This week I thought it would be fun to tickle the visual senses and show you a few scenarios that I ran across this past month while performing inspections. There are times I encounter situations t...
Strictly follow code when remodeling As a home inspector and home improvement and remodeling consultant, I come across many interesting things in the course of a day on the field. I can usually spot right off the bat if a basement r...
Faulty electrical outlets, saggy shelving can be easily fixed Some of the questions I am asked as far as home improvement is concerned are somewhat funny. I guess it is similar to applicable questions that would be posed to other individuals about their prof...
Evaluate insulation to find out its efficiency Several weeks ago, my mom called me almost in a panic. This is nothing new — it seems that most calls from mom in the middle of the day have a certain importance about them. This time she w...
Top 10 home improvement reminders to kick off the year It is typical to have a top 10 list for music, movies and news stories at the end of the year. I thought it to be appropriate to have a top 10 list of home improvement reminders to kick off 2008....
While visiting friends last weekend, I was asked, “How do I fix the issue of cold air entering in through my bathroom exhaust vents?” As we discussed the issue, I was able to ask several probing q...
Today I inspected a home that was built in 1926. It was a cute, newly remodeled home that had quite the charm and character. All of the basic remodeling components were covered -- new paint, carp...
How do I know if my water heater is going out? Are there signs that would tell me the unit isn't functioning properly or that it may need replacement? There are several signs one could look for ...
I recently received a call to perform a home inspection and the customer wanted me to include a radon gas test along with the inspection. The customer seemed to be well educated about what radon ga...
I recently received an e-mail from a gentleman wondering what he could do to fix the problem of a water puddle on the carpet in a basement family room corner of his home. My response to him had sev...
While in the basement on a recent home inspection I performed, a small boy about 4 years old was curious as to what I was doing in his house. After a while, under his all-glaring eye and a building...
As the winter season, along with the weather that accompanies it, soon approaches, the time has come for us to create that "things-to-do-before-it-snows-and-ice list" that will ensure peace of mind...