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New Build Mistake? 🤔
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
Cid Herlein
2 days ago1 min read
Why "Good Enough" Grading Isn’t Enough. 🏠💧
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
Cid Herlein
7 days ago1 min read


Hidden leak or just a hidden spot? 🕵️♂️
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
Cid Herlein
Dec 30, 20251 min read


🏗️ New Construction Doesn’t Mean "Perfect"
You’d think a brand-new home would be move-in ready, but this recent home inspection proved otherwise. While inspecting a bedroom in this new construction build, I found a major issue: completely missing insulation. Without a proper thermal barrier, the owners would have faced: 📈 Sky-high energy bills. ❄️ Freezing winters and boiling summers. 💧 Potential moisture and condensation issues. This is exactly why you need an independent certified home inspector—even if the
Cid Herlein
Dec 17, 20251 min read


🚨 New Construction Mistake Alert! 🚨
I found a significant flaw on a recent new build inspection: the flashing and soffit were completely missed in this section of the roof! 🤦♂️ This isn't just cosmetic; it's a huge issue that leaves the home vulnerable: 💧 Water Intrusion: A direct path for rain to leak into the attic, leading to rot, mold, and expensive damage. 🐛 Pest Access: An open invitation for rodents, insects, and other pests to make themselves at home in the attic space. If you’re buying new const
Cid Herlein
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Future roof leak?
Exposed roofing nails are one of the most common spots for a leaky roof! 😬 When a nail head isn't sealed or covered, it creates a direct path for water infiltration, leading to premature decay and costly water damage inside your home. The Fix: Nails should always be driven through the shingle below and then covered by the shingle above. Home Inspector Tip: Never let your roof look like a pin cushion! #HomeInspection #RoofingDefects #LeakyRoof #HomeMaintenance #newco
Cid Herlein
Dec 8, 20251 min read
Safety Alert! 🚨
Found this critical miss during a new construction inspection today right here in Northwest Arkansas. A builder skipped the required GFCI circuit breaker for this install! GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is non-negotiable for safety, especially in wet or outdoor areas. Don't assume everything is up to standard—always get an independent inspection! 👷 Click the video to see exactly where they missed it! #HomeInspection #GFCI #ElectricalSafety #New
Cid Herlein
Dec 5, 20251 min read


GP of the home?
Inspecting a home is never a one-size-fits-all job! From navigating the charm (and quirks!) of historic homes with their aged systems and unique construction, to assessing the latest building standards and complex smart features in a brand new build, a home inspector needs serious versatility. One day you're hunting for knob-and-tube wiring, the next you're checking HVAC efficiency. We adapt to ensure a thorough inspection, no matter the age! #HomeInspection #OldHouseChar
Cid Herlein
Dec 4, 20251 min read
Thank you for the kind words! 🙏
Just received this incredible review, and it truly made our day! Knowing we can help clients feel fully informed about their future home is what it's all about. "Cid was extremely thorough and has a heart for service. If you want to know everything, good and bad about a home you are looking to buy, he is your guy." If you're looking for a thorough inspection before you buy, send me a DM or visit my website (link in bio)! #HomeInspection #RealEstate #HomeBuyer #ThoroughInsp
Cid Herlein
Dec 3, 20251 min read


Don't let attic access be an obstacle! 🚫
Did you know your HVAC system needs regular maintenance and a clear path for repairs? As your home inspector, I look for a walkway or decking in the attic leading to the air handler/furnace. Without one, technicians risk injury, and repairs can be harder, costlier, or even missed entirely! Safety first, easy access always! #HomeInspection #HVACMaintenance #AtticSafety #HomeOwnerTip #SafetyFirst
Cid Herlein
Nov 10, 20251 min read
🧐 Playing "Spot the Problem"
It's a tricky game, but someone has to play it! 😉 During a recent new construction inspection, I found a few missing nails and some unsealed exposed fasteners hiding out on the roof. This might seem small, but those tiny gaps are a direct invitation for water to sneak in and cause major headaches down the road! 💧 Think of your home inspector as the second set of eyes that catches the things the busy builder (or roofer!) might overlook. It's all about catching the small mi
Cid Herlein
Nov 5, 20251 min read
No Cap 🥁😂
💧 Don't Get Capped Out! 🚫 Homeowners, a quick heads-up from your friendly home inspector! 🕵️ Did you know that sometimes sellers may try to hide small water leaks by putting decorative or protective valve caps on things like exterior hose bibs, boiler drains, or even interior supply stops? While caps are often used legitimately, I've seen them used to temporarily conceal a slow drip. If a valve cap is covering up a problem, you won't see the evidence until the cap co
Cid Herlein
Oct 30, 20251 min read
STOP 🛑 scrolling if your house has poor grading!
Foundation heaving is when soil swells and pushes your foundation UP! ⬆️ That means cracks, uneven floors, and major headaches. 😫 As a home inspector, I see this all the time. Pro Tip: Managing your exterior drainage is key to minimizing soil moisture changes! Keep that water away ! Don't let your biggest investment literally get pushed around. Get an inspection! #FoundationHeaving #HomeInspection #RealEstate #HomeMaintenance #TikTokTaughtMe
Cid Herlein
Oct 25, 20251 min read


Bad smell or health hazard?
Smelling something foul indoors? It could be more than just a bad odor – it might be sewer gas! As a home inspector, I often investigate the potential presence of sewer gases, which can indicate issues with your plumbing's vent system, drain traps, or even a dry P-trap. These gases aren't just unpleasant; they can also pose health risks. Don't ignore persistent strange smells! Schedule a professional home inspection to get to the bottom of it. #HomeInspection #SewerGas #
Cid Herlein
Oct 23, 20251 min read


No insulation??
Did you know your home's insulation does more than just keep you warm? It also acts as a vital vapor barrier, protecting against moisture that can lead to mold and rot. A well-insulated home is a dry home, and a dry home is a healthy home. Your inspection is the first step to ensuring your house is properly protected. #HomeTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #Insulation #Mold #HomeInspection
Cid Herlein
Oct 14, 20251 min read


Price tag
Don't just see a home inspection's price tag—see the time it represents. We spend hours meticulously examining every detail of a...
Cid Herlein
Oct 10, 20251 min read


Spooky season = jump scare
Not sure if it was intentional or not but this time of year turns a lot of homeowners into pranksters. Happy spooky season! #Halloween...
Cid Herlein
Oct 10, 20251 min read


Sprinkler system - fire safety!
Did you know a home fire sprinkler's height is crucial for its effectiveness? Most residential sprinkler heads are installed 1 to 12...
Cid Herlein
Oct 8, 20251 min read


Dryer Outlets
Older three-prong outlets used the same wire for both neutral and ground, creating a shock risk if the neutral failed. New four-prong...
Cid Herlein
Oct 2, 20251 min read


Thinking About Solar? What to consider from a home inspector's perspective.
As a home inspector, I see solar panel installations on more and more houses. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or considering installing a...
Cid Herlein
Sep 29, 20251 min read
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