How to Choose a Home Inspector
Reposted with link by permission of NABIE.org By - Consumer Reports, August 6, 2018 As the saying goes, “you generally get what you pay for” reminds us that purchasing services for building and home inspections is no exception to the rule. A recently published article...
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What Homeowners Should Know Before They Buy Or Sell A Home With A Fireplace & Chimney
When buying or selling a home for the first time, homeowners often look to understand their potential risk exposure on a purchase or sell. While the seller is most likely hoping to keep costs to a minimum, if the condition of the home does not meet or exceed the...
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Preparing for Freezing Weather
FREEZING WEATHER When it looks like we are about to get into some freezing weather, the first thought that comes to mind is if you have adequately protected your home. You may have some special considerations for your home, depending upon what systems you have and...
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Foundation Repair?
One of the biggest concerns when looking at buying a house is the performance of the foundation. If you are unsure if a foundation has been repaired one way you can tell is to look for patches in the flat work concrete outside or interior floors. The photograph for...
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Things To Do Around Your Home to Prepare for Winter
Its Almost Winter It's fall and winter is fast approaching. As a building consultant there are a few things I do around my own house that are commonly needed as winter approaches. While I am sure that I could come up with a much longer list and then my wife could...
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Plumbing Drain Testing
Drain Testing-What are the Risks? Plumbing drain testing has become a common occurrence when purchasing an older home known or suspected to have been built using cast iron for drain lines. In older homes in the Houston area, those built before the 70s, cast iron was...
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Smoke Detectors – Health and Safety Code Chapter 766
Smoke Detectors and the Seller's Disclosure While performing an inspection on a residential building (home) the other day my client asked me about the line item in the seller's disclosure form that asks the seller if smoke detectors in the building are installed in...
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Watering Your Foundation – Foundation Watering Systems
Watering your foundation during the hot summer months can reduce the potential your building will experience differential settlement for buildings resting on expansive soils. For the best results it is recommended that you install a dedicated foundation watering...
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Hurricane Preparedness – Are you Prepared?
Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Season is serious business on the Gulf Coast. The hurricanes affect residents from the coastal counties and extending many miles inland, causing severe property damage as the hurricane dissipates moving inland. DO NOT underestimate...
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City of Houston Approves New Flood Plain Rule
The Houston City Council has approved a rule that will require homes and business in the City of Houston located within the 100-year floodplain to be built two feet above the 500-year floodplain to mitigate flooding to structures. This mirrors the requirement passed...
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