While I could get to the location in the picture to inspect the roof and vent cap on the two story house, it took my 26 foot ladder (fully extended with just a few inches of the ladder above the gutter) to do so.
I know inspectors that do not go on roofs like this--let alone homeowners. Why do the building codes allow such locations for dryer vents? Because, the codes are minimum standards. Why do builders install them at these locations? Because, it is the easiest place to get the duct to and it meets code.
Best practices would have the builder run the vent to a location where it could be monitored and more easily maintained by the homeowner.
Instead, the builder taking the easier and cheaper route might result in additional costs to the homeowner to have someone qualified to be on the roof assess and maintain the vent cap 2 or 3 times a year.
Of course perhaps a sport-climber may buy the house.
Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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WA State, Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
