Mold Testing To begin with, if you have any suspicions your home may have mold it’s a good idea to have a mold test by a certified inspector. It can be hidden in walls, wallpaper or paneling. It can be invisible, lurking ehind ceiling tiles or in carpet and...
Supporting Structure Garages can have obvious problems and less obvious problems. Any apparent alterations to the supporting structure, for instance the trusses, require the approval of a structural engineer or architect. The same for any joists, cross beams, or...
Basements are often below grade and carry a high risk of water intrusion. Soil absorbs moisture during rainfall and releases in into the basement through any cracks in the foundation, resulting in leaks. Water can also end up in the basement through something called...
Are You Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but, depending on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a short period of time. Your inspection...
If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon! If your home is new ask if it has been tested and if radon resistant construction methods were used. Even low levels less than 4 pCi/L are risky and can be reduced. The EPA estimates radon causes...
Mold and What to Do About It The Basics of Mold Control in the Home Control Moisture Fix water problems Dry any water damages areas. Mold can start growing again in 24 hours. Mold serves an essential role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter like leaves,...
Roofs and the Value of Your Home Your roof not only keeps you isolated from weather conditions, primarily moisture, it protects you from all outside weather conditions. The roof materials, the underlayment, insulation and ventilation all play a role in keeping you dry...
Types of Wood Boring Insects There are several insects that can cause significant damage to your home. Termites are the most common and can be drywood or dampwood varieties, but carpenter ants and some powderpost beetles can also create very serious problems in the...
Why Do People Sell “As-Is”? Sellers on occasion will be interested in selling their home ”as-is” for any one of a number of reasons. It removes any liability for problems and defects in the home, it allows them to avoid the expense of fixing it up to sell, or perhaps...
Home inspections have evolved over the decades to reflect changes in the legal and regulatory environment, as well as to respond to shifting consumer expectations. They’ve become more detailed and, of course, reflect new developments in building materials and...
