Author Archives: admin

Wet Basements

Posted on January 15, 2011 by admin

The national statistic is 90% of wet basements are due to grading issues around the base of the foundation. In order to get rid of the water in the basement in these cases is to simply put more dirt around … Continue reading →

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Home Inspectors should not provide a financial estimate in their report.

Posted on January 15, 2011 by admin

Someone just shared an inspection report with me from an engineer that said the house needed $125,000. Of course now the buyer wants $125,000 off the deal. The inspector is doing everyone a disservice because it’s throwing things out of … Continue reading →

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Inspections don’t pass or fail

Posted on January 12, 2011 by admin

A lot of people think there is a pass/fail in home inspections (including some home inspectors). There should be no pass fail – the purpose for the inspection is for the buyer to understand what they are buying. The inspector … Continue reading →

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Check your chimney regularly

Posted on January 11, 2011 by admin

You can’t be too careful about chimneys. A bad chimney caused a house to burn down in Huntington over the holidays. Get your chimney cleaned and checked by a chimney contractor. 

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The Right Shingles for the Right Roof

Posted on January 7, 2011 by admin

To the untrained eye, looking at this roof from the outside you would not likely see any big concerns, correct? However, there is a concern and a problem. Continue reading →

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Oil Burner Inspection

Posted on November 23, 2010 by admin

The picture on the top shows a typical oil fired circulating water boiler that looks completely normal. However, upon further inspection we were unable to locate a temperature-pressure relief valve. This valve plays a very important safety role in the … Continue reading →

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Amateur Work!

Posted on November 23, 2010 by admin

We see amateur work regularly during our inspections. Here is an example of amateur work that could have substantial consequences to the structure of the home. First of all, the steel Lally column is not straight. Secondly, because they didn’t … Continue reading →

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Plumbing Traps – Home Inspection

Posted on November 23, 2010 by admin

The purpose of a plumbing trap is to stop sewer gases from entering the home. The trap collects wastewater at the bottom of the U-shaped trap and prevent sewer gas from backing up into and through the plumbing device and ultimately … Continue reading →

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Always Put Requests for Repairs in Writing

Posted on May 18, 2010 by admin

Regardless of whether you are renting a home or apartment, or seeking to purchase a new home, you should make sure to write down, and if applicable, photograph all areas that were already damaged or might need repair. Additionally, any … Continue reading →

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Why a Contractor Is Not a Home Inspector

Posted on May 13, 2010 by admin

Quite often, a person interested in buying a home will have a friend or family member who is a contractor, and is willing to inspect the home for a minimal or no fee. If you are the seller of a … Continue reading →

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