In today's marketplace, many homes have their electricity / water/ gas turned off. We frequently run into issues with inspection contingency periods running out as they struggle to get utilities restored in time. When writing up your Purchase and Sale Agreement, put in the contract: “Once the Sel
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04/27/2012
Found this yesterday on an inspection, and reminded me of a tragedy from 2 years ago. This is just the scenario that killed 5 in Seattle when a foam mattress in a closet touched a bare light bulb. http://www.seattlepi.com/local/421877_fire16.html May the victims rest in peace. Replace these fixtu
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02/24/2012
How will you heat your home when the power goes out? If you have a gas fireplace, be sure it will work when the power is off. Turn off the electricity and see if you can light it. Some fireplaces will light ONLY IF THE PILOT IS LIT BEFORE THE POWER IS OFF! Others have batteries, and we find old
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11/22/2011
Often heating and cooling contractors will install equipment in attics that have drains for condensate. It is a normal part of their operation to have water that must be drained. If there is a problem with this system (mildew and dirt can clog them) it could leak and make a mess. Most have a t
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08/29/2011
A cheap roofing bid will almost always be a "roof over" We generally are against this practice. A roof that is installed over an old roof will not lay flat. This can cause the new roof to not perform as well, leading t premature leaks and failure. It also traps more heat, causing the tar in the r
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06/27/2011
A few years ago I had a problem with carpenter ants that originated in some firewood. I knew that I needed professional help and I contacted a reputable pest control company, thats where I met Juan with Willard Pest Control. I really learned a lot that day, and I have had a great working relation
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05/24/2011
Our Home Page - Articles and Advice - Our Reports - Testimonials - Our Company - Services I have been thinking of lots of uses for QR codes. I store QR-codes on my phone, this one allows others to schedule an inspection by taking a picture of my phone with their phone! I have lots other QR codes
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02/19/2011
Our Home Page - Articles and Advice - Our Reports - Testimonials - Our Company - Services Most home buyers love it when there is fresh pain inside, as a home inspector, we look at it in a different light. What is under the paint? When we inspect homes, we have lots of tools to help us accurate
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02/02/2011
Our Home Page - Articles and Advice - Our Reports - Testimonials - Our Company - Services This type of water heater uses a compressed gas to produce heat, instead of a resistive electrical heating element. They can save over 60% of the energy consumed by a standard electric water heater. This
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01/19/2011
Our Home Page - Articles and Advice - Our Reports - Testimonials - Our Company - Services Saving energy in your home will not only save you money, but will also help the environment by reducing the need for hydro-electric dams and fossil fuels used to produce electricity. These steps will pay fo
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12/05/2010