There was a time when the only remedy for sinking sidewalks, patios, steps, or uneven foundations was to tear out the old pavement slab and pour a new one, and spend a great deal of time and money in the process. A sunken concrete sidewalk in desperate need of...
home inspector
Ghosting, or Discolored Shadows on Walls and Other Surfaces
No, it’s not spooky spirits in your home! Ghosting is a term that refers to discoloration that appears on surfaces in a home such as walls. The source of this discoloration can be a mystery to anyone not familiar with the phenomenon, but it is really very simple. Ghosting...
Master Home Inspector Frequently Asked Questions: Foundations
As a Master Home Inspector I get lots of questions from individuals about insulation and their home’s foundation. Here are a few great questions along with the answers I share with inquiring home owners to help them save money and protect their home and their family. If a basement...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A new law in Wisconsin that became effective on February 1, 2011, requires that most homes in Wisconsin have carbon monoxide detectors. What you need to know is that all single family homes with an attached garage, a fireplace, or fuel burning appliances (including a gas forced air furnace)...
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an important VOC to test for due to its known toxicity and health implications. Testing for formaldehyde can also result in peace of mind for the customer when the levels turn out to be low. However, it is important to measure formaldehyde in newer homes, particularly if...
Energy Saving Tips
Small Appliances Cook with small appliances. Cook with your toaster oven, electric skillet and slow cooker for specialized jobs, rather than the range. Small appliances use less energy. Use the microwave. Microwave ovens shorten cooking times, which saves energy. Clean or replace air filters. Replace filters on exhaust hoods,...
New Construction Inspections
Don’t assume your new home is perfect when your builder hands you the keys. In 1995, I bought a house and the builder went broke shortly after closing. I had built numerous houses in the past, but I did not inspect this house when it was being built, which...
Dehumidifiers
In humid and damp climates a dehumidifier can pull as much as 50 pints of water from the air each day, depending on the size of the system. Keep your dehumidifier’s reservoir clean and dry; don’t let water spill over or stagnate when not in use. A dirty or...
Dealing with Mold After a Flood
Protect Yourself from Mold After natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a...
Pre-sale Home Inspections, Agents
Agents are unaware of the marketing power of having their listings pre-inspected. If I were an agent, I would require all my listings to have a seller’s home inspection. That way, other agents with buyers would know ahead of time that my listings are not going to have surprises...
