Healthy Home and Mold Inspections

Whether you’re building from scratch or buying new, don’t assume "built to code" means "built to last." ​I’m out here on a pre-closing inspection for a new construction home, and this is exactly why you hire a private inspector. Most municipal code inspectors won't actually walk the roof—but if you aren't up here, you’re missing the big picture. ​On this one, I found two major red flags: ​Improper Pitch: The roofing material used isn't rated for a roof this flat. That’s a lea

I think we’re going to need a bigger boat... or at least a lot of backer rod. ​Standard sealant is great, but it’s not magic. When the gap between the window and the masonry gets this wide, a standard bead of caulk will fail faster than a New Year’s resolution. ​Structural movement and thermal expansion mean this joint needs to breathe and flex. A massive glob of sealant just won't hold up. https://posts.gle/V1a1C2qfPytBdHop6 ​#HomeInspectorLife #FoundIt #BuildingFail #Arkans

This wall looked perfectly dry to the naked eye, but the thermal camera tells a different story. That purple/blue bloom you see is a hidden water leak tucked away behind the drywall. ​Without thermography, this would have stayed hidden until the mold started growing or the carpet got wet. Always worth the extra look! 🏠💻 https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThv6AsuJ/ https://youtube.com/shorts/LyROnDIUouc?si=XIlj_9zF3yjEPUlY ​#HomeInspection #Thermography #HiddenLeaks #ArkansasRealEsta

​I was scanning for heat loss and nearly lost my mind when this "entity" appeared in the hallway. Turns out, the only thing haunting this house is… me. Always check your mirrors, folks! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8QapxUg/ https://youtube.com/shorts/ya4DDoSjt-Q?si=CpJoLTHMa2xSfQ3- ​ #HomeInspectorLife #InfraredCamera #JumpScare #GhostHunting #WorkHazards

It looks modern, but it’s a ladder in disguise. 👶🚫 ​Horizontal railings are a common safety defect I find during inspections. While they’re popular in "modern farmhouse" or "industrial" designs, they pose a serious fall risk for children. ​If you're buying a home or renovating, stick to vertical balusters to keep the climbing at the playground, not the staircase! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThsceAp1/ https://youtube.com/shorts/RLo2m201lfM?si=r4RQv_lAX5x3Gxsg ​Questions about

I’ve seen some "creative" home improvements in my time, but this one really takes the cake (and the wood rot). ​In today’s episode of "What were they thinking?" we have: ​The Custom Step-In: Why buy a walk-in tub when you have a saw and a dream? 🪚 ​The Interior Trim: Nothing says "waterproof" like… checks notes… decorative wood inside the shower. 🪵💦 ​Pro-tip: If your bathroom looks like a deck, you’re going to have a bad time. Wood and water are not exactly best friends—un

They say a fresh coat of paint adds value, but I don’t think they meant painting the light switches, the window tracks, and the hinges shut. If it stayed still for more than five seconds, it got "the treatment." ​Nothing says "I’m hiding something" or "I just didn’t feel like masking" quite like a monochromatic nightmare. ​Checklist for the DIYers out there: ​Tape is your friend. ​Hardware is not a canvas. ​Windows are meant to, you know... open. https://youtube.com/shorts/yH

In all seriousness, this is the dirtiest filter I’ve encountered in my career. Remember: a $20 filter prevents a $10,000 HVAC replacement. When was the last time you checked yours? Be honest. 👇 ​ https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThCKebMj/ https://youtube.com/shorts/vwkTVxlDao8?si=CgLHdpAeJQOk7UFm #HomeInspector   #MaintenanceMatters   #HVAC   #Dusty   #HomeImprovement

Close your eyes and imagine the perfect backyard... now open them and try not to look down. 😱 ​This foundation is sitting way too close to a massive drop-off for comfort. Masonry blocks are strong, but they aren't magic—if the slope moves, the house moves. ​Pro Tip: Always check the grading and slope before falling in love with the floor plan. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThmKdfsH/ https://youtube.com/shorts/099uWQ-GU44?si=6hrqnhsKnvnV_dZV ​ #HomeInspector   #RealEstateFails  

​The painter at this new build really committed to the "natural look." Why remove the bugs and dirt dauber nests when you can just give them a fresh coat of white and call it 3D wall art? ​Note to self: If you stand still long enough in this garage, you will become part of the infrastructure. https://youtube.com/shorts/ZpOWinVyKPk?si=uZR6YVgD5Wm2fGIx https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThfNkyPL/​ #HomeInspector   #NewConstruction   #PaintFail   #ConstructionLife   #AttentionToDetail

I’m at a brand new construction today, and look what’s missing: the return air vent for the downstairs zone. ​A lot of builders think one giant return at the top of the stairs is "good enough." Spoiler alert: It’s not. Without a dedicated return downstairs, your HVAC system is basically trying to breathe through a straw. ​The result? ​Uneven temperatures (Cold spots vs. Hot spots) ​Stale, stuffy air downstairs ​Higher energy bills because your unit is working overtime ​Don

Showing up to a new construction inspection today to find the lights off is every inspector’s nightmare. It turns out this isn’t just a fluke—a massive power outage has left 20,000+ neighbors in the dark. https://youtube.com/shorts/KWwn8HBbCK4?si=Fa8CNPnbuy87HWza ​ #HomeInspection   #NewConstruction   #HomeInspectorLife   #NorthwestArkansas   #PowerOutage

​Check out these window handles! This is exactly why I test every single fixture, handle, and switch—even on a new build. Small misses like this can be a sign of a rushed job. My goal? Making sure you don't have a "to-do" list the second you get your keys. ​Keep those standards high! 🛠️✨ https://youtube.com/shorts/XNTQizO2hag?si=Uo1o9tlK5tpqgvAp ​ #NewBuild   #HomeInspectorLife   #HomeBuying101   #ConstructionFail   #newhome

Rule #1  of home buying: If the garage door announces your arrival to the entire neighborhood, we’ve got a problem. https://youtube.com/shorts/JDmoG20itWs?si=gcXsjz_izhmRrWQO ​ #HomeInspection   #ConstructionLife   #NoiseComplaint   #RealEstate

I thought I was showing up for a home inspection, but apparently, I stepped into a time machine back to a 1994 Exxon station. ⛽️🥄 ​The only thing missing is the smell of stale coffee and a rack of beef jerky. If I lose this "fob," I’m pretty sure I lose my license. ​Anyone else getting flashbacks to asking the cashier for the bathroom key? 😂 https://youtube.com/shorts/862uZHycXxg?si=Vg7pSboT8Ty9fBv0 #HomeInspectorLife   #RealEstateHumor   #OldSchool   #HomeInspection   #Th

Tell me you didn’t think this through without telling me... ⛈️🏃‍♂️ Picture this: It’s 6:00 AM, you’re in your towel, and the toaster trips the GFCI. 🍞 ​Instead of just hitting a "Reset" button on the kitchen wall, you have to find your shoes, grab a flashlight, and head out to the main electrical panel in the backyard. ​Why? Because the builder saved a few bucks (or a few minutes) by using GFCI breakers at the panel instead of outlets in the room. This is why you always get

Attention Northwest Arkansas Homeowners! 🚨 ​Think a new construction home is "turn-key"? Think again. During a recent new home inspection, I discovered a large portion of the attic was completely missing its blown-in insulation. ​Why this matters: ​Higher Utility Bills: Your AC will work overtime. ​Ice Dams: In winter, this leads to costly roof damage. ​Comfort: Uneven temperatures throughout the house. ​Buying a new home in Northwest Arkansas? Ensure your investment is p

Why "Good Enough" Grading Isn’t Enough. 🏠💧 ​In this video, you’re looking at a recipe for an oversaturated foundation. When new construction homes are built this close together, the grading between them is everything. ​As you can see, the water from the upper house—including all that gutter runoff—is being directed straight toward the foundation of the lower home. Without a proper swale or drainage system to divert that water to the street or a back basin, the lower homeown

Standard Friday afternoon craftsmanship on display here! These might seem small, but if they missed the obvious stuff in this video, imagine what’s hiding behind the drywall. 🧐 ​Tag a friend who needs a pre-closing inspection! 👇 ​ #ConstructionFail   #HomeInspectorLife   #NewBuild   #RealEstateHumor   #HomeBuying

Found this during today’s home and mold inspection. It’s in a spot most people would never think to check—and honestly, I’m still trying to figure out if this was a "creative" DIY cover-up or just a really unfortunate location for a leak to start. ​This is exactly why we don’t just look at the obvious areas. A little moisture here today could mean a massive repair bill tomorrow. ​Does this look like a "hider" to you, or just bad luck? Let me know in the comments! 👇 ​ #homein