Q. How Can I Know Homeowners Didn’t Tamper With Radon Test?

Q. Hey Mark, We are trying to move from Texas to Wisconsin and found a home. We had the typical inspection and radon test performed. There were numerous semi- minor issues but a few bigger ones. Radon at 5.7, tree roots growing into the sump pump crock, etc. In our contract we did not give [...]

Q. Home Inspector Disturbed the Vermiculite… Problem?

Hey Mark! I just read your question about a seller having asbestos in their home. I am on the other end, the buyer. I just had an inspection and the inspector found vermiculite in a portion of the home. It is covered by about 8-10 inches of new installation. One concern, the inspector stuck his [...]

Test Your Home for Radon! (My Personal Experience)

I am always very concerned when a home buyer declines having a radon test during their home inspection. I’m genuinely uneasy about the potential health repercussions of that decision. For me, I think it strikes particularly close to home for two reasons. One reason is that my wife’s grandmother, a non-smoker, passed away from lung [...]

Q. Were the radon test canisters left too long?

Q. Hey Mark, The buyers of a home I have listed hired a company to do a radon test. The test came back a little high (4.9). I’m concerned about the test because they used canisters, and they left them in place from Wednesday through Saturday. Wouldn’t this increase the radon levels in the canisters [...]

Q. Utilities Weren’t Turned On for My Inspection

Q. Hey Mark, I’m purchasing a home that is currently owned by a bank. The inspector stated that we had to make sure that the bank had all the utilities turned on. We thought they had but when we got there, there were signs all over saying the home was winterized. My inspector really couldn’t [...]

Q. Catch Pan Under Washer?

Q. Hey Mark, Our home inspection report recommends a catch pan under the washing machine. What exactly is that and how do I get one? Thanks, Andrew A. Hey Andrew, Recommending a catch pan under a washing machine is a common recommendation with some home inspectors. Some municipalities even require it in certain circumstances. Personally, [...]

Q. My Inspector Couldn’t Access the Attic

Q: I am purchasing a home, and I just had a home inspection done. The sellers still live there, and they had some belongings in the closet that were blocking access to the attic. My inspector said that he was unable to look in the attic because it was blocked. It was only a couple [...]

Q. Why Do Inspector Prices Vary?

Q: Hey Mark I’ve been getting prices from different home inspectors and it seems the prices vary quite a bit. Why are there so many different prices for the same thing? A: Well, I think you answered your own question. They are not different prices for the same thing. They are different prices for different [...]

Q. Disclosure AND Home Inspection Needed?

Q. Hey Mark, I’m buying a house and was told I need to have an inspection? Shouldn’t the disclosure tell me everything I need to know? Thanks, June   A. Hey June, Theoretically, the seller’s disclosure should reveal all concerns the sellers are aware of in the home. Practically speaking though, it would be unwise [...]

Q. Selling my house, how do I prepare for an inspection?

Q. Hey Mark, I’m selling my house and have to have a home inspection this week. Should I do anything in particular to prepare? Thanks for your help, Lorene A. Lorene, Hey… Can I please come inspect your home? You sound like the perfect home owner. To answer your question in a word, absolutely, and [...]