Sonoran Property Inspections performed a scottsdale home inspection last Friday and while in the attic discovered 7 trusses had been altered. The alteration occured on the bottom cords of all 7 trusses and here is what happened.

Thereis an attic gas forced furnace and a wood platform that runs approximately 30 feet across the attic from the attic accesss opening. To fit the plywood platform and comply with the building code on providing a working platform for servce techs working on the equipment, the framers or the HVAC installers cut the bottom cords of all 7 trusses out of the truss itself. Yes, you read that correctly. The trusses cut were a hip truss that sits on the outside wall and ties into a double girder about 15 feet away. The bottom cords were installed by the framer and they were installed with the truss hangers and properly nailed as evident at the side of the girder. The bottom cord was approximately 18" higher than the platform when originally installed. The hvac installer likely modified the truss to install his equipment. Hopefully the project superintendent was involved and the proper paper work was gotten from the engineers and the city.

I called out to verfify with the builder or the city that the proper field engineering was done and that there is a stamped signed change indicating this is ok. I suspect there is a correct change order however I don't know this. To protect the buyer and make sure all is good, the proper paper work must be in hand.

I am sure the buyer is thankful I found this , if I hadn't and they prurchased the home it is likely the next inspector would have written it up and then there would be an issue.

Is the home inspection needed? I think so!

I am always available to help you, give me a call at 480-415-7977 to see how can help you with your Scottsdale home Inspection or your Phoenix Infrared Inspections.