As freezing temperatures grip most of the nation, homeowners and home inspectors alike are once again reminded of one of nature’s most destructive forces on a property: the freeze-thaw cycle. This occurs when water penetrates openings or gets absorbed into structures, freezes, melts, and freezes again. The expanding ice exerts an outward force that can […]
When searching for the perfect new home, it is unlikely that many home-shoppers put a high priority on ductwork. While a well-built wraparound porch may garner oohs and aahs, a properly functioning system of heating and cooling ducts is more prone to elicit a shoulder shrug. Simply put, ducts are one of the hundreds of […]
In many ways, homes are like people. Despite our best efforts to maintain our bodies, the slow march of time is inevitable. A quick glance in the mirror or run on a treadmill is usually enough to confirm this basic fact—we just aren’t as young as we used to be. The evidence becomes undeniable: a […]
It is not uncommon for a home-buyer or seller to assume that the electrical system portion of a home inspection is a simple matter of turning on and off the lights to see if they work. While lights and receptacles will certainly be checked, this represents only part of what your inspector will be examining […]
Home inspectors are often referred to as house “doctors.” While this is a fair comparison in some respects, physicians have several advantages when assessing problems with a patient. A doctor can ask, “Where does it hurt?” They can poke and prod until they hear the word “ouch!” Then they can take a look inside by […]