Home Inspection Basics

I haven't written a technical post for some time, so here it goes. There are myriads of ways to do SEO...or Search Engine Optimization. Many can be done at no cost, but others require strategic use of ones advertising dollars to gain the most exposure possible. The tip for today has to do with on...

In truth, the Keweenaw Peninsula is really an Island. It is surrounded by lake Superior on three sides and requires crossing the Portage Canal on the other side. This area has so much to offer, I won't be able to do it justice in one article, so will write a short series, this being the first. Pr...

I am sure many of you have seen inspection reports where step cracks have been found somewhere on the foundation of the home or garage. So, the question is; is that a major concern? Answer, it depends. If the crack is narrow (hairline) and is not monothithic, it generally means that movement has ...

All of us know the importance of timely action in each step of a real estate transaction. For rural properties on private wells, water testing is one of the important steps in this process. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, there is only one public lab facility. It's located in Houghton. I personall...

    There are a few brands of electrical panels that have had some concerns regarding safety over the years. One such panel is Federal Pacific. It has a style of breaker called stab lock. They were involved in a class action suit many years ago due to some testing that showed the breakers have a ...

As many of you know, tags are useful in linking keywords to your blog. In my case, Marquette, Michigan is one of my primary inspection areas. I've been doing SEO for some years now, so will share a small tip. The title of this blog will bring me more customers in Marquette than the tags will. For...

Hey all, Just a quick note to vent about an issue that has been nawing at me lately. I am involved in a number of events and associations, sit on a couple boards...ect. and schedule myself to be available to particiapte in volunteer activities. Lately, it seems, people keep asking me for help wit...

  One of the benefits of having a home inspected is knowing what you're getting into regarding up-front repair costs. Still, there are times when a component or system could break down between the time of the inspection and the closing. That is why I offer a limited Home Warranty to my clients on...

The Great Bear Chase of 2010 turned out to be quite a success today. Even with 2 weeks of warm weather and some rain, we managed to keep the course in nice shape.  If you're not in Calumet, Michigan this weekend, you have indeed missed an exciting time. As Chief of Course for the Bear Chase, my ...

Here is one good reason why people should get a home inspection!!  I inspected this home a few days ago and ran across the above situation.  Can you see the potential problem here?    As a general rule, it's not a good idea to keep a plugged in lamp next to the kitchen sink.  In this case, the l...