What’s that smell?

Three decades of accumulated debris and horror back up through the basement floor drain! Mr. or Ms. Realtor: Your buyers have officially found “The One.” The layout is divine, the quartz counters are sparkling, and the home inspector just handed over...

Dungeon Down Under: A Wet Crawlspace Can Be Your Home’s Worst Nightmare

Ignoring your crawlspace is like ignoring a cavity. It doesn’t get better on its own. As a home inspector, I’ve been places you couldn’t pay me enough to go if it wasn’t literally my job. I’ve shimmied into attics hotter than the surface of the sun and squeezed behind...

Potential home inspection deal-breakers

Finding asbestos in a home can be a serious deal-breaker. People often ask if a home inspection can kill a real estate deal? The simple answer would be no. An inspection of itself is not the reason deals are called off. However, there are times when the inspector...

Going away for vacation? Take steps to prevent disaster before it strikes

When no one’s around to call 911, a fire can gulp down your house for lunch! Vacation time is here! You’re so eager to hit the road that you’re not thinking about misfortunes that could strike your house when you’re gone.  Our purpose is not to spoil your...

Home inspection “red flags”

Even the nicest-looking homes may reveal some “red flags” upon inspection. Home inspection is a must for home buyers before signing closing papers. Reliable inspection results can mean the difference between finding the home of your dreams or walking away...

Eliminate ugly roof algae and keep it away

It may look like mold, but it’s probably a blue-green algae species called Gloeocapsa Magma. Does your asphalt shingle roof have black streaks, especially on the side facing north? This is very common in humid areas of the country. Often mistaken for mold or...