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Licensed inspectors in general are pretty good at checking most things in the typical home. They may not know exactly what the problem is or how to fix it, they do know there is a problem. What items do inspectors not check and what type of disclaimers do they utilize? More than...

“How are bugs getting into my home?” They can get in virtually anywhere because they are so small but I can tell you from experience that 2 areas are highly suspect, breaker panels and weepholes. There is a BIG hole in the back of ALL exterior breaker where wires from the...

Let’s solve a couple more issues month, you know, the ones that REALLY bug you but not enough to make you actually DO anything about it… INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER: This can have several causes, all of them easy to fix. Often, the tank just isn’t turned up high enough. If it’s gas,...

People tell us all the time about little things around their home that bug them usually implying they’re “too much hassle” to fix. Perish the thought I say ! Water hammer (pipes banging in the wall when you turn a faucet off): usually caused by air in the system having...

This month we’ll discuss conditions in and around the home which can cause harm to you and your family.   First, let’s talk about the obvious-smoke detectors. I can’t tell you how many homes we go in where this item is missing, disconnected or inoperative. A fireman friend...

I usually get a couple comments back each month on my newsletter, but last month, whew boy, I got a BUNCH. Most basically said “right on Bob, give those builders Hell!”. Well, I certainly didn’t mean to stir up a hornet’s nest but my letter definitely got some folks riled u...

Inspectors see some mighty strange things in NEW homes and we wonder what possessed the builder to do what he did ! May I humbly offer some advice? -put the gfi outlet in the MASTER bath instead of the halfbath or hall [kid’s] bath. That way if it trips, you’ll know it right...

The population of Leander has grown from 8,000 to over 30,000 residents in less than 15 years. In a community growing and developing at such a rate, you will always find a healthy real estate market, and a constant need for superior, cost-effective, and thorough home inspection...

I started inspecting in 1983 and I was thinking today how much things have changed in residential construction just in these 28 years. (think how things have changed since, say, 1950 !). Here’s a sampling (and I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few things…) Electrical: gfi outlets in...

Here are few things you may want to consider doing in and around you home… Keep your a/c filter clean, a dirty one REALLY increases your elec. bill. The best kind to use is the wavy paper type, kind of like what you have in your car’s engine. If you haven’t had your ac checked in...