Back to Basics

Crawlspace Inspections: What Do Inspectors Look For?

By |2025-07-01T09:52:37-06:00July 1st, 2025|Back to Basics, Crawlspace|

When considering a home, we often only focus on its aspects that are visible. But it is often the unseen components of a structure that play the most significant roles. One such area is the crawlspace - it plays a critically important part in the overall health, safety, and efficiency of a home. Crawlspace [...]

Water Heater Maintenance: Tank vs Tankless

By |2025-06-05T13:18:40-06:00June 5th, 2025|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

Let's face it - we need our water heaters. Whether it's for those nice warm showers or sparkling clean dishes, most of us have our water heater working double time on a daily basis. It follows then that regular maintenance is essential for keeping your water heater running efficiently, preventing costly breakdowns, extending its [...]

Understanding the Importance of Plumbing Ventilation

By |2025-03-10T13:02:00-06:00March 10th, 2025|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

The average residential home has a lot of vents - vents for your HVAC system, vents for your attic, a vent for your dryer, a vent for your gas water heater etc. But did you know that your plumbing system also needs vents? In fact, reliable plumbing ventilation is absolutely crucial for a healthy [...]

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The Ultimate Guide To Gutters and Downspouts

By |2025-02-06T13:14:49-07:00February 6th, 2025|Back to Basics, Drainage|

Gutters and downspouts are essential components of any home's water management system. They have one job, and it is an important one - protect the home and its surrounding area from water. These crucial devices are so commonplace, that you might not even notice them. But nonetheless, their role in safeguarding your home's foundation, [...]

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2024 Inspection Highlights and Interesting Finds

By |2024-12-13T11:01:00-07:00December 13th, 2024|Back to Basics|

Having been an inspection company for 18+ years, it's no surprise that we've seen a lot of crazy things on the job. But believe it or not, we always somehow come across new things year in and year out. So as 2024 comes to a close, we'd like to shed light on some of [...]

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What Is A Backflow Preventer?

By |2024-09-26T11:26:16-06:00September 26th, 2024|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

A backflow preventer is one of the unsung heroes of our residential plumbing systems. These devices are crucial in preventing issues such as water contamination, sewage backups, or basement flooding. But what are they, and why are they so important? In this blog, we will get to the bottom of it! What Causes Backflow? [...]

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Garage Entry Door Rules

By |2024-12-31T11:29:33-07:00September 12th, 2024|Back to Basics, Garage|

The garage entry door is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of the home. This is the door that connects the garage space to the living space. As a home inspection company, this is always an item we make sure to inspect and call out when necessary. Some people may think "It's just a [...]

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Why Is My Garage Floor Cracking?

By |2025-01-06T11:16:27-07:00September 4th, 2024|Back to Basics, Garage|

Garage floor cracking is a very common occurrence. As a home inspection company, we get many concerned clients asking about these cracks. How can you decipher whether these are just minor cosmetic defects or serious structural issues? In this blog, we will get to the bottom of it! What Causes Garage Floor Cracking? Improper [...]

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GFCI Outlets Explained – The Un-Shocking Truth

By |2024-12-31T12:40:52-07:00August 28th, 2024|Ask Your Inspector, Back to Basics, Electrical|

We've all seen those outlets with the little "test" and "reset" buttons on the face of the outlet.  These are called "GFCI" outlets.  The "GFCI" stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.   But what does that mean? And why are these types of outlets necessary? The Shocking Details Perhaps at some point in your life [...]

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Evaluating Electrical Service Entrance Conductors

By |2024-08-01T10:59:54-06:00August 1st, 2024|Back to Basics, Electrical|

Electricity is an essential part to modern living. Thankfully, in this day and age, most people have easy access to a source of electricity. All we have to do is pay our monthly bill to the local utility company. And voila - we have instant access to electricity at our finger tips! But have [...]

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