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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 11/21/2007


Question
QUESTION: How common is it for interior walls to be off a inch or less?  Also, what about the home frame???  Is it rare for a side corner to be off by a half inch???

ANSWER: When you see the walls and corners off then it could be just sign of poor workmanship or a sign that things have started to settle and move in the structure.

I recommend a complete evaluation by a qualified home inspector, in order to verify exactly what is really going on.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Thanks,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
& Thermal Imaging
http://texas-inspection.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there an easy way to tell if it's poor workmanship???  If it's just those two things that are off would it be just a sign that the house is starting to settle???

Answer
If there was an easy way to know what is just a cosmetic problem or what is a real structural issue, then everyone could be an inspector.  If things have been previously repaired, then seeing what is really going on can be hard to   see sometimes.

I recommend a full inspection by a qualified Professional.

Your house is worth it and someday if you want to sell this house, then you will know all the facts now, instead of finding out the surprises later.

Hope this helps you,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
& Thermal Imaging
http://texas-inspection.com

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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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