When you’re at the inspection stage of the home buying process, finding the right professional can feel like a daunting task. There are so many things to consider. Who should you hire? More important, how will you find the right person for the job? Not to worry. You...
There’s truth in the old saying, “They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” Sometimes, that’s a good thing. But once in a while, an older home has a treasure that’s so different, so rare and so well made that it’s worth preserving, even if it’s a bit of an eyesore...
The adorable, reduced-price cottage or stately manor you’ve been eyeing might have a few secrets. Foreclosed properties can be a great deal for the new buyer. They aren’t without their worries, though. Most foreclosed homeowners aren’t happy about...
Plumbing involves a lot more than fixtures. There’s a whole network of pipes and fittings inside walls and under floors. And that means there are plenty of opportunities for defects to creep up. Fortunately, home inspectors are skilled in defect detection. If...
Wouldn’t it be great to know if the house you love is buttoned up or leaks air like a sieve? What about air quality issues? General home inspection services don’t usually cover hazards such as asbestos, mold, and many other areas of concern. That’s why...
Uh oh. Are there knocks and pings when your home inspector adjusts the furnace? Does the air conditioner switch off and on every few minutes? How about terrible odors? Will they go away after you move in? Oddities with the HVAC system could indicate that a new one is...
Just how old is that furnace in the basement? When was the house built? Did the previous owners keep up with maintenance? You can learn a lot from a home inspection besides the structure’s exact condition. Plan to attend while your home inspector works and you...
You don’t always get what you pay for in life. But the cost of a home inspection has a value that far exceeds the pages of a report. A few hundred dollars buys a professional evaluation of the attic, basement, mechanical systems and much more. Compared to the...
Virtually every house has defects. Some of them are total deal breakers. But some could put more money in your pocket at the closing table. According to the real estate website, Trulia, nearly 40 percent of home sales in the past two years have been up-ended. The...
Rumors can spread and take root faster than you can pluck them out. We’ve heard a lot of them surrounding professional home inspections and the inspectors who perform them. But as with almost everything, reality is usually somewhere in the middle. Here are 10 of...
