Kurt Nickelsen's (kurt) Blog

Tip:  Wall Cladding Materials that are Too Close to the SoilSiding and all exterior cladding materials are recommended to be 6-8 inches away from the soil (grade).  If masonry, it is rcommended that they be six inches above grade.If wood cladding materials are too close to the ground or actually ...

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air cleaners, such as the Ionic Breeze, create OZONE in the home, which is not a good thing for humans, even though some of their commercials will say the opposite.See the following PDF article from the EPA concerning this very issue:http:/...

Tips:  Siding that is Too Close to the Roof LineMany roof systems have areas where siding is close to the roofing material.  Examples would be dormers, dutch hips, etc.Where the roof and the siding are close to each other, there should be a 1-2 inch space, with flashing behind it, to keep the sid...

Extra Tips for Keeping Water Out of the Crawl Space -- Make sure that all of the crawl space vents around the home area above grade.  If at or below grade, water can easily get into the crawl space.  Many homes that have water in the crawl space will also have water stains on the foundation direc...

More Tips for Keeping Water Out of the Crawl Space -- All of the grading around the home should properly slope away from the home.  If sloping away, it will help the water that hits it move away from the home.  If the grading is backwards (towards the home) it will actually help move the water......

The authors of Principles of Home Inspection-Standards and Systems suggest that inspectors "...not park on the driveway.  If the seller wants to go out during the inspection and you are blocking them in, it's frusting frot he seller and disruptive for you.  If you park in the driveway and your cl...

Basic Tools of a Home Inspector Knife or awlScrewdrivers or drill driversFlashlightsBinocularsGFCI testersTool belt or bag, etc.LadderTelescopic mirrorMeasuring tapeGlovesMaskCoverallsPliersDigital cameraBatteries Good Optional Tools Voltage testerMoisture MeterTowels (I have been in empty houses...

Advantages of Writing the Home Inspection Report Later (off site): Advantages: Can increase the inspection report's presentation as the inspector can spend more time on "presentation".  (However, computer generated reports done on site really minimize this as the presentation can actually be gene...

Advantages of Writing the Home Inspection Report on Site: Advantages: Inspector is able to go over findings and recommendations with the client while still on site.  Everything is fresh in the client's mind, as well as the home inspector's.  If something needs to be pointed out, it can be.  Inspe...

There are things that a seller can do to help prepare their home for listing--things that will attact buyers, like a nicely kept yard, fresh paint, etc.But, regardless, most buyers are going to have a home inspection and there are things that a seller can do to prepare for any potential buyer's h...