Downspouts are an integral component of a roof’s drainage system. Downspouts transport rainwater and snowmelt from the gutters down into a storm drain system or otherwise away from the home. In the Pacific Northwest where rain is abundant, it is critical to ensure that you have proper roof drainage. When a roof has a [...]
A common defect that we find while inspecting showers is that a gap has formed between a fixture, such as the faucet or faucet handle, and the shower enclosure. This is an issue because it presents an avenue for water to make its way behind the enclosure and into the wall assembly. Most faucets [...]
Windows that don’t slide smoothly, don’t stay up when opened, or open at a crooked angle are a nuisance. Modern double-hung and single slider windows that open up and down have a balance system installed in the frame that guides the window and holds it in place. When a channel balance becomes disconnected or [...]
A home that smells of smoke can be problematic for some home buyers. Not only does the smell of smoke linger, but smoke accumulation over time will stain the walls and ceilings. Cigarette smoke in particular has a distinct odor and stains walls, floors, and ceilings because it creates tiny amounts of oil and [...]
A common electrical issue that home inspectors find is electrical outlets that have hot and neutral wires reversed, or reversed polarity. While this is generally an easy fix, uncorrected it presents a potential shock hazard for a home’s occupants. Reversed polarity occurs when an electrical outlets wiring is installed backwards (hot in the neutral [...]
Mold growth on a home’s soffits and adjacent components, such as fascia boards and gutters, can be a mysterious and frustrating condition for a homeowner. Soffits are the exterior horizontal undersize components at the eaves of a home. They are typically made of wood but can also be made of vinyl or other materials. [...]
Maintaining your home's sewer line and preventing potential clogs is essential for several reasons, and neglecting this aspect of home maintenance can lead to various problems that can be costly to repair and can lead to unsanitary conditions within the home. Regular maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of debris, grease, and other materials that [...]
A slow draining sink, tub, or shower are a common problem and one that we find often during the home inspection. A slow draining plumbing fixture can be the result of a simple clogged trap or it can indicate a more significant plumbing issue that would be outside the ability of a typical homeowner [...]
Using a battery pack at the igniter for a gas fireplace can be necessary when the home has lost power or if electricity has been disconnected from the electric igniter at the gas fireplace. It may not occur to all homeowners that utilizing a gas fueled appliance still requires a small amount of electricity [...]
Is your sliding door sticking, grinding, or generally difficult to open? This issue can often be resolved with relatively simple maintenance that homeowners can perform themselves. Sliding doors need to be maintained in order to preserve their satisfying smooth operation, as well as their energy-efficiency and general condition. The easiest maintenance a homeowner can [...]
