Inspecting homes in the Baltimore area, some of the most common defects I encounter involve wet basements. It can be a tough problem to solve, particularly in an older home. But, too often people ignore the root problems and treat the symptoms. No amount of drain tile, waterproofing goop or “waterproof” subfloor will solve a […]

As a home inspector and former builder, there are many technical terms that I may use that are unfamiliar to the average home owner. While I always try to break things down to layman’s terms while conducting the home inspection, I thought it might be useful to have a home inspection glossary to refer buyers […]

Stairs are often a place I find defects while conducting the home inspection. Here’s a list of the most common defects found in stairways. By far the most common problem I find during an inspection is the lack of a proper handrail. The standards state that all stairways with three or more risers, (the vertical […]

As a home inspector and former builder, there are many technical terms that I may use that are unfamiliar to the average home owner. While I always try to break things down to layman’s terms while conducting the home inspection, I thought it might be useful to have a home inspection glossary to refer buyers to. […]

One of the most important things to look for during a home inspection is the presence or absence of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Along with smoke detectors, they are the safety equipment in your home most likely to save your life. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced during combustion or burning of fossil […]

As a home inspector and former builder, there are many technical terms that I may use that are unfamiliar to the average home owner. While I always try to break things down to layman’s terms while conducting the home inspection, I thought it might be useful to have a home inspection glossary to refer buyers to. […]

GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are an important safety device in a modern homes electrical system. Testing GFCIs to ensure they are in working order is an important part of the home inspection.  The home inspector will use a simple testing tool to check the GFCIs for proper operation. A GFCI can be thought […]

As a home inspector and former builder, there are many technical terms that I may use that are unfamiliar to the average home owner. While I always try to break things down to layman’s terms while conducting the home inspection, I thought it might be useful to have a home inspection glossary to refer buyers to. […]

A super common defect found in home inspections is a bath fan or dryer vented to the attic space. Handymen often think this is a “good enough” solution. In their mind, the warm moist air will naturally exit the attic space through the roof vents. All too often, this is not the case. Typically, this […]

As a home inspector and former builder, there are many technical terms that I may use that are unfamiliar to the average home owner. While I always try to break things down to layman’s terms while conducting the home inspection, I thought it might be useful to have a home inspection glossary to refer buyers to. […]