Does It Pay to Get a Home Inspection During the Winter?
This time of year we are frequently asked, “Is it worth getting a home inspection in the winter?” Minne-snow-ta can pose some challenges to a full exterior investigation but undoubtedly, [...]
How to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion is often a major concern anywhere pipes of dissimilar materials connect. I routinely see this visible in basements. It's important to educate homeowners and prospective home buyers on [...]
Is Radon Testing Necessary?
All homes in Minnesota should be tested for radon. Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It's the second leading cause of cancer in America, [...]
Is Knob and Tube Wiring Safe?
Knob and tube (K&T) wiring is a system of electrical wiring common in homes built from 1880’s – 1930’s. I came across it while inspecting a Minneapolis home last week [...]
Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying an Older Home
Most first-time homebuyers know they should get a home inspection but sewer inspections are generally an after-thought. I try to educate my clients that this is one of the most [...]
How to Keep Pipes from Freezing
One of the joys of homeownership in Minnesota is learning how to keep your pipes from freezing. Why? Because when water freezes, it expands and can cause your home’s pipes [...]
Non-Reversing Garage Door Hazards
When we inspect a home, we test all aspects of a garage door’s functionality. We routinely see door defects pertaining to the manual quick-release or a missing safety wire. However, [...]
How to Avoid Overloaded Circuits with Christmas Lights
If your goal is to take your holiday lights display to the next level, you might want to consider the risks involved with an overloaded circuit. It’s unlikely you’ll cause [...]
Water and Your Masonry Chimney
The chimney is one of the most taken-for-granted parts of a home. We don’t pay it much attention but masonry chimney defects are frequently flagged in my inspections. Regular chimney [...]
Is My Attic Properly Insulated?
I inspect a great deal of older Twin Cities’ homes built between 1920-1960 that are insulated improperly. Many of them have added attic insulation in the wrong places, so I [...]