Welcome to my blog!

As a Professional Real Estate Inspector it is my function to provide you knowledge about your real estate.  This passing of knowledge does not start and end when you contract for, and complete, an inspection.  It starts before you even contract my services and continues for long afterward.  The concept of continual passing of knowledge is the cornerstone of this blog, and the many information pages on my main WEB site.  Please make use of these and provide me feedback so that I can improve upon them to fit your needs.  I am happy to run my business and affairs based on my motto:

Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection | Leave a comment
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I have cracks in my sheetrock and cracks in my brick, are these signs of normal foundation movement?

So you’re buying a home and have seen yourself, or have been told, that there are cracks in the brick and sheetrock.  Maybe there are also cracks in the tile and other signs of potential foundation movement.  Are these signs of normal foundation movement? Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Buying and Selling Tips, Technical Information | Leave a comment
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Why should I have my home inspected before putting it up for sale?

Over and over again I read in bulletin board posts or hear “Why should I have my home preinspected?  After all it is the buyer’s responsibility to find any problems with it!”.  Well we are in a buyer’s market and that’s what they’re doing, and that’s what winds up costing you more money or the sale when you could have been prepared! Continue reading

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Posted in Home Buying and Selling Tips | 1 Comment
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Is your fireplace safe? Why you should read and heed the Home Inspector’s recommendations.

On every home inspection with a fireplace I place important advisement wording in the report.  The wording is there to help the home buyer understand the importance of chimney safety.  But I do have to wonder just how many read and heed this wording? Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Buying and Selling Tips, Home Maintenance, Safety Issues Of Importance | Leave a comment
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Is your Home Inspector providing you a totally objective home inspection report?

I frequently read in bulletin board or Blog posts that a Home Inspectors job is to provide you only with the facts of what is visually seen and nothing more.  Usually those same people state that the Home Inspectors job is to provide only an objective view of the home on the day of the inspection.  But is an objective only inspection and report of any real value to you? Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection | 1 Comment
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What is an Air Admittance Valve ( AAV ) in the waste piping system of my home?

Occasionally I run into air admittance valves (AAV) in homes during inspections and when I explain them to clients they get a sour look on their face.  So why the sour look when they are useful items? Continue reading

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Posted in Home Maintenance, Technical Information | 1 Comment
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Has your Home Inspector offered you a free alarm system inspection?

Are you getting ready to, or have you, selected your Home Inspector because of all of the supposedly free services the Home Inspector is offering as part of their fee, including that free alarm system inspection?  Well maybe you should think twice about using that Home Inspector as you are getting ready to be duped into a marketing program for alarm system companies! Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Buying and Selling Tips | Leave a comment
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Is a home appraisal the same as a home inspection?

Have you been told that you don’t really need a home inspection because your Appraiser is performing the same inspection?  Are you confused because so many bulletin board posts, or others, are discussing a home appraisal and keep referring to it as an “inspection”?  Don’t mistake a home appraisal for a home inspection as they are vastly different! Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Buying and Selling Tips | Leave a comment
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Is that home inspection money back guarantee real?

I keep seeing Home Inspectors advertising on their WEB sites “Your home inspection backed by a 200% guarantee” or some other really inane garbage guarantee such as this.  Hopefully you are not taking that seriously?? Continue reading

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Is your GTE-Sylvania electrical panel safe?

Do you have an electrical breaker panel in your home that has the name GTE-Sylvania on it?  At one point GTE-Sylvania purchased the problematic Zinsco electrical panel line.  But is your GTE-Sylvania panel really just a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Maintenance, Safety Issues Of Importance, Technical Information | Leave a comment
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Are you buying a HUD home? You need to use caution and read this information!!

Many people look to HUD owned homes as a way to get a good deal.  But what you don’t know might well cost you much more than you thought!  Read on to learn how to be prepared and protect yourself before you make an offer on that HUD home. Continue reading

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Posted in Consumer Information & Protection, Home Buying and Selling Tips | 1 Comment
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