What do you get when you mix warm moist air with something cold? Answer: Condensation. While this may look cool on a nice cold beverage glass in the summertime, it’s not something you want happening in your attic. Improper Ventilation to the Exterior One of the most common things we find in an attic during […]
Stories from a Home Inspector – Vol. 2 Forrest Gump once said ‘Life is like a box of chocolates‘. You never know what you’re gonna get.’ For home inspectors, a crawlspace is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. This past week I (Tim) had an inspection of an 850 […]
It isn’t very often home inspectors have to issue a ‘Do Not Use’ warning. Recently one of our inspectors found a deck that was on the verge of collapsing. To the untrained eye, everything looked fine from the surface. Even walking on it gave no hint that in its current condition, it was a major safety […]
Stories from a Home Inspector – Vol.1 *The following story is a true tale from a recent home inspection. The names and identities of those involved have been concealed for their privacy and sometimes dignity. Any guess on what is going to follow? “I opened the door to the three-story townhome and saw my opponent […]
I bet you haven’t looked behind your washer and dryer in a very long time… It’s okay, you’re not alone. The laundry room is probably one of the regularly used spaces in your house that gets the least amount of attention. Let’s change that. Here are some helpful hints and tips so your laundry room […]
Rising spring temperatures bring the beginning of the cooling season to your home. We rely on our air conditioning units to help keep us cool in the hot summer months. It’s a great idea to take a quick look at your air conditioner and do a checkup before your unit kicks into overdrive. Here’s a guide […]
Sump pumps are a critical component of keeping your basement dry and are often overlooked when it comes to routine home maintenance. When was the last time you tested your sump pump? Do you know if it’s operating properly? Spring is in full swing and now is a great time to test your sump pump […]
Termites. It’s a word nobody wants to hear at their home inspection. Understandably so, termites can be very destructive. And even though they are commonly found throughout Iowa, the word still grabs our attention and often causes us to be very concerned. Termites in Iowa In Iowa, termites and carpenter ants are the common wood-destroying […]
Frequently we have clients ask us if their house ‘passed’ the inspection. It’s an understandable question, however, a home inspection is not time for a Pass/Fail approach. Buying a home is a big decision and one that deserves significant consideration. A thorough home inspection is an invaluable asset to you in the home buying process. […]
CHECK YOUR DOWNSPOUTS This is your friendly reminder to check your downspouts. Spring weather is here and with it so is the rain. It is imperative that gutter downspouts are properly maintained so that water is draining away from your foundation. During home inspections, we regularly see downspouts that are damaged, missing, and improperly installed. […]