I see problems that the homeowner or agent doesn't see and then have to convince them that it is a problem. Many of these are not threatening the structure of the home or other major system, but like the one below over time could develope into a serious problem.

There is evidence of a previous leak around the base of the commode and it has been caulked (Almost matched the color). Even though this procedure stopped the leak onto the bath floor, it did not stop the leak. So where does the dirty water go? This is the question that I put to the agent who denied that there was a problem at all.

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services

Clayton Ohio

Something new to check isn't what an inspector wants to hear. When I inspect a bath I look at dozens of things:

Flush (numerous times) and run water in all fixtures. I try to tax the drain as much as possible to mirror home usage.

Check flooring and walls, window, fan, lights, switches, outlets, and even crawl around on the floor looking for telltale signs of leaks. Under the floor and over the ceiling don't escape me (If possible).

But today, had I not sat down on the job, I would have missed an important issue. Normally, I check all around the toilet for stains even checking the bolts, etc. while I am flushing, and on this commode nothing, nada. But when I sat and turned to use the bath sink to hold the clipboard the toilet rocked to one side. I had just wiggled the seat to make sure it was tight and found no movement at all. It seems the wax ring was holding the toilet so tightly to the flange on the floor that I had to actually sit to get it to move.

Trying to pick up one side or the other of the toilet hasn't been one of my testing procedures in the past, but I suppose it will be now.

Break out the rubber gloves I'm going in.

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services

Clayton Ohio