Back to Basics

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, [...]

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 [...]

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? [...]

Comments Off on What Is A Backflow Preventer?

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 [...]

Comments Off on Garage Entry Door Rules

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 [...]

Comments Off on Why Is My Garage Floor Cracking?

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 [...]

Comments Off on GFCI Outlets Explained – The Un-Shocking Truth

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 [...]

Comments Off on Evaluating Electrical Service Entrance Conductors

Explaining Lift Stations

By |2024-12-31T12:49:38-07:00July 1st, 2024|Back to Basics, Plumbing|

Lift stations can be found in many residential homes, and play an integral part in managing wastewater flow. They are typically located on the lowest level of the building, such as a basement. We will often have clients wondering what they are, sometimes confusing them with sump pumps. While a lift station does function [...]

Comments Off on Explaining Lift Stations

My Main Electrical Panel Is At Capacity: What Does That Mean?

By |2025-01-03T11:59:01-07:00June 10th, 2024|Ask Your Inspector, Back to Basics, Electrical|

The main electrical panel is one of the most important aspects of any home. It is responsible for gathering electricity from the local provider, and distributing it safely to the active circuits throughout the house. Each panel is designed with a maximum limit of breakers or branch circuits that can be added. When performing [...]

Comments Off on My Main Electrical Panel Is At Capacity: What Does That Mean?

Water Heater Replacement – Exploring Your Options

By |2025-01-02T09:24:36-07:00May 31st, 2024|Ask Your Inspector, Back to Basics, Plumbing|

It has happened to the best of us. The fateful day where you finally have to change out that old dinosaur of a water heater living in your basement. This is hopefully because you knew it was nearing its end, rather than waking up to a basement full of water! Whatever the cause, water [...]