Safety

Who says this circuit can’t “support” 50A 220V….

This inspection photo shows a 50A, 220V circuit that serviced the homes Range, Dryer and the Air conditioner, yes, all three appliances on one breaker. The junction box was hanging in mid air, was missing grommets. You may also notice limestone basement walls and a dirt floor. You can’t even begin to list all the reasons this is wrong and unsafe.

Rochester MN Home Inspector Recommends Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wood Burning Fireplace

There are many reasons to keep your homes fireplace and chimney clean and in tip top operating condition. A dirty chimney will reduce the effectiveness of a fireplace as a heat source. Severe neglect and lack of maintenance may result in a chimney fire. Chimney fires can lead to home fires.

Dangers Of A Vacated Electrical Enclosure Space At A Rochester MN Home Inspection

In older homes it is common to have an old electrical panel vacated and a new one installed at a nearby location.. At this particular home inspection I came across a door in the stairwell. The original panel had been removed from the enclosure space.

Rochester MN Home Inspector Reveals Some Not So Obvious Fire Hazards

Not all fire hazards are as obvious or predictable. Some of these lesser known hazards are just as concerning because we don't see them coming until it's too late. Below is a list of the top ten unexpected fire hazards that may be in your home.

Why You Should Keep Your Water Heater Properly Maintained

During the course of a home inspection I remind clients that in order for appliances to operate safely and efficiently, they should be maintained on a regular schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. In the photos above you will see a water heater that I came across at a home inspection. Clearly there are some combustion issues.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Here we are, the end of October. Summer is over and we need to start thinking about preparing for winter. Below are some recommended home maintenance tips you should consider before the snow starts to fly.

Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Discusses Knob and Tube Wiring

On many of the home inspections I do on older homes, I come across knob and tube wiring that is still live but should be removed and replaced. Unfortunately, over the years, this type of system is prone to problems due to age, damage, improper alterations and deterioration.

Mold Growth On Basement Woodwork

This video is showing mold growth and staining in a split level basement ledge of the exterior wall. The basement was finished off about a year ago, with the mold and staining starting within the last two months. The owner pointed out this problem during the home inspection and asked me if I could help to figure out the cause. This wall was the only one in the basement that had this problem. All other areas were dry at the time of the home inspection.