attic inspection

Blog

Below you will find free educational information on home maintenance and inspections written by Joshua Grant, our lead certified home inspector.

  • 10 Tools Every Homeowner Needs in their toolbelt

    10 Tools Every Homeowner Needs in their toolbelt

    So you’ve purchased a home. You are probably thinking about the furniture, decor, and appliances you need for your new home, but what about tools? Thousands of tools have been invented for the purpose of making tasks easier and more efficient. However, to get started there are a few tools you should acquire for ASAP.…

  • New Construction vs Older Construction: What to Expect

    New Construction vs Older Construction: What to Expect

    A common misconception by prospective home buyers is this: New construction homes don’t need an inspection. Conversely, they often believe older homes will be plagued with issues. Both ways of thinking are inaccurate and fail to recognize the pros and cons of new vs old. In this article, we will discuss some of the advantages…

  • The Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal

    The Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal

    This is a common question home inspectors receive from home buyers. Both are critical components of the home-buying process but vary considerably in purpose and process. In this article we will discuss the role of each, how they differ, and similarities between the two. By the end, we hope you are one step closer to…

  • Should Buyers Attend the Home Inspection?

    Should Buyers Attend the Home Inspection?

    There is a lot to consider when buying a home. For those who have never purchased a home before, the process can be daunting. So many questions come to mind that you’ve never considered like “should I attend the home inspection?”. In this article, we will try to answer that question, as well as provide…

  • Five Common Defects Found During Home Inspections

    Five Common Defects Found During Home Inspections

    Defects found during home inspections vary from home to home. All homes are unique. However, some defects are found more often than others, especially in NE Tennessee (Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, and the surrounding area). Some common defects discussed in this blog are more urgent than others, but should all be addressed as soon as…

  • Benefits Of Thermal Imaging In Home Inspections

    Benefits Of Thermal Imaging In Home Inspections

    Thermal imaging also known as thermography, or infrared thermography is a technology often misunderstood. While this isn’t new technology, it continues to make significant advancements, making it increasingly valuable for home inspections. In this article, we will discuss what it is, and how it aids in performing a more thorough home inspection. What Is Thermal…

  • What is Radon and how to determine if you have too much of it?

    What is Radon and how to determine if you have too much of it?

    Radon is a gas that occurs naturally from the decay of radioactive metals in the earth. While it may seem insignificant, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA. Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it can be present in dangerous concentrations in your home without you…

  • Maintaining Water Heaters: A How-To Guide

    Maintaining Water Heaters: A How-To Guide

    Introduction On-demand hot water is a luxury we often overlook until it no longer flows from the tap. Whether it’s a hot shower, or hot water to clean grimy dishes, we use it throughout the day. With something so readily available, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that makes it all possible. Water heaters…

  • Home Maintenance: Getting Lint out of the Dryer Vent

    Home Maintenance: Getting Lint out of the Dryer Vent

    Americans do a lot of laundry. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, the average American family does more than 300 loads of laundry per year. Most of you probably know how to operate your washer and dryer, although with every passing year, their increased functionality can make them unnecessarily complex. You likely…

  • Fire and Ice: Preparing your Home for Winter Survival

    Fire and Ice: Preparing your Home for Winter Survival

    Chilly weather has officially arrived in Northeast Tennessee, with frost coating the ground in places like Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol. Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview, many Volunteers are hanging Christmas lights and decorating trees. They are preparing to hunker down for the short, cold days ahead. But what many aren’t considering is…

  • Gutters: What They Are and How To Maintain Them

    Gutters: What They Are and How To Maintain Them

    Leaves are falling at a rapid rate in our neighborhood in Kingsport, Tennessee, as they are across the rest of Northeast Tennessee. You are probably diligently raking your yard, and the hum of leaf blowers can be heard all throughout the day. What does this mean for maintaining water diversion systems on your home? People…

  • HVAC Maintenance Tips: What You Should Know

    HVAC Maintenance Tips: What You Should Know

    Today was a chilly day in Kingsport, Tennessee and the surrounding areas. My HVAC system did its job keeping the inside of my home nice and cozy. By now, you are probably familiar with the term “HVAC”, but what does it mean, and what should you do to keep yours running in tip-top shape? HVAC…

  • A Guide to Weather Stripping: Blocking Cold Drafts

    A Guide to Weather Stripping: Blocking Cold Drafts

    Introduction As we enter the crisp and colorful season of fall in Northeast Tennessee, temperatures are allowing you to turn off your AC and crack the widows. This is the perfect time to prepare our homes for colder weather conditions. One crucial aspect of this preparation is weather stripping. This often-overlooked maintenance / repair item can…

  • Deck And Patio Maintenance: The Key to Enjoyable Outdoor Gatherings

    Deck And Patio Maintenance: The Key to Enjoyable Outdoor Gatherings

    A well-constructed deck or patio can be a great feature on any home, especially one in NE Tennessee (Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, etc.). They offer an outdoor oasis for relaxation, entertainment, and quality time with family and friends. However, just like any other part of your home, regular maintenance is critical to ensure the longevity…

  • Moisture Control: Keeping Vegetation At Bay

    Moisture Control: Keeping Vegetation At Bay

    Introduction As a homeowner, protecting your property against potential moisture issues is vital. In Northeastern Tennessee and the Tri-Cities (Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol TN), we get a considerable amount of rain. With that rain comes bountiful vegetation that can cause issues with moisture. One of the most effective ways to achieve moisture control is…

  • Caulking Home Maintenance

    Caulking Home Maintenance

    Caulking may be a small task, but it plays a big role preserving the integrity of your home. By caulking regularly, homeowners can ensure a comfortable living environment for their families.

  • Home Maintenance Checklist

    Home Maintenance Checklist

    By following this comprehensive checklist, you can stay on top of essential maintenance tasks and prevent potential issues from becoming major problems in your home.

  • Why to Invest in a Home Inspection

    Why to Invest in a Home Inspection

    Joshua and Rebecca share a meaningful conversation about the purpose and benefits of a home inspection.