You are probably well aware by now that a home inspection is vital for ensuring that your new home is a wise investment. So, what should you do if the home inspection uncovers a problem? What will that mean for you as the buyer?
 
It is common for some items on a home inspection report to be listed as faulty. The important thing is to find out what those items are and how serious of a problem it is. For instance, the inspection may note down issues like faulty smoke detectors, or loose roof shingles, etc. However, these problems are not too serious and can be fixed at little cost. Then there are the more serious issues like structural damage, wood rot, and mold for example. Fixing a problem like this is a much bigger job and could be very expensive, in some cases, the damage may be so extensive that you may want to renegotiate the deal or even back out of the sale. These few examples highlight the important role that a thorough home inspection plays when purchasing a new home.
 
You will often find that a home inspector is also a licensed building contractor. If you find a home inspector you trust, should you employ them to fix the problems they found when they inspected the home? This is not the best course of action as it could call into question the accuracy of the inspection report and look like problems were found or exaggerated in order to generate more work for the home inspector.
 
If you are wondering who you can trust to carry out your home inspection, it is good to look for a home inspector who is InterNACHI certified and follows the InterNACHI Code of Ethics, this will ensure that your home inspection is carried out thoroughly and honestly.

​Condensation may not be something we automatically think of when it comes to property damage. However, over time, condensation can become something of an issue. Why? A continuous dripping of water due to condensation could cause anything from mold problems to rotten flooring. Plus, if condensation starts to drip on electrical items, it can easily become a fire hazard. So, how can you reduce the amount of condensation in the home?
 
Firstly, it is important to lower humidity levels in your home. You can do this using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner. Dehumidifiers work by drawing water vapor into their tank which prevents it from accumulating on surfaces.
 
Insulate pipes. This is another effective way to reduce condensation. Just be aware that if you need these pipes to assist in heating the home, any insulation you wrap them in will prevent this.
 
Limit the number of plants in your home. Plants, while beautiful, contribute to higher levels of humidity so, by reducing the number of indoor plants you have, the lower the humidity will be.
 
Open windows and doors. A well-ventilated home will help with humidity levels indoors and reduce condensation. Of course, this only works if the air outside is not as humid as inside.
 
If, after trying these methods, you are still experiencing high levels of condensation, what should you do? This may be a good time to have the problem looked at professionally as the water may be caused by another problem like a water leak.