The state of Ohio has started issuing licenses for home inspectors in an effort to raise the overall standard of inspections. While not yet required, we went ahead and have become some of the first licensed inspectors in the state. The application which involved getting FBI background checks as well as submitting a record of […]Read More about Home Inspectors In Ohio Must Be Licensed
Don’t Ever Assume!! (As You Start a Project)
In life I have discovered that it’s a good policy never to assume that something works, that the door is locked, that you have your ticket and passport in your backpack as you head to the airport. Over the last 20 years of inspecting homes, offices, hotels and everything else from Chinese restaurants to schools, […]Read More about Don’t Ever Assume!! (As You Start a Project)
Planning DIY Projects Pays Dividends
The old saying: measure twice cut once can apply to many DIY projects. Before rushing out and buying what you think you need for a project, it can pay off to plan what you are doing. If it’s a big project tape it out on the ground or walls, measure, re measure and make sure […]Read More about Planning DIY Projects Pays Dividends
Being Thorough Pays Off! Electrician was wrong
Recently we inspected a home in Yellow Springs, the house was built in 1920, our report being detailed identified that there was Knob & Tube wiring in the home. Our client was very diligent and immediately hired a licensed electrician to inspect the wiring and recommend if any rewiring would be necessary due to the […]Read More about Being Thorough Pays Off! Electrician was wrong
Home Inspection “Put in Perspective”
Sometimes we all get caught up in what needs to be inspected and what must be repaired when buying a home. All to often we forget what life is all about and what is important in life. Last week arriving at a very small condo on a bright sunny morning and was greeted by the […]Read More about Home Inspection “Put in Perspective”
Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
Inspecting a house in Xenia, I got to question the thought process of architects who design houses. A nice small 900 square foot ranch did not have much space for the furnace, so the architect put it in the crawl space (under the house). This is not a problem so as long as it works, […]Read More about Do Architects Think of Future Problems?
Buying a Pre-Inspected Home? Beware
We arrived to inspect a pre-inspected home. This home had a “Pre-Inspected, Seller-Certified” sign right in the front yard. This would suggest to any reasonable buyer that there is nothing significant for another inspector to find wrong with the home. It suggests that the sellers wanted to be aware of every issue so they could […]Read More about Buying a Pre-Inspected Home? Beware
Unrealistic Commercial Inspection Expectations
Climbing up on the roof of a large commercial building and looking at the HVAC units lined up there, it struck me how unrealistic some buyers are when they hire us to inspect commercial properties. This client only hired us for a half day despite our office suggesting that it would not be nearly enough […]Read More about Unrealistic Commercial Inspection Expectations
Neighbors, the Good, the Bad and There Yours!
When buying a house, don’t think that a home inspector is all you need to make sure your new home is everything you want it to be. That junk car in the neighbors driveway has been there for years and their is no reason you should think it will suddenly change. Junk in a neighbors […]Read More about Neighbors, the Good, the Bad and There Yours!
Flood Insurance Issue? Check Before You Buy.
Looking at buying a new home? That small stream at the rear of the property may be the selling feature and the most appealing point as you consider making an offer. What you may not realize is that many of these small streams have been re-categorized by FEMA as potential flood zones. Flood zones are […]Read More about Flood Insurance Issue? Check Before You Buy.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Better than Sheet Vinyl
Thinking of new flooring, forget laminated flooring. They are noisy to walk on, are easily damaged by moisture or water in bathrooms or kitchens. Water on shoes coming in from outdoors nearly always damages the entryway flooring . Vinyl has improved dramatically with the introduction of heaver weight, thicker plank vinyl. It is easy to […]Read More about Vinyl Plank Flooring Better than Sheet Vinyl
Continuing Education for Home Inspectors
Continuing education is how we are spending one long weekend every year at the ASHI spring Expo in Columbus getting another fourteen hours towards our annual requirement! The state of Ohio now regulates Home Inspectors and demand annual continuing education to maintain your license. Being an ASHI inspector is another level of desire to be […]Read More about Continuing Education for Home Inspectors
Dayton Main Street, 100 Years Ago
Inspecting a home this week, I saw this picture of a very busy, prosperous downtown Dayton being revitalized probably one hundred years ago and thought about how wonderful it is to see downtown Dayton coming back to life again. New homes are being built, lofts converted, bars, brewery’s and restaurants opening in areas other than […]Read More about Dayton Main Street, 100 Years Ago
Special Moments in Life to Enjoy…..
During a busy day there are things that make you stop for a moment and think about life. Climbing the ladder to walk a roof I spotted these lovely young chicks cozy in their nest, beaks open waiting for their mother to return to them with more food. Don’t we all sometimes wish we had […]Read More about Special Moments in Life to Enjoy…..
